Editorial: Why the 'Concrete Mama' podcast matters
The "Concrete Mama" podcast that originated inside the walls of the Washington State Penitentiary serves as a looking glass through which the free world can see inside the prison and into the humanity of those who reside there.
The unexpected reality of a recording studio inside a prison is a pathway for inmates to take part in the important and beneficial practice of storytelling. It also allows those on the outside to better understand prison life and attribute individuality to each person at 1313 N. 13th Ave.
While we want to be clear that we in no way condone or excuse crime, it is important to humanize those who have committed crimes and are serving time.
This is true not only because they are objectively human but also because many of them will eventually be free and need a society that is willing to accept their participation as fellow people.
Humanization builds empathy, which is essential for rehabilitation and reintegration.
It gives us insight into the wide variety of situations and circumstances that lead to criminal activity, and the understanding that we cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach to justice.
Vik Chopra's story of success and addiction is an example of how the prevalence of opioids in our society can drag even those bursting with potential into a spiral of despair and crime.
It highlights the need to address the opioid crisis in our communities in tandem with serving justice, as addressing drug addiction nips a lot of crime in the bud, or prevents the planting of the seed in the first place.
It's important to draw attention to and appreciate the work of those who have made a better life for themselves after prison. Stories of the opposite are widely represented, and positive outcomes should be recognized and made available to others as proof that it can be done.
The podcast brings the stories of the original "Concrete Mama" book by John McCoy and Ethan Hoffman into the 2020s. Podcasts are a popular way to take in information, and making these stories available in that medium spreads them farther and gives more people the opportunity to hear them.
The show is exhibiting early signs of impact, having just been launched in March of 2025. It has reached popularity in the Apple podcast charts and has already inspired a listener to reconnect with their incarcerated father.
We should support the affirmation of the humanity of those behind bars and the efforts to help them connect with their own humanity.
Editorial Board, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin