Join us for a powerful conversation with Shelly as she reflects on how prison became the turning point that saved her life. From confronting buried emotions to reshaping her responses to life’s challenges, she shares an honest account of self-discovery behind bars. Shelly discusses the intense therapy she underwent in the Primrose Programme, a specialised unit for severe personality disorders, and how schema therapy helped her understand the roots of her struggles. She also reveals the stark realities of prison life, from the relentless noise to the emotional toll of group therapy and the courage it took to speak out. This episode is a moving exploration of resilience, rehabilitation, and the unexpected ways prison can change a life forever. Hosts - Tom Batty & Gary Crooks A Curious Matter Production https://curiousmatter.co.uk

Join us for a powerful and candid conversation with Shelly, as she recounts her first experiences of entering a UK prison. From the initial shock of being described as "fresh meat on the wagon", to the disorienting process of reception, Shelly reveals the stark contrast between her expectations of prison life and the reality. Discover how she navigated the fear of the unknown, the challenges of medication withdrawal, and the unexpected acts of kindness from staff and fellow inmates. Learn about the daunting reality of her first night in a cell, the anxieties of the prison dining hall and how she eventually found a way to adjust and accept her sentence. This episode is an eye-opening look at the human side of imprisonment and what it takes to adapt to a world far removed from the norm. Hosts - Tom Batty & Gary Crooks A Curious Matter Production https://curiousmatter.co.uk

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Disclaimer The following podcast, produced by Curious Matter Productions, features discussions, debates, and interviews with various hosts and guests. While we strive to provide informative and engaging content, opinions expressed on this show are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Curious Matter Productions, its staff, or affiliates. The thoughts, beliefs, and opinions shared by our hosts and guests are their own and should not be taken as representative of any particular group, organisation, or entity. We encourage respectful dialogue and lively debate, but we also want to acknowledge that not everyone will agree with the perspectives presented on this show. By listening to this podcast, you understand that you may encounter differing viewpoints and opinions, which are intended to spark critical thinking, inspire new ideas, and foster meaningful discussions. We believe that exploring a range of opinions is essential for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and community building. If you have questions, comments, or concerns about our show, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@curiousmatter.co.uk. Your thoughts help shape the direction of our podcast and inform future episodes. Thank you for tuning in to Curious Matter Productions’ podcast!

This episode of the "Hope in Hell" podcast offers a powerful and moving testament to the human capacity for change. Prince's story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by vulnerable youth and the importance of providing positive support systems.

It is also a hopeful message of redemption and the possibility of breaking free from the cycle of violence. This podcast episode has the potential to inspire others who are struggling with similar challenges and to raise awareness about the urgent need for criminal justice reform and community-based interventions that address the root causes of crime.

This weeks guest: Prince Advocate for the eradication of gang violence and knife crime. Previous lived experience. Host - Chris Connel Co-Host - Gary Crooks

Barbara Burton, CEO/Founder of BehindBras & EvolveDenim and 'BBC 100 Women 2018' recipient talks candidly about her life behind bars, the challenges, the opportunities and her subsequent success. Welcome to the Hope In Hell Podcast, turning the volume up on society’s forgotten voices. Featuring stories from inside the criminal justice system and other tales of hope and inspiration. This weeks guest: Barbara Burton CEO / Founder BehindBras and EvolveDenim Previous Lived Experience Host - Chris Connel Co-Host - Gary Crooks A Curious Matter Production

How do you survive a long prison sentence? What are the first 24 hours inside really like? Can a career criminal truly find redemption? In this abridged episode of the Hope in Hell podcast we talk to a former inmate, a prison officer and a prison nurse to find out what life behind bars is really like. This episodes guests: Tom Batty Former HMP Prison Officer - 28 Years Service Criminal Justice Lead at Positive Directions NE Rosie Dwyer Prescribing Nurse, Practice Plus Group Host - Chris Connel Co-host - Gary Crooks, CEO Positive Directions NE A Curious Matter Production

A hard hitting, no holds barred discussion around the issues affecting inmates and staff in prisons today - This week we hear from a nurse, a former inmate and a long serving prison officer about the challenges they face on a daily basis and the support available to both staff and prisoners.

Guests - Tom Batty and Rosie Dwyer

Co-host - Gary Crooks

Host - Chris Connel

Listen as Billy shares his incredibly frank and honest story of crime, addiction, regret and recovery on this week’s episode of Hope in Hell. Taking us through the twists and turns of his remarkable life, Billy tells us how the hope he found in his darkest moments set him on the road to recovery.
Host - Chris Connel Co-host - Gary Crooks Guest - Billy Shelby

How do you survive a long prison sentence? What are the first 24 hours inside really like? Can a career criminal truly find redemption?

In this week’s episode of the Hope in Hell podcast we talk to a former inmate, a prison officer and a prison nurse to find out what life behind bars is really like.

Host - Chris Connel

Co-host - Gary Crooks

Guests - Tom Batty and Rosie Dwyer

A Curious Matter Production

UK Prisons #prison #jail #prisonlife