18 Years in Solitary Confinement—Ian Manuel Turns Pain Into Poetry episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 8, 2026 · 26 MIN

18 Years in Solitary Confinement—Ian Manuel Turns Pain Into Poetry

from Talking with Natasha · host Fox 5 New York

He was just 14 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison. He would go on to spend 18 years alone in solitary confinement until the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his life sentence. Now, Ian Manuel is using his voice—and his poetry—to inspire a new generation. In this powerful episode of Talking with Natasha, Ian opens up about surviving decades behind bars, his fight to end solitary confinement for children, how poetry became his lifeline, and why he’s now partnering with New York City to encourage young people to share their own voices through writing. We also dive into his memoir, My Time Will Come, a story of resilience, redemption, and what it really means to reclaim your future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was just 14 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison. He would go on to spend 18 years alone in solitary confinement until the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his life sentence. Now, Ian Manuel is using his voice—and his poetry—to inspire a new generation. In this powerful episode of Talking with Natasha, Ian opens up about surviving decades behind bars, his fight to end solitary confinement for children, how poetry became his lifeline, and why he’s now partnering with New York City to encourage young people to share their own voices through writing. We also dive into his memoir, My Time Will Come, a story of resilience, redemption, and what it really means to reclaim your future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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18 Years in Solitary Confinement—Ian Manuel Turns Pain Into Poetry

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This episode was published on April 8, 2026.

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He was just 14 years old when he was sentenced to life in prison. He would go on to spend 18 years alone in solitary confinement until the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his life sentence. Now, Ian Manuel is using his voice—and his poetry—to inspire...

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