Breaking the Chain Podcast
Breaking the Chain highlights the voices shaping the future of the criminal justice system. Season 1 opens with a conversation with UC Berkeley Law professor and JEP advisor Jonathan Simon, followed by exclusive JEP archival interviews with leading scholars, advocates, and directly impacted voices. Launching in 2026 by the Justice Education Project, the series explores the challenges facing today’s justice system and the people working to reimagine it for a more equitable tomorrow.
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Available in 2026 on:
Season 1
Professor Jonathan Simon, UC Berkeley Law, explores the realities of mass incarceration, lessons from California’s prison reforms, and guidance for Gen Z on reshaping the justice system.
Coming January 27, 2026
Episode 1: Jonathan Simon
An archived JEP exclusive interview with Yale Law’s James Q. Whitman on U.S.–European justice contrasts, dignity, punishment, and how young people can push for a more rehabilitative future.
Coming February 10, 2026
Episode 2: James Whitman
An archived JEP interview with Columbia Law’s Daniel Richman on prosecutorial power, surveillance, AI, and what Gen Z should know about technology’s impact on justice.
Coming February 24, 2026
Episode 3: Daniel Richman
Episode 4: Joshua Rovner
An archived JEP interview with Joshua Rovner of The Sentencing Project on youth justice reform, the harms of sending kids to adult courts, and the power of local advocacy to push change.
Coming March 10, 2026
Episode 5: Randolph Arledge
An archived JEP interview with exoneree Randolph Arledge, who spent 31 years wrongfully imprisoned, on wrongful convictions, systemic corruption, and the fight for justice.
Coming March 24, 2026
Episode 6: Darris Young
An archived JEP interview with Darris Young, who served 17 years in prison before becoming an advocate, reflecting on policing, systemic inequities, reentry, and rebuilding community.
Coming April 7, 2026