New York’s prison system is broken—for everyone inside. COs are striking because of understaffing, forced overtime, and unsafe working conditions. Meanwhile, incarcerated individuals are subjected to inhumane treatment, violence, released with no skills, no opportunities, and no support.

🚨 Mass incarceration isn’t keeping us safe—it’s destroying communities and burning out those working inside. 🚨

The Pulling Your Coat Podcast is exposing the truth. We’re talking about:

⚠️ Why COs are protesting dangerous conditions

⚠️ How the system sets people up for failure on both sides

⚠️ What real prison reform looks like—and why it benefits EVERYONE

🔥 The time for reform is now! It’s time for education, job training, and real second chances. And it’s time to listen to the people who know the system best—those with lived experience in incarceration and those who have turned their lives around to help others navigate it.

🎙️ Tune in to the Pulling Your Coat Podcast.

📢 Hear from those who have been through it and are fighting for real change.

💡 Get the facts. Get involved. Make a difference.

Episode 5 on RSS, Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music

“Ep.5-Broken System, Broken Lives: The Truth About NYS Prisons and the Fight for Reform”

#PrisonReform #MassIncarceration #JusticeForAll #COsStrike #ReentryMatters #PullingYourCoat

In this episode of Pulling Your Coat, we are joined by Dr. Jason Roop, the visionary creator of the Center for Trait-Based Transformation: Start from Strength. Drawing from his own journey through addiction and recovery, Dr. Roop has developed a groundbreaking, evidence-based approach that shifts the focus from deficits to strengths, empowering individuals to create meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

Dr. Roop shares his insights on guiding recovery journeys and teaching prevention strategies, as well as the philosophy behind his innovative program. We also discuss the critical topic of the Opioid Settlement Funds rollout in New York State and Kentucky, exploring how these resources can be strategically allocated to support impactful initiatives like Start from Strength.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation on redefining recovery, fostering resilience, and making effective use of resources in the fight against the opioid epidemic.

#PullingYourCoat #Podcast #StartFromStrength #AddictionRecovery #OpioidCrisis #EvidenceBasedPractice

“The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction”

This week, we’re joined by Sherry Byrnes, Program Director and Carla Stump/Volunteer, dedicated advocates from NAMI, for a powerful conversation about the connection between mental health and addiction. Sherry and Carla share their insights on the biggest challenges facing individuals with mental illness in 2024 and what fuels their passion for advocacy.

Discover how untreated mental health issues fuel addiction—and, more importantly, the solutions we can implement to make a difference. From practical strategies to bold action steps, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire change in your community.

💡 Don’t miss this dynamic discussion and find out how YOU can help create a healthier future. Listen now!

Episode 2, The Peer Experience in the Treatment Continuum, dives into the transformative power of peer support in addiction recovery. Christopher and Erin are joined by guests Miguel Sepulveda, CRPA, and Destinie Belter, CRPA-P, to explore how lived experience shapes effective treatment and recovery strategies. Together, they discuss the critical role of peers in bridging gaps within the treatment continuum and fostering trust, hope, and sustainable change.

Tune in for real talk about real issues, and let us pull your coat on the topics that matter most.

Both hosts bring lived experience in recovery and professional expertise, creating a space for candid conversations about addiction recovery, harm reduction, criminal justice reform, and the power of community support. Each episode dives deep into stories of transformation, resilience, and hope.

Tune in for real talk about real issues, and let us pull your coat on the topics that matter most.