Podcast
Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars
Hosted by Envoice Media · EN
Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars is a podcast hosted by Sam and Tony, two Asian-American men who defy the typical narratives surrounding prison life in the United States. Having met behind bars, they share a unique perspective on incarceration, rehabilitation, and the journey of reintegration into society. Through a mix of personal stories, candid discussions, and insights into the peculiarities and challenges of prison life, they aim to demystify stereotypes and shed light on the human stories within the prison system. Each episode explores themes of friendship, resilience, systemic issues, and the unexpected humor found in the darkest places. Join them as they unravel their journey through the federal system, the impact of rehabilitation programs like RDAP, and navigate the complexities of life after incarceration. "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars" isn't just a podcast; it's a lifeline of hope, laughter, and insight for anyone who's ever felt imprisoned, physically or metaphorically.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Conviction to Pardon, Ex-LA Gang Member's Story
Jan 3, 202500:42:16Tap to summarizeFrom Conviction to Redemption: Chris' Journey through Prison and Pardon. Sharing his experiences growing up in the San Fernando Valley, getting involved with Southsiders gang, facing multiple convictions, and enduring the harsh realities of prison life. Most inspiringly, Chris recounts his path to recovery, the support he received from friends in AA, and the arduous but ultimately successful process of obtaining a pardon from the governor. This episode sheds light on the transformative power of redemption and serves as a source of hope for those looking to turn their lives around. Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of change, no matter how dire the circumstances. How do you get pardoned? Listen to Chris's story to find out in his unique journey, and more importantly how he dealt with life after prison.Timestamps:00:00 Highlights00:27 Introduction00:57 Chris's Early Life and Influences 03:49 High School Chaos and Gang Involvement 06:15 First Major Offense and Arrest 08:05 Life in County Jail 15:20 Second Major Offense and Arrest 19:24 Life After Second Release 21:58 Struggles with Addiction 24:57 Seeking a Pardon 30:06 Life After the Pardon 37:36 Reflections and Relationships 41:43 Closing ThoughtsThanks for listening to Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars podcast.#PrisonToPardon #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterPrison #HowToGetPardoned
Transcribe →Our Conversation with Bruce McNall the Legendary Former LA Kings Owner and Hollywood Icon
Oct 31, 202401:29:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, host Tony along with Sam and Sonny, welcomes Bruce McNall, the man who transformed the LA Kings and famously brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. Bruce recounts his fascinating journey from his early love of ancient history and numismatics, leading to a booming business in ancient coins, to his ventures in the movie and horse business. A pivotal figure in sports history, Bruce shares intriguing anecdotes about high-stakes deals, including the acquisition of Gretzky and his astounding experience in the world of Hollywood and the racehorse industry.The episode also delves into his dramatic fall, detailing his legal battles and eventual imprisonment. Bruce offers a raw look into his time in prison and how he managed life post-release, maintaining friendships and diving back into business. This episode is a conversation of a life filled with high-risk ventures, monumental successes, and steep declines, providing a rare look behind the scenes of Hollywood, sports, and high-value collectibles.00:00 Intro01:56 The Rise of a Coin Dealer11:28 Venturing into the Horse Business18:33 Hollywood Connections and Movie Ventures21:16 The Gretzky Trade and Transforming the LA Kings38:42 Expanding into Canadian Football45:41 A Lunch with Spielberg46:04 Hiring David to Run MGM46:26 Financial Troubles and Rising Debt48:43 FBI Investigation and Legal Troubles50:34 Pleading Guilty and Prison Sentence55:55 Life in Prison01:12:35 Release and Rebuilding Life01:24:27 Reflecting on Life and Future Goals01:28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Should You Rat?! Getting Caught Smuggling Peanut Butter In Prison
Oct 7, 202400:40:31Tap to summarizeTony recounts his experiences in prison, focusing on the challenges and incidents within the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The story revolves around Tony's quest to obtain and consume peanut butter as part of his dietary routine, despite prison restrictions. This leads to a series of risky exchanges for peanut butter and eventually being caught by a determined prison correctional officer. Tony discusses the consequences of this incident, including extended time in the program and the necessity of maintaining respect among fellow inmates by not revealing his supplier.Tony has to make a choice between ratting out his peanut butter supplier or being kicked out of his RDAP program and extending his time in prison.00:00 Intro01:00 Welcome03:02 Life in Morgantown Federal Corrections08:14 The RDAP Program12:50 Smuggling Peanut Butter21:46 The Peanut Butter Incident22:40 Facing the Consequences26:17 Interrogation29:30 Aftermath34:22 Lessons Learned40:06 Closing Thoughts
Transcribe →Reducing Federal Prison Time: RDAP Program Inside Out (Residential Drug Abuse Program)
Sep 17, 202400:37:24Tap to summarizeTony and Sonny dive into the world of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Tony shares his personal experience with the program, which can significantly reduce prison time for participants, provided they adhere to its strict behavioral requirements. They discuss the challenges of enrolling in RDAP, including dealing with jealousy and stereotypes from other inmates, and the stringent rules and expectations within the program. Tony narrates his journey from discovering RDAP to dealing with the stringent disciplinary actions and behavioral modifications it enforces. He also addresses the psychological and social dynamics involved in being part of the program and touches upon an intriguing cliffhanger about an incident that nearly got him expelled from RDAP. Tune in to learn the pros and cons of RDAP and whether it's worth the effort for those looking to shorten their prison sentences.00:00 Intro01:10 Discovering RDAP03:28 Navigating the Legal System for RDAP10:37 Life in RDAP: Challenges and Adjustments12:52 RDAP's Impact on Prison Life20:51 Spotting Suspicious Activity22:07 The Dilemma of Reporting23:19 Confrontation in Group26:32 The Consequences of Snitching33:36 Reflecting on RDAP's Impact36:09 Teaser for the Next Episode
Transcribe →Surviving Prison Beatdowns and Fights with Zo
Aug 15, 202400:40:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, hosts Tony and Sam, along with special guest Zo dive into the harsh realities of prison life, focusing on violent encounters and the strategies for survival. Zo shares personal anecdotes, including narrowly avoiding fights and a particularly intense incident involving a lock and a sock. The episode sheds light on the difference in violence across various security levels, from low to maximum, and emphasizes the importance of respect, manners, and minding one's own business to ensure safety. With raw and unfiltered accounts, this episode offers a gripping and informative look at the often unseen world behind bars.00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions00:31 Prison Fights: Reality vs. Media02:07 Personal Stories of Fights06:43 Lock in the Sock11:02 First Time in Prison17:55 Commissary Line Fights19:29 Exercise Room Conflicts21:18 Shower and Bathroom Experiences30:55 Halfway House Challenges37:14 Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Halfway Houses: What to Expect After Prison
Jul 31, 202400:33:46Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, hosts Tony and Sonny discuss the often overlooked transition period of moving from prison to a halfway house. They explore the various challenges and realities faced by former inmates during this crucial phase. The conversation provides first-hand accounts and vivid descriptions of the halfway houses in Compton and Hollywood, illustrating the harsh environmental contrasts compared to the prison camps. Tony and Sonny discuss the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for release, the living conditions, safety concerns, and the bureaucratic hassles that come with halfway house regulations. They share personal anecdotes, including encounters with memorable characters and the struggles of re-adjusting to the real world while under supervised release. This episode offers invaluable insights and advice for those approaching this transition or those curious about the criminal justice system's reentry process.00:00 Intro01:43 Transitioning from Prison to Halfway House03:06 Life at the Halfway House17:42 Meeting Fellow Inmates19:00 Weekend Permissions and Routine21:09 Parole Officer Meetings23:42 Challenges and Characters29:45 Supervised Release30:17 Advice for Future Inmates32:33 Final Thoughts
Transcribe →Things We Wish We Knew Before Prison
Jul 18, 202400:35:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, hosts Tony and Sonny talk about their personal experiences and insights from serving time in federal prison. They discuss the fears and misconceptions they had before entering the system, the importance of doing thorough research, and how to navigate life in prison camps.Both Tony and Sonny share stories from their time at different security levels and offer practical advice for anyone who might be headed to prison. They highlight the mental preparation needed, the importance of connecting with fellow inmates, and the unwritten rules that govern prison life. Whether it's about dealing with territorial disputes, understanding prison hierarchies, or just surviving the emotional toll, this episode provides a comprehensive view of what it's like behind bars and aims to demystify the prison experience for future inmates.00:00 Intro01:24 Initial Fears and Misconceptions02:42 Research and Preparation Before Prison09:33 First Day in Prison Experiences15:54 Adjusting to Prison Life21:52 Navigating Social Dynamics in Prison31:58 Final Thoughts and Advice
Transcribe →Getting Fit Behind Bars
May 31, 202400:44:33Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, Tony and Sonny dive into the unique challenges and surprising solutions for maintaining health and fitness while incarcerated. From the humorous yet revealing story of Tony’s pre-prison weight gain to the rigorous workout routines that helped them stay fit, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at prison life through the lens of health and wellness.Tony and Sonny kick off the episode by discussing the topic of health and fitness in prison. Tony shares his personal story of weight gain before entering prison, humorously describing himself as "Hamburger Healthy" at 222 pounds. This sets the stage for a deeper conversation about how they both managed to stay fit during their time behind bars.The "31 Down" Pushup Challenge. Sonny details this grueling pushup routine that starts with 31 pushups and decreases by one each set, totaling 500 pushups. The hosts emphasize the importance of consistent fitness routines, sharing insights on various exercises like pushups, pull-ups, and burpees that helped them stay in shape.Sonny recounts how he found a group to work out with and the benefits of having workout partners. He shares stories about Big Mike, an imposing yet friendly inmate, who introduced him to intense burpee workouts. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and support systems that form within prison walls.The discussion then shifts to the creative cooking methods inmates use to prepare their meals. Tony and Sonny talk about how they managed to cook their meals using limited resources and contraptions. From making stir-fry and chicken soup to grilling cheese with irons, their stories highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to maintain a healthy diet in prison.Maintaining fitness post-prison is another crucial topic covered in this episode. Tony and Sonny offer advice on staying fit after release and discuss how the discipline learned in prison helps in the outside world. Tony shares his journey from gaining weight before prison to achieving a fit physique and how he maintains it post-release. They stress the importance of having a fitness routine to fall back on once outside, given the numerous distractions and pressures.
Transcribe →From Indictment to Incarceration
May 23, 202400:38:36Tap to summarizeToday marks a special episode as we introduce our new co-host, Sonny. Sonny’s story is one of unexpected turns, legal battles, and the harsh realities of prison life. This episode delves deep into his experiences, providing an eye-opening look at the journey from freedom to incarceration.We kick off the episode with Sonny reflecting on the day he received an envelope that would change his life. The indictment came two and a half years after his business had already been shut down by the government. Despite having no prior criminal history, Sonny found himself facing serious charges related to his business operations.Sonny discusses the emotional turmoil and confusion that followed the indictment. With no previous run-ins with the law, he was unprepared for the legal nightmare that ensued. Over the next two years, Sonny navigated court dates, legal fees, and the constant stress of an uncertain future. He explains how the government’s case was riddled with inaccuracies and fabrications, yet the burden of proof was on him.The anticipation of his sentencing was filled with hope and fear. Sonny’s lawyer assured him that the worst-case scenario would be home confinement or community service. However, the reality was far more devastating. In court, the judge’s unexpected harshness led to Sonny receiving a sentence of a year and a day in federal prison. The judge’s cryptic and prejudiced remarks added to the shock and disappointment.Sonny details the surreal experience of self-surrendering to Atwater Federal Prison. From his last meal at Carl’s Jr. to the moment the prison doors closed behind him, Sonny shares the visceral emotions and thoughts that raced through his mind. He describes the intake process, the dehumanizing strip search, and the adjustment to prison life.Inside Atwater, Sonny was placed in a low-security camp adjacent to a maximum-security facility. He recalls the challenges of adapting to the prison environment, including the strict routines, the fluorescent floodlights that never turned off, and the community of inmates divided by race and car assignments.One of the most memorable aspects of Sonny’s first night was his bunkmate, Eugene, a deeply religious man who would call out goodnight to every inmate each evening. This peculiar ritual, though unsettling at first, became a part of Sonny’s nightly routine.Throughout the episode, Sonny’s resilience and determination shine through. Despite the overwhelming odds and the harsh conditions, he found ways to maintain his sanity and dignity. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.Join us for this compelling episode as Sonny’s journey unfolds, shedding light on the personal impact of the criminal justice system. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intricate realities of life behind bars.
Transcribe →When I Got Caught: Henry's Story
May 14, 202401:08:33Tap to summarizeWe go into the turbulent life of Henry, who descended from a promising student to a life entangled in crime. Raised by a single mother and influenced by a lack of a male role model, Henry's journey from an academically gifted child to a participant in drug sales and petty crimes shows what happens when you hang out with the wrong crowd.Highlights:Henry shares his early years marked by high academic achievements and the pressures of living up to the expectations of a Christian Asian family.The sudden responsibility of fending for himself and his mother, grappling with economic hardships and cultural adjustments after moving from TaiwanThe pivotal moment during high school when Henry began associating with the wrong crowd, leading to his involvement with drugs and eventually dropping out of school.His first brush with the law at 18, which emboldened him rather than deterring his activities due to a lack of severe repercussions.Henry describes various encounters with law enforcement, including being set up by an undercover officer in a scenario reminiscent of "21 Jump Street."The escalation from marijuana to harder substances, marked by increasingly risky behaviors including armed robbery and dealing with larger amounts of drugs.Henry reflects on the numerous times he narrowly escaped more severe legal consequences, attributing some to sheer luck and others to minor technicalities.The impact of his actions on his personal relationships and how his criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to significant life changes.Insight into Henry’s moments of realization about the need for change, spurred by the harsh realities of jail time and the loss of freedom.His current efforts to rebuild his life and the lessons he hopes to pass on to others about the consequences of choices made in youth.Henry’s candid recount of his descent into criminal activities provides a poignant look at the consequences of societal pressures, the search for identity, and the long road to redemption. His story is a stark reminder of how quickly life can spiral out of control and the importance of guidance and positive role models in the lives of young people.
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