More Life: The Reentry Podcast

by VanKevia Garner

More Life: The Reentry Podcast is a podcast on offender reentry, advocacy, and reform. Throughout the course of the show, we will discuss facts and dispel myths related to what offender reentry is and isn’t. You’ll hear from experts within a wide range of subjects, including returning citizens, reentry specialists, criminal justice/or psychology professionals, mental health professionals, and reentry facility administrators. Yo ...   ...  Read more
Education
Society & Culture

Podcast episodes

  • Season 1

  • On the record: I want to go to college after prison, how do I navigate college admissions?

    On the record: I want to go to college after prison, how do I navigate college admissions?

    S01 E06
    01:12:50

    I have a criminal record and I want to go to college. The criminal justice system and higher education are two major systems that can arise significant challenges for individuals, especially those with a criminal record. Tune in as VanKe’via and Dr. Stewart discuss the impact of a criminal record on higher educational opportunities, including navigating college admissions and financial aid. Dr. Robert Stewart is an Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. He studies the social, political, and collateral consequences of criminal legal involvement, emphasizing the accumulating effects of criminal legal interaction and criminal records on impacted people and communities. Preface: This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast. Want to learn more about Dr. Robert Stewart, check out his social media and professional website: Bluesky media Robert Stewart Twitter To learn more about the impact of a criminal record on college admissions and financial aid: How to get into college if you have a criminal record Admissions and Access for Incarcerated Individuals Navigating Higher Education and Employment: Resource Toolkit For People Impacted by the Criminal Legal System Formerly Incarcerated College Graduate Network Want an experiential understanding of reentry? Checkr Reentry Simulation Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Jordan Cox https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

  • On the Record: I have a felony conviction, can I vote?

    On the Record: I have a felony conviction, can I vote?

    S01 E05
    29:18

    One statement we often hear: You are not allowed to vote if you have a felony or have been to prison. Is this true? Tune into a conversation with our host, VanKe'via, to discuss the common myth associated with voting and criminal records. VanKe'via provides an understanding of the power of voting and the process of voting registration for those with a criminal record. It's important to know your rights and this episodes provides information regarding voting rights for those impacted by the legal system. Preface: This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast. Resources below: Voting Rights Reentry Mythbusters Know Your Rights: Voting with a Criminal Record A Guide to State Voting Rules After a Criminal Conviction Want an experiential understanding of reentry? Checkr Reentry Simulation Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Jordan Cox https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

  • On the record: STOP, show some ID. How should I interact with law enforcement?

    On the record: STOP, show some ID. How should I interact with law enforcement?

    S01 E04
    50:46

    Often times people are misinformed of their rights when interacting with law enforcement. For people with a criminal record or who are on community supervision, they may come in contact with law enforcement more often. Therefore, it is imperative to know our rights as it pertains to interacting with law enforcement. Dr. Paul Bergman is a UCLA Professor of Law Emeritus. Among other books, he has written or co-written books on criminal law and procedures, evidence rules and trial techniques, legal analysis, and courtroom movies. Dr. Paul Bergman has received the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award. Preface: This is not to be legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Paul Bergman's work, please review his publications and research: The Criminal Law Handbook Know Your Rights, Survive The System by Dr. Paul Bergman Represent Yourself in Court Prepare and Try Winning Civil Case Criminal Law: A Desk Reference If you are interested in learning more about what to do when interacting with the police while having a history with the Criminal Justice System: Know Your Rights - Stopped by Police The Reintegration Report Card The Rights of Felons After Release Want an experiential understanding of reentry? Checkr Reentry Simulation Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Jordan Cox https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

  • On the record: Just released from prison, am I still eligible for public assistance? with Dr. Alexander Testa

    On the record: Just released from prison, am I still eligible for public assistance? with Dr. Alexander Testa

    S01 E03
    53:24

    Am I eligible for SNAP benefits after incarceration? A commonly asked question among those being released from incarceration or on community supervision. In this episode, VanKe’via and Dr. Testa explore the impact of criminal records on SNAP eligibility, the challenges faced by those reentering communities, and the broader implications on their well-being. Dr. Alexander Testa is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. His research focuses on the consequences of criminal justice system involvement and violence exposure for health and wellbeing over the life-course. Preface: This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast.  Follow Dr. Testa on socials?   Twitter Page   Linkedin Website   Instagram Page  Professional Website  Want to learn more about Dr. Testa’s research and publications? Formerly incarcerated Texans deserve better access to SNAP benefits Criminal justice system involvement and food insufficiency General information about public assistance and reentry:  History, Background, and Goals of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Ex-prisoners are going hungry amid barriers, bans to benefits on the outside  How SNAP Can Better Serve the Formerly Incarcerated  Checkr Reentry Simulation  Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast  Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Jordan Cox  https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

  • On the record: Permission granted or denied, can I travel outside the US? with Mr. Douglas Lockhart

    On the record: Permission granted or denied, can I travel outside the US? with Mr. Douglas Lockhart

    S01 E02
    38:30

    Can I leave the country, or can I leave state? A commonly asked question by people on supervision or those with a criminal record. In this episode, VanKevia and Mr. Douglas dive into a conversation to discuss travel rights and restrictions for those who've experienced incarceration. Specifically, they will discuss traveling as it relates to supervision and traveling internationally. Mr. Douglas has a Master's degree in higher education and has worked in the criminal legal system for about 4 years. Preface: This is not to be legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast  If you are interested in learning more about travel rights when navigating the reentry process, linked below are some informational resources:   Transportation after Incarceration: WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD FOR SUSTAINABLE REENTRY  CAN I GET A PASSPORT WITH A FELONY ARREST RECORD | HOW TO GET YOUR US PASSPORT | CRIMINAL RECORD How Criminal Records Affect Passports and Your Right to Travel Georgia Justice Project  International travel restrictions based on criminal record Want an experiential understanding of reentry? Checkr Reentry Simulation  Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast  Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life! Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S. Produced by Jordan Cox  https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF