In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Katie and Tom from Finding Rhythms about how music is transforming lives in prisons and the community.

Since 2013, Finding Rhythms has delivered collaborative music projects across 30 prisons, supporting over 1,000 participants to create original music, gain qualifications, and build confidence. They share powerful stories of how music provides a safe, non-judgemental space for self-expression, helping people rebuild their identity and navigate life after release.

The episode also highlights Making Waves, their 10-week community programme in Peckham, where participants produce tracks, work towards a qualification, perform live, and access ongoing mentoring.

A moving conversation about creativity, second chances, and the power of music to spark lasting change.

In this episode, Mariam speaks with Kevin and Jayde, founder and directors of the incredible grassroots organisation Khadys Dream. Kevin’s lived experience inspired him to create a charity supporting young people and families affected by the criminal justice system, and together, they share how their work has grown to reach even more communities.

They reflect on the importance of prevention and early intervention, the misconceptions and glamorisation of the criminal justice system among young people, the challenges of transitioning from youth to adult justice, and the often-overlooked impact on families.

In this powerful episode of Experts by Experience, Mariam sits down with Siyanda, an award-winning Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) professional, to explore her transformative journey from overcoming racial adversity to building a career dedicated to empowering others. Siyanda opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly white area and her difficult experience in navigating the justice system. She also shares how her lived experiences fuel her passion for dismantling systemic biases and promoting inclusivity in the workplace. A testament to resilience and self-discovery, Siyanda’s story is one of healing, growth, and finding strength through community.

Women make up just 4% of the UK prison population, which means their voices and experiences are too often overlooked in conversations about criminal justice.

In this episode, Nic and Mariam speak with Lizzy Jewell, Head of Communications and Engagement at Working Chance, the UK’s only employment charity solely for women with convictions. Together, they explore what it really means to be a woman navigating a system largely designed for – and dominated by – men.

They discuss the unique challenges women face both in custody and on release, how past trauma and stigma can shape their journey, and what needs to change so that fewer women enter the system and more are able to break the cycle. The conversation also includes practical advice for women who have been in contact with the justice system and are looking for support

With Restorative Justice Week approaching, Mariam and Nic sit down with Julie, Head of Service for Restorative Justice at Calm Mediation, to explore what Restorative Justice really means.

In this episode, Julie shares real stories that show how structured conversations between victims and those who have caused harm can create understanding, accountability, and even healing. It’s a conversation that brings the process to life and highlights the human impact of Restorative Justice.

In this episode, Mariam speaks with Ryan, a specialist practitioner on Changing Futures for Westminster Council, and co-founder of a family-run organisation, EYC, that has already supported over 1,000 young people aged 12–25 experiencing multiple disadvantage.

Ryan’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and family. The business he runs with his siblings is named after their mum – a constant source of support and inspiration – reflecting their mission to offer that same care and consistency to the young people they serve.

He shares his powerful personal journey, from overcoming challenges in childhood to transforming those experiences into a passion for creating change. Together, they explore:

✔️ The challenges of working with young people who are treated as adults in the eyes of the law

✔️ The power of consistent, community-led support

✔️ How co-designing services with those who use them leads to lasting impact

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Daniel Cunningham, Restorative Justice Lead at Victim First.

Daniel shares his journey into restorative justice and offers a powerful look at how this approach works in practice. From what the process involves to the benefits – and challenges – for both victims and those who’ve caused harm, he breaks down what it really means to pursue healing after crime.

Drawing on real cases, Daniel explores how safe, structured conversations between victims and perpetrators can lead to understanding, accountability, and even closure.

Nic speaks with Dunia, founder of A Life of Choices. After the devastating experience of her son receiving a life sentence following youth violence, Dunia channelled her pain into action; creating spaces to support people and families affected by the criminal justice system.  

In this episode, she reflects on:
✔️ The reality of watching a young person get pulled into exploitation and violence
✔️ Why families of perpetrators must be part of the conversation, not excluded from it
✔️ The unseen impact on parents and siblings when a loved one goes into custody 

Dunia’s courage and determination shine through, challenging narratives, creating support, and driving vital conversations about how we change the narrative on exploited children, break the cycle of violence and reduce reoffending.  

This week, Nic speaks with Noel Moran about masculinity; what it means, how it connects with the criminal justice system, and why creating safe, trusted spaces matters for men’s wellbeing and growth.

Through his journey as a yoga teacher and training facilitator, Noel shares how challenging stereotypes, building trust, and creating spaces for honesty can transform lives inside and outside custody.

At Catch22, we know that reducing reoffending starts with listening. Real change only happens when services are shaped by real voices – those who have lived through the system and know what works.

This is coproduction in action: lived experience shaping the way we think about justice, rehabilitation, and masculinity.

Today’s episode of the Experts by Experience podcast is tackling a topic that can feel daunting: disclosure.

What is disclosure? When do you need to do it? Why can it be so stressful? And how can we make the process as straightforward and fair as possible?

In this episode, Nic speaks with Rik and Darren, both of whom have lived experience of the criminal justice system and know first-hand what it’s like to navigate disclosure when trying to rebuild your life.

Rik, who now works for Offploy, also shares insights from their newly launched Disclosure Toolkit, designed to support individuals and employers in making this process clear and accessible.

Together, they discuss:✔️ The challenges and misconceptions around disclosure✔️ How it impacts confidence and employment opportunities✔️ Practical advice for individuals and inclusive hiring tips for organisations

This honest and frank conversation breaks down myths, provides real guidance, and highlights the immense value of lived experience in the workforce.