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WELCOME TO SEASON 5 of The Hidden Sentence Podcast.

The purpose of this podcast and it's blog is to help educate and empower those who have or had a loved one in prison.  Did you know that the chances are very high that someone you know has had a loved one incarcerated? Or maybe you are part of the 50% of the US population* who has or had a loved one in the carceral system? Indirectly we are all affected, and if you have a loved one in prison you are probably doing the time even though you committed no crime. This is the Hidden Sentence. The sentence does not end once your loved one is released either. Depending on the type of release he or she may still need to deal with probation or parole which carries its own set of regulations. So the prison issue continues for an indeterminable about of time. Prison: The Hidden Sentence is about those friends and family members on the outside. We are raising awareness one story at a time.

Sponsorship opportunities available - email contact@PrisonTheHiddenSentence.com.

*https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/nearly-half-americans-have-close-family-member-who-has-been-incarcerated-180971645/

Episode Blogs

Prison the Hidden Sentence | Jay Rutherford | Life After Incarceration
  Prison changed the course of Jay Rutherford’s life—but what he did after his release is what makes his story unforgettable. In this episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, host Julia Lazareck sits down with Jay Rutherford, a New Jersey advocate who knows the system from the inside out, having served time himself before dedicating his life to lifting others up. Jay opens up about his own journey through incarceration and the hard-won lessons that
Prison the Hidden Sentence | Dale And Karen | Supporting Incarcerated Loved Ones
  When their son’s arrest shattered their world, Dale and Karen were thrust into an unfamiliar and overwhelming system with no roadmap—but their unwavering love and determination became his lifeline through both incarceration and reentry. In this powerful episode, this devoted couple opens up about the full journey: supporting their son behind bars, navigating the complexities of the system, and then guiding him through the critical transition home. From securing housing and employment to rebuilding
Prison the Hidden Sentence | Jonas Royster | Probation Success
  Prison is often seen as an ending, but for Jonas Royster, the real transformation began after his release – when deep self-introspection led him to take ownership of his life and turn his lived experience into a powerful force for change. Joining Julia Lazareck, the award-winning author, leadership educator, and CEO of Hood Proverbz shares how reshaping his mindset allowed him to guide incarcerated people towards achieving probation success. He discusses how he built
Prison the Hidden Sentence | Jacklyn Eva | Addiction And Incarceration
Incarceration and addiction can tear families apart, but today’s episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and second chances. Jacklyn Eva shares her deeply moving journey of navigating her husband’s incarceration and their shared battle with addiction, revealing how they’ve maintained their connection and built a foundation of healing and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction or incarceration—or anyone who believes in the strength of the human
Prison the Hidden Sentence | Jovan Jackson | Incarcerated Legislator
The first formerly incarcerated person ever elected to the Nevada Legislature, Assemblymember Jovan Jackson, joins us on Prison the Hidden Sentence. From serving time in prison to serving his community in the State Assembly, Jovan’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. He opens up about how his lived experience fuels his fight for criminal justice reform, restoring voting rights, and expanding opportunities for families impacted by incarceration. This inspiring conversation highlights how one

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