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Tarnished The Badge: The Jamey Noel Story (YouTube, 2026)
59:34|What happens when the person promising to root out corruption becomes the source of one of the largest public corruption scandals in Indiana history? In this episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley takes a deep dive into the newly released documentary Tarnished the Badge: The Jamey Noel Story, exploring the crimes of former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel and the far-reaching impact of corruption on communities, public safety, and the criminal justice system.Best known to many viewers as the sheriff featured in the first two seasons of 60 Days In, Jamey Noel built a public image centered on reform and accountability. But, investigators later uncovered a sprawling scheme involving fraud, money laundering, misuse of public funds, ghost employment, and theft from the New Chapel EMS and Utica Township Volunteer Fire Department. Ashley examines how millions of dollars intended for emergency services were diverted to fund luxury vehicles, expensive travel, retail purchases, political influence, and personal lifestyles.This episode explores how unchecked authority, political connections, and a lack of oversight can create opportunities for corruption within criminal justice institutions. Ashley also discusses the role of investigative journalism, the impact of these crimes on victims and first responders, and what Jamey Noel’s case teaches us about transparency, accountability, and trust in public institutions.Whether you are a fan of 60 Days In, interested in criminal justice reform, or curious about one of the most shocking public corruption cases connected to reality television, this episode provides essential context and analysis.You can see more documents about the case and stream the documentary on WHAS 11 by clicking here or searching for the documentary on YouTube. You can listen to our coverage of season 1 that includes a breakdown of Jamey Noel's crimes by clicking here.If you like our content, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us! We'd also love to hear from you so feel free to contact us at realitybehindbars@gmail.com if you have comments, suggestions or are interested in being a guest on the show!
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Daughters (Netflix, 2024)
01:27:06|Can a single day change the course of a family's future? In this heartfelt episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley and Carolyn explore the powerful 2024 Netflix documentary Daughters, a moving film that follows four young girls preparing for a father-daughter dance with their incarcerated fathers after completing a 10-week parenting and emotional coaching program.Drawing on Ashley's expertise in psychology and the criminal justice system and Carolyn's lived experience with incarceration, this conversation examines how meaningful family connections can support rehabilitation, strengthen parent-child relationships, and reduce the long-term impact of incarceration on children. The hosts discuss the emotional challenges faced by incarcerated fathers, the resilience of the daughters and their caregivers, and the intentional work of program leaders Angela Patton and Chad Morris to help families begin repairing relationships damaged by incarceration.Throughout the episode, Ashley and Carolyn explore the psychology of attachment, childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), father involvement, and the importance of accountability, empathy, and restorative approaches within correctional settings. They also discuss how documentaries like Daughters challenge common stereotypes by humanizing incarcerated parents while acknowledging the complex realities faced by families navigating separation, grief, and reentry. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, prison rehabilitation, family reunification, or documentaries that reveal the human side of incarceration, this episode offers an insightful discussion about hope, healing, and second chances.You can learn more about the programs Girls for a Change here and A Date with Dad here.If you like our content, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us! We'd also love to hear from you so feel free to contact us at realitybehindbars@gmail.com if you have comments, suggestions or are interested in being a guest on the show!60 Days In S2E12 (A&E, 2016)
01:11:18|The Season 2 civilian participants struggle to get through their final hours of incarceration before being released and sharing their experiences with the Sheriff. The staff at the jail finally learn about the program, but will anything change at the facility?Inmate to Roommate S1E10 (A&E, 2022)
01:07:18|In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down Inmate to Roommate to Season 1 Episode 10 entitled “The Next Chapter”. This episode explores addiction recovery, relapse, trauma, family reunification, fatherhood, and the challenges of reentry after incarceration. Ashley and Carolyn discuss why some placements succeeded while others failed, highlighting the importance of communication, stable housing, support systems, and realistic expectations. They compare the approaches of Dr. Henry and Artie with those of other hosts and examine how unconditional support and accountability can influence successful reintegration. The hosts also discuss the emotional impact incarceration has on families, the need for counseling and reentry programs, and what society often misunderstands about life after prison. Plus, they share their overall thoughts on the series and preview upcoming episodes covering the documentaries Daughters (available on Netflix) and Out of Mind, Out of Sight (available on YouTube).60 Days In S2E11 (A&E, 2016)
01:05:51|In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 11 entitled “Blood, Debt and Tears”. As tensions rise inside Clark County Jail, the hosts explore inmate debt, commissary culture, and the violence that can result when people are unable to repay what they owe. They examine Ryan’s tray business, the dangers facing indigent inmates, and how delayed staff responses and lack of supervision create an environment where inmates are forced to police themselves. The episode also follows the release of participants Dion, Quintin, and Mona Lisa, highlighting their vastly different reactions to freedom and the emotional toll of living undercover for 60 days. In addition, they analyze the F-pod controversy surrounding Damarius and the hierarchy of offenses inside jail, while questioning whether correctional administrators are truly listening to the concerns raised by participants. Through research, lived experience, and thoughtful discussion, the hosts explore prison culture, manufactured chaos, and the importance of validating the voices of incarcerated people.An Interview with Lacorrey Russell from The Alabama Solution (HBO Max, 2025)
01:02:37|Ashley & Carolyn sit down for an interview with Lacorrey Russell who was one of the incarcerated people featured in The Alabama Solution (HBO Max, 2025). Lacorrey has been released from The Alabama Department of Corrections for over a year and shares not only the experiences of being incarcerated and working with the documentary crew but also the challenges of rebuilding his life after release. Topics discussed include his childhood experiences, juvenile incarceration, experiencing loss of loved ones during incarceration, solitary confinement, living conditions in prison (including violence and sexual coercion), substance use and dependence, contraband, and the experience of being in a documentary.60 Days In S2E10 (A&E, 2016)
52:21|Reality Behind Bars returns with an in-depth discussion of 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 10, “Trouble in Store,” where the fallout from the jail’s sewage crisis continues. Hosts Ashley, a college professor who studies the criminal justice system, and Carolyn, an educator with lived experience of incarceration, explore how overcrowding, lack of water, poor sanitation, and inadequate communication increase tensions inside the facility during sewergate. They discuss the dangers of dehumanization, the impact of medical neglect, and how correctional staff responses can either escalate or defuse conflict. The episode also examines commissary culture, overcrowded housing units, and the psychological effects of confinement. Ashley and Carolyn share insights into family stress during incarceration, the challenges of reentry, and the emotional toll experienced by both incarcerated individuals and their loved ones.