AFTER LIFE | Episode 0 Season Trailer

Audience and impact of this project

AFTER LIFE pushed Gray Area podcast’s total reach to nearly 12,000 listeners. Reaching far beyond its primary audience of formerly incarcerated people, our journalist colleagues and workshop participants say it has redefined the podcasting field and reframed their approach to engaging with subjects.

Following publication, we launched an ongoing series of events, including:

●  Training for journalists working with people who’ve experienced incarceration and other minoritized communities;

●  Direct, trauma-informed conversations between victims and perpetrators of violence;

●  Online discussion demonstrating how people who’ve been to prison can share their stories and reshape society.

Our online events drew hundreds of viewers, with ongoing engagement. We recently produced detailed transcripts to share cost-free with incarcerated people and others unable to hear the podcast and events.

In April, 300 incarcerated men at the state prison in Norco joined Gilbert, Julie and co-reporter George Sánchez for in-person workshops about trauma and the power of telling our stories. During these inspiring and powerful conversations, one participant said through tears, “[This] gives us the ability to reflect on the ripple effect of violence. I was a victim. I‘ve victimized people. That shit hurts.”

Former life prisoner Frank DeLeo commented: “I was a part of this in real life, but you took me on a whole ‘nother journey that was so engulfing, it felt completely new.”

These events are continuing through 2023. We welcome your participation.

— Julie Reynolds Martínez, Mara J. Reynolds and Gilbert Bao