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

Patrick Reid. (Audio) Taking and managing risk in career development

Patrick Reid, a currency expert and trader, shares his journey of making a late career change and finding fulfillment in trading. He emphasizes the importance of being curious, taking risks, and not being afraid of failure. Patrick discusses the difference between trading and gambling, the presence of scammers in the industry, and the need for individuals to do their due diligence. He also shares tips for managing the high levels of risk and uncertainty in trading, including having a structured routine, talking to friends, and writing down tasks and goals. Everything Patrick says can be appied in other areas of life.
takeaways
Late career changes are possible and can lead to fulfillment and success.
 
Being curious and willing to take risks are important qualities for making a career change.
 
It's crucial to do your due diligence and be aware of scammers in the trading industry.
 
Managing risk and uncertainty in trading requires a structured routine, a support network, and effective risk management strategies.
 
Patrick is a currency expert with over 15 years experience in trading FX and propriety desks. He has accepted a role as Visiting Lecturer at The University of Cambridge and is Co-Founder of The Adamis Principle which mentors traders at all levels.
During his career he has mentored clients from Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Credit Suisse. His passion is nurturing and finding talent within young people has led him to partner with The Youth Group and Jack Parsons, The UK’s chief youth officer. Adamis Principle’s outreach to less fortunate young people is a top priority for him.
Patrick has regular meetings with FX traders at The Bank of England for research and academic discussions only.
https://www.adamisprinciple.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-reid-5b51bb21/?originalSubdomain=uk

David Potter; Creating a Safe Space for those who have comitted Sexual Offences

Summary Labels can stick to people for life and seriously restrict  their opportunities for change, improvement and reparation. Those who are sentenced for committing sexual offences will find themselves the most despised in society, the target for everyone's hatred and scorn. Unable to get employment or accommodation. Yet how are they to move on from their terrible acts? The Safer Living Foundation is a charity that provides support for individuals with sexual convictions or problematic sexual behaviors. They offer circles of support and accountability, where volunteers meet with individuals who have been convicted of sexual offenses to provide support and help with reintegration into society. The foundation also runs the Safer Living Centre, which offers a safe space for individuals with sexual convictions to receive support and assistance. The center provides a range of services, including prevention programs for individuals concerned about their sexual thoughts or behaviors. The foundation faces challenges in keeping the location of the center confidential and managing public perception of individuals with sexual convictions. Dave Potter discusses the impact and activities of the Safer Living Foundation, a charity that works with individuals who have committed sexual offenses. He highlights the need for support and rehabilitation rather than punishment, and emphasizes the importance of treating these individuals with dignity and respect. The charity offers various projects and activities, including cooking sessions, discussion groups, games clubs, mindfulness sessions, art classes, and more. The aim is to help individuals develop life skills, improve self-esteem, and reintegrate into society. The Safer Living Foundation has had a significant impact on reducing recidivism rates for sexual offenses. However, there is still a stigma associated with this work, and the media often perpetuates negative stereotypes. Dave emphasizes the need for society to change its perception and provide support for individuals with sexual convictions. He also discusses the challenges faced by staff in maintaining a compassionate approach and the importance of self-care.

Morag Edwards (video) The Shocking Experience of Being Sent to Boarding School (and more)

Summary
Morag Edwards is an educational psychologist and author. In this conersations she discusses her experience at a co-ed boarding school in the 1960s. She highlights the lack of female perspectives in boarding school literature and the predominance of male boarding stories. Morag shares her personal experience of being sent to boarding school at the age of 10 and the shock and anxiety she felt. She describes the unsafe environment, lack of supervision, and prevalence of peer-on-peer sexual abuse. Morag also discusses the absence of female role models and the emotional neglect she experienced. She emphasizes the need for schools to be aware of and intervene in peer-on-peer abuse. The conversation explores the experiences of Morag at a boarding school and the long-lasting effects it had on her identity and parenting. It also delves into the changes in the field of educational psychology over the years and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. Morag emphasizes the importance of writing as a therapeutic tool and the need to maintain a sense of self in closed institutions. She also suggests finding time for solitude and using storytelling as a way to explore emotions and experiences.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Almost-Boys-Psychology-Co-ed-Boarding/dp/1913719065
Morag Edwards spent over 32 years as an educational psychologist. Under the author name Isobel Ross, Morag uses her knowledge of child development to provide psychological insight into her personal experience at a co-ed boarding school. Her memoir, ‘Almost Boys: The Psychology of Co-Ed Boarding in the 1960s, was published in January 2024. Morag also writes historical fiction and contemporary domestic suspense (under the author name Isobel Ross). She has an MA in creative writing from the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing.

Morag Edwards (audio) The Shocking Experience of Being Sent to Boarding School (and more)

Summary
Morag Edwards is an educational psychologist and author. In this conersations she discusses her experience at a co-ed boarding school in the 1960s. She highlights the lack of female perspectives in boarding school literature and the predominance of male boarding stories. Morag shares her personal experience of being sent to boarding school at the age of 10 and the shock and anxiety she felt. She describes the unsafe environment, lack of supervision, and prevalence of peer-on-peer sexual abuse. Morag also discusses the absence of female role models and the emotional neglect she experienced. She emphasizes the need for schools to be aware of and intervene in peer-on-peer abuse. The conversation explores the experiences of Morag at a boarding school and the long-lasting effects it had on her identity and parenting. It also delves into the changes in the field of educational psychology over the years and the challenges faced by professionals in the field. Morag emphasizes the importance of writing as a therapeutic tool and the need to maintain a sense of self in closed institutions. She also suggests finding time for solitude and using storytelling as a way to explore emotions and experiences.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Almost-Boys-Psychology-Co-ed-Boarding/dp/1913719065
Morag Edwards spent over 32 years as an educational psychologist. Under the author name Isobel Ross, Morag uses her knowledge of child development to provide psychological insight into her personal experience at a co-ed boarding school. Her memoir, ‘Almost Boys: The Psychology of Co-Ed Boarding in the 1960s, was published in January 2024. Morag also writes historical fiction and contemporary domestic suspense (under the author name Isobel Ross). She has an MA in creative writing from the University of Manchester's Centre for New Writing.
 

Graham House; (Audio) Discrediting Dissenting Voices to Empowering Young Leaders for Positive Change

Summary In this conversation we talk with Graham House, a former senior officer in the RAF. Graham discusses his decision to leave the military due to a serious conflict of values. He highlights instances of alleged cover-ups of rape and war crimes, as well as the mistreatment of whistleblowers. Graham emphasizes the importance of effective governance and the need for individuals in positions of power to ask difficult questions and prioritize serving the public. He also discusses the  tactics used to discredit dissenting voices. Graham discusses the importance of widening belief systems and the need for self-awareness, self-trust, resilience, and self-confidence. He shares his personal journey of rebuilding himself and his house after a destructive phase in his life. Graham emphasizes the need for individuals to take self-responsibility and prepare for tough times, as well as the importance of collaboration and cooperation in public service. He also discusses his involvement in Justice for Troops, an organization that aims to address crimes and cover-ups within the armed forces. Finally, Graham introduces , the Social Impact Academy, which aims to bring together capable people to create positive change.
https://thesocialimpactacademy.co.uk
KeywordsGraham House, RAF, conflict of values, cover-ups, rape, war crimes, mistreatment of whistleblowers, effective governance, serving the public, mental health, discrediting dissenting voices, belief systems, self-awareness, self-trust, resilience, self-confidence, rebuilding, self-responsibility, collaboration, cooperation, public service, Justice for Troops, crimes, cover-ups, armed forces, Social Impact Academy, positive change

Graham House; (Video) Discrediting Dissenting Voices to Empowering Young Leaders for Positive Change

Summary In this conversation we talk with Graham House, a former senior officer in the RAF. Graham discusses his decision to leave the military due to a serious conflict of values. He highlights instances of alleged cover-ups of rape and war crimes, as well as the mistreatment of whistleblowers. Graham emphasizes the importance of effective governance and the need for individuals in positions of power to ask difficult questions and prioritize serving the public. He also discusses the  tactics used to discredit dissenting voices. Graham discusses the importance of widening belief systems and the need for self-awareness, self-trust, resilience, and self-confidence. He shares his personal journey of rebuilding himself and his house after a destructive phase in his life. Graham emphasizes the need for individuals to take self-responsibility and prepare for tough times, as well as the importance of collaboration and cooperation in public service. He also discusses his involvement in Justice for Troops, an organization that aims to address crimes and cover-ups within the armed forces. Finally, Graham introduces , the Social Impact Academy, which aims to bring together capable people to create positive change.
https://thesocialimpactacademy.co.uk
KeywordsGraham House, RAF, conflict of values, cover-ups, rape, war crimes, mistreatment of whistleblowers, effective governance, serving the public, mental health, discrediting dissenting voices, belief systems, self-awareness, self-trust, resilience, self-confidence, rebuilding, self-responsibility, collaboration, cooperation, public service, Justice for Troops, crimes, cover-ups, armed forces, Social Impact Academy, positive change

Lucy Johnstone (video) Exploring the Power Threat Meaning Framework: An Alternative to the Diagnostic Model

SummaryLucy Johnston discusses the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), an alternative to the diagnostic model of distress. The PTMF aims to move away from labeling and medicating distress and instead focuses on narrative practice and understanding. It emphasizes the role of power and the links between personal distress and wider social, political, and economic contexts. The PTMF has received both positive and negative reactions, with some seeing it as radical and threatening existing power structures. Lucy discusses the challenges and criticisms she has faced and the importance of continuing the conversation and promoting alternative narratives.
KeywordsPower Threat Meaning Framework, diagnostic model, distress, narrative practice, power, social context, alternative narratives
 
Dr Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical psychologist, author of 'Users and abusers of psychiatry' (3rd edition Routledge 2021) and ‘A straight-talking guide to psychiatric diagnosis’ (PCCS Books, 2nd edition 2022); co-editor of 'Formulation in psychology and psychotherapy: making sense of people's problems' (Routledge, 2nd edition 2013); and co-author of ‘A straight talking introduction to the Power Threat Meaning Framework’, 2020, PCCS Books) along with a number of other chapters and articles taking a critical perspective on mental health theory and practice. She is the former Programme Director of the Bristol Clinical Psychology Doctorate in the UK and has worked in Adult Mental Health settings for many years, most recently in a service in South Wales. She is Visiting Professor at London South Bank University, and Honorary Fellow of the BPS, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.Lucy was lead author, along with Professor Mary Boyle, for the ‘Power Threat Meaning Framework’ (2018), a British Psychological Society publication co-produced with service users, which outlines a conceptual alternative to psychiatric diagnosis and has attracted national and international attention. Lucy is an experienced conference speaker and lecturer, and currently works as an independent trainer. She lives in Bristol, UK.
Takeaways
The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) offers an alternative to the diagnostic model of distress, focusing on narrative practice and understanding.
The PTMF emphasizes the role of power and the links between personal distress and wider social, political, and economic contexts.
The framework has received both positive and negative reactions, challenging existing power structures and identities tied to diagnostic labels.
It is important to continue the conversation and promote alternative narratives to address the root causes of distress and support well-being.

Lucy Johnstone (audio) Exploring the Power Threat Meaning Framework: An Alternative to the Diagnostic Model

SummaryLucy Johnston discusses the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), an alternative to the diagnostic model of distress. The PTMF aims to move away from labeling and medicating distress and instead focuses on narrative practice and understanding. It emphasizes the role of power and the links between personal distress and wider social, political, and economic contexts. The PTMF has received both positive and negative reactions, with some seeing it as radical and threatening existing power structures. Lucy discusses the challenges and criticisms she has faced and the importance of continuing the conversation and promoting alternative narratives.
KeywordsPower Threat Meaning Framework, diagnostic model, distress, narrative practice, power, social context, alternative narratives
 
Dr Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical psychologist, author of 'Users and abusers of psychiatry' (3rd edition Routledge 2021) and ‘A straight-talking guide to psychiatric diagnosis’ (PCCS Books, 2nd edition 2022); co-editor of 'Formulation in psychology and psychotherapy: making sense of people's problems' (Routledge, 2nd edition 2013); and co-author of ‘A straight talking introduction to the Power Threat Meaning Framework’, 2020, PCCS Books) along with a number of other chapters and articles taking a critical perspective on mental health theory and practice. She is the former Programme Director of the Bristol Clinical Psychology Doctorate in the UK and has worked in Adult Mental Health settings for many years, most recently in a service in South Wales. She is Visiting Professor at London South Bank University, and Honorary Fellow of the BPS, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.Lucy was lead author, along with Professor Mary Boyle, for the ‘Power Threat Meaning Framework’ (2018), a British Psychological Society publication co-produced with service users, which outlines a conceptual alternative to psychiatric diagnosis and has attracted national and international attention. Lucy is an experienced conference speaker and lecturer, and currently works as an independent trainer. She lives in Bristol, UK.
Takeaways
The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) offers an alternative to the diagnostic model of distress, focusing on narrative practice and understanding.
The PTMF emphasizes the role of power and the links between personal distress and wider social, political, and economic contexts.
The framework has received both positive and negative reactions, challenging existing power structures and identities tied to diagnostic labels.
It is important to continue the conversation and promote alternative narratives to address the root causes of distress and support well-being.

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.