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

Nahid de Belgeonne, a somatic movement educator, author and Feldenkrais practitioner discusses the importance of movement and the connection between the body and mind. Nahid argues that our bodies are dynamic organisms that need to be engaged and not confined to a sedentary lifestyle. She mentions the development of talking therapies that incorporate physicality, such as sensory motor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing, to address the need for a holistic approach to mental health. Nahid suggests that having a good relationship with oneself is crucial for building healthy connections with others. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and regulating our own nervous systems in order to create a positive environment for ourselves and those around us. We discuss how our bodies can unintentionally shut others out and the need to practice being comfortable within a system of coexistence. Nahid then talks about her upcoming book, "Soothe," which combines scientific research and practical techniques to help readers understand and regulate their nervous systems. The book covers various aspects of the nervous system, including its context, influences, and ways to recover and reset in moments of emotional distress. The conversation shifts to the role of movement in emotional well-being, with Nahid explaining that even individuals with restricted movement or injuries can benefit from engaging in movement-focused activities. She mentions the use of imagination to simulate movement when physical limitations are present. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the importance of self-care and finding what works best for oneself. Naheed shares her personal journey of using movement to soothe her anxiety and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to self-improvement and compassion towards oneself and the environment.

https://nahiddebelgeonne.substack.com/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Soothe-book-nervous-system-longing/dp/180081710X/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3L4V4303AHM9U&keywords=soothe&qid=1695472552&sprefix=soothe%2Caps%2C86&sr=8-7

In this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, hosts Naomi Murphy and David Jones are joined by Claire Bicknell, the founder of the Catena Network, a successful business network. The discussion revolves around the value and importance of networking in both personal and professional settings. Claire emphasizes the need for authentic connections and likability when networking. She suggests that networking should be viewed as making business friends rather than a sales-focused activity. She also highlights the role of social media, particularly platforms like LinkedIn, in expanding networking opportunities. Claire advises individuals to use social media in a way that reflects their authentic voice, making it easier for others to connect with them. The hosts inquire about the benefits of networking for clinicians and academics who may already be well-established in their careers. Claire explains that networking can still be fruitful for these individuals, as it allows them to connect with experts in other disciplines and explore potential collaborations or referrals. Claire also shares tips for attendees to make the most out of networking events. She suggests arriving with an open mind, being approachable and friendly, and looking for opportunities to help others connect. As a host, Claire ensures that attendees have enough food and drink, and she facilitates introductions between individuals who have expressed specific networking goals. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of networking as a means of building relationships, expanding professional opportunities, and fostering collaboration. Claire's insights provide valuable guidance for individuals looking to enhance their networking skills and make meaningful connections in their respective fields.

https://www.catena-business-network.com/

In this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, Naomi and David interview Chloe Xhidas, the Operations Manager at BW Design and Build Division, a fit out contractor specializing in office refurbishment. Chloe is also a committee member for the National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC).

In the construction industry, women are significantly underrepresented, making up only 15% of the workforce. Only 1% of women are in skilled trades, and 16% hold managerial positions. This lack of representation creates challenges for women working in construction, particularly on construction sites where they may face discrimination and inappropriate behavior from male colleagues. To cope with these challenges, women often develop a steely persona and strive to be better than their male counterparts to justify their place in the industry. They may feel the need to be perfect, not make mistakes, and constantly prove themselves. This can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. To address these issues and reduce the suicide rate in the construction industry, several measures can be taken. Implementing buddy systems and mentorship programs can provide support and guidance to women in construction. Training on mental health awareness and creating a culture of open communication can also be beneficial. Companies can promote an inclusive and respectful work environment by addressing inappropriate behavior and promoting gender equality. While progress may be slower in larger organizations, smaller teams and companies may offer a more supportive and visible environment for women. Building confidence and not being afraid to ask questions or admit not knowing everything is crucial for young women starting out in construction. Overall, it is important to address the challenges faced by women in construction and create a more inclusive and supportive industry that values their contributions and prioritizes their well-being.

Artist and art therapist Tony Gammidge discusses his work using animation as therapy, particularly in prison and refugee settings. He shares his personal journey of discovering art as a means of processing trauma and making sense of early experiences. Tony explains the power of storytelling and the unique qualities of animation in therapeutic work. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of working in marginalized communities and the potential for animation therapy to create positive change. While Tony acknowledges the therapeutic nature of his work, he hesitates to label it as traditional therapy and emphasizes the collaborative and empowering aspects of the process. In this conversation, Tony Gammidge discusses the niche of art therapy and animation, the challenges and joy in art therapy, the alchemical process of art therapy, self-care and grounding techniques, and processing emotions in art therapy.

Takeaways

Animation can be a powerful medium for therapy, allowing individuals to tell their stories and process trauma in a unique and creative way.

Working with marginalized groups, such as prisoners and refugees, requires sensitivity, flexibility, and an understanding of the specific challenges they face.

Animation therapy offers individuals the opportunity to explore their experiences and emotions through a collaborative and empowering process.

The use of animation in therapy can provide a sense of control and autonomy for individuals who may have limited agency in other aspects of their lives. Art therapy and animation are niche fields, but they can still be successful business models.

Engaging in art therapy and telling one's story can be a joyful experience, even if the story is traumatic.

Art therapy has the power to turn something awful into something beautiful through the alchemical process of creation.

Self-care in art therapy involves making one's own work, using materials, and telling one's own stories.

Processing emotions in art therapy can be challenging, but having a team to process with can be helpful.

In this conversation, Rob, a former police officer, discusses his experiences and the challenges he faced in the police force. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and positive work environment to promote the well-being and happiness of staff. Rob believes that open communication and safe spaces for sharing personal stories are crucial in addressing the negative impact of the job. He also highlights the need for mandatory meetings to address mental health and create healthy habits within the organization. Rob shares his own struggles with mental health and the difficulty he faced in seeking help due to the stigma associated with it. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and supportive individuals. Rob also talks about his current work as a motivational speaker, where he focuses on increasing happiness in both personal and professional lives. The conversation touches on the negative impact of gossip and the need for a more compassionate and understanding culture within the police force. Rob and the other participants discuss the challenges of compartmentalizing emotions and the importance of facing and healing from traumatic experiences. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for a shift in the culture of the police force to prioritize the well-being and mental health of its staff. It emphasizes the importance of open communication, support, and creating a positive work environment to promote happiness and resilience.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robrthosking/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://riseofhappiness.com/about/

Now a psychotherapist Aneela worked for many years as a qualified occupational therapist and has 20 years’ experience working within the NHS supporting people with their mental health difficulties and well-being. Her specialisms are trauma work, working with people who have a diagnosis of BPD and culturally adapted therapy. She talks about her challenging years working as an OT in a mental health team and the expectations, sometimes explicit, that she would make the tea!!

If you have anything to do with health or the mental health field you must listen to this podcast and follow the links below. This is about the creeping reintroduction of the practice of causing physical damage to the brain as a 'remedy' for distress. Peter Sterling is an American physiologist and neuroscientist and Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In his long career he has made major and varied contributions to scientific knowledge and you will see more about this in the links below. He has also been a social activist throughout his life and we touch upon that before talking about his recent work ‘Causality in Mental Disturbance; a review of the Neuroscience’

'My life in ten minutes' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjL2D29acro&t=11s

In the essays below, Peter provides an “overview of what we don’t know about the brain regarding mental disturbance and what we should not be doing to the brain physically and chemically as ‘therapy."

https://www.madinamerica.com/2023/07/causality-mental-disturbance/

https://www.madinamerica.com/2022/10/neuroscientist-evaluates-depression/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35107578/

I’m David Shipley. I’ve sold fork lift trucks, been a recruiter, worked in corporate finance and produced a film. I also committed a fraud in 2014, which I was jailed for in 2020.

In January 2021, while still in prison, I began an MA in Creative Writing with the University of Hull, which has encouraged me to write fiction, with a bias towards historical and fantasy genres. 

Piers Cross is a transformational coach specializing in working with men who feel stuck in their relationships. He helps men overcome and heal from trauma, boarding school issues, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and live a happier and more fulfilled life.

He is also an artist, a poet and a musician.

Piers went to boarding school from ages 11-18. It was an exceptionally challenging time. He changed his name to Simon and then Ziggy Cross. He lost a friend to suicide, a teacher attempted to sexually abuse him and he tried to take his own life. On the surface he was a sucess. Underneath he was hurting.

he then trained in International Business at universities in France and London. he worked for several Fortune 500 companies in Paris and London.

In 1997, while in London, he started on an internal journey and started to study meditation and different self-healing paradigms.

Gethin Aldous is film and video game maker who believes in the power of story to transform lives. He was co-director and executive producer of The Work documentary, winning a UK Grierson Award for Best International Doc and Best Cinema Doc. He has also been honored with a Ron Herring Award by the Mankind Project USA. Gethin has been involved in men's work for over a decade and has staffed group therapy retreats at Folsom Prison with Inside Circles and Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Norfolk with the Jericho Circle.