Advertise on podcast: Life on the Outside

Jesse remembers being the holding tank in his dress outs, waiting to be released from prison after 11 years of incarceration. He was black pants, a white tee-shirt and Vans. Some guys parole in suits, he says, but that didn't feel like his style. When he finally stepped out of the bus, tons of people were waiting to greet him. Thirty-something people were holding up signs for Jesse to welcome him home. It's been a few months now and in this episode, Jesse reflects on his release and travels back to the moment he heard what his sentence would be.  

Diane spent 27 years in a men's prison, as a woman. Now she is out and finding her way in a world that is much different than the one she left behind nearly three decades earlier. 

Duncan's journey continues down a long and winding road through the California prison system. How did he get there? And what did he do to get out? Listen here. 

Duncan was on the run for 4 years before he was finally caught. After being convicted to life in prison, without parole, Duncan decided to get on a path to change his life. Why did he run for so long? And is he still running from something?  

Xanar continues recounting his journey through the California prison system. His commitment to change led to his freedom, but as Xanar explains it, he was free long before he was let out of prison.

Xanar was party of a party crew in South Los Angeles in the 1990s. They through underground parties with the hottest DJs and a swag and style that was unmatched. But things took a turn when Xanar found himself guilty of murder and facing the death penalty. Xanar is out of prison today, after entering the system at 19 years old and returning 23 years later. 

Lisa James served over 20 years in prison for murder. From the time she went in, to the day she got out, Lisa vowed to do better and be better. But will coming home derail her? Will she be able to navigate complex family relationships and establish herself as the transformed person she became in prison? 

Lewis makes it home from prison after 43 years. But what toll has that amount of time taken on his psyche? Now that he's out, Lewis has a plan that involves real estate, a road trip, and visiting the cemetery where his kids were laid to rest. 

In this episode we hear from Lewis Richard, also known as Lew or Uncle Lew. After 43 years in prison Lew was released on January 12th, 2021. He thought he was ready...but how does one prepare for freedom after more than four decades behind bars? Let's find out.

Candace Wilson married Taewon Wilson while he was still incarcerated and serving life without the possibility of parole. Months after he was commuted by Governor Jerry Brown, Taewon walked out of prison a free man. But will their marriage survive reentry? How do they navigate each other's presence in the free world? 

Candace met Taewon when they were fifteen years old and just a couple of kids navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. They dated for a bit, on and off, then Taewon got caught up in a crime that sent him to prison with a life without the possibility of parole sentence, which meant he would probably die in prison. This is the story of how Taewon and Candace reconnected, found love, got married, and are now fighting for his freedom. 

Shone went to prison at age 19 and served 22 years at a women's prison in California. As the years ticked by Shone started "counting bricks," wondering if she'd ever go home. She started going to self-help courses and turning her life around behind bars. But would it be enough? After 22 years, Shone walked out of prison a free woman with a powerful story to tell.