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

By Podcasters David Jones & Dr Naomi MurphySociety & Culture Health & Fitness Mental Health True Crime

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

December 03, 2025 Andrew MacLeod (Video); Children Born of War: Advocacy, Hope and finding connections
Introduction:
In this episode, we are joined by Andrew MacLeod, a passionate advocate and lawyer who has dedicated his life to addressing the complex issues surrounding children born of war and the injustices they face. With a background in law and a personal journey marked by profound loss, Andrew has transformed his experiences into a powerful mission to help those in need. He is the founder of the organization "Hear Their Cries," which focuses on advocacy, legal support, and raising awareness about the plight of these vulnerable children. Andrew's resilience and commitment to finding solutions in the face of adversity shine through in this candid conversation, where he shares insights into his work, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of building a legacy for future generations.
Key Discussion Points:**
- Andrew's personal journey and the impact of his mother's passing on his career choices.
- The concept of Founder's Syndrome and the importance of succession planning in advocacy work.
- The emotional challenges faced by whistleblowers and advocates in the field.
- The role of pro bono lawyers in supporting vulnerable populations.
- Insights into the organization "Hear Their Cries" and its mission.
- The psychological and societal implications of the work surrounding children born of war.
- Andrew's thoughts on resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.
1 hr 5 min
November 26, 2025 Helen Evans (Audio); Uncovering Abuse: The illusion of Safeguarding, the Oxfam Experience
Keywords
Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity
Takeaways
Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction.
Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations.
She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition.
https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/
Summary
In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Sound bites
"This was a systemic issue."
"I had to relocate. I lost my home."
"I think there have been improvements."
Chapters
00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam
03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing
06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness
09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out
12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy
15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector
18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices
21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities
24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change
27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work
30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward
44:38 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4
46 min
November 26, 2025 Helen Evans (Video); Uncovering Abuse: The illusion of Safeguarding, the Oxfam Experience
Keywords
Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity
Takeaways
Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction.
Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations.
She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition.
https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/
Summary
In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations.
Sound bites
"This was a systemic issue."
"I had to relocate. I lost my home."
"I think there have been improvements."
Chapters
00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam
03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing
06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness
09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out
12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy
15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector
18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices
21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities
24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change
27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work
30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward
44:38 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4
46 min
November 19, 2025Alejandro Sanchez & Leeanne Morris (Audio);The Controversy of Male Circumcision without medical need.
Keywords
male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services
Summary;
This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices.
https://15square.org.uk/
Takeaways
Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated.
Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief.
Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences.
The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent.
There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities.
Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure.
The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized.
Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it.
Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities.
Sound Bites
"The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern."
"Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage."
"We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion
05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision
09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision
17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations
22:10Physical Risks and Complications
26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes
31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals
35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation
36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4
37 min
November 19, 2025Alejandro Sanchez & Leeanne Morris (Video);The Controversy of Male Circumcision without medical need.
Keywords
male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services
Summary;
This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices.
https://15square.org.uk/
Takeaways
Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated.
Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief.
Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences.
The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent.
There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities.
Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure.
The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts.
Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized.
Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it.
Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities.
Sound Bites
"The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern."
"Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage."
"We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights."
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion
05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision
09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision
17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations
22:10Physical Risks and Complications
26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes
31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals
35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation
36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4
37 min
November 12, 2025 Bethany Roper (Audio); Exploring Dementia in Forensic Settings
In this episode, we meet with Bethany Roper, a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, who explores dementia in forensic mental health settings. Bethany shares insights from her research and her experiences working at Broadmoor Hospital.

Keywords

Bethany Roper, dementia, forensic mental health, University of the West of Scotland, Broadmoor Hospital

Takeaways

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.
She explores dementia in forensic mental health settings.
Bethany has a background in investigative and forensic psychology.
She conducted research on honour-based abuse at the University of Liverpool.
Bethany previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital.
Her research focuses on mixed methods approaches.
Bethany shares insights from her experiences in forensic settings.
She discusses the challenges of researching dementia in these environments.
Bethany highlights the importance of understanding mental health in forensic contexts.
She emphasizes the need for more research in this field.

Sound bites

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher.
Exploring dementia in forensic settings.
Insights from Broadmoor Hospital.
Researching dementia challenges.
Understanding mental health in forensic contexts.
Bethany's journey in forensic psychology.
The importance of forensic mental health.
Bethany's experiences at Broadmoor.
Forensic psychology insights.
Dementia research in forensic settings.
Chapters

00:00:25 Introduction to Bethany Roper
00:00:29 Bethany's Academic Background
00:00:41 Research Focus and Insights
32 min
November 12, 2025 Bethany Roper (Video); Exploring Dementia in Forensic Settings
In this episode, we meet with Bethany Roper, a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, who explores dementia in forensic mental health settings. Bethany shares insights from her research and her experiences working at Broadmoor Hospital.

Keywords

Bethany Roper, dementia, forensic mental health, University of the West of Scotland, Broadmoor Hospital

Takeaways

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher at the University of the West of Scotland.
She explores dementia in forensic mental health settings.
Bethany has a background in investigative and forensic psychology.
She conducted research on honour-based abuse at the University of Liverpool.
Bethany previously worked at Broadmoor Hospital.
Her research focuses on mixed methods approaches.
Bethany shares insights from her experiences in forensic settings.
She discusses the challenges of researching dementia in these environments.
Bethany highlights the importance of understanding mental health in forensic contexts.
She emphasizes the need for more research in this field.

Sound bites

Bethany Roper is a doctoral researcher.
Exploring dementia in forensic settings.
Insights from Broadmoor Hospital.
Researching dementia challenges.
Understanding mental health in forensic contexts.
Bethany's journey in forensic psychology.
The importance of forensic mental health.
Bethany's experiences at Broadmoor.
Forensic psychology insights.
Dementia research in forensic settings.
Chapters

00:00:25 Introduction to Bethany Roper
00:00:29 Bethany's Academic Background
00:00:41 Research Focus and Insights
32 min
November 05, 2025 Jay Morgan Hyrons (Audio); Navigating Grief: Lessons from a Life of Loss
Keywords
ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing

Summary
In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity.

Takeaways
Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom.
Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life.
Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief.
Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death.
She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it.
Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience.
Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment.
She believes kindness is integral to her identity.
Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief.
Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts.
https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/
https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/

Sound bites
"I tick every box for that."
"Boredom is your biggest enemy."
"Grief's everywhere."

Chapters
00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths
03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective
07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact
15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability
24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle
33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss
37:19 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

39 min
November 05, 2025 Jay Morgan Hyrons (video); Navigating Grief: Lessons from a Life of Loss
Keywords
ADHD, grief, resilience, palliative care, near-death experience, personal growth, mental health, vulnerability, integrity, healing

Summary
In this conversation, Jay Morgan Hyrons shares her unique career journey, marked by personal loss and resilience. Her husband, Gary was killed in the |Falklands war. She discusses her experiences with ADHD, the impact of grief in her various roles, and how her near-death experiences shaped her understanding of vulnerability and strength. Jay emphasizes the importance of processing grief and the lessons learned from her struggles, including the pursuit of justice and the significance of kindness and integrity in overcoming adversity.

Takeaways
Jay's career path reflects her struggle with ADHD and boredom.
Grief has been a constant theme in Jay's professional life.
Her experiences in palliative care deepened her understanding of grief.
Jay faced significant personal losses, including her husband's death.
She emphasizes the importance of processing grief rather than suppressing it.
Near-death experiences taught her about vulnerability and resilience.
Jay's pursuit of justice after medical negligence was a pivotal moment.
She believes kindness is integral to her identity.
Her book, 'The Falklands Widow', offers insights into grief.
Jay advocates for understanding grief in mental health contexts.
https://www.jaymorganhyrons.com/
https://falklands35blog.wordpress.com/about/
Sound bites
"I tick every box for that."
"Boredom is your biggest enemy."
"Grief's everywhere."

Chapters
00:00 A Journey Through Unconventional Career Paths
03:57 Understanding Grief: A Personal Perspective
07:34 Near-Death Experiences and Their Impact
15:41 Resilience Through Vulnerability
24:41 The Fight for Justice: A Personal Battle
33:36 Embracing Grief and Learning from Loss
37:19 Outro Oct 23 2.mp4

39 min
October 29, 2025 Dr Bettina Hohnen (Audio); Understanding Teenagers: A Clinical Perspective
Keywords
clinical psychology, parenting, adolescence, neurodiversity, identity formation, emotional wellbeing, family dynamics, communication, executive function, teenage brain
Summary
In this conversation, Dr. Bettina Hohnen, a clinical psychologist specializing in working with young people and their families, shares her insights on the complexities of parenting during adolescence. She discusses her own journey through education, the challenges of neurodiversity, and the importance of understanding the teenage brain. Dr. Hohnen emphasizes the need for effective communication, the significance of identity formation, and the role of respect in parent-teen relationships. She also highlights the importance of self-care for mental health professionals and the need for open discussions about body image with teenagers.
Takeaways
Dr. Hohnen's journey reflects the diverse paths to success in education.
Understanding neurodiversity is crucial for effective parenting.
Failure to launch is a common issue for young adults today.
Effective communication is key to maintaining relationships with teens.
Listening without judgment fosters trust between parents and teens.
Repairing relationships after conflicts is essential for emotional safety.
Respecting teenagers as individuals is vital for healthy dynamics.
Self-awareness in parents can positively influence their children's identity.
Discussing body image openly can help prevent issues like eating disorders.
Mental health professionals must prioritize their own wellbeing.

Sound bites
"Listening is not the same as agreeing."
"Behavior is a form of communication."
"Surround yourself with young people."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bettina Hohnen and Her Work
02:21 Understanding Neurodiversity and Parenting Challenges
04:41 Navigating the 'Failure to Launch' Phenomenon
08:15 The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Development
10:09 The Challenges of Parenting During Adolescence
14:04 The Personal Connection to Clinical Practice
15:08 Communication Barriers Between Parents and Teenagers
18:51 Understanding the Adolescent Predicament
23:57 Maintaining Closeness with Teenagers
27:33 Repairing Broken Connections
30:28 Navigating Neurodiversity in Teens
33:35 Supporting Healthy Identity Formation
38:43 Discussing Body Image and Acceptance
40:42 Self-Care for Parents and Professionals

43 min

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

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