Life without parole: How the board works — and doesn't — in the U.S.

What happens at parole boards is a huge part of Jacob Wideman's story — and his story tells us a lot about the parole system in America. After serving 25 years behind bars for killing his summer camp roommate, Eric Kane, Wideman went before a parole board in Arizona for the first time. Starting with his first hearing in 2011, he was denied parole over and over. Except for one time. Part 3 of the "Violation" podcast, examines parole boards, largely secretive institutions that operate in many states with few rules and little oversight. Subscribe to Here & Now Anytime for new episodes each Friday. Find a transcript and photos here.