Christina speaks with Mercedes about the life she's created with her husband, who is incarcerated in San Diego and serving a sentence of life without parole. Mercedes' perspective shows how difficult it can be to navigate the nuances of loving someone behind bars and coming to terms with the reality of their crime - balancing being in love with that person and simultaneously experiencing strong feelings of empathy for the victim and their loved ones.


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Written and produced by Christina Hansen

Additional production and sound editing by Jason Sissoyev

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If you or someone you know has a story to share or if you'd like to drop me a note, send an email to: pennedpodcast@gmail.com

Unconditional Freedom is an organization determined to create massive change within the United States' prison system by introducing a new model for prisons called The Prison Monastery. This radical concept is meant to restore the penitentiary to its roots; a place to contemplate and meaningfully contribute to society while incarcerated.

Christina speaks with the organization's Director, Kate Feigin, who has made it her life's work to transform prisons from the inside, and Nancy Coleman who directs The Art of Soulmaking. This program teaches prison residents contemplative practices, along with meditation and yoga. Every student is paired with a volunteer to correspond with by mail as they journey through the course.


The transformation of a prison involves everyone: the incarcerated, law enforcement, correctional officers, and communities.

To learn more about Unconditional Freedom, The Prison Monastery Program, The Art of Soulmaking or if you'd like to volunteer please visit: unconditionalfreedom.org

Become a Prison Pen Pal through Unconditional Freedom


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Written and produced by Christina Hansen

Additional production and sound editing by Jason Sissoyev

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If you or someone you know has a story to share or if you'd like to drop me a note, send an email to: pennedpodcast@gmail.com

Christina speaks with Audree, a prison wife from Canada, who is in a relationship with Jeffrey, an American currently serving time in a facility near the US/Canadian border.

As with most incarcerated relationships, Audree and Jeffrey aren’t without their hardships. However, their love story is reminiscent of a RomCom - from the first letter to the first kiss and everything in between. The love they have for each other is pure and intentional, both of them giving their all to a relationship most would classify as unconventional.

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Written and produced by Christina Hansen

Additional production and sound editing by Jason Sissoyev

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If you or someone you know has a story to share or if you'd like to drop me a note, send an email to: pennedpodcast@gmail.com