Aider & Abettor with Guest Kevin Chatman Bilal

In our 9th podcast, me and Avi welcomed our first ever guest: Kevin Chatman, known by his Muslim name "Bilal."

Bilal, born and raised in San Jose, got a new lease on life after voters passed Prop 36 in 2012  which amended California's Three Strikes Law. Bilal, then serving a life sentence, was released from prison and has since been a model of redemption and voice for criminal justice reform.

You can see Bilal in the Emmy-nominated documentary "The Return" on Netflix and on a powerful segment from John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" on HBO.

In this episode we talk with Bilal about his story including his over 10 years in prison, what motivated him to change despite a life sentence, his release from prison after Prop 36, the challenges of re-entry like learning to use a cell phone and getting a job, and what it was like to go on John Oliver’s show.

Bilal also helped us break down the recent decision by the Nevada Parole Board to release OJ Simpson from prison.

https://soundcloud.com/user-139217541/the-return-with-kevin-bilal-chatman-all-we-need-is-three-mics