Written Off

Nov 12 2024 17 ep. 27 mins 162

Written Off Podcast artwork

Walter Thompson-Hernández speaks with formerly incarcerated young writers whose work will be read over the course of the season by creatives like John Legend, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Karamo Brown, Jay Ellis, Keke Palmer, Julio Torres, and Jesse Williams. Vulnerable poems and honest stories play out against a tailored soundtrack with original music. From Lemonada Media and Black Bar Mitzvah. The voices of those locked up in the U.S. prison system have been all but written off, but no more. These aren’t voices you’ve missed; they’re voices that haven’t been heard.

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Oct 03 2023 28 mins

Incarceration in the U.S. has profound flaws and consequences, but there are many people doing life-changing work to lessen its harm. In this special episode, Lemonada co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs sits down with two individuals whose organizations aim to increase access to housing for people who have been involved in the justice system. Stephanie speaks with Leslie Cred

Introducing: Life Jolt

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Collect Call. Kyle Murphy x Jesse Williams

Sep 29 2021 44 mins

“Wash It Off.” Written by Kyle Murphy. Performed by Jesse Williams. Kyle chats with his friend (and series executive producer) Aaron Bergman a few weeks ahead of his release about his political activism and fully realizing his literary dreams after a decade inside the system. “Some people might feel like they’ve written me off, but I’ve go

Ultimate Freedom. Ramon Escobar x Angelique Cabral

Sep 22 2021 28 mins

“My People.” Written by Ramon Escobar. Performed by Angelique Cabral. Ramon is quick to thank InsideOUT Writers for helping him make the transition from feared gang member to highly-successful business owner who happily employs other IOW alums. “I'm in a different place now where I don't have to hide this other person anymore - it's part of who I've b

Inhaling Memories. Frank Jimenez x Danny Ramirez

Sep 15 2021 23 mins

“2nd.” Written by Frank Jimenez. Performed by Danny Ramirez. Frank is putting his mentor’s sage advice to good use by prioritizing his and his family’s happiness and working towards leaving his own unique mark on Hollywood. ‘My writings are like little track markers showing me I'm on the right path, even though I might not see it right the

Ghetto Royalty. Daniel Bisuano x Julio Torres

Sep 08 2021 27 mins

“Second Chances.” Written by Daniel Bisuano. Performed by Julio Torres. Daniel is determined to leave his turbulent past behind by living authentically and pursuing each opportunity that presents itself in his quest to become a screenwriter. “When I started to write, I started to not only unpack all the pain that I had inside, but I started to create

Real Leo. Taylor Lytle x Issa Rae

Sep 01 2021 21 mins

“Everybody Knows That Time Will Pass You By.” Written by Taylor Lytle. Performed by Issa Rae. Taylor is all smiles as she owns her pronounced presence in the world and continues exercising her “revolutionary” methods as a criminal justice activist. “Writing is too rewarding to ever think of a life without it.” - Taylor Lytle F

Jiggy Stuff. Lionel Tate x LaRoyce Hawkins

Aug 25 2021 27 mins

“I’m Still Trying to Find Out.” Written by Lionel Tate. Performed by LaRoyce Hawkins. Lionel embodies healthy living both personally and professionally by honoring his truth on paper and devoting himself to his successful vegan catering company. “I don't feel like I'm in a position where I have to lie to the paper because basically I'm just lyin

The Unfit. Olivia Carrasco x Dascha Polanco

Aug 18 2021 32 mins

“The Unfit.” Written by Olivia Carrasco. Performed by Dascha Polanco. Olivia is getting reaccustomed to her life “on the outs” and finding her voice amongst friends and family at InsideOUT Writers. “Whether you're heard or not, writing is getting out your thoughts without judgment - I find freedom in that.” - Olivia Carrasco &n

Borrowed Time. John Rodriguez x Karamo Brown

Aug 11 2021 34 mins

“Time.” Written by John Rodriguez. Performed by Karamo Brown. John is heavily conflicted by the freedom afforded him with an early commutation, leaving him stuck between missing his “family” on the inside and deciphering what’s truly real among folks on the outside. “Writing has the role of regrounding me, being honest with myself and call