Peaceful Prisons Podcast

by Baylen & Abbe

Season 2

Season 2 Episode 10 - Sephria Reynolds-Tanner - Breaking the Cycle: Family Dynamics and Incarceration

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten engage with Sephria Reynolds-Tanner, who shares her experiences and insights on navigating family dynamics affected by incarceration, the challenges of reentry, and the importance of compassion in the parole and probation system. Sephria emphasizes the need for community involvement, effective communication, and changing the narrative around individuals with criminal histories. She advocates for success stories to be shared and highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those reentering society after incarceration. http://linkedin.com/in/sephria-reynolds-tanner Instagram: @sephriaa

S2 · E10

Jul 24, 2025

32:07

Season 2 Episode 9 - Josh Nowack - A Journey of Transformation

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons Podcast, host Baylen and co-host Abbe Martin engage with Josh Nowack, who shares his personal journey through white-collar crime, incarceration, and the challenges of reintegration into society. The conversation explores the impact of his actions on his family, the lessons learned during his time in prison, and the stigmas associated with being a white-collar criminal. Josh emphasizes personal growth, the importance of compassion, and the need for societal understanding of those who have made mistakes. The episode concludes with a discussion on the complexities of reintegration and the hope for future conversations. Josh Nowack, is a "Inmates to Entrepreneurs" instructor and board member. He also co-founded "Breaking Free Industries", a T-shirt printing shop in Santa Ana, CA. Drawing from his own post-incarceration struggles, Josh’s mission is to give others a second chance by offering employment to formerly incarcerated individuals through affordable, quality apparel.

S2 · E9

Jul 19, 2025

35:09

Season 2 Episode 8 - Dara Baldwin - Activism Unveiled: The True Meaning of Change

In this conversation, Dara Baldwin discusses the nuances of activism, particularly in the context of disability rights and systemic issues. She emphasizes the importance of true activism over performative actions, the need for comprehensive change, and the significance of community solutions to address systemic problems. Baldwin also highlights the challenges of cherry-picking support in activism and advocates for a collective approach to liberation and social justice. The discussion touches on the role of community in creating effective solutions and the importance of addressing root causes of harm in society. L. Dara Baldwin is a strategist, author, and disability justice activist. She’s the founder of DMadrina, LLC, adjunct professor at Georgetown, and author of To Be A Problem (Beacon Press, 2024). Dara has shaped 25+ federal bills and speaks globally, including at the UN. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and her blog WIYATT. https://www.instagram.com/njdc07/?hl=en https://x.com/njdc07?lang=en https://x.com/njdc07?lang=en

S2 · E8

Jul 10, 2025

36:23

Season 2 Episode 7 - Brian Koehn - Reforming Corrections: Insights from a Former Warden

In this episode, Brian Koehn, a former warden with extensive experience in both private and public corrections, discusses the challenges and opportunities within the correctional system. He emphasizes the need for a shift from punitive measures to a more humane and rehabilitative approach, highlighting the importance of understanding root causes of issues like violence and drug use in prisons. Brian also addresses the critical problem of correctional officer retention and the need for a supportive work environment. He shares insights on his nonprofit's mission to implement effective changes in the correctional system, focusing on outcomes rather than just incarceration rates.

S2 · E7

Jul 3, 2025

33:18

Season 2 Episode 6 - Mike Algeo - From Trauma to Triumph

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, Mike Algeo shares his profound journey from a troubled childhood marked by family struggles and trauma to a successful career in law and personal growth. He discusses the impact of addiction, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the transformative power of introspection and climbing. Mike's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the ongoing quest for self-understanding.

S2 · E6

Jun 26, 2025

47:56

Season 2 Episode 5 - Abby Dunfield - Breaking Barriers: A Former CO's Perspective

In this episode of Peaceful Prisons Podcast, Abbe Marten and Baylen Parada interview Abby Dunfield, a former correctional officer turned social worker. Abby shares her journey from working in the correctional system to pursuing a career in social work, driven by her experiences and the desire to create change. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by correctional officers, the importance of understanding trauma, and the need for empathy in the correctional environment. Abby discusses her personal struggles and growth, emphasizing the significance of listening and building connections. The episode concludes with a focus on future aspirations for reform in the correctional system.

S2 · E5

Jun 19, 2025

30:37

Season 2 Episode 4 - Valerie Cartonio - The Power of Podcasting in Prison Reform

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons Podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten welcome Valerie Cartonio, founder of the Prison Podcast. Valerie shares her journey into podcasting, her experiences working with inmates, and the diverse guests she has interviewed. The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding incarceration, the importance of community support, and innovative ideas for rehabilitation. Valerie emphasizes the need for empathy training among prison staff and the vital role of education in transforming lives. The episode concludes with Valerie encouraging listeners to engage with her work and explore the resources available through her podcast and YouTube channel. https://allmylinks.com/valerie-cartonio769 https://www.youtube.com/@valeriecartonio2025 https://prisonpod.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@valeriecartonio2025

S2 · E4

Jun 5, 2025

32:16

Season 2 Episode 3 - Chris Willars - From Inmate to Advocate

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten engage in a profound conversation with Chris Willars, a former inmate who was sentenced to 144 years in prison. Chris shares his journey from incarceration to becoming an advocate for prison reform and mental health awareness. He discusses the challenges of surviving in prison, the transformative relationships he formed, and the importance of community support in navigating life after incarceration. Chris emphasizes the need for mental health resources and the significance of addressing trauma for those reentering society. His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the potential for personal transformation, even in the face of overwhelming odds. https://linktr.ee/christopher_life_willars?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

S2 · E3

May 29, 2025

25:44

Season 2 Episode 2 - Special Episode - Staff Volunteer Emily Kamke

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons Podcast, co-hosts Baylen Parada and Abbe Marten speak with Peaceful Prisons Podcast producer Emily Kamke about her motivations for joining the Peaceful Prisons Project, the impact of personal stories shared on the podcast, and the various programs aimed at supporting incarcerated individuals and their families. They discuss the role, the team, and the future direction of the podcast, including potential themed seasons and more diverse perspectives. Join us on your own episode and share your story! https://calendly.com/abbe-peacefulprisonsproject/30min

S2 · E2

May 23, 2025

23:18

Season 2 Episode 1 - Sydney Pentland - Breathwork: A Path to Emotional Empowerment

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons Podcast, host Baylen Parada and Abbe Marten speak with guest Sydney Pentland, founder of Vital Breath Work, LLC, about the importance of somatic healing and nervous system regulation. They explore how breathwork can serve as a tool for connecting the mind and body, empowering individuals to understand and manage their emotions. The conversation highlights the significance of teaching these skills to children, breaking generational trauma, and the impact of chronic stress on overall well-being. Sydney emphasizes that self-regulation is a vital life skill that can be developed through mindful practices, making wellness accessible to everyone. https://www.instagram.com/vitalbreathwork/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-pentland/ https://www.vitalbreathworkllc.com/

S2 · E1

May 15, 2025

32:40

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