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. 🎙️

This episode is a milestone for 17 Winters.

For the first time, I sit down with a TV star from BET+’s American Gangster: Trap Queens (Season 4, Episode 7), and for the first time ever, we feature a formerly incarcerated woman with the camera rolling—telling her story on her own terms.

Episode 37 is a real, unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, reentry, and survival. We talk honestly about what support actually looks like for women while incarcerated, and how those experiences shape the path home. We dive into the FELONY Girls movement, what it represents for women returning from prison, and why it matters for reentry efforts across Michigan.

This wasn’t just an interview—it was a moment of connection, truth-telling, and relationship-building in the ongoing work to end mass incarceration. Another bond formed. Another story amplified. Another step forward.

Tap in for a conversation about resilience, accountability, and rebuilding—told by someone who lived it.

#FreeTheReal #EndMassIncarceration #FELONYGirls #TrapQueen

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Tony Gant for a necessary, honest conversation about the past, present, and future of criminal legal reform.

We reflect on the changes in Michigan over the 25 years since Dr. Shakur’s release, the 10 years since Tony and I have been home, and what those timelines reveal about progress, power, and persistent gaps in the movement. From policy shifts to culture changes, we examine what’s moved the needle—and what hasn’t.

This episode goes deep into:

• Building real power with formerly incarcerated people

• The evolving (and essential) role of directly impacted leadership

• Hard truths and missteps within the movement that must be addressed to move forward

• What success must look like as we head toward 2026 and beyond

This is real talk, grounded in lived experience, strategy, and love for the people. Hands down, one of the best conversations I’ve had yet.

Tap in, reflect, and be part of shaping what comes next.

#freethereal #endmassincarceration