The CHAT with Elesha Nightingale

In this episode Elesha interviews John Dacey and Robert Craig of Abolish Private Prisons about why they care about putting people over profit, how privatization of prison doesn't help with rehabilitation, and perpetuates a lack of human freedoms and makes people into commodities. You can find more about Abolish Private Prisons at: www.abolishprivateprisons.org

In this episode Elesha interviews Serena Martin-Liguori, Executive Director of New Hour, about her personal story of both incarceration and co-founding an organization that supports impacted women and children, our deeply flawed systems, human rights standards for pregnant women, and collective community. You can find Serena Martin-Liguori on Twitter @SerenaLiguori4 / @NewHourNY

In this episode Elesha interviews Brett Tolman, Executive Director of Right on Crime and former U.S. Attorney, about his personal story as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, conservative views on changes to criminal justice system, how the deck gets stacked, what could make us all safer, and his mentor "minimum Benson." You can find Brett Tolman on Twitter @tolmanbrett / @RightOnCrime.

In this episode Elesha interviews Chelsea Maldonado, investigative reporter and lived experience expert, about the "troubled teen" industry, her personal experience being sent to a facility without consent, The bi-partisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act (SICAA), and much needed support received from her online survivor network community. You can find Chelsea Maldonado on Twitter @YEP4Rights

In our season finale episode, Elesha interviews Bianca Tylek, Founder/Executive Director of Worth Rises, a national non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to dismantling the prison industry and ending the exploitation of all those it targets. Bianca and Elesha discuss the 80-billion-dollar prison industry complex, why it makes sense to make prison and jail communication free, the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, the importance of advocacy and corporate accountability, Bianca's prior life on Wall Street, and how her mentors along her journey helped support her conviction to end injustice. Bianca Tylek and Worth Roses can be found on Twitter at @BiancaTylek / @WorthRises

In this episode Elesha interviews Zack Goodman, Senior Data Scientist with Recidiviz a non-profit that partners with state criminal justice agencies to advance their use of data and reduce incarceration. Zack and Elesha discuss the importance of data and technology in criminal legal reform, ethical considerations in data to address and reduce bias, increasing opportunities for downgrading supervision and evaluating program effectiveness. Recidiviz can be found on Twitter @recidiviz

In this episode Elesha interviews Keri Blakinger about trauma bonding, an unlikely mentor, not judging a book by it's cover (unless it's Corrections in Ink, of course), the nitty gritty of getting a book published, what it's like to put your story out there and become a public figure, and developing a network of support who like to discuss more then habeas corpus. You can find Keri Blakinger on Twitter @Keribla

In this episode Elesha interviews David Garlock about public speaking, re-entry, mindset, giving people opportunities to succeed, what a pardon is, untapped allies, the history of the registry and reasons it doesn't make communities safer, and an open invitation to put a stamp on David Garlock's passport.

In this episode Elesha interviews Nicole Hutchinson-Moore about the importance of peer support and mentorship, the meaning of grace and how we all need it, centering humanity in legislation, bringing more people to the table to pull in the same direction and fill the gaps, along with some important mentorship tips which include facing our fears. Nicole Hutchinson-Moore can be found on Twitter @prisondiamond

In this episode Elesha interviews Dr. Carmen Johnson about political backlash, overcoming post-incarceration depression, finding purpose in pain, faith, and how we are all truly one. Dr. Carmen Johnson can be found on Twitter @DrCarmenJohnso1.

In this season opener episode Elesha interviews Bobby Bostic who was recently released after 27 years behind bars. He discusses his inspiration for his non-profit organization "Dear Mama" and encourages all of us inside-and-outside prison walls to never give up. Bobby Bostic can be found on Twitter/IG @FreeBobbyBostic

In this episode Elesha interviews Tameka Means founder of Prison Love Mindset about how beliefs dictate action, parenting with a loved one incarcerated, reducing stigma, and tips to maintain healthy thriving relationships. Tameka Means can be found on IG @FitPrisonWife

In this episode Elesha interviews sociologist Quintin Williams about what brought him to academia and the study of sociology, his campaigns to change laws and confront stigma, and advice to fellow justice impacted people. Quintin Williams can be found on Twitter @Qwillyleads

In our first episode of The CHAT Elesha interviews Alexandria Pech, researcher and PhD candidate, about how to be trauma informed when talking to people who have loved ones incarcerated, visitation in jails/prisons, and Alexandria's research study of familial incarceration impacts on Black and brown youth and why that's important.

In this episode Elesha interviews Joshua Hoe founder of Decarceration Nation about his podcast and state/federal policy work, good and bad faith media, emotional labor, and how to be trauma informed, Joshua can be found on Twitter @JoshuaBHoe

In this episode Elesha interviews Amber, founder of the Been Down Project, about her personal journey in the criminal justice system, stigma and overcoming shame, odd parole and probation requirements, and questions you should avoid asking justice impacted people. Amber can be found on Instagram @thebeendownproject and Been Down Project merch can be found at www.thebeendownproject.com/shop

In this episode Elesha interviews Alan Mills, Executive Director of The Uptown People's Law Center in Chicago about his path to civil rights legal work, why people should be released from jail, and current medical care issues in jails and prisons. Alan Mills and UPLC can be found on Twitter @alan_uplc / @uplcchicago

In the season finale episode Elesha interviews Glenn E. Martin founder of JustLeadership USA about entrepreneurship, social justice work, and his blueprint for leadership. Glenn E. Martin can be found on Twitter @glennEmartin