Summary of "Criminal" Podcast Episode: "Tabatha"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Criminal
- Host/Author: Vox Media Podcast Network
- Description: Criminal is a groundbreaking show that delves into stories about individuals who have done wrong, been wronged, or found themselves caught in the middle. Hosted by Phoebe Judge, it was named a Best Podcast of 2023 by the New York Times.
- Episode: Tabatha
- Release Date: May 2, 2025
1. Early Life and Family Responsibilities (01:11 - 02:00)
Tabitha Tramell introduces herself as the eldest of nine siblings, a role that required her to take on significant responsibilities from a young age. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, she navigated the challenges of her large family dynamic.
“I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.” — Tabitha Tramell ([01:29])
As the eldest, Tabitha was accountable for her younger brothers and sisters, often bearing the emotional and practical burdens of raising them.
“I had to help raise them, so I was held accountable for their actions.” — Tabitha Tramell ([01:42])
2. Teenage Pregnancy and Disownment (02:00 - 04:14)
At 15, Tabitha became pregnant, an event that drastically altered her life trajectory. Coming from a devout Jehovah's Witness family, this news was met with severe repercussions.
“I was terrified because we grew up in a very religious family. We was Jehovah's Witness.” — Tabitha Tramell ([03:00])
Her mother disowned her upon discovering the pregnancy, forcing Tabitha to move in with her grandmother in a one-bedroom apartment. This period was marked by isolation and fear of ostracization from her religious community.
3. Introduction to Drug Dealing and First Arrest (04:14 - 07:36)
Living with her grandmother, Tabitha's uncle introduced her to selling marijuana. Despite her young age and pregnancy, she engaged in drug distribution, sourcing marijuana from her uncle and selling it to her peers.
“He knew he was giving it to me and I was bringing him money back for it.” — Tabitha Tramell ([04:35])
Her first arrest occurred when she sold drugs to an undercover agent while six months pregnant. At the Atlanta pre-trial detention center on Decatur Street, Tabitha faced the harsh realities of the criminal justice system.
“I was the youngest person in there.” — Tabitha Tramell ([05:44])
During this time, Tabitha experienced neglect and a lack of support, exacerbating her difficult circumstances.
4. Incarceration Experiences and Emotional Struggles (07:36 - 10:14)
Tabitha recounts her subsequent arrests and the emotional toll of frequent incarcerations. She describes the inhumane treatment from guards, including threats of solitary confinement and neglect of her basic needs during her postpartum period.
“They were threatened with solitary confinement when she complained about pain or asked to see a doctor.” — Phoebe Judge ([09:24])
Her interactions with older inmates provided some solace, as they offered emotional support and practical advice to cope with her situation.
5. Turning Point: Rehabilitation and New Purpose (10:14 - 11:19)
A pivotal moment occurred while Tabitha awaited transportation from Fulton County Jail to prison. Conversations with older inmates introduced her to a Christ-centered rehabilitation facility, inspiring her to seek a path toward normalcy and reform.
“I thought, wow, I'm gonna live like a normal person.” — Tabitha Tramell ([11:19])
This decision marked the beginning of a significant transformation in her life.
6. Becoming a Doula for Incarcerated Women (11:19 - 19:51)
Tabitha joined a program designed to help formerly incarcerated women find employment, where she discovered training to become a doula. Doulas are non-medical support persons who assist pregnant women and new mothers.
“It's a support person that helps you be in control of your labor.” — Tabitha Tramell ([14:43])
For seven years, Tabitha has been working as a doula, primarily assisting incarcerated women. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support, teaching coping mechanisms, and helping women navigate the complexities of the prison system.
“I treated her how I wanted to be treated when I was in that dark place.” — Tabitha Tramell ([16:53])
7. Testimony at the Senate Human Rights Subcommittee Hearing (23:43 - 26:04)
Tabitha testified at a Senate Human Rights Subcommittee hearing, sharing her personal experiences and highlighting the ongoing neglect and mistreatment of pregnant women in Georgia's jails and prisons.
“It hadn't changed since I've been there and I had to testify to those facts.” — Tabitha Tramell ([23:59])
Another woman, Tiana Hill, shared her harrowing story of mistreatment and the tragic loss of her child while incarcerated, reinforcing Tabitha's observations.
8. Legislative Impact and Ongoing Advocacy (26:04 - 33:22)
Inspired by the testimonies of Tabitha and others, Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff introduced a bill aimed at improving the treatment of pregnant women in custody. The bill seeks to mandate reporting on the number of pregnant inmates, the care they receive, and the outcomes of their pregnancies.
Tabitha continues her advocacy by helping women navigate the criminal justice system, reconnect with their children, and cope with the emotional strains of incarceration.
“You look at that picture. This is what I'm working toward.” — Tabitha Tramell ([26:41])
She also supports older women whose adult children have died, helping them find meaning and closure.
9. Personal Reflections and Legacy (29:40 - 33:22)
Reflecting on her own journey, Tabitha acknowledges the shame and guilt she felt during her pregnancies and incarcerations. By supporting others, she finds healing and a sense of purpose.
“It made me feel whole as a person again.” — Tabitha Tramell ([29:53])
Her efforts have led to successful reunifications between mothers and their children, providing hope and encouragement to those still confined.
“They call me Granny, too. Cause they hear my grandchildren call me Granny.” — Tabitha Tramell ([32:59])
Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps
- Tabitha Tramell ([01:29]): “I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([01:42]): “I had to help raise them, so I was held accountable for their actions.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([03:00]): “I was terrified because we grew up in a very religious family. We was Jehovah's Witness.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([04:35]): “He knew he was giving it to me and I was bringing him money back for it.”
- Phoebe Judge ([05:44]): “And they booked me in and I had to call my grandmother. I was the youngest person in there.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([14:43]): “It's a support person that helps you be in control of your labor.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([16:53]): “I treated her how I wanted to be treated when I was in that dark place.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([23:59]): “It hadn't changed since I've been there and I had to testify to those facts.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([26:41]): “You look at that picture. This is what I'm working toward.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([29:53]): “It made me feel whole as a person again.”
- Tabitha Tramell ([32:59]): “They call me Granny, too. Cause they hear my grandchildren call me Granny.”
Conclusion
The "Tabatha" episode of Criminal offers a profound and intimate look into Tabitha Tramell's life, showcasing her resilience in the face of adversity. From her challenging upbringing and early encounters with the criminal justice system to her transformation into a doula and advocate, Tabitha's story underscores the importance of support, empathy, and systemic change. Her advocacy work has not only impacted her own life but also brought attention to the critical issues faced by pregnant women in the incarceration system, prompting legislative action aimed at improving their treatment and care.
End of Summary