JustUs Speaks Podcast

The JustUs Speaks Podcast, presented by JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA), amplifies the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals in the U.S. Hosted by Policy Analyst Zach Ruppel and Leadership Admin Coordinator Lana Mendis, the JustUs Speaks Podcast features interviews with directly impacted people sharing their experience with the criminal justice system, and life upon reentering society.

Available On

Episodes

Alexander Brown on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

April 8, 2026

By JLUSA

Alexander Brown (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) talks about fair chances at employment after incarceration.

Ronnie Carrasquillo and Dan Protess from the In Their Hands documentary on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

April 3, 2026

By JLUSA

Ronnie Carrasquillo and director/producer Dan Protess share about the film In Their Hands and partnership with JLUSA for Fair Chance Month.

Ashley Furst on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

March 25, 2026

By JLUSA

Ashley Furst⁠ (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) grew up believing people who were incarcerated were “bad people.” That was until she went to prison.

Paul Rothschild on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

March 18, 2026

By JLUSA

Paul Rothschild (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) on transferring skills from the corporate world to social justice work.

Crystal Voight on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

March 4, 2026

By JLUSA

Crystal Voight⁠ (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) shares her powerful personal story and her vision for helping others with reentry.

Marcus Kelley on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

February 25, 2026

By JLUSA

Marcus Kelley (Leading with Conviction™ 2024)⁠ talks about his work to end the legal slavery exception clause in the 13th Amendment.

Melissa Ludin on the JustUs Speaks Podcast

February 11, 2026

By JLUSA

Melissa Ludin (Leading with Conviction™ 2024) talks about balancing her work with the ACLU of Wisconsin and being a partner and a mother of four boys.