Life After Prison

This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Frankie Stedman. Frankie was involved in a major drug conspiracy that led to a nine-year sentence—but since coming out, he’s turned things around. He now runs his own scaffolding business and goes into schools to share his story and help young people make better choices. 

Frank is also incredibly walking 200 MILES, from our HMP Styal HQ to our HMP Brixt...

This week on the Life After Prison couch, Zak & Jules are joined by Jacob Dunne. At 19, Jacob was sentenced to prison for manslaughter after a one-punch attack that took a man’s life. What followed is a remarkable story of transformation. After meeting the parents of his victim through restorative justice, Jacob went on to earn a first-class honours degree in criminology and has since worked across education, health, criminal j...

Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 9 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Money Mondays and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.

Going for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, but what about if you have a criminal record to contend with too?

On this episode Zak & Em...

Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 9 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Money Mondays and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio Association.

In this episode Zak & Emma are looking at CVs - What they are, why they are useful and how to create an effective one. It can be daunting putting a CV together, particularly if...

In this episode Jules chats to another Jules (not confusing at all!), who is very close to becoming a qualified Solicitor. Jules is planning on supporting and being an advocate for people going through the criminal justice system. Having served a community order herself, Jules has experience with the CJS and knows the impact having a criminal record can have on your career and on your self-worth. Jules also talks about her difficul...

This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined Jumpin Jack Frost a true pioneer of the UK music scene. From growing up in Brixton and navigating the challenges of street life, to becoming one of the founding figures in jungle and drum and bass, his journey is nothing short of legendary. But behind the decks and the iconic tracks is a powerful story of redemption – including time spent in prison, a battle with ...

In this episode Jules speaks to sisters, Kemi and Tasha, who founded the organisation Reformed Development, after experiencing four years of rejection and discrimination after coming out of prison. They realised the only way forward was to be the change themselves, and they now work tirelessly helping other people who have been to prison, with their holistic and nurturing approach to rehabilitation. 

The full version of t...

This week on Life After Prison, Zak & Jules discuss the final report on the Sentencing Review that was released last month. They delve into topics surrounding early release, £700 million investment into probation services and community-based sentencing.

This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. 

Useful organisations:

Kate Fraser episode discussing Women's prisons - https...

This week Jules talks to Kate, who works for NHS England as the Regional Head of Health and Justice in the East of England. For 11 years, Kate struggled with a heroin addiction. Kate now holds keys to several prisons, and was even the prison substance misuse commissioner in the prison where she once spent time inside. Kate talks to Jules about the incredible work she does helping people, her career progression, and how she mana...

This week in the Life After Prison studio Zak & Jules are joined by Tuan, co-founder of Gymbusy. Before launching his fitness brand, Tuan was on the roads and ended up serving two prison sentences. But after his release, he found a new path—building discipline, strength, and purpose through fitness. Teaming up with his cousin, he co-founded Gymbusy, a brand that not only transformed his life but is now inspiring others to do th...

In this episode, Jules chats with Julia. Released from prison 10 years ago, Julia started working in the criminal justice system, working her way up into management positions, but she found that what was once part of her healing journey, was becoming part of her trauma. Julia decided to make a change, and as somebody known as having a permanent tan, she’s living her best life running her own tanning and beauty salon. 

Use...

This week on the Life After Prison couch. Zak & Jules are joined by Kevin Devonport. An international award-winning self-taught artist, whose journey started from a council estate in Leeds. Kevin served 24 years inside, where he overcame addiction and taught himself to paint, which has lead to his work being featured across the UK and Europe in multiple prominent exhibitions.

This podcast is also available as a video – ...

This week Jules speaks to Pri, whose negative relationship with alcohol lead to multiple convictions and stints in prison. Unwavering support from the charity ID Essence, a probation officer willing to go the extra mile to help support her with binge drinking, and being fitted with an alcohol tag, helped Pri get to the place where she is today. She’s now working for ID Essence, supporting women coming out of prison, and prefers a t...

This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some social media comments again, this time with the aim to dispel some myths surrounding prison. These comments are from a video of previous guest Nabil Abdul Rashid recalling his first moments being in prison. 

This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube. 

Useful Organisations

Prison Reform Trust ...

In this episode Jules speaks to 20-year-old Kerry, who’s only been out of prison a month at the time of recording. They chat about how losing a friend in the Grenfell Tower fire at the age of 13 had a massive impact on Kerry, who later became expelled from school, and at the age of 17 received a 5 year prison sentence. For Kerry, being recalled back to prison after being released half way through her sentence was a big wake up call...

This week Jules sits down with Molly Ellis, someone she met while they were both in prison. In 2017, after experiencing a family tragedy, Molly’s life changed drastically, eventually ending with a five-year prison sentence for fraud. Just weeks before starting her sentence, she gave birth to her daughter and chose to raise her newborn behind bars. Since her release, Molly has dedicated herself to helping others rebuild their lives ...

In this episode, Jules chats to Sharon. Sharon’s life on the Cornish coast is idyllic, but her life has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs to get to this point. From escaping an abusive relationship and serving a prison sentence for benefit fraud, to cycling around the world, battling serious health problems and publishing her own book.

Useful organisations: 

Kaleidoscopic UK - Supporting Children and Adults who hav...

This week on the Life After Prison Podcast Zak and Jules respond to some of the comments they received on social media about a previous episode. That episode explores disclosing to potential future partners if you have spent time in prison, and how soon you would tell them. 

This podcast is also available as a video – just search Life After Prison on YouTube.

The episode the comments came from: https://www.youtube.com/wa...

In this episode Jules talks to Sarah, who after years of struggling with her mental health and substance abuse, found that the warmth, support and community found in a women’s centre not far from her home, would help her transform her life. 

Useful organisations: 

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/  

POPS (Partners of Prisoners) https://www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk/...