Suave

Now months out of prison, Frank Ross is juggling health issues and trying to adapt to life at the healthcare facility. He has good days and bad, as he struggles with cognitive decline. Then, an issue with his mandated GPS monitor suddenly puts his freedom at risk. We also learn about a new bill which advocates and lawmakers say could finally help reform the compassionate release system in Pennsylvania. They say it could help people like Frank Ross and ease the burden for the state, and help release older, sicker people whose healthcare needs they struggle to meet.

This is the final episode of “Released To Die,” a three-part miniseries that explores what it means to have a chance to die free.

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Michie, an incarcerated woman serving a life sentence at a Pennsylvania prison, learned early on that she needed to advocate for her own health behind bars. Over the decades and as she grew older, she says she witnessed many friends grow ill and die behind bars. Then, in her late 60’s, she discovers that she too has breast cancer. As Michie recounts the challenges of getting older - and sicker - in prison, we explore the particular health challenges that older women face while incarcerated.

This is part two of “Released To Die,” a three-part miniseries that explores what it means to have a chance to die free.

Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for ad-free listening, early-access and exclusive bonus episodes with the chisme behind Suave and all our podcasts: www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus
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Frank Ross was sentenced to die in prison – but after decades behind bars, he faces a new shot at freedom. At 93-years-old, Frank Ross is struggling with serious health issues. He’s able to secure a medical transfer to live out his final days at a healthcare facility through a law commonly known as “compassionate release.” Frank’s story is representative of a growing problem in prisons across the U.S., where the number of incarcerated people considered elderly has reached a historic peak. Compassionate release is one of the few options that could help combat the growing number of sick and elderly people.

This is part one of “Released To Die” a three part mini series that explores what it means to get a chance to die free.
Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for ad-free listening, early-access and exclusive bonus episodes with the chisme behind Suave and all our podcasts: www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suave has been named an Apple Podcasts Series Essential and to celebrate we wanted to bring to the main feed one of our exclusive Futuro+ bonus episodes.
In season one, Suave told host Julieta Martinelli about a mixtape he recorded inside his prison cell at SCI Graterford more than three decades ago. It remained a mystery lost to time… until today. In this episode, the making of Suave’s long-lost mixtape, the music that inspired it, and liner notes for his favorite 90’s hip-hop and reggaeton tracks. Plus, a discussion about the importance of music in prison and the artists Suave and Julieta love.

Season 2 of Suave was made possible by The Mellon Foundation. Mellon makes grants to support the visionaries and communities that unlock the power of the arts and humanities to help connect us all. More at mellon.org.
Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for ad-free listening, early-access and exclusive bonus episodes with the chisme behind Suave and all our podcasts: www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of Season 2, Suave and the team visit a location in the Bronx with deep significance to Suave— a place where you can say his journey towards freedom began. As Suave takes inventory of the past, and the challenges of the last couple of years in particular, he comes to terms with the weight of institutionalization. And he reveals one surprising and life-changing decision.

Season 2 of Suave was made possible by The Mellon Foundation. Mellon makes grants to support the visionaries and communities that unlock the power of the arts and humanities to help connect us all. More at mellon.org.
Want to support our independent journalism? Join Futuro+ for ad-free listening, early-access and exclusive bonus episodes with the chisme behind Suave and all our podcasts: www.futuromediagroup.org/joinplus
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.