EPISODE 1 - COMING SOON

FIRST CHAT

Friends Christopher Blackwell, an incarcerated journalist, and Katherin Hervey, a documentary filmmaker and lawyer, had an idea: Could a podcast, partly recorded behind prison walls, help us uncover what truly connects us? Broken is Beautiful strips away comfortable narratives about the justice system, and dives deeply into the messy, beautiful complexity of being human. Listen now and discover how our broken parts can reveal our greatest strengths.

listen here

View through prison bars into a cell with a bed, white sheets, a small cabinet with books and a can, and clothes hanging on the wall.

Episode 2 - marlee liss

marlee liss

Marlee is an award-winning speaker, restorative justice advocate, author, somatic educator and lesbian Jewish feminist. She made history in the justice system when her sexual assault case became the 1st in North America to conclude with restorative justice through the courts. Since then, she has supported thousands of women and non-binary folk in healing shame and transforming trauma. Marlee's work has been featured in Forbes, Huff Post, Buzzfeed, the Mel Robbins Show and more.

coming soon

Poster for the documentary film "Rehumanize" featuring a profile of a woman with long dark hair, surrounded by colorful swirls. Includes text "The story of a woman who confronted her rapist." Highlights winnings and selections from various film festivals like Los Angeles Film Awards, Stockholm City Film Festival, Indie Short Fest, LA Documentary Film Festival, and Lift-Off Global Network Los Angeles.

Broken is Beautiful tells transformational stories from an unexpected place:

OUR PRISON SYSTEM

//

OUR PRISON SYSTEM //

Hosted by friends Christopher Blackwell, an incarcerated journalist, and Katherin Hervey, a documentary filmmaker and lawyer, this podcast fearlessly explores the darkest corners of the human experience—but it doesn’t linger in the shadows.

From survivors of violence who have forgiven their attackers, to individuals who have taken a life and found a path to redemption, our guests embody a profound fight for change. And their resilience is electric.

YOUR HOSTS

christopher blackwell

Christopher Blackwell with a beard wearing a white shirt and braided necklace, smiling against a blue background.

Christopher William Blackwell is an award-winning journalist currently incarcerated in Washington State, where he is serving a 45-year sentence.

His writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The nation, and many more.

He co-founded Look 2 Justice, a grassroots organization empowering incarcerated individuals and their families through civic education.

Chris dedicates his time to advocacy, education, and storytelling, amplifying the voices of those impacted by the criminal legal system.

katherin hervey

Katherin Hervey with short black hair and hoop earrings smiling against a teal background, wearing a red sweater.

Katherin is an award-winning filmmaker dedicated to amplifying stories that reflect our common humanity.

With a multifaceted career spanning art, law, and social justice, she crafts narratives that spark dialogue and foster understanding.

A former public defender and prison college instructor, she brings 15 years of experience in transformational justice.

Her latest documentary, The Prison Within (Amazon Prime, Discovery+), has won multiple awards, including Best Social Justice Documentary at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

A thought leader in criminal justice reform, her insights appear in The Guardian, Forbes, and more.