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

Director Lydia B. Smith's interview on "Resonate" with Barry Shingle

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

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

Video 1A: The Hearing: A Bid for Freedom

The hearing: A bid for freedom

Examining the complexities of juvenile justice

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

How childhood trauma led Anthony to prison

A teen’s tale of life inside

The performance of his life

Sterling turns a corner and sees the light.

Compassion, connection and creativity spark transformation

Acknowledging the harm caused

College students get schooled in prison

Owning your actions

Changing prison culture at Oregon State Penitentiary

Strategizing for the hearing

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

The significance of the yellow fire hydrant becomes clear

Finally, to be released?

Wildfires, phone calls and fire hydrants

Another repeat performance of a lifetime

A phone call moves Sterling to tears

Let’s build a movement, not an empire

​​"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