Written Off
Walter Thompson-Hernández speaks with formerly incarcerated young writers whose work will be read over the course of the season by creatives like John Legend, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Karamo Brown, Jay Ellis, Keke Palmer, Julio Torres, and Jesse Williams. Vulnerable poems and honest stories play out against a tailored soundtrack with original music. From Lemonada Media and Black Bar Mitzvah. The voices of those locked up in the U.S. prison system have been all but written off, but no more. These aren’t voices you’ve missed; they’re voices that haven’t been heard.
Tue, April 08, 2025
Introducing: Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan
We’re excited to introduce you to Confessions of a Female Founder with Meghan , a new show from Lemonada Media. As Meghan, Duchess of Sussex builds out a business of her own, she’s getting advice and insights from a handful of amazing women who have scaled small ideas into successful companies. These fly-on-the-wall conversations will no doubt inspire anyone who’s interested in turning their own entrepreneurial dreams into a reality and anyone else who just wants to hear what really happens behind the scenes. We’re going to play you a little sneak peek of the first episode, featuring Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble. After you listen, search Confessions of a Female Founder wherever you get your podcasts, or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/confessionsofafemalefounderfd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Listen Now: Everything Happens with Kate Bowler (featuring Coach K)
Just in time for the excitement of March Madness, join us for this deep dive into leadership, teamwork, and unlocking potential—on and off the court. What happens when someone believes in you–before you’re even ready to believe in yourself? In this powerful conversation, Duke Professor Kate Bowler sits down with legendary basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K) to talk about trust, leadership, and the important work of calling out greatness in others. From his storied career at Duke to coaching Team USA, Coach K shares what he has learned about the power of honest feedback, why trust is the foundation of meaningful relationships, and how four simple words–”I believe in you”–can change everything. There’s even a story where he hangs up on a player. Twice. (It worked.) In this humorous and heartfelt conversation, Coach K and Kate discuss: Why trust (not talent) is what makes a team great. The courage it takes to offer honest feedback—even when it’s uncomfortable. How to call out the best in others (and yourself). For more episodes of Everything Happens, head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mon, February 24, 2025
Introducing: Pantsuit Politics
We’re excited to share a show we know you’ll love: Pantsuit Politics . Hosted by Kentuckians Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, Pantsuit Politics offers a refreshing, thoughtful take on news and culture. It’s all about paying attention to what’s happening in the world—without the anxiety. This week, destruction can be part of the building process; it certainly is a key part of Elon Musk’s approach to business and his new - legally ambiguous - role with DOGE. There is, however, a fine line between disruption and destruction. The tech mantra of “move fast and break things” can be dangerous, particularly when applied to the government. On today’s show, Sarah and Beth explore this idea and how the new Trump administration is letting Musk run full steam ahead. Plus, they discuss the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy, most notably marked this week by Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiating table with Russia. Outside of politics, Beth shares her new hack for managing her online shopping. Topics Discussed Ukraine Excluded from Negotiations Is Elon Musk Building or Destroying Through DOGE? Outside of Politics: Online Shopping Strategies Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources. For more episodes, listen to Pantsuit Politics wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://lemonada.lnk.to/pantsuitpoliticsfd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Introducing: When It Clicked
What’s it like to spend years in a state penitentiary and then make it big in Hollywood? What makes a death row warden become a leading voice in prison reform? How does a conservative Christian in the deep South decide we can’t incarcerate our way out of a drug crisis? For all of these people, they had a moment when their thinking about justice and safety changed. In this series, host Ana Zamora – founder of The Just Trust – sits down with business leaders, advocates, actors, artists, and unexpected changemakers to learn about when it all clicked for them, and what they’re doing about it. You’re about to hear an episode from When It Clicked, focusing on the transformative power of art within the justice system. For Clarence Maclin, the answer unfolded during his incarceration at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Through a program called Rehabilitation Through the Arts, he used theater as a way to process trauma onstage and off. Now starring in the A24 film "Sing Sing", Clarence tells us what it was like acting out his own story on the big screen. Plus, how a more compassionate justice system doesn’t just transform the lives of incarcerated people – it strengthens society when they return as productive, creative and empowered community members. To hear more of When It Clicked, head to https://lemonada.lnk.to/WhenItClickedfd See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus · Tue, October 03, 2023
Learn More: Providing Access to Housing After Incarceration
Incarceration in the U.S. has profound flaws and consequences, but there are many people doing life-changing work to lessen its harm. In this special episode, Lemonada co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs sits down with two individuals whose organizations aim to increase access to housing for people who have been involved in the justice system. Stephanie speaks with Leslie Credle, founder and executive director of Justice 4 Housing in Boston, and Bernadette Butler, director of The Homecoming Project , an initiative out of Impact Justice in Northern California. The three discuss the realities faced by justice-involved individuals in today’s society, and how housing is both a human right and a crucial place to start when trying to improve lives. You can find Justice 4 Housing at justice4housing.org and @justice4housing on Instagram and YouTube . The Homecoming Project can be found through its parent organization at impactjustice.org and @impactjustice on Instagram and Facebook . Thank you to both of these organizations for making this episode possible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus · Wed, November 03, 2021
Introducing: Life Jolt
Life Jolt - prison slang for a life sentence - examines the lives of women navigating Canada’s correctional system. The team gained unprecedented access to the Grand Valley Institution prison, the federal pen for women in Ontario, for a full year. They followed women going into prison for the first time, spoke with lifers who have been there for years, and parolees as they left. Hosted by Rosemary Green, a former inmate herself, Life Jolt focuses on individual women’s stories and the realities of prison life, and explores a wide range of issues including parenting behind bars, segregation, the over-representation of Indigenous women, addiction, trauma and the many obstacles of reintegration. More episodes are available at: smarturl.it/lifejolt See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, September 29, 2021
Collect Call. Kyle Murphy x Jesse Williams
“Wash It Off.” Written by Kyle Murphy. Performed by Jesse Williams. Kyle chats with his friend (and series executive producer) Aaron Bergman a few weeks ahead of his release about his political activism and fully realizing his literary dreams after a decade inside the system. “Some people might feel like they’ve written me off, but I’ve got news for them - that s*** is incorrect. I got a bright future ahead of me.” - Kyle Murphy Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, September 22, 2021
Ultimate Freedom. Ramon Escobar x Angelique Cabral
“My People.” Written by Ramon Escobar. Performed by Angelique Cabral. Ramon is quick to thank InsideOUT Writers for helping him make the transition from feared gang member to highly-successful business owner who happily employs other IOW alums. “I'm in a different place now where I don't have to hide this other person anymore - it's part of who I've become.” - Ramon Escobar Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, September 15, 2021
Inhaling Memories. Frank Jimenez x Danny Ramirez
“2nd.” Written by Frank Jimenez. Performed by Danny Ramirez. Frank is putting his mentor’s sage advice to good use by prioritizing his and his family’s happiness and working towards leaving his own unique mark on Hollywood. ‘My writings are like little track markers showing me I'm on the right path, even though I might not see it right then and there.’ - Frank Jimenez Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, September 08, 2021
Ghetto Royalty. Daniel Bisuano x Julio Torres
“Second Chances.” Written by Daniel Bisuano. Performed by Julio Torres. Daniel is determined to leave his turbulent past behind by living authentically and pursuing each opportunity that presents itself in his quest to become a screenwriter. “When I started to write, I started to not only unpack all the pain that I had inside, but I started to create new, happy memories and give back to my community.” - Daniel Bisuano. Find Daniel on Twitter at @d_bisuano and on Instagram at @d.bisuano. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, September 01, 2021
Real Leo. Taylor Lytle x Issa Rae
“Everybody Knows That Time Will Pass You By.” Written by Taylor Lytle. Performed by Issa Rae. Taylor is all smiles as she owns her pronounced presence in the world and continues exercising her “revolutionary” methods as a criminal justice activist. “Writing is too rewarding to ever think of a life without it.” - Taylor Lytle Find Taylor on Instagram at @shesobeasty. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to www.lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, August 25, 2021
Jiggy Stuff. Lionel Tate x LaRoyce Hawkins
“I’m Still Trying to Find Out.” Written by Lionel Tate. Performed by LaRoyce Hawkins. Lionel embodies healthy living both personally and professionally by honoring his truth on paper and devoting himself to his successful vegan catering company. “I don't feel like I'm in a position where I have to lie to the paper because basically I'm just lying to myself.” - Lionel Tate Find Lionel on Instagram at @takemoney_chef and @tasty_tates. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, August 18, 2021
The Unfit. Olivia Carrasco x Dascha Polanco
“The Unfit.” Written by Olivia Carrasco. Performed by Dascha Polanco. Olivia is getting reaccustomed to her life “on the outs” and finding her voice amongst friends and family at InsideOUT Writers. “Whether you're heard or not, writing is getting out your thoughts without judgment - I find freedom in that.” - Olivia Carrasco Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, August 11, 2021
Borrowed Time. John Rodriguez x Karamo Brown
“Time.” Written by John Rodriguez. Performed by Karamo Brown. John is heavily conflicted by the freedom afforded him with an early commutation, leaving him stuck between missing his “family” on the inside and deciphering what’s truly real among folks on the outside. “Writing has the role of regrounding me, being honest with myself and calling myself out a lot - it's like a remolding tool.” - John Rodriguez Find John on Instagram at @steady_writing. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, August 04, 2021
Good Wolf. Dee Davis x Jay Ellis
“Untitled.” Written by Dee Davis. Performed by Jay Ellis. After losing loved ones to COVID this past year, Dee is now living in Vegas and finding meaning in teaching other writers of similarly troubled backgrounds. “When you write, take the mask off - be you and just write.” - Dee Davis Find Dee on Instagram at @dcddx821. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, July 28, 2021
Woman Anew. Yahniie Bridges x Yvonne Orji
“Untitled.” Written by Yahniie Bridges. Performed by Yvonne Orji. Even though Yahniie has temporarily left writing and performance behind, she still understands how they’ve each been a saving grace for her, especially after the last few trying years. “Although I don't put pen to paper very often, it's something that I know is in me.” - Yahniie Bridges Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff. Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, July 21, 2021
El Artista. Jimmy Valdez x John Legend
“I Am Great.” Written by Jimmy Valdez. Performed by John Legend. Jimmy is finding his true artistic voice through various creative mediums, from acting and modeling, to launching his Mexican corrido music career under the name El Artista. “Writing is therapy for me. It's also like a guide for me now when I'm trying to accomplish any goals - it’s a map.” - Jimmy Valdez Find Jimmy on Instagram at @itsjimmy-valdez and on TikTok at @_el_artista_. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/ . Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, July 14, 2021
Silent Love. Candice Price x Keke Palmer
"Silent Love." Written by Candice Price. Performed by Keke Palmer. After years of dwelling in the silence of her survivorship, Candice is spirited and joyful, living in her truth as a proud Black queer woman. “When I started writing, I found the way to heal from my childhood trauma. And I found a different coping skill on how to release my emotion.” - Candice Price Find Candice on Instagram at @tazzyp86 and blkcandice on Snapchat. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/ . If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the resources below for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor anytime. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text line: Text “Connect” to 741-741 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
S1 Enull · Wed, July 14, 2021
15 Years. Jimmy Wu x Randall Park
“Untitled.” Written by Jimmy Wu. Performed by Randall Park. Jimmy runs the organization that saved his life years ago when he was a youth who felt lost in the system: InsideOUT Writers. Today, he’s confronting the pain and effects of his incarceration while still managing to set an example for his IOW family. “If I was never introduced to this outlet through writing, I wouldn’t be here.” - Jimmy Wu Find Jimmy on Instagram at @unapologetically_justjimmywu. Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/ . Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia. Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors . Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium . See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trailer · Mon, June 28, 2021
Introducing: Written Off
A 13-part series that shines a light on young writers who found their voice inside the U.S. prison system. Hosted by Walter Thompson-Hernández (California Love, The New York Times) and featuring notable creatives like John Legend, Issa Rae, Jay Ellis, Keke Palmer, Julio Torres, and many more reading their work. Premieres July 14. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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