In last week’s episode, we exposed the unbearable conditions caused by extreme heat in Oregon prisons. This week, we follow up with the voices of those who’ve lived through it—directly responding to the Department of Corrections’ claims about how they manage heat behind bars. What emerges is a stark divide between policy and reality, and a system that continues to put lives at risk.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What happens when a heatwave hits—and there’s no way to cool down? In this episode of Trail Blazing Justice, we confront the deadly consequences of extreme heat inside Oregon’s prisons. From windowless cells and failing ventilation to a system that treats ice cubes like a reward, we ask: how many lives must be at risk before we act?

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What does successful reentry really take—and why do so few get the chance? In this episode, Mark Wilson reflects on his first six months of freedom after nearly 40 years in prison and exposes the broken systems waiting on the outside. From inaccessible housing to bureaucratic cruelty, we explore why Oregon’s reentry process fails so many, and what it would take to build one rooted in dignity and support.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.