On this weeks episode, Geoff sits down with Jodi Hansen, the self proclaimed "nice white church lady." Jodi candidly shares how she uses her privileged position to speak on behalf of the vulnerable imprisoned population. She fluidly lives life on a daily basis with those who either currently are or previously have been incarcerated, helping them normalize human interactions, heal, and become equipped to have a fighting chance. This episode is packed with valuable insight that anyone can apply to better serve the marginalized in their communities.

About Jodi

Jodi Hansen is a pastor, writer, speaker, community organizer and criminal justice reform advocate. She is the founding Executive Director of Remnant Initiatives. Since 2010 she has served in numerous capacities as a religious services volunteer with Oregon Department of Corrections. She is a licensed neighborhood minister with Communitas International and has an MA in ministry leadership from George Fox Evangelical Seminary (The Portland seminary). She and her husband live in the beautiful northern Willamette Valley of Oregon.

Connect with Jodi 

website: rem-in.org 

Useful Resources

Books: Tattoos on the Heart - Father Gregory Boyle

The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander

Rethinking Incarceration - Dominique Gilliard

Until We Reckon - Danielle Sered.

If people really want to get into the intricacies of the justice system and Mass Incarceration: Locked In - John Pfaff and Charged - Emily Bazelon.

A more personal look at reentry through some amazing stories is the book: Free: Two Years, Six Lives, and the Long Journey Home by Lauren Kessler. (This one is a must read if someone wants to understand the behaviors of folks trying to make it after incarceration and how to help them.)