The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments
Can institutional culture challenge your mental health? What if your job makes you feel shame, sadness, grief, disgust and fear? What if you are expected not to feel? Or you are expected to be relentlessly competitive? What it’s like to live or work in a prison? Does working with people who commit murder, child abuse and rape affect people who work in prisons and the wider criminal justice system? How do people survive and thrive when facing significant challenges to our emotional health over a lengthy period? How do we protect ourselves and stay compassionate, loving and trusting? Importantly, how do we find and preserve hope? Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote that “The degree of civilisation in a society can be judged by entering its prisons”. In this weekly podcast ,your hosts, David Jones (Forensic psychotherapist) and Dr Naomi Murphy (Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist) hope that exploring less visible aspects of prisons will help listeners see that prisons are a window into society and let us see people not only at their worst but also at their best. We feature a rich range of guests sharing snap shots of life in prisons and take a look at hospitals, schools, sport and the police in order to learn from other institutions. We learn about challenges to human integrity and hear important lessons and heart-warming stories about survival and growth when facing adversity in harsh places. We hope that sharing our conversations can help you make changes to your own relationship with institutions that might challenge your emotional health and well-being. Follow and connect with us and give us feedback. Let us know what you think works, and also what doesn’t. We want you to look forward to the podcast each week. We’ll also be extremely grateful for any reviews that you give us. A simple star or two or a thumbs up will do. Email: lockedupliving@gmail.com or connect with us on: Substack: https://lockedupliving.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/LockedUpLiving Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomimurphypsychologist/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jones-41910b12/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lockedupliving/
Episodes
24 hours ago
24 hours ago
keywords
Offploy, ex-offenders, employment opportunities, peer mentoring, social entrepreneurship, stigma, rehabilitation, community support, inclusivity
summary
In this conversation, Jacob Hill, founder of Offploy, shares his journey from being a prisoner to creating a peer mentoring organization that supports socially excluded individuals, particularly those with criminal convictions. He discusses the challenges faced by ex-offenders in securing employment, the stigma surrounding their past, and the importance of community support. Jacob emphasizes the need for employers to be more inclusive and understanding, and he reflects on his own experiences with prejudice and the emotional toll of advocacy work. The conversation highlights the societal impact of providing employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated and the transformative power of second chances.
takeaways
Offploy supports socially excluded individuals to achieve their goals.
Jacob's journey from prison changed his perception of ex-offenders.
The fear of prison can be more daunting than the experience itself.
Starting Offploy was a way to repay his debt to society.
Reputational risk is a major barrier for employers hiring ex-offenders.
Employment opportunities can significantly reduce reoffending rates.
Employers should focus on the individual rather than their past convictions.
Community support is crucial for the reintegration of ex-offenders.
Inclusivity in hiring practices benefits both employers and society
Self-care and resilience are essential in advocacy work.
https://www.offploy.org/
24 hours ago
24 hours ago
keywords
Offploy, ex-offenders, employment opportunities, peer mentoring, social entrepreneurship, stigma, rehabilitation, community support, inclusivity
summary
In this conversation, Jacob Hill, founder of Offploy, shares his journey from being a prisoner to creating a peer mentoring organization that supports socially excluded individuals, particularly those with criminal convictions. He discusses the challenges faced by ex-offenders in securing employment, the stigma surrounding their past, and the importance of community support. Jacob emphasizes the need for employers to be more inclusive and understanding, and he reflects on his own experiences with prejudice and the emotional toll of advocacy work. The conversation highlights the societal impact of providing employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated and the transformative power of second chances.
takeaways
Offploy supports socially excluded individuals to achieve their goals.
Jacob's journey from prison changed his perception of ex-offenders.
The fear of prison can be more daunting than the experience itself.
Starting Offploy was a way to repay his debt to society.
Reputational risk is a major barrier for employers hiring ex-offenders.
Employment opportunities can significantly reduce reoffending rates.
Employers should focus on the individual rather than their past convictions.
Community support is crucial for the reintegration of ex-offenders.
Inclusivity in hiring practices benefits both employers and society
Self-care and resilience are essential in advocacy work.
https://www.offploy.org/
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Zelda Perkins; (video) The Legal Battle Against Harvey Weinstein and NDAs
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Zelda Perkins was the first woman to break an NDA in 2017, signed decades earlier, with Harvey Weinstein. She brought the systematic abuse of NDA’s to the attention of the British Government and international press, giving evidence at two parliamentary inquiries, which uncovered an epidemic of misuse, and pushed the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to take disciplinary action against the lawyer who created the NDA for Weinstein. Her actions have been inspiring others to come forward by her example. She has been campaigning for legislative and regulatory reform in the UK since 2017 and launched the Global campaign Can’t Buy My Silence cantbuymysilence.com with Canadian Co Founder, Professor Julie Macfarlane in September 2021. They are working with Government in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Canada and Australia to change legislation and regulation around the misuse of NDA’s. They have had legislative success in the UK, Ireland and Canada with the first laws of their kind banning NDAs being passed in all three countries, however there is still a long way to go. Zelda was named a Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2018, by the Guardian in 2020 and in 2023 awarded for her Outstanding Contribution to Gender Equality by UN Women UK. Her character was portrayed by Samantha Morton in the Universal Pictures feature “She Said” documenting her part in the downfall of Weinstein.
keywords
Zelda Perkins, Harvey Weinstein, NDAs, workplace harassment, power dynamics, legal challenges, justice, settlements, advocacy, gender equality, cultural change, power dynamics, non-disclosure agreements, emotional toll, moral injury, advocacy, self-care, trauma, accountability, legislation
summary
In this conversation David and Naomi speak with Zelda Perkins, a prominent figure in the fight against the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) following her experience with Harvey Weinstein. Zelda shares her journey from working at Miramax Films to co-founding the organization Can't Buy My Silence, highlighting the systemic issues of power dynamics, the challenges of seeking justice, and the emotional toll of legal negotiations. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these issues in various workplaces and the ongoing advocacy for legislative change to protect victims. In this conversation they discuss the cultural changes needed to address power dynamics, particularly in relation to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and their emotional toll on individuals. They emphasize the importance of accountability and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards power and abuse. The discussion also highlights the concept of moral injury, the challenges faced by those under NDAs, and the ongoing campaign to reform the use of these agreements.
takeaways
Zelda Perkins broke her NDA with Harvey Weinstein, sparking a movement against NDA misuse.
The legal system often fails victims of harassment and abuse.
Power dynamics in the workplace can lead to exploitation, especially for women.
Money in settlements can complicate the pursuit of justice.
The emotional toll of legal negotiations can be profound and disorienting.
Victims often feel responsible for the actions of their abusers.
The culture of silence around abuse needs to be challenged.
Advocacy for legislative change is crucial to protect victims.
The experience of being treated as 'girls' highlights the gender dynamics in legal settings.
Zelda's journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity. Cultural change is essential to address power dynamics.
The law must evolve to protect individuals from abuse.
NDAs can serve legitimate purposes but are often misused.
The emotional toll of NDAs can be profound and lasting.
Moral injury is a significant consequence of being silenced.
Fear of legal repercussions can prevent individuals from speaking out.
Truth is a powerful tool against oppression.
Victims should have control over confidentiality agreements.
Advocacy requires self-care and boundaries.
Public awareness is crucial for cultural change.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Zelda Perkins; (audio) The Legal Battle Against Harvey Weinstein and NDAs
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Co - Founder Can’t Buy My SIlence
Zelda Perkins was the first woman to break an NDA in 2017, signed decades earlier, with Harvey Weinstein. She brought the systematic abuse of NDA’s to the attention of the British Government and international press, giving evidence at two parliamentary inquiries, which uncovered an epidemic of misuse, and pushed the Solicitors Regulatory Authority to take disciplinary action against the lawyer who created the NDA for Weinstein. Her actions have been inspiring others to come forward by her example. She has been campaigning for legislative and regulatory reform in the UK since 2017 and launched the Global campaign Can’t Buy My Silence cantbuymysilence.com with Canadian Co Founder, Professor Julie Macfarlane in September 2021. They are working with Government in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Canada and Australia to change legislation and regulation around the misuse of NDA’s. They have had legislative success in the UK, Ireland and Canada with the first laws of their kind banning NDAs being passed in all three countries, however there is still a long way to go. Zelda was named a Person of the Year by Time magazine in 2018, by the Guardian in 2020 and in 2023 awarded for her Outstanding Contribution to Gender Equality by UN Women UK. Her character was portrayed by Samantha Morton in the Universal Pictures feature “She Said” documenting her part in the downfall of Weinstein.
keywords
Zelda Perkins, Harvey Weinstein, NDAs, workplace harassment, power dynamics, legal challenges, justice, settlements, advocacy, gender equality, cultural change, power dynamics, non-disclosure agreements, emotional toll, moral injury, advocacy, self-care, trauma, accountability, legislation
summary
In this conversation David and Naomi speak with Zelda Perkins, a prominent figure in the fight against the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) following her experience with Harvey Weinstein. Zelda shares her journey from working at Miramax Films to co-founding the organization Can't Buy My Silence, highlighting the systemic issues of power dynamics, the challenges of seeking justice, and the emotional toll of legal negotiations. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these issues in various workplaces and the ongoing advocacy for legislative change to protect victims. In this conversation they discuss the cultural changes needed to address power dynamics, particularly in relation to non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and their emotional toll on individuals. They emphasize the importance of accountability and the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards power and abuse. The discussion also highlights the concept of moral injury, the challenges faced by those under NDAs, and the ongoing campaign to reform the use of these agreements.
takeaways
Zelda Perkins broke her NDA with Harvey Weinstein, sparking a movement against NDA misuse.
The legal system often fails victims of harassment and abuse.
Power dynamics in the workplace can lead to exploitation, especially for women.
Money in settlements can complicate the pursuit of justice.
The emotional toll of legal negotiations can be profound and disorienting.
Victims often feel responsible for the actions of their abusers.
The culture of silence around abuse needs to be challenged.
Advocacy for legislative change is crucial to protect victims.
The experience of being treated as 'girls' highlights the gender dynamics in legal settings.
Zelda's journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity. Cultural change is essential to address power dynamics.
The law must evolve to protect individuals from abuse.
NDAs can serve legitimate purposes but are often misused.
The emotional toll of NDAs can be profound and lasting.
Moral injury is a significant consequence of being silenced.
Fear of legal repercussions can prevent individuals from speaking out.
Truth is a powerful tool against oppression.
Victims should have control over confidentiality agreements.
Advocacy requires self-care and boundaries.
Public awareness is crucial for cultural change.
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Mark Stibbe (Video) • Understanding Shame and Attachment in Childhood
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
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
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Mark Stibbe (Audio) • Understanding Shame and Attachment in Childhood
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
Wednesday Nov 06, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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.
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Nora Stern;(video) AI as a Therapeutic Ally: Enhancing the Therapist-Client Relationship
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Nora Stern;(audio) AI as a Therapeutic Ally: Enhancing the Therapist-Client Relationship
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
Wednesday Oct 23, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Judith Edwards; (audio) "Grandmotherland: Exploring the Ties That Bind Generations
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
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’.
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Helen Garlick; (Video) In the Shadow of Secrets: Embracing Family Truths
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Helen Garlick; (Audio) In the Shadow of Secrets: Embracing Family Truths
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
Wednesday Oct 09, 2024
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
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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/
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
Wednesday Oct 02, 2024
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/
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
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.
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
Wednesday Sep 25, 2024
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.
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Alex South (Video); Moral Injury: The Hidden Cost of Working in Prisons
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
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.
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Alex South (Audio); Moral Injury: The Hidden Cost of Working in Prisons
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
Wednesday Sep 18, 2024
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.
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
David Hencke (video) Unmasking Deception: David's Battle for Transparency
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
Wednesday Sep 11, 2024
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/
Why 'Locked up Living?'
David is a psychotherapist who has worked leading therapeutic communities in English prisons and in Millfields, an NHS forensic setting in East London. Naomi is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic psychologist who was, for many years, clinical lead at The Fens, a treatment programme for serious offenders at HMP Whitemoor. We had both experienced painful and destructive forces in our work and so we set out to discover what things make a positive difference for staff and service users and what is it that makes things go wrong. Of course we found out that there is no easy answer but there are many fascinating and valuable experiences to be heard.