The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

Mark Stibbe (Video) • Understanding Shame and Attachment in Childhood

In this conversation the author, Mark Stibbe shares his profound journey from a challenging early life marked by adoption and separation to his experiences in boarding school, where he faced emotional and physical challenges. He discusses the impact of shame and attachment issues stemming from his childhood, the complexities of relationships, and the vulnerability that led to experiences of abuse. Mark reflects on his disillusionment with organized religion and the transformative power of writing as a therapeutic tool in his healing process. His story is one of resilience, the search for love, and the quest for understanding and forgiveness.
https://www.markstibbe.com/
Chapters
00:00Mark Stibbe's Early Life and Adoption Journey
03:05The Impact of Shame and Attachment Issues
06:17Boarding School Experience and Second Orphaning
08:59The Role of Pets in Childhood Attachment
11:48Resilience and the Absence of Unconditional Love
14:35Vulnerability to Abuse and the Complexity of Relationships
17:33The Effects of Sexual Abuse and Guilt
20:51Navigating the Aftermath of Abuse
23:44The Need for Healing and Understanding
33:40Understanding Guilt and Isolation in Abuse
37:31The Impact of Misbeliefs and Myths on Sexuality
40:42The Role of Family Secrets in Healing
51:06Faith and Spirituality: A Personal Journey
58:08The Hypocrisy of Religious Figures and Abuse
01:02:35The Therapeutic Power of Writing and Storytelling
 

Mark Stibbe (Audio) • Understanding Shame and Attachment in Childhood

In this powerful and poignant conversation, Mark Stibbe shares his profound journey from a challenging early life marked by adoption and separation to his experiences in boarding school, where he faced emotional and physical challenges. He discusses the impact of shame and attachment issues stemming from his childhood, the complexities of relationships, and the vulnerability that led to experiences of abuse. Mark reflects on his disillusionment with organized religion and the transformative power of writing as a therapeutic tool in his healing process. His story is one of resilience, the search for love, and the quest for understanding and forgiveness.
https://www.markstibbe.com/
Chapters
00:00Mark Stibbe's Early Life and Adoption Journey
03:05The Impact of Shame and Attachment Issues
06:17Boarding School Experience and Second Orphaning
08:59The Role of Pets in Childhood Attachment
11:48Resilience and the Absence of Unconditional Love
14:35Vulnerability to Abuse and the Complexity of Relationships
17:33The Effects of Sexual Abuse and Guilt
20:51Navigating the Aftermath of Abuse
23:44The Need for Healing and Understanding
33:40Understanding Guilt and Isolation in Abuse
37:31The Impact of Misbeliefs and Myths on Sexuality
40:42The Role of Family Secrets in Healing
51:06Faith and Spirituality: A Personal Journey
58:08The Hypocrisy of Religious Figures and Abuse
01:02:35The Therapeutic Power of Writing and Storytelling
01:06:37Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

Steve Chalke (video); The incredible development of Oasis with homelessness, education and youth justice.

In this conversation, Steve Chalke discusses the ethos and values of Oasis, (not the pop group) the organization he founded to alleviate poverty and support marginalized communities. He shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the vision behind Oasis, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, understanding, and rehabilitation in society. Chalke highlights innovative approaches to youth justice, particularly through the Oasis Restore project, which aims to provide therapeutic care rather than punishment for young offenders. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating opportunities for young people and the role of accountability and leadership in charitable organizations.
Check out the links below to learn more about their work with youth justice, homelessness, education and much more.
https://www.oasisrestore.org/
https://www.oasisuk.org/
https://www.oasiscommunityhousing.org/
 
Author, speaker, TV and radio presenter, businessman, social entrepreneur, husband and father, Rev Steve Chalke MBE began public life as a Baptist Minister being ordained in 1981. 
In 1985 he founded the Oasis Charitable Trust with a vision to build inclusive communities, where everyone has hope, feels that they matter and is given the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential. Oasis pioneers life-transforming housing, healthcare, education, church, and youth and community initiatives across the UK and the world. 
Oasis works in ‘community hubs’ to provide a range of integrated and high quality services that support people holistically; educationally, physically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, economically and environmentally. 
Steve has inspired numerous key initiatives in Oasis, which retain his involvement, including:
• Oasis College of Higher Education in London, in partnership with Staffordshire University, is committed to equipping and resourcing students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to improve the quality of life for their families and communities;
• Oasis Community Learning, has opened over 40 primary, secondary and all-through schools around the UK, and is committed to education and holistic community regeneration;
• Oasis Church in Waterloo, London, the first of a new network of UK churches which includes others in Bristol, Croydon, Enfield, Grimsby, Salford and Southampton;
• Stop The Traffik, a global coalition working in nearly 100 countries and with tens of thousands of activists around the world campaigning to end people trafficking. Steve was a United Nations Special Adviser for community action against human trafficking;
• People’s Parliament, which creates a place of debate, discussion, interaction and partnership for voluntary organisations with the aim of building more effective relationships between the government and the third sector.
In 2018, Rev Steve Chalke received the Spirit of London Award for the most amount of money raised for charity by an individual at the London Marathon, when he completed the 2011 race. He raised an incredible £2,330,159.38 for the Oasis UK charity.

Steve Chalke (audio) Steve Chalke (video); The incredible development of Oasis with homelessness, education and youth justice

In this conversation, Steve Chalke discusses the ethos and values of Oasis, (not the pop group) the organization he founded to alleviate poverty and support marginalized communities. He shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced, and the vision behind Oasis, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, understanding, and rehabilitation in society. Chalke highlights innovative approaches to youth justice, particularly through the Oasis Restore project, which aims to provide therapeutic care rather than punishment for young offenders. The discussion also touches on the significance of creating opportunities for young people and the role of accountability and leadership in charitable organizations.
Check out the links below to learn more about their work with youth justice, homelessness, education and much more.
https://www.oasisrestore.org/
https://www.oasisuk.org/
https://www.oasiscommunityhousing.org/
 
Author, speaker, TV and radio presenter, businessman, social entrepreneur, husband and father, Rev Steve Chalke MBE began public life as a Baptist Minister being ordained in 1981. 
In 1985 he founded the Oasis Charitable Trust with a vision to build inclusive communities, where everyone has hope, feels that they matter and is given the opportunity to achieve their God-given potential. Oasis pioneers life-transforming housing, healthcare, education, church, and youth and community initiatives across the UK and the world. 
Oasis works in ‘community hubs’ to provide a range of integrated and high quality services that support people holistically; educationally, physically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, economically and environmentally. 
Steve has inspired numerous key initiatives in Oasis, which retain his involvement, including:
• Oasis College of Higher Education in London, in partnership with Staffordshire University, is committed to equipping and resourcing students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to improve the quality of life for their families and communities;
• Oasis Community Learning, has opened over 40 primary, secondary and all-through schools around the UK, and is committed to education and holistic community regeneration;
• Oasis Church in Waterloo, London, the first of a new network of UK churches which includes others in Bristol, Croydon, Enfield, Grimsby, Salford and Southampton;
• Stop The Traffik, a global coalition working in nearly 100 countries and with tens of thousands of activists around the world campaigning to end people trafficking. Steve was a United Nations Special Adviser for community action against human trafficking;
• People’s Parliament, which creates a place of debate, discussion, interaction and partnership for voluntary organisations with the aim of building more effective relationships between the government and the third sector.
In 2018, Rev Steve Chalke received the Spirit of London Award for the most amount of money raised for charity by an individual at the London Marathon, when he completed the 2011 race. He raised an incredible £2,330,159.38 for the Oasis UK charity.

Nora Stern;(video) AI as a Therapeutic Ally: Enhancing the Therapist-Client Relationship

In this enlightening episode, David and Naomi engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Nora Stern, co founder of Affinity AI. They delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence can enhance therapeutic practices, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into mental health services. Nora shares insights on how AI can assist therapists in managing their workload, improving patient engagement, and providing valuable tools for therapy sessions.
**Key Topics Discussed:**- Nora's background and the mission of Affinity AI- The role of AI in summarizing therapy sessions and creating homework exercises for clients- The importance of therapist involvement in AI interactions- Potential applications of AI in high-need mental health services, such as prisons and secure hospitals- The development of AI models trained by psychologists to deliver therapy in a human-like manner- Addressing the challenges of accessibility in mental health services for underrepresented communities- The unique advantages of human therapists in understanding emotional nuances that AI may struggle to replicate
https://www.affiniti.ai/
nora.stern@affinity.ai

Nora Stern;(audio) AI as a Therapeutic Ally: Enhancing the Therapist-Client Relationship

In this enlightening episode, David and Naomi engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Nora Stern, co founder of Affinity AI. They delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence can enhance therapeutic practices, discussing the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into mental health services. Nora shares insights on how AI can assist therapists in managing their workload, improving patient engagement, and providing valuable tools for therapy sessions.
**Key Topics Discussed:**- Nora's background and the mission of Affinity AI- The role of AI in summarizing therapy sessions and creating homework exercises for clients- The importance of therapist involvement in AI interactions- Potential applications of AI in high-need mental health services, such as prisons and secure hospitals- The development of AI models trained by psychologists to deliver therapy in a human-like manner- Addressing the challenges of accessibility in mental health services for underrepresented communities- The unique advantages of human therapists in understanding emotional nuances that AI may struggle to replicate
https://www.affiniti.ai/
nora.stern@affinity.ai

Judith Edwards; (audio) "Grandmotherland: Exploring the Ties That Bind Generations

In this episode, we sit down with Judith Edwards, an experienced child and adolescent psychotherapist, to discuss her latest book, "Grandmotherland." Judith shares her insights on the profound impact of grandparenting, the complexities of familial relationships, and the importance of subjective experiences in understanding our lives. Join us as we explore the intersections of psychoanalysis, culture, and the unique role of grandmothers in shaping family dynamics.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0075417X.2024.2358905
Grandmotherland: exploring the myths and realities; by Judith Edwards, London, Karnac, 2023, 176 pp., £18.99 (paperback), ISBN 9781913494773
 
Judith Edwards is a child and adolescent psychotherapist. She  worked for over thirty years at the Tavistock Clinic in London. The Tavistock is the foremost institute for training and for the application of psychological therapies in the UK. Love the Wild Swan: The Selected Works of Judith Edwards was published by Routledge in their World Library of Mental Health series, and her edited book, Psychoanalysis and Other Matters: Where Are We Now? was also published by Routledge. From 1996 to 2000, she was joint editor of the Journal of Child Psychotherapy. Apart from her clinical experience, one of her principal interests is in the links between psychoanalysis, culture, and the arts, as well as making psychoanalytic ideas accessible to a wider audience. She has an international academic publishing record and in 2010 was awarded the Jan Lee memorial prize for the best paper linking psychoanalysis and the arts during that year: ‘Teaching & Learning about Psychoanalysis: Film as a teaching tool’.

Helen Garlick; (Video) In the Shadow of Secrets: Embracing Family Truths

In this conversation Helen Garlick discusses her book 'No Place to Lie' and the impact of family secrets. She shares her personal experience of discovering her brother's suicide and her mother's hidden sexuality after their deaths. The central themes of the book include family secrets, the power of communication, connection, and community, and the importance of love. Helen emphasizes the healing process and taking responsibility for our own healing. She also discusses the challenges of living with secrets and the impact they have on relationships and self-identity. Helen Garlick discusses the impact of family secrets and the power of writing to heal and transform.  Helen emphasizes the importance of talking about and sharing our stories to lift the shame and isolation associated with family secrets. She also discusses the therapeutic benefits of writing and the process of writing her memoir. Helen encourages others to write their own stories and offers writing retreats to help people explore and express their experiences. She concludes by recommending the healing power of nature and the importance of connecting with the wildness around us.
 
Helen Garlick is the author of ‘No Place to Lie’ about family secrets. Formerly a family lawyer, mediator and trainer, she is now continuing to working on her own writing including the power of owning your own story. She has run coastal writing retreats in North Devon and is a true believer in the healing power of blue whether the sea or other bodies of water. She is strongly in favour of busting the shame/silence around family secrets and has a youtube channel called Hello It’s Better to Talk.
She currently lives in Devon with her husband Tim Rice (not that one) and three dogs. Between them they have five adult children.
 
Twitter @helenpgarlick
Instagram @helenpgarlick
Facebook Helen Garlick
 

Helen Garlick; (Audio) In the Shadow of Secrets: Embracing Family Truths

In this conversation Helen Garlick discusses her book 'No Place to Lie' and the impact of family secrets. She shares her personal experience of discovering her brother's suicide and her mother's hidden sexuality after their deaths. The central themes of the book include family secrets, the power of communication, connection, and community, and the importance of love. Helen emphasizes the healing process and taking responsibility for our own healing. She also discusses the challenges of living with secrets and the impact they have on relationships and self-identity. Helen Garlick discusses the impact of family secrets and the power of writing to heal and transform.  Helen emphasizes the importance of talking about and sharing our stories to lift the shame and isolation associated with family secrets. She also discusses the therapeutic benefits of writing and the process of writing her memoir. Helen encourages others to write their own stories and offers writing retreats to help people explore and express their experiences. She concludes by recommending the healing power of nature and the importance of connecting with the wildness around us.
 
Helen Garlick is the author of ‘No Place to Lie’ about family secrets. Formerly a family lawyer, mediator and trainer, she is now continuing to working on her own writing including the power of owning your own story. She has run coastal writing retreats in North Devon and is a true believer in the healing power of blue whether the sea or other bodies of water. She is strongly in favour of busting the shame/silence around family secrets and has a youtube channel called Hello It’s Better to Talk.
She currently lives in Devon with her husband Tim Rice (not that one) and three dogs. Between them they have five adult children.
 
Twitter @helenpgarlick
Instagram @helenpgarlick
Facebook Helen Garlick

Ari Yampolsky; (Video) Caught in the Crossfire: The Perils of Exposing Corruption in the USA

In this detailed conversation, Ari Yampolsky discusses his rewarding work as a lawyer specializing in whistleblower cases in the USA. He finds great fulfillment in hearing clients' stories, gathering evidence, and presenting compelling cases to the government to initiate investigations. Yampolsky emphasizes the importance of self-care, noting that he balances the emotional weight of his work by engaging in exercise, spending time in nature, and being with his family. The dialogue also touches on the complexities of whistleblower regulations in the U.S. compared to the U.K., with Yampolsky highlighting the narrow yet powerful nature of U.S. laws. He explains that whistleblowers can significantly enhance regulatory efficiency by providing insider knowledge that helps target misconduct. However, he acknowledges the adversarial nature of legal processes and the potential for whistleblowers to face retaliation, which can lead to feelings of anger and hurt. Yampolsky plays a crucial role in guiding whistleblowers through the legal landscape, assessing the strength of their information against legal frameworks, and preparing their cases for regulators. He also discusses the challenges whistleblowers face, including the fear of repercussions and the emotional toll of coming forward. Ultimately, Yampolsky's work is centered on advocating for those who expose wrongdoing while navigating the intricate dynamics of law and human experience.
Ari Yampolsky is a lawyer in the United States of America. He is a partner at Whistleblower Partners. He's represented Whistleblowers under every major whistleblower reward law for a decade. In his False Claims Act practice, Ari has successfully represented claimants in lawsuits related to healthcare fraud, procurement fraud and customs fraud. These include groundbreaking state false claims act lawsuits in which Ari represented a whistleblower and dozens of government entities against four wireless carriers. And this resulted in a $138 million dollar settlement and a 40 % share for his whistleblower client. Ari also represents whistleblowers with claims under every reward program run by a federal agency. Ari has helped secure millions of dollars in awards for financial fraud whistleblowers under the SEC's program. Recently he and his colleagues obtained a $24 .3 million reward for a former Hyundai Safety Engineer at the first ever whistleblower award made by the Federal Auto Safety Regulator.
https://whistleblower.law/ari-yampolsky
https://whistleblower.law/
 

Ari Yampolsky; (Audio) Caught in the Crossfire: The Perils of Exposing Corruption in the USA

In this detailed conversation, Ari Yampolsky discusses his rewarding work as a lawyer specializing in whistleblower cases in the USA. He finds great fulfillment in hearing clients' stories, gathering evidence, and presenting compelling cases to the government to initiate investigations. Yampolsky emphasizes the importance of self-care, noting that he balances the emotional weight of his work by engaging in exercise, spending time in nature, and being with his family. The dialogue also touches on the complexities of whistleblower regulations in the U.S. compared to the U.K., with Yampolsky highlighting the narrow yet powerful nature of U.S. laws. He explains that whistleblowers can significantly enhance regulatory efficiency by providing insider knowledge that helps target misconduct. However, he acknowledges the adversarial nature of legal processes and the potential for whistleblowers to face retaliation, which can lead to feelings of anger and hurt. Yampolsky plays a crucial role in guiding whistleblowers through the legal landscape, assessing the strength of their information against legal frameworks, and preparing their cases for regulators. He also discusses the challenges whistleblowers face, including the fear of repercussions and the emotional toll of coming forward. Ultimately, Yampolsky's work is centered on advocating for those who expose wrongdoing while navigating the intricate dynamics of law and human experience.
Ari Yampolsky is a lawyer in the United States of America. He is a partner at Whistleblower Partners. He's represented Whistleblowers under every major whistleblower reward law for a decade. In his False Claims Act practice, Ari has successfully represented claimants in lawsuits related to healthcare fraud, procurement fraud and customs fraud. These include groundbreaking state false claims act lawsuits in which Ari represented a whistleblower and dozens of government entities against four wireless carriers. And this resulted in a $138 million dollar settlement and a 40 % share for his whistleblower client. Ari also represents whistleblowers with claims under every reward program run by a federal agency. Ari has helped secure millions of dollars in awards for financial fraud whistleblowers under the SEC's program. Recently he and his colleagues obtained a $24 .3 million reward for a former Hyundai Safety Engineer at the first ever whistleblower award made by the Federal Auto Safety Regulator.
https://whistleblower.law/ari-yampolsky
https://whistleblower.law/
 

Catherine Knibbs (Video) Behind the Screen: The Hidden Risks of Online Engagement for Young Minds

Cath is an author, clinician with children and adults, supervisor, researcher, educator, speaker and mum with a background in the Armed Forces Engineering and Optronics, IT, Gaming and Psychology alongside Functional Health and her other passion of Neuroscience. She is a polymath and pattern recognition nerd.
New book October 2024; https://www.routledge.com/Managing-Your-Gaming-and-Social-Media-Habits-From-Science-to-Solutions/Knibbs/p/book/9781032607597?srsltid=AfmBOorerHCkQT7xJXx1IatOE8aWTU2c6-Q3fxfu9QSuEfocbaBKW2pa
Summary
Catherine Knibbs, a psychotherapist and expert in cyber trauma, discusses her journey into psychotherapy and her expertise in online harm. She shares how her upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison influenced her interest in understanding why people engage in harmful behaviors. Catherine explains how her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm. She highlights the prevalence of cyber criminals and the alarming rates of sextortion and grooming of children online. Catherine also discusses the impact of technology on attachment patterns in children and the need for education and awareness to protect children online. The conversation explores the impact of technology on mental health, particularly in relation to boredom, attention, and online harms. It discusses the need for digital literacy and responsible parenting, rather than a complete ban on smartphones. The conversation also highlights the lack of support for professionals working in the field of online harm. The guest emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal well-being in dealing with the challenges of technology.
Website; https://www.childrenandtech.co.uk/
 
Takeaways
Catherine's upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison sparked her interest in understanding harmful behaviors.
Her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm.
There is a prevalence of cyber criminals who engage in sextortion and grooming of children online.
Technology has a significant impact on attachment patterns in children, and there is a need for education and awareness to protect children online. Technology can be both a tool and a medium, and its impact on mental health is complex.
Boredom and attention are affected by technology, but it's not just about eliminating boredom; it's about recognizing internal processes.
Banning smartphones is not the solution; digital literacy and responsible parenting are crucial.
Professionals working in the field of online harm need more support and resources.
Self-care and personal well-being are essential in navigating the challenges of technology.

Catherine Knibbs (Audio) Behind the Screen: The Hidden Risks of Online Engagement for Young Minds

Cath is an author, clinician with children and adults, supervisor, researcher, educator, speaker and mum with a background in the Armed Forces Engineering and Optronics, IT, Gaming and Psychology alongside Functional Health and her other passion of Neuroscience. She is a polymath and pattern recognition nerd.
New book out October 2024
https://www.routledge.com/Managing-Your-Gaming-and-Social-Media-Habits-From-Science-to-Solutions/Knibbs/p/book/9781032607597?srsltid=AfmBOorerHCkQT7xJXx1IatOE8aWTU2c6-Q3fxfu9QSuEfocbaBKW2pa
 
Summary
Catherine Knibbs, a psychotherapist and expert in cyber trauma, discusses her journey into psychotherapy and her expertise in online harm. She shares how her upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison influenced her interest in understanding why people engage in harmful behaviors. Catherine explains how her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm. She highlights the prevalence of cyber criminals and the alarming rates of sextortion and grooming of children online. Catherine also discusses the impact of technology on attachment patterns in children and the need for education and awareness to protect children online. The conversation explores the impact of technology on mental health, particularly in relation to boredom, attention, and online harms. It discusses the need for digital literacy and responsible parenting, rather than a complete ban on smartphones. The conversation also highlights the lack of support for professionals working in the field of online harm. The guest emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal well-being in dealing with the challenges of technology.
Website; https://www.childrenandtech.co.uk/
 
Takeaways
Catherine's upbringing in a military family and exposure to stories from Wakefield Prison sparked her interest in understanding harmful behaviors.
Her background in engineering and computing led her to become knowledgeable about cyber trauma and online harm.
There is a prevalence of cyber criminals who engage in sextortion and grooming of children online.
Technology has a significant impact on attachment patterns in children, and there is a need for education and awareness to protect children online. Technology can be both a tool and a medium, and its impact on mental health is complex.
Boredom and attention are affected by technology, but it's not just about eliminating boredom; it's about recognizing internal processes.
Banning smartphones is not the solution; digital literacy and responsible parenting are crucial.
Professionals working in the field of online harm need more support and resources.
Self-care and personal well-being are essential in navigating the challenges of technology.

Alex South (Video); Moral Injury: The Hidden Cost of Working in Prisons

Summary
In this conversation, Alex South, a former prison officer with nearly a decade of experience, shares her journey through the prison system, discussing the challenges, culture, and dynamics of working in prisons. She reflects on her training, the impact of staffing shortages, and the mental health challenges faced by both staff and inmates. She also speaks of the deep bonds of trust which develop with colleagues and, in the right circumstances, with some convicted people. Alex also highlights the changes in prison culture over the years and the importance of advocating for better conditions and support for prison officers. Her insights are drawn from personal experiences and her memoir, 'Behind these Doors', which aims to shed light on the realities of prison life and the potential for change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-these-Doors-Strength-Suffering/dp/1399707558
Takeaways
Alex South worked as a prison officer for almost 10 years.
The prison environment is unique and requires strong interpersonal skills.
Training for prison officers is often insufficient for real-life challenges.
Prison culture varies significantly based on demographics and management.
Staff welfare is crucial for effective prison management.
The role of a prison officer has changed dramatically over the years.
Mental health support for staff is often lacking in the prison system.
International examples show better staff welfare practices in prisons.
Alex's decision to leave was influenced by burnout and stress.
Writing and advocacy are important for raising awareness about prison issues.

Alex South (Audio); Moral Injury: The Hidden Cost of Working in Prisons

Summary
In this conversation, Alex South, a former prison officer with nearly a decade of experience, shares her journey through the prison system, discussing the challenges, culture, and dynamics of working in prisons. She reflects on her training, the impact of staffing shortages, and the mental health challenges faced by both staff and inmates. She also speaks of the deep bonds of trust which develop with colleagues and, in the right circumstances, with some convicted people. Alex also highlights the changes in prison culture over the years and the importance of advocating for better conditions and support for prison officers. Her insights are drawn from personal experiences and her memoir, 'Behind these Doors', which aims to shed light on the realities of prison life and the potential for change.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-these-Doors-Strength-Suffering/dp/1399707558
Takeaways
Alex South worked as a prison officer for almost 10 years.
The prison environment is unique and requires strong interpersonal skills.
Training for prison officers is often insufficient for real-life challenges.
Prison culture varies significantly based on demographics and management.
Staff welfare is crucial for effective prison management.
The role of a prison officer has changed dramatically over the years.
Mental health support for staff is often lacking in the prison system.
International examples show better staff welfare practices in prisons.
Alex's decision to leave was influenced by burnout and stress.
Writing and advocacy are important for raising awareness about prison issues.

David Hencke (video) Unmasking Deception: David's Battle for Transparency

David Hencke, is a multi award winning investigative journalist known for his hard-hitting pieces that champion truth and expose the bad practices of organizations, industries, and governments. In this engaging discussion, David shares his fascinating experiences and insights into the world of journalism, shedding light on the impact of social media and the challenges faced by the profession.
From the very beginning, David's journey into journalism was unconventional. He discovered his passion for reporting while studying at Warwick University, where he became the editor of a student newspaper. This early exposure to the power of journalism and its ability to challenge authority set the stage for his future endeavors.
Throughout his 50+ year career, David has consistently bumped up against authority, unearthing hidden truths and holding those in power accountable. He recounts instances where he faced backlash for his investigative work, such as when he exposed a history professor's contradictory behavior or when he reported on a political candidate's controversial speech. These experiences not only shaped his determination to uncover the truth but also highlighted the deviousness of the organizations he dealt with.
Read his Blog https://davidhencke.com/

David Hencke (audio) Unmasking Deception: Investegative Journalist David Hencke's Battle for Transparency

David Hencke, is an award winning investigative journalist known for his hard-hitting pieces that champion truth and expose the bad practices of organizations, industries, and governments. In this engaging discussion, David shares his fascinating experiences and insights into the world of journalism, shedding light on the impact of social media and the challenges faced by the profession.
 
From the very beginning, David's journey into journalism was unconventional. He discovered his passion for reporting while studying at Warwick University, where he became the editor of a student newspaper. This early exposure to the power of journalism and its ability to challenge authority set the stage for his future endeavors.
Throughout his 50+ year career, David has consistently bumped up against authority, unearthing hidden truths and holding those in power accountable. He recounts instances where he faced backlash for his investigative work, such as when he exposed a history professor's contradictory behavior or when he reported on a political candidate's controversial speech. These experiences not only shaped his determination to uncover the truth but also highlighted the deviousness of the organizations he dealt with.
Read his Blog https://davidhencke.com/

Taslim Tharani (audio) Navigating Racism and Emotional Regulation in Boarding School

Taslim Tharani was born in the UK as was her older sister. Her parents were both born in Tanzania to parents whose background was in India. Taslim shares her experiences of being in a thrice migrant family. She talks about attending boarding school and the impact it had on her identity and emotional well-being. She discusses the decision to attend boarding school, the influence of racism, the emotional challenges, and the sense of homelessness. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of the boarding school experience and the struggle to regulate emotions in a boarding school environment. Taslim shares her experiences of boarding school, the impact on her sense of home, identity, and relationships, and the journey of healing and self-discovery. She reflects on the influence of her experiences on her career as an organizational psychologist.

Taslim Tharani (Video) Navigating Racism and Emotional Regulation in Boarding School

Taslim Tharani was born in the UK as was her older sister. Her parents were both born in Tanzania to parents whose background was in India. Taslim shares her experiences of being in a thrice migrant family Taslim talks about attending boarding school and the impact it had on her identity and emotional well-being. She discusses the decision to attend boarding school, the influence of racism, the emotional challenges, and the sense of homelessness. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of the boarding school experience and the struggle to regulate emotions in a boarding school environment. Taslim shares her experiences of boarding school, the impact on her sense of home, identity, and relationships, and the journey of healing and self-discovery. She reflects on the influence of her experiences on her career as an organizational psychologist.

Michael Allison (Video) Playful Connections: How Polyvagal Theory Enhances Play and Social Engagement

In this conversation David and Naomi meet with Michael Allison . Michaels discusses his work as a Polyvagal performance consultant and the founder of the Playzone. He explains that his journey into Polyvagal theory began when he owned a fitness facility and wellness center, where he noticed the positive impact of creating a safe and connected community for his clients. This led him to study behavior science and eventually discover the power of Polyvagal theory in understanding and optimizing human physiology.
Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, focuses on the physiological state of individuals and how it affects their behavior and interactions. It emphasizes the importance of feeling safe and connected in order to tap into one's highest potential and align with their values. Michael explains that our nervous system is constantly assessing whether we can trust others and feel safe enough to be ourselves. Understanding the shifts in our physiology can help us navigate difficult interactions and have conversations with greater alignment and authenticity.
The Playzone course, based on Michael's initial manuscript, is designed for coaches, consultants, business leaders, psychologists, and professionals in various fields who want to optimize their physiology to support higher performance and resilience. The course delves into the science behind Polyvagal theory and explores different tools and strategies to create a container of safety and connection. Michael shares case studies and real-life examples to help participants understand and apply the concepts in their own lives and work.
https://theplayzone.com/
Michael also discusses his collaboration with the Polyvagal Institute and his efforts to bring Polyvagal theory to a wider audience. He aims to make the theory accessible and applicable, without requiring a deep understanding of the science behind it. 
Overall, this podcast conversation highlights the significance of Polyvagal theory in understanding human behavior and optimizing our physiology for greater well-being and success. It emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of safety and connection in order to thrive in various aspects of life.
 
https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/items/the-play-zone%3A-a-neurophysiological-approach-to-our-highest-performance
 
Keywords
Polyvagal theory, physiology, relationships, safety, trust, connection, fitness, wellness, sports, play, autonomic flexibility, pressure, competition, culture, awareness, understanding
 
Takeaways
Polyvagal theory provides a framework for understanding the impact of physiology on human experience and behavior.
Creating a sense of safety, trust, and connection is essential for fostering healthy relationships and personal growth.
The concept of play is foundational in building relationships and promoting autonomic flexibility.
Addressing pressure and competition in modern culture is crucial for promoting awareness and understanding of Polyvagal theory.