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

In this episode, renowned neurophysiologist Jonathan Cole shares insights on how our physical body shapes our sense of self, communication, and emotional life. We delve into how physical conditions influence identity, the importance of embodiment, and the nuances of non-verbal communication in human experience.

Key topics:

The role of neurophysiology in understanding sensory and motor deficits

How loss of movement or sensation affects personal identity and social perception

The impact of facial paralysis, disfigurement, and cosmetic surgery on social interaction and emotion

The significance of gesture, posture, and body language in communication

Differences in experiencing congenital vs. acquired conditions like blindness and deafness

How embodiment influences mental health and self-awareness

The societal implications of physical diversity and discrimination

Timestamps: (Approx)

 00:00 - Introducing Jonathan Cole: Neurophysiology and accessible science

02:20 - How the nervous impulse explains bodily function and its narrative in literature

03:48 - Living without proprioception: Ian Waterman's story

06:30 - The curiosity-driven career bridging science and literature

08:37 - Embodiment and our automatic movements

10:22 - Practical challenges faced by those with proprioception loss

12:55 - The daily marathon of adapting to bodily disabilities

15:07 - Embodiment's effect on self-identity and social perception

16:47 - How social identity shifts with physical conditions like disfigurement or paralysis 18:48 - The importance of societal acceptance and personal resilience

22:03 - Visual vs. auditory vs. congenital vs. acquired sensory loss

25:10 - The process of adapting after spinal cord injuries and the role of community

27:29 - How embodiment influences verbal and non-verbal communication

30:49 - The role of body language and prosody in expressing emotion

34:22 - Embodiment and emotional expression: stories of women regaining feeling

37:10 - Cosmetic interventions, aging, and emotional expression

41:07 - Gesture impairments and their impact on relationships

43:20 - How physical expression (or lack thereof) influences support-seeking and social support

46:37 - Recognizing true character beyond facial cues

47:49 - Society's empathy and inclusion for embodied diversity

50:10 - The importance of understanding psychological and physical impairments

Resources & Links:

Hard Talk by Jonathan Cole https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Hard-Talk-by-Jonathan-Cole/9780262049566?srsltid=AfmBOop5VwVWOtq9Q9DYvXR7jan_GAkc9HX_yJGbT294qjKQlQBgbM7V

Chekhov’s Sakhalin Journey: Doctor, Humanitarian, Writer (Paperback). Jonathan Cole https://www.waterstones.com/book/chekhovs-sakhalin-journey/jonathan-cole/9781350367517

 

Note:

 The discussion underscores the profound connection between our physical embodiment and our emotional, social, and psychological selves. Recognizing and accommodating physical diversity enhances societal empathy and supports human connection.

Keywords

boarding school, trauma, recovery, family dynamics, sexual abuse, journalism, heritage, slavery, mental health, societal change

Summary

In this conversation, journalist Alex Renton discusses the profound impact of his boarding school experiences on his life and career. He reflects on the trauma associated with his time at school, including issues of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. Renton also explores the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in relation to his own experiences and the legacy of his family's involvement in slavery. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of openness, empathy, and responsibility in addressing these difficult topics and fostering healing.

Takeaways

Alex Renton reflects on the lifelong impact of negative boarding school experiences.

His career as a journalist was influenced by his skepticism towards authority.

Alex began writing about boarding schools after learning about abuse cases at his former school.

He emphasizes the importance of speaking out against abuse and the challenges that come with it.

The conversation highlights the need for empathy towards survivors of abuse.

Family dynamics play a crucial role in how individuals cope with trauma.

Alex discusses the prevalence of abuse in boarding schools and the need for systemic change.

He explores his family's history of involvement in slavery and its emotional implications.

The importance of openness and transparency in healing from trauma is emphasized.

Alex advocates for better communication and understanding in addressing issues of abuse.

 

Sound bites

"I think, you know, I mean, I do talk people do."

"I think we still sending children into danger."

"I think we have to talk and we have to open."

 

Chapters (Timings approx)

00:00 The Impact of Boarding School Experiences

09:11 The Long-Term Effects of Trauma

18:08 Navigating Relationships with Parents

21:22 Stereotypes of Boarding School Education

24:43 Encouraging Disclosure and Support

27:44 The Prevalence of Abuse in Boarding Schools

29:47 Barriers to Disclosure: The Male Perspective

32:25 Societal Attitudes Towards Male Victims

34:30 Exploring Family Legacy and Historical Injustices

39:16 Healing Through Openness and Responsibility

43:26 Current Projects: A Hopeful Future for Child Safety

46:54 Ten second outro video.mp4

Summary

Rochelle Marashi, a psychotherapist, discusses her research on stalking and coercive control, emphasizing the importance of not labeling women as victims but as targets. She shares insights on the challenges of identifying stalking, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the need for a multidisciplinary approach in therapy. Rochelle also highlights the psychological impact of stalking and the importance of therapists understanding the nuances of such experiences.

Check out Rochelle’s website for more information,

https://metacog.co.uk/

Khttps://metacog.co.uk/eywordshttps://metacog.co.uk/

 

keywords

Rochelle Marashi, stalking, coercive control, psychotherapy, media influence, psychological impact, multidisciplinary approach, victim vs target, therapist awareness, safety planning

Takeaways

Rochelle Marashi prefers the term 'targets' over 'victims'.

Stalking is calculated and targeted, not by default.

Media often romanticizes stalking, affecting public perception.

Therapists should name stalking to help clients understand.

Stalking can lead to terror, trauma, and isolation.

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for support.

Therapists' awareness can aid in client disclosure.

Stalking isn't always recognized by clients or therapists.

Therapists should use minimal notes to protect clients.

Understanding stalking's escalation is vital for safety.

 

Sound bites

'Stalking is calculated and targeted.'

'Media romanticizes stalking.'

'Therapists should name stalking.'

'Stalking leads to terror and trauma.'

'A multidisciplinary approach is crucial.'

'Therapists' awareness aids disclosure.'

'Stalking isn't always recognized.'

'Use minimal notes to protect clients.'

'Understanding escalation is vital.'

Keywords

forensic psychology, ADHD, prison system, independent practice, emotional wellbeing, mental health, trauma-informed care, psychological assessments, private practice, risk assessment

Summary

In this conversation, Jo West, a consultant forensic psychologist, shares her journey from working in the prison service to establishing her independent practice. She discusses the challenges and differences she observed between male and female prison environments, her experiences with ADHD, and the importance of emotional wellbeing in her field. Jo emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care and the complexities of psychological assessments, particularly in the context of ADHD diagnoses.

Takeaways

Jo West transitioned from the prison service to independent practice.

She found the prison environment both daunting and rewarding.

Jo emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care in women's prisons.

She has a passion for supporting individuals with ADHD.

Jo's late diagnosis of ADHD provided clarity on her life experiences.

She highlights the challenges of working in private practice without a team.

Jo believes in the importance of thorough psychological assessments.

She uses mindfulness and DBT skills for her own emotional wellbeing.

Jo discusses the pressure of expectations in ADHD assessments.

She finds fulfillment in reducing the chance of reoffending through her work.

 

Sound bites

 

"I think it was really trauma-informed."

"I think it can be frustrating."

"I had to come to terms with all that."

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Transitioning from Prison Service to Independent Practice

01:32 Journey to Forensic Psychology

04:19 Experiences in Men's vs. Women's Prisons

07:42 Current Work as an Independent Psychologist

08:37 Navigating Parole Hearings

13:02 Challenges of Private Practice

16:12 ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact

19:16 Expectations Around ADHD Assessments

21:40 Emotional Wellbeing in Forensic Psychology

Summary

In this conversation Feminist Criminologist Kathryn Whiteley discusses her extensive research on women who commit serious crimes, focusing on their unique experiences, the impact of sentencing, and the role of trauma and motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of feminist criminology in understanding women's pathways to crime and the influence of media on public perceptions. Kathryn also shares insights from her podcast and documentary, highlighting the need for authentic representation of women's stories in the criminal justice system. Throughout the discussion, she reflects on the challenges and rewards of her work, maintaining a positive outlook despite the difficult subject matter.

https://www.kathrynmwhiteley.com/

Keywords

women, crime, incarceration, sentencing, trauma, motherhood, feminist criminology, media influence, research methodology, podcast

 

Takeaways

Kathryn's research began with a fascination for women and crime.

Volunteering in prisons shaped her research agenda.

Each woman's story is unique; generalizations are misleading.

Sentencing length varies significantly across countries.

Hope and identity are influenced by the length of sentences.

Many women in prison face abandonment from families over time.

Feminist criminology focuses on understanding women's pathways to crime.

Media portrayal often sensationalizes female offenders.

Kathryn's podcast provides a platform for women's voices.

Maintaining positivity comes from gratitude and learning from women.

 

 

Sound Bites

"I'm fascinated about women and crime."

"Not all women in prison are victims."

"Media can re-traumatize victims' families."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Women and Crime

03:32

Volunteer Work and Research Foundations

06:12

Comparative Analysis of Women's Incarceration

09:10

Sentencing and Its Impact on Hope

11:33

Faith and Resilience in Incarceration

14:17

Research Questions and Methodology

17:08

Key Findings and Insights

19:59

Understanding Victimization and Offending

27:49

Understanding Feminist Criminology

29:17

Challenges of Feminist Criminology

31:12

Building Trust with Incarcerated Women

36:00

The Role of Follow-Up in Research

38:22

Ethics and Integrity in Research

40:58

Giving a Voice to Incarcerated Women

45:33

Media Consumption and Female Crime

51:27

Podcasting and Documentaries on Female Offenders

 

Kathryn M. Whiteley Ph.D.
Consultant: Feminist Criminologist

(Ph.D. from Queensland University of Technology,– Brisbane Australia)
Internationally acclaimed: Feminist Criminologist – consultant, academic, documentary producer and podcast host and co-producer.
Originally from Australia and has now lived in Pennsylvania in the United States for almost 20 years.
She has taught in academia in Australia and the United States for over 20 years.
Her research focuses on Gender and Crime, specifically women who commit violent crimes. I.e., women who commit murder and or sexual offenses.

Has over two decades of experience, navigating administrative procedures, entering and conducting individual interviews in women’s prisons across three countries - Australia, the United States and Ireland.
She has personally interviewed over 100 women, and engaged with many more, beyond her research, who are incarcerated for long to life and life without parole sentences, predominately in Pennsylvania and Texas, in the United States.
A qualitative researcher, who presents a platform for incarcerated women’s life stories through a narrative analysis approach. Women share their pathway to criminality and the life they now endure, from behind bars. Many until they die.
She has published in peer reviewed journals, book chapters and produced an educational documentary, and a podcast series in women’s maximum-security prisons.
She is currently writing a book which shares life stories of women incarcerated for life in the United States.
Her goal is for incarcerated women who have committed violent crimes to “have a voice!”
Website: kathrynmwhiteley.com
LinkedIn: Kathryn Whiteley
Documentary (YouTube): Until We Have Faces (Women Serving Life)