Professor Jessica Henry Launches New Podcast

Jessica Henry, a professor of Justice Studies, has dedicated her career to challenging the criminal legal system. Henry is bringing her wealth of experience as a former public defender, award-winning author, and expert in criminal justice to an exciting new project – her podcast, Just Justice.

Just Justice takes an in-depth look at second chances within the American justice system. Each episode will examine critical topics like wrongful convictions, sentencing reforms, reintegration challenges, and the transformative power of redemption. Through insightful conversations with experts, advocates, crime survivors, and individuals directly affected by the system, Henry aims to shed light on stories of resilience and reform, while calling for systemic changes to create a more just and equitable society.

Whether you are an advocate for change or simply curious about the issues, Just Justice promises to offer a powerful platform for understanding the importance of second chances in transforming lives and communities.

When asked why the podcast is particularly relevant now, Henry shared, “The time is ripe to talk about second chances. Second look legislation is being passed around the country… there is growing momentum to reconsider our expensive and overly punitive punishment system that particularly disfavors poor people and people of color.”

In the first episode of Just Justice, Henry speaks with Dr. Tarika Daftary-Kapur, a colleague and professor in Justice Studies, about the fate of juveniles sentenced to life without parole. Dr. Daftary-Kapur’s research explores the consequences of these harsh sentences, the developmental challenges children face, and the social science research that demonstrates their capacity for rehabilitation. The episode discusses the potential for reform and second chances for juveniles sentenced to life.

In a later episode, Henry speaks with Bobby Bostic, who was sentenced to 241 years in prison at age 16 for an armed robbery in Missouri, despite no one being seriously injured. Bobby shares his journey of transformation during 29 years of incarceration, where he pursued education, authored eight books, and ultimately found hope.

“It’s hard to explain how a man can find hope in a dark, negative environment such as prison, but everyday I found inspiration,” Bostic says in the podcast. “Everyday I found hope. And I lived on that and that’s what got me through.”

Bostic’s story is a compelling listen and highlights resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances.

The podcast is part of Henry’s larger mission to challenge the criminal legal system and offer a platform for voices calling for redemption, compassion, and systemic reform. It complements her upcoming book project, which delves even deeper into these issues.

“I believe that people are more than the worst thing they have ever done and that we do not need to forever punish someone for a singular crime, even a horrible one, without creating opportunities for them to show that they have fundamentally changed,” says Henry. “America is built on stories of redemption and transformation. Second chances are part of that American tradition.”

Join Jessica Henry as she opens the door to these crucial conversations and advocates for a more compassionate and fair justice system. You can find Just Justice on Spotify, Apple and all major podcast platforms or you can visit the podcast website here for more information.