Released To Die: Episode 3

Released To Die: Episode 3

Author: My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts July 3, 2026 Duration: 32:37

After months out of prison, Frank Ross’ dementia has progressed. At times, he can no longer remember why he needs to wear the GPS monitor the law requires, putting his freedom at risk. He is dealing with serious health issues while adapting to his new life at the healthcare facility. While Frank struggles to live out his release in peace, we learn about a bill that advocates and some lawmakers say could reform Pennsylvania's compassionate release system, easing the state's financial burden and helping people like Frank whose healthcare needs aren’t being met in prison, to be released sooner.

This is part three of “Released To Die” a three part mini series that explores what it means to get a chance to die free. 

Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa.

Follow the show to get every episode.

Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


For decades, Latino USA has offered a vital and nuanced soundscape, chronicling the multifaceted lives of Latino communities across the United States and beyond. Guided by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa, this Peabody Award-winning program digs deep, moving beyond headlines to share intimate narratives and investigative reports that reveal the cultural, political, and social currents shaping our world. As the longest-running radio show of its kind, it has built a legacy of trust and depth, exploring everything from personal identity and family legacy to immigration policy and artistic innovation. Each episode feels like a necessary conversation, one that illuminates the hearts and minds of a dynamic population whose stories are often filtered through someone else's lens. Here, those stories are told with authenticity and care. Produced by My Cultura, Futuro and iHeartPodcasts, this podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the complex tapestry of contemporary society. The weekly installments are more than just reporting; they are documentary pieces that capture the ongoing impact of Latino voices. For those who wish to engage further, the Futuro+ membership offers additional content and behind-the-scenes perspectives, supporting the independent journalism at the core of this essential program.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Latino USA
Podcast Episodes
How My Faja Saved Me: Surviving Gun Violence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:20
In 2022, 18-year-old Lisbeth Bencosme was shot four times on a sidewalk in Harlem. She was a new mom at the time, and it was her faja, a staple postpartum girdle for many Latinas, that would keep her alive until medics a…
Melissa Barrera’s Big Year: From Broadway to Hollywood Executive [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:26
Melissa Barrera is having quite the year. In April, she made her Broadway debut, landing a dream role as ‘Rose’ in the musical parody Titanique. She’s also an executive producer on the award-winning documentary film Trac…
Orgullosa Returns: Unlawfully Deported, A family Rebuilds Their Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
In late April, Orgullosa and her children packed up their belongings in Honduras and boarded a plane back to the U.S. after a court ruling said that they were wrongfully removed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In…
The Meaning of Ricky Martin’s Evolution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:37
A few months ago, Maria Garcia was watching the Benito Bowl when an unexpected artist came on: the one and only Ricky Martin. Maria knew this was a touchstone moment — the artist who most represented the ‘90s Latin Boom…
Salsa in NYC: Rosie Perez live at WNYC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
Rosie Perez has long been synonymous with New York and hip hop culture, starting with her appearances on “Soul Train”, her iconic choreographies and her big break with Spike Lee in “Do the Right Thing”. But when the Osca…
The Best (and Worst) of the 2026 World Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:10
The Men’s World Cup may be over but there’s so much to talk about still. We sit down with a soccer expert and superfan to discuss the significance of this summer’s tournament. We get into the many “firsts” in a global co…
A Live Performance and Interview with Venezuelan Musician Ella Bric [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:59
Venezuelan musician and composer Ella Bric made history as the first woman to win producer of the year at the 2018 Latin Grammys. The trumpet player made a name for herself after moving to New York City and most recently…
Five Days in Palestina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:46
In early February, Latino USA traveled to the occupied West Bank to learn about the roots of the deep connections between Latinos and Palestinians. Maria Hinojosa and producer Nour Saudi accompanied a group of U.S. stude…
Harvey Guillén: Breaking Hollywood Molds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
When actor Harvey Guillén auditioned for a role written for a character 20 years older than him, he got cast anyway. In this intimate conversation with Maria Hinojosa, Harvey reveals how he became the breakout heart of W…