
The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast
by The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast
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Episode 23: Justice Reinvestment program outcomes (Dr. Matt Kleiman)
Jun 24, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 22: Little Scandinavia (Dr. Jordan Hyatt)
Apr 30, 2026
27m 42s
Episode 21: PA DOC Strategic Plan (Randee Brant)
Mar 23, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 20: Evaluation of In-Prison College Courses (Dr. Sarah Tahamont)
Mar 4, 2026
Unknown duration
Episode 19: Evidence-Based Corrections Policy
Feb 2, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() Episode 23: Justice Reinvestment program outcomes (Dr. Matt Kleiman) | What happens after lawmakers pass criminal justice reform? Eventually, somebody has to ask: Did it actually work? In this episode, Bret Bucklen and Matt Kleiman (Executive Director of the PA Commission on Sentencing) discuss two major evaluations required under Pennsylvania’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 (JRI2)—Short Sentence Parole and the State Drug Treatment Program—and what the data reveal when policy promises meet real-world outcomes. | — | ||||||
| 4/30/26 | ![]() Episode 22: Little Scandinavia (Dr. Jordan Hyatt)✨ | prison reformhuman-centered design+3 | Dr. Jordan Hyatt | Drexel University | PennsylvaniaSCI Chester+1 | prison unitdignity+5 | — | 27m 42s | |
| 3/23/26 | ![]() Episode 21: PA DOC Strategic Plan (Randee Brant) | The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently developed a new five-year strategic plan – a roadmap for becoming a more intentional, data-driven organization. This episode features a discussion with Randee Brant (Chief of Staff for the PA DOC) about why the department chose this moment to develop a strategic plan, how the goals and measures were built, and what it will take for the plan to move the organization forward over the next five years. | — | ||||||
| 3/4/26 | ![]() Episode 20: Evaluation of In-Prison College Courses (Dr. Sarah Tahamont) | Results are in from the most rigorous evaluation to date of Pell-funded college programs in prison. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Tahamont (University of Maryland) joins Pracademically Speaking to unpack findings from Pennsylvania’s randomized controlled trial of Second Chance Pell—and what the evidence really says about recidivism, employment, and the limits of impact at scale. | — | ||||||
| 2/2/26 | ![]() Episode 19: Evidence-Based Corrections Policy | In this episode, Dr. Bucklen discusses what it means for a program, policy, or practice in corrections to be “evidence-based.” This label gets applied frequently to all sorts of programs, policies, and practices in corrections but less examined is the strength and quality of the evidence. Dr. Bucklen also discusses cost-benefit analysis, and why effectiveness alone isn’t the finish line. This episode lays out practical advice for corrections leaders and policymakers to become better consumers of the research and science in order to truly become evidence-based. | — | ||||||
| 11/5/25 | ![]() Episode 18: Personal Growth Program Evaluation (Amber Petkus) | In this episode, we discuss a recently completed evaluation of the Personal Growth program for technical parole violators. The guest on the show is Dr. Amber Petkus, joint post-doctoral fellow with Penn State University and the PA Department of Corrections. We also talk with Dr. Petkus about her experience as a post-doc at the PA DOC. She reflects on her time with us as she prepares to move on. | — | ||||||
| 9/24/25 | ![]() Guidelines for a Successful Visit | Visiting incarcerated loved ones can be an intimidating process—but it doesn’t have to be! The key to a successful visit is to be prepared and know what to expect. In this episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, SCI Camp Hill Sgt. Lopez breaks down the visiting experience for visitors, including how to set up a visit, what to bring, what to wear, how to visit with kids, and so much more. For full details on visiting one of our facilities, visit our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/inmate-visitation | — | ||||||
| 9/5/25 | ![]() Episode 17: PADOC Evaluations of TCs, SIP-HOPE, and Residential Relocation | In this episode we revisit three previously conducted evaluations by the PA Department of Corrections: 1) Therapeutic Communities (TCs); 2) the SIP-HOPE pilot program; and 3) a residential relocation pilot program. These evaluations highlight the use of multiple rigorous evaluation methodologies (randomized controlled trial, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching) for attempting to understand the real causal impact of these initiatives/programs. On this episode you’ll learn more about these three initiatives/programs, the findings from the evaluations, and what the implications are for policy and practice. | — | ||||||
| 8/27/25 | ![]() What to Know About the Reception Process | It can be a very challenging time for family members and friends when a loved one is incarcerated—especially at the beginning. To help answer some common questions about the reception process, SCI Camp Hill Corrections Classification Treatment Manager Miranda Brechbiel joins the podcast to discuss what in-processing is like for incarcerated individuals. Camp Hill is the reception facility for male inmates, and Miranda explains how reception works, including when inmates can make phone calls, what they bring from the county jails, and so much more. The best resource for families and friends of inmates is our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/resources/for-family-and-friends | — | ||||||
| 6/25/25 | ![]() Coding and Corrections: How The Last Mile Prepares Inmates for Careers in Computers | A successful reentry hinges on securing a job, so many of the reentry efforts in the Department of Corrections are focused on teaching incarcerated individuals useful job skills for when they get out. While many are in traditional trades, SCI Pine Grove began a new partnership with The Last Mile to teach inmates a unique yet highly valuable skill: computer coding. In this episode, TLM Executive Director Kevin McCracken joins the show to discuss what his organization is, why it does what it does, and how teaching inmates coding prepares them for reentry success. From its roots in California to its new program at Pine Grove, TLM is a one-of-a-kind vocational program that is dedicated to reducing recidivism and helping reentrants thrive upon release—whether in coding or other fields. | — | ||||||
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| 6/9/25 | ![]() Episode 16: Staff Wellness (Kayla Franklin) | Staff wellness is an under-appreciated component of corrections historically. The field is just now starting to pay more careful attention to this important topic, but how do we measure the effectiveness of staff wellness initiatives? Outcomes in this area tend to be a bit more squishy than say recidivism rates or in-prison assault rates. In this episode we speak with Kayla Franklin, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently hired Staff Wellness Coordinator. Kayla helps us understand what staff wellness looks like in corrections, and also how to think about evaluating and measuring success in this area. | — | ||||||
| 5/28/25 | ![]() How DMVA Supports Veterans in the DOC | In honor of Military Appreciation Month, our guest for this month’s episode is Jennifer Spitler, regional program outreach coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs. Jennifer shares about the variety of ways DMVA supports veterans in the DOC—which is the largest employer of veterans in Pennsylvania—including participating in veterans expos at DOC facilities or simply visiting with employees to provide valuable resources. Jennifer also shares about helpful resources for Pennsylvania veterans, and she suggests a few ways non-veterans can thank or show support for veterans in their lives. Later in the episode, Jennifer also discusses how DMVA supports incarcerated veterans and how they help prepare them for a successful reentry. | — | ||||||
| 4/29/25 | ![]() Respecting Victims While Preparing for Reentry | While a major focus of the Department of Corrections is preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry, victims of crime can never be overlooked. Fortunately, the DOC has a strong relationship with the Office of Victim Advocate! In this episode, Commonwealth Victim Advocate Suzanne Estrella joins the podcast to discuss the many ways her office works within the DOC to support victims while helping inmates come to terms with their actions. | — | ||||||
| 4/24/25 | ![]() Episode 15: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | In this episode, Dr. Bret Bucklen discusses a new report released by his team this month, which is a cost-benefit analysis of the use of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The study compares the benefit-to-cost ratio for four different types of MATs that are currently used by the PA Department of Corrections: Revia, Vivitrol, Suboxone, and Sublocade. Revia (pill form) and Vivitrol (shot form) are referred to as “antagonist” MATs; Suboxone (pill form) and Sublocade (shot form) are referred to as “partial agonist” MATs. How do the costs (including the potential cost of diversion in prison) and benefits (including recidivism reduction and overdose death reduction) stack up for these various forms of MAT? This episode explains what MAT is, how it is used within the department, and the results from this new cost-benefit analysis study. | — | ||||||
| 3/26/25 | ![]() How the DOC Connects Employers with Much-Needed Workers | As we prepare to celebrate Second Chance Month in April, the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast hosted DOC Workforce Development Specialist Dorenda Hamarlund to discuss her work in helping reentrants secure employment. Dorenda shared about barriers to employment for reentrants, how the DOC prepares inmates for employment upon release, and how second-chance hiring can benefit employers. | — | ||||||
| 3/19/25 | ![]() Episode 14: The Recidivism & Desistance Initiative (RDI) (Dr. Lucas Malishchak) | This episode features a conversation between Dr. Bret Bucklen (Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics) and Dr. Lucas Malishchak (Deputy Secretary of Reentry) on the PA DOC’s brand-new Recidivism & Desistance Initiative (RDI). This initiative was introduced in January 2025 to provide quantifiable public safety goals for the agency and to measure progress towards those goals. It is a performance management system designed to incentivize each site in the department—including each State Correctional Institution, Parole District Office, and Community Corrections Center—to contribute towards recidivism reduction and desistance enhancement. | — | ||||||
| 2/26/25 | ![]() Catching Up with Our Other Canine Program | While the PA DOC’s dog training programs are highly popular throughout the commonwealth, the DOC also features a separate dog program: the Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence K-9 Unit. Capt. John Evans joins the podcast to discuss the vital work his unit performs in keeping contraband out of our facilities. He discusses the training the dogs receive, how their program works, and just how good these dogs are at their job. Check out this Facebook post to see the dogs in their new vests: https://www.facebook.com/CorrectionsPA/posts/pfbid02PH35MWbbWwEP21cFmQ2u7DY7HWahm45DnTmgptgW8sfEeXmgaGhVfdLRTxVbLtHDl | — | ||||||
| 1/30/25 | ![]() Episode 13: Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) (w/ Jim Stover) | This episode is a conversation between Dr. Bret Bucklen and Jim Stover (JRI Coordinator for the PA Department of Corrections) on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI). We discuss what exactly JRI is, and also the history and impact of JRI efforts in Pennsylvania. | — | ||||||
| 1/29/25 | ![]() SCI Spotlight: Houtzdale and Huntingdon | Our year-long trip around Pennsylvania comes to a close as we wrap up this series focusing on each of our prisons with a visit to SCI Houtzdale and SCI Huntingdon. The episode begins with Huntingdon Supt. John Rivello discussing the oldest facility in Pennsylvania, including its many vocation opportunities and its relationship with the community as its literally in the heart of town. Later in the episode, Houtzdale Supt. David Close discusses his facility’s Veterans Service Unit, the commissary program, and what life is really like inside the walls for incarcerated individuals. While this series comes to a close, there’s plenty more on the way from the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, so stay tuned! | — | ||||||
| 12/17/24 | ![]() Episode 12: Year-End Review of Research | In this year-end episode, Dr. Bret Bucklen and producer Jeff Coleman sit down to review and discuss some of the research and evaluation accomplishments at the PA Department of Corrections during 2024. They discuss results from studies on topics such as inmate visitation, Intensive Parole Supervision caseloads, reentry relocation, and the in-prison Violence Reduction Initiative. Bret and Jeff also chat about what is ahead on the research and evaluation agenda in 2025, which is a preview for listeners of what they can expect to hear about in future episodes. | — | ||||||
| 11/27/24 | ![]() SCI Spotlight: Greene and Laurel Highlands | Our podcast’s tour of DOC facilities is winding down with only a few left, but not before a chat with SCI Greene and SCI Laurel Highlands. This episode kicks off with a chat with Greene Superintendent Randy Evans and Deputy Superintendent for Centralized Services Mark Dialesandro. The duo share about Greene’s PA Correctional Garment Shop, its unique vocational programs, and its culture among staff and with the community. Later in the show, Laurel Highlands Facilities Maintenance Manager Michael Kubek discusses his prison, including its unique role in caring for elderly inmates and inmates needing intensive medical support. | — | ||||||
| 11/20/24 | ![]() Episode 11: Prison Violence (Bill Nicklow) | In this episode we speak with Bill Nicklow, deputy superintendent for facility security and special operations at the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Bill talks with us about the practical side of efforts to reduce prison violence. He also shares highlights of his long and interesting career in the department. Bill provides context to the prison violence report by Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, which we spoke with her about on the last episode. | — | ||||||
| 11/4/24 | ![]() Episode 10: Prison Violence (Dr. Nancy Rodriguez) | In this episode we speak with Dr. Nancy Rodriguez from the University of California-Irvine about a multi-state project that she and several of her colleagues have been conducting for the past five years to examine the causes and consequences of prison violence. As this project is now coming to a close, Dr. Rodriguez shares with us some of the major findings from the project. She also shares relevant practical implications for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. | — | ||||||
| 10/30/24 | ![]() SCI Spotlight: Frackville and Mahanoy | Our podcast visits Schuylkill County this month as we shine a spotlight on SCI Frackville and SCI Mahanoy. This episode kicks off with Mahanoy Superintendent’s Assistant Jen Mahally sharing about her facility and its various programs, including how the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries warehouse provides job skills that can be invaluable to reentrants after release. Later in the show, Frackville Superintendent Kathy Brittain and Superintendent’s Assistant Beth Lazusky discuss their facility’s programs for inmates, including its laundry program, and their excitement for the upcoming annual graduation ceremony. | — | ||||||
| 10/21/24 | ![]() Episode 9: A Tribute to Mark Kleiman (Part 2) – SCF Supervision | In this episode we continue to remember the life and legacy of Mark Kleiman. We review perhaps his most important practical contribution to the field, what he called Swift, Certain, and Fair (SCF) Supervision. The principles of SCF Supervision were laid out in in his 2009 book, “When Brute Force Fails.” We discuss various ways that the PA Department of Corrections has implemented the principles of SCF Supervision. Additional Resources on “When Brute Force Fails” and SCF Supervision: Order a copy of “When Brute Force Fails” PDF version of early copy of “When Brute Force Fails” PA DOC review of WBFF in “Research In Review” PEW review of HOPE “Fixing The Parole System” article SCF Resource Center link Mark Kleiman video: “Filling Up Prisons Without Fighting Crime” | — | ||||||
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