CDCR Unlocked

Hosted by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

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Jun 2025

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About the show

Welcome to CDCR Unlocked, which will explore correctional issues including rehabilitation and reentry, peace officer recruitment, employee wellness and other criminal justice topics. It will also feature interviews with and profiles of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) executives, administrators, staff, volunteers and community partners. The name “CDCR Unlocked” was chosen from more than 250 entries in a naming competition among CDCR and CCHCS employees. The winning name was submitted by Robert Miller, a Supervising Case Records Technician in the Division of Adult Institutions.

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60 recent

June 5, 202517 min

Dynamic Security

In this episode, CDCR Information Officer Ashton Harris talks with featured guest LT. Lozano about how incidents involving violence against staff are down 27 percent in institutions where Resource Teams are employing dynamic security as part of the California Model.The podcast is produced, recorded, and mixed by Clarissa Resultant and Christopher Medina.Note: The 27% reduction in violence applies specifically to areas where resource teams are operating. CDCR is utilizing resource teams at six institutions in an effort to improve public safety, which includes reducing violence in our institutions. Should successes of the resource teams continue, CDCR will be exploring opportunities to expand this program in the future.

March 13, 202522 min

Rehabilitation through service: Incarcerated firefighters responding to California

In this episode of CDCR Unlocked, we take an in-depth look at the Conservation Fire Camp Program, highlighting its critical role in responding to the California wildfires. We explore how the program provides vital firefighting support to communities in need, while also offering rehabilitative opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Hear about the meaningful contributions these incarcerated firefighters make, the skills they develop, and the transformative impact the program has on their lives. This is an episode you won’t want to miss—tune in to learn more about how the Conservation Fire Camp Program is making a difference for both the community and the individuals it serves.Hosted by: Todd JavernickGuest: Captain Fred MoneyRecorded and edited by: Clarissa ResultanTechnical Assistance: Franklin HarrisonRecord date: Jan. 21, 2024Total Running Time: 24:47

February 20, 202514 min

Invest Yourself

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Joseph Piazza, the supervisor for Career and Technical Education at OCE, the Office of Correctional Education. Career and Technical Education, commonly known by its acronym “CTE”, is provided through six different career sectors.Dr. Piazza shares with us about how CTE benefits more than just the participants and their loved ones, but society as a whole.The podcast is produced, recorded, and mixed by Frank Harrison, with production assistance by Matt Sichler and Ray Burgess.

January 9, 202512 min

Normalization Part 2

This CDCR Unlocked podcast is a continuation of episodes diving into the four California Model Pillars. Ashton Harris with CDCR’s Office of Communications interviews Lieutenant David Gonzales at California State Prison Sacramento to continue the conversation about the normalization pillar. Hear the corrections point of view when it comes to the environmental changes already being made within our institutions including other ways that could further help CDCR reach normalization within the prison environment.

November 14, 202429 min

Veterans Day Special

Brief Summary: A look into the life of Sergeant Jose Andrade and his journey from being in the United States Army to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This episode goes into his transition from civilian life to The United States Army and eventually CDCR.Host: Sergeant William BartowGuest: Sergeant Jose AndradeProducer Name: Suraj Bhardwaj

November 1, 202417 min

Normalization with Annette Lambert and Ashton Harris

This CDCR Unlocked podcast is a first of many to talk about the four California Model Pillars. Ashton Harris with CDCR’s Office of Communications interviews the Deputy Director of Quality Management within CDCR’s healthcare services Annette Lambert to talk about the normalization pillar. Hear about the environmental changes already being made within our institutions including other ways that could further help CDCR reach normalization within the prison environment. Host: Ashton Harris Guests: Annette Lambert (Deputy Director of Quality Management within CDCR’s healthcare services)Producer names: This podcast is produced, recorded, and mixed by Christopher Medina, and co-produced by Ashton Harris.

October 22, 202420 min

"It's Your Time" - UCI LIFTED

In this episode, we hear from two recent UC Irvine students, Babak Gilani and Alphonso Mata. Both men are graduates of the UCI LIFTED program, each graduating with honors in Sociology. The acronym, "LIFTED", stands for Leveraging Inspiring Futures Through Educational Degrees. And it's the first in-prison B.A. degree completion program in the University of California system. Piloted at UCI, LIFTED enables incarcerated individuals to apply to transfer into UCI as juniors and earn a bachelor's degree from UCI while serving their sentence.The podcast is produced, recorded, and mixed by Frank Harrison, co-produced by Matthew Sichler, with additional production by Collin Smith.

October 10, 202426 min

Raising Mental Health Awareness

When is the last time you’ve checked in with yourself? Drs. Brianna Rojas and Amar Mehta discuss the importance of monitoring mental health for staff and the incarcerated population. Host: Kyle BuisGuests: Dr. Amar Mehta, deputy director Mental Health Services, CCHCS; Dr. Brianna Rojas, Chief Psychologist, Office of Employee WellnessProducer names: Amanda Spangler, Clarissa Resultan.

October 3, 202443 min

Understanding Hypervigilance

Office of Employee Wellness staff takes a dive into hypervigilance, its purpose, causes and how it impacts mental and emotional well-being in our personal and professional livesHost: Sergeant Corey RingerGuests: Sergeant Cheyanne Witcher, Margot Charkow-Ross, LCSWRecord Date: 4/4/2024Producer Name: Suraj Bhardwaj

September 18, 202456 min

Suicide Awareness and Asking for Help

Office of Employee Wellness staff discusses suicide awareness and how to ask for help when mental and emotional health challenges arise.Host: Sergeant Corey RingerGuests: Sergeant Cheyanne Witcher, Margot Charkow-Ross, LCSWRecord Date: 4/5/2024Producer Name: Suraj Bhardwaj