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

David Jones and |Naomi Murphy (Video) Addressing Trauma and Rehabilitation in Prisons

Summary 2024 is a general election year in the UK and David and Naomi wanted to have a conversation about the criminal justice system because the topic receives so little attention elsewhere. However the topic is so wide and complex that we found that we could only begin and hope to return to the subject again. The conversation explores the ethical considerations around imprisonment and the need for more investment in the prison service. The speakers discuss their experiences working in prisons and the challenges they faced. They highlight the importance of addressing trauma and providing a supportive environment for rehabilitation. They also discuss the limitations and flaws of the current prison system, including the lack of resources and support for released prisoners. The conversation raises questions about the effectiveness and ethics of imprisonment as a form of punishment.

Ian Foxley; Stumbling across Corruption: The Whistleblower's dangerous Journey

In this extraordinary conversation Ian Foxley, a retired army lieutenant colonel and founder of Parrhesia, shares his experience as a whistleblower in the Airbus corruption scandal. He discovered wrongdoing while working as a program director for an Airbus subsidiary in Saudi Arabia. He found irregularities in the budget, questionable projects, and secret payments to subcontractors. When he reported his findings to the MOD, he faced threats and had to escape the country. He later provided evidence to the MOD Fraud Squad and the Serious Fraud Office, leading to a criminal investigation into Airbus. Airbus was fined €3.6 billion, and GPT, the subsidiary, pleaded guilty to corruption. Ian Foxley discusses the aftermath of blowing the whistle on corruption in defense procurement, including the legal proceedings and trials that took place. He emphasizes the need to hold government departments accountable for their involvement in corruption and calls for transparency and personal accountability. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by whistleblowers, including the impact on their careers and personal lives. Foxley shares his own experiences and highlights the importance of a strong support network. He concludes by discussing the work of Parrhesia, an organization he founded to advocate for whistleblower protection and contribute to policy changes.
https://www.parrhesia.org.uk/
(Parrhesia is an Ancient Greek term meaning “to speak freely” implying not only freedom of speech, but the obligation to speak the truth for the common good, even at great personal risk.)
Keywordswhistleblower, Airbus, corruption, Saudi Arabia, budget, subcontractors, threats, escape, evidence, investigation, fine, guilty plea, whistleblowing, corruption, defense procurement, accountability, government departments, trials, support network, Parheesia

Ian Foxley; Stumbling across Corruption: The Whistleblower's dangerous Journey (Video)

In this extraordinary conversation Ian Foxley, a retired army lieutenant colonel and founder of Parrhesia, shares his experience as a whistleblower in the Airbus corruption scandal. He discovered wrongdoing while working as a program director for an Airbus subsidiary in Saudi Arabia. He found irregularities in the budget, questionable projects, and secret payments to subcontractors. When he reported his findings to the MOD, he faced threats and had to escape the country. He later provided evidence to the MOD Fraud Squad and the Serious Fraud Office, leading to a criminal investigation into Airbus. Airbus was fined €3.6 billion, and GPT, the subsidiary, pleaded guilty to corruption. Ian Foxley discusses the aftermath of blowing the whistle on corruption in defense procurement, including the legal proceedings and trials that took place. He emphasizes the need to hold government departments accountable for their involvement in corruption and calls for transparency and personal accountability. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by whistleblowers, including the impact on their careers and personal lives. Foxley shares his own experiences and highlights the importance of a strong support network. He concludes by discussing the work of Parrhesia, an organization he founded to advocate for whistleblower protection and contribute to policy changes.
https://www.parrhesia.org.uk/
(Parrhesia is an Ancient Greek term meaning “to speak freely” implying not only freedom of speech, but the obligation to speak the truth for the common good, even at great personal risk.)
Keywordswhistleblower, Airbus, corruption, Saudi Arabia, budget, subcontractors, threats, escape, evidence, investigation, fine, guilty plea, whistleblowing, corruption, defense procurement, accountability, government departments, trials, support network, Parheesia

Robert Verkaik; Exploring social inequality. (Audio)

Robert Verkaik, author and journalist, discusses his passionate interest in social inequality and the impact of poverty on communities. He shares his personal experiences and observations that have shaped his interest in the subject. The conversation also touches on the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the ethics of wealth, the impact of the austerity agenda, and the portrayal of poverty in the media. Robert suggests solutions such as tax reform, a universal basic income, and addressing the issues surrounding private education. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Robert's latest book, 'The Traitor of Arnhem', and the lingering effects of World War II on Russia's political culture.
Bio
Robert is an author and journalist specialising in security and social mobility. His journalism appears in the Guardian, Independent, i newspaper, Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times. 
Robert was the home affairs editor and law editor at The Independent, where he worked for 12 years. After leaving the Independent he joined the Mail on Sunday as security editor.
Since the 9.11 attacks on America, he has covered the 'war on terror' and has visited the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay and interviewed victims of torture in Syria.  He has also headed media campaigns against ‘secret justice’ and in support of greater press freedoms. More recently he has been writing about the causes of extremism and social immobility. 
His reporting has been long-listed for both the Orwell Prize and the Paul Foot Awards. He was a runner-up in the specialist journalist category at the 2013 National Press Awards.  He is also a non-practising qualified barrister called to the Bar in 2007.
 
Robert is the author of six books: The Traitor of Arnhem (2024); The Traitor of Colditz (2022); Why You Won't Get Rich, how capitalism broke its contract with hard work (2021); Defiant: The Untold Story of the Battle of Britain (2020); Jihadi John: The Making of a Terrorist (2016) and Posh Boys: How English Public Schools Ruin Britain (2018) His reporting has been long-listed for both the Orwell Prize and the Paul Foot Awards. He was a runner-up in the specialist journalist category at the 2013 National Press Awards.
His latest book is The Traitor of Arnhem which demonstrates why Putin is threatening the West today.

Robert Verkaik; Exploring Social Inequality. (Video)

Robert Verkaik, author and journalist, discusses his passionate interest in social inequality and the impact of poverty on communities. He shares his personal experiences and observations that have shaped his interest in the subject. The conversation also touches on the difference between being rich and being wealthy, the ethics of wealth, the impact of the austerity agenda, and the portrayal of poverty in the media. Robert suggests solutions such as tax reform, a universal basic income, and addressing the issues surrounding private education. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Robert's latest book, 'The Traitor of Arnhem', and the lingering effects of World War II on Russia's political culture.
Bio
Robert is an author and journalist specialising in security and social mobility. His journalism appears in the Guardian, Independent, i newspaper, Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Times. 
Robert was the home affairs editor and law editor at The Independent, where he worked for 12 years. After leaving the Independent he joined the Mail on Sunday as security editor.
Since the 9.11 attacks on America, he has covered the 'war on terror' and has visited the US detention camp at Guantanamo Bay and interviewed victims of torture in Syria.  He has also headed media campaigns against ‘secret justice’ and in support of greater press freedoms. More recently he has been writing about the causes of extremism and social immobility. 
His reporting has been long-listed for both the Orwell Prize and the Paul Foot Awards. He was a runner-up in the specialist journalist category at the 2013 National Press Awards.  He is also a non-practising qualified barrister called to the Bar in 2007.
 
Robert is the author of six books: The Traitor of Arnhem (2024); The Traitor of Colditz (2022); Why You Won't Get Rich, how capitalism broke its contract with hard work (2021); Defiant: The Untold Story of the Battle of Britain (2020); Jihadi John: The Making of a Terrorist (2016) and Posh Boys: How English Public Schools Ruin Britain (2018) His reporting has been long-listed for both the Orwell Prize and the Paul Foot Awards. He was a runner-up in the specialist journalist category at the 2013 National Press Awards.
His latest book is The Traitor of Arnhem which demonstrates why Putin is threatening the West today.

Rosie; Surviving the Unthinkable: Overcoming Trauma and Rebuilding a Life

 
Rosie’s husband was convicted of sexual abuse involving contact offences committed against adolescent boys many years previously. He served 5 years in prison and has recently been released. They had been married for over 40 years when he was arrested. Rosie has stood by him as she sees he is much more than his offences; she also recognises that he has done a huge amount of good in his life which cannot be forgotten. What she has learned on this prison journey and the people who has met have made her rethink so much about herself, society and our criminal justice system.  
 
In this podcast episode, Rosie shares her personal experiences and offers advice for individuals who have been through traumatic situations. She emphasizes the importance of being careful with triggers, such as music, and suggests having phone numbers of supportive people or helplines readily available. Rosie also highlights the significance of having a plan and being kind to oneself, especially during difficult times like evenings and weekends. She encourages taking one moment at a time and finding beauty in the small things around us. Rosie discusses the challenges of maintaining relationships in the face of trauma and suggests the need for more support to help relationships survive. She also mentions the importance of acceptance and not running away from one's problems. The conversation touches on the lack of support and information available to individuals in similar situations and the need for better resources. Overall, Rosie's story is powerful and offers insights into resilience and self-care in the face of adversity.
 

Michael Davitt; (video) Overcoming Emotional Neglect: A Story of Resilience

Michael Davitt, an author focused on mental health issues, shares his experience with complex PTSD stemming from emotional neglect in childhood. He chose a pseudonym, Luke Pemberton, to write about his parents and childhood to protect their identity. Michael discusses his struggle with attachment and the deep-seated fear of abandonment and rejection. He highlights the impact of emotional neglect and the difficulty in acknowledging and articulating its effects. Michael also talks about his career in the Diplomatic Service and how his lack of confidence hindered his progression. Drawing played a fundamental role in Michael Davitt's recovery from trauma. He started doodling stick figures and found it cathartic and useful. He eventually turned his drawings into books about his life experiences. Drawing allowed him to express complex emotions and convey them more quickly and powerfully than words. Michael emphasizes the importance of creative expression for anyone who has gone through trauma. He also discusses the need for a trauma-informed society and the barriers to seeking therapy for emotional neglect. Introspection and connecting with the inner child are key to healing.
 
KeywordsMichael Davitt, mental health, complex PTSD, emotional neglect, childhood trauma, attachment, fear of abandonment, fear of rejection, toxic shame, pseudonym, Luke Pemberton, career, Diplomatic Service, lack of confidence, drawing, recovery, trauma, cathartic, creative expression, therapy, emotional neglect, introspection, inner child, trauma-informed society
Takeaways
Emotional neglect in childhood can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being.
The fear of abandonment and rejection can stem from a lack of attachment to parents.
Toxic shame can develop when a child blames themselves for emotional neglect.
Using a pseudonym to write about personal experiences may be a way to protect oneself and avoid confronting the pain.
Childhood trauma can hinder confidence and career progression.
Emotional abuse and neglect are often overlooked and difficult to articulate, but they can be as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. Drawing can be a powerful tool for expressing and processing emotions, especially for those who have experienced trauma.
Creative expression, such as drawing, writing, or music, is important for healing and recovery.
A trauma-informed society is necessary to raise awareness and support those who have experienced trauma.
Introspection and connecting with the inner child are crucial for healing from emotional neglect and trauma.
 
www.lukepemberton.com
Published books:
How to Put a Troubled Past Behind You: A FRESH, drawing-based approach (Find help, Record your feelings, Sketch your thoughts, and Harvest your success (self-published 2021).
How to Feel More Beautiful Inside: Learn to love yourself a little more, one step at a time (self-published, with ebookpartnership, 2020).
How to See Religion Differently: What questioning your beliefs can reveal, and why it can lead to a healthier mind (Silverwood Books, 2018)
How To Sort Your Head Out: Build Your Self-Esteem by Understanding Your Emotional Fears (self-published, with ebookpartnership, 2017),
How to Find Your Way Out When in Despair: a guide to rediscovering your self-worth (SilverWood books, 2016, re-issued 2018)

Michael Davitt; Overcoming Emotional Neglect: A Story of Resilience

Michael Davitt, an author focused on mental health issues, shares his experience with complex PTSD stemming from emotional neglect in childhood. He chose a pseudonym, Luke Pemberton, to write about his parents and childhood to protect their identity. Michael discusses his struggle with attachment and the deep-seated fear of abandonment and rejection. He highlights the impact of emotional neglect and the difficulty in acknowledging and articulating its effects. Michael also talks about his career in the Diplomatic Service and how his lack of confidence hindered his progression. Drawing played a fundamental role in Michael Davitt's recovery from trauma. He started doodling stick figures and found it cathartic and useful. He eventually turned his drawings into books about his life experiences. Drawing allowed him to express complex emotions and convey them more quickly and powerfully than words. Michael emphasizes the importance of creative expression for anyone who has gone through trauma. He also discusses the need for a trauma-informed society and the barriers to seeking therapy for emotional neglect. Introspection and connecting with the inner child are key to healing.
 
KeywordsMichael Davitt, mental health, complex PTSD, emotional neglect, childhood trauma, attachment, fear of abandonment, fear of rejection, toxic shame, pseudonym, Luke Pemberton, career, Diplomatic Service, lack of confidence, drawing, recovery, trauma, cathartic, creative expression, therapy, emotional neglect, introspection, inner child, trauma-informed society
Takeaways
Emotional neglect in childhood can have long-lasting effects on mental health and well-being.
The fear of abandonment and rejection can stem from a lack of attachment to parents.
Toxic shame can develop when a child blames themselves for emotional neglect.
Using a pseudonym to write about personal experiences may be a way to protect oneself and avoid confronting the pain.
Childhood trauma can hinder confidence and career progression.
Emotional abuse and neglect are often overlooked and difficult to articulate, but they can be as damaging as physical or sexual abuse. Drawing can be a powerful tool for expressing and processing emotions, especially for those who have experienced trauma.
Creative expression, such as drawing, writing, or music, is important for healing and recovery.
A trauma-informed society is necessary to raise awareness and support those who have experienced trauma.
Introspection and connecting with the inner child are crucial for healing from emotional neglect and trauma.
 
www.lukepemberton.com
Published books:
How to Put a Troubled Past Behind You: A FRESH, drawing-based approach (Find help, Record your feelings, Sketch your thoughts, and Harvest your success (self-published 2021).
How to Feel More Beautiful Inside: Learn to love yourself a little more, one step at a time (self-published, with ebookpartnership, 2020).
How to See Religion Differently: What questioning your beliefs can reveal, and why it can lead to a healthier mind (Silverwood Books, 2018)
How To Sort Your Head Out: Build Your Self-Esteem by Understanding Your Emotional Fears (self-published, with ebookpartnership, 2017),
How to Find Your Way Out When in Despair: a guide to rediscovering your self-worth (SilverWood books, 2016, re-issued 2018)

Louis de Berniere-Smart; Abuse and adventure; Finding Inspiration in Untold Stories (Video)

Novelist Louis de Bernières was born into a military family, and flown out to Jordan in a bomber. At the age of eight he was sent to Grenham House in Kent, a prep school run by two headmasters, one of them a paedophile and the other a sadist. He became fluent in Latin. Then he went to Bradfield College in Berkshire where he spent a lot of time fishing, and working for a local farmer when he was supposed to be doing sports. He then spent four months failing to become an army officer at Sandhurst, when what he really wanted to do was grow his hair long and play the guitar. In disgrace, he fled to Colombia where he worked as a tutor on a ranch belonging to an Englishman who also turned out to be a paedophile. He learned to ride western style, use a lasso, and round up cattle.
He came home and studied philosophy at Manchester University, financing it by working as a landscape gardener. Afterwards he worked variously as hospital porter, landscape gardener, mechanic in a bent Morris Minor garage in East London, philosophy tutor, carpenter, motorcycle messenger, and English and Drama teacher in Ipswich. He trained to be a teacher in Leicester, and won a masters with distinction at the Institute of Education in London. He worked with truants in Battersea until his third novel was published and he was earning the same by writing as he had been as a teacher. 
 
Summary Louis de Berniere-Smart discusses his experience of boarding school and the emotional impact it had on him. He shares the harsh realities, including physical abuse, poor living conditions, and emotional bullying. Louis reflects on the emotional detachment and stoicism that he learned as a coping mechanism, as well as the difficulty of forming attachments and relationships later in life. He also discusses his unconventional path after leaving school, including his time in Colombia and his diverse range of jobs. Louis values connecting with people from all walks of life and has a deep interest in understanding others. In this conversation, Louis discusses his diverse work experiences and how they have influenced his writing. He shares stories from his time working in a garage , highlighting the importance of meaningful connections with people. Louis also talks about his experiences as a father and the impact it had on his life. He discusses the process of writing and how it allows him to explore different kinds of love and escape from self-obsession.

Louis de Berniere-Smart; Abuse and adventure; Finding Inspiration in Untold Stories

Novelist Louis de Bernières was born into a military family, and flown out to Jordan in a bomber. At the age of eight he was sent to Grenham House in Kent, a prep school run by two headmasters, one of them a paedophile and the other a sadist. He became fluent in Latin. Then he went to Bradfield College in Berkshire where he spent a lot of time fishing, and working for a local farmer when he was supposed to be doing sports. He then spent four months failing to become an army officer at Sandhurst, when what he really wanted to do was grow his hair long and play the guitar. In disgrace, he fled to Colombia where he worked as a tutor on a ranch belonging to an Englishman who also turned out to be a paedophile. He learned to ride western style, use a lasso, and round up cattle.
He came home and studied philosophy at Manchester University, financing it by working as a landscape gardener. Afterwards he worked variously as hospital porter, landscape gardener, mechanic in a bent Morris Minor garage in East London, philosophy tutor, carpenter, motorcycle messenger, and English and Drama teacher in Ipswich. He trained to be a teacher in Leicester, and won a masters with distinction at the Institute of Education in London. He worked with truants in Battersea until his third novel was published and he was earning the same by writing as he had been as a teacher. 
 
Summary Louis de Berniere-Smart discusses his experience of boarding school and the emotional impact it had on him. He shares the harsh realities, including physical abuse, poor living conditions, and emotional bullying. Louis reflects on the emotional detachment and stoicism that he learned as a coping mechanism, as well as the difficulty of forming attachments and relationships later in life. He also discusses his unconventional path after leaving school, including his time in Colombia and his diverse range of jobs. Louis values connecting with people from all walks of life and has a deep interest in understanding others. In this conversation, Louis discusses his diverse work experiences and how they have influenced his writing. He shares stories from his time working in a garage , highlighting the importance of meaningful connections with people. Louis also talks about his experiences as a father and the impact it had on his life. He discusses the process of writing and how it allows him to explore different kinds of love and escape from self-obsession.

Dr Brian Richardson; Shattered Trust: Unveiling the Trauma Faced by Whistleblowers and their Families (video)

In this conversation, David and Naomi talk with Dr Brian Richardson, a communications expert at the University of North Texas, who has conducted research on whistleblowers and the impact on their families. Brian explains that his interest in this subject began when he observed the negative response faced by a college basketball player who blew the whistle on his coach's abusive behaviour. This led him to question why individuals who speak the truth and raise concerns are often punished instead of celebrated. Brian's research focuses on the communication dynamics within families of whistleblowers and how they cope with the challenges they face. He highlights the importance of communal coping and negotiating how much conversation should be dedicated to the issue. Brian also discusses the use of metaphors by whistleblowers to describe their experiences and the need for families to maintain connections with outside support systems. He emphasizes the traumatic impact whistleblowing can have on families and the importance of providing resources and support for them.
Dr. Richardson is still interviewing whistleblowers and family members. If you are able to participate his email address is brian.richardson@unt.edu
Dr. Brian Richardson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001, where hethen joined the faculty in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas. Specializinghis research in organizational whistleblowing, crisis/disaster communication, and sportcommunication, Dr. Richardson was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008 and then recentlyto the level of Full Professor. His research has been published in prominent venues includingManagement Communication Quarterly, Human Communication Research, InternationalJournal of Business Communication, Communication and Sport, and the Journal of AppliedCommunication Research. Dr. Richardson’s whistleblowing research has examinedwhistleblowers in the collegiate sport industry, within K-12 educational contexts, and howwhistleblowing impacts families. He has also led Study Abroad programs in Peru, Nicaragua,and Panama, and most recently, he won awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2022) andfor Excellence in Mentoring via the Ulys and Vera Knight Faculty Mentor Award (2023). He hasconducted communication training for a variety of organizations including the U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs – Houston office, Texas Association of Fire Chiefs, UNT System, UNT HealthScience Center, Texas Association of County Auditors, and the Texas Department of Family &Protective Services.

Dr Brian Richardson; Shattered Trust: Unveiling the Trauma Faced by Whistleblowers and their families (audio)

In this conversation, David and Naomi talk with Dr Brian Richardson, a communications expert at the University of North Texas, who has conducted research on whistleblowers and the impact on their families. Brian explains that his interest in this subject began when he observed the negative response faced by a college basketball player who blew the whistle on his coach's abusive behaviour. This led him to question why individuals who speak the truth and raise concerns are often punished instead of celebrated. Brian's research focuses on the communication dynamics within families of whistleblowers and how they cope with the challenges they face. He highlights the importance of communal coping and negotiating how much conversation should be dedicated to the issue. Brian also discusses the use of metaphors by whistleblowers to describe their experiences and the need for families to maintain connections with outside support systems. He emphasizes the traumatic impact whistleblowing can have on families and the importance of providing resources and support for them.
Dr. Richardson is still interviewing whistleblowers and family members. If you are able to participate his email address is. brian.richardson@unt.edu
Dr. Brian Richardson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001, where hethen joined the faculty in Communication Studies at the University of North Texas. Specializinghis research in organizational whistleblowing, crisis/disaster communication, and sportcommunication, Dr. Richardson was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008 and then recentlyto the level of Full Professor. His research has been published in prominent venues includingManagement Communication Quarterly, Human Communication Research, InternationalJournal of Business Communication, Communication and Sport, and the Journal of AppliedCommunication Research. Dr. Richardson’s whistleblowing research has examinedwhistleblowers in the collegiate sport industry, within K-12 educational contexts, and howwhistleblowing impacts families. He has also led Study Abroad programs in Peru, Nicaragua,and Panama, and most recently, he won awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching (2022) andfor Excellence in Mentoring via the Ulys and Vera Knight Faculty Mentor Award (2023). He hasconducted communication training for a variety of organizations including the U.S. Departmentof Veterans Affairs – Houston office, Texas Association of Fire Chiefs, UNT System, UNT HealthScience Center, Texas Association of County Auditors, and the Texas Department of Family &Protective Services.
 

Jenny Murphy; Exploring the Role of Interoception in Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior (Video)

Summary
Dr Jenny Murphy, is a senior lecturer at the University of Surrey. Here she discusses interoception and its importance in mental and physical health. Interoception refers to the processing of signals that come from inside the body, such as heart rate and breathing. People can differ in their ability to perceive these signals, as well as how much attention they pay to them and how they evaluate them. Interoception is associated with homeostasis and has been linked to various mental health conditions and higher-order cognitive abilities. Measurement of interoception is challenging but can be done through various tasks and self-report measures. Clinical applications include interoception training for anxiety and physical health conditions. Jenny discusses the role of perception and external cues in regulating the body, as well as the potential factors influencing interoception. She explains that her research focuses on measuring interoception and its development, and she is currently studying interoception across the menstrual cycle. Jenny also discusses the clinical implications of her work and the possible integration of interoception into therapy. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for more research on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Jenny mentions her upcoming textbook on interoception and concludes by offering advice on improving well-being through the understanding and regulation of interoceptive signals. She is editing a textbook on interoception at the moment that should be published by Springer, Nature at the end of the year.
Keywords
interoception, signals, perception, attention, evaluation, mental health, physical health, measurement, clinical applications, perception, external cues, regulation, body, interoception, development, menstrual cycle, clinical implications, therapy, interdisciplinary collaboration, thoughts, feelings, behavior, textbook, well-being
Takeaways
Interoception refers to the processing of signals that come from inside the body, such as heart rate and breathing.
People can differ in their ability to perceive these signals, as well as how much attention they pay to them and how they evaluate them.
Interoception is associated with homeostasis and has been linked to various mental health conditions and higher-order cognitive abilities.
Measurement of interoception is challenging but can be done through various tasks and self-report measures.
Clinical applications of interoception include training for anxiety and physical health conditions. Perception and external cues play a role in regulating the body and compensating for imperfect interoceptive signals.
Jenny's research focuses on measuring interoception and its development, with current studies on interoception across the menstrual cycle.
There are limited clinical implications of interoception research at present, but it may contribute to therapies like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Interoception is an interdisciplinary field that can benefit from collaboration and integration with other areas of research.
The relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior is complex and requires further investigation in the context of interoception.
Jenny is working on a textbook on interoception that aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive resource for students and practitioners.
Improving well-being through interoception involves recognizing the balance between paying attention to bodily signals and focusing on external cues.
Publications https://www.jennymurphylab.com/publications
Bio
Jenny completed her PhD at King’s College London in December 2019. Here she investigated the measurement of interoception, it’s developmental trajectory and the relationship between interoception, health and higher order cognition. In April 2020 she took up a lectureship position at Royal Holloway University of London and in March 2024 she took up a senior lectureship position at the University of Surrey. Jenny’s work on interoception has been recognised by several awards for doctoral contributions (from the British Psychological Society, Experimental Psychology Society and King’s College London) and early career prizes (the American Psychological Society Rising Star Award and the Young Investigator Award from the European Society for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience). Jenny is particularly interested in sex differences in interoceptive abilities, including how these emerge across development and whether they relate to sex differences in mental and physical health. She currently holds a New Investigator Grant from the Medical Research Council for investigating changes in interoception across the menstrual cycle.

Jenny Murphy; Exploring the Role of Interoception in Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior (Audio)

Summary
Dr Jenny Murphy is a senior lecturer at the University of Surrey. Here she discusses interoception and its importance in mental and physical health. Interoception refers to the processing of signals that come from inside the body, such as heart rate and breathing. People can differ in their ability to perceive these signals, as well as how much attention they pay to them and how they evaluate them. Interoception is associated with homeostasis and has been linked to various mental health conditions and higher-order cognitive abilities. Measurement of interoception is challenging but can be done through various tasks and self-report measures. Clinical applications include interoception training for anxiety and physical health conditions. Jenny discusses the role of perception and external cues in regulating the body, as well as the potential factors influencing interoception. She explains that her research focuses on measuring interoception and its development, and she is currently studying interoception across the menstrual cycle. Jenny also discusses the clinical implications of her work and the possible integration of interoception into therapy. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the need for more research on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Jenny mentions her upcoming textbook on interoception and concludes by offering advice on improving well-being through the understanding and regulation of interoceptive signals. She is editing a textbook on interoception at the moment that should be published by Springer, Nature at the end of the year.
Keywords
interoception, signals, perception, attention, evaluation, mental health, physical health, measurement, clinical applications, perception, external cues, regulation, body, interoception, development, menstrual cycle, clinical implications, therapy, interdisciplinary collaboration, thoughts, feelings, behavior, textbook, well-being
Takeaways
Interoception refers to the processing of signals that come from inside the body, such as heart rate and breathing.
People can differ in their ability to perceive these signals, as well as how much attention they pay to them and how they evaluate them.
Interoception is associated with homeostasis and has been linked to various mental health conditions and higher-order cognitive abilities.
Measurement of interoception is challenging but can be done through various tasks and self-report measures.
Clinical applications of interoception include training for anxiety and physical health conditions. Perception and external cues play a role in regulating the body and compensating for imperfect interoceptive signals.
Jenny's research focuses on measuring interoception and its development, with current studies on interoception across the menstrual cycle.
There are limited clinical implications of interoception research at present, but it may contribute to therapies like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Interoception is an interdisciplinary field that can benefit from collaboration and integration with other areas of research.
The relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior is complex and requires further investigation in the context of interoception.
Jenny is working on a textbook on interoception that aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive resource for students and practitioners.
Improving well-being through interoception involves recognizing the balance between paying attention to bodily signals and focusing on external cues.
Publications https://www.jennymurphylab.com/publications
Bio
Jenny completed her PhD at King’s College London in December 2019. Here she investigated the measurement of interoception, it’s developmental trajectory and the relationship between interoception, health and higher order cognition. In April 2020 she took up a lectureship position at Royal Holloway University of London and in March 2024 she took up a senior lectureship position at the University of Surrey. Jenny’s work on interoception has been recognised by several awards for doctoral contributions (from the British Psychological Society, Experimental Psychology Society and King’s College London) and early career prizes (the American Psychological Society Rising Star Award and the Young Investigator Award from the European Society for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience). Jenny is particularly interested in sex differences in interoceptive abilities, including how these emerge across development and whether they relate to sex differences in mental and physical health. She currently holds a New Investigator Grant from the Medical Research Council for investigating changes in interoception across the menstrual cycle.

David and Naomi talk about body identification and body identity dysphoria.

Summary
Marius Theodore Gustavson was imprisoned for life yesterday. He is known as he eunuch maker.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/09/how-eunuch-maker-livestreamed-extreme-body-modifications-marius-gustavson
In this episode, David and Naomi discuss body identification and body identity dysphoria. They explore the historical context of body modifications, such as castrati, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding extreme body modifications. They delve into the psychological processes and origins of body integrity dysphoria, including the role of childhood sexual abuse. The conversation also touches on the desire to shock and the exhibitionist tendencies of some individuals. They discuss potential treatment approaches, including psychotherapy and augmented reality, and the ethical considerations involved. Overall, the episode highlights the complexity of these conditions and the need for further research and understanding.
Takeaways
Body identity dysphoria, also known as body integrity identity disorder, is a rare condition characterized by a desire to have a limb or body part amputated.
Extreme body modifications, such as castration, can be driven by a range of factors, including sexual sadism, self-hatred, and a desire for attention or shock value.
Treatment for body identity dysphoria is challenging due to the lack of research and understanding. Psychotherapy and talking therapy may be effective in addressing underlying psychological issues.
Ethical considerations arise when considering surgical interventions for body identity dysphoria, and early intervention and support are crucial in minimizing harm and providing appropriate care.
Chapters
00:00Introduction
00:35Body Identification
01:06Body Identity Dysphoria
04:06Historical Context: Castrati
05:12Body Integrity Dysphoria
06:14Ethical Dilemmas
07:07Psychological Processes
09:22Psychological Projection
10:27Polymorphous Perversity
11:04Psychological Origins
13:19Sadism and Masochism
16:27Disgust and Sadism
23:16Neuroscience and Brain Mapping
24:16Financial Motive
26:22Exhibitionism and Attention-Seeking
29:28Desire to Shock and Childhood Experiences
30:31Treatment Approaches
35:23Ethical Considerations
37:42Unusual Crimes and Personality Disorders
39:47Understanding Distress and Dysfunctional Solutions
40:47Conclusion

David Busch; Se-rem: An affordable Self-Help Program for Overcoming Trauma and Finding Inner Peace (audio)

Summary
David Busch, a retired psychotherapist, has developed a self-help program called Se-rem that combines elements of six different therapies, including EMDR, self-hypnosis, meditation, music therapy, Gestalt therapy, and Awe therapy. The program uses classical music and guided imagery to stimulate the brain into an REM state, which is effective at processing trauma and creating vivid images. Se-rem has been successful in helping people overcome various traumas, including car accidents, phobias, grief, and childhood trauma. It has been praised for its effectiveness and is available in 32 countries. David aspires to make therapy more accessible and affordable to those who cannot afford traditional therapy.
https://se-rem.com/
KeywordsSe-rem, self-help program, therapy, trauma, EMDR, REM state, classical music, guided imagery, mental health
Takeaways
Se-rem is a self-help program developed by David Busch that combines elements of six different therapies.
The program uses classical music and guided imagery to stimulate the brain into an REM state, which is effective at processing trauma.
Se-rem has been successful in helping people overcome various traumas, including car accidents, phobias, grief, and childhood trauma.
David hopes to make the program more accessible and affordable to those who cannot afford traditional therapy.

David Busch; Se-rem: An affordable Self-Help Program for Overcoming Trauma and Finding Inner Peace

Summary
David Busch, a retired psychotherapist, has developed a self-help program called Se-rem that combines elements of six different therapies, including EMDR, self-hypnosis, meditation, music therapy, Gestalt therapy, and Awe therapy. The program uses classical music and guided imagery to stimulate the brain into an REM state, which is effective at processing trauma and creating vivid images. Se-rem has been successful in helping people overcome various traumas, including car accidents, phobias, grief, and childhood trauma. It has been praised for its effectiveness and is available in 32 countries. David aspires to make therapy more accessible and affordable to those who cannot afford traditional therapy.
https://se-rem.com/
KeywordsSe-rem, self-help program, therapy, trauma, EMDR, REM state, classical music, guided imagery, mental health
Takeaways
Se-rem is a self-help program developed by David Busch that combines elements of six different therapies.
The program uses classical music and guided imagery to stimulate the brain into an REM state, which is effective at processing trauma.
Se-rem has been successful in helping people overcome various traumas, including car accidents, phobias, grief, and childhood trauma.
David hopes to make the program more accessible and affordable to those who cannot afford traditional therapy.

Anna Motz on Female Violence. Exploring Trauma and Violence. (Audio)

Summary
https://www.weidenfeldandnicolson.co.uk/titles/anna-motz-3/a-love-that-kills/9781474624381/
Anna Motz, is a forensic psychotherapist, clinical and forensic psychologist. In this conversation she discusses her focus on the darker side of women and their use of violence. She explains how her interest in this area developed from her experiences working in psychiatric hospitals and forensic services. Anna highlights the differences between male and female patterns of violence, particularly in terms of violence against the self and violence in the domestic realm. She also discusses the prevalence of female sexual abuse of children and the societal challenges in recognizing and addressing this issue. Anna shares her journey of training as a forensic psychotherapist and the impact it has had on her practice. She emphasizes the importance of psychotherapy in forensic settings and the need for cultural change within prisons and the community. Anna also discusses her latest book, A Love That Kills, which aims to challenge stereotypes and myths about women and motherhood. Finally, she reflects on the importance of self-care and emotional well-being in her work.
 
 
Takeaways
Women who are violent are often both perpetrators and victims, and their stories are often untold and invisible.
Female violence often takes the form of violence against the self and violence in the domestic realm.
Female sexual abuse of children is more prevalent than official crime statistics suggest due to the private nature of traditional female violence and societal stereotypes.
Training as a forensic psychotherapist provides a more nuanced understanding of perpetration and the role of society in shaping individuals' behavior.
Writing about the darker side of women and their use of violence can help challenge stereotypes and myths and promote understanding and compassion.
Self-care and emotional well-being are essential for professionals working in the field of forensic psychotherapy.
Chapters
00:00Focusing on the Darker Side of Women
06:06Differences in Male and Female Patterns of Violence
07:09Violence Against the Self
09:32Female Violence in the Domestic Realm
10:19Female Sexual Abuse of Children
23:27The Influence of Childhood and Marginalization
28:56The Importance of Psychotherapy in Forensic Settings
36:34Writing A Love That Kills
46:11Protecting the Integrity of the People in the Book
48:26Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being

Jason Warr & Kate Herrity; (Audio) The Impact of Sound, Touch and smell in the Prison Environment

Summary
If you were to ask anybody who's lived or worked in a prison, what's the most striking thing about prison? I suspect their answer would fall within the domain covered by their research. So we're meeting with Kate Herity and Jason Waugh. Jason's not a new guest. If you've not already heard him talking about forensic psychology on a podcast a few weeks ago, then you really should. He's associate professor in criminology at the University of Nottingham with research interests in penology, the Sociology of Power, Narrative and Sensory Criminology and the Philosophy of Science.
https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/sound-order-and-survival-in-prison, Link to Kate's book.
https://sensorycriminology.com/home/ Link to Kate's, and others website.
This conversation explores the sensory experiences of individuals in prison and the impact it has on their well-being. The discussion covers the significance of sound, the role of silence and noise, the importance of smell, and the effects of poor ventilation in prisons. It also delves into the power dynamics of touch, including the lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch. The chapters highlight the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and those with histories of trauma. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the often overlooked sensory aspects of the prison environment and their profound impact on individuals' lives. The conversation explores the sensory impact of prison environments on both prisoners and researchers. It delves into the imposition of power and touch, the riskiness of being a researcher in prison, and the impact of the sensory environment on researchers. The conversation also discusses the deliberate creation of harsh sensory environments as a form of punishment and the coping mechanisms employed by individuals to navigate these environments.
 
Takeaways
The sensory experiences of individuals in prison have a significant impact on their well-being.
Sound, silence, smell, and touch play crucial roles in shaping the prison environment.
The lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch can have profound effects on individuals in prison, particularly those with neurodivergence or trauma histories.
Understanding and addressing the sensory aspects of the prison environment is essential for promoting dignity, well-being, and rehabilitation. The sensory environment in prisons communicates power dynamics and punishment.
Researchers in prison must navigate the sensory environment and consider their own positionality.
The sensory impact of prison affects both prisoners and staff, and can have long-lasting effects.
The creation of harsh sensory environments is a deliberate part of the punishment in prisons.

Jason Warr & Kate Herrity; (Video) The Impact of Sound, Touch and smell in the Prison Environment

Summary
If you were to ask anybody who's lived or worked in a prison, what's the most striking thing about prison? I suspect their answer would fall within the domain covered by their research. So we're meeting with Kate Herity and Jason Waugh. Jason's not a new guest. If you've not already heard him talking about forensic psychology on a podcast a few weeks ago, then you really should. He's associate professor in criminology at the University of Nottingham with research interests in penology, the Sociology of Power, Narrative and Sensory Criminology and the Philosophy of Science.
https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/sound-order-and-survival-in-prison, Link to Kate's book.
https://sensorycriminology.com/home/ Link to Kate's, and others website.
This conversation explores the sensory experiences of individuals in prison and the impact it has on their well-being. The discussion covers the significance of sound, the role of silence and noise, the importance of smell, and the effects of poor ventilation in prisons. It also delves into the power dynamics of touch, including the lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch. The chapters highlight the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and those with histories of trauma. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the often overlooked sensory aspects of the prison environment and their profound impact on individuals' lives. The conversation explores the sensory impact of prison environments on both prisoners and researchers. It delves into the imposition of power and touch, the riskiness of being a researcher in prison, and the impact of the sensory environment on researchers. The conversation also discusses the deliberate creation of harsh sensory environments as a form of punishment and the coping mechanisms employed by individuals to navigate these environments.
 
Takeaways
The sensory experiences of individuals in prison have a significant impact on their well-being.
Sound, silence, smell, and touch play crucial roles in shaping the prison environment.
The lack of kind touch and the intrusion of unwanted touch can have profound effects on individuals in prison, particularly those with neurodivergence or trauma histories.
Understanding and addressing the sensory aspects of the prison environment is essential for promoting dignity, well-being, and rehabilitation. The sensory environment in prisons communicates power dynamics and punishment.
Researchers in prison must navigate the sensory environment and consider their own positionality.
The sensory impact of prison affects both prisoners and staff, and can have long-lasting effects.
The creation of harsh sensory environments is a deliberate part of the punishment in prisons.