Both Sides of the Fence

Kim and Rikki look back at 2022. They talk about Covid, policies, and challenges with family, the system and the institutions.

Kim talks about a personal situation that has hit close to home when her 2 year old grandson was shot in October.  How her thought process changed regarding the criminal justice system and what should happen to those involved.  Listen to the heartfelt story and her reaction to it.  

We all need to remember that words can be both helpful and hurtful.  When they hurt us “they cut like a knife”.  Even if that is not what we meant for them to do!  

Kim talks to Deacon Tom in this final section about helping families, how to help, and what he thinks is needed for the future.  When a person is sentenced the whole family is sentenced.  When the come home, the whole family needs help with re-entry not just the incarcerated person!  Take a listen

Kim talks to Deacon Tom about his Support Group.  He tells us why he started it and the families involved.  We discuss how society judges them about their love ones, what they go through and what they really need.

Kim talks with Deacon Tom about working with individuals in custody. Listen to his thoughts on how things are, and could possibly be better. 

Kim talks about how one thing leads to the next and then to the next.  It starts to define us and gives people an image of who they think we are.  Is it really you?  Or are you just not watching?  

Kim talks about letting life go by and not living it to the fullest. We often make decisions on the basis of others, the future, and not the here and now. We all need to live in the moment!

Kim gives a Post It Note reminder of what we need to remember.  She breaks it down so specify that you can actually post it on a Post It Note and place them on your mirror or refrigerator!  Take a listen ….. we ALL need these reminders!

It is amazing the support there is on Facebook for women supporting loved ones in the system.  The knowledge and love in these groups with no judgment or disrespect is what everyone needs!

Kim talks with Literacy Link Program about new initiatives for the jails and prisons with regards to inmates and their children.  Absolutely amazing!!!!  Making connections with children and their missing parent or love one.   * Program also sponsored by American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact. https://theliteracylink.extension.wisc.edu

Kim talks about the signs of domestic violence (DV) and resources.  She wants everyone to know that struggling relationships can become healthy ones when given the tools and knowledge to make a change.  

Kim talks about self care.  She lets us know what we need to do for ourselves.  Making sure that we are happy!  What works for some does not work for others.  So don't feel like you have to follow the trend.  Just be YOU!

Beth talks about her frustration with the system and her disappointment with her grandchildren.  She says that her family has been sentenced as well.  Listen to her thoughts about how she is treated by society and the staff even though she is not the one incarcerated.  We all need to stop judging a book by its cover.  Read the book and understand the entire system and not just go by what society thinks.  She doesn't excuse their behavior, but feels there could be better solutions.

In part 2 Sara talks about her other son and the affect it has had on her and her family.  She lets us know about the frustrations she goes through with the Department Of Corrections and her relationship with her son.

Sara talks about the things she has and is still going through with several family members being involved with the criminal justice system. She currently has two sons in prison. One is in federal prison and one is in a Wisconsin state prison. Listen to how she deals with her own struggles their struggles, her 9 year old grandson‘s issues and the rest of the family. Then she talks about the reality of their choices and consequences.  How they were brought up has nothing to do with where they are now!

Retired P.O. Pam Jones, tells us about her 15 years with DOC and how it has affected her. She also talks about life after retirement and how she has changed.  Kim and Pam talk about their years working together. Listen to their discussion about clients, caseloads and the advice they give to those impacted by the system.

Kim talks with Jazzmine about her relationship with her Stepdad and how it affects her daughter and her mom.  She talks about her degree and her professional career and how this has changed her outlook on things.  The conversation is amazing and makes you see things in a totally different light! 

Listen as we talk about the impact on women in his life along with the impact on all women. We discuss support, protection, trauma, and love.  An entire family can be affected by just one person being incarcerated.  Hearing a real life story is fascinating to all!

Kim talks to Derek Williams again from Season 1 about his move from maximum security to medium security after 25 years.  They talk about his adjustment, the differences and how it affects his wife. 

Kim and Payton talk about their visit to the prison.  Listen to their thoughts, descriptions and take always from the visit.  Some are the same and some are different!  

Kim talks with her son about going on a visit to a WI Prison.  She talks to him about his thoughts and feelings about the visit.  Kim herself has not been to the prison as a visitor on this side of the fence.  They both have a lot of unknowns.  Listen as they discuss the upcoming visit and what each one is nervous about!

Opening up Season 2 in Kim's Korner.  Kim talks about how we as women on ‘Both Sides of The Fence' need to make sure that we are doing something for ourselves.  Some of us call it a “Mental Health Day”!!!!!!  Each of us have our own thing that makes us happy.  Just because you don't agree, doesn't mean it's wrong.  So do you and don't worry about me!!!!  Listen as you see how things are just the same on both sides.

Brent talks about working with Re-Entry and justice involved Entrepreneurs through the years.  He tells us how volunteer service and Community service hours can build character, references, and work experience.  His determination to help small businesses in Milwaukee shows in everything he does and all those he has mentored.   Jacob Maclin's story Find out more about Brent at MKEBusinessCoach.com and schedule a FREE 30-Minute Coaching Discovery Call at bit.ly/coachwithBrent

Brent Talks about his Milwaukee coaching business and how he has helped entrepreneurs build their own small businesses. Brent has a wealth of knowledge, connections, and insight to share with new and existing entrepreneurs in the Milwaukee area. Find out more about Brent at MKEBusinessCoach.com and schedule a FREE 30-Minute Coaching Discovery Call at bit.ly/coachwithBrent

Kim and Jamie talk with Alex Bruzan about the We Got This Program and what they do in and for the community with young people.  It's a wonderful program to try to keep our youth out of trouble and busy.  Also teaching them to be young entrepreneurs.

Kim and Rikki share their connection and frustrations with certain programs and agencies.  Hear about how certain things work and don't work.

Kim and Jamie talked about violence in the city, the warm weather, and why decisions are made.  Sometimes things are done due to a lack of understanding.

Kim and Jamie talk about everyone's mental health.  How we deal with it on the outside and how it is dealt with on the inside.  Listen, laugh and find out some possible new information.

Jamie and Kim talk with Shannon Ross about what he has been doing over the past year. The commitment, determination, and inspiration is unbelievable. Listen to his amazing journey. Learn More at https://sociatap.com/Thecommunity/

Kim and Rikki talk about Derek moving from a Maximum to Medium security prison.  They talk about the good, the bad and the frustrating.  

Jamie and Kim continue to talk with Eli and Ruben from The Way Out about new collaborations and partners they are working with for Re-Entry.  Jamie calls them the "Plug Thugs".

Kim and Jamie talk to Eli and Ruben from The Way Out 1 year later.  They talk about the new things they are doing, partnerships they have formed and collaborations that are being done to help justice impacted individuals.

Kim and Jamie talk about coming in and out of the prison system. What is considered recidivism? What type of circumstances can get you in those situations are not always just committing a new crime.

Kim and Jamie talk about being sick with a cold, the flu, or any other kind of illness in prison and on the outside.  Again, it is amazing how things are similar.

Kim and Jamie talked to Ajamou and Jessica about the Heal the Hood event and program and the great things they are doing for our young people. Find out more at https://healthehoodmke.org

Kim and Jamie talk about what gives them each peace of mind. They discuss it from each side of the fence. That also means being in the system and working for the system and being out of the system by each of them.

Kim and Jamie talk about the different styles of parenting.  Is there a right way?  There is no book, so how do we know what is right?  

Kim and Jamie discuss the things in life that make you think twice and wonder why they happen.

Listen to Eve Lopez and her incredible story.  Love can make us do such crazy things.

Kim and Megan talk about myths and facts about sex offenders.  Things you may not know about what a sex offense can be and who are registrants.  

Kim and Jamie talk about the stereotype of a criminal.  Are they true?  Are only certain people criminals?  Listen to find out...

Kim and Jamie talk about things that are tip toeing on their last nerve.  It's a fun but informative episode with a lot of laughter.  

Kim and Jamie talk about who our communities vote into office and the dynamics that play into it all.  Do politicians do what they say in their campaigns?  Why and why not?  

Reggie Jackson continues to inform us about the criminal justice system and how the prison system works.  He visited Derek and he talks about his first experience in a Wisconsin prison.

Milwaukee Activist Reggie Jackson talks about meeting Derek and Rikki and his views on the situation they are currently in.  He speaks on the prison system and how it is a money making industry. https://nurturingdiversity.us

The trilogy continues as Derek tells Kim and Jamie about how life on the inside is just like the outside.  The same things happen on ‘Both Sides Of The Fence'.  He says, “There just aren't any guns”.  The rules that are strictly followed and the ones that are overlooked are mind blowing.

Kim & Jamie continue their conversation with Derek Williams who has served half of his life in prison.  His positive behavior and attitude is so remarkable for what he has been through.  I love his quote “If we were animals PETA would be here for inhuman treatment”.  His story about saving a CO's life not only made him and us tear up, but will do the same to you!

Inmate Derek Williams was sentenced to 180 years.  Listen to his excessive and inhuman sentence structure.  The struggles and obstacles that he is dealing with.  Jamie and Kim are beside themselves with this story.

Part #2 continues to talk about the barriers and obstacles that they continue to go through on each side of the fence to see each other.  We hear about law suits filed for their rights being violated, processes not being filed and inhumane treatment is staggering to say the least. Things as tax payers we don't know we are paying for.  

A wife talks about how she is treated and what she goes through to love and support her husband who is incarcerated.  She shows us how strong she is and what she is willing to go through for him and their love.