Best Dear Old State Podcasts (2025)

1
An Update From An Old Friend 32:51

9d ago32:51

32:51

Longtime listeners might remember a special episode of the podcast inviting listeners to a wedding inside San Quentin. In 2022, one of the producers from our original San Quentin cohort, Edmond Richardson, married the love of his life, Avelina. Today, all six of the members of that first cohort have been released from prison. Edmond came home late …

1
S4, E7 - Home Cooking 27:59

23d ago27:59

27:59

It’s no secret that the food inside prison is – to put it mildly – not great. That’s why folks in prison often daydream about memorable meals from their pasts, and find creative ways to make their own food inside their cells. Today on the episode, host Greg Eskridge goes to his first Thanksgiving dinner in over 30 years. We’ll hear about the magic …

1
S4, E6 - Hey Mr. DJ 30:13

1M ago30:13

30:13

As a little kid, Anthony Ivy thought to himself, “When I grow up, I want to be a hustler.” He got what he wanted, but he also ended up in prison. Eventually, that same drive led him to a brand new hustle on the outside. This time, it’s legal. This week, we’re handing over the mic to Ivy. He’ll share his story and tell you about an amazing Uncuffed …

1
S4, E5 - The Truth 33:25

2M ago33:25

33:25

Sometimes its easier to keep up with a lie, especially when you're worried that the truth will hurt those you care about most. In this episode, we'll hear stories about people who work up the courage to open up with their families, despite the hurdles in front of them. And for the first time, we’ll hear a roundtable discussion from our new particip…

1
Uncuffed Presents: Fire Escape 11:11

2M ago11:11

11:11

Fire Escape is a ground-breaking podcast that explores the world of incarcerated firefighters through the real-life story of Amika Mota. Listen to a clip from the first episode, and follow Fire Escape on the Wondery App, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit www.wondery.com/links/fire-escape to listen to this incredible story today!…

1
S4, E4 - Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself 31:34

3M ago31:34

31:34

What happens when you want to change your name, and the person behind it? This week, Uncuffed shares stories about all the things we’re called — nicknames, gang names, names meant to hurt us, or names meant to take our identity away — and what it means to get rid of that old self and call ourselves something else. If you're looking for support, you…

1
S4, E3 - Where Were You In '92? 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

The ‘90s were a pivotal time in California history, and people in prisons are still living with the consequences. That decade, California incarcerated more than 60,000 people, many of them Black men. Some of those people are still living inside California prisons, including a few of our Uncuffed producers. In this episode, Uncuffed goes back in tim…

1
S4, E2 - Catching Up 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

What happens when you get out of prison after 30 years? There's a lot of celebration, and also a lot of serious catching up to do. And who do you turn to if something goes wrong? Greg gets advice from friends who also recently came home. And inside San Quentin, André Davis talks about going from flunking the first grade decades ago, to finally gett…

1
S4, E1 - Day One 7:38

4M ago7:38

7:38

Last summer, something monumental happened. One of Uncuffed's founding producers, Greg Eskridge, came home after more than 30 years in prison. In this episode we’ll bring you back to that emotional day last summer when he walked out of the San Quentin gates, free at last. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the Californ…

1
Uncuffed Season 4: Back With New Stories! 2:10

4M ago2:10

2:10

KALW's award-winning podcast Uncuffed is back with a brand new season! First episode drops on January 30th. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed…

1
The doctor said he’d never walk again. He was wrong. 12:48

6M ago12:48

12:48

A message from Uncuffed alum Anthony Ivy: After 12 years behind bars, I’m now living life on the outside, navigating this new chapter. Since getting out, I’ve been hired and mentored by Uncuffed. I’m currently enrolled in KALW’s Audio Academy program and an Uncuffed audio engineering class. I’m also working as an associate producer for the DJ Uncuf…

1
People in California prisons can't vote. Your vote will change their lives. 34:59

7M ago34:59

34:59

The Uncuffed producers can't vote. But you better believe they still have opinions. On this episode, ballot measures that would change prison life in California. And, a fresh take on the "felon vs. prosecutor" narrative dominating the presidential race. California voting rights and information: https://bit.ly/CAVotingRightsWithARecord People in pri…

1
Uncuffed Presents: Track Change 33:06

1y ago33:06

33:06

Uncuffed is pleased to share the new podcast, Track Change. Follow a group of men in Richmond, Virginia as they record an album inside a local county jail - a soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.By Thanh Tran, Uncuffed

1
Prison Jobs: Working Hard, Hardly Paid 29:44

1y ago29:44

29:44

In California, incarcerated people legally have to work. One thing the jobs have in common? The next-to-nothing pay. Uncuffed gets down to business on the topic of involuntary servitude. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are availab…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: All My Life 3:46

1y ago3:46

3:46

Brian Asey at San Quentin on "All My Life," by K-Ci & JoJo. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at …

1
Opening Up After Getting Out: Stories From Re-Entry 34:11

1y ago34:11

34:11

Childhood trauma, embracing differences, and putting your heart out there - what it feels like to return home after prison. A special re-entry episode of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Locked Up And Grinding All My Life 7:52

1y ago7:52

7:52

Anthony Ivy and Timothy Hicks on “Locked Up” by Lil Durk and "Grinding All My Life" by Nipsey Hussle. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available wi…

1
Goodbye, Solano State Prison — Welcome Home, Luis 32:14

1y ago32:14

32:14

Meet an Uncuffed producer as he leaves prison. Luis shares his hopes for a new life, and his colleagues inside talk about getting used to a reality without him. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the ep…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Ambitionz Az A Ridah 3:43

1y ago3:43

3:43

Steve Brooks at San Quentin on “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” by Tupac Shakur. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode com…

1
Got Nothin' On The Chow Line: Navigating Life Outside Of Prison 30:55

1+ y ago30:55

30:55

A founding Uncuffed producer visits prison again, this time as a free man. Tommy "Shakur" Ross shares stories and advice from almost two years of freedom. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode …

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: The World I Know 5:12

1+ y ago5:12

5:12

Bryan Mazza at Solano on "The World I Know," by Collective Soul. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out…

1
Striking Out Stigma: A Prison Team Goes Beyond Baseball 26:01

1+ y ago26:01

26:01

People in prison are no stranger to stereotypes. This week, stories about breaking stereotypes everywhere from the classroom to the San Quentin baseball diamond. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the e…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Mama Tried 3:27

1+ y ago3:27

3:27

Ryan Pagan at San Quentin on “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at …

1
Lavell's Choice: Healing Or Revenge? 35:13

1+ y ago35:13

35:13

When violence has been normal for so long, it can be difficult to give it up. The Uncuffed team at Solano shares stories about the moments they decided to change course. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week …

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Take Me To Church 4:42

1+ y ago4:42

4:42

bf thames at Solano on "Take Me To Church" by Hozier. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.By bf thames, Uncuffed

1
Grieving, Interrupted 31:40

1+ y ago31:40

31:40

Prison conditions make it difficult to grieve inside. How do you process loss when you’re alone, when crying isn’t ok, and asking for help can be dangerous? Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episod…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: This Christmas 8:22

1+ y ago8:22

8:22

Greg Eskridge at San Quentin on “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Tra…

1
Who Let The Dogs In? Dog Training In Prison 25:38

1+ y ago25:38

25:38

Can pets in prison create healing? Uncuffed goes inside a special dog training program at Solano, and shares what it’s like to do time with a four-legged companion. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of th…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Stomp! 5:07

1+ y ago5:07

5:07

Jay Evans at Solano on "Stomp!" by The Brothers Johnson. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts ar…

1
Art Saved My Life 35:54

1+ y ago35:54

35:54

San Quentin producers reflect on the lessons –– both good and bad –– that are passed down from family. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.By Timothy Hicks, Ryan Pagan, Greg Eskridge, Brian Asey, Uncuffed

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Love, Me 3:29

1+ y ago3:29

3:29

Anthony Caravalho at San Quentin on "Love, Me" by Collin Raye. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcri…

1
Hole In The Heart: A Love Stronger Than Prison Walls 33:34

1+ y ago33:34

33:34

The Solano team shares their stories of maintaining love from behind bars, and the intense heartbreak of losing someone you love. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.…

1
Uncuffed My Mixtape: Dear Mama 3:52

1+ y ago3:52

3:52

Juan Haines at San Quentin on "Dear Mama" by Tupac Shakur. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts …

1
Pickleball: Can A Game Change Prison Culture? 39:05

1+ y ago39:05

39:05

Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an ambitious goal to transform San Quentin State Prison. His plans for the new San Quentin Rehabilitation Center focus on rehabilitation, job training, and improved relationships between staff and residents. The governor hopes that the changes at San Quentin will spread across California…

1
Season 3: Uncuffed Is Back! 2:05

1+ y ago2:05

2:05

Uncuffed, the award-winning podcast hosted by people in San Quentin and Solano State Prisons, is back for its third season! Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/pod…

1
What Can California Learn From Norway’s Prisons? 29:18

2+ y ago29:18

29:18

In our previous episode, a team of formerly incarcerated producers visited a prison from another planet. Or at least that's how it seemed. Norway's progressive and unique prison system is wildly different from anything in the United States, and it serves as a model for folks trying to make a change here. So now we’re heading back to another Norwegi…

1
A Prison From Another Planet 31:35

2+ y ago31:35

31:35

Last summer, some formerly incarcerated graduates of the Uncuffed program…By Greg Eskridge, Tommy "Shakur" Ross, Juan Haines, Rahsaan "New York" Thomas

1
Prison Radio International 35:10

2+ y ago35:10

35:10

Last summer, the Uncuffed team was invited to the world’s first International Prison Radio Conference in Oslo, Norway. Formerly incarcerated producers and staff hopped on a plane (some for the first time in their lives), and joined other prison radio makers from countries like Australia, India, and the UK. On this special episode of Uncuffed, we're…

1
Prison’s Secret Santas (2019) 25:48

2+ y ago25:48

25:48

For people in prison, the holiday season can be a painful time. Many miss their families and traditions. But it’s also a time when they get together with food and acts of kindness. During the holiday season, we're playing you a favorite episode from season one, all about making it through the holidays in prison. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed new…

1
Uncuffed Presents: Becoming Muslim 22:58

2+ y ago22:58

22:58

At Folsom State Prison, Wendell El-Amin James gravitated towards incarcerated Muslims out of a need for protection. But ultimately his conversion restructured his life to one of education and purpose. Uncuffed presents a special episode from our friends at KALW podcast The Spiritual Edge. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncu…

1
An Uncuffed Thank You 2:35

2+ y ago2:35

2:35

In this season of gratitude, two founding co-hosts of Uncuffed, Tommy "Shakur" Ross and Thanh Tran, give a special update on the program. Thank you to everyone who supported Uncuffed during our emergency fundraiser! Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Tr…

1
I'm Somebody's Hero 40:52

2+ y ago40:52

40:52

Growing up, Uncuffed Producer Thanh Tran never truly felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care system, was in and out of juvenile hall as a teenager. And then, shortly after his 18th birthday, he went to prison. Just over a decade later, he got what he had been working toward for years — his freedom. Learn more, and donate to suppor…

1
When A Mother's Love Becomes Violent 30:15

2+ y ago30:15

30:15

As a child, Francisco Magaña was afraid of his mother. She would beat him, and he’s carried that pain with him for his entire life. But despite that, he managed to forgive her. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week o…

1
You're Invited To An Uncuffed Wedding 32:50

2+ y ago32:50

32:50

We joyfully request the honor of your presence at an extra special wedding. Our Uncuffed producer, Edmond Richardson is marrying the love of his life. And you’ll bear witness to his marriage in an unlikely place: San Quentin State Prison. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Fa…

1
My Enemy Saved My Life 20:37

2+ y ago20:37

20:37

Death is a normal part of life in prison, but it’s rare that someone can live to tell the tale. Wilbert Stoneham dropped to the floor one day after a cardiac arrest. He awoke to realize he was being brought back to life by a guard who was once his nemesis. How a near-death experience can change your perspective on everything, including someone you …

1
Humor As Medicine: Aging And Compassion In Prison 31:41

2+ y ago31:41

31:41

California's prison population is aging. Between 2000 and 2017, the share of incarcerated people over 50 has more than quintupled. For those with long or life sentences, watching friends aging and getting sick behind bars is a harsh reminder of what a life sentence can really mean. On this episode of Uncuffed, we hear the story of someone who deals…

1
It's Never Too Late: Fatherhood From Inside Prison 31:11

2+ y ago31:11

31:11

One of the many struggles of parenting from inside prison is the constant fear that your children may follow in your footsteps. Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to get in trouble at school, lack stable housing, and end up involved in the criminal legal system themselves. And breaking those cycles is not easy, especially when contact…

1
You've Got Mail: Surprise Letters During Lockdown 24:21

3y ago24:21

24:21

Letter writing is an art, and the Uncuffed producers at San Quentin State Prison know that very well. At the height of the pandemic, after weeks of constant lockdowns, one of the only thing to do was write letters to friends and family. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Face…

1
Man Down: COVID Strikes At San Quentin 30:31

3y ago30:31

30:31

In June 2020, San Quentin had one of the biggest COVID-19 outbreaks in a California prison. 2,000 incarcerated people were infected, and 29 died. Two cellmates recount what it was like during that devastating time. Thanks to Mourning Our Losses for the names of those who died of COVID at San Quentin. www.mourningourlosses.org. Learn more, and donat…

1
Uncuffed Season 2: Coming Soon! 2:00

3y ago2:00

2:00

It's been a wild couple of years, and in California prisons, it was no different. We experienced lockdowns and quarantines, death, friendship, and love. Get ready for a brand new season of Uncuffed!This season, we'll hear about how some unexpected letters during the pandemic changed everything for a family divided. We'll listen up close as some our…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dear Old State Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen