Episodes

  • Inmate to Roommate S1E9 (A&E, 2022)
    Jul 9 2026

    In this episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley and Carolyn break down the escalating tensions, emotional setbacks, and reentry challenges featured in Inmate to Roommate Season 1, Episode 9, “You’ve Been Served.” The hosts examine DQ’s struggle to maintain employment after losing two temp jobs and discuss the barriers many formerly incarcerated people face when trying to rebuild their lives after release. They explore the realities of felony-related employment discrimination, the importance of career readiness, and whether entrepreneurship can be a meaningful path toward successful reentry. The episode also highlights Jovan’s emotional journey as he navigates divorce proceedings, fatherhood, and the difficult process of reconnecting with his daughter. Ashley and Carolyn discuss the long-term impact incarceration can have on family relationships and the value of mentorship from people with lived experience. Meanwhile, the conflict between Bill, Mark, and Sharna reaches a breaking point after Bill returns to find the locks changed and his belongings inaccessible, raising questions about trust, control, boundaries, and the responsibilities involved in supporting someone during reentry.


    For more information about the amazing work of The Dannon Project you can visit their website just click this link.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • 60 Days In S2E9 (A&E, 2016)
    Jul 7 2026

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 9 entitled “Sewer Gate." As a massive sewage backup spreads through the jail, participants and incarcerated individuals are left without running water, functioning toilets, or clear communication from staff. The hosts discuss what happens when correctional facilities face emergencies without adequate preparedness plans. Ashley and Carolyn examine the health risks of exposure to raw sewage, dehydration, delayed medical care, overcrowding, and the growing tension that develops when incarcerated people are left without basic necessities. The episode also highlights troubling questions about emergency management in jails, the treatment of incarcerated individuals during crises, and the role of correctional staff when communication breaks down. From Dion's mounting frustration to medical concerns involving sick inmates and escalating conflicts among the women in F-Pod, this episode exposes systemic weaknesses that extend far beyond reality television. Join us as we analyze prison conditions, jail oversight, correctional policy, emergency preparedness, and the real-world implications behind one of the most chaotic episodes of 60 Days In.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 11 mins
  • 60 Days In S2E8 (A&E, 2016)
    Jun 30 2026

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2 Episode 8 entitled “Institutional Knowledge”. The discussion begins with Ryan's move from D-Pod to C-Pod and the disruption caused when inmates are relocated. Carolyn shares how frequent transfers create anxiety, destabilize established social structures, and force incarcerated people to continually adapt to new environments. The hosts also examine the informal jail economy, including commissary trading and inmate run "stores," discussing how debt and status can influence relationships and contribute to conflict. Dion's adjustment to D-Pod highlights differences in pod culture, concerns about theft, and the mental toll of losing track of time while incarcerated. In F-Pod, correctional staff conduct multiple ineffective contraband searches leading Ashley and Carolyn to question how certain enforcement practices may unintentionally increase tensions inside a pod. The episode concludes with a discussion of sanitation issues after a sewage backup disrupts F-Pod, highlighting another often-overlooked challenge of incarceration: emergency preparedness.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Inmate to Roommate S1E7 (A&E, 2022)
    Jun 25 2026

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down Inmate to Roommate to Season 1 Episode 7 entitled “Doors Locked”. Jovan’s explosive late-night return to Artie’s house leaves Artie with no choice but to lock him out. Nick is tested when Kyle and Sandra party hard during Mardi Gras in St. Louis. Tiffane questions Ari’s true intentions after Ari makes some expensive purchases at a club. In Indiana, Bill’s trip to California escalates tensions with Mark and Sharna. Finally, Ashley and Carolyn also discuss the federal Second Chance Act, legislation designed to reduce recidivism and support successful reentry after incarceration. You can read more about the Second Chance Act by clicking here.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 60 Days In S2E7 (A&E, 2016)
    Jun 23 2026

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 7 entitled “Dangerous Loyalty”. After a motivating visit from her husband, Sheri recommits to her mission inside the jail and begins getting closer to women involved in tattooing and suspected contraband activity. Stephanie’s return to the pod forces Mona Lisa to confront deeper issues around trust, manipulation, and emotional vulnerability. A visit from Ashleigh’s adoptive father helps her continue to reflect upon her biological mother’s decision to place Ashleigh into adoption. In the male pods, there is chaos as D-pod has another CERT raid and Ryan’s intentions for participating in the program are questioned by production and Captain Maples. Ultimately, the Sheriff decides to swap Dion and Ryan’s pod assignments leading to increased anxiety for both civilian participants.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Inmate to Roommate S1E6 (A&E, 2022)
    Jun 18 2026

    In this episode, we discuss Inmate to Roommate Season 1 and Episode 6. Darquavion makes the decision to move into Uncle Joe's house after tensions continue to rise with Dr. Henry. Nick buys an expensive car (without insurance or a driver's license) leading to Kyle and Sandra questioning his preparedness for change. Tiffane learns about Ari's criminal history and starts to question Ari's intentions. Bill gets a 15 day travel pass which upsets Sharna who feels like Bill has betrayed their friendship. At the end of the episode, Carolyn shares her work with Urban Alchemy (click here for more information) and discusses the link between criminal records and homelessness.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • 60 Days In S2E6 (A&E, 2016)
    Jun 16 2026

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2 Episode 6 entitled “Criminal Justice”. The women in F-Pod continue to experience sleepless nights. Sheri gets a visit from her husband while Mona Lisa says goodbye to Stacey who is released to a rehab facility. Ashleigh continues to struggle with her sobriety and her communication with Zac leaves her frustrated. There isn’t much to report in C-Pod and the hosts question why we don’t get much insight into how that pod is functioning. Meanwhile, the violence in D-Pod increases as Daffron starts holding kangaroo courts, leaving Ryan to question his safety. And, we say goodbye to Brian who elects to leave the program after the threats from Daffron escalate.

    Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com

    Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com

    Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode.

    Subscribe and leave a review!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 15 mins