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The 98% - Life After Prison

The 98% - Life After Prison

Written by: Judy Van Wyk & April Barber Scales
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About this listen

This podcast is dedicated to the 98% of people incarcerated in North Carolina who will eventually be released from prison back into their communities, often with few, if any resources. Through the voices of people in transition and those who support them, we explore hurdles and life long barriers many justice-involved people confront whether getting a drivers license, finding housing, or trying to find a job. We examine issues like substance use disorder and mental health that plague this population and ask what we as a society can do to support the formerly incarcerated and reduce recidivism.

In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a producer and criminal justice advocate. April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.



ART WORK BY JOHN HARDIN

© 2026 The 98% - Life After Prison Social Sciences
Episodes
  • On a Mission with a Purpose: April's Advocacy

    On a Mission with a Purpose: April's Advocacy
    Jan 12 2026

    If you want get in touch, send us a text

    In this installment of her series, April talks about the latest advocacy initiatives she's become involved with. The Coalition of Black Forensic Peer Support Specialists supports Black people adversely impacted by the justice system. Jingle advocates for juveniles who've received a life sentence.

    In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a longtime video producer and criminal justice advocate. April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.
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    6 mins
  • Arise for Women: Part Three

    Arise for Women: Part Three
    Jan 8 2026

    If you want get in touch, send us a text

    Arise Collective is one of those rare organizations that provides housing for women transitioning from prison. But that's just the beginning. Arise provides emotional support, teaches life skills needed to become independent and, as we'll learn in this episode, even offers the opportunity to get a college degree. We'll meet two Arise residents who are taking advantage of that opportunity.

    In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a longtime video producer and criminal justice advocate. April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.
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    38 mins
  • Arise for Women: Part Two

    Arise for Women: Part Two
    Dec 15 2025

    If you want get in touch, send us a text

    In Part Two of our Arise for Women series, we meet two women who are in the Arise program. Each one has children and each one has done prison time for offenses related to substance use disorder. They've come forward to tell their stories to offer hope to others caught in the grip of addiction.



    In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a longtime video producer and criminal justice advocate. April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
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