Relationships with people in the outside world are essential for maintaining hope, working towards rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism. Letters, emails, and in-person visits from friends and family bring a shred of humanity to an otherwise inhumane environment. In Sterling's case, he found a pen pal that would become very dear to his heart. And in writing, he began to express himself in a way that people would finally listen.

To see Sterling’s transformation unfold through pictures and stories watch Turning Points.   Watch Sterling perform in the award-winning play, The Bucket.

This episode includes a description of suicide ideation about 8 minutes into the program. Listener discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988. That’s the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.

To watch our companion videos, read the transcripts, and to see our complete show notes with media links, sources, and references please visit our website: www.cellblockstomountaintops.com

Featured in this episode:

Cheryl Cunio

Sterling Cunio

Lauren Kessler, teaches Storytelling for Social Change at University of Washington,  former writing teacher at Oregon State Penitentiary, author of 15 books including A Grip of Time and Free, Two Years, Six Lives and the Long Journey Home, both of which feature Sterling Cunio.

Performers in *The Bucket:* Troy Ramsey, Key Davis, Ben Pervish

Becca Stevens, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter

Antonio Sánchez, 4x Grammy Winner, Film Composer of 2014 Best Picture Winner, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”

Thana Alexa - Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, arranger and producer.  She performs a portion of The Bucket in this episode.

Companion Videos for this Episode:

Video 4A - Turning Points

Video 4B - *Excerpts from The Bucket*