Episodios

  • The Race Divide
    Jul 17 2025

    In this powerful episode of Camp Confidential – Beyond the Bars, Cheryl Womack opens up about the racial dynamics she witnessed and experienced during her time in a women’s federal prison. She sheds light on the stark racial divide, self-segregation among inmates, and the subtle but impactful differences in treatment across racial lines.

    Cheryl offers a candid reflection on the lack of institutional efforts to promote racial harmony and shares how she built meaningful friendships across racial boundaries despite the tense environment. Through her personal stories and insights, she underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity—even behind bars.

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • Faith Behind Bars
    Jul 10 2025

    In this conversation, Cheryl Womack shares her experiences of faith and religion during her time in a women's federal prison. She discusses how her beliefs evolved, the role of religious services, and the dynamics of community among inmates.

    Cheryl reflects on the power dynamics within religious practices, the impact of religion on personal growth, and the accommodations made for different dietary needs. She also explores how her faith influenced her life after prison and her motivation to write about her experiences as a means of healing and advocating for change.

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • Under The Microscope
    Jul 3 2025

    In this powerful episode, Cheryl Womack opens up about the realities of staying connected from inside a women’s federal prison. She shares the emotional highs and lows of limited communication, the challenges of visitation, and how these systems impact both inmates and their families. From navigating strict email rules to making the most of brief visits, Cheryl reveals how connection becomes a lifeline — and why maintaining relationships is critical to surviving prison and rebuilding life beyond the bars.

    Más Menos
    30 m
  • The Prison Entrepreneur
    Jun 26 2025

    This episode explores the entrepreneurial spirit of women in prison, highlighting their creativity and resourcefulness in creating businesses and services to survive. Cheryl Womack shares her experiences in a women's federal prison camp, detailing the various services offered, from food to beauty treatments, and the underground economy that thrives within the prison system.

    The discussion also touches on the challenges these women face in reintegrating into society and how their skills can be translated into legitimate business opportunities outside of prison.

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • Get A Job
    Jun 19 2025

    In this conversation, Cheryl Womack shares her experiences of working in a federal women's prison camp, discussing the importance of employment for inmates, the challenges of the job application process, and the educational opportunities available, including GED programs.

    She highlights the dynamics between inmates and guards, the various job roles within the prison, and the daily routines that shape life behind bars. Cheryl emphasizes the need for structure, skill development, and the impact of education on rehabilitation.

    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Unsafe Sanctuary
    Jun 12 2025

    In this conversation, Cheryl Womack shares her experiences of life in a women's federal prison, detailing the unsafe conditions, lack of medical care, and the psychological challenges faced by inmates. She discusses the importance of building trust among fellow inmates, the power dynamics at play, and the coping strategies she employed to navigate her time in prison.

    The episode highlights the harsh realities of incarceration, including the emotional toll it takes on individuals and the complexities of relationships formed in such an environment.

    Más Menos
    33 m
  • Shots Fired - Adding Time
    Jun 5 2025

    In this episode, Katrina McLarin and Cheryl Womack discuss the intricacies of life in federal prison, focusing on the implications of good behavior, the consequences of receiving 'shots', and the challenges of navigating prison rules.

    They explore the high percentage of inmates incarcerated for drug-related crimes, the dynamics of communication with guards, and the unique experiences surrounding food and cooking in prison. The conversation also touches on feelings of safety, the reality of conflicts, and the importance of building relationships and coping mechanisms to survive the prison environment.

    Más Menos
    28 m
  • Commissary
    May 29 2025

    This conversation delves into the intricacies of commissary in women's federal prisons, highlighting budgeting, essential items, food quality, communication challenges, and the economic realities faced by inmates. Cheryl Womack shares her firsthand experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding the commissary system, the impact of markups on essential goods, and the creative ways women navigate life in prison.

    Más Menos
    26 m