Dr. James JC Cavitt is the Executive Director of Project Rebound at CSU Fullerton, a transformative program supporting justice-impacted students as they reenter academic life and broader society. He was previously a founding student of The Last Mile’s inaugural class at San Quentin State Prison, where he began his remarkable journey from incarceration to academia. Today, Dr. Cavitt holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, is a licensed therapist, an accomplished spoken word poet, and a nationally recognized advocate for criminal justice reform. His scholarly work centers on the impacts of incarceration on emotional intimacy post-release—a subject deeply informed by his own life experience.

In this episode, Dr. Cavitt shares an intimate and powerful narrative that begins with a life sentence at age 17 and culminates in crossing the stage as “Dr. Cavitt” decades later. He speaks candidly about the emotional weight of having his dream of becoming a pediatrician denied due to a felony conviction, and how mentorship, community, and programs like The Last Mile helped him reimagine that dream through the lens of healing and mental health. Particularly compelling is his concept of the “trauma equation,” which underscores the importance of understanding the path that leads to incarceration—not just the outcome. For those passionate about systemic solutions, Dr. Cavitt’s reflections on confronting trauma, reclaiming identity, and pursuing education inside prison walls offer a profound blueprint for reform.

Episode Outline:

(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:01:12) Sentenced to Life at 17
(00:05:30) The Emotional Toll of Childhood Incarceration
(00:09:15) Finding Purpose Through Education in Prison
(00:13:42) The Power of Mentorship and the Role of Community
(00:17:30) Reimagining Dreams: From Medicine to Therapy
(00:22:05) Launching Project Rebound at CSU Fullerton
(00:26:40) Trauma and Intimacy After Incarceration
(00:31:55) The “Trauma Equation” and the Journey to Healing
(00:36:15) Building a Life That Reflects Transformation
(00:40:20) Why Language and Identity Matter in Reentry
(00:43:50) Final Reflections and the Importance of Purpose

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Tara visits Homeboy Industries, an organization that helps gang members and formerly incarcerated people transition into productive, independent lives. Hear her captivating conversation with former CEO of Homeboy, Tom Vozzo.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Frank Cariilo, a formerly incarcerated, and fully exonerated man who was falsely accused and wrongfully convicted, joins Tara to catch up after he ran for public office, and what life is like in the years after returning home.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Tara interviews members of the San Quentin Trans community, including incarcerated resident Jamie Acosta, corrections officer Mandi Hauwert, and a notable actor and activist David Sea to discuss what life is like for trans people within the prison system.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Khalid Cannon joins Tara to chat about his organization Put Me In! that helps give children of incarcerated parents better access to athletics, and all the great developmental benefits that participation in sports provides.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Tara talks with Zach Skow, founder of Marley's Mutts, about how his dogs saved his life. Hear how he turned his rock-bottom into a purpose that helps both incarcerated people and rescue dogs throughout California.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, Tara dives into the complex issues associated with the involvement of currently incarcerated people working on the front lines of California's seasonal wild fires. Chief Royal Ramey joins Tara to discuss how fighting fires became his life's calling as through it, he discovered the value of public service. Hear how he is paving the road for formerly incarcerated people to pursue fire fighting as a career after they are paroled.

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org

This week, The Last Mile founders, Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti introduce the new host of The Last Mile Radio, Tara Trask!

The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche and Ana Sessions at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org