Podcast
AQS Inmate Call
Hosted by Joel Wilborn · EN
Supportive relationships play a crucial role in shaping our confidence and self-worth, enabling us to achieve success. One often overlooked aspect is the impact that connecting with incarcerated individuals can have on both parties involved. Engaging in conversations with those who are incarcerated can create a significant positive change, not only for them but also for ourselves.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Surviving the System: Krissi Jacobson on Turning Pain into Purpose
May 3100:20:04Tap to summarizeImagine your lowest moments becoming your greatest source of strength. Krissi Jacobson’s raw and powerful story reveals how she faced trauma in prison and endured sexual harassment, leading her to rediscover her purpose and resilience.After a tumultuous life marked by addiction, crime, and multiple stints behind bars, Krissi embarked on a journey of self-awareness and healing. Despite the negativity surrounding her during incarceration, she learned to redefine herself, break free from past patterns, and build a future rooted in authenticity and independence. From battling to stay afloat in prison’s toughest environments to confronting abuse within the education system, her story exposes the raw truth of survival, hope, and transformation.In this episode, you’ll discover how to maintain a positive mindset amidst adversity, the significance of mental health and community support during life’s darkest moments, and the power of self-love as the foundation for lasting change. Krissi shares her experience navigating a justice system often ill-equipped to provide meaningful mental health support, highlighting the urgent need for reform and compassionate care. Her insights demonstrate that healing is possible even after years of pain, and her active pursuit of justice proves how one person’s voice can ignite change.This episode serves as a call to action for anyone feeling trapped in their circumstances—whether in prison, recovery, or life itself. If you’ve ever felt like your past defines you, Krissi’s story reminds us that we are the authors of our futures. It’s an inspiring exploration of how resilience, community, and self-love can transform the most challenging chapters into stories of triumph.This episode is perfect for those on a journey of recovery, justice reform advocates, or anyone seeking motivation to break free from cycles of pain. It shows that your best chapter is still ahead. Tune in and feel empowered to walk your own path of transformation.
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Safety and Privacy
May 2400:15:55Tap to summarizeThe debate over prison housing just hit the federal level. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil‑rights investigation into the Washington Corrections Center for Women — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.This episode breaks down why the issue has exploded nationally, focusing on the core concerns driving public and legal pushback around housing biological male inmates in women’s prisons:• Safety risks and reported assaults• Privacy violations in shared cells and facilities• Trauma impacts on a population largely made up of survivors of male violenceAt the center is a defining question for corrections in America:Do female inmates have an Eighth Amendment right to sex‑segregated housing — or should gender identity determine placement?We unpack the legal landscape, the DOJ’s role, and what this investigation could mean for prisons across the country. Confirm details with trusted sources as this story continues to evolve.
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Help or Harm
May 1700:15:00Tap to summarizeWhen the gate opens, the real test begins.In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we break down why post‑incarceration DOC support is the difference between rebuilding a life… or getting pulled back into the system.We spotlight DOC programs that work — trauma‑informed reentry, peer‑led support, gender‑responsive services — and expose the failures that keep recidivism high, from releasing people into homelessness to ignoring mental‑health needs.Real stories. Real stakes.Because freedom isn’t enough — support is what makes it stick.
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Dangerous Oversight
May 1100:18:44Tap to summarizeWhen is the last time you questioned the real human cost behind prison policies? A shocking investigation by the Office of the Corrections Ombuds exposes terrifying abuses in Washington's largest women’s prison — pepper spray attacks where safety guidelines were ignored, a woman nearly losing her life in a delayed rescue, and weeks of unjustified solitary confinement that leaves scars long after release.In this hard-hitting episode, you’ll discover the harrowing details of these violations and analyze what they reveal about a correctional system more focused on punishment than rehabilitation. We break down how petty resource rationing leads to poor hygiene and mental deterioration, why a culture of "security first" often trumps human compassion, and what reformers and advocates are fighting for in a broken system. Hear how a single investigation sparked a conversation about transparency, accountability, and the urgent need to rethink incarceration policies — before more lives are hurt or lost.You’ll hear expert insights on the dangerous practices that make staff and inmates suffer, like improper use of pepper spray and neglect of mental health needs. We discuss practical alternatives to incarceration, such as community-based supervision and the importance of legal reforms, aiming to create a safer, fairer approach that benefits everyone — staff, inmates, and the community. If you've ever wondered what goes wrong behind prison walls and how to fix it, this episode offers an unflinching look at the future of criminal justice reform.This episode is essential listening for advocates, policymakers, and anyone concerned about justice and human rights. It’s a wake-up call that your voice matters in reshaping a system on the brink of collapse. Don’t turn away — get informed, take action, and be part of the change.
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DOC Safety and Security
Aug 23Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Joel Wilborn discusses the critical issues surrounding the rights and treatment of inmates in prisons. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing prisoners as individuals with rights, advocating for humane treatment, and addressing the systemic issues that lead to the degradation of their dignity. The conversation covers various topics, including the rights to marriage, the need for accountability among prison officials, and the challenges faced by vulnerable inmates. Wilborn encourages listeners to engage in advocacy and support for those incarcerated, highlighting the role of community in effecting change.
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