Hope in Hell

What happens when former prison officers and inmates sit down, listen properly, and talk honestly? In this final episode of Rodney’s Hope in Hell interviews, Rodney, Gary, Tom and Len reflect on crime, prison culture, rehabilitation and the missed opportunities within the system. They discuss why prison officers often never get the time to understand the men they work with, why policy makers need...

Former lifer Rodney opens up about prison violence, trauma, rage, survival and the moment everything changed. From riots, segregation units and violent confrontations with officers… to therapy, rehabilitation and helping others change their lives - this is one of the rawest Hope in Hell conversations yet. In this episode:• Growing up with trauma and anger• Prison violence from both sides of the do...

“Stop. Look. Listen.” That’s the advice Rodney would give his younger self. In Part 2, he describes losing control after his father’s death, serving a life sentence, navigating prison politics, and confronting the reality of the harm he caused. He also speaks about the moment something shifted - when doing good felt different to being feared. From rowing thousands of miles on a gym machine for cha...

“If you’ve never lived it, it’s hard to explain - but it felt like belonging.” Rodney’s story isn’t about crime for the sake of it. It’s about what happens when trauma goes unspoken, emotions are buried, and violence becomes a language. In this episode of Hope in Hell, he talks openly about his childhood, the pull of identity and reputation, and how prison life both hardened and eventually reshape...

What happens when you want to go to prison… and the system never lets you leave? In this powerful episode of Hope in Hell , Ricky tells the unfiltered story of growing up surrounded by violence, being drawn into crime from childhood, and receiving an IP(Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentence that changed his life forever. Raised in the North East, Ricky was exposed to prison culture before h...

Dan’s story is one of wild partying, chaos, denial - but what does it take to finally change? For Dan, it was waking up in a police cell after crashing his car whilst heavily intoxicated—with his children in the back. That moment destroyed the last of his denial… but also became the start of an entirely new life. In this episode of Hope in Hell, Dan speaks with astonishing honesty about: Growing u...

Life Begins at 40 - I Nearly Got Life In this episode of Hope in Hell , Steve shares apowerful reflection on trauma, addiction, and transformation. His early experiences of domestic violence and unresolved PTSD set him on a path of self-destruction that culminated in imprisonment for attempted murder. Yet within that environment, he found something unexpected - recovery, purpose, and a belief syst...

What does a life spent between prison gyms and Premier League football clubs really look like? In this powerful conclusion to our 3-part conversation, Len Clark reflects on his 37 years as an HMP P.E. Officer and his incredible journey into professional football with Newcastle United and the Republic of Ireland. From treating notorious prisoners to working alongside legends like Kevin Keegan, Ruud...

In this episode of Hope in Hell, retired prison officer Len Clark reveals why good leadership can be more effective than any prison inspection. We discuss:✅ How the loss of the “Prison Chief” role affected accountability✅ Why leadership is key to maintaining prison education standards✅ The problems with Ofsted and HMIP inspections inside prisons✅ Real stories from decades on the frontline of t...

In this first part of a three-part conversation between Len, Gary & Tom, Len shares the realities of his 37 years as an HMP Physical Education Officer. From the prison gym to the exercise yard, he reflects on the challenges, the moments of hope, and the power of respect and discipline in the most demanding of environments. Len’s insights reveal a side of prison life few ever witness — where sp...

Shawn’s Story of Survival, Second Chances, and Saving Lives. In this deeply moving episode of Hope in Hell, we speak with Shawn, a man who spent over 20 years in active heroin addiction and 15 years in and out of prison. Shawn shares an unflinching account of his early trauma, the spiral into crime, and how his darkest moment - an overdose that left him on life support - became the turning point t...

Join us for an incredibly special and moving episode of the Hope in Hell Podcast as we sit down with a true British icon, Michael Watson MBE. Known as "The People's Champion", Michael shares his extraordinary journey – from his formidable boxing career, including legendary fights against Nigel Benn and Mike McCallum, to the life-altering injury sustained in his bout with Chris Eubank...

Employment, Accommodation and Support In this compelling episode of Hope in Hell, we delve into the challenges of imprisonment and the crucial steps needed for successful reintegration into society. Our hosts examine the three key pillars that reduce the likelihood of re-offending: stable employment, secure accommodation, and a robust support network. The discussion highlights the system’s failing...

A Story of Second Chances and Three Miracles. In this episode, Gary, Tom and Shelly explore life-altering moments that redefine what truly matters. Tom recounts his near-death experience—a series of remarkable coincidences, including a dire chest infection, a timely tip from his colleague Stevie Robertson, and a 14-minute resuscitation that left him gasping for air. This profound event led him to...

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...

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 me...

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...

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...

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 BattyFormer HMP Prison Officer - 28 Years ServiceCriminal Justice Lead a...

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 ConnelCo-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 Produ...