PODCAST · education
AQS Inmate Call
by Joel Wilborn
Supportive relationships play a crucial role in shaping our confidence and self-worth, enabling us to achieve success. One often overlooked aspect is the impact that connecting with incarcerated individuals can have on both parties involved. Engaging in conversations with those who are incarcerated can create a significant positive change, not only for them but also for ourselves.
Episodes
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Tina Vanburen's Treatment at WCCW
The conversation explores the experiences of Tina, an inmate at the Washington Correction Center for Women, who shares her insights on the challenges faced by women in prison, particularly regarding the treatment of transgender inmates, discrimination, mental health issues, and the need for…
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The Paperwork Trap
Prisons and jails feel like concrete black boxes, but every carceral institution in the country runs on mundane paperwork: maintenance logs, vendor kickback contracts, intake sheets, and grievance reports. By law, almost all of it is public record. So why do so many advocates, organizers, and...
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The 48-Hour Scramble
This episode explores the chaotic and emotional experience of inmates during transfers within the correctional system, focusing on the loss of personal property, the psychological impact of sudden moves, and the need for humane treatment and support for reintegration into society. It highlights…
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The Visit Room Gauntlet: Love, Humiliation, and the Four-Hour Drive
If you’ve never had a reason to love someone behind razor wire, your Saturday morning belongs to you. If you do, your weekend started Friday night—laying out three backup outfits, ditching underwires, and memorizing dress codes built to be enforced at a guard’s arbitrary whim. In this episode of...
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The Ethics of Pay-to-Breathe Prison Tech
Behind the barbed wire, ruggedized tablets and digital messaging were promised as modern tools for rehabilitation. In reality, they've created one of the most lucrative, captive monopolies in North America. In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, host Joel Wilborn pulls back the civic curtain on the...
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Legal battles over transgender prison placement
This episode explores the complex issues surrounding transgender prisoners, gender-affirming care, and the legal and ethical debates in Washington state. We examine recent court cases, safety concerns, and the future implications for prison policies and transgender rights. Washington State Standard
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The Drama Trap
What does it really take to maintain a connection when the person you love is behind bars? AQS Inmate Call pulls back the curtain on the raw, complex, and often misunderstood realities of navigating relationships, institutional bureaucracy, and daily survival within the correctional system. From...
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Gerald Lott: Recovery and Transformation
What if the real opposite of addiction is not sobriety, butconnection? Gerald Lott shares the hard-earned recovery playbook that turns isolation, prison, and relapse risk into community, purpose, and second chances. If you care about addiction, incarceration, or what actually helps people change,...
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Anne Carpenter: His Quest for Beautiful Women
In this episode, Ann shares his journey of gender transition while incarcerated, his preferences in a partner, and insights into the experiences of trans individuals in prison. This candid conversation offers a unique perspective on gender identity, relationships, and the challenges faced by…
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Cynthia Rhodes: In Her Own Words
This episode sheds light on the critical issues of medical neglect and human rights violations within the prison system, featuring a firsthand account from Sophia Rhodes, a long-term inmate facing severe medical neglect. It emphasizes the urgent need for reform and accountability to ensure proper...
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Forced Hospitalization
In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, Joel Wilborn uncovers how forced psychiatric hospitalization expands the reach of the criminal legal system. From emergency civil holds to forensic commitments, learn why police act as medical transporters, how civil courts detain individuals without standard…
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Teens Behind Bars
When a teenager is sentenced as an adult, the punishment doesn’t stop at the prison gate — it ripples through families, friendships, and futures. Host Joel Wilborn explores what happens when youth meet adult justice: the mental toll, the safety risks, and the cycle of recidivism that follows.…
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The DOC Last Reply
In this episode, Joel Wilborn shares a recent experience with the Washington Department of Corrections — including two visitation and communication denials with conflicting explanations, missing documentation, and a letter stating he would receive “no further replies.” This episode breaks down…
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William Bailey: Personal Transformation
In this episode, William Bailey shares his powerful journey from trauma and addiction to hope and recovery. His story highlights the importance of resilience, faith, and the impact of sharing one's story to inspire others....
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The Hidden Toll of Accelerated Aging
When you are sentenced to life, the system doesn’t just take your time—it rapidly consumes your body. In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we expose the brutal reality of "accelerated aging" behind bars. Studies show incarceration fast-forwards the human body by 10 to 15 years, but for women, that...
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How Prison Policies Reflect Political Power
When states abolish discretionary parole, does early release actually disappear? In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, Joel breaks down a powerful, eye-opening brief by the Prison Policy Initiative that exposes the hidden reality of truth-in-sentencing laws. Seventeen states and Washington D.C.…
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Reentry Navigators: Guiding the Path to Second Chances
Reentry isn’t a moment — it’s a maze.This episode breaks down Washington’s Reentry Navigator program, the statewide push behind it, and the lived reality of people trying to rebuild their lives after incarceration.The wins, the barriers, the policy, and the human cost of getting reentry wrong.
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The Severed Lifeline
In this episode, we expose the quiet crisis spreading through America's correctional facilities: the systematic replacement of physical mail with digital scanning and the ongoing war of attrition against in-person family visitation. We look at the administrative arguments behind these policies…
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Shalin Alltus: When the Victim’s Daughter Speaks Out
In the podcast “The Case of Shalin Alltus,” Shalin recounts the events that led to her uncle’s murder. In this episode, Shalin’s cousin, Americus Alltus, provides the victim’s perspective on the incident.
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Surviving the System: Krissi Jacobson on Turning Pain into Purpose
Imagine your lowest moments becoming your greatest source of strength. Krissi Jacobson’s raw and powerful story reveals how she faced trauma in prison and endured sexual harassment, leading her to rediscover her purpose and resilience. After a tumultuous life marked by addiction, crime, and...
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Safety and Privacy
The debate over prison housing just hit the federal level. The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil‑rights investigation into the Washington Corrections Center for Women — and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This episode breaks down why the issue has exploded nationally, focusing on the...
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Help or Harm
When the gate opens, the real test begins. In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we break down why post‑incarceration DOC support is the difference between rebuilding a life… or getting pulled back into the system. We spotlight DOC programs that work — trauma‑informed reentry, peer‑led support,...
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Dangerous Oversight
When is the last time you questioned the real human cost behind prison policies? A shocking investigation by the Office of the Corrections Ombuds exposes terrifying abuses in Washington's largest women’s prison — pepper spray attacks where safety guidelines were ignored, a woman nearly losing her...
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Disclosing the DOC
Constitutional violations within government agencies—particularly the Department of Corrections—often remain hidden behind non-disclosure agreements and out-of-court settlements. We’re pulling back the curtain on these transgressions and discussing why DOC officials must be held publicly...
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Inside the Walls: A Jailhouse Lawyer's Perspective
This conversation explores the experiences of an inmate navigating the complexities of prison life, including legal advocacy, security levels, health and safety concerns, and the impact of flooding incidents. Renee McKean shares personal anecdotes about retaliation from prison authorities,...
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The B-Pod Crisis
This episode of AQS Inmate Call investigates a harrowing night at the Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW). Through first-hand accounts from residents Trinity Hayes Christensen and Renee, the podcast documents a systemic failure during an electrical fire and subsequent flood in the...
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A Tale of Two Cities
For years, the Pacific Northwest was seen as a progressive utopia. But today, the headlines tell a grittier story. With Seattle ranking 4th in the nation for total crime and Portland following closely behind, the community is at a breaking point. But is the answer more "calibration" and…
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The Grievance System is Designed to Fail
A deep dive into why grievance systems in both federal prisons and Washington State reject nearly all complaints — especially medical ones. We break down new 2026 data, real stories from inside, and how “accountability” becomes a paper shield instead of protection. AQS Inmate Call brings the…
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When the System Pretends it Doesn't Know
A federal women’s prison in Texas is facing new allegations of staff sexual misconduct — and the story exposes a nationwide pattern that Washington State knows too well. This episode of AQS Inmate Call connects the dots between the failures at FPC Bryan and the long‑standing complaints inside...
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Cynthia Rhodes and Medical Care Punishment
In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, host Joel Wilborn shares the harrowing experiences of Cynthia Rhodes, a 66-year-old incarcerated woman at the Washington Correction Center for Women. Cynthia details her ongoing medical crises, alleged retaliation from prison staff, and systemic failures in...
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Horses, Healing, and the Quiet Work of Change
In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we go inside the walls of the Washington Corrections Center for Women to discover an unlikely source of healing: horses. Inspired by KING 5’s True Northwest reporting, we explore how these thousand-pound animals are teaching incarcerated women the art of...
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Inside the WCCW: A Call for Change
In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, host Joel Wilborn discusses the importance of advocating for inmates and addressing systemic issues within correctional facilities. He shares personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, particularly focusing on a...
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The Hidden Crisis in Corrections: Safety, Policy, and Human Rights
This episode explores the complex issues within the Washington State Department of Corrections, focusing on inmate safety, systemic failures, and the challenges of housing transgender inmates. Through compelling stories of inmates like Shane Goldsby, Amber Kim, Christopher Williams, and Sincera...
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Correcting Behavior
This episode explores the realities of the correctional system, focusing on the importance of resources, healthcare, and advocacy for incarcerated individuals. The host shares personal insights and highlights systemic issues within Washington's correctional facilities, emphasizing the need for...
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Tina Stewart's Murder: Lessons
Tina Stewart deserved safety. Instead, she became another preventable victim of intimate partner violence. In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we examine the systemic failures that led to her death—and what it will take to stop the next tragedy before it happens. We break down the warning signs…
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Understanding Recidivism: Why So Many Return to Prison
Why do so many people return to prison after release—and what would it take to break the cycle? In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we dig into the reality of recidivism in the United States: the numbers, the barriers, and the human stories behind the statistics. From employment and housing...
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Over Capacity: IDOC Budget Crisis
Idaho’s prison system is buckling under historic overcrowding and rising costs — and the state’s budget can’t keep up. This episode breaks down why the Idaho Department of Correction is facing a multimillion‑dollar shortfall, how inflation and population spikes are driving expenses, and what...
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Abuse of Power in the Washington Department of Corrections
This conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding the Washington State Department of Corrections, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and advocacy for incarcerated individuals. The host discusses the challenges faced by those within the system, including…
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Cynthia Rhodes’ Journey
In this episode, host Joel Wilborn tells the moving story of Cynthia Rhodes a wheelchair-using inmate at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Through a series of emails, Cynthia shares her struggles with health problems, the challenges of navigating the prison system, and how changing her...
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The Impact of Kala Williams' Murder
A decade after 20‑year‑old Kala Williams vanished from Spokane, her story continues to echo through the Northwest. What began as a missing‑person search became a long fight for answers — a journey marked by heartbreak, resilience, and a family’s refusal to let Kala be forgotten. This episode…
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A Conversation with Anthony Covert
Anthony discusses the public's misconceptions of incarcerated individuals. Securus identification: DOC 335988
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The Lessons of a Serial Rapist
Kevin Coe, known as Spokane’s South Hill Rapist, was recently released from McNeil Island. In response, State Senator Mark Schoesler has introduced a bill aimed at making it more difficult for state agencies to release serial rapists. The discussion delves into the complexities of the criminal...
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Ghost Children
This discussion looks at how parental incarceration deeply affects kids and families, stressing the value of community support, mentorship, and open communication to help prevent crime and build resilience in these children. It also points out the struggles they face, the need for accessible...
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40 Dollars Out The Gate
In this episode, host Joel Wilborn discusses the critical issue of gate money, the financial assistance provided to ex-prisoners upon their release. He shares personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by individuals reentering society, particularly the inadequacy of the current...
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Hating the DOC
This conversation explores the challenges facing the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the public animosity it often receives. The host highlights the need for advocacy, accountability, and systemic reform, stressing the value of rehabilitation and protecting the rights of juvenile offenders.…
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Learning From Inmates
This conversation explores the complexities of the prison system, shedding light on the struggles inmates face and the pressing need for reform. The host talks about the harsh realities of prison life, the corruption that exists within the system, and the vital role community support plays in...
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Criminal Mentoring
In this conversation, host Joel Wilborn explores the complexities of crime prevention, emphasizing that there is no single solution to stopping crime. He discusses the ineffectiveness of simply removing weapons and highlights the cleverness of criminals in finding ways to commit crimes. The...
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Abusing Juveniles
This episode confronts the harrowing legacy of systemic abuse within juvenile detention centers, centering on a decades-long case in Spokane County where children were groomed and sexually abused by guards. Joel Wilborn underscores the urgent need for public awareness, survivor advocacy, and...
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The Intersection of Politics and Prison Reform
In this discussion, host Joel Wilborn dives into the overlap between politics and prison reform, exploring the impacts of socialism versus capitalism. He stresses the importance of understanding the U.S. constitutional republic system, critiques the push for socialism, and advocates for the...
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Not for Everyone
In this episode, Joel Wilborn dives into life's ups and downs, highlighting the value of planning, addressing complaints, and the importance of having support systems. He reflects on how imperfections help personal growth and stresses the role of communication in relationships. The discussion…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Supportive relationships play a crucial role in shaping our confidence and self-worth, enabling us to achieve success. One often overlooked aspect is the impact that connecting with incarcerated individuals can have on both parties involved. Engaging in conversations with those who are incarcerated can create a significant positive change, not only for them but also for ourselves.
HOSTED BY
Joel Wilborn
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does AQS Inmate Call have?
AQS Inmate Call currently has 322 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is AQS Inmate Call about?
Supportive relationships play a crucial role in shaping our confidence and self-worth, enabling us to achieve success. One often overlooked aspect is the impact that connecting with incarcerated individuals can have on both parties involved. Engaging in conversations with those who are incarcerated...
How often does AQS Inmate Call release new episodes?
AQS Inmate Call publishes regularly with 322 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to AQS Inmate Call?
You can listen to AQS Inmate Call on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts AQS Inmate Call?
AQS Inmate Call is created and hosted by Joel Wilborn.
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