Uncuffed

KALW

Uncuffed empowers people in California prisons to tell their own stories. The award-winning collaboration between incarcerated student producers and professional journalists shines light on the human experience of people before, during, and after their prison terms.

https://www.uncuffed.org

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S5 · E4
Wednesday · 30 min
S5, E4 - Unexpected Family
Family can mean a lot of different things. It can be the people we grew up with or the community we choose to keep close. Sometimes, we find family in unexpected places. In this episode, our producers discover long-lost relatives, learn about siblings they didn’t know they had, and even meet family members who surprisingly came back into their lives. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org. Check out more DJ sets from the Uncuffed Playlist on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@weareuncuffed. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.
S5 · E3
August 12 · 28 min
S5, E3 - Dance Dance Revolution
The saying tells us that we should “dance like no-one is watching.” That’s easier said than done in prison, where lots of people are watching and many of them are judging. In this episode, we’re talking about it anyway. We’re breaking it down, busting a move, cutting a rug; we’ll hear stories about how dancing in prison can be a bridge between cultures or a way to connect with your kids. Dancing can break your heart, or it could even save your life. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.
S5 · E2
July 29 · 25 min
S5, E2 - More Than A Game
In sports, even when the game is extremely physical, sometimes the biggest tests happen in our own minds. In this episode, we'll hear pieces from San Quentin and The California Institution for Women that show how healthy competition can help us connect us to other people and push us to do better ourselves. And even with a special chess match or a middle school track meet, those challenges can be way more than just games. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.
S5 · E1
July 15 · 29 min
S5, E1 - Just A Kid
We're kicking off Season 5 by going back in time to the defining childhood experiences of Uncuffed producers inside three California Prisons. Host Greg Eskridge introduces us to new storytellers at The California Institution for Women, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and Solano State Prison. We’ll hear how an accusation changed the course of one girl’s life, about a kid’s misguided dream to go to prison, and what happens when you’re forced into grown up situations too soon — whether in war, or on the streets. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook
June 19 · 2 min
Get Ready For Uncuffed Season 5!
Uncuffed is back for Season 5! Stay tuned for powerful and personal stories made by people in California prisons. Host Greg Eskridge will introduce us to a talented group of storytellers stepping up to the mic for the first time at the California Institution for Women, San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, and Solano State Prison. New episodes drop July 15.
S4 · E11
Aug 14, 2025 · 27 min
S4, E11 - One Year Out
It’s been just over a year since Greg Eskridge walked out of the San Quentin gates after spending 30 years in prison, and he has been busy! Greg has spent the year reconnecting with family, navigating parole, and finding new meaning in the concept of home. He is also settling into a new role at work, where he's helping to direct the Uncuffed program. It’s a dream job, but it can be exhausting. In the final episode of Season 4, Greg talks to other formerly incarcerated media makers — filmmaker Thanh Tran and Ear Hustle host and co-founder Earlonne Woods — about how to keep fighting the good fight. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
S4 · E10
Jul 31, 2025 · 7 min
S4, E10 - Being Accountable
All season long, host Greg Eskridge has been sharing his story — from experiencing homelessness in his childhood, to the decades he spent in prison. He’s also sharing what his freedom looks like – starting a new life on the outside and having hard conversations with family. Now, he’s sharing another very personal part of his story. Normally, on Uncuffed, we don’t talk about people’s crimes. We believe people are more than their crimes. But it’s impossible to tell Greg’s full story without acknowledging this part of it. Today, in a short episode, Greg Eskridge shares a message about what happened over 30 years ago, and how he is taking accountability. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.org Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
Jul 22, 2025 · 1 min
Stand With Uncuffed
https://podcasts.dovetail.prx.org/episodes/881d14f2-82cd-4f58-a04b-6d357869e75d/player
Jul 17, 2025 · 12 min
Uncuffed Presents: Folktales from Sudan
Uncuffed is excited to present a story from one of our new favorite podcasts, Folktales from Sudan. These are stories from Sudanese folklore for the whole family, told by award-winning public radio journalist and storyteller Hana Baba. On this episode, you'll hear “The Father and Three Sons," a tale of misunderstanding and judgment between a parent and child. It’s also about forgiveness, healing, and realizing the value of something that may not be obvious until it’s gone. To listen to more episodes of Folktales from Sudan, visit: https://www.folktalesfromsudan.org
S4 · E9
Jul 3, 2025 · 29 min
S4, E9 - Finding Home
Getting out of prison is often called 'going home.' But when people have been away from it for so long, the idea of home can be complicated. In this episode, host Greg Eskridge shares three stories from Uncuffed producers about finding a sense of family, community, and shelter in unexpected places — everywhere from a treehouse to a car wreck in a canal. Check out Thanh Tran’s documentary at https://findingma.com and listen to his music on Spotify or Instagram. Take the Uncuffed Listener survey at www.uncuffed.org/survey, and support the program at uncuffed.org/donate Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
S4 · E8
Jun 19, 2025 · 32 min
S4, E8 - Mama
What does a mother’s love feel like? Growing up, Greg didn’t feel the love he wanted from his mother, and he held onto that pain for over three decades. This episode, Greg finally has an honest conversation with his mother about his childhood. And, we’ll hear from moms and caregivers at the California Institution for Women about the challenges of being a mother from prison. To learn more about Rochelle Edwards, the therapist who facilitated the conversation between Greg and his mother, visit https://tjinstitute.org/about/ Take the Uncuffed Listener survey at www.uncuffed.org/survey Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.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
May 22, 2025 · 32 min
An Update From An Old Friend
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 last year, and so much has happened since that episode of the podcast aired three years ago. We're re-airing this popular episode while we take a short break. And you’ll want to stick around until the end to hear a very special update from Edmond and Avelina. Uncuffed will be back with brand new episodes on June 19. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.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
S4 · E6
May 8, 2025 · 27 min
S4, E7 - Home Cooking
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 of a shared meal and how it can bridge divides in and outside of prison. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.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
S4 · E6
Apr 24, 2025 · 30 min
S4, E6 - Hey Mr. DJ
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 Program you may not have heard about — the Uncuffed Playlist. To listen to the full Uncuffed DJ sets, visit our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@weareuncuffed The Uncuffed Playlist recently lost funding, and we need your support keep the program going. Can you pitch in to keep incarcerated DJs on the air? Learn more and donate at www.uncuffed.org. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed
S4 · E5
Apr 10, 2025 · 33 min
S4, E5 - The Truth
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 participants at the California Institution for Women (CIW)! Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. 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
Mar 27, 2025 · 11 min
Uncuffed Presents: Fire Escape
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!
S4 · E4
Mar 13, 2025 · 31 min
S4, E4 - Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself
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 can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. It's the hotline for and run by trans people. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. 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
S4 · E3
Feb 27, 2025 · 31 min
S4, E3 - Where Were You In '92?
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 time -- to the early '90s, to talk about life changing moments like the LA Riots, the unforgettable music, and the rage that came out of it all. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. 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
Feb 13, 2025 · 33 min
S4, E2 - Catching Up
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 getting ready to graduate college. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. 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
S4 · E1
Jan 30, 2025 · 7 min
S4, E1 - Day One
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 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you. 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

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