Life After Prison
A podcast for anyone who has spent time in prison or is close to someone who has. Featuring incredible stories from people who've been inside, plus advice and support for those recently released.
Episodes
If Not For Acting, I'd Be Serving A Life Sentence - Frank Skully
Today’s guest has a story like no other. Growing up in the 70s, facing racism and rejection, he soon became involved in organised crime and serving years inside. After decades trapped in a cycle of crime and prison, everything changed during his final sentence, when a theatre company cast him in a production that would completely transform the direction of his life. Now
You Must Meet People Where They Are, To Help Them Grow - Donell & Jeffrey
On this episode of Life After Prison, we explore a story that doesn’t follow a straight line — because real change rarely does. Donell, a successful contractor & former prisoner, shares the highs, setbacks, and hard truths of life after release, while Jeffrey, a prison coach, reflects on the turning point that changed his own path and led him to work with young people in cu
From Being Labelled The Devil to Delivering Hope - Sosa Henkoma
Today’s guest is the definition of transformation. At the age of 11 he was groomed into county lines, by 12 he was regularly carrying firearms and by 15 he’d already seen the inside of a prison cell. The following years were a mix of serving time as a teenager, along with physical and mental trauma.Once labelled a criminal, he’s now recognised as a survivor of child criminal exploitation and moder
BAFTA Breakthrough Star Talks Healing Through Film - Daisy-May Hudson
Today on Life After Prison, we’re joined by filmmaker Daisy-May Hudson. In 2013, Daisy-May was living in a hostel with her mum and sister — a reality she didn’t fully recognise as homelessness at the time. At that young age she decided to pick up a camera and document it, a decision that would change everything. Her story went viral, leading to h
Responding To More Comments On Social Media
A few series back we looked at some of the comments that people had left on our social media. We responded to comments tackling the stigma of having been to prison and cleared up a few myths about what life is really like inside. Those episodes were interesting to say the least! Today we’re going for it again, responding to the comments from our conversations with a few guests
My Football Career Isn't Over Yet - Jay Emmanuel-Thomas
This week's guests is someone whose football journey has been anything but ordinary. From coming through the ranks at Arsenal FC, one of the most prestigious academies in the country—to playing across England and abroad, our guest today has built a career that many young players dream of. Known for his strength, technical ability, and versatility on the pitch, he was once seen as one of
Labour Government Want To Remove Juries?
At the end of last year the Labour government introduced the Courts and Tribunals Bill. In this bill, the government are proposing to reduce the use of juries and have some criminal cases decided by a judge alone. Some very big changes. This week we unpack key parts of this bill, and look at the implications it will have IF it is passed. The L
They Labelled Me A Human Trafficker - Glodi Wabelua
This week we’re joined by Glodi Wabelua. From a young age he struggled to fit in at school and soon found himself deep into a life of crime. The years that followed were a mix of prison sentences and life threatening injuries. Each experience leaving its mark and shaping who he was. In 2019, he stood trial in a landmark case, as the first per
Prison Helped Me Escape My Chaos - Nick Hadris
This week we’re joined by Nick Hadris. Nick’s story is one of resilience, reflection, and using personal experience to help others move forward. After spending time in prison, Nick faced the challenge of rebuilding his life and finding a new direction. Since then, he’s worked tremendously hard to turn that experience into something positive - supporting others who are
Losing My Partner Left Me In A Hole - Rhia Canady
This week we’re joined by Rhia a mother, a widow, and a woman who has transformed deep adversity into a driving force for change. In the aftermath of her partners death, her life took a turn, and she would soon become involved in drug activities, resulting in a 2-year prison sentence. Having personally experienced the justice system from both sides, she now dedicates her time to helping
I Went To My Dad's Funeral In Handcuffs | Will Pendray
This week we are joined by author and poet Will Pendray. His debut poetry collection Overgrown contains extracts from throughout his sentence, where he would use poetry to work through the things he was dealing with. Whilst serving his sentence, Will began studying at Open University and would go on to complete an MA in Creative Writing. He now uses poetry to inspire change, returning to prisons a
Domestic Abuse Haunted My Childhood - Charlie
This week we’re joined by speaker and author Charlie-Sam Newman, whose mission is simple, ‘To help people unlock their true potential’. From a very young age Charlie had experienced traumas that would shape her adolescence. After seeking safety at a women’s refuge at the age of 3, years would follow where safety and stability were rare, and violence and abuse were often close by. Following years w
MOBO Award Winner Reflects On Prison and Future Plans - Scorcher
Today on the couch, we’re joined by someone whose story goes beyond music. A respected voice in UK rap for over 20 years, he’s starred in Top Boy and worked with Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen. He’s been through the criminal justice system and come out the other side, using his voice to reflect, rebuild, and speak the truth. Since returning, his consistency and talent have earned him the 202
Prison Governor Answers All Live From HMP Brixton
Today’s episode is a bit different – because we’re inside HMP Brixton, recording in front of a live audience of the men who live here. And we’re joined by the Governor of Brixton herself. Usually, we hear stories from people with lived experience, but today we’re exploring things from the other side: why she wanted this role, what it was like stepping into Brixton, and what day-to-day li
I Went To Prison At 40 & Came Out A New Woman - Karen
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today, we’r
A 2 Year IPP Sentence Has People In Prison For Nearly 20 Years - Marc Conway
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today, we’r
2 Times Sunday Bestseller, After 3 Years In Prison - Jon Watts
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today, we’r
Cellmate to CEO | PAULA
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Christian
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Dan Whyte
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Gina
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
5 Year Sentence For Real Life Prison Break - Big Stygs
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today on Li
Turning Trauma Into Purpose After 10 Years In Prison - Chris Baker
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today’s gu
Surviving Child Exploitation & County Lines Grooming - Sabrina
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.Today we're
How Prison Turned David Haze Into A 4x World Record Holder
From military ambitions to addiction and prison, David Haze has lived through some of life’s toughest challenges. But since his release, he’s transformed his path – breaking paddleboarding world records, championing rehabilitation, and becoming a respected voice for change in the justice system. David’s journey is about more than redemption – it’s about resilience, responsibility, and showing that
Cellmate to CEO | Jason Frost
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Mandy
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Jacob Hill
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
Cellmate to CEO | Zak
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.In this bra
The Future of Rehabilitation: What Could Prisons Look Like?
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.This week o
Mental Health Challenges and Through The Gate Help with Dr Graham Durcan
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.This week o
Neurodiversity, Trauma & Rehabilitation in Prison with Jenny Okolo
Complete our 2025 Listener Survey: https://forms.gle/smJxoWJhr66qKG4Q7We’d love to hear from you! Every year, we ask the Life After Prison audience to complete a short survey. Your answers help us understand what’s working, what we can improve, and they also help us show our funders the real impact of the show. It only takes a few minutes and your feedback really does make a difference.This week o
Do Prisons Help or Harm Rehabilitation? With Architect Roland Karthaus
This week on Life After Prison is the first episode of our brand new mini series!In this first episode, Jules speaks to Roland Karthaus. He’s an architect who’s looked a lot at prison design, and he’s interested in how the way prisons are built can either support rehabilitation or get in the way. She asks him about the role of rehabilitation in prison design, the cost of building new prisons versu
The Future of Prisons? - Reflecting on this series and introducing a NEW MINI SERIES 👀
Today’s episode is a little different — it’s our wrap-up for the main series. Over the last few weeks, we’ve spoken to so many incredible people who’ve opened up about their lives, their time inside, and what happened next. We’ve heard stories of resilience, moments that really shook us, and insights that challenged how we think about the system. In this episode, we’re looking back at those c
Adjusting to Life Outside: Parenting, Challenges, and Supportive Friendships
In this episode, we explore what it’s really like coming out of prison and adjusting to life on the outside – especially for parents trying to reconnect with their children. Our guests, Faye and Toni, met while in prison and have supported each other ever since. They share their experiences of parenting after prison, navigating stigma and judgment, managing the challenges of life on tag, and how
Both My Parents Went to Prison When I Was 15
What happens when both of your parents go to prison during your teenage years? Thousands of children experience this every year, but it’s something that’s rarely spoken about. In this episode, Natasha Harris shares her story of growing up with both parents in prison at 15 – the lack of communication, the stigma, and the lasting impact it had on her life. She also talks about why she’s now using he
That Peckham Boy: Author Kenny Imafidon on Acquittal Under Joint Enterprise
This week on Life After Prison, we speak with Dr Kenny Imafidon – entrepreneur, author, and criminal justice advocate from Peckham, London. At 18, Kenny was on remand facing joint enterprise charges and became the first person in the UK to complete A-levels in prison. After being acquitted, he wrote the influential Kenny Report and co-founded ClearView Research to amplify unheard voices. He is als
Life, Healing & Growth After Prison | Tony Supreme
You might remember today’s guest from way back in Series 1 – back then, he shared how music and therapy helped him rebuild his life after prison and launch a youth music charity. Since then, so much has changed. Anthony Olanipekun (aka Tony Supreme), stepped back from being a CEO after hitting burnout, focused on his mental health and sobriety, got married, and built new businesses — including Sou
15 Years In & Out of Prison — What Finally Made Me Change
Today’s guest is Isaiah James – also known as Resilient Lion. He spent years in and out of prison, starting from the age of 15, and was deep in gang life — thinking that was the only path available to him. But during his last sentence, something shifted. He found faith, got serious about fitness, and started focusing on self-development to change his life. Since coming out, he’s launched Freedom T
The Risk Ain't Worth The Reward | No Behaviour Podcast
Today on Life After Prison, we’ve got Margs, Beanos, and Loons from the No Behaviour podcast joining us. These three keep it real with honest, no-filter chats about life on the streets of London — and they’ve all been to prison themselves. It’s actually the most guests we’ve ever had in the studio at once, so it's gonna be a lot of energy! This podcast is also available as a video – just sear
How Prison Helped Me Rebuild My Life Through Yoga and Recovery
This week on Life After Prison, we are joined by Lisa Newman – an addiction recovery coach and founder of Recalibrate Recovery Services. Drawing on her own lived experience of addiction, prison, and recovery, Lisa now supports others through one-to-one coaching, sober companionship, breathwork, and holistic wellbeing practices. She blends Eastern and Western approaches to help people rebuild their
The £80 Million Drug Bust That Changed My Life | Frank Stedman
This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Frankie Stedman. Frankie was involved in a major drug conspiracy that led to a nine-year sentence—but since coming out, he’s turned things around. He now runs his own scaffolding business and goes into schools to share his story and help young people make better choices. Frank is also incredibly walking 200 MILES, from ou
From Prison to the West End | Jacob Dunne’s True Story of Change
This week on the Life After Prison couch, Zak & Jules are joined by Jacob Dunne. At 19, Jacob was sentenced to prison for manslaughter after a one-punch attack that took a man’s life. What followed is a remarkable story of transformation. After meeting the parents of his victim through restorative justice, Jacob went on to earn a first-class honours degree in criminology and has since worked a
Introducing: Money Mondays - Employability: Interviews
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 9 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Money Mondays and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.Going for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, but what about if you have a criminal record to contend with too?O
Introducing: Money Mondays - Employability: CVs
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 9 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Money Mondays and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.In this episode Zak & Emma are looking at CVs - What they are, why they are useful and how to create an effective one. It can be daunting putting
Life After Prison The Spark | Jules
In this episode Jules chats to another Jules (not confusing at all!), who is very close to becoming a qualified Solicitor. Jules is planning on supporting and being an advocate for people going through the criminal justice system. Having served a community order herself, Jules has experience with the CJS and knows the impact having a criminal record can have on your career and on your self-worth.
Jumpin Jack Frost: UK Jungle Legend on Music, Mental Health & Resilience
On this episode of Life After Prison, Zak & Jules sit down with Jumpin Jack Frost, one of the UK’s most iconic jungle and drum & bass DJs. From growing up in Brixton to shaping the UK rave scene, Frost shares his journey through music, life’s challenges, and personal growth. We talk about his legendary tracks, the evolution of UK electronic music, and the lessons he’s learned along the way
Life After Prison The Spark | Kemi and Tasha
In this episode Jules speaks to sisters, Kemi and Tasha, who founded the organisation Reformed Development, after experiencing four years of rejection and discrimination after coming out of prison. They realised the only way forward was to be the change themselves, and they now work tirelessly helping other people who have been to prison, with their holistic and nurturing approach to rehabilitatio
What Is The £700 Million Investment In Probation Actually For? | Independent Sentencing Review
This week on Life After Prison, Zak & Jules discuss the final report on the Sentencing Review that was released last month. They delve into topics surrounding early release, £700 million investment into probation services and community-based sentencing.This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations:Kate Fraser episode discussing
Life After Prison The Spark | Kate
This week Jules talks to Kate, who works for NHS England as the Regional Head of Health and Justice in the East of England. For 11 years, Kate struggled with a heroin addiction. Kate now holds keys to several prisons, and was even the prison substance misuse commissioner in the prison where she once spent time inside. Kate talks to Jules about the incredible work she does helping people, her caree
I Started a Successful Gym Brand from Prison | Tuan
This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Tuan, co-founder of Gymbusy. Before launching his fitness brand, Tuan was on the roads and ended up serving two prison sentences. But after his release, he found a new path—building discipline, strength, and purpose through fitness. Teaming up with his cousin, he co-founded Gymbusy, a brand that not only transformed his life b
Life After Prison The Spark | Julia
In this episode, Jules chats with Julia. Released from prison 10 years ago, Julia started working in the criminal justice system, working her way up into management positions, but she found that what was once part of her healing journey, was becoming part of her trauma. Julia decided to make a change, and as somebody known as having a permanent tan, she’s living her best life running her own tanni
Overcoming Addiction In Prison To Award Winning Artist | Kevin Devonport
This week on the Life After Prison couch. Zak & Jules are joined by Kevin Devonport. An international award-winning self-taught artist, whose journey started from a council estate in Leeds. Kevin served 24 years inside, where he overcame addiction and taught himself to paint, which has lead to his work being featured across the UK and Europe in multiple prominent exhibitions.This podcast
Life After Prison The Spark | Pri
This week Jules speaks to Pri, whose negative relationship with alcohol lead to multiple convictions and stints in prison. Unwavering support from the charity ID Essence, a probation officer willing to go the extra mile to help support her with binge drinking, and being fitted with an alcohol tag, helped Pri get to the place where she is today. She’s now working for ID Essence, supporting women co
Myth Busting Comments About Prison
This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some social media comments again, this time with the aim to dispel some myths surrounding prison. These comments are from a video of previous guest Nabil Abdul Rashid recalling his first moments being in prison. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful OrganisationsPris
The Spark | Kerry
In this episode Jules speaks to 20-year-old Kerry, who’s only been out of prison a month at the time of recording. They chat about how losing a friend in the Grenfell Tower fire at the age of 13 had a massive impact on Kerry, who later became expelled from school, and at the age of 17 received a 5 year prison sentence. For Kerry, being recalled back to prison after being released half way through
I Had My Baby With Me For 8 Months In Prison | Molly Ellis
This week Jules sits down with Molly Ellis, someone she met while they were both in prison. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Molly’s life changed drastically, eventually ending with a five-year prison sentence for fraud. Just weeks before starting her sentence, she gave birth to her daughter and chose to raise her newborn behind bars. Since her release, Molly has dedicated herself to
The Spark | Sharon
In this episode, Jules chats to Sharon. Sharon’s life on the Cornish coast is idyllic, but her life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs to get to this point. From escaping an abusive relationship and serving a prison sentence for benefit fraud, to cycling around the world, battling serious health problems and publishing her own book.Useful organisations: Kaleidoscopic UK - Support
Responding To Comments On Social Media
This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some of the comments they received on social media about a previous episode. That episode explores disclosing to potential future partners if you have spent time in prison, and how soon you would tell them. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube.The episode the comments came from:
The Spark | Sarah
In this episode Jules talks to Sarah, who after years of struggling with her mental health and substance abuse, found that the warmth, support and community found in a women’s centre not far from her home, would help her transform her life. Useful organisations: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ POPS (Partners of Prisoners) https:/
From Young Chef of the Year to Belmarsh | Natty Can Cook
This week Zak and Jules welcome lifelong chef Nathaniel Mortley AKA Natty Can Cook to the Life After Prison couch. Natty shares his experiences of working in some of London’s most high-end restaurants and how the environment there contributed to him going to prison. He also speaks about how seeing people excel while he was inside inspired him to start planning his future for when he was released.
Introducing: Hold or Fold – Betting Shops with David Navarro & Lady Unchained
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.'Hold or Fold' explores gambling harm with an emphasis on the criminal justice system, your hosts Ben & Steve have both served time in prison as a
Introducing: Hold or Fold – Introducing Ben & Steve
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.'Hold or Fold' explores gambling harm with an emphasis on the criminal justice system, your hosts Ben & Steve have both served time in prison as a
Life After Prison The Spark: Charlotte
In this episode Jules chats to Charlotte, who after years of self-harm, admissions to psychiatric hospitals, and a period of time in prison, is now in a really happy place. Charlotte has big ambitions for her future, and wants to be that support for others that she needed when she was younger, and she’s well on her way to achieving her goal. Useful links and organisations: Wor
How Do You Deal With Uncertainty?
Zak and Jules discuss dealing with the fear of the unknown and how this affected them when leaving prison. They also hear from people inside about some of the hobbies they’ve developed to help pass the time, and the small privileges they now recognise that they’re missing out on. Useful organisations:Mental Health and Emotional SupportMind (Nationwide) – Offers mental health resources, advice
Life After Prison The Spark: Scout
In this episode Jules chats to Scout, a poet, writer and broadcaster. Scout, who ended up in prison after experiencing a manic state of psychosis, explores themes of mental health, prison and sobriety in her work. She talks to Jules about rediscovering her ability to write, turning to faith in prison and learning to like yourself. The full version of this episode can be found wherever y
I Planned My Business In The Prison Kitchen | Abdul Bangura
Zak and Jules meet Abdul Bangura. Abdul has served three prison sentences. He is now a successful entrepreneur running his own aviation business. Abdul talks to Zak and Jules about how a chance meeting with his mentor in prison set him on a path to see his own potential. Useful organisations: The Alac Group – Abdul Bangura’s aviation Company https://thealacgroup.co.uk/ab
Life After Prison The Spark: Kiri
In this episode Jules is joined by trainee barrister Kiri, whose dreams of a legal career were shaped when she was remanded in prison under joint enterprise law. Kiri tells Jules about the abusive relationship that caused her downward spiral, and the hard work that’s got her where she is today. Together they talk about the power of lived experience, being on the other side of criminal justice syst
Starting Your Own Business After Prison
Zak and Jules explore what it takes to start and manage a business after prison, sharing their own journeys and lessons learned. They discuss building confidence, taking opportunities, and how businesses can open unexpected doors. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Social Ark (East London) – Social Ark is a charity sup
Life After Prison The Spark: OneDa
In this episode Jules sits down with rapper, OneDa. Hot off the launch of her debut album, OneDa explains how she broke into the music industry. She also talks to Jules about experiencing the criminal justice system in her youth, her female rap collective HerChester, and the power of bringing others up with you. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to he
From Medical Aspirations to Leading a Social Enterprise | Sobanan Narenthiran
Zak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest motivation to stay out, as well as reflecting on his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, his plans for the future, and the changes he hopes to see in the criminal
Life After Prison The Spark: Faye
In this episode Jules is joined by audio producer, Faye. While in prison, Faye found herself presenting regular shows on National Prison Radio. Now, together with Jules, she continues this work on the outside with the Prison Radio Association. Faye talks about her passion for fitness, being a parent in prison and her work on the Secret Life of Prisons podcast. Our listeners are the most i
Reflections, Goals and Growth
In this episode, Zak and Jules explore what it’s like adjusting to life after prison, reflecting on their personal journeys, and the superstitions many people have when leaving. They hear from a listener who opens up about his entrepreneurial journey post-release and discuss the often-overlooked experiences of family and friends during this transition. This podcast is also available as a video
Life After Prison The Spark: Beatrice
In this episode Jules chats to Beatrice, who has very recently been released from prison. As an aspiring prison reformer, Beatrice talks about using her experience for good. Together, Beatrice and Jules discuss the mix of emotions that come with release, the current state of the prison system and Beatrice’s hopes for the future. Useful links and organisations: Beatrice’s Spectator Article htt
How Prison Sparked a Mission to Prevent Youth Offending | Joel Dunn
In this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to founding a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He talks about his background, how it all started with a mentoring course in prison, and the support network that helped him rebuild his life. Joel also discusses the importance of understanding his own story, why
Life After Prison The Spark: Barbara
In this episode, Jules sits down with social impact entrepreneur, Barbara Burton. While awaiting trail, Barbara wrote a sixteen-page business plan, which became her first social enterprise during her twelve month prison sentence. Barbara talks about becoming an entrepreneur, the art of pivoting and being named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the World. Our listeners are the most impo
Released From Prison Early?
In this episode of Life After Prison, Zak and Jules discuss the SDS40 scheme which facilitates early release from prison. They reflect on their own experiences and on the impact of families and friends of those being released. They discuss whether this scheme is a long-term solution and if not, what needs to change. Have your say: There is a parliamentary inquiry into prison culture running un
Life After Prison The Spark: Catherine
In this episode Jules speaks to Catherine, a qualified personal trainer at Fitness Rush. Catherine and Jules share a love of fitness – but it’s something Catherine only recently discovered on her sobriety journey. After living through cycles of addiction, homelessness and criminality, Catherine talks about finding stability, being nominated for a National Fitness Award, and using her past as her p
Why the Justice System Needs to Change for Women | Kate Fraser
In this episode of Life After Prison, we’re joined by Kate Fraser, Head of Practice at Women In Prison, an organisation dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system. Kate shares her journey through the prison system and into this work, exploring the unique challenges women face within the system. Kate also shares her vision of what real, systemic change could look like for
Life After Prison The Spark: Kirsty B
In this episode, Jules is in conversation with Kirsty. Kirsty had a tough childhood, and was exposed to drugs and violence from an early age, she was also let down by the people who were supposed to care for her. She went on to battle with her own addictions, and while spending time in prison found a path to recovery. Kirsty now spends her time helping other people coming out of prison to do the
