Podcast
Oklahoma Odyssey
Hosted by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform · EN
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, a captivating podcast that embarks on a transformative journey through the heart of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Join us as we unravel the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the pursuit of justice and equality within the state's legal system.
Meet your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, two passionate advocates for change, each bringing a unique perspective to the podcast. Ashley Bender, OK Justice Reform's Interactive Marketing Manager and the host of Navigating Justice, and Michael Olson, an attorney and OK Justice Reform's Policy Counsel, combine their expertise to shed light on the multifaceted issues that Oklahoma's criminal justice system faces.
Oklahoma Odyssey goes beyond the headlines, presenting listeners with a comprehensive exploration of the issues at hand. Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and thought-provoking discussions, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal justice reform in the state.
The podcast will cover a range of crucial themes, including:
- The impact of mass incarceration on communities and families.
- Racial and socioeconomic disparities within the criminal justice system.
- The role of law enforcement, courts, and corrections in shaping outcomes.
- Rehabilitation and reentry programs aiming to break the cycle of incarceration.
- Grassroots movements and policy initiatives that are driving change.
Whether you're an advocate for reform, a curious citizen, or someone simply seeking to understand the dynamics of the criminal justice system, Oklahoma Odyssey invites you to join us on this enlightening voyage. Through captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, we strive to illuminate the path toward a more just and equitable Oklahoma.
Tune in to Oklahoma Odyssey biweekly, where justice takes center stage, stories are given a voice, and change is the destination. Subscribe now and be part of the journey for a better tomorrow.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Advocating for Equality: Unveiling Oklahoma's Crusade for Justice
Apr 26, 202400:52:01Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in this eye-opening episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they delve into the crucial role of advocacy in the fight for equality within the state's criminal justice system. Special guest Tasneem Al-Michael of OCCJ shares valuable insights and experiences, shedding light on the power of advocacy to drive meaningful change. From grassroots efforts to legislative initiatives, discover how passionate voices are shaping the future of justice reform in Oklahoma. Tune in for a compelling conversation that highlights the importance of speaking up and taking action.
Transcribe →On the Same Page: Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable
Apr 5, 202401:11:10Tap to summarizeWelcome to another episode of Oklahoma Odyssey with your hosts Michael Olson and Ashley Bender! In this month's installment of our series "On the Same Page," we delve into the thought-provoking book "Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable." Join us as we dissect the author's exploration of the evolving dynamics between law enforcement and accountability, and discuss how these themes resonate within our community. From examining historical precedents to considering contemporary implications, we navigate the complex intersections of policing, power, and justice. Tune in as we connect the dots between the pages of "Shielded" and the realities of criminal justice in our own backyard.
Transcribe →Unveiling the Hidden Economy: The Impact of Prison Labor
Mar 29, 202401:17:01Tap to summarizeJoin Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on a captivating journey into the intricate web of relationships between prison labor and the broader economy. In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into the often-overlooked role of incarcerated individuals in fueling industries beyond the confines of prison walls. From manufacturing to agriculture, retail to technology, prison labor quietly permeates various sectors, shaping economic landscapes in ways we may never have imagined. Discover how prison labor intersects with corporate interests, governmental policies, and societal norms, influencing everything from consumer goods to infrastructure development. Through insightful interviews, expert analysis, and compelling narratives, we uncover the complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in the utilization of prison labor. From the exploitation of cheap labor to the potential for rehabilitation and skill-building, we explore the multifaceted dimensions of prison labor and its far-reaching implications for both incarcerated individuals and society at large. Whether you're a seasoned economist, social justice advocate, or curious listener, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and spark thought-provoking conversations about the intersection of labor, justice, and the economy.
Transcribe →On the Same Page: Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining Is a Bad Deal
Mar 9, 202400:53:29Tap to summarizeIn this month's On the Same Page episode, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the acclaimed book "Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining Is a Bad Deal" by Carissa Byrne Hessick. Join us as we dissect the intricate layers of the plea bargaining system and unravel its profound implications on our criminal justice system. Drawing from Hessick's insightful analysis, we delve into the complexities of plea bargaining, shedding light on its prevalence, mechanics, and the far-reaching consequences for defendants, victims, and society at large. Through engaging discussions with legal experts, scholars, and practitioners, we examine the ethical dilemmas, systemic inequalities, and erosion of due process inherent in this often-overlooked aspect of our legal system. As we navigate through the pages of "Punishment Without Trial," we confront uncomfortable truths and challenge conventional wisdom, sparking a dialogue on the urgent need for reform. Join us as we confront the realities of plea bargaining and strive towards a more just and equitable path forward in Oklahoma's pursuit of justice.
Transcribe →Behind Bars: A Journey Through the Ages of Punishment
Feb 23, 202401:19:10Tap to summarizeIn this captivating episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson with Project Manager Jennifer Williams, embark on an illuminating journey through the annals of history, tracing the evolution of punishment and confinement across civilizations and epochs. Join us as we uncover the origins, practices, and societal attitudes towards punishment, from ancient times to the modern era. From the dungeons of antiquity to the emergence of penitentiaries, we delve into the various forms of punishment that have shaped human societies. Through engaging narratives and expert insights, we explore the motivations behind punitive measures, the shifting perceptions of justice, and the enduring legacies of past practices on contemporary criminal justice systems. As we traverse through millennia of history, we confront the stark realities of punishment, from its role as a tool of social control to its potential for rehabilitation and redemption. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of punishment throughout the ages, shedding light on its profound impact on the human experience and the quest for justice in Oklahoma and beyond.
Transcribe →On the Same Page: Rebooting Justice: More Technology, Fewer Lawyers, and the Future of Law
Feb 9, 202400:59:55Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on another riveting episode of our monthly series "On the Same Page". This month we are looking into the book "Rebooting Justice: More Technology, Fewer Lawyers, and the Future of Law." In this illuminating exploration, our dynamic hosts dissect the transformative impact of technology on the legal landscape and question the traditional role of lawyers in our justice system. As always, we invite our listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences related to legal tech and justice reform. Join the conversation on social media with our new pages @oklahomaodyssey on Facebook and @oklahomaodysseypodcast on Instagram and be a part of the dialogue shaping the future of our legal system. Whether you're a legal professional, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of justice, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to Justice Unplugged for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and an exploration of the intersection between technology and the law.
Transcribe →Chronicles of Consequence: Unraveling the War on Drugs
Jan 19, 202401:06:34Tap to summarizeJoin your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, on a gripping journey through the labyrinthine corridors of history in this special episode of Oklahoma Odyssey. In "Chronicles of Consequence: Unraveling the War on Drugs," we embark on an exploration of the comprehensive history of the war on drugs — a multifaceted narrative that has left an indelible mark on communities, policies, and lives. Ashley and Michael delve deep into the historical origins of the war on drugs, tracing its evolution from its early stages to the complex landscape we navigate today. They peel back the layers to discover lesser-known facts and nuances surrounding the war on drugs. Concluding the episode, our hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion on the prospects of reform, considering alternative approaches and envisioning a future beyond the traditional war on drugs paradigm.
Transcribe →On the Same Page: The Courage of Compassion
Jan 5, 202401:16:16Tap to summarizeDive into a profound exploration of compassion, justice, and advocacy in our latest episode as hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson engage in a compelling conversation with the esteemed author of 'The Courage of Compassion,' Robin Steinberg. Together, they unravel the transformative power of compassion within the realm of criminal justice. Steinberg shares insights from her book, delving into stories of resilience and the pursuit of a more compassionate legal system. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that transcends the pages of the book, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the intersection between compassion and justice.
Transcribe →Reforming Justice: Oklahoma's 2023 Triumphs and the Road Ahead
Dec 30, 202300:44:27Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on this episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, we delve into the transformative strides made in criminal justice reform throughout the year 2023 in the Sooner State. Join us as we recap the remarkable successes, from innovative policies to impactful initiatives, that have reshaped the landscape of Oklahoma's criminal justice system. From reducing incarceration rates to promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, we explore the initiatives that have paved the way for a more equitable and effective approach to justice. Our guests, including policymakers, activists, and experts, share insights into the key milestones achieved and the lessons learned along the journey. As we reflect on the progress made, we also turn our gaze towards the horizon, examining the challenges that lie ahead and the strategies needed to sustain and build upon the momentum of reform in the coming year. Join us on this enlightening journey through Oklahoma's evolving criminal justice landscape.
Transcribe →On the Same Page: A Christmas in Prison
Dec 8, 202300:37:51Tap to summarizeJoin hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in a poignant episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they explore the heartfelt Harper's Magazine piece, "Christmas in Prison" by Kenneth Hartman with the author Kenneth himself. This captivating episode delves into the profound reflections and experiences shared by Hartman during the holiday season behind bars. Dive into the evocative storytelling of Kenneth Hartman as he paints a vivid picture of Christmas in the confines of a prison cell. The Harper's Magazine piece, 'Christmas in Prison,' opens a window into a world many seldom glimpse, offering a unique perspective on the holiday spirit within the confines of incarceration.
Transcribe →