What does a mother’s love feel like? Growing up, Greg didn’t feel the love he wanted from his mother, and he held onto that pain for over three decades. This episode, Greg finally has an honest conversation with his mother about his childhood. And, we’ll hear from moms and caregivers at the California Institution for Women about the challenges of being a mother from prison. To learn more about Rochelle Edwards, the therapist who facilitated the conversation between Greg and his mother, visit htt...
Jun 19, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Longtime listeners might remember a special episode of the podcast inviting listeners to a wedding inside San Quentin. In 2022, one of the producers from our original San Quentin cohort, Edmond Richardson, married the love of his life, Avelina. Today, all six of the members of that first cohort have been released from prison. Edmond came home late last year, and so much has happened since that episode of the podcast aired three years ago. We're re-airing this popular episode while we take a shor...
May 22, 2025•33 min
It’s no secret that the food inside prison is – to put it mildly – not great. That’s why folks in prison often daydream about memorable meals from their pasts, and find creative ways to make their own food inside their cells. Today on the episode, host Greg Eskridge goes to his first Thanksgiving dinner in over 30 years. We’ll hear about the magic of a shared meal and how it can bridge divides in and outside of prison. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the Californ...
May 08, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 6
As a little kid, Anthony Ivy thought to himself, “When I grow up, I want to be a hustler.” He got what he wanted, but he also ended up in prison. Eventually, that same drive led him to a brand new hustle on the outside. This time, it’s legal. This week, we’re handing over the mic to Ivy. He’ll share his story and tell you about an amazing Uncuffed Program you may not have heard about — the Uncuffed Playlist. To listen to the full Uncuffed DJ sets, visit our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/...
Apr 24, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Sometimes its easier to keep up with a lie, especially when you're worried that the truth will hurt those you care about most. In this episode, we'll hear stories about people who work up the courage to open up with their families, despite the hurdles in front of them. And for the first time, we’ll hear a roundtable discussion from our new participants at the California Institution for Women (CIW)! Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corr...
Apr 10, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Fire Escape is a ground-breaking podcast that explores the world of incarcerated firefighters through the real-life story of Amika Mota. Listen to a clip from the first episode, and follow Fire Escape on the Wondery App, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit www.wondery.com/links/fire-escape to listen to this incredible story today!
Mar 27, 2025•11 min
What happens when you want to change your name, and the person behind it? This week, Uncuffed shares stories about all the things we’re called — nicknames, gang names, names meant to hurt us, or names meant to take our identity away — and what it means to get rid of that old self and call ourselves something else. If you're looking for support, you can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. It's the hotline for and run by trans people. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Co...
Mar 13, 2025•32 min•Season 4Ep. 4
The ‘90s were a pivotal time in California history, and people in prisons are still living with the consequences. That decade, California incarcerated more than 60,000 people, many of them Black men. Some of those people are still living inside California prisons, including a few of our Uncuffed producers. In this episode, Uncuffed goes back in time -- to the early '90s, to talk about life changing moments like the LA Riots, the unforgettable music, and the rage that came out of it all. Our work...
Feb 27, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 3
What happens when you get out of prison after 30 years? There's a lot of celebration, and also a lot of serious catching up to do. And who do you turn to if something goes wrong? Greg gets advice from friends who also recently came home. And inside San Quentin, André Davis talks about going from flunking the first grade decades ago, to finally getting ready to graduate college. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilit...
Feb 13, 2025•33 min
Last summer, something monumental happened. One of Uncuffed's founding producers, Greg Eskridge, came home after more than 30 years in prison. In this episode we’ll bring you back to that emotional day last summer when he walked out of the San Quentin gates, free at last. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min•Season 4Ep. 1
KALW's award-winning podcast Uncuffed is back with a brand new season! First episode drops on January 30th. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Jan 21, 2025•2 min
A message from Uncuffed alum Anthony Ivy: After 12 years behind bars, I’m now living life on the outside, navigating this new chapter. Since getting out, I’ve been hired and mentored by Uncuffed. I’m currently enrolled in KALW’s Audio Academy program and an Uncuffed audio engineering class. I’m also working as an associate producer for the DJ Uncuffed Playlist. This program has been life-changing. It’s the best thing I did on the inside to prepare myself for life on the outside. That’s why I’m e...
Dec 03, 2024•13 min
The Uncuffed producers can't vote. But you better believe they still have opinions. On this episode, ballot measures that would change prison life in California. And, a fresh take on the "felon vs. prosecutor" narrative dominating the presidential race. California voting rights and information: https://bit.ly/CAVotingRightsWithARecord People in prison need to be heard. At Uncuffed, we make that happen, but we can only do it with your support. Our end-of year fundraising campaign for Uncuffed tra...
Oct 22, 2024•35 min
Uncuffed is pleased to share the new podcast, Track Change. Follow a group of men in Richmond, Virginia as they record an album inside a local county jail - a soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.
May 10, 2024•33 min
In California, incarcerated people legally have to work. One thing the jobs have in common? The next-to-nothing pay. Uncuffed gets down to business on the topic of involuntary servitude. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Apr 16, 2024•30 min
Brian Asey at San Quentin on "All My Life," by K-Ci & JoJo. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Apr 02, 2024•4 min
Childhood trauma, embracing differences, and putting your heart out there - what it feels like to return home after prison. A special re-entry episode of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Mar 26, 2024•34 min
Anthony Ivy and Timothy Hicks on “Locked Up” by Lil Durk and "Grinding All My Life" by Nipsey Hussle. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Mar 19, 2024•8 min
Meet an Uncuffed producer as he leaves prison. Luis shares his hopes for a new life, and his colleagues inside talk about getting used to a reality without him. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Mar 12, 2024•32 min
Steve Brooks at San Quentin on “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” by Tupac Shakur. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Mar 05, 2024•4 min
A founding Uncuffed producer visits prison again, this time as a free man. Tommy "Shakur" Ross shares stories and advice from almost two years of freedom. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Feb 27, 2024•31 min
Bryan Mazza at Solano on "The World I Know," by Collective Soul. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Feb 20, 2024•5 min
People in prison are no stranger to stereotypes. This week, stories about breaking stereotypes everywhere from the classroom to the San Quentin baseball diamond. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Feb 13, 2024•26 min
Ryan Pagan at San Quentin on “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Feb 06, 2024•3 min
When violence has been normal for so long, it can be difficult to give it up. The Uncuffed team at Solano shares stories about the moments they decided to change course. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Jan 30, 2024•35 min
bf thames at Solano on "Take Me To Church" by Hozier. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.
Jan 23, 2024•5 min
Prison conditions make it difficult to grieve inside. How do you process loss when you’re alone, when crying isn’t ok, and asking for help can be dangerous? Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Jan 16, 2024•32 min
Greg Eskridge at San Quentin on “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Dec 19, 2023•8 min
Can pets in prison create healing? Uncuffed goes inside a special dog training program at Solano, and shares what it’s like to do time with a four-legged companion. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Dec 12, 2023•26 min
Jay Evans at Solano on "Stomp!" by The Brothers Johnson. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Dec 05, 2023•5 min
