Unprisoned

Series produced by Eve Abrams

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Unprisoned is a Peabody-nominated radio show and podcast that tells stories at the intersection of human lives and the criminal legal system. These are the stories behind the statistics: the ways our families, neighborhoods, and notions of justice are impacted by mass incarceration. How are we serving time outside?

From New Orleans, Louisiana, known as the world's incarceration capital, Unprisoned tells stories that amplify the voices of those most directly impacted by our criminal legal system.

In Season 1 (which was nominated for a Peabody Award and received a Gabriel Award, a New Orleans Press Club Award, and the Emery a. Brownell Award), 14 mini-documentaries provide windows into the criminal legal system from different vantage points. These stories come from the perspectives of those who are forced into using this sprawling system, from their family members, allies, and neighbors, as well as from returning citizens and those who feel the ripples of mass incarceration in their day-today lives.

Season 1.5 is comprised of three profiles of three New Orleans Superheroes: a judge, a student, and a police officer.

Season 2 of Unprisoned (released July 2020) is comprised of 7 stories which interrogate the myths we hold about our criminal legal system.

Unprisoned's Lead Producer is Eve Abrams. Unprisoned's editors are Katy Reckdahl and Viki Merrick. Theme music is by Greg Schatz. Cheryl Gerber is Unprisoned's photographer. Merle Cooper and Maria Hinds created original artwork for Season 2. Hide full description

From New Orleans, Louisiana, known as the world's incarceration capital, Unprisoned tells stories that amplify the voices of those most directly impacted by our criminal legal system. In Season 1 (which was nominated for a Peabody Award and received a Gabriel Award, a New Orleans Press Club Award, and the Emery a. Brownell Award), 14 mini-documentaries provide windows into the criminal legal system from different vantage points. These stories come from the perspectives of those who are forced into using this sprawling system, from their family members, allies, and neighbors, as well as from returning citizens and those who feel the ripples of mass incarceration in their day-today lives.Season 1.5 is comprised of three profiles of three New Orleans Superheroes: a judge, a student, and a... Show full description


27 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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Season 2, Episode 4 'The Myth of the Super Predator debunks an idea first made famous by then-first lady Hillary Clinton, an idea we still haven't...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Jul 29, 2020
  • Length: 30:03
  • Purchases: 1
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Season 2, Episode 5 This episode follows The Myth of the Super Predator, and is a condensed recorded panel discussion with a group of juvenile jus...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Jul 29, 2020
  • Length: 09:34
  • Purchases: 1
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Season 2, Episode 6 Victim/Criminal tells the story of Hakeem Carter, who was brutally attacked while walking home from work one night. This trau...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Jul 29, 2020
  • Length: 24:40
  • Purchases: 1
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Season 2, Episode 7 You Never Get Nothing Back They Take is a verité romp following Zelly and his lawyer Kelly as they attempt to retrieve Zelly's...

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Jul 29, 2020
  • Length: 32:59
  • Purchases: 1
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In this hour we hear five stories about how mass incarceration and our criminal legal system impact young people and families. According to the Ann...

Bought by KSFR


  • Added: Aug 09, 2020
  • Length: 52:58
  • Purchases: 1
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In this hour we hear three stories about what it's like being Black and male in the United States of America. The first story, from season 1 of Un...

Bought by WCAI / WNAN Cape & Islands, Mass.


  • Added: Aug 08, 2020
  • Length: 53:59
  • Purchases: 1
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In this hour we hear two stories interrogating two myths about our criminal legal system. First up is The Myth of The Super Predator, an idea firs...

Bought by WCAI / WNAN Cape & Islands, Mass.


  • Added: Aug 06, 2020
  • Length: 52:59
  • Purchases: 1