If we want to change corrections, we have to change how the public sees it. No matter what reforms or initiatives take place inside prisons, the public and legislature ultimately decide what is possible. And right now, the perception of corrections is flawed.
What do you think prison is like? What goes on there every day? If your understanding comes from movies, news stories, or over-sensationalized media, you’re only getting a skewed image. Prison Life Media (PLM) is here to change that by giving an unfiltered, real look at life inside prison—showing the experiences of staff, inmates, and the policies that shape the correctional systems.
Here at the Fourth Purpose Foundation, we’ve put together a highly skilled video production team, Prison Life Media, as an extension of the Foundation to tell these stories. Here are a few things that we’re working on:
Disruptors: A Documentary series focused on leaders in corrections who are breaking away from outdated methods and finding better results. These are disruptive leaders who challenge the status quo, implement new ideas, and improve outcomes for both staff and inmates. We’re already uncovering powerful examples of leadership that are making a real difference.
Day in the Life: Correctional Staff– Few people understand what it’s like to be a correctional officer or work in a prison. This series follows staff members through their entire shift, from checking in to navigating the daily challenges of prison life. The goal is to highlight the pressures, responsibilities, and realities they face every day.
Day in the Life: Inmates– What does an inmate’s day actually look like? When do they wake up? What responsibilities do they have? What opportunities—if any—exist for them to learn or improve their future? This series will give an honest look at prison routines and the systems that either help or hinder transformation.
Inmate V. Food: Prison food is… interesting. Sometimes painfully edible. That’s why many inmates get creative, using commissary items to cook meals in unique ways. This series will highlight their ingenuity while also sharing their personal stories and experiences while being incarcerated.
Prison Hustles: There’s an entire underground economy inside prison that few people ever see. Some inmates develop skills and trades that help them survive in prison—and could translate into real-world job opportunities upon release. We’ll show how these “hustles” function and what they reveal about survival, adaptation, and reentry.
Why This Matters
As taxpayers, we spend billions of dollars on corrections every year. But what are we really getting in return?
- In many states, people leave prison, commit new crimes, and end up right back behind bars—creating a cycle that costs us.
- Some states are spending less but seeing better results, reducing recidivism and improving public safety.
- Others pour money into their systems but see little to no improvement—just a revolving door of incarceration.
We’re going to show you what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change. As our co-founder and CEO Josh Smith says: “Nothing changes inside of corrections until we, the voting public, demand it.”
Join Us
Whether you’re a legislator, a voter, or someone with a loved one in prison, this affects you. 95% of incarcerated individuals will eventually be released—meaning they’ll become our neighbors. The way we handle corrections now determines what kind of neighbors they will be.
Public safety starts with smart corrections. Follow Prison Life Media as we reveal what’s really happening inside prisons and how we can create a system that works for everyone.
