The Our Voice Podcast

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to Salt Lake City, Utah, to capture the perspectives of those participating in the Clean Slate Summit: Free Expungement Clinic – hosted by the Utah Jazz, The NBA Social Justice Coalition, Clean Slate Utah, and Rasa Legal. Guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – CEO for the Clean Slate Initiative – is joined by Destiny Garcia – Executive Director of the Clean Slate Initiative Utah.  Listen in as our esteemed host and guest dive deeply into the topic of removing barriers to mobility for people seeking a second chance after coming into contact with the criminal legal system.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to Salt Lake City, Utah, to capture the perspectives of those participating in the Clean Slate Summit: Free Expungement Clinic – hosted by the Utah Jazz, The NBA Social Justice Coalition, Clean Slate Utah, and Rasa Legal. Guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative – is joined by Mr. James Cadogen – Executive Director of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Lenore Anderson – co-founder and President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice. Host Neil Volz talks to Lenore about her recently released book In Their Names: The Untold Story of Victims’ Rights, Mass Incarceration, and the Future of Public Safety. Aswad Thomas – who had his professional basketball career tragically end after being shot multiple times as a young man – joins Lenore. Aswad serves as Vice President of the Alliance for Safety & Justice and National Director of CSSJ. Together, Lenore and Aswad explain why they believe it's time to end the powerful myth that mass incarceration alone benefits victims. And why we need to provide more resources for victims so they can manage their unaddressed trauma — a leading cause of violent crime.

The “Our Voice” podcast heads to Atlanta, Georgia, in this episode. Host Neil Volz – Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), welcomes guest host David Ayala – Executive Director of the Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM). FICPFM is a network of over 50 civil and human rights organizations led by people living with criminal records and their family members.  As the leader of a national movement focused on dismantling the ineffective and destructive aspects of America’s mass incarceration system, Executive Director Ayala shares his vision of a world where prisons – as we currently know them – no longer exist.  Pamela Winn – Founder and President of the non-profit RestoreHER – joins the show as a featured guest, along with Charlotte Garnes – CEO and Founder of the non-profit ReNforce, and Robyn Hasan – Executive Director of the grassroots organization Women on the Rise. Together, these three female leaders describe their new coalition – Informing Marginalized People Power and Cultivating Transformation (IMPPACT). The mission of IMPPACT is to educate and inform formerly incarcerated people of their voting rights and the power of voting.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. Special guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative – welcomes Ms. Holly Harris – President and Executive Director for the Justice Action Network. The Justice Action Network is one of the largest organizations in the country to bring together progressive and conservative partners and collaborate with law enforcement, business, civil rights, victims’ rights, and faith-based groups to make our justice system fairer and more effective.

Listen in as these two influential criminal justice reform leaders address a question fundamental to ending America’s mass incarceration problem. What is justice on the federal level?   

The “Our Voice” podcast travels to Atlanta, Georgia, in this episode. Hosts Sheena Meade–Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative, and Neil Volz–Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, welcome Brittany White–formerly incarcerated person, Decarceration Director for Live Free, and Organizing Fellow at The Institute to End Mass Incarceration. In August of 2022, The Institute to End Mass Incarceration at Harvard Law School and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute announced the joint appointment of Brittany as a visiting practitioner in residence for the 2022–2023 academic year. The announcement of this prestigious appointment came just before President Biden announced an executive order pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.  As a formerly incarcerated person–who served five years in state prison for trafficking marijuana–Brittany shares her thoughts on the Biden pardons. She also talks about how she has overcome “survivor’s guilt” to become an influential criminal justice reform strategist with national influence.

In episode 24, the "Our Voice'' podcast welcomes back Marcus Bullock – founder and CEO of the tech start-up Flikshop. Shot in front of a live audience, on location in Orlando, Florida, during FRRC’s 10th Anniversary Convening celebration, hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz get Marcus to share his frightening, gut-wrenching, and ultimately transformative journey. Listen as he describes growing from a young teen who was direct-filed and sentenced to a maximum security adult prison to becoming a father and successful entrepreneur in the tech sector.

The development of the Flikshop mobile app enables families and non-profit organizations to send personalized postcards to any person in any cell in the US, with the mission of using social connections to decrease recidivism. By leveraging technology to keep loved ones connected, Flikshop – the “Instagram for the currently incarcerated” – is a tool that will grant hundreds of thousands of people the permission to dream and the power to transform.

In episode 22, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Zoë Towns – Vice President for Criminal Justice Reform at FWD.us, a bipartisan political advocacy organization committed to safely and significantly driving down America’s incarceration rate. Zoë and her team collaborate with policymakers and constituencies across the political spectrum to advance sentencing, parole, and pretrial reforms that deliver more freedom, opportunity, and fairness. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz sit with Zoë to dive deeply into the topic of narrative control – analyzing the role of media in shaping public opinion and public policy. Listen as they discuss why words like “felon” and “convict” dehumanize millions of American citizens, creating more barriers to successful reentry – and what we can do to remedy the problem.

In episode 21, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Carol Lautier, Ph.D. – Director of Movement Building for Demos, and Kira Romero-Craft – Director of Legal Strategies for Demos. Demos is a dynamic think-and-do tank that powers the movement for a just, inclusive, multiracial democracy. Host Desmond Meade sits with these two influential leaders to talk about the recent returning citizen voter fraud arrests in Alachua county Florida, how both Democrats and Republicans use the levers of democracy to gain an unfair advantage, and the impact of Roe v. Wade on criminal justice reform and democracy.

In episode 19, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Cecile Scoon  – President of the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL). A Harvard and University of Virginia Law School graduate, Cecile Scoon is the first Black woman to serve as president of LWVFL. She is also a past president of the League of Women Voters of Bay County and chair of the Florida League’s efforts to restore rights, including passing Florida’s 2018 Amendment 4. President Scoon joins hosts Neil Volz and Desmond Meade to discuss one of the most debated topics related to voting in Florida right now, redistricting - the process of drawing electoral district boundaries. Our guest presents a compelling case for challenging the Governor’s redistricting map, which she believes reduces the voting power of minorities.

In episode 18, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes John Koufos – Executive Director at the  Taking Action for Good Foundation. Mr. Koufos is a former defense attorney and private sector manager who leads intersectional social impact programs and national policy advocacy initiatives. Mr. Jeff Korzenik joins Mr. Koufos. Mr. Korzenik is the acclaimed author of Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community and Chief Investment Strategist for one of the nation’s largest banks. He is responsible for the investment strategy and the allocation of over $40 billion in assets. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz engage with the show’s guests to talk about how a smart and innovative approach to using criminal justice reform tools and second-chance hiring can jumpstart the U.S. economy.

In episode 16, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Monique Worrell – State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court for the State of Florida. As the second African American ever elected to the position, and as a person with a loved one who has been impacted by the criminal legal system, State Attorney Worrell has made it her mission to achieve equity and to move our system toward justice. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz sit down with our esteemed guest to talk about her background, how she and FRRC partnered to create a winning campaign for the office of State Attorney, and what her office is doing to reduce over-policing and mass incarceration in underserved communities.

In episode 15, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Deanna Hoskins – President of JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA). JLUSA is dedicated to cutting the US correctional population in #halfby2030, JLUSA empowers people most affected by incarceration to drive policy reform. In honor of Second Chance Month, host Desmond Meade and President Hoskins have a candid discussion about addiction, incarceration, reentry, criminal justice reform, and the redemptive power of second chances.

#DesmondMeade #AngelSanchez #CriminalJustice

 In episode 13, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Angel Sanchez, J.D. - a returning citizen (formerly convicted person) who has overcome exposure to extreme gang violence as a youth, being sentenced to 30 years in prison at the age of 16 and homelessness after being released, to eventually graduate from the University of Miami School of Law with honors. In his most recent position, he has served as FRRC Senior Policy Analyst, where he has fought for greater access to voting for justice-involved individuals. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz get Angel to share some of the details surrounding his difficult past and the keys to success he developed to overcome barriers to successful reentry.

#DesmondMeade #AngelSanchez #CriminalJustice

In episode 13, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Angel Sanchez, J.D. - a returning citizen (formerly convicted person) who has overcome exposure to extreme gang violence as a youth, being sentenced to 30 years in prison at the age of 16 and homelessness after being released, to eventually graduate from the University of Miami School of Law with honors. In his most recent position, he has served as FRRC Senior Policy Analyst, where he has fought for greater access to voting for justice-involved individuals. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz get Angel to share some of the details surrounding his difficult past and the keys to success he developed to overcome barriers to successful reentry.

In episode 13, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Angel Sanchez, J.D. - a returning citizen (formerly convicted person) who has overcome exposure to extreme gang violence as a youth, being sentenced to 30 years in prison at the age of 16 and homelessness after being released, to eventually graduate from the University of Miami School of Law with honors. In his most recent position, he has served as FRRC Senior Policy Analyst, where he has fought for greater access to voting for justice-involved individuals. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz get Angel to share some of the details surrounding his difficult past, and the keys to success that he developed in order to overcome barriers to successful reentry.

In season 2 episode 12, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Mrs. Chelsea Murphy - Florida State Director for Right on Crime. Right on Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation that supports conservative solutions for reducing crime, restoring victims, reforming offenders, and lowering taxpayer costs. The podcast also welcomes special guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade Executive Director for Clean Slate. Clean Slate is a new bipartisan policy model that uses technology to automatically clear criminal records if a person stays crime-free. The show’s hosts and guest discuss the “conservative approach” to criminal justice reform, the differences between being “right on crime” vs. being “tough on crime,” the benefits of expanding record sealing & expungement, and why it’s important for both conservatives and liberals to promote fair-chance hiring practices for returning

In season 2 episode 11, the “Our Voice” podcast welcomes Beanie Sigel - Hip Hop recording artist, actor, community activist and returning citizen (formerly convicted person). Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz take the audience on a journey through the life of the former Roc-A-Fella star. The conversation begins with Beanie opening up about his difficult childhood, surrounded by drug dealers and gang members on the South Side of Philadelphia. He then shares how that environment eventually led him to being locked up at 9 years old. We then get to hear about his meteoric rise to international fame, his eventual imprisonment and unlikely second act as a community activist working to end gun-violence.

In episode 10, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Marcus Bullock, a returning citizen (formerly convicted person) who has gone on to become the founder & CEO of the tech start-up Flikshop. The Flikshop mobile app enables families and non-profit organizations to send personalized postcards to any person in any cell in the US, with the mission of using social connections to decrease recidivism. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz take a deep dive into Marcus' journey - from being directly filed into adult prison as a young teen to creating a brilliantly simple software as a service company and returning citizen business school that is reshaping criminal justice reform in the U.S.

In episode 10, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Marcus Bullock, a returning citizen (formerly convicted person) who has gone on to become the founder & CEO of the tech start-up Flikshop. The Flikshop mobile app enables families and non-profit organizations to send personalized postcards to any person in any cell in the US, with the mission of using social connections to decrease recidivism. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz take a deep dive into Marcus' journey - from being directly filed into adult prison as a young teen to creating a brilliantly simple software as a service company and returning citizen business school that is reshaping criminal justice reform in the U.S.

Once a person has been convicted of a crime, completed their sentence, and has returned to society, how long should they continue to be punished by "civil society? In episode 9, the "Our Voice" podcast Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz welcome Joshua Hoe, one of the most influential advocates for second chances, expansion of record clearing, and a radically re-imagined justice system in the entire country for a discussion. 

In episode 7, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Anquan Boldin - FSU alumni, former NFL star and champion, criminal justice reform advocate and Co-Founder of the Player’s Coalition. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz sit down with the football great to discuss their shared passion for criminal justice reform, the continued battle for restoration of voting and civil rights for returning citizens, and the need for improved relations between law enforcement and underserved communities. Listen as Anquan shares the traumatic story behind the killing of his cousin at the hands of an on-duty police officer, who has now been convicted of murder, and learn what he's doing with his non-profit organization to help improve police accountabillity.

In episode 7, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Anquan Boldin - FSU alumni, former NFL star and champion, criminal justice reform advocate and Co-Founder of the Player’s Coalition. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz sit down with the football great to discuss their shared passion for criminal justice reform, the continued battle for restoration of voting and civil rights for returning citizens, and the need for improved relations between law enforcement and underserved communities. Listen as Anquan shares the traumatic story behind the killing of his cousin at the hands of an on-duty police officer, who has now been convicted of murder, and learn what he's doing with his non-profit organization to help improve police accountabillity.

In episode 8, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Ben Cohen & Jerry Greenfield, co-founders of the world-famous Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream brand. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz have been working with them to expand democracy for years, and in this episode, they'll be talking about everything from flavors to national second chance hiring initiatives and ending qualified immunity for bad policing. They're joined by Chris Miller, the current Head of Global Activism for Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Inc.

In episode 6, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Erin George, National Campaign Manager for The Clean State Initiative. Erin and special guest host Sheena Meade, who currently serves as Executive Director for Clean Slate, join host Desmond Meade to talk about their work to pass laws that will expand criminal record clearing, boost the economy and improve public safety.

In episode 5, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes formerly convicted person turned Washington State Representative Tarra Simmons and formerly convicted person turned constitutional attorney Daryl Atkinson. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz get the two extraordinary guests to share their journey from life behind bars to each passing the Bar Exam, and then on to fighting to reshape the laws that govern our society. Listen as Daryl describes the ongoing battle to expand voting rights for formerly convicted persons in North Carolina and Tarra describes what it's like to be the first returning citizen to ever be elected to office in her home state.

In episode 4, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Newton Sannon, President of OIC of South Florida - the #1 job training & returning citizen placement organization in the region. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz ask him to share his thoughts on the power and benefit of second chance hiring for the formerly convicted. Newton also provides guidance for those seeking another chance at career success post-incarceration.

In episode 3, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes returning citizen turned serial entrepreneur Davion Hampton, returning citizen turned successful business owner Monique Smith and returning citizen turned business leader John Huffman. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz ask the guests to share how they overcame barriers to successful reentry by moving from incarceration to incorporation. Davion, Monique, and John take a deep dive into why access to economic empowerment is essential for successful reentry.

In episode 2, the "Our Voice" podcast welcomes Norris Henderson, Executive Director of V.O.T.E Nola. Hosts Desmond Meade and Neil Volz give Norris a chance to talk about his brutal experience with the criminal legal system as a wrongfully incarcerated man who was forced to serve 27 years behind prison walls. Then guest Alina Feas, a 62-year-old mother who is currently in home confinement after serving 7 years in prison, joins the discussion to talk about the #KeepThemHome campaign and the CARES Act. Listen as she expresses the fear of being sent back to prison, where the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus threatens to kill her and thousands like her who are at a higher risk of contraction due to pre-existing conditions.

Honored guest Mayor Daniella Levine Cava speaks with the hosts & returning citizens about the recent Surfside condo tragedy, her new 2nd chance hiring policies in Miami-Dade County & her participation in the Free The Vote bus tour.
#DesmondMeade #NeilVolz

This bi-weekly one-hour live conversation series gives the public a chance to hear directly from those impacted by the criminal justice system about the issues that impact our communities. Hosted by Desmond Meade & Neil Volz.