All Episodes
Ep. 24: Breaking free from addiction and a cycle of crime and jail
Rickey Brown shares his story of breaking free from an addiction-driven cycle of crime and jail. He graphically describes what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an addict.
Ep. 23: From 9 Times in Prison to Prison Guard–Rachelle Conley
Exploitation of women in prison by prison guards–the problem and solutions. Rachelle Conley shares her eye-opening story of being incarcerated nine times to becoming a correctional officer. Rachelle presents a vivid narrative of her challenging childhood, struggles with addiction, and the systemic exploitation and personal obstacles she faced within the prison system.
Ep. 22: Faith Coalition–Restorative Justice and Justice in Healthcare
Restorative justice and justice in healthcare: two aspects of the justice mission of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, Illinois.
This episode features a conversation between host David Risley and three guests from the Faith Coalition: Tyshianna Bankhead (executive director); Vanessa Knox (transformational justice chair); and Quonie Barney (transformational justice community organizer).
Ep. 21: Turning a High Crime Community Around — Deana Perez
How can a high crime community turn around and what does it take to make that happen? Deana Perez of Bright Star Community Outreach discusses the TURN model as a big part of the answer.
Ep. 20: Pastor Chris Harris — Bright Star Community Outreach and TURN Model for Safer Communities
Pastor Chris Harris speaks about Bright Star Community Outreach, NATAL training, the TURN Center in Bronzeville in south Chicago, and the TURN Model of coalition building to reduce trauma and build safer communities.
Ep. 19: Problem-Solving Courts – Conversation With Judge Jeff Ford
Judge Jeff Ford (ret.), a pioneer of problem-solving courts and past president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, provides an inside look into this growing approach to criminal justice and explains his experience with creating and managing problem-solving courts in Champaign County in central Illinois.
Ep. 18 – Virgia Brewer: From Decades of Abuse and Trauma to Present Happiness (What Made the Difference)
Virgia Brewer. To meet this wonderful woman today, you would have no idea she is a survivor of decades of abuse and trauma, beginning as a sexually exploited child – exploited and abused by family members no less, beginning at age seven. Now she is happy. Hear what made the difference.
Ep. 17: Lenore Anderson – Victims’ Rights and the Future of Public Safety
Lenore Anderson discusses the connection between victims’ rights and public safety, and how increasing services for victims can reduce crime.
Ep. 16 (excerpts) – Lisa Daniels: A Mother Who Forgave Her Son’s Killer and Lives Restorative Justice
Excerpts from the full podcast conversation: Lisa Daniels is a mother who found healing in forgiving her son’s killer. She now heads the Darren B.
Ep. 16 – Lisa Daniels: A mother who forgave her son’s killer and lives restorative justice
Lisa Daniels lives the principles of restorative justice as a mother who forgave her son’s killer and asked for leniency at his sentencing.
Ep. 15: Christmas Reflections on Criminal Justice and Punishment
On the eve of Christmas, David Risley challenges both the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our prevailing approach to criminal justice and punishment.
Ep 14 Part 2: Michael Tafolla
Part 2 of Michael Tafolla’s story and his message about trauma, violence, transformation, and restorative justice.