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

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)

Keywords

mental health, psychiatry, obstetrics, quantum theory, love, consciousness, education, spirituality, prevention, emotional well-being

Summary

This episode of Locked Up Living explores how two doctors from very different specialties, a psychiatrist and an obstetrician/paediatrician, came together to change the way we understand and approach mental health. Shivam Dubey and Salel Gupta share their unique journey, discussing the urgent need for preventive mental health care and the ground breaking MindSync curriculum they've developed for schools. They highlight the lack of emotional education in traditional healthcare and school systems, and reveal how their program brings evidence-based life skills, resilience training, and social-emotional learning directly to children and adults in India, Dubai, and the US.

 

The discussion also takes a deep dive into the relationship between love, quantum theory, and mental well-being. Drawing from both Western science and Eastern philosophy, Dr Dubey and Dr Gupta examine how consciousness and compassion can reshape the way we think about health, learning, and adversity. If you're curious about holistic approaches to wellness, or how culture, spirituality, and modern medicine intersect in the quest for better mental health, this episode brings fresh insight and practical ideas for individuals, educators, and communities.

Takeaways

The collaboration between psychiatry and obstetrics can enhance preventive mental health.

Love has a profound impact on mental health and healing.

Quantum theory offers a new perspective on spirituality and consciousness.

Mental health education is crucial for children and should be formalized in schools.

Self-awareness and emotional skills are essential for personal development.

Adversity can be a teacher if we reflect on our experiences.

Compassion should be prioritized over competition in education.

The Mind-Sync curriculum aims to integrate mental health education into schools.

Mighty Champions of Mental Health empowers adults to support their communities.

Selfless love is a key component of emotional well-being.

titles

Exploring the Intersection of Love and Quantum Theory

The Healing Power of Love in Mental Health

Sound Bites

"Love is the healing factor."

"Selfless love is the ultimate goal."

"Adversity is meant for you to learn."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Dr. Dube and Dr. Gupta

02:34

The Journey of Dr. Dube and Dr. Gupta

07:29

Exploring Love and Quantum Theory

13:44

The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

26:21

The Need for Mental Health Education

31:55

Exploring Spirituality and Quantum Effects

37:21

Introducing the Mind-Sync Curriculum

43:41

Mental Health Education for All Ages

47:52

Mighty Champions of Mental Health

52:14

Self-Care and Emotional Well-Being

53:55

In this episode of the Locked Up Living podcast, prison nurse Natalie Miller joins hosts Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones to give an unfiltered look inside the world of UK prison healthcare. Sharing insights from her roles at High Down, Brixton, and Wormwood Scrubs, Natalie opens up about the realities and challenges of providing medical care in prison settings, ranging from understaffed healthcare teams to the daily pressures of emergency response and managing patients with complex needs. The conversation explores vital topics like staff-prisoner relationships, the impact of bureaucracy and double-documentation, working with older and vulnerable prisoners, and the emotional resilience required for this unique nursing role.

 

Listeners get a front-row seat to stories about advocating for the most forgotten populations, overcoming systemic barriers, and why compassionate, trauma-informed care is critical inside the justice system. Natalie also reflects on how her experiences have shaped her commitment to speaking up for prisoners’ voices, both through her work and her recent TEDx talk. Whether you’re interested in the intersection of healthcare and criminal justice, prison reform, or the human impact of institutional systems, this episode offers a deep, honest conversation packed with insight for healthcare professionals, prison staff, and anyone curious about life and work on the inside.

Takeaways

Natalie fell into nursing during a chaotic time in her life.

Her passion for prison nursing stems from the people she serves.

Building relationships with prison staff is crucial for effective healthcare.

Communication barriers exist due to the unique prison environment.

Bureaucracy can hinder the delivery of quality healthcare in prisons.

Medication management poses significant challenges in prison settings.

The emotional toll of prison nursing can be overwhelming.

Advocacy for prisoners' rights is a key aspect of her role.

Healthcare in prisons is essential for rehabilitation and reintegration.

Maintaining well-being is vital for those working in challenging environments.

Titles

Inside the World of Prison Nursing

The Heart of a Prison Nurse

Sound bites

"It's just about helping them."

"It's a thankless role."

"It's great, we have each other."

 

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Nursing Journey

02:44 The Unique Challenges of Prison Nursing

05:35 Experiences in Different Prisons

08:07 Building Relationships in a Prison Environment

10:58 Communication Barriers in Prisons

13:32 Navigating Bureaucracy in Prison Healthcare

16:22 Medication Management Challenges

19:05 Coping with Chaos in Crisis Situations

21:56 The Importance of Compassion in Care

24:45 Advocating for Prisoners' Rights

27:29 The Role of Healthcare Staff in Rehabilitation

30:02 Maintaining Well-Being in a Demanding Role

32:50 Future Improvements in Prison Healthcare

Dan, Andy Woodward, Rafael Viola, Joe Sabien, Tobi Tarquin

Summary

This conversation features a group of five men discussing their experiences with male sexual abuse and the project 'Inside the Boys Club'. They emphasize the importance of raising awareness, creating a supportive community, and the need for justice and accountability. Personal stories highlight the long-lasting impact of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. The group aims to empower male survivors and foster collaboration for change, while also addressing the inadequacies of the judicial system and the importance of therapy in the healing process.

Keywords

male sexual abuse, awareness, support, mental health, collaboration, healing, justice, Inside the Boys Club, personal stories, community

Takeaways

The project aims to raise awareness about male sexual abuse.

Boys comprise a significant number of sexual abuse victims.

It takes men a long time to disclose their experiences.

The importance of creating a supportive community for survivors.

Collaboration among survivors can lead to greater impact.

The judicial system often fails to support victims adequately.

Therapy and professional help are crucial for healing.

Speaking up can be a vital part of the healing process.

There is a need for more awareness and support for male survivors.

The project aims to create a platform for male voices.

 

Sound bites

"We need to break the silence."

"This is a global epidemic."

"We're not alone anymore."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Inside the Boys Club

02:45 The Importance of Addressing Male Sexual Abuse

05:30 Personal Stories and Experiences of Abuse

10:58 The Need for Awareness and Support

13:40 The Role of Society and Institutions

16:34 The Impact of Power Dynamics on Abuse

22:15 The Broader Context of Abuse Across Demographics

27:49 The Challenges of Disclosure and Support

33:10 Advice for Survivors Seeking Help

37:23 The Ripple Effect of Speaking Up

39:27 Judicial System Challenges and Victim Support

43:37 Reclaiming Voice and Agency

45:43 The Struggle for a Voice in Inquiries

48:28 The Importance of Speaking Up

50:46 Post-Traumatic Growth and Resilience

56:23 Future Directions and Collective Action