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

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

Keywords   psychology, debate, societal issues, equality, justice, racism, diagnostic systems, therapy, mental health, resilience Summary This conversation explores the state of psychology, focusing on the lack of serious debate within the field, the challenges of addressing societal issues such as racism and inequality, and the role of diagnosis in therapy. The speakers discuss the medicalization of everyday life, the historical context of psychological practices, and the importance of understanding individuals as whole beings rather than mere categories. They also reflect on the evolution of diagnostic systems and the implications for mental health treatment. Takeaways There is a significant lack of serious debate in psychology. Psychology often avoids discussing major societal issues. The medicalization of everyday life is a growing concern. Psychology tends to focus on individual solutions rather than systemic issues. Racism and institutional biases persist within psychological institutions. Diagnosis can provide comfort but may also mislead individuals. The relationship between therapist and client is crucial for effective therapy. There is a need for a formulation approach over traditional diagnosis. Psychology has a history of tolerating race science and needs to address it. Future directions for psychology should focus on equality and justice. Sound bites "We don't see nearly enough debate." "We need to change the way we work." "Diagnosis can provide comfort to individuals." Chapters 00:00 The State of Debate in Psychology 05:04 The Role of Psychology in Society 11:01 Personal Responsibility vs. Social Context 14:58 Values of Equality and Justice 17:05 Institutional Racism in Psychology 25:42 Reflections on Progress and Complacency 27:34 The Debate Within Psychology 30:35 The Business of Psychology 34:21 Therapeutic Relationships and Effectiveness 36:09 The Evolution of Diagnostic Systems 42:35 The Comfort of Diagnosis 48:36 Rethinking Diagnosis in Psychology 54:02 Outro Oct 23  2.mp4

  Introduction: In this episode, we are joined by Andrew MacLeod, a passionate advocate and lawyer who has dedicated his life to addressing the complex issues surrounding children born of war and the injustices they face. With a background in law and a personal journey marked by profound loss, Andrew has transformed his experiences into a powerful mission to help those in need. He is the founder of the organization "Hear Their Cries," which focuses on advocacy, legal support, and raising awareness about the plight of these vulnerable children. Andrew's resilience and commitment to finding solutions in the face of adversity shine through in this candid conversation, where he shares insights into his work, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of building a legacy for future generations. Key Discussion Points:** - Andrew's personal journey and the impact of his mother's passing on his career choices. - The concept of Founder's Syndrome and the importance of succession planning in advocacy work. - The emotional challenges faced by whistleblowers and advocates in the field. - The role of pro bono lawyers in supporting vulnerable populations. - Insights into the organization "Hear Their Cries" and its mission. - The psychological and societal implications of the work surrounding children born of war. - Andrew's thoughts on resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.

Keywords Oxfam, safeguarding, sexual exploitation, whistleblowing, autism, media coverage, aid sector, leadership, moral injury, charity Takeaways Helen Evans was the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam. She uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse within the organization. Despite her efforts, she faced resistance from senior management. The media coverage of Oxfam's issues came after the Me Too movement gained traction. Helen experienced PTSD due to the stress of her role and the lack of support. There is a significant stigma attached to whistleblowers in the UK. Many survivors of abuse do not report due to fear of not being believed. Helen advocates for mandatory safeguarding measures in aid organizations. She now works as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition. https://cavernoma.org.uk/about/our-team/ Summary In this conversation, Helen Evans shares her harrowing experience as the global head of safeguarding at Oxfam, where she uncovered systemic issues of sexual exploitation and abuse. Despite her efforts to address these issues, she faced significant resistance from senior management, leading her to take her concerns to the Charity Commission. Helen discusses the impact of her experiences on her mental health, including a diagnosis of PTSD, and reflects on the stigma surrounding whistleblowers. She advocates for improved safeguarding measures in the aid sector and emphasizes the need for a dedicated regulator to hold organizations accountable. Now serving as the CEO of a charity focused on a rare neurological condition, Helen continues to champion the importance of ethical practices in aid work and the need for organizations to prioritize safeguarding vulnerable populations. Sound bites "This was a systemic issue." "I had to relocate. I lost my home." "I think there have been improvements." Chapters 00:00 Uncovering the Truth at Oxfam 03:59 The Impact of Whistleblowing 06:53 The Role of Media and Public Awareness 09:48 Courage and the Personal Cost of Speaking Out 12:51 The Intersection of Autism and Advocacy 15:45 Challenges in the Aid Sector 18:51 Improving Safeguarding Practices 21:59 The Need for Accountability in Charities 24:42 Reflections on Leadership and Change 27:39 The Future of Safeguarding in Aid Work 30:36 Personal Healing and Moving Forward 44:38 Outro Oct 23  2.mp4  

  Keywords male circumcision, non-therapeutic circumcision, psychological impact, medical ethics, cultural practices, legal aspects, mental health, personal testimonies, advocacy, support services Summary; This conversation delves into the complex and often controversial topic of male circumcision, particularly focusing on non-therapeutic circumcision. The discussion features insights from Alejandro Sanchez of the National Secular Society and Leeanne Morris from the charity 15 Square, who explore the cultural, psychological, and physical implications of circumcision. They address the legal and ethical considerations surrounding the practice, share personal testimonies from affected individuals, and highlight the need for greater awareness and support for those impacted by circumcision. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children's rights and the necessity for informed consent in medical practices. https://15square.org.uk/ Takeaways Circumcision is often performed for cultural or religious reasons, but its necessity is debated. Non-therapeutic circumcision can lead to significant psychological trauma, including disenfranchised grief. Many men report feelings of loss and anger related to their circumcision experiences. The decision to circumcise should ideally be made by the individual when they are old enough to consent. There are serious physical risks associated with circumcision, including potential fatalities. Legal regulations around circumcision are lax, allowing untrained individuals to perform the procedure. The psychological impact of circumcision can manifest in various mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts. Support services for men affected by circumcision are crucial but often underfunded and under recognized. Cultural narratives often trivialize the impact of circumcision on men's lives, leading to stigma around discussing it. Greater awareness and education about circumcision's effects are needed in both medical and therapeutic communities. Sound Bites "The welfare of the child must be the paramount concern." "Taking a scalpel to a baby's genitals causes damage." "We need to safeguard children and uphold their rights." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Male Circumcision Discussion 05:16Understanding the Reasons Behind Circumcision 09:21Psychological and Emotional Impact of Circumcision 17:48Legal and Ethical Considerations 22:10Physical Risks and Complications 26:24Cultural Perspectives and Societal Attitudes 31:04The Role of Mental Health Professionals 35:19Conclusion and Reflections on the Conversation 36:16Outro Oct 23 2.mp4