While she was in jail awaiting her sentence, Karen was housed with a pregnant cellie on the verge of giving birth. At the time, the experience barely registered. It took us a while to understand why.

This episode contains references to suicide. Listener discretion is advised. You can reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Thanks to Lieutenant Newborg, Acting Chief Deputy Warden Lewis, Acting Warden Core, and TV Specialist Mr. Mumm at the California Institution for Women.

Thanks also to CDCR Deputy Press Secretary Terry Thornton. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you so much for all your help over the years.

With this episode, we also say goodbye to Lt. Sam Robinson, who has put his stamp of approval on every Ear Hustle episode since the beginning. Lt. Robinson, we couldn’t have done it without you. We’ll miss you!

Episode illustration by Sandra Witte.

This episode was scored with music by Antwan Williams, E. Phil Phillips, and David Jassy.

The song at the end of the episode is “Trying to Carry On,” written by Richie Morris and performed by Richie, Dwight Krizman, and Charlie Spencer of Quentin Blue. You can listen to the song on our Music page.

As always, big thanks to Warden Ron Broomfield for his support of the show.

Ear Hustle is a proud member of Radiotopia, from PRX.

Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is under way! Donate today to support Ear Hustle and help us reach our goal of 1,000 supporters. Thank you.

You can download the episode here and find the transcript here.

Episode 84: Karen