Episodes 6
Avg. Duration 32m
Activity Dormant
Apple Rating 5.0 (21)
Since Apr 2026
Latest Episode Apr 2026

Publishing Details

Schedule
Hourly
Format
Serial
Hosting
feeds.transistor.fm

About This Podcast

HABITUAL is a podcast from Colorado Radio for Justice - told by someone who survived it. Herbert Alexander served 14 years in Colorado prisons, labeled a "habitual offender" under the state's three-strikes law, which can increase sentences exponentially even for nonviolent crimes. Against all odds, Herbert got himself free. Now, he's telling his story, and he's investigating habitual statutes across the United States that fuel mass incarceration and alter the lives of thousands of people. HABITUAL traces the history, power, and consequences of habitual statutes through Herbert’s deeply personal story. Alongside co-hosts Seth Ready and Ryan Conarro, Herbert interviews his mother, his wife, and his son. He returns to the scene of his final crime. And he sits down with lawmakers, historians, victims and their advocates, and families who live with the lasting impacts of the law. Along the way, he stumbles upon the shocking, dark origin story of the law across 49 states. It all adds up to a deep interrogation of how habitual laws expand prosecutorial power, pressure plea bargains, and transform prison terms into life-defining punishments, without consideration of rehabilitation, accountability, or repair. HABITUAL is the story of one man’s past, present, and future. And it’s a sweeping tale of power, punishment, and people across the country fighting for the possibility of change against all odds.

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Recent Episodes

Episode 5: Past & Future: Going Back to the Bank

Apr 30, 2026 41m

Now a free man, Herbert returns to the scene of his crime, reflecting on accountability and his unresolved desire to apologize. The episode confronts the uncertain possible futures of those impacted…

Episode 4: An Unlikely Appeal

Apr 30, 2026 31m

A chronicle of Herbert Alexander’s transformation while he’s incarcerated - including his dogged work as a self-taught "jailhouse lawyer" and his role in launching a groundbreaking prison radio…

Episode 3: The Dark Truth

Apr 30, 2026 32m

This episode uncovers the chilling, hidden history of habitual offender statutes in the United States. Attorney and legal historian Daniel Loehr reveals how these laws were originally championed by…

Episode 2: The Law’s Flaws

Apr 30, 2026 34m

Herbert Alexander, until recently incarcerated as a “habitual offender,” invites Colorado legislators and legal experts to catalogue numerous systemic problems with three-strikes laws, including…

Episode 1: Three Strikes

Apr 30, 2026 32m

In the United States, habitual offender laws have contributed to decades-long sentences for thousands - many of whom committed nonviolent crimes. The law is often referred to in prison simply as “the…

Trailer | HABITUAL

Apr 23, 2026 0m Trailer

HABITUAL is a podcast from Colorado Radio for Justice. Herbert Alexander was labeled by the state as a "habitual criminal." Now, he pulls back the curtain on three-strikes laws in Colorado and across…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does HABITUAL have?

HABITUAL has published 6 episodes since April 2026, covering topics in Documentary, Society & Culture.

Is HABITUAL still active?

HABITUAL is currently dormant with new episodes hourly. Average episode length is 32m.

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