Off the Block

Off the Block

Hosted by
13 min

A trip to jail, even a short stint, can upend many lives - the inmate, their loved ones, and their children among others. This series traces the path from city block to jail block and back.

All Episodes

The absence of those in jail can be felt deeply by family members and loved ones.

Meet LePriest Valentine, who kept winding up in the only sanctuary he could find after getting out of jail: Skid Row.

All prisoners have the right to marry, but there are lots of restrictions.

Thousands of Los Angeles County prisoners are housed in Pitchess Detention center, 50 miles from the inner city neighborhoods where police make many arrests.

If you have the money, getting out of jail can be straightforward. If you don't, you're going to need some help.

One small neighborhood in Los Angeles accounted for hundreds of bookings into county jail over a five year period - and more than a million dollars in incarceration costs.

Preview a series of stories tracing the path from city block to jail block and back.

More from KCRW

A new LA City controller audit has found that less than $600 million was spent to fight homelessness in the last fiscal year.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

President-elect Donald Trump says he’ll declare a national emergency on immigration and use the military to carry out mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A group of Ukrainian musician-soldiers recently stopped in LA on a goodwill tour, bringing gratitude and a healthy dose of appreciation for Hank Williams.

from KCRW Features

The Latest

Having eaten his way around China, Michael Zee recreates breakfast favorites at home.

Wake up to a Chinese breakfast with Michael Zee

Having eaten his way around China, Michael Zee recreates breakfast favorites at home.

from Good Food

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

‘Operation Wetback’ inspires Trump’s plan for mass deportations

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”

When it’s cold outside, make yourself some comfort stews

A stew is cooked in less liquid than a soup, so its broth is reduced, sometimes thickened, and more flavorful. Try recipes from authors of “Autentico” and “My Everyday Lagos.”

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

Mass deportations, LA’s homelessness spendings, Hannah Gadsby

For nearly a decade, President-elect Trump has praised a 1954 program known as “Operation Wetback.” Now he’s proposing using the U.S. military to carry out larger mass deportations.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Standup comedian Hannah Gadsby talks about the complexity of fame and importance of connecting to audiences. They say their latest show is the funniest one they’ve ever done.

Hannah Gadsby on fame, ‘Woof!,’ neurodivergent community

Standup comedian Hannah Gadsby talks about the complexity of fame and importance of connecting to audiences. They say their latest show is the funniest one they’ve ever done.

from Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Lobster rolls, puzzles, tableware, seed cannons, non-alcoholic wine, velvet mushrooms, barrettes, hand cream, books, and more!

Good Food's 2024 holiday gift guide

Lobster rolls, puzzles, tableware, seed cannons, non-alcoholic wine, velvet mushrooms, barrettes, hand cream, books, and more!

from Good Food

As the first wave of LA punk started to take hold in Hollywood, both on and off the Sunset Strip, the girls of the rock n roll underground flattened scene hierarchy by carrying the…

The Groupie Dream

As the first wave of LA punk started to take hold in Hollywood, both on and off the Sunset Strip, the girls of the rock n roll underground flattened scene hierarchy by carrying the…

from Lost Notes

How do I teach my partner to be a better kisser? Bob the Drag Queen joins Myisha to answer your questions for our season finale!

The perfect kiss with Bob the Drag Queen

How do I teach my partner to be a better kisser? Bob the Drag Queen joins Myisha to answer your questions for our season finale!

from How’s Your Sex Life?