The Producers of Inside Wire:
Jody Aguirre, Engagement Manager & Producer, Limon Correctional Facility
Jody "Barbados" Aguirre is the Engagement Director and Tuesday morning music show host for Inside Wire. From the moment he arrived in this world in 1963, Jody was grooving to music. His tastes are wide-ranging; one shouldn’t be surprised to find him tapping his prison-issued boot to a current hip-hop or R&B chart buster… or to the soundtrack of the DU Prison Arts Initiative's original hip-hop theatre production at Limon Correctional Facility of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone, in which Mr. Aguirre performed in fall 2021 as a kilt-wearing Theban Elder. Although Jody is grateful for his role in Antigone, and the various academic courses he’s taken through University of Denver, nothing gives him more honor than his real-life role as mentor and facilitator for prison programs including “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Mental Health Peer Assistant (Certified),” working to transform corrections every day.
Jody "Barbados" Aguirre is the Engagement Director and Tuesday morning music show host for Inside Wire. From the moment he arrived in this world in 1963, Jody was grooving to music. His tastes are wide-ranging; one shouldn’t be surprised to find him tapping his prison-issued boot to a current hip-hop or R&B chart buster… or to the soundtrack of the DU Prison Arts Initiative's original hip-hop theatre production at Limon Correctional Facility of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone, in which Mr. Aguirre performed in fall 2021 as a kilt-wearing Theban Elder. Although Jody is grateful for his role in Antigone, and the various academic courses he’s taken through University of Denver, nothing gives him more honor than his real-life role as mentor and facilitator for prison programs including “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and “Mental Health Peer Assistant (Certified),” working to transform corrections every day.
Davis Andrew, Producer, Sterling Correctional Facility
Davis Andrew, a.k.a. DJ Disco Dave, is an Inside Wire producer at the Sterling studio. Davis spent most of his childhood in the West Indies, where he found appreciation for all genres of music due to his father being a huge reggae fan and his mother listening to country music all day. Davis is an artist and considers himself a jack of all trades. In his ideal day, he's acccomplished a few small goals and conjured up at least one great idea. He takes pride in his work and strives for perfection. Davis hopes to continue to use his position at Inside Wire to connect and create a sense of community for incarcerated people, and for anyone impacted by prison. While searching for meaning, redemption, and freedom, he continues to help Inside Wire be the voice for the incarcerated, and for anyone who has ever felt unheard.
Davis Andrew, a.k.a. DJ Disco Dave, is an Inside Wire producer at the Sterling studio. Davis spent most of his childhood in the West Indies, where he found appreciation for all genres of music due to his father being a huge reggae fan and his mother listening to country music all day. Davis is an artist and considers himself a jack of all trades. In his ideal day, he's acccomplished a few small goals and conjured up at least one great idea. He takes pride in his work and strives for perfection. Davis hopes to continue to use his position at Inside Wire to connect and create a sense of community for incarcerated people, and for anyone impacted by prison. While searching for meaning, redemption, and freedom, he continues to help Inside Wire be the voice for the incarcerated, and for anyone who has ever felt unheard.
Damien Burton, Music Manager & Producer, Limon Correctional Facility
Damien Burton is a 40-year-old man and a long-time resident of Limon Correctional Facility. He has spent the better part of his 20 years in prison overcoming the stigma and peer pressures of his former gang life. He is grateful to be a part of the Inside Wire team. He sees Inside Wire as a platform to help bring positive change both within and outside of the prison walls. As the Wednesday DJ for Inside Wire in the Morning, Damien believes hip-hop can be used an agent for positive social change.
Damien Burton is a 40-year-old man and a long-time resident of Limon Correctional Facility. He has spent the better part of his 20 years in prison overcoming the stigma and peer pressures of his former gang life. He is grateful to be a part of the Inside Wire team. He sees Inside Wire as a platform to help bring positive change both within and outside of the prison walls. As the Wednesday DJ for Inside Wire in the Morning, Damien believes hip-hop can be used an agent for positive social change.
Rodric Donley, Producer, Buena Vista Correctional Facility
Rodric Lee Donley, a.k.a. D.J. Quiet ODO, was born and raised in the southeast side of Colorado Springs with two half-sisters, a mother, a step-dad, loving grandparents, and an older half-brother whom he met when he was in third grade. Rodric is a father of two boys and a grandpops as well. Rodric is serving two life sentences and housed at Buena Vista Correctional Facility where he works as a Features Producer. He's also a licensed Barber/Hair Stylist and graduated from International Salon Spa Academy in Colorado Springs. He feels that he can be a vessel of information for the youth through modeling right choices and living in any community. Rodric says the past doesn’t define the humble man and father that he's become. Through Inside Wire, he hopes to give to the inmate population and all outside communities a sense of happiness, laughter, knowledge, and freedom.
Rodric Lee Donley, a.k.a. D.J. Quiet ODO, was born and raised in the southeast side of Colorado Springs with two half-sisters, a mother, a step-dad, loving grandparents, and an older half-brother whom he met when he was in third grade. Rodric is a father of two boys and a grandpops as well. Rodric is serving two life sentences and housed at Buena Vista Correctional Facility where he works as a Features Producer. He's also a licensed Barber/Hair Stylist and graduated from International Salon Spa Academy in Colorado Springs. He feels that he can be a vessel of information for the youth through modeling right choices and living in any community. Rodric says the past doesn’t define the humble man and father that he's become. Through Inside Wire, he hopes to give to the inmate population and all outside communities a sense of happiness, laughter, knowledge, and freedom.
Cynthia Gonzalez, Producer, Denver Women's Correctional Facility
Cynthia Gonzalez is 43 years old and resides at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Her passion for helping others has led her into the positions she holds now. She is a DU PAI Group Leader at DWCF, and she’s a Core Member of two resident lead programs. The first is called “VOICES of DWCF," where she works with staff and resident to bring about policy change; the other program is “Women of Influence,” where she mentors other women within the program. Her passions include doing whatever she can to become a better person, and passing along lessons she’s learned.
Cynthia Gonzalez is 43 years old and resides at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. Her passion for helping others has led her into the positions she holds now. She is a DU PAI Group Leader at DWCF, and she’s a Core Member of two resident lead programs. The first is called “VOICES of DWCF," where she works with staff and resident to bring about policy change; the other program is “Women of Influence,” where she mentors other women within the program. Her passions include doing whatever she can to become a better person, and passing along lessons she’s learned.
Benny Hill, Features Manager & Producer, Limon Correctional Facility
Benjamin Hill is a Native American of the Creek Nation. He was born in Oklahoma where he lived the first seven years of his life, until he moved with his family to Colorado. He was raised in the city of Englewood , south of Denver, and had a stable home life until he was fifteen years old. He did not complete high school, but he did earn a G.E.D. He has three children who still live in the Englewood area. During his incarceration, Benny has become a self-taught visual artist, and he’s sold his work nationally and internationally to galleries and collectors. He specializes in Native American portraiture, and he’s educated himself about prominent figures of indigenous history and the native cultures of the original North Americans. Benny hopes to continue to find ways to help fight against the addictions that plague not just his own people, but all of society.
Benjamin Hill is a Native American of the Creek Nation. He was born in Oklahoma where he lived the first seven years of his life, until he moved with his family to Colorado. He was raised in the city of Englewood , south of Denver, and had a stable home life until he was fifteen years old. He did not complete high school, but he did earn a G.E.D. He has three children who still live in the Englewood area. During his incarceration, Benny has become a self-taught visual artist, and he’s sold his work nationally and internationally to galleries and collectors. He specializes in Native American portraiture, and he’s educated himself about prominent figures of indigenous history and the native cultures of the original North Americans. Benny hopes to continue to find ways to help fight against the addictions that plague not just his own people, but all of society.
Joaquin Mares, Production Manager & Producer, Limon Correctional Facility
Joaquin Mares is an artist born in Denver on May 13th, 1972. He grew up dreaming of going to art school. However, as an under-privileged Chicano kid from the “hood,” Joaquin found that realizing that dream was vastly beyond his reach. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade. A few years later, at the age of 20, he entered the criminal justice system where he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life. In spite of his incarceration, Joaquin has aggressively pursued his two passions in life: music and art. He's a self-taught guitarist and painter. Of the many positive gains he's made during his incarceration, none has enabled him to realize his potential for change more successfully than the saving grace he's found in the arts. Joaquin is excited to contribute to the impact that the Inside Wire team is making statewide and beyond. And, he is thrilled beyond words about the personal transformation this opportunity will empower him to make.
Joaquin Mares is an artist born in Denver on May 13th, 1972. He grew up dreaming of going to art school. However, as an under-privileged Chicano kid from the “hood,” Joaquin found that realizing that dream was vastly beyond his reach. He dropped out of school in the ninth grade. A few years later, at the age of 20, he entered the criminal justice system where he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life. In spite of his incarceration, Joaquin has aggressively pursued his two passions in life: music and art. He's a self-taught guitarist and painter. Of the many positive gains he's made during his incarceration, none has enabled him to realize his potential for change more successfully than the saving grace he's found in the arts. Joaquin is excited to contribute to the impact that the Inside Wire team is making statewide and beyond. And, he is thrilled beyond words about the personal transformation this opportunity will empower him to make.
Tiffany McCoy, Sound Producer, Denver Women's Correctional Facility
More about Tiffany is coming soon!
More about Tiffany is coming soon!
Tyrell McCrea, Producer, Sterling Correctional Facility
Tyrell McCrea is 34 years old from Denver, Colorado. He has a captivating passion for people and music. Being well-versed in all genres, at age 4 he began playing the drums. Later, he learned cello, saxophone, piano, and the harmonica. He writes music, enjoys creative writing, and produces a range of programming for Inside Wire, including the spot series "Reflections." He has spent 10 of the last 15 years of his incarceration cultivating a positive and progressive culture in the Sterling Incentive Unit. He works to give back to his community and to mentor those within the walls, in order to inspire hope, opportunity, and purpose.
Tyrell McCrea is 34 years old from Denver, Colorado. He has a captivating passion for people and music. Being well-versed in all genres, at age 4 he began playing the drums. Later, he learned cello, saxophone, piano, and the harmonica. He writes music, enjoys creative writing, and produces a range of programming for Inside Wire, including the spot series "Reflections." He has spent 10 of the last 15 years of his incarceration cultivating a positive and progressive culture in the Sterling Incentive Unit. He works to give back to his community and to mentor those within the walls, in order to inspire hope, opportunity, and purpose.
Justin Moore, Producer & Tech Administrator, Sterling Correctional Facility
Justin Moore is a 43-year-old man who's made a conscientious decision to ambitiously devote each remaining day deciphering the glory of life’s lessons. He believes these lessons are often gleaned only through the immensity of one’s mistakes. Justin's purposeful pursuit of self-revelation, through his investment of time over the last 14 calendar years, has positioned him to share those same lessons with those around him who he has the privilege of encouraging, influencing and inspiring. He simultaneously provides compassion, courage and counsel to others, both in and outside of these walls, who have embarked on their own tumultuous transformation process. Justin is a man of unbridled passion; he's a father, husband, brother and son, and he holds these roles as sacred. At present, he is immersed in a mindset of self-exploration, expansion, and finding fulfillment, optimizing all opportunities provided within the CDOC and through the DU PAI team.
Justin Moore is a 43-year-old man who's made a conscientious decision to ambitiously devote each remaining day deciphering the glory of life’s lessons. He believes these lessons are often gleaned only through the immensity of one’s mistakes. Justin's purposeful pursuit of self-revelation, through his investment of time over the last 14 calendar years, has positioned him to share those same lessons with those around him who he has the privilege of encouraging, influencing and inspiring. He simultaneously provides compassion, courage and counsel to others, both in and outside of these walls, who have embarked on their own tumultuous transformation process. Justin is a man of unbridled passion; he's a father, husband, brother and son, and he holds these roles as sacred. At present, he is immersed in a mindset of self-exploration, expansion, and finding fulfillment, optimizing all opportunities provided within the CDOC and through the DU PAI team.
Forsythia Owen, Features Producer, Denver Women's Correctional Facility
More about Forsythia is coming soon!
More about Forsythia is coming soon!
Aron Sanchez, Producer, Buena Vista Correctional Complex
Aron Sanchez is the second eldest of 6 children, four girls & two boys. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Aron was raised in Aurora, Colorado, where as a teenager he was the undefeated wrestling champion in the heavyweight division. Now 29 years old, he is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence. Prior to his incarceration, Aron was a dedicated father to his two daughters, whom he loves very much. Aron stayed busy as the supervisor of a privately-owned communications company installing fiber optics. These days he spends his time writing music, learning to play the guitar and learning new languages. Aron is happy to be part of the Inside Wire family, and he's actively contributing to his prison community in whichever way he can, with one goal in mind... That’s to be part of the inevitable: CHANGE.
Aron Sanchez is the second eldest of 6 children, four girls & two boys. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Aron was raised in Aurora, Colorado, where as a teenager he was the undefeated wrestling champion in the heavyweight division. Now 29 years old, he is currently serving a 27-year prison sentence. Prior to his incarceration, Aron was a dedicated father to his two daughters, whom he loves very much. Aron stayed busy as the supervisor of a privately-owned communications company installing fiber optics. These days he spends his time writing music, learning to play the guitar and learning new languages. Aron is happy to be part of the Inside Wire family, and he's actively contributing to his prison community in whichever way he can, with one goal in mind... That’s to be part of the inevitable: CHANGE.
The DU PAI Staff of Inside Wire:
Ryan Conarro, General Manager & Program Director
Ryan Conarro is a media producer, interdisciplinary artist, and organizational leader. He creates and facilitates experiences that are focused on story sharing and creative placemaking, from live theatrical events, to audio installations and narratives, to community narrative websites. Ryan served in 2020-21 as a visiting professor at University of Denver's Department of Theatre. Before that, he spent 6 years as Creative Producer and Community Projects Associate at Ping Chong + Company in New York. His work in broadcasting began in 2001, when he was Public Affairs Director for KNOM Radio in Nome, Alaska, and that work continued through various collaborations with KTOO Public Media in Juneau. His work has been recognized with the national Leadership U Fellowship of Theatre Communications Group and the Mellon Foundation; a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award; a Brooklyn Artists Fund award; and three Alaska Broadcaster's Association Goldie Awards. He earned a BFA in drama and English at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College.
Ryan Conarro is a media producer, interdisciplinary artist, and organizational leader. He creates and facilitates experiences that are focused on story sharing and creative placemaking, from live theatrical events, to audio installations and narratives, to community narrative websites. Ryan served in 2020-21 as a visiting professor at University of Denver's Department of Theatre. Before that, he spent 6 years as Creative Producer and Community Projects Associate at Ping Chong + Company in New York. His work in broadcasting began in 2001, when he was Public Affairs Director for KNOM Radio in Nome, Alaska, and that work continued through various collaborations with KTOO Public Media in Juneau. His work has been recognized with the national Leadership U Fellowship of Theatre Communications Group and the Mellon Foundation; a Rasmuson Foundation Individual Artist Award; a Brooklyn Artists Fund award; and three Alaska Broadcaster's Association Goldie Awards. He earned a BFA in drama and English at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts at Goddard College.
Tyler Nelson, Sound Producer & Audio Content Manager
More about Tyler is coming soon!
More about Tyler is coming soon!
Lucy Richardson, Audio Content Manager
Lucy is an alum of the University of Denver with a degree in psychology and journalism. After dabbling in film, visual arts, and hard sciences, she found her passion for audio. Growing up alongside the Atlanta music scene made Lucy a huge music fanatic, which she has channeled into her passion project, a local music podcast called EARWORM. Outside of these pursuits, Lucy has an affinity for art, fashion, and curating vintage items from thrift stores. She's been labeled an "old soul" all of her life and strives to bring a blend of classics and modernity to everything she does.
Lucy is an alum of the University of Denver with a degree in psychology and journalism. After dabbling in film, visual arts, and hard sciences, she found her passion for audio. Growing up alongside the Atlanta music scene made Lucy a huge music fanatic, which she has channeled into her passion project, a local music podcast called EARWORM. Outside of these pursuits, Lucy has an affinity for art, fashion, and curating vintage items from thrift stores. She's been labeled an "old soul" all of her life and strives to bring a blend of classics and modernity to everything she does.
Jonathan Howard, Consulting Engineer
Jonathan Howard works in the arts community as a composer, sound designer, and studio engineer. His recent creative endeavors include: podcast recording and production (including production support with Season 1 of DU PAI's podcast With(in)); music compositions; dance/theater/music collaborations; studio recording and production; and sound installations for art galleries and outdoor soundscapes. He has worked with the Maureen Breeze Dance Theater, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, University of Denver, Mercury Sauce Productions, LLR Studios, Perpich Center for Arts Education, RTC Theatre Company, Crisis Point Theatre and New & Slightly Used Dance Company. Jonathan Howard teaches sound design and audio production at the Denver School of the Arts.
Jonathan Howard works in the arts community as a composer, sound designer, and studio engineer. His recent creative endeavors include: podcast recording and production (including production support with Season 1 of DU PAI's podcast With(in)); music compositions; dance/theater/music collaborations; studio recording and production; and sound installations for art galleries and outdoor soundscapes. He has worked with the Maureen Breeze Dance Theater, Boulder Ensemble Theatre Company, University of Denver, Mercury Sauce Productions, LLR Studios, Perpich Center for Arts Education, RTC Theatre Company, Crisis Point Theatre and New & Slightly Used Dance Company. Jonathan Howard teaches sound design and audio production at the Denver School of the Arts.
Ashley Hamilton, DU Prison Arts Initiative Co-Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Ashley Hamilton is an assistant professor in the Department of Theater at the University of Denver and is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the DU Prison Arts Initiative (DU PAI). Ashley has been working within the United States’ correctional system for a decade as an educator and artist and has taught and created various educational and artistic projects in over two dozen prisons in the United States, and has worked with over a thousand incarcerated people and their family members. Ashley has created and overseen several exciting, innovative projects in collaboration with the CDOC, including the With(in) podcast; two prison theatre tours; The Inside Report, a statewide prison newspaper; the historic Artistic Justice arts-based workshop tour; and more. Ashley holds a BFA in Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters degree and PhD in Educational and Applied Theatre from New York University. Ashley is committed to using the arts to create spaces of transformation and possibility.
Dr. Ashley Hamilton is an assistant professor in the Department of Theater at the University of Denver and is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the DU Prison Arts Initiative (DU PAI). Ashley has been working within the United States’ correctional system for a decade as an educator and artist and has taught and created various educational and artistic projects in over two dozen prisons in the United States, and has worked with over a thousand incarcerated people and their family members. Ashley has created and overseen several exciting, innovative projects in collaboration with the CDOC, including the With(in) podcast; two prison theatre tours; The Inside Report, a statewide prison newspaper; the historic Artistic Justice arts-based workshop tour; and more. Ashley holds a BFA in Performance from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Masters degree and PhD in Educational and Applied Theatre from New York University. Ashley is committed to using the arts to create spaces of transformation and possibility.
Leah Ferrier, Administrative Associate
Leah Ferrier is a recent graduate of University of Denver, with studies in International Studies, Socio-Legal Studies, and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies. She is from Washington DC and has always been interested in social justice and activist work related to criminal justice. She also works for the Social Movement Support Lab at DU which works alongside grassroots organizations and communities fighting for racial justice. She is passionate about prison reform and sharing with the world how much the prison population has to offer our society. She loves music and the arts and sees them as a unique way of bringing people together and learning from one another despite their differences. As an Inside Wire volunteer, Leah supports the Inside Wire Soundcloud channel, so that listeners can hear archived episodes after they have aired.
Leah Ferrier is a recent graduate of University of Denver, with studies in International Studies, Socio-Legal Studies, and Critical Race & Ethnic Studies. She is from Washington DC and has always been interested in social justice and activist work related to criminal justice. She also works for the Social Movement Support Lab at DU which works alongside grassroots organizations and communities fighting for racial justice. She is passionate about prison reform and sharing with the world how much the prison population has to offer our society. She loves music and the arts and sees them as a unique way of bringing people together and learning from one another despite their differences. As an Inside Wire volunteer, Leah supports the Inside Wire Soundcloud channel, so that listeners can hear archived episodes after they have aired.
Adri Turcinovic, Social Media Associate
Adri is a 3rd-year Psychology and Music Recording & Production student at the University of Denver. She is from Austin, TX, and currently lives in Denver. As social media associate for Inside Wire, Adri creates weekly posts to update listeners on what’s being broadcast each week. Adri has always had a passion for music and storytelling, and loves listening to hip-hop and electronic music as well as podcasts. In addition, she is a member of the Voces Aureus Choir at the University of Denver. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, and skiing.
Adri is a 3rd-year Psychology and Music Recording & Production student at the University of Denver. She is from Austin, TX, and currently lives in Denver. As social media associate for Inside Wire, Adri creates weekly posts to update listeners on what’s being broadcast each week. Adri has always had a passion for music and storytelling, and loves listening to hip-hop and electronic music as well as podcasts. In addition, she is a member of the Voces Aureus Choir at the University of Denver. In her free time, she enjoys reading, drawing, hiking, and skiing.
DU PAI Staff:
These DU PAI team members also support Inside Wire in myriad vital ways. Check out the DU PAI website here.
Lilly Stannard | Assistant Director of Programming
Tess Neel | Program Coordinator & Operations Manager
Clare Hammoor | DU PAI Pedagogy Consultant
Lilly Stannard | Assistant Director of Programming
Tess Neel | Program Coordinator & Operations Manager
Clare Hammoor | DU PAI Pedagogy Consultant
Inside Wire past producers and staff members:
Herbert Alexander
Sarah Berry
John Henderson
Amber Pierce
Anthony Quintana, Jr.
Brent Nicholas
Seth Ready
Antonio Stancil
Darrius Turner
Cedric Watkins
Kevin Woodley, Jr.
Sarah Berry
John Henderson
Amber Pierce
Anthony Quintana, Jr.
Brent Nicholas
Seth Ready
Antonio Stancil
Darrius Turner
Cedric Watkins
Kevin Woodley, Jr.
