HABITUAL: Daily Summaries Delivered

HABITUAL is a podcast told by Herbert Alexander, who survived Colorado's prison system. Herbert 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 gained his freedom. Now, he shares his story and investigates 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. He speaks with lawmakers, historians, victims and their advocates, and families who live with the lasting impacts of the law. Along the way, he uncovers the dark origin story of the law across 49 states. The series examines how habitual laws expand prosecutorial power, pressure plea bargains, and turn 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. It is also a sweeping account of power, punishment, and people across the country fighting for the possibility of change against all odds.