Episodes

  • Zachary Mallory: Rise Above Justice Movement

    Zachary Mallory: Rise Above Justice Movement
    May 28 2025
    In this episode of Voiceless Behind Bars, Sarah speaks with Zachary Mallory (he/they), one of the founders of the Rise Above Justice Movement.

    Zachary opens up about the power of grassroots advocacy, what it means to fight for dignity inside and out of the prison system, and how personal experiences fuel their passion for justice reform.

    Connect with the movement:
    🔗 Instagram: @riseabovejusticemovement
    🌐 Website: riseabovejusticemovement.com

    Reach out to Sarah directly:
    📧 voicelessbehindbars@yahoo.com
    📸 TikTok/Instagram: @itssarahonly
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Kevin Billingsley: When The State Erases Your Identity & Dignity

    Kevin Billingsley: When The State Erases Your Identity & Dignity
    May 22 2025
    In this emotional and intense episode of Voiceless Behind Bars, host Sarah DeArmond sits down with Kevin Billingsley (also known as Kevin Rodgers), a man who has spent decades behind bars for a crime he says he didn’t commit — and who has had his very name taken away by the system.

    Kevin opens up about:
    His wrongful conviction
    The psychological toll of Belmont Correctional Institution
    How his birth name was stripped from him
    The years-long stagnation of his case at the Ohio Innocence Project
    His plea to Governor Mike DeWine for clemency and dignity

    Sarah reminds listeners that it's okay to ask questions, to doubt, to think critically — but to always do so with respect and empathy.

    ✊ How You Can Help Kevin:
    📞 Call the Ohio Innocence Project
    📍 Ask them to move forward on Kevin’s case (Case #D9906905)
    📱 513-556-6805
    📧 Email Governor Mike DeWine
    📍 Request a pardon for Kevin Rodgers (Case #D9906905), and demand that he be given back his legal name: Kevin Billingsley
    🔗 governor.ohio.gov
    📝 Sign & Share Kevin’s Petition:
    📌 Free Kevin Billingsley – Change.org
    📰 Email Gongwer News Service
    📍 Speak out about the inhumane conditions at Belmont Correctional Institution
    🔗 gongwer-oh.com
    🔗 Got Questions for Kevin?

    Reach out to Sarah directly:
    📧 voicelessbehindbars@yahoo.com
    📸 TikTok/Instagram: @itssarahonly

    A man without his name. A man without his freedom.
    But never without his voice.
    🎙️ Voiceless Behind Bars — where the truth speaks, even from a cage.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Echoes of Innocence - Maddie

    Echoes of Innocence - Maddie
    May 20 2025
    In this powerful episode of Voiceless Behind Bars, host Sarah DeArmond sits down with Maddie, the creator of the podcast Echoes of Innocence, a platform that shines light on the stories of incarcerated individuals whose voices have been ignored or erased by the justice system.

    Maddie shares the inspiration behind her work, the emotional connection she builds with each case, and why she refuses to stay silent while others are suffering in the dark.

    Together, they discuss:
    The wrongful conviction of Bett Bogle
    The fight to stop the execution of Jeffrey Hutchinson in Florida
    The power of advocacy through podcasting and social media
    How listeners can support and get involved

    🔗 Connect with Maddie:
    📧 Email: echoes.of.innocence1@gmail.com
    📸 Instagram: @prison_life_matters
    🎧 Podcast: Echoes of Innocence on Spotify

    ✊ Take Action:
    📢 Sign the Petition for Bett Bogle
    📢 Stop the Execution of Jeffrey Hutchinson
    📸 IG Follow @justiceforjeffhutchinson
    💸 Donate to Death Penalty Action

    These are the stories the system tried to bury.
    But Maddie is making sure they’re heard — loud, clear, and unfiltered.

    🎙️ Voiceless Behind Bars — hosted by Sarah DeArmond.
    Real voices. Real pain. Real change.
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Michael Bane

    Michael Bane
    Apr 17 2025
    In this episode, Sarah sits down with Michael Bane, an incarcerated man fighting to prove his innocence. Michael opens up about the details of his case, what keeps him going behind bars, and how the public can help get his case the attention it deserves. Law students are now reviewing his case — and you can help, too. Reach out with tips, ideas, or support via his socials and donation page below. Every bit helps bring justice one step closer.
    👉 TikTok
    👉 Instagram
    👉 Support the cause
    👉 Learn more
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Lapis Stone - Endgame

    Lapis Stone - Endgame
    Mar 19 2025
    In this compelling episode, Sarah sits down with her good friend Lapis Stone for their third interview - a year after their last conversation. A lot has changed, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever.

    Lapi opens up about the ongoing struggle they’ve been facing, reflecting on the challenges, resilience, and the emotional toll of fighting for justice. As they navigate the complexities of this battle, they share their hopes, fears, and the unwavering belief that the truth will ultimately prevail. This conversation is raw, powerful, and a testament to the strength it takes to stand up against injustice.

    Join us as we dive deep into the latest developments, the ongoing battle for truth, and Lapi’s personal journey. 🔗 Follow Lapi: Instagram | Music ⚠️ If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please know that support is available. Here are some resources that can help:
    • Thrive Lifeline
    • MTMV Support
    • Shattering the Silence
    • Male Survivor
    🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 25 mins
  • James Bitz Interview

    James Bitz Interview
    Mar 14 2025
    Voiceless Behind Bars is back for an all-new season, and we’re kicking things off with a powerful episode featuring James Bitz, a man fighting to prove his innocence after being wrongfully convicted in Oregon.

    In this episode, host Sarah DeArmond sits down with James to discuss the shocking inconsistencies in his case, the new evidence that could exonerate him, and the systemic issues that led to his conviction. From DNA evidence that excludes him to the victim’s own testimony declaring his innocence, James Bitz’s case is a chilling reminder of how the justice system can fail the people it’s meant to protect. Sarah also speaks with advocates fighting for Bitz’s release, including Michelle Jacquet, who is leading efforts to petition for a commutation of his sentence.
    🔗 Learn More About James Bitz’s Case:
    • James Bitz’s Story on Facebook: Facebook Profile
    • Injustice Spotlight Article: Read More
    • Understanding Wrongful Convictions: Equal Justice Initiative
    📢 Follow Sarah DeArmond for More Updates:
    • Facebook: Sarah DeArmond
    • TikTok, Instagram & Bluesky: @itssarahonly
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Prentice Ponds: Where To Go From Here

    Prentice Ponds: Where To Go From Here
    Dec 19 2024
    In this compelling new episode of Voiceless Behind Bars, host Sarah DeArmond reconnects with Prentice Ponds, whose wrongful conviction has been a focus of the show in past episodes.

    Prentice updates listeners on his ongoing fight for justice, the challenges he continues to face, and his thoughts on what lies ahead in his pursuit of freedom.As the legal battle continues, this episode dives deeper into the systemic issues that perpetuate wrongful convictions and highlights the critical need for public support in Prentice’s case.

    You can help make a difference by contacting the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office to advocate for justice:
    📧 Email: districtattorney@tulsacounty.org
    🌐 Website: https://da.tulsacounty.org

    Join Sarah and Prentice for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for those who have been silenced.

    Sarah’s Social Media-
    Instagram: itssarahonly
    Bluesky: itssarahonly.bsky.social
    Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BQUNJ61xN/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    https://www.facebook.com/FreePrenticePonds?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=X0PzKcnRmiTHHT3Y&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F18MBhpFK4u%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Marwin Battles Interview

    Marwin Battles Interview
    Nov 20 2024
    In this powerful episode of Voiceless Behind Bars, host Sarah DeArmond sits down with Marwin Battles, who has spent over 33 years behind bars for a crime rooted in self-defense.

    Wrongfully convicted in 1991, Marwin’s story highlights profound racial injustices and legal missteps that have kept him incarcerated.From the racially charged events that led to the tragic altercation at the Bay Port Apartments in Norman, Oklahoma, to the court's denial of a self-defense instruction and evidence of racial bias, Marwin's case raises serious questions about fairness and equality in the justice system.Despite the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals modifying his sentence to life with the possibility of parole, errors in court documents have wrongly labeled his sentence as life without parole, delaying his chances for release.

    Learn how Marwin’s case has gained national attention and why advocates are calling for his release.Marwin has not only fought for justice but also used his time in prison to create meaningful change. His nonprofit, the Allinone Project, supports aging inmates and juvenile offenders, aiming to advance prison reform, re-entry programs, and housing solutions.

    💡 Take Action
    • Write to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board at boardcommunications@ppb.ok.gov and urge them to allow Marwin Battles to advance to the next stage of parole eligibility.
    • Learn more about Oklahoma’s Pardon and Parole process in the FAQ document.
    📨 Contact the Allinone Project
    102 South 2nd Street
    Eufaula, Oklahoma 74432

    This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about justice reform and the fight against racial inequities. Don’t miss Marwin’s moving story of resilience and hope.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins