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The Prison Podcast

The Prison Podcast gives voice to survivors of violent crimes and the individuals convicted of those crimes, uncovering powerful stories that are often excluded from public discourse.

Hosted by Diane Kahn, Executive Director of Humans of San Quentin, the podcast focuses on the transformative process of Victim Offender Dialogue—a facilitated meeting in a prison setting where survivors of harm meet face-to-face with those responsible for it. This process allows both sides to share their experiences, ask and answer difficult questions, and explore the potential for understanding and healing.

In each episode, we delve into the intimate, often challenging dynamics of these dialogues, offering an unfiltered look at the complexities of harm, accountability, and reconciliation. The conversations are raw and transformative, as participants navigate difficult emotions, confront their pasts, and ultimately experience profound personal and communal growth.

Unlike traditional true crime media, The Prison Podcast prioritizes reconciliation, personal agency, and the human side of justice. It’s a platform for empathy and understanding, designed to challenge assumptions and inspire meaningful change.

A heartfelt thank-you to the Ahimsa Collective, whose vision and support have been essential in bringing this podcast to life. From programs like People First Reentry to Healing Pathways, their commitment to restorative justice and community healing is woven through every episode. To learn more about Victim Offender Dialogue, please visit their website at https://www.ahimsacollective.net/vods.

Finally, we’re proud to feature Hands of Stone, the podcast’s cover art, created by Jorge—an artist whose personal journey aligns deeply with our themes of resilience and transformation.

Music by Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach. 

Art by  Jorge

Embracing vulnerability opens doors to meaningful connections that transcend fear, paving the way for courage.

Podcast Episodes

Season 1

This first season explores facilitated meetings within a prison involving people who have experienced harm and the persons responsible for causing it.

The Prison Podcast Episode 1: Never Too Late

December 18, 2024

In this powerful first episode, The Prison Podcast dives into the gripping and emotional journey of Melissa, a woman grappling with loss, forgiveness, and love after the tragic death of her father during a family gathering. As she reflects on the profound impact of that day, Melissa opens up about the complex emotions that followed and the healing power of letting go.

The Prison Podcast Episode 2: A Life Worth Living

December 25, 2024

In the last episode, Melissa shared the heartbreaking story of losing her father, killed by Matthew in 1993 when he was just 22 years old. Now, after 30 years of incarceration, Matthew opens up about his experience, offering a powerful example of trauma, growth, and reconciliation even in the most unimaginable circumstances.

Since his conviction, Matthew has participated in a rare victim-offender dialogue with Melissa. This process allowed them both to engage in honest communication—giving Matthew a chance to take responsibility for his actions and Melissa a space to voice her pain and anger. In this episode, Matthew reflects on how this dialogue helped him confront the consequences of his crime and grasp the profound human toll of his actions in ways he hadn’t before. 

 

The Prison Podcast Episode 3: Breaking The Silence

January 1, 2025

Today, we have a remarkable guest joining us: Jane, who has an incredibly powerful story to share. As a survivor of rape, Jane has faced unimaginable trauma, yet her journey of healing and empowerment is truly inspiring.

In this episode, Jane opens up about her experience participating in a Victim-Offender Dialogue with a surrogate offender—someone who committed a similar crime but was not the individual who harmed her. This courageous step allowed Jane to confront difficult emotions, gain new insights, and take powerful strides toward recovery.

The Prison Podcast Episode 4: Hurt People Hurt People

January 8, 2025

Today’s guest is Christopher, who served 25 years in various California prisons as part of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. During his time in prison, he acted as Jane’s surrogate in their Victim-Offender Dialogue.

In this context, a surrogate is someone convicted of a similar crime, though not the perpetrator of the offense against the specific victim. The surrogate’s role is to help bridge the gap, allowing the victim to express their experience to someone with a shared history of offense.This creates an opportunity for healing and reconciliation, especially when victims are unable or choose not to confront the actual offender but still want their voices heard.

After more than two decades of incarceration, Christopher has been released and is adjusting to life in the free world. Navigating the challenges of reentry, he faces the task of catching up on the technological and cultural changes that have unfolded during his time in prison. But Christopher’s story is about more than reentry. It’s one of deep personal transformation.

This episode addresses a difficult and sensitive topic: a sexual crime committed against a child. Christopher, who has been open about his past, is here to discuss the painful reality of his actions. His willingness to confront and share the truth about his crime is both courageous and impactful. This conversation is not just about personal accountability; it’s a sobering reflection on trauma, human behavior, and the potential for change. It’s a raw, powerful discussion about forgiveness, healing, and the challenges of facing the darkest parts of one’s past.

The Prison Podcast Episode 5: I Have A Hug For You

January 15, 2025

This week’s episode features Elle, a mother who shows us the profound beauty of carrying grief with grace. She faced the devastating loss of her daughter, Emily, in a tragic accident caused by a drunk driver in Los Angeles.

Over time, Elle’s journey moved from grief and anger to a place of healing, ultimately leading her to meet with Alan, the driver who took her daughter from her. Together, they participated in a Victim-Offender Dialogue. Today, Elle works as an advocate and facilitator for these dialogues. She has walked a long path toward forgiveness, and in this poignant episode, she shares her powerful experience.

The Prison Podcast Episode 6: Facing Redemption

January 22, 2025

Today, we’re speaking with Alan, the person responsible for the tragic death of Emily, whose story we discussed in last week’s episode. While intoxicated, Alan struck Emily, leading to her death. In that episode, we heard from Emily’s mother, Elle, who shared her deeply moving journey of grief and healing. Both Elle and Alan participated in the Victim-Offender Dialogue program.

In this episode, we’ll hear directly from Alan, who is currently incarcerated at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. Alan reflects on his difficult path to sobriety, expresses his heartfelt gratitude for Elle’s willingness to forgive him, and shares how his growth during incarceration has inspired him to help others.

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