Such a powerful story to inspire hope in all of us. A must listen!!!

I listened to this and watched the corresponding you tube videos in one day. Fascinating and heart felt - definitely worth your time!

This podcast blew my mind! Extremely well told story of one man’s pursuit of understanding and redemption. This podcast changed the way I think about minor offenders and the prison terms that are appropriate.

I binged this series in one day. People CAN change. Incarcerated people CAN transform themselves in spite of the dehumanizing conditions they face in prison. If they do, they deserve the privilege of rejoining society. It’s an inspiration to learn how much Sterling and Anthony have been giving back to the community since their release. If you believe in second chances, this podcast will make your heart sing. If you don’t yet, give a listen with an open mind. You, too, may change.

I was introduced to this podcast accidentally and I was driving up north from Portland to seattle for religious celebration. I could not attend the ceremony without finishing the story. I had to remind myself this is a true story not some novel by a great author. Starling and Anthony and many other inmates story is so heart warming. I was putting myself in their shoes every single moment listening the story and I felt ashamed most of the time. Here I am complaining and unappreciative of the gift I have every single day! My freedom! Thank you everyone for working hard on making this mesmerizing and life changing story of people who really reform their life and change it to the better. Thank you! Wende Habtamu, Portland, OR

This show beautifully presents the story of a tragic but hopeful figure who highlights a major failing of the criminal justice system. Most of my family are criminal law attorneys who have worked both as prosecutors and defense attorneys. As they have explained to me, in the U.S. we punish criminals with very little effort put towards rehabilitation. This story gracefully presents the case of a man who set out to rehabilitate himself. His case shines a light on the millions of incarcerated people that the system punishes and then leaves with little prospect for the future. We need major reform to the system to emphasize rehabilitation, socialization, job training and successful te-entry to society.

Thought-provoking, heart-opening, and deeply researched. I come at this with some difficult family baggage, as a family member of mine was murdered by a serial killer, but one that has shown no remorse and is not doing the work and introspection that those examined in this insightful podcast do. I know in my bones how it feels to want the murderer behind bars for life, but wonder how it would change if one was trying to rectify it as much as the ones in this podcast do. Being that I do believe in redemption and the power of the human spirit to heal, I am here for this message. This gives me hope for the world and a desire and inspiration for an overhaul of our systems, not internally and in the greater world. Thank you for making this work of art.

Wow -- absolutely blown away. If you only listen to one podcast, this should be it! I had never really thought about prison and what should be its goal. I was mesmerized by this engaging podcast telling the stories of real people whose circumstances led them to do the things that landed them in prison. Stunning insights revealed about prisoners taking the initiative to transform themselves into better humans (but not getting prison credit for it), the ability of good programming to transform people, and the case for 2nd chances. This podcast will change how you look at prison and prisoners forever. Well done!

The world is more diverse and complex than I ever imagined. I learnt so much listening to "From Cellblocks to Mountaintops."

What sets "Cellblocks to Mountaintops" apart is its deep examination of hope, resilience, and the power of second chances. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone looking for a captivating listening experience. Each episode is masterfully crafted around a different aspect of this tragic story, drawing you into an incredible journey of transformation and redemption.

Very inspiring.

This is an amazing account of true transformation. I’m so glad I tuned in to this podcast, and remain captivated by Sterling’s epic evolution (internally and externally) behind bars. “Hurt people hurt people,” but this is a remarkable example of a hurt person that has healed and changed. Thank you to the producers for bringing this extraordinary and inspiring story to light.

⚠️SPOILER ALERT!⚠️ Over the last 3 years I’ve had the honor of singing the words Sterling wrote for “The Bucket” all over the world. The legendary singer/songwriter Becca Stevens took Sterling’s poetry and composed a beautiful song, which my husband - 4x Grammy winning drummer, composer and producer Antonio Sanchez - then completely reproduced for his last album with Warner Music. As the lead singer in his band, I perform “The Bucket” in every one of our performances and I’ve been deeply moved by Sterling’s words and the song that Becca and Antonio created around those words. It wasn’t until we were in Oregon on tour after Sterling was released that we got to meet AND perform this piece together with him in front of a live audience. Hearing his voice and intention brought new meaning to his words and new depth to his story of complete rehabilitation. Speaking to him in person made me even more aware of the amount of work he has done on himself and also that he is doing more good than most people ever will in their entire lifetimes. He is aware of his faults, his mistakes, his missteps, and he has dedicated his life to being a vehicle for change and positivity. His positivity was infectious! Even though I was already aware of Sterling’s story after having learned this song and then learned more while speaking with him at length backstage in Oregon at our performance, it was this podcast that gave me an even deeper look into his mind, struggles and the circumstances that painted the picture and trajectory of his life. It was eye opening to learn about where he came from, the environment that shaped him and his decision to commit his crime, and then his experience of prison, becoming a man behind bars and finally discovering a deep need and desire to change from within in order to make a positive change in the world. Sterling is an inspiring human being that has not only inspired many of us outside of the prison system, but most importantly, he has inspired so many people within the prison system to fully rehabilitate and become proponents for good.

In a world inundated with true crime, divided politics and losing battles against drugs and homelessness, it’s a rare and exceptional find to listen to a positive story that makes you believe that reform is possible and genuine good can still be found within people. I was captivated following Sterling Cunio’s journey. The story telling here is well directed and narrated at the perfect pace. My favorite podcasts always involve a lot of dialogue straight from the subject person themself. It helps you get a sense of who they are and I couldn’t wait to start each episode to follow this crazy transformative ride. Props to Sterling Cunio for opening his mind and owning his impact on the world outside himself. And then having the leadership skills to start a movement with fellow prisoners on the inside to promote the mindset that “You can do better. Let’s choose to do better today and everyday from now on”. That kind of attitude needs to be cloned!

Once I started listening to Cellblocks, I could not stop. Plus I watched all of the companion videos. It is a beautifully told, poignant, heart-wrenching narrative that asks all the right questions about the US prison system, redemption, and human worth. Sterling Cunio’s journey from a murderous teenager to a thoughtful author, artist and activist reminds us that there is nothing more important in life than meaningful human connection.

I am super interested in social justice and criminal reform, and I’ve binge- listened to Cellblocks to Mountaintops! I was so disappointed that I have to wait another week to listen to the last episode. Bravo to the producers of this wonderful podcast!

This podcast is gripping, enlightening, and interesting. Great storytelling structure & sound. I love the accompanying videos - what a cool touch.

I’ll be the first to admit that this would not be my typical go-to podcast; however, a friend recommended it as a must-listen for the amazing crafted and inspired storytelling. Listening to Sterling’s story evokes to the evolution we all experience growing into adulthood, but with a whole different lens and perspective. The perseverance that Sterling exhibits through the constraints of being incarcerated and the triumph of making opportunities for change are inspiring. The story-telling of this docuseries podcast is refreshing and I highly recommend!

Perfect for a road trip because you will want to binge listen. A very important series of podcasts that deserve to be heard by everyone. And everyone deserves to hear these.

This story is so important, and told so well. It hits close to home for me and I couldn’t stop listening! I am so glad I decided to listen- I am sharing it with everyone I can.

So much we don’t know about the system and its real stories. This series is an eye opener and although no surprise that the system is broken, still great to hear it first hand. So well done, informative and a subject that needs our attention for change.

Fascinating and eye-opening, it’s really well-done. A really intriguing topic with such heart and soul.

Chilling account of a 16-year-olds headspace while committing a heinous crime. Can’t wait for the next episode.

Loved it ❤️

Woah, super interesting! 🧐 Reminder to give people second chances!! ☺️☺️🌸🌸

I was skeptical about this series when I heard what the subject is. However, I have now listened to all available episodes and I’m convinced that the system needs an overhaul. I came to USA about 12 years ago when I was over 60 years old. So I have an impression of other criminal law systems and how they work. I feel it starts with the whole culture of policing which is more adversarial than consensual in the USA. There are good reasons for that but policing must be measured according to the situation, not a blanket application of maximum force. I read the Oregon and national papers and sentencing seems to be much more about punishment and obtaining revenge, than about examining what has happened and why. Elizabeth Fry was a pioneer prison reformer in UK in the early 1800’s. So there is maybe a longer history of aspirations for reform there than in USA. However, I am sure there are also anomalies in the UK system that would not stand scrutiny. Attempts at reform in USA seem sporadic and not always applied consistently. One thing that stands out is, the seemingly arbitrary restrictions put on various classes of inmate when reforms are introduced. That is discrimination by any method of measurement. The same applies to the prison population convicted for drug offenses that are no longer offenses today. If the law is going to evolve to match modern perceptions, it should be applied evenly across the board. The parole system is in place to filter out the incorrigible prisoners and give the truly reformed people a chance, when on parole. Life on the ‘outside’ is going to be very tough for released long term inmates. Since listening to the podcast, I feel the reasonableness of Cunio’s desire to have a parole hearing, is without doubt. The emotional rollercoaster that he has been on every time reforms are announced and whether they apply to him or not, is extreme cruel and unusual punishment in itself. It behoves legislators and operators of the law to address these historic situations and bring them all into line with modern thinking.

I am a college student and have had the pleasure of getting to know Sterling through multiple events hosted by my schools Restorative Justice Coalition. This podcast has taught me so much about Sterlings story that I didn’t know before and it has been incredible to hear him talk about his life and his experiences. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone but especially those who are interested in the criminal justice system, foster care system, or principles of restorative justice. This podcast is captivating and anyone who listens to it is bound to walk away with a shifted mindset on people who are incarcerated, especially those incarcerated for violent crimes.

This podcast is reminding me to be compassionate. I am struck by adult Sterling’s ability to embrace all aspects of bad choices made as a child and his compassion for those needing to see him kept in prison. Love the companion videos!

Sterling Cunio speaks with an eloquent roughness…or is it a rough eloquence?…that is both profound and poetic as he lays out the plain facts of his life. His story is not easy to hear, yet this podcast renders it gripping and deeply moving, giving us an important insight into a world too many of us know nothing about.

I can’t wait to hear the next episode- I wish they had all dropped at once. Sterling’s story has really made me think deeply about what the goal of the prison system is and how it really doesn’t strive for rehabilitation. Sterling’s story so far has been inspiring. I hope he finds true rehabilitation and restorative justice.

Powerful story, beautifully narrated. Definitely worth the listen!

Wow. This podcast is eye opening. It starts with a premise that sounds hard to get behind but you soon learn how messed up our criminal justice system is and are reminded that people can evolve and change. Highly recommend for fans of true crime who are open to learning about restorative justice- the podcast sure changed my perspective.

I am enjoying this podcast a great deal. This is the first one I’ve followed that has both audio and video episodes. It’s very well done and the videos really bring things to life - much more of a 3D experience than the audio alone!

Wonderfully detailed and grippingly real. A great look at the penal system seen through one man’s eyes.

I could not stop listening to this podcast. The topic is so important to our society today. We need to reevaluate and make changes to the whole judicial system, instead of just believing that locking people up without any attempt to rehabilitate is the answer. The numbers clearly prove otherwise. This podcast is an attempt to do just that, and it does it in a compassionate, trauma-informed way. It is a lesson in storytelling, but not just storytelling, it is actually a much-needed cry for transformation.

This is an incredibly powerful journey into our justice incarceration system. We all know it’s broke, and certainly the story helps us understand why. I was definitely on the edge of my seat as the story unfolded and I learned more about his story. I find it fascinating that someone deemed so evil and threatening to our society has such a deep soul and an inquisitive mind. I know Lydia Smith, the director/producer, and this is her energy at its best illuminating a story needing to be told.

Hosted with empathy and insight, each episode provides a nuanced understanding of the human experience within the confines of the prison walls. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of crime and punishment, yet it also offers a glimmer of hope through the protagonist's pursuit of redemption.

Sterling’s story is amazing, and I am looking forward to hearing how his transformation plays out. I hope this story inspires change —from seeing prison as strictly punishment to using proven steps to transformation and rehabilitation of offenders.

Gripping and real. I was a nurse in the justice system for many years and this is near and dear to my heart. Such an important story and so well done.

I’m really enjoying listening to the show, and so appreciate hearing about Sterling’s journey. This is a must listen for anyone who wants to understand and affect our broken criminal justice system.

So excited for this! So many podcasts examine crimes and criminal justice issues but precious few really take a hard look at the system and focus on restorative justice, can’t wait to listen more.