Re-acclimating to life after incarceration

Most people who go to prison eventually get out. As difficult an experience as that can be, re-entering society afterward can be just as challenging as life on the inside — and in some ways, more so. What is it like to rebuild a life after spending years, or even decades, behind bars? What resources are out there to help?

We talk with people who have experienced life in prison about their hopes for themselves and others, and with representatives from two organizations working to support re-entry.

But first, Nashville Public Radio’s senior music writer Jewly Hight joins us to talk about Peter One, Nashville Artist of the Month over at our sister station WNXP.

This episode was produced by Steve Haruch.

Guests:

• Chantel Kimble, former insider

• Sedrick Booker, former insider

• Reisha Kidd, case management and community outreach at Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry and Reentry Center

• Rico X, CEO of Project Return

Related reading:

• Gov. Lee allows ‘truth in sentencing’ bill to become law, but says he favors re-entry programs

• Hundreds of thousands of Tennesseans can’t vote because of a felony conviction. They are challenging state law to have their voices heard.

• Tennessee’s 51-year life sentences

Special thanks to Rahim Buford, Kelsey Hall and Tasha A. F. Lemley.