Cellblocks to Mountaintops

A podcast and video series that examines how America addresses violence, defines justice and seeks accountability through the journey of one man. Years after committing a horrific crime, Sterling Cunio fully faces the ripple effects of the harm he caused. Through the power of artistic expression and human connections and inspired by restorative justice principles, he forges a remarkable personal transformation while serving decades in prison.

This story is a poignant reminder that hope, healing, and redemption are never beyond reach, even in the darkest of places.

To see our companion video series and find out more about the show, go to our website at CellblockstoMountaintops.com

This story is a poignant reminder that hope, healing, and redemption are never beyond reach, even in the darkest of places.

To see our companion video series and find out more about the show, go to our website at CellblockstoMountaintops.com

6hr 18min

Thumbnail for "Introducing: Cellblocks to Mountaintops ".

"Cellblocks to Mountaintops" examines how America addresses violence, defines justice, and seeks accountability through the journey of one man. Years after committing a horrific crime, Sterling Cunio continues to face the ripple effects of the harm he caused. Through the power of artistic expression and human connections and inspired by restorative justice principles, he forges a remarkable personal transformation while serving decades in prison. This story is a poignant reminder that hope, healing and redemption are never beyond reach, even in the darkest of places. This show has 8 podcast episodes and 14 mini-documentary companion videos. For more information, please go to our website: www.cellblockstomountaintops.com

February 22, 20242min 19sec3.34 MB

A teen’s tale of life inside

March 14, 202426min 7sec37.56 MB

Thumbnail for "Bonus Episode: Behind the Scenes ".

Director Lydia B. Smith and Host Phil Stockton discuss the making of the series.

May 16, 202440min 16sec77.32 MB

Thumbnail for "Making Amends - Episode 1 "If I Die Tomorrow, What Legacy Do I Have?" ".

Making Amends - A podcast series that investigates the heavy use of incarceration as a response to the harms of crime.

May 9, 202428min 15sec40.63 MB

Video 1A: The Hearing: A Bid for Freedom

March 5, 20244min 36sec557.31 MB

The hearing: A bid for freedom

February 29, 202418min 45sec26.97 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 2A - A Legal Quagmire".

Examining the complexities of juvenile justice

March 12, 20243min 37sec435.78 MB

Thumbnail for "The Making of a "Superpredator"???".

From a happy home at 12 to life without parole at 16.

March 7, 202431min 4sec44.67 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 3A – Anthony’s Story".

How childhood trauma led Anthony to prison

March 19, 20246min 32sec793.21 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 4B Excerpts from "The Bucket"".

The performance of his life

March 26, 202411min 26sec542.37 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 4A - Turning Points".

Sterling turns a corner and sees the light.

March 23, 20244min 59sec601.93 MB

Compassion, connection and creativity spark transformation

March 21, 202434min 9sec49.11 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 5C True Accountability".

Acknowledging the harm caused

April 3, 20247min 12sec874.37 MB

College students get schooled in prison

April 2, 20246min 20sec767.47 MB

Thumbnail for " Video 5A Restorative Justice".

Owning your actions

March 30, 20243min 31sec423.53 MB

Changing prison culture at Oregon State Penitentiary

March 28, 202431min 44sec45.63 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 6B – The Rehearsal".

Strategizing for the hearing

April 9, 20243min 27sec415.1 MB

A potential path to freedom?

April 6, 20243min 23sec407.13 MB

Life or life without parole - for juvenile offenders that is the question

April 4, 202418min 41sec26.89 MB

Thumbnail for " Video 7B – Yellow Fire Hydrant ".

The significance of the yellow fire hydrant becomes clear

April 16, 20245min 54sec714.02 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 7A - The Decision".

Finally, to be released?

April 13, 20243min 23sec407.24 MB

Wildfires, phone calls and fire hydrants

April 11, 202430min 49sec44.31 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 8B - Antonio Sánchez Performs “The Bucket” ".

Another repeat performance of a lifetime

April 23, 20245min 48sec701.48 MB

Thumbnail for "Video 8A – An Act of Mercy".

A phone call moves Sterling to tears

April 20, 20245min 38sec682.1 MB

Let’s build a movement, not an empire

April 18, 202436min 34sec52.59 MB

Thumbnail for "Cellblocks to Mountaintops Video Trailer".

February 22, 20243min 13sec385.08 MB

Push. The. Button.

March 14, 202426min 7sec

In 1994, Sterling walked into prison a scrawny, 17-year-old biracial kid. His mettle was immediately tested by a much older white supremacist cellmate. That first night would set the tone for the years to come. But eventually, he would discover new ideas and new ways of being - in unexpected places.

Sterling adjusts to living in prison and meets a friend for life - get to know him in our mini-documentary, Anthony’s Story.

This episode includes a description of a suicide attempt about 10 minutes into the program. Listener discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988. That’s the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.

To watch our companion videos, read the transcripts, and see our complete show notes with media links, sources, and references please visit our website: www.cellblockstomountaintops.com

Featured in this episode:

Sterling Cunio

Anthony Pickens

Carly Baetz, JD, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, Purdue University Northwest (formerly Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine)

Cheryl Cunio

Companion Video for this Episode: Video 3A - Anthony’s Story