
Reality television has a knack for capturing the attention of audiences with its raw, unscripted content, and A&E’s “60 Days In” is no exception. The show, which premiered in 2016, follows volunteers who enter jail for 60 days under false identities to expose issues from within the correctional system. As the seasons progressed, viewers became invested in the personal journeys of these participants. But what happens after the cameras stop rolling? In this article, we delve into the lives of some of the most memorable participants from “60 Days In” to see where they are now.
Understanding “60 Days In”
Before we explore the whereabouts of the show’s alumni, it’s important to understand the premise of “60 Days In.” The show’s participants are not criminals; they are volunteers who agree to live among the general population in jail to provide an inside perspective on the workings of the facility, the conduct of inmates, and the performance of staff.
The Journey After Incarceration
Once participants leave the program, they often face a period of readjustment. The experience can be transformative, leading some to advocate for prison reform or change their career paths. Here’s a look at where some of the participants have ended up:
Zac Barker
Zac, from the first season, was a former Marine who used his military experience to blend in seamlessly. After the show, Zac continued to speak about his experiences and the need for reform in the criminal justice system. He has also written a book about his time on the show.
Barbra Roylance Williams
Barbra, another participant from Season 1, faced challenges as a stay-at-home mom entering the jail environment. Post-show, she has been active on social media, sharing her life updates and maintaining a blog where she discusses various topics, including her “60 Days In” experience.
Nate Burrell
Nate, a fan favorite from Season 3 and 4, was a former Marine who returned for a second season. Tragically, Nate passed away in 2020. His participation in the show left a lasting impact on viewers and highlighted the mental health struggles that can follow such intense experiences.
Mark Lamb
As a participant in Season 5, Sheriff Mark Lamb went undercover in his own jail. After the show, he continued his role as sheriff and became a public figure in discussions about law enforcement and jail operations.
Ashleigh Baker
Ashleigh, who appeared in Season 2 alongside her husband Zac, struggled with her past addiction during filming. Since the show, she has focused on her family and sobriety, often sharing her journey and motivational messages with her followers.
Life Changes and Career Shifts
Participating in “60 Days In” has led some alumni to make significant life and career changes:
Tami Ferraiuolo
Tami, a former police officer from Season 1, became a public speaker and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the law enforcement community after her time on the show.
Robert Holcomb
Robert, known for his controversial stint in Season 1, reportedly left his teaching career and has kept a low profile since his appearance on the show.
Angela
Angela from Season 6, who entered the program to understand her daughter’s incarceration, has been using her experience to help others as a criminal justice reform advocate.
Continued Advocacy and Public Presence
Many “60 Days In” alumni have taken to public speaking and advocacy as a way to continue the conversation about the issues they witnessed:
Jeffrey Downs
Jeffrey, from Season 2, has been involved in speaking engagements and uses his platform to discuss his time on the show and the need for systemic change.
David Thorne
David, a participant in Season 5, has been active in advocating for prison reform and has appeared on various media outlets to share his insights from the show.
Challenges and Controversies
Not all participants have had a smooth transition after the show. Some have faced challenges and controversies:
Dion Joseph
Dion, from Season 2, faced criticism for his actions during the show but has since focused on his career and personal growth, staying out of the public eye.
Stephanie
Stephanie, who appeared in Season 4, received backlash for her behavior on the show. She has since kept a low profile, with limited updates on her current activities.
Where Are They Now: A Summary Table
Participant | Season | Current Status |
---|---|---|
Zac Barker | 1 | Author, Speaker on Criminal Justice Reform |
Barbra Roylance Williams | 1 | Blogger, Social Media Presence |
Nate Burrell | 3 & 4 | Deceased (2020) |
Mark Lamb | 5 | Sheriff, Public Figure |
Ashleigh Baker | 2 | Focus on Family and Sobriety |
Tami Ferraiuolo | 1 | Public Speaker, LGBTQ+ Advocate |
Robert Holcomb | 1 | Low Profile Post-Show |
Angela | 6 | Criminal Justice Reform Advocate |
Jeffrey Downs | 2 | Public Speaker on Systemic Change |
David Thorne | 5 | Prison Reform Advocate, Media Appearances |
Dion Joseph | 2 | Private Life, Career Focus |
Stephanie | 4 | Low Profile, Limited Public Updates |
FAQs About “60 Days In” Alumni
Has any participant continued working in the criminal justice system after the show?
Yes, some participants like Sheriff Mark Lamb have continued their roles in law enforcement, while others have become advocates for reform.
Did the show have any lasting impact on the participants?
Many participants have reported that the show had a transformative effect on their lives, leading to career changes, advocacy work, or a renewed focus on personal issues such as sobriety.
Are there any support systems for participants after the show?
While the show does not publicly detail post-show support systems, it is common for reality TV participants to have access to counseling and support to help them readjust after filming.
Conclusion
The participants of “60 Days In” embarked on a unique journey that did not end when the cameras stopped rolling. Their experiences inside jail have led to various paths, from advocacy and public speaking to personal growth and tragedy. While some have stayed in the public eye, others have chosen to live more privately. Regardless of their paths, the impact of their time on “60 Days In” continues to resonate with viewers and the participants themselves. This exploration into their lives post-show offers a glimpse into the long-term effects of participating in such an intense and revealing reality series.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qq3MoKalnKCWu6WtjZympmdmZXqlrdisZKKmXay1pr7EZpirnV2ptabFjKemsGc%3D