Waymond Hall spent ten years of his life on the run from the law. He’d grown up poor, with a father in prison - but seemed poised for a better life until he committed an armed robbery and became a fugitive. But on the DL he rebuilt his life, found a wife and kids. And, then, he turned himself in.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waymond Hall spent ten years of his life on the run from the law. He’d grown up poor, with a father in prison - but seemed poised for a better life until he committed an armed robbery and became a fugitive. But on the DL he rebuilt his life, found a wife and kids. And, then, he turned himself in.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

An alias, an armed robbery and a decade on the run

Pam Colloff

In  her latest year-long investigation, Texas crime writing legend Pamela Colloff delved into the shadowy world of the con artist and jailhouse snitch whose testimony put four men on death row. In this episode, listen in as reporter and podcast host Keri Blakinger asks the Austin-based ProPublica writer about the problems with informants, the difficulties in reporting on them, and answers to a slew of Twitter-user questions about the process.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In <a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/hes-a-liar-a-con-artist-and-a-snitch-his-testimony-could-soon-send-a-man-to-his-death" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> her latest year-long investigation</a>, Texas crime writing legend Pamela Colloff delved into the shadowy world of the con artist and jailhouse snitch whose testimony put four men on death row. In this episode, listen in as reporter and podcast host Keri Blakinger asks the Austin-based ProPublica writer about the problems with informants, the difficulties in reporting on them, and answers to a slew of Twitter-user questions about the process.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Talking rats, records and reporting with Pam Colloff, aka 'the best damn writer in Texas'

For the most part, prisons and jails are built for men. But as much as the carceral system fails them, experts say it might fail women even more. That's why some jails are shifting to a "gender-responsive" model, paying attention to women's needs and how they're different from men's. On this episode, host Keri Blakinger talks with Major Sally Peña and Captain Maria Velasquez at the Travis County Jail in Austin, where officials are trying to build a new, gender-responsive women's jail.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the most part, prisons and jails are built for men. But as much as the carceral system fails them, experts say it might fail women even more. That's why some jails are shifting to a "gender-responsive" model, paying attention to women's needs and how they're different from men's. On this episode, host Keri Blakinger talks with Major Sally Peña and Captain Maria Velasquez at the Travis County Jail in Austin, where officials are trying to build a new, gender-responsive women's jail.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Women, trauma, and the quest for a new jail in Austin

Patrick Murphy

Patrick Murphy is a death row prisoner, one of the notorious Texas 7 - a group of men who escaped from a maximum security unit and ended up killing a cop. In this interview, he talks about his stay, his legal case, his regret and how he became a Buddhist behind bars - turns out, at first it was because he just wanted a yoga mat. Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Murphy is a death row prisoner, one of the notorious Texas 7 - a group of men who escaped from a maximum security unit and ended up killing a cop. In this interview, he talks about his stay, his legal case, his regret and how he became a Buddhist behind bars - turns out, at first it was because he just wanted a yoga mat. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Yoga, Buddha and death row: An interview with 'Texas 7' prisoner Patrick Murphy

Before he became a big-time honky tonk musician, Texas Joe Bailey did state jail time. He sat down with his guitar and podcast cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry to talk about how he ended up in prison, how he turned it around afterward - and what it means to be "prison famous."Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before he became a big-time honky tonk musician, Texas Joe Bailey did state jail time. He sat down with his guitar and podcast cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry to talk about how he ended up in prison, how he turned it around afterward - and what it means to be "prison famous."<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Someday, you'll be Prison Famous

Emily Bazelon

Color

Keri Blakinger talks with attorney and New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon about progressive prosecutors, and what it means to be one. Can a district attorney who seeks death sentences still be considered progressive? Does progressive criminal justice mean that prosecutors' offices get smaller? Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keri Blakinger talks with attorney and New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon about progressive prosecutors, and what it means to be one. Can a district attorney who seeks death sentences still be considered progressive? Does progressive criminal justice mean that prosecutors' offices get smaller? <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Color, death and progressive prosecutors: Talking criminal justice with Emily Bazelon

Larry Swearingen

Larry Ray Swearingen, a Texas death row prisoner, is scheduled for execution on Aug. 21, 2019. It's the sixth time the state has tried to put him to death in the two decades since he was convicted of killing Melissa Trotter. So far, he's always managed to eke out a last-minute stay. Reporter Keri Blakinger visited him for an interview about what that feels like, and why he's there in the first place.  Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Ray Swearingen, a Texas death row prisoner, is scheduled for execution on Aug. 21, 2019. It's the sixth time the state has tried to put him to death in the two decades since he was convicted of killing Melissa Trotter. So far, he's always managed to eke out a last-minute stay. Reporter Keri Blakinger visited him for an interview about what that feels like, and why he's there in the first place. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Two days till execution: Death row interview with Larry Swearingen

Co-host Keri Blakinger chats with CNN reporters Blake Ellis and Melanie Hicken, who just finished investigating the troubled track record of a massive, privatized jail healthcare provider that's been sued for more than 70 inmate deaths.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-host Keri Blakinger chats with CNN reporters <a href="mailto:blake.ellis@turner.com" rel="noopener">Blake Ellis</a> and <a href="mailto:melanie.hicken@turner.com" rel="noopener">Melanie Hicken</a>, who just finished investigating the troubled track record of a massive, privatized jail healthcare provider that's been sued for more than 70 inmate deaths.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

A 'sinking submarine': Two reporters take a deep dive into jail medical care

Bill Savoie joins Keri Blakinger to talk about his life before he started practicing law. Once upon a time, the now-respected parole attorney did prison time - and on this episode of Behind the Walls, he talks for the first time about the journey from felon to lawyer.  Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Savoie joins Keri Blakinger to talk about his life before he started practicing law. Once upon a time, the now-respected parole attorney did prison time - and on this episode of Behind the Walls, he talks for the first time about the journey from felon to lawyer. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Bill Savoie's Second Chance Story

With the Texas legislative session in the rearview mirror, Behind the Walls cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry sat down with Dallas Morning News reporter Lauren McGaughy to talk through the criminal justice wins and (mostly) losses this year. Some big bills - including those about prison A/C, decriminalizing pot, and closing kid prisons - failed to gain traction, and left advocates disappointed. But lawmakers finally killed the hated driver responsibility surcharge and legalized kitty key chains. Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Texas legislative session in the rearview mirror, Behind the Walls cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry sat down with Dallas Morning News reporter Lauren McGaughy to talk through the criminal justice wins and (mostly) losses this year. Some big bills - including those about prison A/C, decriminalizing pot, and closing kid prisons - failed to gain traction, and left advocates disappointed. But lawmakers finally killed the hated driver responsibility surcharge and legalized kitty key chains. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way From the Strip Club: A Texas Lege Wrap-up

Behind the Walls is an insider view beyond the razor wire and red tape of the Texas criminal justice system. Chronicle reporter and ex-con Keri Blakinger and former Texas prisons union president Lance Lowry explore jails, prisons, and the darkest places in criminal justice.

One year after ten people - students and teachers - died in the Santa Fe school shooting, campus police officer John Barnes sat down with Keri Blakinger and fellow reporter St. John Barned-Smith to remember the deadly day, and how he survived.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year after ten people - students and teachers - died in the Santa Fe school shooting, campus police officer John Barnes sat down with Keri Blakinger and fellow reporter St. John Barned-Smith to remember the deadly day, and how he survived.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Blood, buckshot and gunpowder: A year later, a school police officer remembers Santa Fe

After long-time Houston Chronicle courts reporter left the paper last month, he came back to sit down and look back on the highlights from 13 years covering the CJC - including the time he unearthed the emails that forced a DA to resign, and the time he covered a crazy love triangle case. To talk through it all we're joined by Houston attorney Patrick McCann. Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After long-time Houston Chronicle courts reporter left the paper last month, he came back to sit down and look back on the highlights from 13 years covering the CJC - including the time he unearthed the emails that forced a DA to resign, and the time he covered a crazy love triangle case. To talk through it all we're joined by Houston attorney Patrick McCann. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

From Love Triangles to Secret Emails: A Courts Reporter Remembers

In this episode of Behind the Walls, cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry sat down with Rep. Jarvis Johnson to talk about a bill that would create independent oversight of the troubled Texas prison system. The proposal comes on the heels of a number of officer indictments and firings, a drawn-out lawsuit over prison air conditioning and revelations about the system's longstanding refusal to give dentures to toothless inmates.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Behind the Walls, cohosts Keri Blakinger and Lance Lowry sat down with Rep. Jarvis Johnson to talk about a bill that would create independent oversight of the troubled Texas prison system. The proposal comes on the heels of a number of officer indictments and firings, a drawn-out lawsuit over prison air conditioning and revelations about the system's longstanding refusal to give dentures to toothless inmates.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Teeth, slavery and the case for independent oversight

Attorney Mike Doyle represents the family of one of the two people killed in the botched Harding Street drug raid. Here, he talks with Keri Blakinger and her long-time frenemy and fellow reporter St. John Barned-Smith about the failed bust. Doyle tackles a few of the unanswered questions: Were they actually drug dealers? What haven't the police revealed yet? And who made that original 911 call that started the whole investigation? Co-host Lance Lowry is out this episode.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Mike Doyle represents the family of one of the two people killed in the botched Harding Street drug raid. Here, he talks with Keri Blakinger and her long-time frenemy and fellow reporter St. John Barned-Smith about the failed bust. Doyle tackles a few of the unanswered questions: Were they actually drug dealers? What haven't the police revealed yet? And who made that original 911 call that started the whole investigation? Co-host Lance Lowry is out this episode.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Dope, lies and no videotape

As a prison reporter, I get some weird things in the mail: dead cockroaches, paint samples, black mold. But this month I got something a lot darker — ashes. Of an inmate I liked. It left me with a lot of questions. Also in this episode: an interview with Philly reporter Lisa Gartner, who just did a deep dive into a problematic reform school. Juvenile Judge Mike Schneider joins us for the conversation.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a prison reporter, I get some weird things in the mail: dead cockroaches, paint samples, black mold. But this month I got something a lot darker — ashes. Of an inmate I liked. It left me with a lot of questions. Also in this episode: an interview with Philly reporter Lisa Gartner, who just did a deep dive into a problematic reform school. Juvenile Judge Mike Schneider joins us for the conversation.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Ashes, reform schools, and the worst Disney Channel movies ever

In the more than a decade she spent working for the Texas prison system, former spokeswoman Michelle Lyons watched more than 200 men and women put to death in Huntsville. She left the department a few years ago in a swirl of controversy, but last month she sat down with Keri and cohost Lance to revisit some of the darkest parts of her 11 years on the job.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the more than a decade she spent working for the Texas prison system, former spokeswoman Michelle Lyons watched more than 200 men and women put to death in Huntsville. She left the department a few years ago in a swirl of controversy, but last month she sat down with Keri and cohost Lance to revisit some of the darkest parts of her 11 years on the job.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Eleven years, 280 executions, one book

PAPER

Prison-beat reporter Keri Blakinger and former prison union chief Lance Lowry compare notes with Florida Times-Union reporter Ben Conarck. They delve into commissary complaints, video visitation and such in the Sunshine State and see how things there stack up against what’s going on in the prisons of the Lone Star State. Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prison-beat reporter Keri Blakinger and former prison union chief Lance Lowry compare notes with Florida Times-Union reporter Ben Conarck. They delve into commissary complaints, video visitation and such in the Sunshine State and see how things there stack up against what’s going on in the prisons of the Lone Star State. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Episode 3: Ever been toilet paper-jacked? No? Then you've never been in prison.

Elsa Alcala

In her seven years on the state's highest criminal court, ex-Judge Elsa Alcala became best known as the voice questioning capital punishment, even in the state most enamored of it. In this "Behind the Walls" interview, the recently retired judge - who left the bench just over a week ago - asks whether it's time for a death penalty moratorium in the Lone Star State. The former jurist also questions the direction of today's Republican Party, talks about the high-profile Bobby Moore case, and offers a look into her childhood as an orphan raised by her older siblings. Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her seven years on the state's highest criminal court, ex-Judge Elsa Alcala became best known as the voice questioning capital punishment, even in the state most enamored of it. In this "Behind the Walls" interview, the recently retired judge - who left the bench just over a week ago - asks whether it's time for a death penalty moratorium in the Lone Star State. The former jurist also questions the direction of today's Republican Party, talks about the high-profile Bobby Moore case, and offers a look into her childhood as an orphan raised by her older siblings. <a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

 Judge Elsa Alcala: The death penalty in Texas and sticking with the GOP ... it’s complicated

From the first night in prison to a Thanksgiving spread, join reporter Keri Blakinger and longtime corrections officer Lance Lowry as they talk about life behind bars, untangle stats about the number of so-called “violent” offenders and discuss why, exactly, prison hot dogs are green.Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the first night in prison to a Thanksgiving spread, join reporter Keri Blakinger and longtime corrections officer Lance Lowry as they talk about life behind bars, untangle stats about the number of so-called “violent” offenders and discuss why, exactly, prison hot dogs are green.<a href="https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show: https://offers.houstonchronicle.com/?offerid=125&amp;origin=newsroom&amp;ipid=podcast</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

A first night in prison is not like you imagine — or, why do Texas prisoners eat green hot dogs?

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Behind the Walls

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!