This episode is the first in a 10-part series where we will bring you stories from men in prison. Host Allison Langer facilitates memoir writing classes through Exchange for Change, a group that brings writing classes into prison. The experiences and voices of Allison’s students at Dade Correctional Institution, like those of many incarcerated people, are often marginalized and unheard. Our goal is to bring these voices to light.

To help get this right, we have poet, musician, and activist Marnino Toussaint, who also facilitates classes with Exchange for Change. Marnino will be reading the stories, since the prison does not allow recorders inside. He will be contributing his feedback and commentary throughout the series as co-host. Marnino also created the theme music for this series. 

You’ll hear from Kathie Klarreich, founder of Exchange for Change. And you’ll hear an essay by Allison about how she went from thinking teaching in prison would be fun and maybe a little dangerous, to developing a deep connection to the men she teaches. Teaching in prison has taught Allison so much more than she thought she would learn, including glaring inequities in the criminal justice system and that a woman from the suburbs and a man in prison are a lot more alike than different.

This series of Writing Class Radio is hosted and produced by Allison Langer, Andrea Askowitz, and Marnino Toussaint. The series is also produced by Virginia Lora. Zorina Frey is our media specialist.

Theme music is by Marnino Toussaint. Additional music is by Podington Bear and Koi.

There’s more writing class on our website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you love the lessons you get on each episode, you can get them ALL in one place--our three-part video series--for $50. Click Video Classes on our website.

If you want to be a part of the movement that helps people better understand each other through storytelling, follow us on Patreon. For $10/month Andrea will answer all your publishing questions. For $25/month you can join Allison’s First Draft weekly writers group, where you can write and share your work Tuesdays 12-1 (ET). www.Patreon.com/writingclassradio.