Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around The Block

Hosted by LA Talk Radio

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Episodes

354

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

Facing federal prison or navigating the system from the outside? Adjusting to life after prison and building a new one? Looking for ways to make the system work better? Maybe just curious? Around the Block, presented by Federal Prison Authorities' Bruce W. Cameron and Susan M. Giddings, unlocks the world of prisons and the road to reentry. Bruce and Susan bring decades of adult federal corrections experience to their audience. Join them and their guests as they cover topics from presentence reports and prison policy to the impacts of legislation and the barriers to successful reentry. Tune in with Bruce and Susan as they go Around the Block. Listen Live Monday 1:00PM (PST), On LA Talk Radio (latalkradio.com)

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60 recent

July 27, 202655 min

Facility Closures and Policy Changes

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block has Bruce and Susan pick up where they left off last episode as they continue to go over facility closures and policy changes. Additionally, a big change they bring up in the program is the education policy for those going to federal prison. They also go over different recreational changes through the first half. Susan then transitions to discussing facility lockdowns and security changes. Bruce and Susan also lay out the process of communication between inmates, potential inmates, and the facilities. This is another information-rich episode, but Bruce and Susan go over crucial changes and details. If you have further questions or would like to see certain topics covered, please reach out to our hosts! Bruce and Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032 and their Book Links: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

July 13, 202655 min

Facility Closures

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block is very exciting and action-packed. Bruce and Susan get right down to business, going over the recent changes in the prison system and how these changes impact inmates and their families. They covered the facility closure memo that was recently released. During this episode, Bruce and Susan list different facilities that have shut down and will shut down, and provide context, explaining what it means for them to close down instead of giving a surface-level explanation. Halfway through the program, they explain to the viewer how to navigate the new system and the difficulties that have arisen. The episode spends most of its time dissecting the facility changes, and if you or a family member have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to Bruce and Susan and follow their Facebook group for more updates! Bruce and Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032 and their Book Links: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

June 29, 202655 min

FBP and other Organizations

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Susan explains how the Bureau has partnered with different outside organizations and resources, including faith-based institutions, to help inmates and their families. They also explore the original design of the First Step Act and how its design is implemented in actual situations. Susan references previous cases explored in the last episode and goes in depth about the Supreme Court decisions and how they impact the prison systems. Halfway through and to the end of the program, Bruce and Susan go over a variety of different policies, what they include, and their intended impact. To wrap things up, Bruce and Susan open up about their new and third book that goes over the FSA and Halfway housing. Be sure to get your copy and check out their previous two books! Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce can be reached through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

June 15, 202655 min

New Government Policies

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan go over the last month's government policies and all the behind-the-scenes changes. The first topic they cover is the new laws on identification and what changes have been made. Next, they go over camp placement, and Susan explains which inmates qualify and which do not due to their risk evaluation. To help illustrate their point, Susan shares a personal story about a case and its impact on the changes in Supreme Court rulings. An area of contention covered in this episode is how laws apply retroactively to previous sentencing. It is an information-rich episode, but Bruce and Susan go through each policy in a way that is not overwhelming for the listener. Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce can be reached through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

May 11, 202655 min

A New Book

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan open the show talking about their third and new book. It is ready for purchase and covers the Second Chance Act and halfway housing. It is a very thorough yet easy-to-read guide to help inmates and families navigate the system and build self-efficacy. After spending time going over their new book, they transition to exploring a case, breaking down the steps involved in sentencing and risk assessment for an inmate. A point of emphasis during this episode is goal planning and how to redirect after they have to change their career and lifestyle. This allows Bruce to discuss his counseling background and his vocational training. Families and inmates looking for jobs, this is the episode for you. Bruce and Susan help lay out the path to reintegrate into the workforce and society. Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce can be reached through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

May 5, 202655 min

Variety of Court Cases

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block sees Bruce and Susan tackle the BOP, FSA, FCA, and a variety of court cases. It is an information-dense episode, but they tackle each one individually to make it easy to digest. They start with a case and also refer to previous cases to paint a fuller picture. About halfway through, Susan and Bruce dive into risk assessment and the various factors that impact housing placement for inmates. To wrap up, Susan emphasizes how changes in elections and administrations impact the system and how time credits are applied and earned. This then leads her to discuss the flaws in the system and which jobs/occupations help or hinder time credit acquisition. Be on the lookout for their new book in the next few weeks! Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

April 27, 202655 min

Sentencing and Assessments

On this episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan begin the program by explaining the services they provide and go over if they would be a good fit for you or your loved one. They also use this time to discuss how they are different from government agencies and how they came into practice in the first place. About halfway through, they transitioned to elaborate on a circuit case that came out in 2025, which sparked many questions and concerns. This time also allows them to tie in their second book and to show how these are things that can be used positively from the case findings. To close the show, they go over a case in Illinois and how it impacts sentencing and assessments. This episode covers multiple cases and provides practical steps and guidelines to follow. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

April 20, 202655 min

Custody Classification,PATTERN Risk Assessment

Bruce and Susan discuss the 11th Circuit's decision outlining factors the District Courts should consider when determining whether the incarcerated person is the "only available caregiver" in a Compassion Release request. They also discuss the U.S. Sentencing Commission's Amendment 821 and the required documentation to ensure that criminal history point reductions are applied to custody classification and PATTERN risk assessment. United States v. Robelo-Galo, No. 24-12128 (11th Cir. 2006); USA v. Juan Aguiar Parada, No. 24-12775 (11th Cir. 2026). Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

April 6, 202655 min

FSA, New Book

In this week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block, Bruce and Susan continue from last week's episode, which covered the First Step Act Law and its issues and details. Bruce and Susan take time to discuss their new book, which will be released soon, and encourage viewers to reach out with any comments or questions. After this, they transition to reviewing the Second Chance Act and Halfway House, and to the high- or low-risk assessment, which affects where inmates are placed. This is a very informative episode and does a great job continuing the topic introduced last week. For more information on these processes, listen to older podcasts for a fuller picture and understanding! Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE

March 30, 202655 min

"The Champion"

This week's episode of Federal Prison Authority Presents: Around the Block is foundational to all the work Bruce and Susan do. Bruce opens by explaining the purpose of their work, then transitions to Susan discussing the cons of the new First Step Act. They also discuss a variety of drugs and how the Law is written pertaining to these substances. Next, Susan goes through the different sections and statutes in the law and helps critique and clarify their meanings. Qualifications for time credits are covered around the halfway point and extend to much of the episode. To conclude the show, Bruce shows their new edition of "The Champion" and goes over their new Federal Time Credit books. Please feel free to send questions to Bruce and Susan. Dr. Susan Giddings can be found on their shared website https://federalprisonauthority.com/who-we-are/ Bruce through his cell (214) 431-2032, and their First Step Act Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2dWCECE