Track Change podcast

Track Change

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  NPR  

As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?

As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?

 

#8

Track Change Presents "Inside Music" from Ear Hustle

Every season, Ear Hustle highlights the amazing music written by and performed by men insi... more

28 Aug 2024

44 MINS

44:37

28 Aug 2024


#7

Track Change Presents: "I'm Somebody's Hero" from Uncuffed and KALW Public Radio

Growing up, Thanh Tran never felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care sys... more

22 May 2024

41 MINS

41:57

22 May 2024


#6

05. Before the Miracle Happens

Seven years after the REAL program left the Richmond city jail, Speech shares what's happe... more

15 May 2024

37 MINS

37:29

15 May 2024


#5

04. I Gotta Break These Chains

With his release from jail just weeks away, hip-hop musician Devonte does everything he ca... more

08 May 2024

28 MINS

28:44

08 May 2024


#4

03. I'm Tired of Recidivism

Struggling to keep up with his rehabilitation program, amateur rapper Anthony confronts th... more

01 May 2024

26 MINS

26:54

01 May 2024


#3

02. I Know I'm Getting Stronger

While awaiting his court date, country singer-songwriter Garland reckons with his own choi... more

24 Apr 2024

29 MINS

29:32

24 Apr 2024


#2

01. I Wrote This to Inspire

Recently freed from a state prison, rap prodigy Teddy navigates the enormity of landing a ... more

17 Apr 2024

30 MINS

30:23

17 Apr 2024


#1

Intro: Welcome to Track Change

From a studio inside the walls of Richmond City Jail in Virginia, hear the soundtrack to r... more

08 Apr 2024

02 MINS

02:04

08 Apr 2024