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Dr. Kelly discusses how theory from disability studies, cultural studies,
and intersectional feminism informs their mutual aid work. In particular,
she will discuss why she chose to work with her community to start a
fridge, how this has assisted in developing community in the area, and ways you can contribute to mutual aid in your area.

Dr. Kelly is a lecturing faculty at CSUN in the Communication Studies and
Special Education Departments. Her research areas include disability studies,
critical university studies, and queer studies. They are also the co-director of the
CSUN Explorers program, which serves students with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.

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The Ripple Effect of College Prison Programs explores what becomes possible when higher education enters spaces designed for punishment and isolation. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Taffany Lim, an educator and leader whose work with the Cal State LA Prison Graduation Initiative has helped transform lives and the institutions surrounding them.

Dr. Lim’s 2025 Bloomsbury book, The Ripple Effect of College Prison Programs: Hope, Humanity, and Transformation, brings this work to life through vivid, human stories. The book is introduced by Dr. Lim and co written with thirteen graduates of the Cal State LA program men who earned their bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated and, for many, crossed the stage as free people in 2021.

We are also joined by three of those graduates, Samuel Nathaniel Brown, Billy G, and Thaisan Nguon. Together, they share what education made possible inside, what it demanded of them, and what it continues to change beyond the prison walls. This conversation centers hope, dignity, and the lasting impact of opportunity, not only on individuals, but on families, communities, and systems.

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Edwin Cruz is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience in community advocacy, peer support, and program leadership. As a Peer Support Specialist with the State of California, he assisted clients in transitioning between levels of care, setting recovery goals, and managing mental health challenges. Previously, he served as a Support Group Facilitator and Community Advocate, leading initiatives to deter juvenile delinquency and promote rehabilitation through self-help programs and impactful community events. He was featured in the short film, 5 Block: From Hell to Hope, where he demonstrated his passion for poetry and creative writing. Edwin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Los Angeles; he currently works with the Compassion Prison Project, creating trauma-informed prisons and communities focused on childhood trauma, and with The Prism Way, providing holistic resources to heal, rehabilitate, and reintegrate justice-impacted individuals. Driven by a passion for service, Edwin’s dedication and innovative approach continue to make a lasting impact in every role he undertakes.

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In a departure from our usual focus on drama therapy and arts in prison, this special episode confronts an urgent global threat: the rise of authoritarianism and the disturbing shift in U.S. foreign policy toward aligning with Russia against Ukraine.

We’re honored to welcome Dr. Marina Levina, a leading voice in media and critical cultural studies, whose research on monstrosity, propaganda, and imperialism sheds light on the silence surrounding Russian colonial violence. In conversation with Kamran Afary, Dr. Levina unpacks the February 28th diplomatic humiliation of President Zelensky, the U.S. vote against condemning Russia’s invasion at the UN, and the ideological realignment that threatens not only Ukraine’s sovereignty but global democratic struggles.

Later in the episode, Frieda Afary introduces a powerful feminist documentary on Ukrainian resistance and shares reflections on the intersections of gender, imperialism, and freedom.

This is a call to break the silence. Tune in. Speak up.

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Samuel Nathaniel Brown, a dedicated advocate and former incarcerated individual, spent 24 years challenging the inhumanity of the current prison system. He champions innovative rehabilitation approaches for successful societal reintegration. Sam's incarceration journey exemplifies reentry success, showcasing his unwavering determination and the vital support networks needed for human rights advocacy.

During his time in prison, Sam initiated the 10P Program, guiding incarcerated persons from anti-social to pro-social mindsets, emphasizing personal growth and transformation.

Samuel is a fervent supporter of The California Abolition Act (ACA 3), a constitutional amendment aimed at ending prisoner slavery, promoting rehabilitation, and stopping forced labor exploitation. The goal is to facilitate the transition of individuals leaving prison into contributing members of society.

In 2014, Sam introduced "The Theory of Emotional Illiteracy-Based Criminality," linking adverse childhood experiences to criminal behaviors as coping mechanisms.

A significant milestone in his journey occurred when, a few months before his release, he became one of the first to graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication studies through Cal State LA's Prison B.A. Graduation Initiative.

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In 1999, at the age of 18, Joey Pagaduan was sentenced to life in prison. Joey was found suitable by the California Board of Parole Hearings in 2020, but his suitability was unilaterally reversed by Governor Gavin Newsome. Two years later, Joey was found suitable again and, after 23 years, was released on June 30, 2022.

Joey is an accomplished actor having played Hamlet, Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Master Harold in “Master Harold and the Boys,” and many other roles at Shakespeare at Solano. He founded P@S – Performances @ Solano – to give theatre artists and musicians opportunities to write, workshop, and perform their original works. For P@S, he has written and directed several short plays. He was also the editor-in-chief and photographer for the Solano Vision newspaper. Joey is working as a Certified Addiction Counselor, currently enrolled in a coding bootcamp through CSU Eastbay, and a Designing Creative Futures internship with California Lawyers for the Arts and Marin Shakespeare Company.

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This episode is an audio extract of a presentation that took place during the NYU Drama Therapy Research Symposium 2023, hosted by the NYU Program in Drama Therapy and Theatre and Health Lab.

View the full video presentation here.

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Justin Hong was incarcerated for 14 years where he was a part of California’s first in-person BA degree program in communication studies. It was in prison where he discovered his passion for art and acting and where he performed in several theater programs. Since his release he has earned a BA degree in organizational communication. He lives in Los Angeles where he is a working actor and tattoo artist.

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