In this episode, I explore how straightforward approaches can be adopted in prisons to help individuals foster a sense of worth rather than feeling like a burden to society. Often, prison officials exploit their power without facing repercussions. The Department of Corrections should collaborate with inmates and establish supportive relationships to pinpoint issues and devise strategies to overcome the barriers impeding rehabilitation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I address a stabbing incident at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. This event is a stark indication of the Department of Corrections' shortcomings in safeguarding the individuals in its custody. Given the already traumatic conditions of incarceration, it is imperative that professional measures are taken to address and remedy the concerns of those incarcerated. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I talk about a discussion with Kimberly Carter regarding an infraction she incurred for breaking a facility rule of which she was unaware. The Washington Corrections Center for Women has a reputation for policy and rule violations. It's crucial to keep reporting these infractions and hold the Department of Corrections accountable for its irresponsibility. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the avenues for assisting incarcerated individuals when Department of Corrections officials neglect the concerns of loved ones or issue false and misleading statements. Supportive relationships of an incarcerated person can combat mistreatment and unlawful government actions by investigating the issues and pooling their resources to hold the DOC accountable. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this special episode, Kimberly Carter explores the tragic events that resulted in Diane Bowerman's imprisonment. Bowerman was found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder in Washington state. The case centered on the murder of Matthew Nickel, for which Bowerman was alleged to have compensated James Hutcheson to commit the crime. Despite numerous appeals and the defense's legal challenges, the Washington Supreme Court affirmed the conviction. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I examine a solution to the overcrowded youth detention centers in Washington. The state operates under a determinate sentencing scheme, where each crime carries a fixed jail or prison sentence that cannot be altered by a judge, parole board, or any other agency. Legislators should collaborate to reform the system, allowing juveniles to be sentenced on a case-by-case basis. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the focus is on the Dublin FCI controversy in California, which encompasses a series of alarming constitutional violations and abuses at the now-defunct Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, a women's prison. The main points are as follows: Constitutional Violations: A federal judge discovered an error rate of nearly 45% in the prison's disciplinary actions against incarcerated women, resulting in the expungement of many infractions due to due process failures or other deficiencies. Sexual Abuse: Notorious for sexual abuse, the prison saw eight correctional officers, including the ex-warden, charged with the sexual abuse of numerous incarcerated women. The prison was infamously dubbed the "rape club" because of the widespread abuse. Retaliation and Poor Conditions: Following the prison's shutdown, numerous women were relocated to other institutions where they continued to endure mistreatment and retaliation for reporting abuses. Closure and Aftermath: The prison was suddenly closed in April 2024, and approximately 600 women who were incarcerated there were dispersed to various prisons nationwide. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

For decades Washington State Penitentiary prisoner Greg Brown has advocated that Washington state uses citizens' tax dollars to build and fund more and more jails and prisons for the sole purpose of creating and maintaining more jobs for prison guards, employees, and officials. Greg Brown addresses Washington state's commitment to adopt Norway's correctional approach that requires humane treatment of prisoners, pointing out that Norway implemented its humane correctional system by disciplining and getting rid of its "bad apples" who refused to adhere to their humane correctional treatment plan, and pointing out that Washington state refuses to get rid of its "bad apples." In this way, Greg Brown demonstrates that Washington state continues to use citizens' tax dollars to build and fund more and more jails and prisons for the sole purpose of creating and maintaining more jobs for prison guards, employees, and officials. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I share stories from women at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Bryan Kim, who identified as a transgender woman, was moved from a male to a female prison. Following an incident where he was found having sex with a female inmate, he was transferred back to a male prison. It's crucial for the public to understand the rehabilitation efforts for those incarcerated and how policies and laws are applied. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the topic is the misinformation disseminated by the Washington Department of Corrections and the risks it presents to incarcerated individuals and their families. The WADOC appears to prioritize its public image over adherence to state and federal laws, as well as its own policies and procedures, potentially neglecting the rehabilitation of the incarcerated and its impact on the community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In the revised podcast episode, Greg Brown explores the complexities of his lawsuit against prison officials for banning inmate conversations in the prison law library and the removal of self-help legal books. Brown references the pivotal Supreme Court decision, Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, which determined that institutions cannot capriciously withdraw access to materials once provided, without proper justification. He draws a comparison between schools and prisons, suggesting that the same rule should apply to correctional institutions. Brown stresses the importance of legal resources for inmates who, despite not being formally trained in law, are expected to meet the same legal standards as lawyers in Washington state courts. He points out a history of court cases that support this standard, going back to the 1980s, and argues that the actions to remove books and restrict communication in the law library are intentional efforts to suppress prisoner litigation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode covers the increase in drug overdoses at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. It highlights how incarcerated individuals obtain prescription drugs and pass them to fellow inmates, leading to potential overdoses. The discussion emphasizes the need for the penal system to prioritize the health and wellbeing of prisoners, particularly those battling addiction. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this captivating, updated episode of his podcast, Washington State Penitentiary inmate Greg Brown takes us on a tumultuous journey through a day that changed his life forever. What begins as a simple errand to the prison library on May 23, 2003, quickly spirals into a maddening ordeal of bureaucratic insanity and injustice. As Greg navigates a world of chaos and confusion, he encounters hostile corrections officers, false accusations, and blatant misconduct that threaten to shatter his sanity. With each unjust punishment and bewildering accusation, Greg finds himself trapped in a nightmarish reality reminiscent of "The Twilight Zone." As he fights to reclaim his dignity and seek justice, unraveling a web of lies and deceit along the way, Greg's resilience and determination prove to be his only weapons against a system intent on crushing his spirit. Tune in to hear the gripping tale of survival and defiance in the face of madness in this riveting episode of Greg Brown's podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

GREG BROWN IS CHAINED, SILENCED, AND SUBJECTED TO MODERN DAY KIDNAPPING AND LYNCHING. HELD AS A POLITICAL PRISONER AFTER STATE PROSECUTOR LIED AND PAID WITNESSES TO LIE. GREG WAS AFFORDED ZERO LEGAL REPRESENTATION. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode examines the potential to end mass incarceration. With crime rates falling, the emphasis should shift to proactive strategies to reduce incarceration rather than reactive crime prevention methods. The decline in American crime rates is linked to multiple factors, some aligning with global trends and others unique to the U.S. context. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, Greg Brown discusses his encounters with the mistreatment of incarcerated individuals by prison officials and their abuse of power. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the untapped resources represented by the incarcerated population in the United States. Yakima County Jail has introduced Crime Stoppers playing cards to inmates, aiming to crack unsolved cases. Incarcerated individuals hold a wealth of information that can be pivotal in solving crimes and imparting knowledge that could prevent future offenses. It is imperative that the penal system upholds the rights of these individuals and sets a precedent for recognizing their value and potential post-release. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the impact of incarceration on society. The justice system incarcerates numerous individuals for extended durations, incurring significant costs for taxpayers and offering minimal resources in substandard conditions. It is crucial to adopt a proactive sentencing approach to enable those incarcerated to reintegrate into society and positively contribute to their families and communities. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I address the issue of societal disdain for individuals who fail to meet certain living standards. Often, those who are incarcerated commit crimes under the belief that their lives lack significance. It's crucial to strive for a society that embraces diverse expressions, opinions, and lifestyles, even if they deviate from the norm. Teaching children that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that conformity should not be a prerequisite for equal treatment is essential. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the focus is on the exorbitant costs of incarceration. Nationwide, justice systems are incarcerating individuals in facilities that lack the proper staff and resources for effective rehabilitation. It's crucial for taxpayers to become informed about the daily expenses of incarcerating a person and assess whether these funds are being utilized efficiently to decrease costs and reduce the state's recidivism rate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the impact of incarceration on human mental well-being is discussed. Justice systems throughout the United States often treat recently arrested individuals as guilty. Courts must eliminate bias and focus on rehabilitation. Incarcerated individuals are confined with hardened criminals and can be easily influenced by them. The justice system should consider the trauma and mental wellness effects of a prison sentence on the individual and the community before sentencing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, Greg Brown discusses the issue of correction officers taking property from incarcerated individuals. American taxpayers are wasting their money by continuously funding a penal system that permits correctional officers to confiscate property with minimal recourse. The resulting trauma and anger among the victims can lead to an increase in criminal activity. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In 2023, nearly one-third of inmates in the Washington Department of Corrections were released after their scheduled release dates. Such delays hinder inmates' ability to make arrangements for housing, transportation, employment, and informing their families. Releasing inmates late is not only expensive but may also increase the likelihood of reoffending. It is crucial for the penal and justice systems to develop and implement a reliable method of informing inmates about their release dates and to support them in planning their reintegration into society. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode tackles the critical issue of trust within the Department of Corrections. Incarcerated individuals and their families should be able to trust DOC officials responsible for the welfare of those in custody. The case of Kyle Lara, who took his own life while incarcerated, underscores this point. His family had placed their trust in county officials to oversee his health and wellbeing. It is imperative for the DOC to establish and preserve the trust of the community, the families, and the incarcerated persons themselves. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the topic of discussion is the disparity in prison sentences for convicted individuals. Cynthia Metsker was sentenced to 12 years for the manslaughter of 42-year-old Colin Bastow. She entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. While her sentence appears just for the crime committed, her incarceration at the Washington Corrections Center for Women raises concerns. The facility is reportedly ill-equipped to offer adequate medical care and rehabilitation resources to its inmates, potentially doing more harm than benefit. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In the concluding episode of her podcast series, Kimberly Carter shares personal experiences with overcrowding. She draws parallels with comparable scenarios from California, highlighting how overcrowding contributes to recidivism and affects community safety. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I discuss Maryanne Atkins and how the criminal justice system failed her. While she is not innocent of her crime, she was not treated fairly during her sentencing. It is no secret that not all incarcerated individuals are guilty. We need organizations such as the Innocence Project, the Freedom Project, and the American Quittance Society to help hold the Department of Corrections, the justice system, and law enforcement accountable for their actions. Although the criminal justice system is effective, it isn't always fair and equal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeHopnbHLYo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In the third installment of her four-part series on prison overcrowding, Kimberly Carter discusses how the Washington Department of Corrections transferred women to the Yakima County Jail to ease the overcrowded conditions at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. https://youtu.be/gmasa4EZK2E --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode delves into the rehabilitation options for incarcerated individuals. Securus Technologies, known for overcharging incarcerated people and their families for subpar services and equipment, is facing bankruptcy after enduring years of complaints, legal actions, and advocacy efforts. This development could potentially revolutionize communication methods between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, Kimberly Carter persists with her solutions to the overcrowding issue in the Washington Department of Corrections. She reflects on her experiences with cramped prison cells in the early 2000s. The penal system must adopt a more proactive stance on the safety and security of incarcerated individuals in crowded conditions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode examines the shortcomings of the Washington Department of Corrections in ensuring the safety and security of Danielle Reyes, who allegedly took her own life while incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Prior to her tragic death, Danielle exhibited signs of suicidal ideation, yet the WCCW staff did not offer adequate resources and protection. It is imperative that the justice system considers a defendant's mental health and the facility's capacity to deliver medical care and support. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode delves into the perils that incarcerated individuals face from both prison officials and fellow inmates. The Washington Department of Corrections, along with the Justice and Penal Systems, are obligated to safeguard the rights, safety, health, and well-being of those incarcerated. My fiancée, who is currently held at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, is in a facility known for its heightened risk of abuse. It is crucial to publicize accounts of mismanagement and rights violations so that authorities responsible for sentencing can ensure appropriate and humane placement for those convicted. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

Kimberly Carter, who is incarcerated at the Washington Corrections Center for Women, is starting a series on prison overcrowding. She will discuss her perspective on how the state of Washington could tackle this issue by proposing alternatives. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode delves into the potential of fostering mental wellness and preventing crime through communication with incarcerated individuals. Open and honest dialogue with those in prison can cultivate meaningful connections and provide insights that contribute to reducing incarceration rates and offering a sense of purpose in life. Engaging with incarcerated individuals may result in enriching relationships. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, Greg Brown talks about the reluctance of some incarcerated individuals towards prison reform. Well-intentioned people enter the prison system aiming to enact positive changes but often become sidetracked. The Washington Department of Corrections is urged to offer resources and support to those incarcerated individuals who seek improvements but find themselves lacking initiative. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, an AI voice delivers a message from Greg Brown. He addresses the issue of the Washington Department of Corrections breaching state law regarding the seizure of funds from incarcerated individuals. He points out that WADOC officials are benefiting from this unlawful activity, leaving the incarcerated individuals without recourse. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I explore the complexities of relationships involving incarcerated individuals. These connections, whether between two incarcerated people or with someone on the outside, present challenges. However, they can also enhance mental well-being, lower the likelihood of reoffending, and contribute to crime reduction. Establishing a pen pal relationship with someone in prison can foster a deeper comprehension of criminal motivations and affirm personal value. It's crucial for prison authorities to focus on healing addiction by addressing it as a health concern rather than a criminal act. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, the discussion centers on the negative connotations associated with bias against individuals convicted of crimes. It argues that the American criminal justice system, including the penal system, law enforcement, and the media, should shift their focus from the offense to the individual offender. It advocates for the reintegration of former inmates into society without the stigma attached to their crimes, emphasizing the importance of understanding their motives and mental state. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I explore my involvement in the Paula Gardner settlement, which stemmed from the Washington Department of Corrections' negligent medical treatment. The WADOC expended an excessive amount of time and effort preventing me from interacting with Paula Gardner, rather than collaborating with us to ensure she received the appropriate care for her HPV and heightened cancer risk diagnoses. https://americanquittancesociety.org/paulas-story.html --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the adverse impacts of incarceration on individuals within the penal system. Candice Baughman, a former inmate, seeks to raise public awareness about the effects that the Washington Department of Corrections has on both the community and those incarcerated. It is crucial for the DOC to be accountable for its actions, and for the government to actively oversee the entire penal system to guarantee the upkeep of policies and procedures. https://youtu.be/qlWtv1rZIn0 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this eye-opening episode, I delve into the intricate workings of the Washington Department of Corrections Incarcerated Individual Betterment Fund. Amidst national concerns, I uncover the unsettling reality of prison officials allegedly misappropriating funds meant for the incarcerated. These funds, crucial for the welfare of incarcerated individuals, are reportedly being diverted into the I/I Betterment Fund, raising questions about transparency and accountability. With the appeals process deemed overly burdensome, many loved ones and incarcerated individuals are opting out, leaving the system unchecked. It’s time to demand better from the DOC; proper fund distribution and strict policy adherence are not just expected but necessary for the true rehabilitation of those behind bars. Join me as I dissect this complex issue and call for change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this podcast episode, I delve into the secretive world of prison officials concealing improper activities within correctional facilities. My informant reveals a startling incident: an inmate possessing a cell phone and an unapproved necklace, both gifts from a prison nurse with whom he shared a romantic connection. Surprisingly, he didn’t hide this relationship from fellow inmates. These incidents, often swept under the rug, may be resolved through payments, transfers, or early retirements. Shedding light on these corrupt practices could lead to greater accountability, improved treatment, and better rehabilitation outcomes. https://youtu.be/cqGbh1gnVm4 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this podcast, Greg Brown delves into the intricacies of a lawsuit he filed against prison officials for prohibiting inmates from conversing in the prison law library and removing self-help law books. Brown cites a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Board of Education, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26 v. Pico, which established that once an institution decides to provide access to certain materials, it cannot arbitrarily remove them without a valid justification. Drawing parallels between schools and prisons, Brown argues that the same principle applies to correctional facilities. He emphasizes the significance of legal resources for prisoners, despite their lack of formal legal training, as they are held to the same standards as attorneys in Washington state courts. Brown highlights a series of court cases that underscore this expectation, dating back to the 1980s. He contends that the removal of books and the ban on communication in the law library were deliberate attempts to stifle prisoner litigation. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this episode, I address my indefinite suspension from visitation rights. I was prohibited from visiting my fiancée, Paula Gardner, and was even unable to send her electronic messages. Despite the Washington DOC's assertions that it encourages communication between incarcerated individuals and their loved ones, their measures suggest the contrary. The interaction with loved ones and the external world plays a crucial role in recidivism, rehabilitation, and mental health. There is a pressing need to enhance correctional practices within the penal system. https://youtu.be/VKA56bBlbSo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this captivating episode of his podcast, Washington State Penitentiary inmate Greg Brown takes us on a tumultuous journey through a day that changed his life forever. What begins as a simple errand to the prison library on May 23, 2003, quickly spirals into a maddening ordeal of bureaucratic insanity and injustice. As Greg navigates a world of chaos and confusion, he encounters hostile corrections officers, false accusations, and blatant misconduct that threaten to shatter his sanity. With each unjust punishment and bewildering accusation, Greg finds himself trapped in a nightmarish reality reminiscent of "The Twilight Zone." As he fights to reclaim his dignity and seek justice, unraveling a web of lies and deceit along the way, Greg's resilience and determination prove to be his only weapons against a system intent on crushing his spirit. Tune in to hear the gripping tale of survival and defiance in the face of madness in this riveting episode of Greg Brown's podcast. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the persistent risks of sexual assault, information dissemination, gender identity issues, and abuse within the Washington Department of Corrections. While Sincer-A Nerton, an inmate, does not approve of her recent policy infraction, she is offended by an anonymous corrections officer who disclosed confidential information to the media. The Washington DOC must become more proactive in safeguarding the rights of prisoners and in the enforcement of its policies. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

In this gripping episode, I delve into the tragic and complex case of Shane Goldsby. After being sentenced to an additional 25 years for the murder of his cellmate, Robert Munger, Goldsby opens up about the harrowing events that led to this point. Munger’s heinous crime against Goldsby’s minor sister set off a chain of events that culminated in a fatal confrontation. Through Goldsby’s eyes, I examine his view of the Washington Department of Corrections and his perspective on the broader failings of the penal system, both for those behind bars and the society at large. Join me as I navigate the moral and legal labyrinth in this thought-provoking installment. https://americanquittancesociety.org/shane-goldsby.html --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support

This episode explores the ongoing medical negligence at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Despite a $9.9 million settlement paid to Paula Gardner, the Washington Department of Corrections persists in disregarding DOC policies and procedures. Syndi Rhodes, who was advised against voicing her medical concerns, is currently undergoing cancer testing. https://youtu.be/a6taYyN-DZw?si=71cBiwX1ZwzUHuA2 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joel-wilborn/support