Truth Be Told with Zara McDermott
In this brand-new series, Zara sits down with people whose lives have been shaped by extraordinary experiences. From surviving life-changing events and escaping dangerous situations to stories of crime, cults, and shocking split-second decisions, each guest shares their story with complete honesty. Raw, candid and deeply personal, these are the stories you won't forget.
Episodes
From Drug Dealer to CEO: How I Escaped A Life of Crime
Support Resources:Frank drugs helpline: 0300 123 6600 -- talktofrank.comSamaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukHaving served three years in prison as a teenager for GBH with intent, Jason Frost fell into drug dealing after robbing a drug lord's house and ending up with £30,000 of cocaine. But as the money escalated, so did the risks – leading to dangerous run-ins with rival gangs, numerous atte
Groomed at 15: The Survivor Who Exposed Britain's Grooming Crisis
Support Resources:Childline -- 0800 1111 --childline.org.ukSamaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukSammy Woodhouse was 14 years old when she met and was groomed by Arshid Hussain. At 15, she became pregnant by him and was coerced into committing a number of crimes, for which she was unjustly convicted. Years later, after leaving her abuser and realising that she had been a victim of grooming, Sa
'My Family Killed My Sister': Surviving Honour-Based Abuse
In 2006, Bekhal's younger sister Banaz was murdered by her family in the name of so-called ‘honour’ after leaving an arranged marriage and beginning a relationship of her own choosing.Bekhal later gave evidence in court against her father, uncle and other male relatives, becoming the first daughter in UK history to testify against her own father in an honour killing trial. In this interview, B
From ‘Britain’s Greatest Fraudster’ to Fraud Prevention Expert: How I Stole £30 Million
Support Resources:R eport Fraud -- 0300 123 2040 reportfraud.police.uk We Fight Fincrime -- wefightfincrime.comTony Sales is one of the only people in the world to have ever worked at both the highest level of organised fraud and at the forefront of fraud prevention. He became involved in crime at a young age following an unstable and traumatic childhood, and by his mid-teens was running increasin
One Punch Killer on Violence, Guilt and Redemption
In 2011, Jacob Dunne threw a single punch on a night out that turned fatal, landing him in prison and changing both his life and his victim's family's lives forever. After his release, he connected with his victim's parents through restorative justice and ultimately turned his life around with their encouragement. Find the full episode of Truth Be Told with Zara McDermott on Spotify an
Bereaved Mother: Did Social Media Take My Son’s Life?
Support Resources:Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukChild Bereavement UK -- 0800 02 888 40 --childbereavementuk.orgDrinkline -- 0300 123 1110Adfam -- adfam.org.ukIn 2022, Ellen's life was forever changed by the tragic death of her 14-year-old son, Jools. The cause of Jools' death is unknown, and Ellen has always believed there is more to it - but when she tried to access Jools'
Ex Gangster On The £80 Million Drug Deal That Got Him Arrested
Support Resources:Samaritans -- 116 123 -- samaritans.org.ukFrank Stedman was working as a drug dealer in Essex when he was caught by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in one the biggest undercover drug stings in British history. After a stint on the run in Thailand, he was apprehended upon his return at Heathrow Airport and convicted for his involvement in a major drug deal involving 299 kilos o
Domestic Abuse Survivor: Escaping My Husband
At 17, Natasha Saunders met John: an older man who swept her off her feet with his flattery, charm and constant communication. Within a few months, the new couple had moved in together, gotten engaged and were due to have a baby. This sudden escalation marked the beginning of an eight-year marriage marred with relentless, complex and multifaceted abuse -- until Natasha eventually hatched a plan to
The Woman Who Brought Down A Global Cult
Support Resources Childline -- 020 7616 9999childline.org.uk Samaritans -- 116 123samaritans.org.ukJuliana Bühring was born into a notorious, global cult founded by David Berg in the 1960s. Removed from her parents' care at the age of three, she was raised in a series of military-style training camps and endured a difficult, nomadic childhood, alleging frequent physical, psychological and sexu
