Todd and Julie Chrisley: Life After Prison Harder Than Time Behind Bars

Todd and Julie Chrisley, the once-celebrated reality TV couple from Chrisley Knows Best, are finding life after prison a tougher battle than their time behind bars. In a candid episode of their podcast Chrisley Confessions 2.0, the duo opened up about the unexpected challenges of reintegrating into the outside world.

Julie, 52, shared how conversations with former fellow inmates revealed a shared sentiment: life outside can feel more grueling than inside. Todd, 56, didn’t mince words, stating, 'Life is rougher than prison life.' He pointed out that while prison presented physical hardships, the emotional and psychological toll of navigating daily life post-release is far heavier.

The couple, convicted of federal bank fraud and tax evasion—charges they’ve consistently denied—were released in May after receiving pardons from President Donald Trump. Yet, coming home hasn’t been the fairy tale ending one might expect. Todd described the struggle of reclaiming control over household responsibilities, while Julie reflected on how prison forced her to detach from family concerns and focus solely on her own well-being. 'You can’t live out there and in here at the same time,' she recalled being advised, a truth that helped her survive the mental strain of separation.

In a surprising twist, Todd admitted he slept better in prison than at home, jokingly blaming his restless nights on the 'Chrisley Clan'—his affectionate nickname for his family. Meanwhile, Julie noted that the longer she was incarcerated, the easier it became to adapt to a self-focused routine, though her love for her family never wavered.

For Todd, faith, family, and fitness were his anchors during his 28-month sentence. Regular communication with his children and daily emails to Julie kept him grounded. Now, as they rebuild their lives, the Chrisleys are peeling back the curtain on a reality few discuss: sometimes, freedom comes with heavier chains than prison ever did.