This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined Jumpin Jack Frost a true pioneer of the UK music scene. From growing up in Brixton and navigating the challenges of street life, to becoming one of the founding figures in jungle and drum and bass, his journey is nothing short of legendary. But behind the decks and the iconic tracks is a powerful story of redemption – including time spent in prison, a battle with mental health, and a mission to break the stigma around it. This ...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
In this episode Jules speaks to sisters, Kemi and Tasha, who founded the organisation Reformed Development, after experiencing four years of rejection and discrimination after coming out of prison. They realised the only way forward was to be the change themselves, and they now work tirelessly helping other people who have been to prison, with their holistic and nurturing approach to rehabilitation. The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) Useful links...
Jun 19, 2025•40 min
This week on Life After Prison, Zak & Jules discuss the final report on the Sentencing Review that was released last month. They delve into topics surrounding early release, £700 million investment into probation services and community-based sentencing. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Kate Fraser episode discussing Women's prisons - https://youtu.be/0T7b7V3ySFo Women in Prison (London, Manchester & Woking) – Supp...
Jun 12, 2025•38 min
This week Jules talks to Kate, who works for NHS England as the Regional Head of Health and Justice in the East of England. For 11 years, Kate struggled with a heroin addiction. Kate now holds keys to several prisons, and was even the prison substance misuse commissioner in the prison where she once spent time inside. Kate talks to Jules about the incredible work she does helping people, her career progression, and how she managed to turn her life around. The full version of this episode can be ...
Jun 05, 2025•32 min
This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Tuan, co-founder of Gymbusy. Before launching his fitness brand, Tuan was on the roads and ended up serving two prison sentences. But after his release, he found a new path—building discipline, strength, and purpose through fitness. Teaming up with his cousin, he co-founded Gymbusy, a brand that not only transformed his life but is now inspiring others to do the same. This podcast is also available as a video – just search L...
May 29, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Jules chats with Julia. Released from prison 10 years ago, Julia started working in the criminal justice system, working her way up into management positions, but she found that what was once part of her healing journey, was becoming part of her trauma. Julia decided to make a change, and as somebody known as having a permanent tan, she’s living her best life running her own tanning and beauty salon. Useful organisations: Unlock- Building a fairer future for people with criminal...
May 22, 2025•29 min
This week on the Life After Prison couch. Zak & Jules are joined by Kevin Devonport. An international award-winning self-taught artist, whose journey started from a council estate in Leeds. Kevin served 24 years inside, where he overcame addiction and taught himself to paint, which has lead to his work being featured across the UK and Europe in multiple prominent exhibitions. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful Organisations Care After...
May 15, 2025•47 min
This week Jules speaks to Pri, whose negative relationship with alcohol lead to multiple convictions and stints in prison. Unwavering support from the charity ID Essence, a probation officer willing to go the extra mile to help support her with binge drinking, and being fitted with an alcohol tag, helped Pri get to the place where she is today. She’s now working for ID Essence, supporting women coming out of prison, and prefers a takeaway and a Netflix binge to getting drunk on a Friday night. T...
May 08, 2025•30 min
This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some social media comments again, this time with the aim to dispel some myths surrounding prison. These comments are from a video of previous guest Nabil Abdul Rashid recalling his first moments being in prison. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful Organisations Prison Reform Trust (UK-Wide) – Campaigns for fairer, more effective penal systems and supports people in prison....
May 01, 2025•36 min
In this episode Jules speaks to 20-year-old Kerry, who’s only been out of prison a month at the time of recording. They chat about how losing a friend in the Grenfell Tower fire at the age of 13 had a massive impact on Kerry, who later became expelled from school, and at the age of 17 received a 5 year prison sentence. For Kerry, being recalled back to prison after being released half way through her sentence was a big wake up call, and changed her outlook on moving forwards. The full version of...
Apr 24, 2025•23 min
This week Jules sits down with Molly Ellis, someone she met while they were both in prison. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Molly’s life changed drastically, eventually ending with a five-year prison sentence for fraud. Just weeks before starting her sentence, she gave birth to her daughter and chose to raise her newborn behind bars. Since her release, Molly has dedicated herself to helping others rebuild their lives through her organisation Project Accountability. The two also rem...
Apr 17, 2025•47 min
In this episode, Jules chats to Sharon. Sharon’s life on the Cornish coast is idyllic, but her life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs to get to this point. From escaping an abusive relationship and serving a prison sentence for benefit fraud, to cycling around the world, battling serious health problems and publishing her own book. Useful organisations: Kaleidoscopic UK - Supporting Children and Adults who have been exposed to domestic abuse https://www.kaleidoscopic.uk/ Women’s Aid - Bu...
Apr 10, 2025•40 min
This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some of the comments they received on social media about a previous episode. That episode explores disclosing to potential future partners if you have spent time in prison, and how soon you would tell them. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. The episode the comments came from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OH5uK6WvvnQ Our episode on disclosing your conviction: https://www.yout...
Apr 03, 2025•41 min
In this episode Jules talks to Sarah, who after years of struggling with her mental health and substance abuse, found that the warmth, support and community found in a women’s centre not far from her home, would help her transform her life. Useful organisations: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ POPS (Partners of Prisoners) https://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk/ Women’s Service Map https://www.womensservicesmap.com/ Mind https://www.mind.org.uk/ Trauma Breakthrou...
Mar 27, 2025•27 min
This week Zak and Jules welcome lifelong chef Nathaniel Mortley AKA Natty Can Cook to the Life After Prison couch. Natty shares his experiences of working in some of London’s most high-end restaurants and how the environment there contributed to him going to prison. He also speaks about how seeing people excel while he was inside inspired him to start planning his future for when he was released. Now that he’s out, he is on an incredible journey to take Caribbean cuisine to the heights of the cu...
Mar 20, 2025•52 min
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association. 'Hold or Fold' explores gambling harm with an emphasis on the criminal justice system, your hosts Ben & Steve have both served time in prison as a direct result of their gambling. In this episode we’re looking at betting shops and the role they ...
Mar 13, 2025•39 min
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association. 'Hold or Fold' explores gambling harm with an emphasis on the criminal justice system, your hosts Ben & Steve have both served time in prison as a direct result of their gambling. In this first episode they are introducing themselves to you, a b...
Mar 06, 2025•39 min
In this episode Jules chats to Charlotte, who after years of self-harm, admissions to psychiatric hospitals, and a period of time in prison, is now in a really happy place. Charlotte has big ambitions for her future, and wants to be that support for others that she needed when she was younger, and she’s well on her way to achieving her goal. Useful links and organisations: Working Chance: https://workingchance.org/ Girls Get Social: https://www.instagram.com/girls.get.social/ Samaritans: https:/...
Feb 27, 2025•29 min
Zak and Jules discuss dealing with the fear of the unknown and how this affected them when leaving prison. They also hear from people inside about some of the hobbies they’ve developed to help pass the time, and the small privileges they now recognise that they’re missing out on. Useful organisations: Mental Health and Emotional Support Mind (Nationwide) – Offers mental health resources, advice, and support https://mind.org.uk Samaritans (Nationwide) – Provides a listening ear for anyone struggl...
Feb 20, 2025•24 min
In this episode Jules chats to Scout, a poet, writer and broadcaster. Scout, who ended up in prison after experiencing a manic state of psychosis, explores themes of mental health, prison and sobriety in her work. She talks to Jules about rediscovering her ability to write, turning to faith in prison and learning to like yourself. The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get your podcasts: (link) Useful links and organisations: National Prison Radio: https://prison.radio/nation...
Feb 13, 2025•27 min
Zak and Jules meet Abdul Bangura. Abdul has served three prison sentences. He is now a successful entrepreneur running his own aviation business. Abdul talks to Zak and Jules about how a chance meeting with his mentor in prison set him on a path to see his own potential. Useful organisations: The Alac Group – Abdul Bangura’s aviation Company https://thealacgroup.co.uk/about Power The Fight – a charity that empowers local communities to end youth violence https://www.powerthefight.org.uk/ School ...
Feb 06, 2025•48 min
In this episode Jules is joined by trainee barrister Kiri, whose dreams of a legal career were shaped when she was remanded in prison under joint enterprise law. Kiri tells Jules about the abusive relationship that caused her downward spiral, and the hard work that’s got her where she is today. Together they talk about the power of lived experience, being on the other side of criminal justice system, and getting more women into law. The full version of this episode can be found wherever you get ...
Jan 30, 2025•32 min
Zak and Jules explore what it takes to start and manage a business after prison, sharing their own journeys and lessons learned. They discuss building confidence, taking opportunities, and how businesses can open unexpected doors. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Social Ark (East London) – Social Ark is a charity supporting young people from under-resourced communities, including ex-offenders, to create social enterprises...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
In this episode Jules sits down with rapper, OneDa. Hot off the launch of her debut album, OneDa explains how she broke into the music industry. She also talks to Jules about experiencing the criminal justice system in her youth, her female rap collective HerChester, and the power of bringing others up with you. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our funders know what you think of the project, ...
Jan 16, 2025•29 min
Zak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest motivation to stay out, as well as reflecting on his unexpected path to becoming a CEO, his plans for the future, and the changes he hopes to see in the criminal justice system. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube...
Jan 09, 2025•49 min
In this episode Jules is joined by audio producer, Faye. While in prison, Faye found herself presenting regular shows on National Prison Radio. Now, together with Jules, she continues this work on the outside with the Prison Radio Association. Faye talks about her passion for fitness, being a parent in prison and her work on the Secret Life of Prisons podcast. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets...
Jan 02, 2025•31 min
In this episode, Zak and Jules explore what it’s like adjusting to life after prison, reflecting on their personal journeys, and the superstitions many people have when leaving. They hear from a listener who opens up about his entrepreneurial journey post-release and discuss the often-overlooked experiences of family and friends during this transition. This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. Useful organisations: Tomorrow’s Women (Wirral/Chester) – A...
Dec 26, 2024•29 min
In this episode Jules chats to Beatrice, who has very recently been released from prison. As an aspiring prison reformer, Beatrice talks about using her experience for good. Together, Beatrice and Jules discuss the mix of emotions that come with release, the current state of the prison system and Beatrice’s hopes for the future. Useful links and organisations: Beatrice’s Spectator Article https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/why-womens-prisons-dont-work/ Prison Reform Trust https://prisonreformtr...
Dec 19, 2024•32 min
In this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to founding a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He talks about his background, how it all started with a mentoring course in prison, and the support network that helped him rebuild his life. Joel also discusses the importance of understanding his own story, why he chose to work in prevention, and the impact of The Paradigm Project’s work. Plus, he shares insig...
Dec 12, 2024•51 min
In this episode, Jules sits down with social impact entrepreneur, Barbara Burton. While awaiting trail, Barbara wrote a sixteen-page business plan, which became her first social enterprise during her twelve month prison sentence. Barbara talks about becoming an entrepreneur, the art of pivoting and being named as one of the BBC’s 100 Women of the World. Our listeners are the most important part of Life After Prison and we want to hear from you! Your feedback is really important as it lets our fu...
Dec 05, 2024•31 min
