Concrete Mama: The Podcast - Episode Summary: "The Wrap-Up Q&A"

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Introduction

In the penultimate episode of the first season of Concrete Mama: The Podcast, hosted by Unincarcerated Productions, Rachel and the team embark on a special bonus episode titled "The Wrap-Up Q&A." This episode diverges from the show’s regular narrative to directly engage with listeners by addressing a variety of questions submitted by the audience. The discussion delves deep into life behind bars, touching on topics such as education, creativity, spirituality, daily routines, food, and more, providing an unfiltered glimpse into the inmates' experiences at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla.

Books and Reading Access

One of the primary topics discussed is the accessibility of books within the prison system. Red initiates the conversation by explaining that inmates can receive books sent by family or ordered off platforms like Amazon. He highlights Kelly Messinger's Walls of Secrecy as the most important book he's read recently for its insights into the 1970s prison history (01:12).

Anthony expands on his extensive reading habits during incarceration, mentioning that he read approximately 250 books over five years, primarily during his time in county jail (01:51). He emphasizes two books that profoundly impacted him:

1. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle: Anthony describes this book as a transformative guide that redefined his understanding of spirituality and existence. “Completely redefined my viewpoint on spirituality and life and existence” (02:00).

2. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: Anthony shares a poignant reflection on Frankl’s experiences and philosophies, particularly the concept of logotherapy. He recounts a meaningful quote from Frankl: “I called to the Lord from my narrow prison, and he answered me in the freedom of space.” (03:00).

These literary works serve as cornerstones for the inmates’ personal growth and resilience.

Educational Opportunities

Vic addresses questions regarding educational programs within the prison. While education is available, it is not universally accessible. Priority is generally given to inmates serving shorter sentences (less than ten years), making it challenging for long-term or life-sentenced individuals to participate without incurring personal costs (05:09). Vic shares his personal experience of paying for his Associate's in Applied Science Degree from Walla Walla Community College, highlighting the financial barriers due to limited inmate wages (42 cents to a dollar per hour) (05:09). For lifelong inmates, self-study remains an alternative, albeit without formal accreditation.

Creative Outlets and Artistic Expression

Creativity flourishes within the constraints of prison life, as discussed by Josh and Red. The SPL Lab Sustainable Practice Lab emerges as a hub for various creative activities, including carpentry, woodworking, and aquaponics (06:44). Josh elaborates on initiatives like the Green Zone, where inmates connect with nature and engage in sustainable practices (07:00).

Red mentions the availability of art supplies through platforms like Blick, allowing inmates to create paintings and crafts within their cells. A standout project includes the Concrete Mama Breaking Barriers table, an intricate piece incorporating pieces of cement from the prison, symbolizing a tangible connection to their environment (09:22). This blend of artistic endeavor and resourcefulness underscores the inmates' ability to find solace and expression through art despite the restrictive setting.

Religious Services and Spirituality

Religion and spirituality play a crucial role in the inmates' lives. Josh and Anthony discuss the diverse religious practices accommodated within the penitentiary, including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and other faiths (16:30). Religious services are supported through volunteers and external connections, fostering a sense of community and personal growth.

Anthony shares his personal spiritual journey, identifying as a New Age spiritualist influenced by various religious teachings. He highlights his dedication to meditation, which evolved into a daily practice and led him to become an energy healer and Reiki practitioner (20:46). This personal narrative exemplifies how inmates utilize spirituality as a means of transformation and resilience.

Daily Routines: Sleep and Meals

Red provides insights into the daily schedules, noting strict lockdown periods that can extend up to 13-14 hours a day. While there is no mandatory bedtime, inmates must return to their cells by specific counts (22:17). Meals are typically served in the day room, but inmates have the option to take their food back to their cells to eat privately (23:13).

Anthony reminisces about the “boats”—special weekend meals served in cardboard canoe-like containers. He and Vic humorously critique the quality of these meals, describing them as subpar compared to regular chow line offerings (24:17).

Food: Creativity in the Canteen

Food is a beloved topic among the hosts. Vic enthusiastically discusses how inmates creatively supplement cafeteria meals by enhancing basic provisions like chicken strips and beef slices with seasonings and additional ingredients to craft more appetizing dishes such as chicken Alfredo and chicken pad Thai noodles (25:22). Anthony shares his culinary experiments, including beverages like chicken patties with red sauce (27:28). These improvisations reflect the inmates' ingenuity in maximizing limited resources to improve their daily sustenance.

Recreational Activities: Video Games and Tablets

The hosts explore the technological aspects of prison life, particularly the use of secure tablets. Josh explains that these tablets function as phones, allowing inmates to email family, rent movies, play games, and access ebooks via a closed network (29:28). Vic, a self-proclaimed video game enthusiast, describes the gaming opportunities available through these devices, including RPGs and board games (28:28). Additionally, the ability to rent and watch movies provides a crucial escape and a semblance of normalcy for the inmates.

News Access and Staying Informed

Red addresses how inmates stay informed about the outside world, primarily through a news app on their tablets, cable television, and secure news subscriptions like the Associated Press (32:02). He mentions that while basic headlines are accessible for free, full subscriptions require a fee, which can be a barrier for some inmates.

Personal Reflections and Conclusion

In the closing moments of the episode, Rachel shares a heartfelt reflection inspired by Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning: “You are so much stronger than you think and you actually can get through anything that life throws at you” (33:12). She emphasizes the transformative power of incarceration in fostering resilience, ingenuity, and personal growth.

Anthony echoes this sentiment, highlighting the importance of believing in oneself and leveraging the prison experience to emerge as a better individual (33:44). The hosts collectively express gratitude towards their listeners for the overwhelming support received during Season One and hint at more engaging content in upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Anthony (03:00): “I called to the Lord from my narrow prison, and he answered me in the freedom of space.”
• Rachel (33:12): “You are so much stronger than you think and you actually can get through anything that life throws at you.”

Final Thoughts

"The Wrap-Up Q&A" serves as a comprehensive and intimate exploration of life behind bars, showcasing the inmates' resilience, creativity, and quest for personal growth. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Concrete Mama dismantles preconceived notions about the prison industrial complex, presenting a narrative of hope, brotherhood, and transformation. As the season concludes, listeners are left with profound insights and an anticipation for future episodes that promise to continue unveiling the multifaceted lives of those within the penitentiary.