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Harsh Truths with Norman Seabrook

Harsh Truths with Norman Seabrook

By: Red Apple Podcast Network
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Harsh Truths with Norman Seabrook is a straight-up, no-spin take on public safety, corrections, and the policies driving life in New York City and across the country. Drawing on decades of experience in law enforcement and labor leadership, Seabrook breaks down what is really happening behind the headlines, including ICE and Homeland Security issues, community trust, accountability, and the realities inside jails. The focus is on common sense, clearer communication, and practical solutions that protect communities, respect working people, and hold leadership responsible when the system is failing.2025 Red Apple Media Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Episode 3: Kathy Hochul Under Fire, Correction Officer Firings, and a System in Crisis

    Episode 3: Kathy Hochul Under Fire, Correction Officer Firings, and a System in Crisis
    Mar 24 2026
    On this episode, Norman sits down with retired Attica correction officer and union leader Rick Harcrow for a blunt conversation about the growing crisis inside New York’s correctional system. They discuss the strike by correction officers, the firing of thousands of officers, the use of the National Guard inside prisons, dangerous staffing shortages, forced overtime, inmate violence, and what they say is a complete failure of leadership from Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration. From Attica to Rikers, this episode takes a hard look at officer safety, prison conditions, broken policy, and what is at stake for correction officers, inmates, families, and voters ahead of the gubernatorial election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Episode 2: Peeling Back the Rikers Island Debate and Jail Reform in New York with Mike Caruso

    Episode 2: Peeling Back the Rikers Island Debate and Jail Reform in New York with Mike Caruso
    Mar 17 2026
    On this episode, Norm Seabrook takes a deep dive into New York City’s controversial plan to close Rikers Island and replace it with four borough-based jails that could cost taxpayers as much as $16 billion or more. Joined by longtime corrections official Mike Caruso, Norm examines the real costs, the policy decisions behind the plan, and whether rebuilding and reforming Rikers might be a more practical solution. The conversation also explores the breakdown in correctional management over the years, the impact of bail reform and criminal justice policy, and the challenges facing correction officers, inmates, and the city as a whole. Norm also discusses rising violence among young people, the need for stronger community engagement, and why addressing mental health and youth outreach must be part of the conversation about public safety in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Episode 1: Rikers Island Crisis, $4 Billion Jail Plan, and the Future of New York City Corrections

    Episode 1: Rikers Island Crisis, $4 Billion Jail Plan, and the Future of New York City Corrections
    Mar 10 2026
    On this episode, Norm breaks down the growing crisis inside New York City’s jail system and the ongoing debate over closing Rikers Island. Drawing from his firsthand experience working on the island and serving as a correction officers union leader, Norm discusses the violence, mismanagement, and leadership failures that have plagued the facility for years. He questions the city’s plan to spend billions building borough-based jails and argues that those funds could instead be used to address homelessness, housing, and community needs. Norm also delivers a direct message to correction officers about professionalism, discipline, and the importance of maintaining care, custody, and control while avoiding decisions that could cost them their careers. From management failures to potential reforms, Norm lays out what he believes must change to fix New York’s corrections system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
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