In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles, hosts Marta Masferrer and Michelle Becerra welcome celebrated author and commentator Wajahat Ali. Ali shares his deeply personal narrative about his parents' sudden arrest in 2002, in the wake of 9/11, under Operation Cyberstorm for alleged software piracy involving Microsoft. He recounts the traumatic experience of handling his parents' incarceration as a 21-year-old, the financial and emotional fallout, and the community betrayal. Ali highlights the broader implications of criminal justice on immigrant families and the stigma associated with incarceration. Despite these hardships, Ali discusses how these events shaped his career in writing and commentary, offering a nuanced perspective on the American dream and incarceration. To learn more about Wajahat Ali:

Book: Go Back to Where You Came From Substack: lefthook.substack.com @WajahatAli facebook.com/wajali http://www.thelavinagency.com/speakers/wajahat-ali

In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles, we delve into the emotional and artistic journey of Niko Krivanek, a young photographer whose work is deeply influenced by his mother's 20-year incarceration. Niko, a recent graduate of Tufts University and Rhode Island School of Design, shares his experiences and the essence behind his poignant photographic series such as Dear Sally, Love Mom and Natural Life. Through these projects, Niko captures the emotional landscapes of life touched by incarceration, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. The conversation covers Niko's artistic evolution, the supportive dynamics of his family despite the challenges, and his ongoing efforts to amplify voices of those impacted by the carceral system. Join us as we discuss art, family, and the profound effects of incarceration on personal and collective lives. To learn more about Niko visit: https://www.nikokrivanek.com/

In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles podcast, hosts introduce Denise Druce, a certified yoga therapist, Schwinn master trainer, yoga teacher trainer, and TEDx keynote speaker. Denise shares her journey from fitness coach to yoga instructor, her battle with stage four cancer, and how she founded Yoga Forward to bring yoga to underserved communities, including inmates at the Utah State Correctional Facility. She discusses the transformative power of yoga, both physically and mentally, for herself and her students. Denise also reflects on her personal history, including her father's incarceration and how it inspired her nonprofit work. The episode delves into the impact of yoga on inmates and correctional officers, the importance of living in the present, and Denise's plans for future programs to support children of incarcerated parents.

In this special episode of the Fallout Chronicles podcast, hosts Michelle Becerra and Marta Masferrer welcome Marta’s brother, Eduardo “Eddy” Masferrer, a seasoned criminal defense and immigration attorney, to discuss their father's downfall from a celebrated banker to a convicted felon. Eddy reflects on his legal journey, from initially helping his father during the bank's collapse and subsequent conviction to grappling with the harsh realities of the federal legal system. He discusses the massive toll this experience took on him and his family, his professional growth, and his relentless advocacy for marginalized clients. This episode delves deep into themes of hope, resilience, love, and the flawed judicial system, offering a raw, heartfelt conversation that underscores the complexity of personal and professional intertwining.

In this episode, we chat with Nikkya Hargrove, a queer black woman, author, and bookstore owner. Nikkya shares her inspiring journey, detailed in her memoir 'Mama, a Queer Black Woman's Story of Family Lost and Found', highlighting themes of generational trauma, family, and community. She discusses her experiences growing up with an incarcerated mother, adopting her baby brother, and the challenges faced. The conversation also covers her bookstore, Obodo Serendipity Bookstore, and its community-oriented mission. Furthermore, Nikkya reflects on her writing process, faith, identity, and the importance of hope and community in overcoming life's obstacles. Her memoir serves as a testament to resilience, underscoring the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and connection.

To learn more about Nikkya and buy her book visit: https://www.nikkyamhargrove.com/

In the inaugural episode of The Fallout Chronicles, memoirist and writing coach Ingrid Ricks shares her inspiring journey of overcoming personal adversity through storytelling. Ingrid discusses her early fascination with journalism, the influence of her free-spirited father, and how writing her memoir 'Hippie Boy' became a path to healing. She delves into her struggles with imposter syndrome and guilt, the pivotal moments that pushed her to write, and how sharing her story has transformed her life and the lives of others. Ingrid also highlights her work with teens and adults, helping them find their voices and heal through personal narrative writing.

We also get a first glimpse into Ingrid's latest memoir (still in development), that focuses on her father, who, caught in a spiraling game of deception, had set out to con others but ultimately became trapped in a larger, more intricate con in Africa—leading to a self-imposed incarceration of his own making.

Want to learn more about our Ingrid Ricks, visit: https://ingridricks.com/

Welcome to the introductory episode of The Fallout Chronicles podcast. Hosts Michelle and Marta discuss the impetus behind starting the series, rooted in personal experiences of having family members incarcerated. They delve into the emotional and societal impacts of incarceration, highlighting the resilience of those affected and their journey to overcome the stigma and trauma associated. This episode sets the stage for future discussions that aim to inspire and educate through the powerful stories of individuals who have faced and conquered these challenges. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and follow the podcast on social media for updates and new episodes.

Sources: ¹ Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024, June 30). Parental Incarceration and Its Impact on Children. ² The Source, Washington University in St. Louis. (2024). For 50 years, mass incarceration has hurt American families. Here's how to change it.