Episode #40 of the 17 Winters Podcast dives into the painful and often overlooked reality of generational incarceration. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with author Alexis Devon Smith to discuss his impactful book, Momma Does My Daddy Still Love Me, and the emotional toll incarceration takes on our women, children and families across generations.

Together, we explore the trauma, abandonment, confusion, and resilience experienced by children with incarcerated parents, while shedding light on the importance of healing, accountability, and breaking destructive cycles. Alexis shares his inspiration behind the book, his personal passion for advocacy, and why these conversations are necessary for both families and communities impacted by the justice system.

This episode is a must-listen for returning citizens, parents, advocates, educators, and anyone committed to changing the narrative surrounding incarceration and family restoration.

🎙️ 17 Winters — Reducing recidivism through community support, accountability, and real conversations that inspire change. #FreeTheReal

In this episode of the 17 Winters Podcast, the roles are reversed as Sidney Black steps in as the interviewer to walk me through the story behind the name.We go back to the days, weeks, and months leading up to the moment that changed everything—the decisions, the environment, the mindset, and the reality of what I didn’t yet understand. This is a raw conversation about how I caught my case, what led to that path, and the sentence that ultimately gave me the name “17 Winters.”This isn’t just about the past—it’s about perspective. It’s about how quickly life can shift, how systems respond, and how a young man becomes a statistic…or something different.If you’ve ever wondered what really leads someone to that moment—and what it feels like when it all comes down—this is that story.From prison to purpose. This is where it started.

Episode 38 was completely unplanned—and that’s what made it special. Local artists Tugg and Reaff pulled up to the studio just to kick it, and the conversation turned into something worth sharing.

Fresh home after serving 7 years in the MDOC, Reaff opens up about his bid, the realities of incarceration, and what he’s focused on now that he’s back in the free world. Tugg, while never incarcerated himself, adds a powerful layer to the discussion as we talk about generational incarceration—his father, uncles, and close friends having served time in both state and federal prisons.

We also get into one of my favorite topics: music—how it shapes identity, survival, and storytelling, especially for those coming from communities most impacted by the system.

This episode is honest, reflective, and entertaining—three different paths, two generations, one conversation. And trust me, this won’t be the last time we do this.

Tap in. 🎙️