Concrete Mama: The Podcast – Episode Summary: "My First Time Down"

Release Date: April 21, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the compelling episode titled "My First Time Down," Concrete Mama: The Podcast delves deep into the visceral experiences of arriving and adjusting to life inside the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. Hosted by Stephen Edwards, aka Red, and produced by Unincarcerated Productions, this episode offers a multifaceted exploration through personal narratives, expert interviews, and historical accounts that shed light on the prison intake process and the broader implications of the prison industrial complex.

Vic's Personal Story: The Chain Bus Ride

The episode opens with an evocative monologue by Vic, who recounts his harrowing journey from Snohomish County Jail to Walla Walla. Vic’s narrative is raw and introspective, capturing the paradoxical emotions of relief and fear as he boards the chain bus to prison.

Notable Quotes:

• Vic reflects, “You know, it's amazing how much in life you take for granted, like just being outside in the sunshine” (00:45).
• In a poignant moment, Vic confronts his past, stating, “We destroyed our life together... riding the bus to prison together” (04:56).

Vic’s story underscores the complex emotions surrounding incarceration, highlighting a sense of liberation from the constraints of county jail juxtaposed with the fear of the unknown within the penitentiary walls.

General Experiences of Intake and Arrival

Stephen Edwards transitions into discussing the broader intake and arrival processes, inviting listeners to understand what newcomers experience when entering the prison system. This segment includes Vic and another unnamed male sharing their initial encounters with the justice system, detailing their arrests, brief stays in county jail, and the subsequent transport to Shelton.

Key Points:

• Arrest details, including interactions with law enforcement and the emotional turmoil of the initial arrest.
• The dehumanizing aspects of the intake process, such as stripping, shackling, and the impersonal transfer to prison life.
• The psychological impact of transitioning from freedom to confinement.

Notable Quotes:

• Vic mentions, “This is it, I thought. Finally I could breathe the fresh air again” (00:45).
• The unnamed male describes his feelings during arrest: “As my heart thumped in my chest and my mouth became dry” (09:42).

Interview with Paris: Second Time Incarceration

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Paris, a returning inmate who shares his experiences during his second incarceration. Paris provides valuable insights into how previous time spent in prison alters the intake experience, emphasizing the shift in mindset and strategies for survival.

Key Points:

• First vs. Second Time: Paris contrasts his first and second experiences, noting increased awareness and the weight of previous mistakes during his second intake.
• Prison Culture and Survival: He discusses the importance of navigating prison politics, understanding gang affiliations, and maintaining mental stability.
• Advice to New Inmates: Paris emphasizes resilience, personal growth, and the necessity of not succumbing to the negative influences within the prison system.

Notable Quotes:

• Reflecting on his first intake: “I really blew it. As the second time around... my mission is different” (18:12, 23:32).
• Paris advises newcomers: “Find a way to lighten your load, man. Because it's already heavy enough” (33:58).

Paris’s narrative serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, illustrating the potential for personal transformation even within the harsh confines of incarceration.

Staff Perspectives: Interview with Chris McGill and Josh Lancaster

Red and Vic engage in a candid conversation with correctional specialists Chris McGill and Josh Lancaster, who provide the administrative and human resources perspective on the intake and arrival process.

Key Points:

• Adaptation for Staff: Advice for new prison staff on handling the emotional and psychological challenges of working in a correctional environment.
• Consistency and Fairness: Emphasizing the importance of stable routines and fair treatment to maintain order and respect within the prison.
• Support Systems: Encouraging staff to seek support, ask questions, and maintain personal well-being to effectively manage the demanding nature of their roles.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris McGill advises, “No matter what comes down your day, find something that you can release before you bring it home” (31:10).
• Josh Lancaster emphasizes, “Don't be afraid to ask questions when you start” (32:03).

This segment highlights the symbiotic relationship between inmates and staff, underscoring the need for mutual respect and understanding to foster a safer and more manageable prison environment.

Historical Insight: The Bikers Club's Influence in Walla Walla

In a riveting historical account, Red explores the notorious era when motorcycle gangs like the Gypsy Jokers, Hell's Angels, and Bandidos dominated the Washington State Penitentiary. Through the story of Kelly Messinger, a key figure in the bikers' hierarchy, listeners gain an understanding of how self-governance and inmate-led organizations once controlled significant aspects of prison life.

Key Points:

• Self-Governance Experiment: The establishment of biker gangs and their takeover of prison operations, including control over the bike shop and internal politics.
• Influence and Operations: Bikers exerted authority over prison staff, managed security protocols, and even influenced administrative decisions, such as wardens' appointments.
• Decline of Power: The eventual downfall of the biker-dominated system due to increasing violence, lawsuits, and administrative pushback.

Notable Quotes:

• Kelly Messinger explains the seriousness of prison memos: “If it's on a memo, that's a word from God” (38:53).
• Red reflects on the bikers' control: “There were places I as an officer couldn't go unless an inmate with a key unlocked the door” (41:21).

This historical deep dive not only recounts past injustices but also serves as a stark reminder of the potential for inmate-driven power structures to disrupt institutional order.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, Red offers a motivational message to both incarcerated individuals and listeners outside the prison walls. Emphasizing personal responsibility and the importance of self-improvement, he encourages individuals to seize opportunities for growth regardless of their circumstances.

Key Points:

• Personal Growth: Advocating for inmates to engage in educational and rehabilitative programs to better themselves during incarceration.
• Agency and Change: Inspiring listeners to take proactive steps towards improving their lives and communities.
• Community and Support: Highlighting the importance of support systems both inside and outside prison for successful reintegration.

Notable Quotes:

• Red urges, “If you can go outside, work out, or pick up a book and read something that will help you in the future, never give up” (35:01).
• He poses a thought-provoking question: “What are you doing in your life right now to make things better for you and the people around you?” (35:06).

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to contributors and a teaser for the next episode, promising further exploration of personal redemption and rebuilding life post-incarceration.

Final Notes

"My First Time Down" serves as a poignant and informative episode that not only chronicles the initial experiences of incarceration but also provides valuable insights from both inmates and correctional staff. Through personal stories and historical narratives, Concrete Mama: The Podcast continues to illuminate the complexities of the prison system, encouraging listeners to reflect on themes of resilience, justice, and transformation.

For more episodes and additional content, visit Concrete Mama: The Podcast or follow Unincarcerated Productions on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.