The Reentry Reality Check with The Fortune Society

Host and Founder of The Fortune Society welcomes Bruce Bryan, a criminal legal reform strategist, author, and mentor who was wrongfully incarcerated for 29 years and granted clemency in 2022. Together, David and Bruce discuss the current state of reentry and the realities and challenges of returning home.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

In this episode, David Rothenberg spoke with Clifford Rice and Deshawn Kenner about aging in prison. Both Clifford and Deshawn spent many years incarcerated, and this time offered them an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Together, they reflected on their progress after incarceration.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host David Rothenberg spoke with Tiffany Vulcain and Lymus Rivera to discuss their experiences as parents involved in the criminal legal system. They reflected on their relationships with their children upon being released from prison, the challenges parents face coming home, and reentry resources for parents and their children.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

In this episode, David Rothenberg is joined by Rahsaan Thomas, Founder and Co-Director of the San Quentin Film Festival. They talk about how the festival began, and the importance of sharing stories about and created by people who are system-impacted. Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host David Rothenberg spoke with Tony Lesane and Jose De La Cruz about the incredible value of the NEST at The Fortune Society, a peer recovery center that offers a safe space and welcoming community for participants, as well as weekly groups that encourage important discussions about recovery and healing. Many people who utilize the NEST’s services find emotional support and understanding from others who can relate to their experiences.  Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

David Rothenberg discusses incarcerated and reentry law with Fortune's Chief Legal Officer Michele Weinstat and Senior Director of Compliance Jeffrey Wertkin. The cover the process of lawyer reinstatement, their roles at Fortune for those returning home from incarceration and the support Fortune offers.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

In the podcast, David Rothenberg explores the challenges of re-entering society, focusing on the impact on families of the incarcerated, with guests Barbara Allen and Ervin "Easy" Hunt. Barbara and Easy share their own experiences, stressing the significance of maintaining family connections during incarceration and how support is crucial to a smoother transition for those re-entering society.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host and Founder of The Fortune Society joins Dr. Elizabeth Christy, Associate Vice President of the Better Living Center, and Eugene King, a Fortune participant, to talk about the experience of navigating mental health concerns during incarceration and reentry.Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

The Fortune Society’s President and CEO, Stanley Richards, sat down with Founder, David Rothenberg, to reflect on Stanley’s life leading up to his incarceration and his journey of reentry. They talk about Stanley’s time incarcerated, his work in reentry services, and the people who inspired him to make a change. Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, had a powerful conversation with Jeff Deskovic and Eliseo DeLeon about their exonerations. Both individuals bravely share their stories of wrongful conviction, their time in prison, and their lives since returning home.  Support the showSupport the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is crucial in one’s reentry journey. In this episode, JoAnne Page, Fortune’s former President and CEO, spoke with Founder David Rothenberg about the organization’s dedication to connecting participants with housing after incarceration. Two Fortune participants and former residents of Fortune’s Emergency and Transitional Supportive housing program, the Fortune Academy, also share their experiences transitioning home after incarceration.  Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, sat down with Dr. Ronald Day, Chief Operating Officer at Fortune, and Reggie Chatman, Director of Policy for the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy, to discuss their remarkable educational journeys during incarceration. Both Ronald and Reggie shared how pursuing higher education in prison opened new doors of opportunity and helped foster their personal growth. This powerful conversation highlights the life-changing impact of education for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

The carceral system, as we know it, is not designed to support the rehabilitation of system-involved individuals. It is a costly system, costing taxpayers millions of dollars, and ultimately continues the cycle of incarceration for those who most need support. At The Fortune Society, our Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program directly interrupts this cycle by addressing the overlapping needs of system-impacted people. Fortune’s Deputy CEO, Rob DeLeon, and Director of the ATI program, Alex Mitchell, spoke with Founder, David Rothenberg, about the value of investing in community-based programs. Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Amanda Cruz and Vilma Ortiz-Donovan spoke with host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, about the unique experiences of women impacted by the criminal legal system. Amanda and Vilma reflect on their time in incarceration, the emotional struggle of worrying about children and relationships as a mother in prison and rebuilding after incarceration. More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.orgSupport the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Hear the powerful story of Puerto Rican activist, journalist and poet, Felipe Luciano. In a conversation with host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, Felipe reflects on life growing up in New York City, The Last Poets, and his work as an activist in his community.  More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.org Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Many individuals impacted by the criminal legal system were first introduced to the system at an early age. Known as “systems babies,” people like Barry Campbell and Casimiro Torres face hardships that lead them to incarceration, starting from foster care, to jail and then prison. In this episode, Barry and Casimiro share their stories growing up in the system.  More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.org Support the showThe Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios. Hosted by David RothenbergEngineering and producing by John RunowiczEditing by Kendall ShepardIntro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler