Life in the Federal System

03/18/24 • 38 min

Welcome to the very first episode of Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. In this opening episode, hosts Sam and Tony introduce themselves and their unique background of meeting in prison. Both Asian-Americans, they offer a perspective not commonly represented in discussions about the U.S. prison system. Here's what you'll find in this episode:

Introduction to the Hosts: Learn about Sam and Tony, how they met, and why they're breaking the silence on Asian-American experiences in prison.
Life in the Federal System: An insider's look at navigating the challenges and absurdities of prison life, from the RDAP program to the dynamics of a diverse inmate population.
RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program): A deep dive into their experiences in the RDAP program, highlighting the irony of the system's approach to rehabilitation.
Behind Bars, Beyond Stereotypes: Discussions that challenge common misconceptions about prison life, focusing on the stories of Asian inmates in a system that often overlooks them.
Friendship and Resilience: The story of how adversity forged a strong bond between two unlikely friends and how it sustained them through their sentence and beyond.
Humor in Hardship: From basketball leagues to unexpected bathroom etiquette, Sam and Tony share the lighter side of their prison experience.
Looking Ahead: A brief overview of what listeners can expect from future episodes, including more stories, insights, and advice for those facing the prison system themselves.

Introduction to the Hosts: Learn about Sam and Tony, how they met, and why they're breaking the silence on Asian-American experiences in prison.
Life in the Federal System: An insider's look at navigating the challenges and absurdities of prison life, from the RDAP program to the dynamics of a diverse inmate population.
RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program): A deep dive into their experiences in the RDAP program, highlighting the irony of the system's approach to rehabilitation.
Behind Bars, Beyond Stereotypes: Discussions that challenge common misconceptions about prison life, focusing on the stories of Asian inmates in a system that often overlooks them.
Friendship and Resilience: The story of how adversity forged a strong bond between two unlikely friends and how it sustained them through their sentence and beyond.
Humor in Hardship: From basketball leagues to unexpected bathroom etiquette, Sam and Tony share the lighter side of their prison experience.
Looking Ahead: A brief overview of what listeners can expect from future episodes, including more stories, insights, and advice for those facing the prison system themselves.

Next Episode

Unseen Struggles: Anxiety, Adjustment, and Hope in Prison

Welcome to the latest episode of Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. I'm Tony, joined by my co-host Sam. Both of us have faced the daunting reality of incarceration and have lived to tell the tale. Today's episode delves deep into the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies a prison sentence—from the moment of sentencing to the anticipation of release.

Highlights from this episode include:

The Moment of Sentencing: We share our personal experiences with sentencing, the immediate impact it had on us, and the ripple effect on our families. For Tony, a securities fraud conviction led to a 24-month sentence, while Sam faced false accusations and the uncertainty of his fate until the final moment in court.
The Reality of Prison Life: Discover what life is really like inside a minimum security prison. Contrary to the grim portrayals in media, our stint at Morgantown presented a different reality—one without fences or armed guards, more akin to a tennis camp than a prison. Yet, the lack of physical confinement doesn't ease the mental burdens.
Coping with Anxiety and Preparing for Prison: We discuss the intense anxiety that builds up from the moment of conviction to self-surrendering at prison. From dealing with family dynamics to the practicalities of arranging one's affairs, the journey to self-surrender is fraught with emotional and logistical challenges.
Adjusting to Prison Culture: Learn about our strategies for adjusting to the unique culture and unwritten rules of prison life. We talk about the fear of violence, the importance of finding your routine, and the role of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) in potentially reducing our sentences.
Life After Prison: Reentry into society comes with its own set of anxieties and challenges. We share our paths to rebuilding our lives, from navigating relationships and employment to the ongoing process of mental and emotional healing.
Support and Healing: Both of us emphasize the importance of support systems, whether it's finding friendship in unlikely places, engaging in therapy, or turning to faith. We discuss how these elements have been crucial in our ongoing journey of coping with the aftermath of incarceration.

This episode is not just our story—it's a conversation about hope, resilience, and the possibility of redemption. Whether you've experienced the criminal justice system firsthand or you're simply interested in the stories behind the statistics, we hope our discussion sheds light on the complexities of life behind bars and the long road to recovery.

Questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Reach out to us. Your story, question, or suggestion could be the focus of our next discussion.

Thank you for tuning into Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. Stay strong, keep hoping, and remember, no matter how tough it gets, there's always a path forward.