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

August 27, 2025Dr Rachel Gibbons (Video); Facing the Unthinkable: Dr. Gibbons on Suicide and Mental Health
Locked up Living Podcast: Episode with Dr. Rachel Gibbons
Hosts: Dr. Naomi Murphy and David Jones
Guest: Dr. Rachel Gibbons, Consultant Psychiatrist, Psychoanalyst, and Group Analyst
Episode Summary: In this episode, Dr. Rachel Gibbons shares her profound experiences and insights on the topic of suicide, its impact on the bereaved, and patient safety. Dr. Gibbons discusses her journey, which began with the traumatic loss of four patients to suicide early in her career, and how these events shaped her professional path and personal growth. The conversation delves into the complexities of dealing with suicide in mental health services, the importance of reflective spaces, and the need for better preparation and support for clinicians.
Key Points:
Dr. Gibbons' early career experiences with patient suicides and their profound impact on her.
The concept of post-traumatic growth and how trauma can fuel creative change.
The importance of addressing clinician vulnerability and the stigma surrounding it.
The role of reflective spaces and preparation in managing the aftermath of patient suicides.
The need for systemic changes in mental health services to better support staff and patients.
Quotes:
"Trauma can be destructive, or it can fuel creative change."
"We can't keep people safe from the contents of their own mind."
"Reflective spaces are essential to prevent acting out and causing more harm."
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. Rachel Gibbons' website: [http://drrachaelgibbons.co.uk](http://drrachaelgibbons.co.uk)
Royal College of Psychiatrists' Wellbeing Hub
Call to Action: If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please seek help from a mental health professional or contact a crisis hotline in your area.
55 min
August 20, 2025Christopher Mathews (Video); ‘Dark Academia: Reflections on Well-being and Academia
In this episode, Christopher Matthews shares his journey of maintaining well-being beyond sports, reflecting on his past experiences and the challenges he faces in academia. With David Jones and Naomi Murphy he discusses the impact of his work on his mental health, the role of self-therapy, and the use of psychedelic drugs. Matthews also touches on the difficulties of addressing sensitive topics like child abuse in sports and the importance of reflection and mindfulness in his life.
Dr. Matthews, is a social scientist and epistemologist with years of experience advising doctoral candidates. His latest sole-authored book, Doing Good Social Science, was published by Routledge in April 2025. He co-edited Teaching with Sociological Imagination in Higher Education (Springer) and Global Perspectives on Women in Combat Sports (Palgrave Macmillan)
Key Points:
Christopher Matthews reflects on his younger years and the reckless behavior he engaged in, acknowledging the impact it had on his well-being
He discusses the emotional toll of his research and the challenges of talking about sensitive topics like child abuse in sports
Matthews shares his approach to self-therapy and the importance of reflection and mindfulness in maintaining his mental health
The role of psychedelic drugs in his life and how they have helped him become a better person and scholar
The impact of reading "Dark Academia" and the realization of the challenges facing academia
Matthews emphasizes the need for academics to have clinical supervision when working on human impact research
Quotes:
"I've become very, very reflective and quite emotional as I've got older." - Christopher Matthews
"Doing acid, LSD, and magic mushrooms has fundamentally made me a better man, a better husband, a better person." - Christopher Matthews
"I think there's a case for academics to have clinical supervision if they're working on human impact research." - Dr. Naomi Murphy
Takeaways:
Self-reflection is crucial for maintaining well-being
Engaging in sports can lead to both positive and negative outcomes
The myths surrounding sports often overlook the inherent risks involved
Performance in sports can overshadow the joy of play
Sports can create community but also reinforce social divides
Youth sports should prioritize play over competition
The impact of sports on mental health is significant and complex
Critical thinking is essential in analyzing the role of sports in society
The relationship between sports and health is often misunderstood
Personal experiences shape our understanding of sports and their effects.
Sound Bites:
"I get really upset when I talk to people."
"It's fundamentally made me a better man."
"I've accepted that I know I'm doing it."
1 hr 14 min
August 20, 2025Christopher Mathews (Audio); Dark Academia; Reflections on Wellbeing and Academia.
In this episode, Christopher Matthews shares his journey of maintaining well-being beyond sports, reflecting on his past experiences and the challenges he faces in academia. With David Jones and Naomi Murphy he discusses the impact of his work on his mental health, the role of self-therapy, and the use of psychedelic drugs. Matthews also touches on the difficulties of addressing sensitive topics like child abuse in sports and the importance of reflection and mindfulness in his life.
Dr. Matthews, is a social scientist and epistemologist with years of experience advising doctoral candidates. His latest sole-authored book, Doing Good Social Science, was published by Routledge in April 2025. He co-edited Teaching with Sociological Imagination in Higher Education (Springer) and Global Perspectives on Women in Combat Sports (Palgrave Macmillan)
Key Points:
Christopher Matthews reflects on his younger years and the reckless behavior he engaged in, acknowledging the impact it had on his well-being
He discusses the emotional toll of his research and the challenges of talking about sensitive topics like child abuse in sports
Matthews shares his approach to self-therapy and the importance of reflection and mindfulness in maintaining his mental health
The role of psychedelic drugs in his life and how they have helped him become a better person and scholar
The impact of reading "Dark Academia" and the realization of the challenges facing academia
Matthews emphasizes the need for academics to have clinical supervision when working on human impact research
Quotes:
"I've become very, very reflective and quite emotional as I've got older." - Christopher Matthews
"Doing acid, LSD, and magic mushrooms has fundamentally made me a better man, a better husband, a better person." - Christopher Matthews
"I think there's a case for academics to have clinical supervision if they're working on human impact research." - Dr. Naomi Murphy
Takeaways:
Self-reflection is crucial for maintaining well-being
Engaging in sports can lead to both positive and negative outcomes
The myths surrounding sports often overlook the inherent risks involved
Performance in sports can overshadow the joy of play
Sports can create community but also reinforce social divides
Youth sports should prioritize play over competition
The impact of sports on mental health is significant and complex
Critical thinking is essential in analyzing the role of sports in society
The relationship between sports and health is often misunderstood
Personal experiences shape our understanding of sports and their effects.
Sound Bites:
"I get really upset when I talk to people."
"It's fundamentally made me a better man."
"I've accepted that I know I'm doing it."
1 hr 14 min
August 13, 2025Dr Eileen Borris (Video); Transforming Lives with Political Forgiveness
Guest: Dr. Eileen Borris, Clinical and Political Psychologist
Host(s): David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy
Episode Summary: In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Eileen Borris, a clinical and political psychologist who has pioneered the concept of political forgiveness at individual, community, and national levels. Dr. Borris has addressed the United Nations and has worked for over 30 years to build peace in conflict areas around the world, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Middle East.
https://www.drborris.com/books/finding-forgiveness-a-7-step-program-for-letting-go-of-anger-and-bitterness/
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Political Forgiveness:
Dr. Borris explains the concept of political forgiveness, which involves truth, forbearance, empathy, and a commitment to repair fractured relationships. She shares how her personal background and family history influenced her interest in this subject
Importance of Forgiveness:
The discussion highlights the significance of forgiveness in healing communities and moving forward without ignoring past evils or reducing justice to revenge
South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Dr. Borris discusses the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a model for political forgiveness and the lessons learned from it
Forgiveness in Rwanda:
The conversation touches on the role of forgiveness in Rwanda's healing process after the genocide and the challenges of addressing deep-seated emotions and historical grievances
Forgiveness as a Skill:
Dr. Borris emphasizes that forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone. She shares practical steps for letting go of grievances and changing one's emotional state
Forgiveness in the Criminal Justice System:
The episode explores the implications of forgiveness for the justice system and the importance of self-forgiveness for individuals who have committed serious offenses
Stories of Forgiveness:
Dr. Borris shares powerful stories of forgiveness, including the unlikely friendship between a Black pastor and a former Ku Klux Klan member in South Carolina
Cultural Differences in Forgiveness:
The discussion highlights how forgiveness is built into the cultures of certain countries and the communal nature of forgiveness practices in places like Sierra Leone
Dr. Borris's Book and Podcast:
Dr. Borris talks about her book "Finding Forgiveness," which provides a self-help guide to learning forgiveness, and her podcast "Political Forgiveness Voices of Peace," which aims to inspire people to bridge divides and build a culture of political forgiveness
Maintaining Well-being:
Dr. Borris shares her personal practices for maintaining well-being while working in difficult situations, including meditation, gratitude, and staying connected with loved ones
Key Takeaways:
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation at both individual and community levels.
It is important to address underlying emotions and historical grievances to achieve true forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone, regardless of their background or experiences.
Building a culture of political forgiveness can lead to better societies and nations.
45 min
August 13, 2025Dr Eileen Borris (Audio); Transforming Lives with Political Forgiveness
Guest: Dr. Eileen Borris, Clinical and Political Psychologist
Host(s): David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy
Episode Summary: In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Eileen Borris, a clinical and political psychologist who has pioneered the concept of political forgiveness at individual, community, and national levels. Dr. Borris has addressed the United Nations and has worked for over 30 years to build peace in conflict areas around the world, including Rwanda, South Africa, Liberia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Middle East.
https://www.drborris.com/books/finding-forgiveness-a-7-step-program-for-letting-go-of-anger-and-bitterness/
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Political Forgiveness:
Dr. Borris explains the concept of political forgiveness, which involves truth, forbearance, empathy, and a commitment to repair fractured relationships. She shares how her personal background and family history influenced her interest in this subject
Importance of Forgiveness:
The discussion highlights the significance of forgiveness in healing communities and moving forward without ignoring past evils or reducing justice to revenge
South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission:
Dr. Borris discusses the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a model for political forgiveness and the lessons learned from it
Forgiveness in Rwanda:
The conversation touches on the role of forgiveness in Rwanda's healing process after the genocide and the challenges of addressing deep-seated emotions and historical grievances
Forgiveness as a Skill:
Dr. Borris emphasizes that forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone. She shares practical steps for letting go of grievances and changing one's emotional state
Forgiveness in the Criminal Justice System:
The episode explores the implications of forgiveness for the justice system and the importance of self-forgiveness for individuals who have committed serious offenses
Stories of Forgiveness:
Dr. Borris shares powerful stories of forgiveness, including the unlikely friendship between a Black pastor and a former Ku Klux Klan member in South Carolina
Cultural Differences in Forgiveness:
The discussion highlights how forgiveness is built into the cultures of certain countries and the communal nature of forgiveness practices in places like Sierra Leone
Dr. Borris's Book and Podcast:
Dr. Borris talks about her book "Finding Forgiveness," which provides a self-help guide to learning forgiveness, and her podcast "Political Forgiveness Voices of Peace," which aims to inspire people to bridge divides and build a culture of political forgiveness
Maintaining Well-being:
Dr. Borris shares her personal practices for maintaining well-being while working in difficult situations, including meditation, gratitude, and staying connected with loved ones
Key Takeaways:
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconciliation at both individual and community levels.
It is important to address underlying emotions and historical grievances to achieve true forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a skill that can be learned and practiced by anyone, regardless of their background or experiences.
Building a culture of political forgiveness can lead to better societies and nations.
45 min
August 06, 2025Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson (Audio): Uncovering the Truth: The Battle Against Childhood Abuse NDAs
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet with Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, two courageous women who have been fighting against the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of childhood sexual abuse. They share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing efforts to bring justice and change to the system. This episode delves into the emotional and legal battles they have endured and highlights the importance of public awareness and legislative change.
https://www.therestitutionproject.ca/about
Since our conversation, Texas and Missouri have passed Trey’s Law, banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault. So, this law will now cover a population of about 87 million people (this includes both Tennessee and California that already have laws banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault.). As the NDA is a tool of human traffickers this is good news!
Key Points:
Introduction: David welcomes Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, who are based in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively, and asks them to share how they met and began working together
Susan's Story: Susan discusses her experience with a non-disclosure agreement related to childhood sexual abuse, her legal battles, and the impact on her life.
Sherri's Story: Sherri shares her journey of breaking her NDA, the legal repercussions, and the emotional toll it took on her.
Legal and Emotional Impact: Both Susan and Sherri discuss the long-term psychological effects of signing NDAs and the challenges of seeking justice.
Public Awareness and Legislative Change: The importance of public records, the role of the justice system, and the need for legislative changes to protect victims of childhood abuse.
The Restitution Project: Susan and Sherri talk about their initiative, The Restitution Project, aimed at addressing the misuse of NDAs in cases of childhood abuse.
Support and Self-Care: How Susan and Sherri support each other and manage the emotional toll of their work.
Conclusion: Final thoughts on the fight for justice and the importance of continued advocacy.
53 min
August 06, 2025Susan MacRae & Sherri Thomson (Video); Uncovering the Truth: The Battle Against Childhood Abuse NDAs
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet with Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, two courageous women who have been fighting against the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of childhood sexual abuse. They share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing efforts to bring justice and change to the system. This episode delves into the emotional and legal battles they have endured and highlights the importance of public awareness and legislative change.
https://www.therestitutionproject.ca/about
Since our conversation, Texas and Missouri have passed Trey’s Law, banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault. So, this law will now cover a population of about 87 million people (this includes both Tennessee and California that already have laws banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault.). As the NDA is a tool of human traffickers this is good news!
Key Points:
Introduction: David welcomes Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, who are based in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively, and asks them to share how they met and began working together
Susan's Story: Susan discusses her experience with a non-disclosure agreement related to childhood sexual abuse, her legal battles, and the impact on her life.
Sherri's Story: Sherri shares her journey of breaking her NDA, the legal repercussions, and the emotional toll it took on her.
Legal and Emotional Impact: Both Susan and Sherri discuss the long-term psychological effects of signing NDAs and the challenges of seeking justice.
Public Awareness and Legislative Change: The importance of public records, the role of the justice system, and the need for legislative changes to protect victims of childhood abuse.
The Restitution Project: Susan and Sherri talk about their initiative, The Restitution Project, aimed at addressing the misuse of NDAs in cases of childhood abuse.
Support and Self-Care: How Susan and Sherri support each other and manage the emotional toll of their work.
Conclusion: Final thoughts on the fight for justice and the importance of continued advocacy.
53 min
August 06, 2025Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson (Audio); Breaking the Silence: Susan and Sherri's Fight Against Childhood Abuse NDAs
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet with Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, two courageous women who have been fighting against the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of childhood sexual abuse. They share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing efforts to bring justice and change to the system. This episode delves into the emotional and legal battles they have endured and highlights the importance of public awareness and legislative change.
https://www.therestitutionproject.ca/about
Since our conversation, Texas and Missouri have passed Trey’s Law, banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault. So, this law will now cover a population of about 87 million people (this includes both Tennessee and California that already have laws banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault.). As the NDA is a tool of human traffickers this is good news!
Key Points:
Introduction: David welcomes Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, who are based in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively, and asks them to share how they met and began working together
Susan's Story: Susan discusses her experience with a non-disclosure agreement related to childhood sexual abuse, her legal battles, and the impact on her life.
Sherri's Story: Sherri shares her journey of breaking her NDA, the legal repercussions, and the emotional toll it took on her.
Legal and Emotional Impact: Both Susan and Sherri discuss the long-term psychological effects of signing NDAs and the challenges of seeking justice.
Public Awareness and Legislative Change: The importance of public records, the role of the justice system, and the need for legislative changes to protect victims of childhood abuse.
The Restitution Project: Susan and Sherri talk about their initiative, The Restitution Project, aimed at addressing the misuse of NDAs in cases of childhood abuse.
Support and Self-Care: How Susan and Sherri support each other and manage the emotional toll of their work.
Conclusion: Final thoughts on the fight for justice and the importance of continued advocacy.
45 min
August 06, 2025Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson (Video); Breaking the Silence: Susan and Sherri's Fight Against Childhood Abuse NDAs
Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet with Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, two courageous women who have been fighting against the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of childhood sexual abuse. They share their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and their ongoing efforts to bring justice and change to the system. This episode delves into the emotional and legal battles they have endured and highlights the importance of public awareness and legislative change.
https://www.therestitutionproject.ca/about
Since our conversation, Texas and Missouri have passed Trey’s Law, banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault. So, this law will now cover a population of about 87 million people (this includes both Tennessee and California that already have laws banning NDAs for childhood sexual assault.). As the NDA is a tool of human traffickers this is good news!
Key Points:
Introduction: David welcomes Susan MacRae and Sherri Thomson, who are based in British Columbia and Ontario, respectively, and asks them to share how they met and began working together
Susan's Story: Susan discusses her experience with a non-disclosure agreement related to childhood sexual abuse, her legal battles, and the impact on her life.
Sherri's Story: Sherri shares her journey of breaking her NDA, the legal repercussions, and the emotional toll it took on her.
Legal and Emotional Impact: Both Susan and Sherri discuss the long-term psychological effects of signing NDAs and the challenges of seeking justice.
Public Awareness and Legislative Change: The importance of public records, the role of the justice system, and the need for legislative changes to protect victims of childhood abuse.
The Restitution Project: Susan and Sherri talk about their initiative, The Restitution Project, aimed at addressing the misuse of NDAs in cases of childhood abuse.
Support and Self-Care: How Susan and Sherri support each other and manage the emotional toll of their work.
Conclusion: Final thoughts on the fight for justice and the importance of continued advocacy.
45 min
July 30, 2025 Dr Warren Larkin (Audio); The Power of Environment in Education
Keywords

clinical psychology, trauma, resilience, education, mental health, policy development, children and families, trauma-informed care, REACH model, well-being

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Naomi Murphy and David Jones talk with Dr. Warren Larkin who describes his journey from a challenging educational background to becoming a clinical psychologist. He discusses the significant impact of environment on learning, particularly in relation to trauma and resilience. Dr. Larkin emphasizes the importance of working with children and families, advocating for trauma-informed approaches in education and mental health. He reflects on his experiences in policy development and the challenges of implementing trauma-informed care in various settings. The conversation also covers the REACH model, which focuses on routine inquiry about childhood adversity, and highlights the importance of safety and relationships in fostering well-being.

https://warrenlarkinassociates.co.uk/portfolio-items/routine-enquiry-about-adversity-in-childhood-reach-programme/

He is now managing director of Warren Larkin Associates which, among other things WLA help organisations recognise and respond more effectively to the needs of staff and clients affected by trauma.
https://warrenlarkinassociates.co.uk/

Takeaways

Warren Larkin's educational journey highlights the impact of supportive environments.
Trauma and resilience are crucial in educational settings.
Early intervention is important, but prevention is even better.
Policy changes often do not translate to practice changes.
The REACH model emphasizes routine inquiry about childhood adversity.
Creating safe environments is essential for effective trauma-informed care.
Relationships are key to resilience and well-being.
Social support is the most powerful factor in coping with stress.
Trauma-informed care is still not well understood in many settings.
There is a need for more robust evaluations of trauma-informed interventions.

Sound bites

"I left school with one O level and one CSE."
"I've never looked back since leaving the NHS."
"Relationships are the best medicine."

Chapters

00:00 Warren Larkin's Journey to Clinical Psychology
03:58 The Impact of Environment on Learning
05:39 Working with Children and Families
08:46 Trauma and Psychosis: A New Perspective
10:41 Policy Development and Challenges
16:25 Success Stories in Mental Health Policy
17:43 Transitioning to Private Practice
20:38 Navigating the NHS and Independent Work
24:53 The REACH Model: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
32:44 Barriers to Routine Inquiry in Healthcare
38:18 Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding and Application
43:50 Personal Well-Being: Balancing Work and Life
47 min

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

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