Best Penal Reform Podcasts (2024)

1
Empowering Everyday Choices: A Conversation on Philip Howard's "Everyday Freedom" 57:07

12d ago57:07

57:07

Is America’s governing framework hindering our ability to make simple choices in daily life? In this episode of Reasonably Speaking, ALI President David F. Levi sits down with author and lawyer Philip Howard to discuss his new book, Everyday Freedom: Designing the Framework for a Flourishing Society. They’re joined by Judge Edith Jones and Professo…

1
E.66 Harmony Behind Bars: The Transformative Symphony of Liberty Choir in UK Prisons 35:49

4M ago35:49

35:49

Imagine a world where the reverberations of music echo through the most unexpected places, bringing not just melody but hope and transformation. That's the reality Ginny Dogary and MJ Paranzino have created with Liberty Choir, a program that is changing lives within the UK prison system. Join us as we hear about their incredible journey, the ties t…

1
E 65: Orsola de Castro on Redefining Elegance The Call for Authenticity in Fashion Choices 30:28

5M ago30:28

30:28

Have you ever pulled a beloved garment from your closet and felt a profound connection to its story? Today, we bring you an intimate conversation with Orsula de Castro, the visionary co-founder of Fashion Revolution, who shares her personal narrative and passionate crusade for sustainability in fashion. Orsula's tale is rich with memories of cheris…

1
Exploring ALI's History and Influence 1:15:00

4M ago1:15:00

1:15:00

On the occasion of ALI’s anniversary, we brought together three of our project Reporters to talk about ALI’s history and a few of our most influential projects. In this discussion, ALI Centennial History Book Editor Andrew Gold is joined by Deborah A. DeMott (Reporter for Restatement of the Law Third, Agency), John C.P. Goldberg (Associate Reporter…

1
Episode 64: Illuminating Trauma: Feminist Perspectives from Susan Pease Banitt and other Women Healers 40:31

5M ago40:31

40:31

When Susan Pease Banitt stepped away from her psychotherapy practice, it wasn't just a career change—it was a moment of transition that illuminated the hidden complexities of psychological trauma. Join us as Susan, with her considerable insight into PTSD, dissociative disorders, and the dark corners of ritual abuse, shares her personal journey and …

1
ALI Oral History Series: Roberta Cooper Ramo and Michael Traynor 1:05:57

5M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

Mike served as ALI's eighth president from 2000 to 2008, and Roberta as ALI's ninth and first woman president from 2008 to 2017. Both are recipients of ALI's Distinguished Service Award. Beyond the ALI, Mike is senior counsel at Cobalt in Berkeley, California. He's a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Academy of Ap…

1
E: 63 Latte and Liberation The Fresh Brew of Social Change in UK Prisons 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

When Max Dubiel decided to swap his strategy consultant hat for a barista's apron and an entrepreneur's vision, he brewed up more than just a coffee business; he created a lifeline for UK inmates. This podcast serves you the story of Redemption Roasters, where Max and his team are transforming the lives of young offenders with the rich aroma of spe…

1
Free Speech on Campus 56:41

6M ago56:41

56:41

The tension between protecting and promoting freedom of speech is no better exhibited than in the university setting. Historically, colleges have been a place where young minds have been encouraged to exercise true freedom of thought. But to what extent is that freedom protected? Additionally, how does that freedom extend to university faculty? On …

1
E 62: Simon Natas and Jeremy Dein KC on The Quest for Judicial Equity in the Shadow of Unsafe Convictions 27:30

6M ago27:30

27:30

Have you ever wondered if justice truly prevails in the UK's criminal appeals system? This week, we're joined by heavyweights Simon Natas and Jeremy Dein KC to tackle this very question, pulling back the curtain on the urgent need for reform. As we navigate the complexities of the Court of Appeal's narrow criteria and the 'lurking doubt' that haunt…

1
Ep 61: Transformative Justice and the Power of Legal Representation hosted by Simon Natas with Jeremy Dein KC 22:50

6M ago22:50

22:50

Embark on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of the criminal justice system with leading solicitor advocate Simo Natas, and the outstanding barrister Jeremy Dean KC. As Jeremy recounts his ascent from humble beginnings to becoming a leading criminal silk, we peel back the layers of his commitment to aiding those ensnared by the law's h…

1
E 60: Abolitionists Rising: Reimagining Justice Beyond Prisons with Lisa Guenther 32:25

7M ago32:25

32:25

Picture a world where our concept of justice is redefined - where punishment is replaced with connectivity and relationship building. This profound shift is the heart of our discussion with the insightful academic, Lisa Guenther, who has extensively researched the effects of solitary confinement on individuals. Lisa gifts us with her wisdom as we s…

1
E 59: The Dark Side of Justice: Lisa Guenther on Race, Gender and Solitary Confinement 37:40

8M ago37:40

37:40

Are you ready to journey into the dark realities of the prison system? With our esteemed guest, Lisa Guenther, we invite you to pull back the curtain on the unsettling practice of solitary confinement. Lisa's profound insights, drawn from rigorous research and the lived experiences of those who have suffered the brutality of isolation, will undoubt…

1
E 58: Breaking the Silence: Linda Aspey on Navigating Eco-Anxiety for a Sustainable Future 23:56

8M ago23:56

23:56

Meet Linda Aspey, a prolific voice in the realm of climate psychology, who's using her own experience with eco-anxiety to drive crucial discussions around climate change. Stirred by an overwhelming sense of concern and despair over the state of our planet, Linda has become an influential figure in raising awareness about the psychological impacts o…

1
Episode 57: Privilege, Decolonization, and Active Hope: Addressing Climate Change 22:59

8M ago22:59

22:59

Part 1 of 2 What is it like to live with a constant sense of anticipation and fear for the future of our planet? Our guest for this episode is Linda Aspey, hosted by Susan Pease Banitt. They explore the experience of eco-anxiety, an issue that is silently spreading across our society. We share our personal journeys in grappling with this sense of i…

1
Remixed: 28.12.23 Anna Delvey - In Her Own Words: The Trials of Freedom and Fear of Extradition 19:59

8M ago19:59

19:59

What if you were thrust into an alien world where every move was monitored and every freedom restrained? That's the startling reality that encapsulates Anna Delvey's (Anna Sorokin) journey. A journey woven with the threads of being a fallen socialite, an immigrant, and a victim of the justice system. Anna, best known from Netflix's 'Inventing Anna'…

1
27.12.2023 Art, Advocacy, and Authenticity: Anna Delvey's Immigrant Journey Through the Justice System 19:10

8M ago19:10

19:10

How does one survive the brutality of incarceration and the deprivations of prison life? What if that person is an immigrant caught in an unresponsive justice system? Today, we pull back the curtain on these harsh realities, journeying through the narrative of an artist who found salvation in creativity amidst the bleak confines of prison life. The…

1
Episode 55: Malu Halasa on Picturing Resistance: Art and Activism in the Iranian Women's Movement 23:24

9M ago23:24

23:24

Malu Halasa is the editor of Woman Life Freedom. Voices and Art from the Women's Protests in Iran published by Saqi Books. Jina Mahsa Amini’s death at the hands of Iran’s Morality Police on 16 September 2022 sparked widespread protests across the country. Women took to the streets, uncovering their hair, burning headscarves and chanting ‘Woman Life…

1
Episode 56: From Oppression to Activism: The Pioneering Role of Iranian Women in Protests with Malu Halasa 23:05

9M ago23:05

23:05

Prepare to be awestruck as we journey into the heart of protests in Iran in 2022, with a focus on the extraordinary bravery of Iranian women. We're privileged to engage with Malu Halasa, the insightful editor of Woman Life Freedom, who helps us untangle the narratives that crisscross ethnicities, generations, and genders. We delve into how educatio…

1
Episode 54: From a Turbulent Past to a Creative Triumph: Lisa Azarmi on Surviving Coercive Control and Building 'Ravenous Butterflies' 42:53

9M ago42:53

42:53

Brace yourselves for a heartening conversation with Lisa Azarmi, the creative mastermind behind the social media sensation, Ravenous Butterflies. Her journey, marked by a difficult upbringing and a tumultuous relationship, weaves a tale of resilience and self-love that is sure to strike a chord with you. She takes us through chapters in her life, f…

1
Episode 53: Part 2: The Law is Broken, Unveiling the Realities and Remedies of the Contemporary Prison System 25:08

10M ago25:08

25:08

How would you feel if you were sentenced to years in a system where the rules and environment constantly evolve? Prepare to peer behind the bars with our guest, Laura Owen, a prison law consultant, and Phil Wheatley, a seasoned prison governor and former Director General of the prison and probation service. They examine profound changes within our …

1
Episode 52: The Law is Broken - Unpacking The Challenges of our Growing Prison Population with Laura Owen and Phil Wheatley 37:20

10M ago37:20

37:20

Part 1 of 2 Join us for an enlightening conversation with Phil Wheatley, a veteran of 50 years in the prison system, and Laura Owen, a dedicated prison lawyer with 14 years of in-depth experience. Their expertise promises to provide you with a rare and comprehensive insight into the murky intricacies of the prison system. In our discussion, we zoom…

1
Episode 51: Reconstructing Probation Services: A Candid Talk with Tanya Bassett on Failures and Change 24:33

10M ago24:33

24:33

What if the very system designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate people with convictions back into society was riddled with systemic failures? Step into the world of probation services with Tania Bassett, Press and Communications Liaison at NAPO. where she and our host Alex Bastion dissect the growing workload, dwindling funding, and the harsh real…

1
Challenging Patriarchy, Championing Planet: The Journey of Mother’s Rebellion 45:54

11M ago45:54

45:54

How can a simple protest sign spark a global movement? Today's podcast episode takes us all along the inspiring journey of Sara and Kristine, the founders of Mother’s Rebellion, who are standing up to the patriarchal system and calling for a collective fight against the climate crisis. This grassroots initiative born in sunny California has now spr…

1
Episode 50: Part 1 Tania Bassett from NAPO on Shaking the Foundations, The Impact of Transforming Rehabilitation Reforms on Probation 34:30

11M ago34:30

34:30

Ready for a candid look at probation services? We have the pleasure of hosting Tania Basset, a seasoned expert from NAPO (National Association of Probation Officers) who lends her unique perspective on the numerous challenges faced by this critical public service. She uncovers the far-reaching implications of political decisions on probation servic…

1
Episode 49 : Impact of Repressive Laws on Climate Activism: Insights from Dr Nigel Gould-Davis and Prof Rupert Read 41:39

11M ago41:39

41:39

Ever wondered how climate justice ties into our daily lives and decisions? We sit down with Dr Nigel Gould-Davis and Professor Rupert Reed, leading academics in their respective fields, to delve into this urgent topic. They dissect the impact of hasty legislation, exploring how it can lead to oppressive outcomes for climate campaigners. They shed l…

1
Episode 48 : The Climate Majority Project: An Inclusive Approach with Professor Rupert Reed, in conversation with Dr Nigel Gould-Davies 39:02

11M ago39:02

39:02

Have you ever experienced an epiphany so profound it reshaped your entire life trajectory? Our guest in today's episode, Professor Rupert Reed, certainly did, and this revelation led him on a journey of environmental activism, pushing for drastic societal transformation in the face of climate change. This isn't just an apocalypse tale, it's a story…

1
Episode 47: From Northern Ireland to Bahrain: The Justice Journey of Pauline McCabe 38:16

11M ago38:16

38:16

Can you imagine having over two decades of real-world experience navigating the twists and turns of the justice system? In April this year, Pauline was appointed as a member of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, the IAPDC, which provides expert independent advice to the Government concerning their legal duties to protect prisoners…

1
Episode 46 : Unmasking ADHD in the Criminal Justice System: An Exploration with Angela Kirwin 30:35

12M ago30:35

30:35

Angela Kirwin, renowned writer-activist and author of the riveting book, How Prisons Are Failing Us All, takes center stage in this episode, providing some harrowing insights into the world of neurodiversity, mental health, and the criminal justice system. Join us as we peel back the layers of societal expectations and the challenges they pose in d…

1
Episode 45: Reshaping the Justice System: A Survivor's Perspective with Jade Blue 24:52

1y ago24:52

24:52

What happens when the justice system, designed to protect victims, does the opposite instead? What happens when it harms people it should be serving? When the system protects perpetrators of violence against women? It's a question that often keeps survivors of abuse awake at night, and our guest today, Jade Blue, knows it all too well. A tenacious …

1
Episode 44 : Unearthing Resilience: Nicole Rose's Journey from Prison to Plant Power 36:14

1y ago36:14

36:14

This is the first of our Frontline Warriors series in which we meet people creating transformative change in the justice system. Nicole Rose is an anarchist organiser and herbalist living in England who has been active in struggles for human, animal and earth liberation for over 20 years. Nicole did a 3.5-year prison sentence aged 21 amidst a decad…

1
Bernadette Emerson - IPP Committee In Action 32:36

1y ago32:36

32:36

In this episode Trystan speaks with Bernadette Emerson, an activist and campaigner with IPP Committee In Action, fighting to end the ongoing IPP sentences still in place. IPPs sentences are indeterminate prison sentences which can leave prisoners locked up for decades, often over relatively minor crimes. They have been controversial ever since they…

1
Texas would be 'crazy to penalize renewables,' CPS Energy CEO Rudy Garza says 55:45

1y ago55:45

55:45

Rudy Garza, CEO of CPS Energy, the nation's largest integrated municipal power and gas utility, doesn't mince words when it comes to the effort by some policymakers in Texas to punish renewables for the broad failures during Winter Storm Uri. Garza became CEO a little over a year ago but has deep experience in Texas energy. And as one of the larges…

1
1-on-1 with Vistra CEO Jim Burke 51:13

1+ y ago51:13

51:13

The energy transition is daunting to incumbent energy companies— albeit in very different ways. Vistra CEO Jim Burke joined Episode 7 of the Texas Power Podcast with Doug Lewin to discuss how the largest electricity generator in Texas is navigating the energy transition and adjusting to a shifting ERCOT market design. Burke discussed the impacts of…

1
A Cambrian explosion of distributed energy in Texas 58:18

1+ y ago58:18

58:18

Texans can now get paid for supporting the grid with their solar panels and batteries as part of a new virtual power plant pilot project. What happens next could lead to rapid deployment of resilient and clean distributed energy resources across the state. But realizing that potential won't be easy. One of the biggest hurdles is customer engagement…

1
Parwana Amiri Interview - The Refugee Series 45:16

1+ y ago45:16

45:16

For the fifth and last in our series featuring refugee voices, Trystan speaks with Parwana Amiri, an amazing activist and poet who gained international recognition on the release of her book of poetry, written while living a refugee camp - “Letters from Moria: My Pen Will Not Break, But Borders Will”. Parwana left Afghanistan with her family when s…

1
McKeown on the Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas 52:49

1+ y ago52:49

52:49

ALI President David F. Levi sits down with M. Margaret McKeown, senior judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, for a discussion on McKeown’s new book, Citizen Justice: The Environmental Legacy of William O. Douglas—Public Advocate and Conservation Champion. U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas was a giant in the legal wor…

1
Interview with Lucky Khambule: The Refugee Series (Episode 4) 33:54

1+ y ago33:54

33:54

In this fourth episode of our refugee series, host Trystan speaks with Lucky Khambule, a refugee from South Africa living in Ireland, and founder of MASI, the movement of asylum seekers in Ireland. After first claiming asylum, Lucky then spent years waiting to find out if his application would be successful, and if he could remain in Ireland as his…

1
Geothermal energy and the revival of a forgotten renewable 58:26

1+ y ago58:26

58:26

Tim Latimer was working as a drilling engineer in South Texas when he couldn't shake a newfound curiosity. Latimer was new to the oil and gas industry, and in 2012, the industry was at the height of the shale revolution. He was tasked with navigating the challenges created by high drilling temperatures in the Eagle Ford Shale region. As he did more…

1
Interview with Dr S Chelvan - The Refugee Series (Episode 3) 38:42

1+ y ago38:42

38:42

In this third episode of our refugee series, host Trystan speaks with Dr S Chelvan, an activist human rights lawyer and head of immigration and law at 33 Bedford Row, to learn about the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ refugees when claiming asylum. When Dr Chelvan started, there was no model at all for processing LGBTQ+ asylum applications, which led to…

1
Interview with Abdulwahab Tahhan - The Refugee Series (Episode 2) 19:22

1+ y ago19:22

19:22

In this second part of our refugee series, host Trystan speaks to Abdulwahab Tahhan, a Syrian refugee who's since moved to Hong Kong where he is now a lecturer, academic, journalist, stand up comedian and host of the podcast Integrate That. Integrate That is a podcast that aims to challenge some of the media narratives by centering refugee voices t…

1
Drilling for renewables in Texas 54:34

1+ y ago54:34

54:34

As if it wasn’t enough that Texas has some of the best wind resource, best solar resource, and largest shale oil and gas deposits in the world, the Lone Star State also has a great geothermal resource. Unlike the others resources, though, geothermal is yet to be tapped. That’s about to change. The Texas Geothermal Alliance launched last year and ha…

1
Interview with Debora Kayembe - The Refugee Series 46:27

1+ y ago46:27

46:27

In the first episode of our series exploring the challenges facing refugees, our host Alex speaks with Debora Kayembe - human rights lawyer, political activist, and the first black woman to ever become Rector of the University of Edinburgh. Debora was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she started her life of activism fighting for huma…

1
Episode 35: Jeremy Moore on justice and prevailing in dangerous times. Why everything is political. 26:05

1+ y ago26:05

26:05

Jeremy Moore is a serious fighter for justice for the underdog. He’s acted on some of the most high profile appeal cases and won them. Support the Show. For more unmissable content from The View sign up hereBy Madalena Alberto meet elsewhere Jeremy Moore

1
Bonus: Texas grid braces for winter. What’s changed since Uri? 57:30

1+ y ago57:30

57:30

This episode was originally published on Renewable Energy World's Factor This! podcast. It's been more than 600 days since the lights went out for millions of Texans during Winter Storm Uri. The near-total collapse of the Texas grid can be attributed to a number of culprits— and there has been no shortage of finger-pointing. Promises were made that…

1
Episode 34 - Climate Justice and the New Suffragettes, Sarah Webb on the brutality of the injustice system and climate campaigners 33:22

1+ y ago33:22

33:22

In the week when COP 27 and the reality of the climate crisis hits home, Trystan Kent speaks with Sarah Webb, a climate justice activist who went to prison for peaceful non violent protest. TW: This episode contains profanity and state endorsed violence against women in prison including graphic descriptions of pain inducement for restraint. Sarah h…

1
Don't California my Texas electricity market 48:33

1+ y ago48:33

48:33

A highly anticipated report on the costs and effectiveness of three proposed reforms to the Texas electricity market is here. And the results aren’t great. One of the proposals, which resembles the California electricity market, would increase the cost of Texas electricity by $22.8 billion over the second half of this decade without significantly i…

1
Episode 33 Speaking the Unspeakable with Eleni Psillakis of Success Works 35:46

1+ y ago35:46

35:46

What do we do with people who commit the worst offences? Should they be allowed to be rehabilitated and forgiven, given a second chance to reintegrate and become productive members of society? Should they be shunned forever and thrown on the human garbage heap reserved specially for women who commit serious crimes? This week Alexandra Enuc our host…

1
Episode 32 - Cell Outs - the adventures and misadventures of two former prison officers turned trauma trainers / thespians 43:42

2y ago43:42

43:42

This week, our presenter Iulia is speaking to two ex-prison officers who've written a dark comedy about their experiences. Harriet and Ella signed up to a graduate scheme become front-line workers in a men's prison and women's prison respectively, and emerged hardened and, in their words, 'brutalised'. Their play, Cell Outs, navigates the dissonanc…

1
Texas eyes a Texas-sized role for DERs 57:22

2y ago57:22

57:22

Texas is saddled with a vulnerable energy system: Winter Storm Uri and this summer’s extended heat wave proved that. Now, distributed energy resources are getting some attention—finally. State regulators are looking at how aggregated DERs could give the ERCOT grid greater stability. On the table is an 80 MW virtual power plant pilot that could serv…

1
Episode 31 - Andrew Morris on Life after an IPP (Indeterminate Public Protection) sentence, The Land of Milk and Honey 47:00

2y ago47:00

47:00

In this Rebel Justice Podcast our host Trystan Kent speaks with Andrew Morris, former IPP inmate and vocal campaigner against injustices. Andrew sheds light onto the outrageous realities of IPP, and brings his experiences and insight into says we could reform the criminal justice system, within prisons and wider national reform. Andrew Morris is th…

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Penal Reform Podcasts

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