All Things Conflict

In this special solo episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria takes center stage to deconstruct our fundamental understanding of "justice." After hosting a series of experts and survivors, Maria reflects on the core puzzle: Why is our 3,000-year-old retributive legal model failing to deliver actual peace? Maria explores justice not just as a set of laws, but as a method for alloc...

In this heavy-hitting episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria sits down with Jon Wedger, a former elite detective and specialist interviewer who operated at the highest levels of the British policing establishment. Jon shares the harrowing personal cost of breaking the "code of silence" to expose malfeasance and a systemic cover-up regarding the abuse of children. Jon details th...

In this episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria sits down with Ben Leapman, the editor of Inside Time, the UK’s only national newspaper dedicated to the prisoner population. With a unique background as a former Fleet Street journalist who also has lived experience of the justice system, Ben provides a rare and balanced look at life behind bars. We explore how Inside Time serves...

In this profound and inspiring episode of All Things Conflict -Justice Redesigned, Maria welcomes Kelechi Ezeigwe, a remarkable activist, educator, and author based in Nigeria. Kelechi is the founder of the Saint Abigail’s Women’s Initiative, an organisation dedicated to empowering women through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills. Kelechi shares her transition from a secure corp...

In this episode of All Things Conflcit - Justice Redesigned, Maria sits down with Shahab (Shab) Hashtroudi, a former high-flying entrepreneur and "Nightclub King" who saw his world collapse following a dawn raid and a grueling seven-week trial. After losing his business empire, Shab found himself in the "darkness" of the British prison system—but he didn't just serve his time. Shab became a powerh...

In this deeply moving episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria sits down with Joan, a mother whose life was irrevocably changed in 2011 when her son was killed in a "one-punch" attack. While many would remain locked in a cycle of bitterness and anger, Joan chose a different path one that led her to the heart of Restorative Justice. Joan shares the raw reality of her journey: from...

Appologies for the guests internet connection! In this deeply moving episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria Arpa sits down with Andrew Morris, an advocate and survivor of the Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence. Described as one of the most significant human rights stains on the UK justice system, the IPP sentence has left thousands of individuals in a state of "l...

In this riveting episode of All Things Conflict - Justice Redesigned, Maria welcomes Andrew Pritchard, a man who lived an extraordinary life as a high-level "architect" of global supply lines and criminal empires. After a spectacular collapse that led to a 15-year sentence in some of Britain’s toughest high-security prisons, Andrew didn't just serve time—he studied the system. Andrew shares his jo...

In this episode of Justice Redesigned, host Maria sits down with Kristyna Hawkett, founder of the Minus One Club and a dedicated divorce and separation coach. Kristyna describes the experience of divorce not as a journey, but as an "emotional earthquake" that leaves families scrambling to repair structural damage while facing ongoing aftershocks. We dive deep into the staggering reality of the fam...

In this episode of Justice Redesigned, host Maria Alper sits down with Lukasz Konieczka, the founder and CEO of Mosaic, a charity supporting LGBT+ young people. Lukasz, an expert on intersectionality and social justice, discusses his "Belonging Framework" and how it serves as a pragmatic tool for fostering inclusion across both the non-profit and corporate sectors. The conversation dives deep into...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria sits down with Issy Adamopoulos , a mediator and barrister called to the bar who has dedicated her academic career to uncovering the systemic flaws in the UK legal system. Issy shares insights from her two groundbreaking dissertations on institutional racism and institutional misogyny within the justice system. Together, they challenge the traditional...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, we explore the "internal emotional landscape" that dictates how we engage with the world. Our guest David Ellis argues that modern society is built on a "domination culture" of competition and excellence that fundamentally clashes with the heart of social justice. By moving away from institutional "head-knowledge" and toward heart-led empathy, we uncover a r...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria hosts Fiona Ruttle. They delve into the transformative power of conflict resolution and the importance of fostering understanding in challenging situations. Fiona shares her profound experiences working in prisons, where she witnessed the humanisation of individuals often seen as "monsters." The conversation explores the role of effective communicati...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jonah Jones, a former professional footballer turned football manager and entrepreneur. Jonah shares his remarkable journey from being an abandoned baby raised in the care system to becoming a passionate advocate for helping others unleash their potential. The discussion delves into the importance of understandi...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a profound conversation with Penny Parker, a former corporate lawyer turned advocate for restorative justice and prisoner support. Penny shares her journey from volunteering in prisons to founding Stand Out, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. The discussion delves into the tran...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes Hesham Puri, a criminal defense lawyer and director at MK Law. They delve into the complexities of the criminal justice system, discussing the emotional and psychological toll it takes on clients and their families. Hesham shares insights from his extensive experience, highlighting the challenges faced by defendants, including the lengthy an...

In this episode of All Things Conflict, Maria Arpa engages in a conversation with Fabian Sharp, the CEO of the South Kilburn Trust in London. With over 30 years of experience in community development, Fabian shares his insights on the complexities of modern community challenges, including rising youth violence, mental health issues, and the erosion of trust in institutions. The discussion highligh...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria welcomes back philosopher Paul Baker for a thought-provoking discussion on the theme of justice in the context of systemic failures and scandals. They explore the pervasive nature of cover-ups and the human tendency to avoid accountability due to fear of punishment and shame. Paul introduces his concept of "systemic win," emphasising the importance o...

In this All Things Conflict Special episode, Maria engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Jane Stevens, a dedicated NHS doctor who shares her transformative journey from clinical practice to exploring the deeper aspects of healthcare and well-being. After experiencing burnout and resigning from her leadership role, Dr. Jane embarked on a doctoral program focused on organizational change, wher...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Fiona Sample, the CEO of the Oswin Project, which supports individuals with criminal convictions in their reintegration into society. The conversation delves into the innovative work being done to reduce reoffending rates, particularly in the Northeast of England, where the reoffending rate stands at a staggering 67%. Fiona shares inspi...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Rosie Brown co-CEO of Cook, a food brand known for its home-cooked frozen meals. Rosie shares her passion for creating positive change in society through her company's impact programs, particularly the Raw Talent initiative, which helps individuals facing barriers to employment, such as those with a history of prison, homelessness, or m...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes John Burton, a former prisoner turned social entrepreneur, who shares his remarkable journey from a life of crime to founding Inside Connections, a company dedicated to helping individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. John discusses his experiences growing up in Liverpool, his struggles with drugs and crime, and the tra...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa welcomes Conroy Harris, a shadow work therapist and former CEO of a mentoring organization called Band of Brothers. Their conversation delves into the concept of shadow work, which involves exploring the hidden aspects of our psyche, particularly emotions like anger and grief, to achieve a sense of wholeness. Conroy shares insights on how societ...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Maria Arpa sits down with Sarah Wilson, a criminal barrister and founder of Streetwise Law, to explore how young people can protect themselves within the justice system. After leaving a career in the music industry, Sarah entered criminal law and soon realised that most young people who came into contact with the system simply didn’t understand their right...

In this episode of "All Things Conflict," Maria Arpa introduces a new series titled "Justice Redesigned," which explores the complexities of justice and social impact in today's world. Drawing on her 30 years of experience in social justice, Maria emphasizes the importance of fairness, equality, and respect, while acknowledging the challenges faced by individuals who feel voiceless and marginalize...