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

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. 

Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership at the University of British Columbia, professor in the UBC Department of Pediatrics and School of Population and Public Health, Investigator at British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute and lead of the Outside Play Lab. Her award-winning research investigates children’s outdoor and risky play, focusing on shifting parents’ and educators’ perceptions of risk, designing play-friendly environments, and changing systems to ensure children have the time, space and freedom to play outside every day. Mariana’s new book, Embracing Risky Play at School, co-authored with Megan Zeni, provides simple, actionable strategies for teachers and schools. 

https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Embracing-Risky-Play-at-School-by-Megan-Zeni-Mariana-Brussoni/9780807783993?srsltid=AfmBOorD7mPo0kZ2_s2XXk8EVtwpTx24uOYOnp4TcWrWgPnyAsJydoL1

 summary

This conversation explores the importance of risky outdoor play for children's development, the societal shifts that have reduced play opportunities, and how rethinking our approach can benefit children's mental and physical health.

 keywords

risky play, childhood development, outdoor play, societal change, mental health, play safety, childhood devaluation

 key  topics

Definition and importance of risky play
Evolutionary and developmental benefits of risky play
Societal changes reducing outdoor play
Impact of reduced play on mental health
Strategies to promote safe risky play

 sound bites

"Children need micro doses of uncertainty to thrive"
"Urbanization and screens have reduced outdoor play"
"Society undervalues childhood and play"

Chapters (timings approx)

00:00 The Importance of Play in Child Development
02:44 Defining Risky Play and Its Benefits
05:34 Gender Differences in Risky Play
07:51 The Evolutionary Need for Risky Play
10:33 The Impact of Overprotective Parenting
13:18 Societal Changes and Fear of Risky Play
16:07 Structured Activities vs. Free Play
18:39 Access to Play for Lower-Income Families
21:27 The Value of Play in Education
23:48 Reimagining Play in Schools
26:29 Addressing ADHD and Learning Challenges
29:17 The Role of Adults in Managing Play
31:44 Finding Joy and Fun in Play
34:40 Encouraging Adult Playfulness

 resources

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program - https://www.opalexplorenature.org/
Stuart Brown's work on play - https://www.amazon.com/Play-How-It-Makes-Us-Human/dp/031236553X
Ellen Sandsetter's research on risky play - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ellen-Sandseter
British Columbia's Children's Hospital - https://www.bcchildrens.ca/

 guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariana-brussoni/

Tom Harrison, a social psychiatrist and author, shares insights from his extensive work on therapeutic communities (TCs), focusing on the history and significance of the now-closed Ingrebourne Centre. Discover how these settings foster healing through social connection, leadership, and community, and their lessons for modern mental health services.
Key Topics

The history and importance of the Ingrebourne Centre within UK therapeutic communities

Core features of therapeutic communities: open communication, safety, and trust

Hierarchy challenges in mental health services and the potential for flatter, more collaborative models

The social and sociological aspects of TCs, including belonging and mutual aid

The role of communal activities like group meetings, psychotherapy, and creative groups

Transitional emotional space and the imaginative concept of "Imagined Ingrebourne"

Leadership styles in TCs: rebellious pioneers, considered leaders, and authoritarian tendencies

The permeable nature of therapeutic communities and boundaries with the outside world

Lessons for contemporary NHS and mental health services: community meetings, staff presence, and patient involvement

The importance of staff valuing and engaging actively in group activities to foster trust and safety

Timestamps (Approx)
00:00 - Introduction to Tom Harrison's background in NHS and therapeutic communities
02:57 - Explanation of therapeutic community features and their importance
04:50 - Impact of hierarchical structures and authority on therapeutic relationships
09:14 - Leadership styles of pioneers and modern NHS parallels
11:23 - The blurred line between staff and patients in TCs and its significance
13:48 - The metaphor of family and belonging in therapeutic recovery
16:11 - How early trauma and childhood wounds can be healed in community settings
17:25 - Types of groups in TCs: community meetings, psychotherapy, recreational activities
20:12 - The "here and now" focus in group interventions and emotional work
23:39 - Spontaneous and creative groups like art therapy and their value
25:58 - Staff reflections, group dynamics, and the role of leadership during crises
28:07 - Harold Bridger's concept of transitional and imagined spaces
30:24 - Boundaries and permeability of the Ingrebourne Centre and other TCs
32:39 - The ongoing life and influence of therapeutic communities after closure
33:37 - The power of mutual aid among patients and peer support’s significance
36:19 - Social dynamics, group behavior, and the importance of leadership in TCs
38:10 - Staff engagement in groups and establishing a culture of respect and safety
39:50 - The role of staff bound by care, presence, and boundary-setting
42:34 - The importance of kitchen and communal activities in fostering trust
46:53 - Tensions between psychoanalytic approaches and social methods in the history of TCs
49:15 - Lessons for modern mental health services: community meetings, patient involvement, spontaneous support networks
52:29 - Wrap-up and appreciation for Tom Harrison's insights and ongoing research

Resources

Richard Crockett — founder of the Ingrebourne Centre,

Craig Fees —PETT archive

Hamish Henderson — junior doctor influencing early TC practice

Maxwell Jones —Henderson Hospital, Dingleton and TCs

Tom Main —hierarchy and TC theory, Cassel Hospital

Alex Renton — referenced indirectly in discussion of hierarchy and rebellion

and in relation to public schools

Bertram Mandelbrote — Consultant psychiatrist, Phoenix Unit in Oxford

David Clarke — identified as a thoughtful TC leader Cambridge.

Andy Roberts — former patient,

Kurt Lewin —group dynamics

John Rickman — psychoanalyst

Wilfred Bion — referenced in relation to Northfield and group theory psychoanalyst

Harold Bridger — major figure re transitional space, psychiatrist

Jacob Moreno psychodrama

Lawrence Bradwick art therapy (≈24:30) [Document | Word]

Donald Winnicott — psychoanalyst, transitional space

Frederich Nietzsche — philosopher

Closing Remarks
This episode offers valuable lessons from the history and practice of therapeutic communities, emphasizing the social and relational aspects central to healing. Whether you're a mental health professional, a researcher, or interested listener, Tom's insights inspire a rethinking of how care environments can promote trust, safety, and genuine connection.

keywords

child abuse, whistleblower, child protection, exploitation, Voice for the Voiceless, systemic issues, care homes, ritual abuse, societal implications, justice

 takeaways

Jon Wedger is a retired police detective and whistleblower.

He specialized in child abuse investigations, focusing on children from care homes.

Jon's investigations revealed systemic issues in child protection.

He faced significant pushback from the police for his findings.

The care system often fails to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.

Jon founded Voice for the Voiceless to give a platform to abuse survivors.

He has encountered numerous cases of ritual abuse during his work.

Child abuse is a pervasive issue that transcends social classes.

Jon emphasizes the need for a dedicated focus on child protection in policing.

His personal journey has been marked by trauma and resilience.

 summary

In this conversation Naomi Murphy and David Jones meet Jon Wedger, a retired police detective and whistleblower. He shares his harrowing experiences investigating child abuse within the care system, the systemic failures in child protection, the challenges he faced as a whistleblower, and the formation of his campaign, Voice for the Voiceless. Jon highlights the prevalence of exploitation and ritual abuse, emphasizing the need for societal change and a dedicated focus on child protection. His personal journey is marked by trauma, resilience, and a commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless.

https://jonwedger.org/blogs/b/give-a-voice-to-the-voiceless

 sound bites

""I was told to shut up about my findings.""

""Child abuse is a rotting society.""

""Child abuse knows no boundaries.""

 

Chapters (Timings approx.)

00:00 The Voice for the Voiceless: Introduction to Jon Wedger

05:26 The System's Failures: Cover-Ups and Consequences

13:13 The Fight Against Institutional Abuse: A Personal Account

19:57 Voice for the Voiceless: Raising Awareness and Advocacy

27:18 The Intersection of Power, Abuse, and Society

36:26 The Disparity in Justice

47:14 The Impact of Advocacy on Identity

Summary

In this conversation Naomi Murphy and David Jones explore the nature of leadership, emotional intelligence, and the impact of childhood experiences on leadership styles. Piers Cross and Chris Braitch share insights on how leadership can be developed, the importance of compassion, and the societal implications of leadership behaviors. 

Here is a link to their upcoming online workshop,

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leadership-under-pressure-how-you-can-manage-pressure-better-tickets-1982772564114?aff=oddtdtcreator

 
And to their website:
https://compassionateleadersglobal.com/
 
 keywords

Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Compassionate Leadership, Childhood Trauma, Organizational Culture, Leadership Training, Management vs Leadership, Wounded Leaders, Societal Impact, Personal Development. 

 key  topics

Leadership development and the nature vs nurture debate

The impact of childhood trauma and adverse experiences on leadership styles

The importance of emotional intelligence and compassion in leadership

Differences between management and leadership

The societal and organizational implications of leadership behaviors

 sound bites

"Leaders aren't just born, they are made."

"Leadership is a teachable skill set."

"Business success depends on compassionate leadership."

Chapters

00:00 The Nature of Leadership: Born or Made?

04:45 Learning Leadership Through Osmosis

08:48 The Impact of Childhood on Leadership Styles

11:37 Distinguishing Leadership from Management

18:14 Institutional Experiences and Leadership Development

24:32 Consequences of Suppressing Emotions in Leadership

24:54 The Fall of a Leader: Personal Struggles and Realizations

27:04 The Command and Control Leadership Style: Pros and Cons

29:57 Compassion in Leadership: A Necessary Shift

32:26 Pressure Reveals True Leadership: The Impact of Stress

38:44 The Dark Side of Leadership: Accountability and Vulnerability

43:09 Creating Compassionate Leaders: A New Approach to Leadership Development

48:57 Ten second outro video.mp4

 

Chris Braitch has a mission to move himself and the world around him towards connection
and compassion. He works as an emotional health coach, leadership coach with
Compassionate Leaders Global, and as a founding director of Seen & Heard, a not-for-profit offering wellbeing support to past and present pupils of the private school system, many of whom have experienced institutional abuse and neglect. After two decades in sales,
marketing, and management for global consumer goods companies, Chris’s life was
upended by unresolved childhood trauma, the grief of losing his young son and mother, and
addiction, leading to a breakdown in 2021. Through coaching, men’s groups, Emotional
Freedom Technique, and a spiritual awakening, he rebuilt his life. Now addiction-free, he has
found his purpose, transformed his parenting, and is committed to serving others with  compassion and authenticity.

https://seenheard.org.uk/

"Piers Cross is an author, coach, and documentary producer specialising in boarding school trauma. He is also the founder of Compassionate Leaders Global, an organisation dedicated to developing emotionally intelligent, compassionate leaders for the future.

https://www.piers-cross.com/

 resources

Compassionate Leaders Global - https://compassionateleaders.global

Emma Seppälä - Stanford Professor on Stress and Leadership - https://www.stanford.edu

Doris Kearns Goodwin - Leadership and Emotional Intelligence - https://www.amazon.com

Steven Spielberg's Lincoln Movie - https://www.youtube.com

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - https://www.amazon.com/The-Body-Keeps-Score-Psychiatry/dp/0143127748

In this episode David and Naomi meet with Lawrence Collins-Willis who shares his disturbing personal story of childhood abuse, recovery, and the ongoing journey to heal from trauma. His openness offers insight into the complex process of memory recovery and the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and professional support.

Key Topics

The impact of adopting children later in life and personal childhood histories

Recognizing triggers and embodying emotional regulation

The role of therapy, including EMDR and somatic approaches, in trauma recovery

Memory recovery: how traumatic memories emerge piecemeal and the disorientation involved

Physical manifestations of trauma: scars, surgeries, and bodily effects

The importance of self-compassion and patience during healing

Challenging stigma around male trauma and abuse

Supporting others who experience or process trauma

The importance of trauma-informed therapy and support options for men

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Lawrence’s story and its significance
02:01 - Pre-adoption life: grounding and functioning well
04:38 - Experiencing and recognizing emotional triggers during parenting
06:26 - Professional interventions and the importance of therapy
08:13 - The breakthrough moment in therapy and uncovering repressed memories
11:13 - The harsh reality of childhood abuse and the process of memory recovery
13:13 - The details of traumatic events, betrayal, and ongoing impact
16:25 - The body's physical response: scars, surgeries, and bodily trauma
19:44 - The emotional toll and identity shifts following trauma
22:56 - The importance of support systems and handling suicidal thoughts
28:38 - Disorientation of memory flashing back and sensory triggers
30:46 - The somatic effects of trauma on the body and physical health
33:08 - How trauma influences identity and self-image
36:49 - Managing triggers and feeling safer in everyday life
38:24 - The lasting impact of trauma and ongoing vulnerability
42:01 - The challenges of feeling safe and concerns about future behavior
43:33 - Addressing fears around abuse and the importance of trauma-informed support
45:43 - Navigating the landscape of mental health support and barriers to access
47:19 - The dark moments: suicidal ideation and seeking help
50:06 - Breaking down stigma and supporting men's mental health and trauma recovery
52:14 - Advice for survivors: emotions, anger, and self-kindness
54:37 - Contemporary trauma therapy approaches and their effectiveness
55:48 - Final reflections: acceptance and the ongoing journey of healing