The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves

The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves provides a mic for the unheard. Exposing the invisible impact of the US Criminal (in)Justice System through the stories of those waiting for justice, waiting for freedom, and the professionals helping those in the wait.

S4, E2 Re-Aired Episode! We do time, too! 09/05/2024

S4, E2 Re-Aired Episode! We do time, too! Check out this episode with Alyssa Tamboura, an advocate for children impacted by the criminal justice system and founder of Walls to Bridges Project, which aired initially in Season 1. Alyssa shares about her organization and the book project created this past summer for system-impacted kids to maintain communication with their loved ones since in-person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19. Alyssa also shares a powerful poem about what it was it was like waiting while her dad was gone for most of her childhood as he served nearly 13 years in San Quentin Prison. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/32903987

First Wednesdays S4, E1 08/07/2024

First Wednesdays S4, E1 Hey Visitors! After a nine-month hiatus, Nadine is back! In this episode, Nadine gives you a brief update on some of the things she's been focusing on in her "year of no." As mentioned in the show: Look out for new episodes on the first Wednesday of every month. In the last episode, Nadine mentioned she'd be moderating a conversation for the Minnesota Justice Research Center's Re-Imagining Conference. Here is a . Nadine started a new job in a familiar place, the , and she was appointed to the . Nadine recounts her experiences at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Chicago, a city she has now fallen in love with. She highlights the controversy surrounding former President Trump's appearance and her admiration for Nikole Hannah-Jones, author of the . If you are traveling to Chicago, Nadine highly recommends you book the with historian Dilla, also known as 6figga_dilla. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/32490937

It's been a min...S3, E9 11/11/2023

It's been a min...S3, E9 In this solo episode, Nadine shares some of the things she has been up to in the last few months as well as two upcoming conferences she’d love for you to attend. Featured in this episode: from the conference Book recommendations - How America Criminalizes Black Youth by Kristin Henning - I Never Gave Up: a memoir by Eddie Ellis : Race, Poverty, and the Persistence of Inequality in the Criminal Courts by Stephen B. Bright & James Kwak ! Thanks for joining us in The Waiting Room! /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/28591678

Breaking the Cycle of Trauma Response S3, E8 08/18/2023

Breaking the Cycle of Trauma Response S3, E8 Molly Bailey, therapist and founder of joins Nadine in the Waiting Room for an in-depth conversation about how trauma impacts human behavior and her passion for helping families impacted by the criminal legal system find healing. Molly is waiting for our legal system to catch up on the science of trauma, so it can be more reflective of how we now know how humans change and heal. Molly asks, “If we as a society say we value mental health, what is the evidence of that?” Also mentioned in this episode: Antonio Williams' , The Dream Weaver. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/27789147

Juneteenth; #BushFellow S3, E7 06/19/2023

Juneteenth; #BushFellow S3, E7 Hey Vistors! In this episode, Nadine checks in briefly to highlight Juneteenth, Open Nexus Community Partners Open Road Fund, the Department of Justices report on the Minneapolis Police Department, and ends with the amazing news of being named one of the 2023 Bush Fellows! See the links below for more details on everything shared in this episode! The was created to serve Black descendants of the Atlantic Slave Trade, especially formerly incarcerated folks, single parents, senior citizens, those living with disabilities, LGBTQ+, and more. Through 2031, Nexus will award $50,000 in grants that can be used for wealth projects, including housing, education, financial well-being, healing, and economic justice. We want to be clear–these grants are not reparations but an opportunity to redistribute resources to our communities to build Black wealth. Info session Thursday, June 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 CST - MPR takeaways The Bush Fellowship is a recognition of fellow's extraordinary accomplishments and support for their potential. It is an investment in fellows, so that they can make a difference in your community. The Fellowship is a flexible grant of up to $100,000 to help fellows strengthen and develop your leadership. As a Fellow, I get to define your own vision and create a unique Fellowship plan to learn the skills and build the relationships that will help me make your vision a reality. w/ Emily Bright Minnesota Now at MPR News /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/27198168

H.O.T. Reflection S3, E6 06/09/2023

H.O.T. Reflection S3, E6 Hey Visitors! In this episode, Nadine gives a brief H.O.T (humble, open, and transparent) update on where she's been the last 2 months and also shares insight on what she's been reflecting on as she approaches her 40th birthday! Send her some birthday love on IG at CashApp: $NadineGraves Venmo: @Nadine-Graves /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/27089010

Things we should know: Legislative Process S3, E5 04/01/2023

Things we should know: Legislative Process S3, E5 Shenika Chambers, Policy Program Manager at , joins Nadine in the Waiting Room and shares insight on the legislative process from her time as a Legislative Assistant with the Minnesota House of Representatives. is an additional resource outlining how a bill becomes law. Also, you can find Violence Free Minnesota's 2023 Legislative agenda, which includes some policies mentioned in this episode. Mentioned in this episode: / - follow up to inquire about purchasing a limited edition Black History Month Tee Artist, Activist, and Entrepreneur - Song: “” Text Blaze to 33777 to hear more from him. - The publishing company hosting the writing retreat Book recommendation: by Keeda J. Haynes /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/26403870

Updates, save the dates, and opportunities S3,E4 02/16/2023

Updates, save the dates, and opportunities S3,E4 In this solo episode, Nadine gives a brief update on previous bills mentioned on TWR. She also shares some upcoming events as well as opportunities to share with either any experiences you’ve had with cash bail and/or with the any impact police violence and surveillance has had on you or your loved ones. Upcoming events: Legal Rights Center () and Black History Month Event February 22, 2023, 6:30 - 8:30 pm @ ! There will be free food, guest speakers, and a performance by Lewiee Blaze. We will also sell limited edition and limited batch (50 total) Black History Month STAND shirts (Pictured on page) with a portion of the proceeds going to folks who are currently incarcerated. Shirts are sliding scale, starting at $30. Reserve a shirt in advance for pick up at the event using either PayPal ([email protected]) or Venmo (legarightscentermn). Cash will also be accepted as an in-person form of payment at the event. March 8, 2023, Press Conference – 9:30 a.m. Rally in the Rotunda – 10:30 a.m. Visits with legislators – 12:00 onward. Exhibit April 5 - 30 at in St. Paul, MN Survey/Research opportunities: Angela Rose Myers - Former Minneapolis NAACP President - IG Contact Angela at or 612-624-8543 use the (MNJRC) link above or call 612-293-8262. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/25949565

Power of Organizing S3, E3 02/01/2023

Power of Organizing S3, E3 Antonio Williams, Founder of joins Nadine in the Waiting Room for an in-depth conversation about the importance of healing and liberation. From prison to the “free world,” Antonio embodies the power of community organizing against injustices. He is a canvasser, writer, community builder, father, and activist, and we are all much better because of his commitment to uplifting people. Please support Antonio’s work by . Also in this episode: - Right to Vote - Remove the exception that allows slavery or involuntary servitude as a punishment for a crime! Rush City Prison Strike: Book recommendation: : Selected Prison Writings by Jalil Muntaqim Articles featuring Antonio: /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/25794972

The Value of Opportunity S3, E2 01/15/2023

The Value of Opportunity S3, E2 Marcel Hofker, Founder of joins Nadine in the Waiting Room role where he shares how he overcame his addiction and now is in the service of others as he provides second chances for those seeking employment. Check out more about Marcel here: “” Also mentioned in this episode: aka Boot Camp - Sin of Omission - Union /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/25596018

Greed to Gratitude S3, E1 01/01/2023

Greed to Gratitude S3, E1 Happy New Year! We at TWR apologize for the unexpected break. Nadine is back with a new season, rested, and hopeful for what the new year will bring. Tracy Jackson Director of Talent at joins Nadine in the Waiting Room role where she shares how she overcame the shame of her conviction through the second chance received through Tech Dump, which ultimately led to what she describes as her calling to help others. Tracy is deeply committed to providing each individual with the opportunity to successfully gain employment as they re-enter our community after incarceration. Check out more about Tracy and Repowered here: . /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/25473000

In Process DV recap S2E12 10/26/2022

In Process DV recap S2E12 In this solo episode, Nadine shares how therapy is helping process past traumas and reshares S2E2 in support of Domestic Violence Awareness month. Mentioned in this episode: Hello Hubby S2E201: : We Are All Criminals /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/24806835

Gratitude and Requests S2, E11 09/26/2022

Gratitude and Requests S2, E11 In this solo episode, Nadine shares her gratitude for the recent awards she received recognizing her efforts to reform the criminal legal system. She also highlights the importance of the Hennepin County attorney race and asks people to research the candidates and make an informed decision from a place of innovation and creativity instead of repeating the same policies that perpetuate harm. Mentioned in this episode: Hennepin County Attorney Forums Also referenced in this episode: /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/24490674

Love Speaks S2E10 08/20/2022

Love Speaks S2E10 Nadine’s long-time friend, Kristi of Love Speaks, joins Nadine in the Waiting Room to share a remarkable story about how and why she started her prison ministry, which focuses on restoration, freedom, and healing. Kristi can be contacted via email at . Scriptures shared in this episode: "There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]." 1 John 4:18 AMP "...Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people..." Genesis 50:20 MSG /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/24119010

We Resolve to Empower the Community 07/18/2022

We Resolve to Empower the Community Damon Drake of joins Nadine in the Waiting Room to share about how his organization is utilizing the model to empower the community as either they or a loved one navigates through the criminal legal process. We Resolved can be contacted through the link above or by calling: 651-505-3288. Also, please consider supporting this important organization by or spreading the word. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/23771483

Things We Already Knew S2, E8 06/18/2022

Things We Already Knew S2, E8 Nadine is joined by Civil Rights Attorney, , and they have a blunt conversation about the things most of us already knew about the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department in response to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights . Mentioned in this episode: Link for regarding consent decree. Article on the , which was advocated for by Zorislav's former client, Ms. Del Shea Perry, in response to the death of her son, Hardel Sherrell, in Beltrami County Jail in 2018. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/23469401

Painting A Different Picture S2E7 04/30/2022

Painting A Different Picture S2E7 Father and , artist Ricardo Dominguez shares how his early exposure to art provided an outlet that helped him reflect and reset while incarcerated. His art forces anyone who sees it to see something beautiful, something more than his past. This art is now opening doors to the life he’s been waiting for. Check out and purchase Ricardo’s artwork . Also mentioned in this episode: , Revised Edition by Anne Wilson Schaef Minnesota Justice Research Center and the Minneapolis Foundation Hennepin County Attorney Forum RSVP Minnesota Department of Human Rights Investigation into the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Police Department April 27, 2022. Contact at /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/22959161

Black Girl Advocate S2, E6 04/01/2022

Black Girl Advocate S2, E6 In this episode, Nadine gives tribute to a sister, Leslie Redmond who is a powerhouse for justice as well as other influential women in her life. She also highlights and the confirmation hearings for . Leslie Redmond is the founder of , a movement that encourages all of us to get involved in social justice. She can be reached at: . Nadine also mentions the author of , by Dr. Artika Tyner. Also mentioned in this episode: created by Shamaria Jordan by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie by Beyonce founded by Emily Baxter /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/22644956

New Year, Same Goals S2, E4 01/31/2022

New Year, Same Goals S2, E4 In this episode, Nadine gives a brief update on what's new with her professionally as the new at the . Nadine also provides a brief review of the must-read memoir, . /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/21969731

Immigration Intersection S2, E3 11/29/2021

Immigration Intersection S2, E3 In this episode, Mirella Ceja-Orozco, Co-Executive Director of the Minnesota Freedom Fund. She shares how her upbringing led her to a career dedicated to being a fierce advocate for immigrants’ rights. She also shares historical and current trends in immigration law. Lastly, she describes how the US Immigration System and Criminal Legal System are embedded in one another. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/21314465

Survivor: S2, E2 10/05/2021

Survivor: S2, E2 October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. Heidi DeFord, Hennepin County Attorney, joins TWR to share her story about being in an abusive relationship with the hopes of helping others to heal. Heidi shares that she approaches her work with a holistic view with each person’s humanity at the forefront. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/20708579

Can't Just Preach: Dream and Experiment: S1, E13 08/19/2021

Can't Just Preach: Dream and Experiment: S1, E13 Welcome to the one-year anniversary of TWR! Thank you for all the support! I am also extremely grateful for all my guests who have joined me in the Waiting Room to share some of their selves with us. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/20191331

Tribute to Fathers: S1, E12 06/19/2021

Tribute to Fathers: S1, E12 Happy Juneteenth and Father’s Day! /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/19533941

My Time Will Come: S1, E11 05/24/2021

My Time Will Come: S1, E11 You're invited to check out an interview on TPT where several community leaders and I share our thoughts on: "Trial & Tribulation: Where Do We Go From Here?" one year after the death of George Floyd. https://www.tptoriginals.org/trial-tribulation-where-do-we-go-from-here/ /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/19224476

For Such A Time As This: S1, E10 04/17/2021

For Such A Time As This: S1, E10 In this episode Nadine, believing she has been called “for such a time as this,” tells the whole truth about the injustices she has seen involving the police as a public defender and in her personal life. This episode serves as a call to action to question the system of policing in America, be a part of the solution for change, and support organizations who are boots on the ground doing the work necessary to help us create a more just society. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/18760229

The Matriarch: S1, E9 03/17/2021

The Matriarch: S1, E9 In this episode, Ms. B. shares how she survived prison after receiving the devastating news of the death of her daughter, Sandy, a childhood friend of mine. She also shares about the struggles of re-entering the community with a criminal record. Lastly, she shares her dream of starting an organization, MySandy.org, in order to help the children of incarcerated parents. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/18360116

Black Love: S1, E8 02/24/2021

Black Love: S1, E8 In this episode, Tennesha Wood, dating coach, matchmaker podcast host, and my good friend, joins me to talk about the correlation between mass incarceration and other racially driven legal decisions that have contributed to the decline in Black marriage in America. We also talk about the importance of black families, how representation matters, and how the murder of George Floyd along with the increased racial tension and divide has impacted interracial relationships as well. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/18074186

No Pretender: S1, E7 12/29/2020

No Pretender: S1, E7 In this episode, Mary Moriarty, career Public Defender (PD) and chief of the Hennepin County PD’s Office in Minneapolis, provides a much needed perspective into the work of a PD, countering the public perception of PDs being public pretenders. Additionally Mary offers insight as to role prosecutors and judges can play in holding officers accountable and criminal system reform. Mary also talks briefly about the good trouble she’s gotten herself into speaking out about problems within the criminal system. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/17361929

Until We Are All Free: S1, E6 12/15/2020

Until We Are All Free: S1, E6 On this episode, Kevin Reese, Director of Criminal Justice at Voices for Racial Justice and Founder of Until We Are All Free shares just a glimpse of who he is and what he's passionate about. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/17182832

We Do Time Too: S1, E5 12/01/2020

We Do Time Too: S1, E5 In this episode Alyssa Tamboura, founder of Walls to Bridges Project, shares about her organization as well as the book project that was created this past summer for system-impacted kids to maintain communication with their loved ones since in-person visits have been suspended due to COVID-19. /episode/index/show/twrpodcast/id/17012840

The Waiting Room with Nadine Graves

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