Concrete Mama: The Podcast

Episode: Prologue - "Down This Yellow Brick Road"

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host/Author: Unincarcerated Productions

Introduction

"Concrete Mama: The Podcast" embarks on a compelling journey from within the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Washington. Hosted by Vic Chopra and co-hosted by Damor Nelson, Anthony Covert, Steven Edwards (Red), Campbell, Vik, and Rachel, the podcast seeks to dismantle preconceived notions about life behind bars. The prologue episode, titled "Down This Yellow Brick Road," sets the stage for what promises to be a raw and transformative exploration of incarceration, personal redemption, and the power of storytelling.

Host Introductions

The episode opens with Vic Chopra welcoming listeners to the podcast and introducing himself as the co-founder of Unincarcerated Productions. He emphasizes the podcast's mission to offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of those incarcerated at Walla Walla.

• Vic Chopra (00:18): "Welcome to Concrete Mama, the podcast coming to you from the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, Washington."

Following Vic, each host introduces themselves, providing a brief background of their time in prison:

• Damor Nelson (00:42): "I've been incarcerated since 2009. I'm getting into my 16th year on the inside."
• Anthony Covert (00:43): "At 18 years old, I ended up going to prison for attempted murder."
• Steven Edwards (Red) (00:45): "I've been incarcerated since 2013. Things didn't go the way I thought they were gonna."
• Campbell (00:45): "I've been incarcerated since 2017 and I'm currently serving 31 years and two months."

Vic Chopra's Journey and Inspiration

Vic Chopra shares his personal story, drawing a parallel between his incarceration and Dorothy's journey in "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." He reflects on his transition from a promising career in media to addiction and ultimately prison.

• Vic Chopra (01:08): "Growing up, I was always fascinated by fantasy stories, especially the Wonderful wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum... And that's what I hope you'll feel listening and taking your own journey into the world of Concrete Mama."

Vic delves into his struggles with opioid addiction, detailing how it led to the deterioration of his personal and professional life. His narrative culminates in his arrest in March 2013, which he describes as the turning point that ultimately saved his life.

• Vic Chopra (02:30): "This was the night that saved my life."

Damor Nelson and Anthony Covert: Building Trust and Transformation

Damor Nelson recounts his transfer to Walla Walla in 2022, emphasizing the penitentiary's reputation for violence and isolation. Contrary to his initial fears, Damor finds unexpected opportunities and forms a pivotal relationship with Anthony Covert.

• Damor Nelson (03:40): "Being sent here as someone doing time is the biggest setback you can experience... But honestly, it ended up being filled with opportunities I couldn't have imagined."

Anthony Covert shares his transformative journey, sparked by the death of his brother when he was 22. This loss compelled him to seek change, leading him to align with Damor over shared values and faith.

• Anthony Covert (04:27): "The promise I made him before he died... was the catalyst for me to start my journey of transformation."

Formation of the Podcast Team

The collaboration between Vic, Damor, Anthony, Red, and Campbell is highlighted as a convergence of shared goals and mutual trust. Vic's rebuilding process in prison mirrors Dorothy's quest, finding strength through community and purpose.

• Vic Chopra (05:28): "I survived and thrived in prison with the help of some amazing friends... created a plan to start a production company and be a filmmaker."

Anthony outlines his educational pursuits and leadership roles within the prison, including his involvement with Toastmasters International and the Black Prisoners Caucus. His initiative to create a platform for incarcerated individuals to share their stories gains momentum with appropriate support.

• Anthony Covert (05:48): "It took a few years to gain traction and find the right people within the Department of Corrections to support it. But finally it did."

Roles of Red and Campbell

Steven Edwards, known as Red within the prison, discusses his role in sustainable practices and metalwork projects aimed at charity auctions. His partnership with Anthony underscores a commitment to making constructive use of time behind bars.

• Steven Edwards (08:07): "We try to give this material a second chance at being something useful as well. Makes us feel like we're not just doing time, we're doing something with our time."

Campbell expresses his desire to connect and understand others beyond initial judgments, highlighting the podcast's role in fostering empathy and humanizing the incarcerated experience.

• Campbell (08:47): "I try not to do this because like everybody else, I want a chance."

Vision and Mission of Concrete Mama

The hosts articulate their vision for the podcast as a means to humanize those impacted by the justice system, break down stereotypes, and inspire both incarcerated individuals and the outside world. Vic emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in storytelling as a pathway to healing and transformation.

• Vic Chopra (10:06): "There is so much strength and vulnerability, and I promise you that we, your hosts, will be as raw and vulnerable as some of us have ever been in our lives."

Damor highlights the personal significance of the podcast in rekindling hope and facilitating connections beyond prison walls.

• Damor Nelson (11:38): "It means my dream of speaking to the world is slowly materializing."

Steven underscores the podcast's role in giving voice to the untold stories within the penitentiary.

• Steven Edwards (11:59): "You can imagine the wild stuff that's gone on here over the years. And these walls can't talk, but we're going to talk for them."

Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with an invitation from Vic to listeners to embark on this journey alongside the hosts, promising a season filled with unique perspectives and heartfelt narratives. The hosts express their hope that the podcast will inspire action, empathy, and personal growth among its audience.

• Campbell (12:04): "I hope whatever you guys hear... perhaps even help you yourself be more proactive in your own personal life."

Vic wraps up by reinforcing the transformative potential of the podcast, likening it to venturing down a yellow brick road or tumbling down the rabbit hole into the depths of the prison experience.

• Vic Chopra (12:23): "Walk with us down this yellow brick road... welcome to Concrete Mama, the podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Vic Chopra (01:08): "Growing up, I was always fascinated by fantasy stories... take the first step with us down the yellow brick road."
• Damor Nelson (03:40): "But honestly, it ended up being filled with opportunities I couldn't have imagined."
• Anthony Covert (04:27): "The promise I made him before he died... was the catalyst for me to start my journey of transformation."
• Steven Edwards (08:07): "We try to give this material a second chance at being something useful as well."
• Vic Chopra (10:06): "There is so much strength and vulnerability... we will be as raw and vulnerable as some of us have ever been in our lives."
• Damor Nelson (11:38): "It means my dream of speaking to the world is slowly materializing."
• Steven Edwards (11:59): "These walls can't talk, but we're going to talk for them."
• Vic Chopra (12:23): "Walk with us down this yellow brick road... welcome to Concrete Mama, the podcast."

Final Thoughts

The prologue episode of "Concrete Mama: The Podcast" effectively sets the foundation for the series' exploration of life within prison walls. Through honest storytelling and the diverse experiences of its hosts, the podcast promises to challenge existing narratives and foster a deeper understanding of the human aspects of incarceration. Listeners are invited to join this heartfelt odyssey, gaining insights into resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of sharing one's story.