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

June 25, 2025Eppie Sprung (Audio); Navigating Life After Conviction: Eppie's Story
keywords
Next Chapter Scotland, stigma, parenting, criminal justice, children's book, identity, mental health, support, resilience, sexual offences.
summary
In this conversation, with David and |Naomi Eppie Sprung, the founder of Next Chapter Scotland, shares her journey of navigating life after a conviction for a sexual offense. She discusses the inspiration behind her children's book (Here with You) aimed at helping parents talk to their children about difficult pasts. Eppie reflects on the stigma she faces, her identity as a mother, and the importance of honesty in family conversations. She emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding in the criminal justice system and shares her strategies for coping with media attention and personal challenges.
In August Next Chapter Scotland will be launching a Scotland-wide report into the impacts faced by people who have been involved with the criminal justice system and calling for the system-wide changes.
www.herewithyoubook.co.uk
www.nextchapterscotland.org.uk

takeaways
Eppie's book aims to facilitate conversations about difficult pasts.
Stigma and discrimination are significant challenges for those with criminal records.
The importance of community support in overcoming personal challenges.
Eppie's identity as a mother is central to her healing process.
Honesty with children about the past fosters trust and understanding.
Self-compassion is crucial for mental well-being.
Eppie believes in the potential for change and redemption.
The media's portrayal of individuals with convictions can be harmful.
Eppie's charity focuses on helping others navigate their pasts.
Creating a supportive environment is essential for healing.
33 min
June 22, 2025 Dr Rachel Gibbons (Video); Assisted Dying: Cultural Shifts in Attitudes Towards Death
keywords
assisted dying, suicide, palliative care, mental health, grief, legislation, death, cultural attitudes, pandemic, healthcare
summary
In this conversation, Dr. Rachel Gibbons, David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy discuss the complexities surrounding assisted dying, its implications, and the cultural shifts in attitudes towards death. The dialogue explores the differences between assisted dying and suicide, the role of palliative care, and the emotional landscape of dying, particularly in light of the pandemic. Dr Gibbons emphasizes the need for thoughtful discourse and safeguards in the legislation surrounding assisted dying, while also reflecting on personal experiences with grief and the societal attitudes towards death.
takeaways
Assisted dying is a global movement gaining traction.
Terminology around assisted dying varies by country.
Cultural attitudes towards death are shifting post-pandemic.
There is a significant difference between assisted dying and suicide.
Quality of end-of-life care is crucial.
Palliative care needs to be improved for better outcomes.
The emotional landscape of dying is complex and charged.
Societal biases can impact decisions around assisted dying.
Grief can manifest differently based on relationships.
Legislation around assisted dying requires careful consideration and safeguards.

Website with links to papers, book.
https://www.drrachelgibbons.co.uk/
titles

42 min
June 22, 2025 Dr Rachel Gibbons (Audio); Assisted Dying: Cultural Shifts in Attitudes Towards Death
keywords
assisted dying, suicide, palliative care, mental health, grief, legislation, death, cultural attitudes, pandemic, healthcare
summary
In this conversation, Dr. Rachel Gibbons, David Jones and Dr Naomi Murphy discuss the complexities surrounding assisted dying, its implications, and the cultural shifts in attitudes towards death. The dialogue explores the differences between assisted dying and suicide, the role of palliative care, and the emotional landscape of dying, particularly in light of the pandemic. Dr Gibbons emphasizes the need for thoughtful discourse and safeguards in the legislation surrounding assisted dying, while also reflecting on personal experiences with grief and the societal attitudes towards death.
takeaways
Assisted dying is a global movement gaining traction.
Terminology around assisted dying varies by country.
Cultural attitudes towards death are shifting post-pandemic.
There is a significant difference between assisted dying and suicide.
Quality of end-of-life care is crucial.
Palliative care needs to be improved for better outcomes.
The emotional landscape of dying is complex and charged.
Societal biases can impact decisions around assisted dying.
Grief can manifest differently based on relationships.
Legislation around assisted dying requires careful consideration and safeguards.

Website with links to papers, book.
https://www.drrachelgibbons.co.uk/
titles

42 min
June 18, 2025 Emma Webb (Audio); The Untold Stories of Abuse in gymnastics and other athletic events
Keywords
abuse, gymnastics, Olympians, memoir, survivors, systemic issues, education, self-care, healing, change
Summary
In this conversation, Emma (not her real name) shares her powerful journey of survival and healing after experiencing abuse in gymnastics. She discusses the importance of sharing her story through her memoir, the complicity of those in power, and the systemic issues within sports that allow abuse to persist. Emma emphasizes the need for parents to be vigilant and educated about the environments their children are in, and she reflects on her own healing journey and the importance of self-care.
Takeaways
Emma felt it was imperative to share her story.
She was part of a support group of survivors.
The book aims to raise awareness about ongoing abuse in gymnastics.
Parents need to be aware of the risks in sports.
Olympians are often seen as untouchable figures.
The complicity of enablers is a significant issue.
Systemic problems in sports allow abuse to continue.
Education systems need to better protect children.
Self-care is crucial in the healing process.
Emma's journey is a call for societal change.

53 min
June 18, 2025 Emma Webb (video) The Untold Stories of Abuse in gymnastics and other athletic events
Keywords
abuse, gymnastics, Olympians, memoir, survivors, systemic issues, education, self-care, healing, change
Summary
In this conversation, Emma (not her real name) shares her powerful journey of survival and healing after experiencing abuse in gymnastics. She discusses the importance of sharing her story through her memoir, the complicity of those in power, and the systemic issues within sports that allow abuse to persist. Emma emphasizes the need for parents to be vigilant and educated about the environments their children are in, and she reflects on her own healing journey and the importance of self-care.
Takeaways
Emma felt it was imperative to share her story.
She was part of a support group of survivors.
The book aims to raise awareness about ongoing abuse in gymnastics.
Parents need to be aware of the risks in sports.
Olympians are often seen as untouchable figures.
The complicity of enablers is a significant issue.
Systemic problems in sports allow abuse to continue.
Education systems need to better protect children.
Self-care is crucial in the healing process.
Emma's journey is a call for societal change.

53 min
June 11, 2025 Faith Spear (Audio); Whistleblowing in the IMB: A Cautionary Tale
Keywords
Independent Monitoring Board, prison reform, criminology, Faith Spear, criminal justice, prison advocacy, emotional toll, monitoring prisons, recommendations, prison conditions
Summary
In this conversation, Faith Spear, a criminologist and former chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), shares her experiences and insights into the role of the IMB in monitoring prisons. She discusses the challenges faced by IMB members, the emotional toll of the work, and the need for reform within the prison system. Faith reflects on her journey to the IMB, the expectations versus reality of the role, and the impact of her whistleblowing article that led to her suspension. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about prison reform and continues to advocate for change.
takeaways
The IMB is a statutory body that monitors prisons.
Members of the IMB have 24/7 access to prisons but face challenges in independence.
Faith's background in the voluntary sector influenced her path to the IMB.
Expectations of the IMB role can differ significantly from reality.
The IMB is funded by the Ministry of Justice, affecting its perceived independence.
Building trust with prisoners is a significant challenge for IMB members.
The emotional toll of working in prisons can be substantial.
Support and camaraderie among IMB members can be lacking.
Faith's whistleblowing article raised important issues but led to her suspension.
Faith continues to advocate for prison reform through her blog and public speaking.

Faith Spear FRSA is a prison reform advocate best known for her integrity and as
staunch critic of this country’s prison system.
Until January 2017, Faith served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board
(IMB) at HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay.
She authored a groundbreaking article published in The Prisons Handbook 2016
speaking out against wrongdoings, injustice, and unfairness in prisons and
highlighted issues such as the deficiency in purposeful activity, poor prison
conditions and lack of independent prison monitoring.
As a result, Faith was controversially suspended from her role by the Prisons
Minister, Andrew Selous MP, bullied and ostracised by her local IMB board and
unsupported by the IMB Secretariat, faced two investigations and a disciplinary
hearing at Ministry of Justice HQ. Dismissed from her role in January 2017 by the
second Prisons Minister, Sam Gyimah and banned from the IMB for 5 years.
Undeterred, Faith has developed a reputation for her courageous and outspoken
stance on prison-related issues. Known for challenging the status quo and
addressing systemic failures within the prison system.
Her work has earned her respect among her peers and recognition as a leading
voice in the ongoing efforts to reform the UK’s prisons.
Topics of Faith’s blogs have proven consistently correct, evidenced by the crisis in
our prisons, unprecedented overcrowding, critical understaffing, places of violence
and devoid of any meaningful rehabilitative outcomes.

Follow Faith on X/Twitter: @fmspear
Bluesky: @faithspear.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-spear-frsa-818a53149/
Blog: www.thecriminaljusticeblog.com
41 min
June 11, 2025 Faith Spear (Video); Whistleblowing in the IMB: A Cautionary Tale
Keywords
Independent Monitoring Board, prison reform, criminology, Faith Spear, criminal justice, prison advocacy, emotional toll, monitoring prisons, recommendations, prison conditions
Summary
In this conversation, Faith Spear, a criminologist and former chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), shares her experiences and insights into the role of the IMB in monitoring prisons. She discusses the challenges faced by IMB members, the emotional toll of the work, and the need for reform within the prison system. Faith reflects on her journey to the IMB, the expectations versus reality of the role, and the impact of her whistleblowing article that led to her suspension. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about prison reform and continues to advocate for change.
takeaways
The IMB is a statutory body that monitors prisons.
Members of the IMB have 24/7 access to prisons but face challenges in independence.
Faith's background in the voluntary sector influenced her path to the IMB.
Expectations of the IMB role can differ significantly from reality.
The IMB is funded by the Ministry of Justice, affecting its perceived independence.
Building trust with prisoners is a significant challenge for IMB members.
The emotional toll of working in prisons can be substantial.
Support and camaraderie among IMB members can be lacking.
Faith's whistleblowing article raised important issues but led to her suspension.
Faith continues to advocate for prison reform through her blog and public speaking.

Faith Spear FRSA is a prison reform advocate best known for her integrity and as
staunch critic of this country’s prison system.
Until January 2017, Faith served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board
(IMB) at HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay.
She authored a groundbreaking article published in The Prisons Handbook 2016
speaking out against wrongdoings, injustice, and unfairness in prisons and
highlighted issues such as the deficiency in purposeful activity, poor prison
conditions and lack of independent prison monitoring.
As a result, Faith was controversially suspended from her role by the Prisons
Minister, Andrew Selous MP, bullied and ostracised by her local IMB board and
unsupported by the IMB Secretariat, faced two investigations and a disciplinary
hearing at Ministry of Justice HQ. Dismissed from her role in January 2017 by the
second Prisons Minister, Sam Gyimah and banned from the IMB for 5 years.
Undeterred, Faith has developed a reputation for her courageous and outspoken
stance on prison-related issues. Known for challenging the status quo and
addressing systemic failures within the prison system.
Her work has earned her respect among her peers and recognition as a leading
voice in the ongoing efforts to reform the UK’s prisons.
Topics of Faith’s blogs have proven consistently correct, evidenced by the crisis in
our prisons, unprecedented overcrowding, critical understaffing, places of violence
and devoid of any meaningful rehabilitative outcomes.

Follow Faith on X/Twitter: @fmspear
Bluesky: @faithspear.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-spear-frsa-818a53149/
Blog: www.thecriminaljusticeblog.com
41 min
June 04, 2025Menendez brothers resentensing special.
summaryThis 'special' conversation between Naomi and David delves into the complex case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1993. They have recently been resentenced and potentially be released on parole. The discussion explores the underlying motives behind their actions, the role of media in shaping public perception, the dynamics of family abuse, and the intricacies of the legal proceedings that followed. The speakers reflect on the psychological trauma experienced by the brothers and the complicity of family members, ultimately questioning societal perceptions of abuse and the nature of justice.
takeaways
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1993 for murdering their parents.
Media portrayal significantly influenced public perception of the case.
Underlying motives for murder often stem from deep psychological trauma.
Family dynamics can complicate perceptions of abuse and victimhood.
The legal proceedings were marked by significant public and media scrutiny.
The role of the mother in the abuse narrative is complex and often overlooked.
Public perception can be swayed by sensationalized media coverage.
The concept of a 'fixed' trial raises questions about justice and fairness.
Understanding trauma is crucial in analyzing violent behavior.
Photos and media representations can distort the reality of personal experiences.
39 min
June 04, 2025Menendez brothers resentensing special.
summaryThis 'special' conversation between Naomi and David delves into the complex case of the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of murdering their parents in 1993. They have recently been resentenced and potentially be released on parole. The discussion explores the underlying motives behind their actions, the role of media in shaping public perception, the dynamics of family abuse, and the intricacies of the legal proceedings that followed. The speakers reflect on the psychological trauma experienced by the brothers and the complicity of family members, ultimately questioning societal perceptions of abuse and the nature of justice.
takeaways
The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1993 for murdering their parents.
Media portrayal significantly influenced public perception of the case.
Underlying motives for murder often stem from deep psychological trauma.
Family dynamics can complicate perceptions of abuse and victimhood.
The legal proceedings were marked by significant public and media scrutiny.
The role of the mother in the abuse narrative is complex and often overlooked.
Public perception can be swayed by sensationalized media coverage.
The concept of a 'fixed' trial raises questions about justice and fairness.
Understanding trauma is crucial in analyzing violent behavior.
Photos and media representations can distort the reality of personal experiences.
39 min
June 04, 2025 Ariella Steinhorn (Audio); Breaking the Silence: How Personal Stories Challenge the Status Quo
Episode Summary:
In this episode, hosts David Jones and Naomi Murphy meet with Ariella Steinhorn, a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. Ariella shares her journey from founding the whistleblower platform Lioness to her current project, Nonlinear Love, which explores the complexities of dating, relationships, and breakups. The conversation delves into the impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on personal narratives, the importance of storytelling, and how joy can be found amidst challenging work.
Key Topics Discussed:- The concept of Nonlinear Love and its mission to share diverse stories about relationships without oversimplifying them. - Ariella's background in working with whistleblowers and the significance of giving a voice to those silenced by NDAs. - The challenges of monetizing storytelling platforms and the evolution of Ariella's projects. - The role of joy and self-care in navigating heavy topics related to power dynamics and personal experiences. - Insights into the differences in perspectives between individuals in relationships and how those perspectives shape their narratives.
Bio: Ariella Steinhorn is a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. She founded the whistleblower platform Lioness and currently runs a storytelling company called Superposition. Her personal writing has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, Slate, and Business Insider.
https://www.nonlinearlove.com/about
@asteinhorn
37 min

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

From the publisher's feed

Can institutional culture challenge your mental health? What if your job makes you feel shame, sadness, grief, disgust and fear? What if you are expected not to feel? Or you are expected to be…