PODCAST · government
Oklahoma Odyssey
by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, a captivating podcast that embarks on a transformative journey through the heart of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Join us as we unravel the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the pursuit of justice and equality within the state's legal system.Meet your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, two passionate advocates for change, each bringing a unique perspective to the podcast. Ashley Bender, OK Justice Reform's Interactive Marketing Manager and the host of Navigating Justice, and Michael Olson, an attorney and OK Justice Reform's Policy Counsel, combine their expertise to shed light on the multifaceted issues that Oklahoma's criminal justice system faces.Oklahoma Odyssey goes beyond the headlines, presenting listeners with a comprehensive exploration of the issues at hand. Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and thought-provoking discussions, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal justi
Episodes
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Advocating for Equality: Unveiling Oklahoma's Crusade for Justice
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in this eye-opening episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they delve into the crucial role of advocacy in the fight for equality within the state's criminal justice system. Special guest Tasneem Al-Michael of OCCJ shares valuable insights and experiences,...
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On the Same Page: Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable
Welcome to another episode of Oklahoma Odyssey with your hosts Michael Olson and Ashley Bender! In this month's installment of our series "On the Same Page," we delve into the thought-provoking book "Shielded: How The Police Became Untouchable." Join us as we dissect the author's exploration of…
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Unveiling the Hidden Economy: The Impact of Prison Labor
Join Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on a captivating journey into the intricate web of relationships between prison labor and the broader economy. In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into the often-overlooked role of incarcerated individuals in fueling industries beyond the confines of...
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On the Same Page: Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining Is a Bad Deal
In this month's On the Same Page episode, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the acclaimed book "Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining Is a Bad Deal" by Carissa Byrne Hessick. Join us as we dissect the intricate layers of the plea bargaining...
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Behind Bars: A Journey Through the Ages of Punishment
In this captivating episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson with Project Manager Jennifer Williams, embark on an illuminating journey through the annals of history, tracing the evolution of punishment and confinement across civilizations and epochs. Join us as we…
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On the Same Page: Rebooting Justice: More Technology, Fewer Lawyers, and the Future of Law
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on another riveting episode of our monthly series "On the Same Page". This month we are looking into the book "Rebooting Justice: More Technology, Fewer Lawyers, and the Future of Law." In this illuminating exploration, our dynamic hosts dissect the...
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Chronicles of Consequence: Unraveling the War on Drugs
Join your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, on a gripping journey through the labyrinthine corridors of history in this special episode of Oklahoma Odyssey. In "Chronicles of Consequence: Unraveling the War on Drugs," we embark on an exploration of the comprehensive history of the war on...
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On the Same Page: The Courage of Compassion
Dive into a profound exploration of compassion, justice, and advocacy in our latest episode as hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson engage in a compelling conversation with the esteemed author of 'The Courage of Compassion,' Robin Steinberg. Together, they unravel the transformative power of...
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Reforming Justice: Oklahoma's 2023 Triumphs and the Road Ahead
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on this episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, we delve into the transformative strides made in criminal justice reform throughout the year 2023 in the Sooner State. Join us as we recap the remarkable successes, from innovative policies to impactful initiatives,...
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On the Same Page: A Christmas in Prison
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in a poignant episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they explore the heartfelt Harper's Magazine piece, "Christmas in Prison" by Kenneth Hartman with the author Kenneth himself. This captivating episode delves into the profound reflections and experiences…
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Uncovering Civil Asset Forfeiture
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, the thought-provoking criminal justice podcast brought to you by Ashley Bender and Michael Olson from Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. In this episode, we embark on an investigative journey deep into the heart of civil asset forfeiture laws and practices,...
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On the Same Page: Innocent Man
In this episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson delve into the gripping narrative of 'An Innocent Man,' a powerful book that unravels the flaws within the criminal justice system. This story hits close to home as it took place in Ada, Oklahoma. Join us as we navigate…
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On the Same Page: Killers of the Flower Moon
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on a gripping exploration of David Grann's true-crime masterpiece in this special episode of Oklahoma Odyssey. Delve into the shocking events surrounding the Osage murders in the 1920s, as depicted in both the book and movie 'Killers of the Flower Moon.'...
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Faith, Justice, and the Death Penalty
Join us and Dr. Rev. Shannon Fleck of Oklahoma Faith Network as we critically examine the religious narratives that both challenge and support the death penalty, seeking to understand the profound impact of faith on the pursuit of justice. Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, the thought-provoking…
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On the Same Page: The Poisoner's Handbook
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, a captivating podcast series produced by Ashley Bender and Michael Olson from Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform. In this episode, we take you on a thrilling journey through the pages of Deborah Blum's masterpiece, exploring the riveting tales of poisonings,...
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On the Same Page: Mindhunter
In this riveting episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson dive into the chilling world of criminal profiling with a close examination of the book "Mindhunter." Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about sensitive topics, including rape and murder. Listener...
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Unveiling the Link: Concentrated Disadvantage and Criminal Legal Involvement in Oklahoma
In this episode, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson go on a deep dive into the intricacies of Concentrated Disadvantage Index and its profound impact on poverty and criminal legal involvement in Oklahoma. Our hosts, as well as David Gateley of The Oklahoma Policy Institute, delve into the…
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On the Same Page: Profit and Punishment: How America Criminalizes the Poor in the Name of Justice
Embark on a thought-provoking journey with hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson as they dissect the eye-opening revelations within 'Profit and Punishment: How America Criminalizes the Poor in the Name of Justice' by Toni Messenger. Together, they navigate the pages of this impactful book,...
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On the Same Page: A Theory of Justice
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the profound insights offered by John Rawls' seminal work, "A Theory of Justice," and explore its implications for the urgent challenges faced by the modern criminal justice system. Join us as we navigate the intricate web of Rawlsian...
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Pulse's Season One Finale - Heartbeats of Justice: Reflect, Revisit, Reform
As the inaugural season of "Pulse" comes to a close, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson take you on a reflective journey through the impactful stories and insightful conversations that have defined this podcast. Join us in this season finale as we delve into the pulse of criminal justice,...
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Oklahoma's Criminal Justice Reform Story
Join host Ashley Bender, Executive Director of Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Damion Shade, and Jasmine Sankofa, the Policy and Research Manager at FWD.us as we detail the progress made, while keeping our foot on the gas towards next best steps to make safer, better communities across…
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On the Same Page: Criminal (In)Justice: What the Push for Decarceration and Depolicing Gets Wrong and Who It Hurts Most
Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on an enlightening episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they engage in a riveting discussion with special guest Cindy Nyugen, representing ACLU Oklahoma. In this episode, the trio delves into the thought-provoking insights from the book "Criminal (In)Justice:...
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Chilling Chronicles: Oklahoma's Dark Tales of True Crime
Dive into the shadows of the criminal legal system with Pulse's special spooky season episode, "Chilling Chronicles: Oklahoma's Dark Tales of True Crime." Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, as well as their guest Colleen McCarty the Executive Director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law...
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2SLGBTQ+ History Month
Join us and Nicole Mcafee of Freedom Oklahoma as we break down 2SLGBTQ+ History Month. We know that 2SLGBTQ+ folks are more likely to be involved in every step of the criminal legal system, by and large, by no fault of their own. Listen as we break this down, detail where Oklahoma is in this...
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Prisons are an Environmental Injustice
For decades, prison and jails across the nation have been built on or near enivronmentally hazardous locations. Join us and researchers Leon-Corwin, Maggie, Jericho R. McElroy, Michelle L. Estes, as we dive into their research paper “Polluting our Prisons? An Examination of the Relationship…
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Criminalizing Poverty: The Grim Realities of Fines and Fees
Beginning in the early 2000's, the Oklahoma State Legislature began to cut funding for court operations but allowed the imposition of fees to cover the lost revenue. Fines and fees has therefore been a concern for criminal justice reform advocates and for court actors who faced shrinking state...
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Why Do We Lock Up So Many Women and Girls?
Today is National Women's Equality Day. Women's Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The amendment was first introduced in 1878. Though Women's Equality Day didn't come around until 1971, when the U.S. Congress...
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Previewing the Legislative's Upcoming Interim Studies
As legislative session and special sessions have now come to an end, it is time to shift to interim studies. Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall approved 82 interim studies ahead of the 2023 Legislative Session. Additionally, the Senate has approved over 40 interim studies. Between the House…
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On the Same Page: Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice
For our monthly book club this month, we dive into Unfair: The New Science of Criminal Injustice. We've all heard stories of people who served decades in prison for crimes they didn't commit. We like to think such miscarriages of justice are rare. Legal scholar Adam Benforado, says many routine...
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Are Private Prisons All Bad?
This week we had Keaton Ross, a reporter who covers democracy, prison conditions, and criminal justice issues for Oklahoma Watch, on to chat with us about private prisons in Oklahoma. Many of us know some of the horrific truths and statistics about violence and the conditions inside private...
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On the Same Page: Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court
The week, for our monthly bookclub, we are detailing the book Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court by Jeffret Toobin. Based in part on exclusive interviews with the justices and former law clerks, Toobin profiles the justices of the United States Supreme Court, the functioning of…
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2022 Oklahoma Legislative Session Recap
As the legislative session draws to a close - it is important to take stock of the gains we made as a state. This session featured several monumental successes for criminal justice reform, and we are proud of the work achieved by criminal legal advocates of all stripes. Though we would be remiss…
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On the Same Page: Rich get Richer, Poor get Prison
Welcome back to our book series, On the Same Page. This week we're discussing Rich get Richer, Poor get Prison by Jeffrey Reiman and Paul Leighton. For 40 years, this classic text has taken the issue of economic inequality seriously and asked: Why are our prisons filled with the poor? Why aren't...
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Celebrating National Drug Court Month
This Drug Court Month we had the honor of having Judge Stoner of Oklahoma County Drug Court on with us to detail the how his court operates and all the fiscal and societal benefits of drug court. National Drug Court Month is a celebration of the lives restored by drug court, and it sends the...
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Hysteria, PTSD, and Crisis: Mental Health Realities in Prison
As May closes out we want to honor Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Awareness Month. In this episode we detail the history of mental health treatment and advocacy, but furthermore, we dive intot the nexus between mental health and prisons and…
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On the Same Page: Apart
3 moms. 4 kids. 18 years in prison. Since the beginning of the War on Drugs, the number of women in U.S. prisons has grown over 800%. The majority are mothers. In a Midwestern state caught between harsh drug sentencing and rising incarceration for women, three unforgettable mothers—Tomika, Lydia,...
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Ethical Journalism, Wokeism, and Misinformation: Part 2
This week we're wrapping up our conversation with Ginnie Graham of the Tulsa World on ethical journalism. Ginnie Graham was born and raised in Oklahoma. She is now an editorial writer for the Tulsa World Opinion section. We got into the weeds of what reporting looks like in Oklahoma and where...
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Ethical Journalism, Wokeism, and Misinformation: Part 1
This week we were so grateful to have Ginnie Graham of the Tulsa World on with us as we detailed ethical journalism. Ginnie Graham was born and raised in Oklahoma. She is now an editorial writer for the Tulsa World Opinion section. We looked at this in the lens of crime reporting and criminal…
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A Win for Employers & Employees: Second Chance Employment & the R.I.S.E Program
This week we had the opportunity to interview Christie Luther of the R.I.S.E. Program, INC here in Oklahoma. The R.IS.E. Program is a 501c3 non-profit organization which teaches Oklahoma's incarcerated women the vocational skills of Cosmetology. (With no cost to the women, their families, state…
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On the Same Page: The Direct Line from American Prisons to Slavery
Welcome back to our book series, On the Same Page. This week we're discussing the award winning, American Prison: A Reporter's Undercover Journey into the Business of Punishment by Shane Bauer. In this non-fiction novel, Bauer, an investigative reporter for Mother Jones magazine, decides to dig...
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HB 3848: Using Big Data to Improve the Criminal Legal System
A comprehensive new database designed to evalute everything from what Oklahomans are being charged with to who is taking plea deal and what kinds. In the moment, no one in Oklahoma has a comprehensive look at Oklahoma's criminal legal system or the prison and jail populations. Listen along with…
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Tackling Oklahoma Debtors Prison in the Legislature
Join us today as we dive into fines and fees reform in Oklahoma with David Gateley of the Oklahoma Policy Institute. We're diving into three bills surrounding fines and fees reform with an added sneak peak into our expungement episode and the massive effect all of these bills would have on…
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On the Same Page: How Criminal Legal Literature Hits Close to Home
Just Mercy emphasizes the importance of active resistance to unfair institutions. Bryan Stevenson describes the racism, corruption, mass incarceration, the role of police, and cruelty that pervade American court systems and lead to the systematic abuse of marginalized communities. In our first...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, a captivating podcast that embarks on a transformative journey through the heart of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Join us as we unravel the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the pursuit of justice and equality within the state's legal system.Meet your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, two passionate advocates for change, each bringing a unique perspective to the podcast. Ashley Bender, OK Justice Reform's Interactive Marketing Manager and the host of Navigating Justice, and Michael Olson, an attorney and OK Justice Reform's Policy Counsel, combine their expertise to shed light on the multifaceted issues that Oklahoma's criminal justice system faces.Oklahoma Odyssey goes beyond the headlines, presenting listeners with a comprehensive exploration of the issues at hand. Through in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and thought-provoking discussions, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal justi
HOSTED BY
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Oklahoma Odyssey have?
Oklahoma Odyssey currently has 43 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Oklahoma Odyssey about?
Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, a captivating podcast that embarks on a transformative journey through the heart of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Join us as we unravel the stories, challenges, and triumphs that shape the pursuit of justice and equality within the state's legal system.Meet your...
How often does Oklahoma Odyssey release new episodes?
Oklahoma Odyssey has 43 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Oklahoma Odyssey?
You can listen to Oklahoma Odyssey 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 Oklahoma Odyssey?
Oklahoma Odyssey is created and hosted by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform.
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