Free World

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About
The Show

With a focus on women community members needs, we launched an ARC original audio podcast, FREE WORLD. The first of its kind, FREE WORLD is hosted by, produced by, and starring formerly incarcerated women.

More Episodes

Lifting Each Other Up
January 10, 2022

In Episode 11, our holiday special and the season finale of Free World’s debut season, our hosts and production team chat about their experiences around the holiday season during and after incarceration. Exploring the hard times, the joy, and the unique traditions they built throughout their holidays inside those prison walls.

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He Needed His Mother
November 18, 2021

In Episode 9 of Free World, you'll hear from courageous ARC member Candice Lewis about family--as she explores with Norma and Shone her roles as mother, daughter, and friend. After being incarcerated for 14 years and surviving a life sentence, Candice talks candidly and beautifully about the effects prison had on her relationships and how she earned her freedom to be reunited with her son--and what it's like being back home. She'll also talk about leaving the family she made inside prison behind.

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Who We Leave Behind
November 2, 2021

In Episode 8, you’ll meet Rose Brown, one of the producers of Free World. Rose explores with deep empathy and heart who it is she left behind when she came home from prison after surviving a life sentence. She talks with love, care, and humor about what it’s like to explore a relationship after incarceration and what the future has in store for her. Plus, you’ll get to hear the voice and mind of one of our amazing Free World team members working behind the scenes!

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I Choose Me
October 20, 2021

In Episode 7, you’ll hear from Alyssa Gallo, producer and editor of Free World. You’ll hear her inspiring story of leaving prison in both literal and metaphorical senses. As a trans woman, Alyssa shares her lived experience with a deluge of truth and courage. You’ll hear about the difficulties of living her authentic identity, one ultimately rooted in transformational power. You’ll also get to know who has been behind the scenes on audio for the Free World team!

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Distracted From My Blessings
September 21, 2021

In Episode 6 of Free World, you’ll meet ARC Member Blanca Ruiz-Thompson and hear her story of overcoming the cycles of violence and incarceration that has plagued so many families. Blanca’s resilience and dedication to choosing love over violence and refusing to be distracted from her blessings, has made her into the incredible wife, mother, and advocate she is today.

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This podcast and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.

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Impact Story

Rose Brown

In my journey inside, nothing could really prepare me for what was to come. Everyone’s journey is different & I’ve learned these basic things in my re-entry and transition:Be patient (Especially with yourself), don’t compare yourself to others (Your path is yours alone), and continue climbing the mountain (Obstacles will come, just keep climbing). Being in the trenches of re-entry & working with an organization that focuses on re-entry made me realize what my purpose really is-to give back. Surviving Board, paroling, discharging from parole…I’ve climbed that mountain. My focus today is to make a positive difference to the community I’ve harmed and the inside community I’ve left behind.

J’Mel Carter

There were so many things that contributed to me making the poor choice to live a criminal and gang lifestyle. I don’t mention these facts to justify my despicable actions. With the help of good men and women and through education and hard work, I was able to change and transform the person I was into the person I was meant to be.

Pamela Thompson

When I was sentenced to 33 years to life under the third strike law, I thought my life was over and lost hope. 17 years into  sentence, I got tired of feeling hopeless and decided to start attending self-help groups. Soon enough, I was the one leading them. After serving 24 years I was resentenced and released under 1170 (d)(1). I am now enjoying my freedom by giving back to my community through the work with ARC and different local organizations. As a life coach, I help ARC Members by lending my lived experiences to help guide and mentor them as they navigate their own reentry journey.

Rodney Bryant

Understanding all that CA offered me a chance to start fresh; however, I soon realized that even though the landscape changed, those old childhood issues still persisted. In 1990 I found myself making impulsive & irrational decisions whenever stressed. That year, I was sentenced to serve an indeterminate term of 15 years-to-Life. I spent more than 28 years of my life in correctional facilities; however, with hard work, persistence, & divine intervention my life was transformed. I spent a considerable amount of time on self-improvement, earning a High School Diploma, various vocational trades, and self-help certifications. Wanting to help make a difference, I became a Peer Literacy Tutor, Recreational Coach, and Youth Mentor, as I continued to seek self-help through self-improvement.

Angel Zubiate

It had been a rocky experience each time that an employer would ask “why are you being tracked like an animal?” Or the confused public eye that would question the same thing. My inability to swim in a pool or beach with family, friends, and loved ones because the monitor would glitch causing for my parole officer to panic that a registered gang member was on the loose. Now that I am completely free to travel and swim, work where I choose, wear shorts in the summer with out feeling judged, I could tell you that today I am as blessed as can be.

Jose Santana

US Forestry Service Fireman

I’m doing fire work now because it has given me self confidence and self worth that I feel I used to lack. Nowadays I hold my head up high and take pride in everything I do because what I do has value that I truly appreciate. I’m no longer hurting the community, I’m giving back to it. I’m constantly humbled when I see my friends, family and strangers and they thank me for my service. I get a bit embarrassed by it to be honest.