Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Letters To My Daughters From The Inside (feat. Sharita Mona)
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Savannah Chrisley
Guest: Sharita Mona

Introduction

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of “Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley,” Savannah welcomes Sharita Mona to discuss her harrowing experiences with incarceration and her heartfelt initiative, writing letters to her daughters from inside prison. The conversation delves into the oppressive conditions within the prison system, the impact of incarceration on families, and Sharita’s journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Prison Conditions and Personal Struggles

Savannah (00:29): "I got a lot of people that aren't too happy with me. No, she. Yeah, she's not real happy with me."

Sharita opens up about the harsh realities within the prison, highlighting the systemic issues and the mistreatment she and her family have faced. She details specific incidents, such as the warden's retaliation after her appearance in People magazine, where discussions about white privilege were met with hostility.

Sharita (01:05): "More so she has experienced in a more subtle way of like... she didn't want them to put the food up before she was able to get her food."

Sharita recounts how her mother was unjustly punished by correctional officers (COs), including being locked in the cafeteria and having her mail and emails tampered with. She contrasts the treatment of her mother and father, illustrating the disparity and blatant cruelty faced by her father, including deliberate raids and confiscation of personal items like underwear and commissary food.

Daily Life and Coping Mechanisms

The discussion shifts to the grim daily conditions within the prison, emphasizing the lack of basic necessities such as air conditioning and adequate food. Sharita describes how inmates resort to using items like maxi pads and tampons for multiple purposes, showcasing the resourcefulness born out of necessity.

Sharita (07:25): "Sometimes you may get like a fresh pear or an apple, sometimes bananas at breakfast. That's the extent of fresh for the most part."

She also touches on the poor quality of commissary food, often old and unfit for human consumption, leading inmates to rely on stale bag lunches filled with bread, bologna, and pastries.

The Letter-Writing Initiative

A pivotal part of the episode centers around Sharita’s innovative approach to maintaining a connection with her daughters through letter writing. Due to inconsistent access to stamps and the inability to send letters regularly, Sharita began writing numerous letters, accumulating them to give to her daughters upon her release.

Sharita (08:55): "And so when things would happen and it would make me think about something that related to them. So my perspective on prison is I truly trust now that all things happen for my good."

These letters serve as a means for Sharita to process her experiences, reflect on her time in prison, and impart invaluable life lessons to her daughters about resilience, relationships, and personal growth.

Challenges of Reentry into Society

Upon her release, Sharita discusses the emotional and psychological challenges of reintegrating into society. She highlights the trauma and difficulty in adjusting to a world that has moved on without her, including the evolution of technology and societal changes.

Sharita (36:10): "I think the hardest thing was I had changed so much. Like, even if you talk to my kids, they're always like, mama, you're so different."

She emphasizes the lack of adequate mental health support within the prison system, making the transition even more daunting. Sharita’s continued therapy post-release underscores the ongoing struggle to reconcile her past experiences with her present reality.

Building a New Life and Mission

Sharita shares her proactive steps in rebuilding her life, utilizing platforms like TikTok to tell her story and regain control of her narrative. She aims to prevent others from having to endure similar hardships by openly discussing her journey and advocating for better mental health support and reentry programs.

Sharita (40:19): "Tell it for somebody else. Get control of your own narrative."

Her mission extends to empowering her daughters and other incarcerated individuals to find strength and resilience despite the adversities they face.

Impact on Family and Relationships

The episode poignantly explores the strain incarceration places on family dynamics, particularly the relationship between Sharita and her daughters. Sharita reflects on the emotional toll of being absent and the efforts to maintain a bond through written communication.

Savannah (22:11): "So the first time they'll get them is when the book comes out?"

Sharita’s book, “Letters To My Daughters From The Inside,” serves as a testament to her love and dedication, offering her daughters a piece of her heart and lessons learned from her time in prison.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, both Savannah and Sharita express hope for the future, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and the pursuit of a better life despite past mistakes. Sharita’s resilience and determination to create a positive legacy for her children shine through, inspiring listeners to support inmates and their families.

Sharita (42:21): "I'm just starting to feel like I'm settled."

The conversation also touches on the broader need for prison reform and the implementation of comprehensive mental health services to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates.

Notable Quotes

• Savannah (00:15): "All right, y'all, we're back with Sharita for part two of our episode. Clearly we had a lot to go over, so you get two weeks of us."

• Sharita (08:55): "My perspective on prison is I truly trust now that all things happen for my good. Even prison was for my. It was for my good."

• Sharita (40:19): "Tell it for somebody else. Get control of your own narrative."

• Sharita (36:10): "I think the hardest thing was I had changed so much. Like, even if you talk to my kids, they're always like, mama, you're so different."

• Sharita (42:21): "I'm just starting to feel like I'm settled."

Final Thoughts

This episode of “Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley” offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of someone navigating the complexities of incarceration and its aftermath. Through Sharita Mona’s courageous storytelling, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome, highlighting the urgent need for compassionate prison reform and support systems for those affected by the justice system.

Availability:
Sharita’s book, “Letters To My Daughters From The Inside,” is available for pre-order on Amazon and her personal website at freesharita.com. The book is set to release in April, providing further insights and detailed accounts of her experiences and lessons learned.