Life After Prison
A podcast for anyone who has spent time in prison or is close to someone who has. Featuring incredible stories from people who've been inside, plus advice and support for those recently released. Follow us at @afterprisonpod on Instagram and X and @lifeafterprisonpod on TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
After 15 Years In & Out of Prison, I Needed To Change My Life - Resilient Lion
This week on Life After Prison, we are joined by Isaiah James — also known as Resilient Lion. He spent years in and out of prison, starting from the age of 15, and was deep in gang life — thinking that was the only path available to him. Bu…
The Risk Ain't Worth The Reward | No Behaviour Podcast
Today on Life After Prison, we’ve got Margs, Beanos, and Loons from the No Behaviour podcast joining us. These three keep it real with honest, no-filter chats about life on the streets of London — and they’ve all been to prison themselves. …
My Boarding School Experience, Led Me Down A Path of Addiction | Lisa Newman
This week on Life After Prison, we are joined by Lisa Newman – an addiction recovery coach and founder of Recalibrate Recovery Services. Drawing on her own lived experience of addiction, prison, and recovery, Lisa now supports others throug…
I Watched My Kids Grow Up In Prison | Frank Stedman
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 scaff…
This Story Inspired a Play, a Podcast, and a Movement for Change | Jacob Dunne
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. A…
Introducing: Money Mondays - Employability: Interviews
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 A…
Introducing: Money Mondays - Employability: CVs
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 A…
Life After Prison The Spark | Jules
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 se…
Jumpin Jack Frost: UK Jungle Legend on Music, Mental Health & Resilience
On this episode of Life After Prison, Zak & Jules sit down with Jumpin Jack Frost, one of the UK’s most iconic jungle and drum & bass DJs. From growing up in Brixton to shaping the UK rave scene, Frost shares his journey through music, life…
Life After Prison The Spark | Kemi and Tasha
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 …
What Is The £700 Million Investment In Probation Actually For? | Independent Sentencing Review
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-base…
Life After Prison The Spark | Kate
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 priso…
I Started a Successful Gym Brand from Prison | Tuan
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…
Life After Prison The Spark | Julia
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, wa…
Overcoming Addiction In Prison To Award Winning Artist | Kevin Devonport
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 ad…
Life After Prison The Spark | Pri
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 …
Myth Busting Comments About Prison
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 recal…
The Spark | Kerry
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 beca…
I Had My Baby With Me For 8 Months In Prison | Molly Ellis
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 w…
The Spark | Sharon
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 bene…
Responding To Comments On Social Media
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,…
The Spark | Sarah
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.…
From Young Chef of the Year to Belmarsh | Natty Can Cook
This week Zak and Jules welcome lifelong chef Nathaniel Mortley AKA Natty Can Cook to the Life After Prison couch. Natty shares his experiences of working in some of London’s most high-end restaurants and how the environment there contribut…
Introducing: Hold or Fold – Betting Shops with David Navarro & Lady Unchained
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio As…
Introducing: Hold or Fold – Introducing Ben & Steve
Life After Prison will be back with you soon but while we are finalising series 8 in the studio, we thought that we'd share some episodes of another podcast here. It’s called Hold or Fold and is made by our colleagues at the Prison Radio As…
Life After Prison The Spark: Charlotte
In this episode Jules chats to Charlotte, who after years of self-harm, admissions to psychiatric hospitals, and a period of time in prison, is now in a really happy place. Charlotte has big ambitions for her future, and wants to be that su…
How Do You Deal With Uncertainty?
Zak and Jules discuss dealing with the fear of the unknown and how this affected them when leaving prison. They also hear from people inside about some of the hobbies they’ve developed to help pass the time, and the small privileges they no…
Life After Prison The Spark: Scout
In this episode Jules chats to Scout, a poet, writer and broadcaster. Scout, who ended up in prison after experiencing a manic state of psychosis, explores themes of mental health, prison and sobriety in her work. She talks to Jules about r…
I Planned My Business In The Prison Kitchen | Abdul Bangura
Zak and Jules meet Abdul Bangura. Abdul has served three prison sentences. He is now a successful entrepreneur running his own aviation business. Abdul talks to Zak and Jules about how a chance meeting with his mentor in prison set him on a…
Life After Prison The Spark: Kiri
In this episode Jules is joined by trainee barrister Kiri, whose dreams of a legal career were shaped when she was remanded in prison under joint enterprise law. Kiri tells Jules about the abusive relationship that caused her downward spira…
Starting Your Own Business After Prison
Zak and Jules explore what it takes to start and manage a business after prison, sharing their own journeys and lessons learned. They discuss building confidence, taking opportunities, and how businesses can open unexpected doors. This po…
Life After Prison The Spark: OneDa
In this episode Jules sits down with rapper, OneDa. Hot off the launch of her debut album, OneDa explains how she broke into the music industry. She also talks to Jules about experiencing the criminal justice system in her youth, her female…
From Medical Aspirations to Leading a Social Enterprise | Sobanan Narenthiran
Zak and Jules sit down with Sobanan Narenthiran, CEO of Breakthrough, to discuss his journey from dreaming of being a doctor to navigating life after prison. Sobanan shares how his sentence impacted his family and why they’re his biggest mo…
Life After Prison The Spark: Faye
In this episode Jules is joined by audio producer, Faye. While in prison, Faye found herself presenting regular shows on National Prison Radio. Now, together with Jules, she continues this work on the outside with the Prison Radio Associati…
Reflections, Goals and Growth
In this episode, Zak and Jules explore what it’s like adjusting to life after prison, reflecting on their personal journeys, and the superstitions many people have when leaving. They hear from a listener who opens up about his entrepreneuri…
Life After Prison The Spark: Beatrice
In this episode Jules chats to Beatrice, who has very recently been released from prison. As an aspiring prison reformer, Beatrice talks about using her experience for good. Together, Beatrice and Jules discuss the mix of emotions that come…
How Prison Sparked a Mission to Prevent Youth Offending | Joel Dunn
In this episode, Joel Dunn, founder of The Paradigm Project, shares his journey from prison to founding a charity focused on preventing youth involvement in the criminal justice system. He talks about his background, how it all started with…
Life After Prison The Spark: Barbara
 In this episode, Jules sits down with social impact entrepreneur, Barbara Burton. While awaiting trail, Barbara wrote a sixteen-page business plan, which became her first social enterprise during her twelve month prison sentence. Barba…
Released From Prison Early?
In this episode of Life After Prison, Zak and Jules discuss the SDS40 scheme which facilitates early release from prison. They reflect on their own experiences and on the impact of families and friends of those being released. They discuss …
Life After Prison The Spark: Catherine
In this episode Jules speaks to Catherine, a qualified personal trainer at Fitness Rush. Catherine and Jules share a love of fitness – but it’s something Catherine only recently discovered on her sobriety journey. After living through cycle…