The Prison Radio Association has released a new series of its podcast, presented by co-hosts Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan.
This series of Life After Prison brings together a varied group of guests whose lives reflect resilience, transformation and determined personal change.
Sabrina Hewitt, a survivor of exploitation and county lines, now works to protect young people at risk.
Chris Baker, who lost an arm during a police chase, has rebuilt his life as an actor and motivational speaker. Big Stygs, formerly a Category A prisoner, is now an entrepreneur leading community projects with a focus on positive impact.
Marc Conway, who served an IPP sentence, joins to discuss his advocacy for prison reform. Jon Watts, known as Chef Jon, brings a story that spans imprisonment, bestselling books and TV cooking success.
Karen Howell-Ball contributes her experiences of abuse and prison, now directing them towards empowering women and young people.
The series also features a special episode recorded inside HMP Brixton with the prison governor and an audience of prisoners, offering an unusually close look at rehabilitation from within the system and providing a moment of direct discussion rarely captured in mainstream audio.
The opening episode centres on David Haze, whose journey has taken him from aspiring soldier to battling addiction and serving time, before rebuilding his life through breaking paddleboarding world records and becoming a respected voice on justice reform.
Zak and Jules anchor the series with authenticity shaped by their own experiences. Zak spent nine years in prison across three sentences and now runs a social enterprise supporting young people and campaigning for change. Jules served two and a half years, with her time inside shifting her focus toward rehabilitation, fitness and using her platform to champion others.
Zak Addae-Kodua says: “Life After Prison started as a podcast platform, but developed into a community movement of support, built on inspirational stories.
“This series we have some incredible storylines to share full of resilience, change and transformation that will inspire people affected by the criminal justice system as well as spark much needed conversations in the wider world.”
The podcast has already earned significant recognition, with Zak and Jules jointly winning the 2023 ARIA Award for Best New Presenter, while the Prison Radio Association secured Best Publisher or Network at this year’s British Podcast Awards.
Head of Podcasts Becky Jacobs says this tenth season reflects the trust guests place in the presenters and the impact the show has on listeners, describing the feedback from the audience as one of the project’s most rewarding elements.
Life After Prison is available now on all major podcast platforms.
