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Innocence Project London3/4 The Impact of Innocence Work: The former IPL student, Calum McCraeThis is the third of four special episodes which highlight the impact of innocence work. This episode features Calum McCrae, an Innocence Project London alumni, now podcast producer at The Times. Calum talks about how innocence work sparked his interest in telling peoples stories through podcasts. Produced by Janno Media https://jannomedia.com/2024-09-2732 min
What I Wish I'd KnownDavid Blunkett“Your life is built on the way you do things and the way people see you and the way you react”. The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, says he is unsure whether he would choose the ability to see if he could. Born blind, David has come to know and embrace life without sight. But his start to life was fraught with pain; as a child he had to cope with the traumatic death of his father all whilst attending a strict school for the blind, where caning was a regular occurrence. “If you think about caning a child on the...2023-12-2859 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownDavid Blunkett“Your life is built on the way you do things and the way people see you and the way you react”. The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, says he is unsure whether he would choose the ability to see if he could. Born blind, David has come to know and embrace life without sight. But his start to life was fraught with pain; as a child he had to cope with the traumatic death of his father all whilst attending a strict school for the blind, where caning was a regular occurrence. “If you think about caning a child on the...2023-12-2859 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownSteve Backshall“I felt uncomfortable with my passions and with my life at school,” says Steve Backshall. The naturalist has wowed British children for years with shows such as Deadly 60, but his own childhood discomfort with his passion for nature is a lasting regret. He feels at home around animals in their natural habitat and despite coming face to face with the largest and deadliest creatures on the planet, Steve insists he is not driven by adrenaline seeking; “I certainly feel more intimidated and more at risk in the big city, than I ever do in the rainforest.”Series p...2023-12-2152 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownSteve Backshall“I felt uncomfortable with my passions and with my life at school,” says Steve Backshall. The naturalist has wowed British children for years with shows such as Deadly 60, but his own childhood discomfort with his passion for nature is a lasting regret. He feels at home around animals in their natural habitat and despite coming face to face with the largest and deadliest creatures on the planet, Steve insists he is not driven by adrenaline seeking; “I certainly feel more intimidated and more at risk in the big city, than I ever do in the rainforest.”Series p...2023-12-2152 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownEd DaveyThe Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says on his parliamentary profile that he had a happy childhood with no financial hardships, but it was also one driven by such heartache that it’s hard to comprehend. He was just four years old when his father John George died and after years of caring for his mother Nina, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer, she passed away too when he was only 15. Ed has remained a positive outlook on life, focused on his work, he’s adamant that he’s never felt sorry for himself. Yet when Ed’s son...2023-12-1453 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownEd DaveyThe Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey says on his parliamentary profile that he had a happy childhood with no financial hardships, but it was also one driven by such heartache that it’s hard to comprehend. He was just four years old when his father John George died and after years of caring for his mother Nina, who was diagnosed with incurable cancer, she passed away too when he was only 15. Ed has remained a positive outlook on life, focused on his work, he’s adamant that he’s never felt sorry for himself. Yet when Ed’s son...2023-12-1453 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownJimmy Akingbola“Perseverance can lead to a life that maybe society thinks you're not going to have”, that’s what Jimmy Akingbola tells us despite being placed in a children's home at the age of two years old. The actor, best known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Bel Air, was disowned by his father and abandoned by his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia not knowing what fate would be in store for her son, she left him in a social-security office. Despite the feeling of not belonging that consumed Jimmy as a child, he has always remaine...2023-12-071h 00What I Wish I'd KnownJimmy Akingbola“Perseverance can lead to a life that maybe society thinks you're not going to have”, that’s what Jimmy Akingbola tells us despite being placed in a children's home at the age of two years old. The actor, best known for his roles in Ted Lasso and Bel Air, was disowned by his father and abandoned by his mother, who suffered from schizophrenia not knowing what fate would be in store for her son, she left him in a social-security office. Despite the feeling of not belonging that consumed Jimmy as a child, he has always remaine...2023-12-071h 00What I Wish I'd KnownJamie Wood“Everyone was fake in the world I was in”, that’s what Jamie Wood, step son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, says of growing up in the shadow of a rockstar. He claims he was unwittingly introduced to drugs at a young age, which became a big part of an alternate reality he carved out for himself, away from the limelight. But multiple health scares, including a heart attack in his 40s, have made him rethink his own health. If he had the chance, he would tell his younger self “don’t take drugs, don’t trust dad”.WARNI...2023-11-3052 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownJamie Wood“Everyone was fake in the world I was in”, that’s what Jamie Wood, step son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, says of growing up in the shadow of a rockstar. He claims he was unwittingly introduced to drugs at a young age, which became a big part of an alternate reality he carved out for himself, away from the limelight. But multiple health scares, including a heart attack in his 40s, have made him rethink his own health. If he had the chance, he would tell his younger self “don’t take drugs, don’t trust dad”.WARNI...2023-11-3052 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownMya-Rose Craig“The birds will help you”, says Mya-Rose Criag. The 21-year old ornithologist, author and campaigner explains how catching glimpses of rare birds has the ability to heal and soothe. She saw the positive effect in her own life as she grappled with her identity at school thanks to an unusual family life. And she saw how her mother’s Bipolar Disorder was calmed by family birdwatching trips; “at the start she couldn’t focus… she couldn’t talk. At the end, she was sharp and present and spotting things… she was my mum again”. Series producer: Anya PearceP...2023-11-2356 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownMya-Rose Craig“The birds will help you”, says Mya-Rose Criag. The 21-year old ornithologist, author and campaigner explains how catching glimpses of rare birds has the ability to heal and soothe. She saw the positive effect in her own life as she grappled with her identity at school thanks to an unusual family life. And she saw how her mother’s Bipolar Disorder was calmed by family birdwatching trips; “at the start she couldn’t focus… she couldn’t talk. At the end, she was sharp and present and spotting things… she was my mum again”. Series producer: Anya PearceP...2023-11-2356 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownGary Numan“People talk about being obsessive like it’s a bad thing… but it’s not, it’s a really good thing. It drives you,” says Gary Numan. The influential pop star explains how he has come to see his Asberger’s diagnosis as a superpower, despite struggling with it as a youngster. For Gary, his early fame and success felt like an “express train”, one he was always looking into from the outside. Now, he speaks about how his wife, Gemma, reinvigorated his declining career in music, when “she encouraged me to go back to doing it as a hobby”. S...2023-11-1655 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownGary Numan“People talk about being obsessive like it’s a bad thing… but it’s not, it’s a really good thing. It drives you,” says Gary Numan. The influential pop star explains how he has come to see his Asberger’s diagnosis as a superpower, despite struggling with it as a youngster. For Gary, his early fame and success felt like an “express train”, one he was always looking into from the outside. Now, he speaks about how his wife, Gemma, reinvigorated his declining career in music, when “she encouraged me to go back to doing it as a hobby”. S...2023-11-1655 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownSuzie Fletcher“I am so grateful for everything that’s ever happened,” says Suzie Fletcher. The Repair Shop’s resident leather expert explains how traumatic experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Chief among those was the abusive 15-year marriage to her late husband, Rob. Despite facing violence and psychological manipulation, Suzie maintains an open and ever curious approach to understanding abusers as well as their victims; “he was a human being, too. He had all the same emotions”. WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae2023-11-0959 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownSuzie Fletcher“I am so grateful for everything that’s ever happened,” says Suzie Fletcher. The Repair Shop’s resident leather expert explains how traumatic experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Chief among those was the abusive 15-year marriage to her late husband, Rob. Despite facing violence and psychological manipulation, Suzie maintains an open and ever curious approach to understanding abusers as well as their victims; “he was a human being, too. He had all the same emotions”. WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.Series producer: Anya PearceProducer: Calum McCrae2023-11-0959 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownJoe Wicks MBE“If you love your kids, they will be more resilient than you think,” says Joe Wicks. The nation's P.E.teacher talks about how his parents’ enduring love shaped Joe into the person he is today. Through his dad’s struggles with drug addiction and his mum’s mental illness, Joe found that movement and exercise helped him through his difficult childhood circumstances and since then he has made it his mission to ensure all kids have the same opportunity to get moving and "use your body to shift your mindset and change your reality for a few moments”.WARNI...2023-11-0256 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownJoe Wicks MBE“If you love your kids, they will be more resilient than you think,” says Joe Wicks. The nation's P.E.teacher talks about how his parents’ enduring love shaped Joe into the person he is today. Through his dad’s struggles with drug addiction and his mum’s mental illness, Joe found that movement and exercise helped him through his difficult childhood circumstances and since then he has made it his mission to ensure all kids have the same opportunity to get moving and "use your body to shift your mindset and change your reality for a few moments”.WARNI...2023-11-0256 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownKarl Lokko“I’ve been able to be equal parts missionary and mercenary,” says Karl Lokko. In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, the venture capitalist and former gang leader talks of how his extraordinary youth has led to a clear purpose in the work he now does. At the age of just 12, Karl witnessed his first shooting. He went on to be shot at, stabbed, cut in the face and he saw his close friend get murdered. But with the help of certain influential women in his life, Karl turned his life around before founding Black Seed, which fi...2023-10-2657 minWhat I Wish I'd KnownKarl Lokko“I’ve been able to be equal parts missionary and mercenary,” says Karl Lokko. In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, the venture capitalist and former gang leader talks of how his extraordinary youth has led to a clear purpose in the work he now does. At the age of just 12, Karl witnessed his first shooting. He went on to be shot at, stabbed, cut in the face and he saw his close friend get murdered. But with the help of certain influential women in his life, Karl turned his life around before founding Black Seed, which fi...2023-10-2657 min
Swindler. Saviour. Mobster. Spy?The Devils AdvocateGiovanni Di Stefano has led an extraordinary life. But how much of it REALLY happened?In this first episode - journalist Calum McCrae meets Giovanni's son Michael - and together they begin a quest to find out the truth about the mysterious Di Stefano. Their journey begins with his most recent chapter - as a notorious lawyer to the likes of Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosevic, and Harold Shipman.Did Giovanni REALLY represent them? And what's he hiding behind his self-proclaimed title of The Devils Advocate?Swindler, Saviour, Mobster, Spy? is...2022-05-2435 minSwindler. Saviour. Mobster. Spy?Introducing: Swindler. Saviour. Mobster. Spy?Who is Giovanni Di Stefano? That's a question which has been bothering his son Michael for some time!Across seven episodes, and with the help of producer Calum McCrae, he'll journey into Giovanni's extraordinary life-story, and try to separate the fact from the fiction. Was his dad really a big player in Hollywood, a general in the Serbian Army, a friend of master-criminals and warlords, a football club owner AND a recording artist? And how did he reach such dizzying heights after such humble beginnings?Listen, follow and subscribe.Swindler...2022-05-1703 min
The Justice Gap PodcastFrances Crook: 'Prisons never make things better'Frances Crook believes ‘politicians are still stuck in the 1950s’ when it comes to our criminal justice system. For 35 years, she has been at the helm of the Howard League for Penal Reform, trying to innovate and change the UK’s approach. Her time in charge is, this month, coming to an end. So in the latest episode of the Justice Gap Podcast, Frances joins Calum McCrae to look back at her time as CEO of the charity, the current state of the penal system in the UK and her hopes for the future. www.thejusticegap.com2021-10-0821 min
The Justice Gap PodcastHarriet Wistrich: 'The decriminalisation of rape'As a human rights lawyer, Harriet Wistrich knows all too well of the importance of protecting defendants rights in criminal trials. But dwindling prosecutions of rape in the last few years has led her to believe we have ‘virtually decriminalised’ the offence in the UK. In January, the Centre for Women’s Justice (CJW), representing the End Violence Against Women Coalition, brought a judicial review agains the CPS. In this week’s episode, Harriet, who is the founder and director of the charity, tells Calum McCrae why they brought that action and the continued importance of putting so-called ‘weaker’ cases in fro...2021-03-1220 minThe Justice Gap PodcastRicky Tomlinson: 'It was a political trial - start to finish'In the week where the Court of Appeal reconsiders the case of the Shrewsbury 24, one of the men convicted and imprisoned back in 1973 speaks to The Justice Gap Podcast. Ricky Tomlinson is probably best known as the idle, but loveable patriarch, Jim Royle, from TV’s the Royle family or as Brookside’s Bobby Grant. But you may not have known that he started his career as a construction worker and played an active role in the first and only ever national construction strikes. Ricky’s involvement in that industrial action landed him a conviction, alongside 23 others, based on ‘lies and...2021-02-0322 minThe Justice Gap PodcastLee Lawrence: 'The Louder I Will Sing'In the early morning of September the 28th, 1985, armed police raided 22 Normandy Road in Brixton. The lead detective Douglas Lovelock had been drinking the night before, they entered with a false sense of danger and the inevitable happened. As Cherry Groce rose from bed to see what was happening, she was shot, leaving her paralysed for the rest of her life and sparking the Brixton uprising of 1985. In this episode of The Justice Gap Podcast Lee Lawrence, the author of the award winning memoir 'The Louder I will Sing' and Cherry Groce’s son, speaks to Calum McCrae about th...2021-01-2823 minThe Justice Gap PodcastDave Smith: 'This is not spying on terrorists, this is political policing'Dave Smith's path into the construction industry was clear; all of his male relatives had followed the same one. Once ensconced within the industry, he became a union rep, and then the work dried up ‘in the middle of a building boom’. He’d been the victim of an illegal practice known as blacklisting. In the second episode of The Justice Gap Podcast, Dave Smith tells Calum McCrae that, though this was devastating, it wasn’t unexpected. Finding out that undercover police were colluding with the blacklisting, definitely was. 2020-12-0921 min
Un:JustA new podcast coming soon: The Justice Gap PodcastComing soon: The Justice Gap Podcast, a weekly podcast where we speak to those at the sharp end of the fighting injustice. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.
thejusticegap.com
2020-11-2600 min
Un:Just"I'm innocent, I'm innocent, I'm innocent" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part II, Feat. Stephen Simmons & Jenny Wiltshire)It took 47 years to overturn the convictions of Winston Trew and the Oval 4. When the illegal activities of corrupt cop, DS Derek Ridgewell, were presented to the Court of Appeal, Winston's conviction was ruled unsafe. This case shines a light on not only the wrongful actions of one police officer, but also on a wider systemic failure to right those wrongs. This is part 2 of 2 which features Stephen Simmons and Jenny Wiltshire.2020-07-1328 min
Un:Just"I felt my face getting tight and I could hardly breathe" - The story of Winston Trew and the Oval four (Part I)On the 16th of March, 1972, Winston Trew, Sterling Christie, George Griffiths and Omar Boucher were heading home from a 'Fasimbas' meeting. When they arrived into Oval tube station, they were apprehended by a group of white men claiming to be police. Except no IDs were shown. A fight ensued, before the four men were framed for crimes that didn't happen and sentenced to two years in prison. Winston Trew tells Un:Just about that fateful day, which was just the prelude to a near fifty year fight for justice.2020-06-2616 min
Un:Just"The concept of redemption is extremely important" - What's happening with Parole? (Feat. CEO Martin Jones)Generally, the inner workings of the parole board go under the radar in discussions around current affairs. When we do hear about it, it’s usually because a decision has been made to release a criminal who’s committed the most abhorrent crimes. How have things changed since the controversial 2018 decision to release John Warboys (AKA "the black cab rapist)? And how has Covid-19 affected proceedings? Aqsa Hussein speaks to CEO of the parole board, Martin Jones, and prison lawyers to find the answers.2020-05-2919 min
Un:Just"Like Amazon warehouses, treating people like cardboard boxes" - Prisons during a pandemic, an international viewDifferent jurisdictions worldwide are grappling to prevent massive outbreaks of Covid-19 in prisons. The UK has, thus far, maintained low death rate inside, but at what cost? Frances Crook, CEO of the Howard League for Penal Reform, says it's because prisoners are being locked up for at least 23 hours a day. How sustainable is this approach? In this episode, you'll hear from different jurisdictions in how they are coping. Are early release schemes the answer?2020-05-1826 min
Un:Just"Prison began when I walked out those gates" - Lady Unchained, her story and poetryIn this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring poet Brenda Birungi, better known as the Lady Unchained, tell her story through her poetry and a conversation over the phone with me. She is the founder of Unchained Poetry, an artist platform for people with lived experience of the justice system. Unchained seeks to provide an alternative path to ex-offenders within a system where that support is lacking.
Visit thejusticegap.com2020-04-2425 min
Un:Just"Scrubbing floors and a lot of crying" - A prisoner's guide to self-isolationSolitary confinement: "I wouldn't wish it upon anyone". We are all coming to terms with the peculiar new reality that is the lockdown. But how does our current situation compare with spending 24 hours a day locked up in a tiny, stuffy cell without any means for communication? I spoke to two men who know all too well. Patrick Maguire, of the Maguire 7, and Lee Cutter both spent time in solitary confinement before turning to art.
Visit thejusticegap.com2020-04-1112 min
Un:Just"The perfect petri dish" - Prisons and Coronavirus (Feat. John Podmore, Sally Halsall, Charlotte Henry and more)The unparalleled coronavirus pandemic is causing health, economic and social chaos worldwide. But what does it mean for prisons and prisoners? The prison population is ageing with generally poorer physical and mental health. If it were to rip through the prison system, it could wreak havoc. I spoke with Former HMP Brixton Governor and prisons expert, John Podmore, and those with loved ones inside to get a glimpse of what could happen.
Visit thejusticegap.com2020-04-0218 min
Un:JustInterview: Justin Brooks, director of the California Innocence ProjectJustin Brooks is the director and co-founder of the California Innocence Project, a non-profit organisation based in San Diego, which provides pro bono legal services to individuals maintaining their innocence. In its 20 year history, they have successfully freed 30 innocent individuals, including Brian Banks, whose story has been made into a Hollywood film. Brooks, played by Greg Kinnear, joined me for a conversation about his and CIP's work, and where it all began.2019-09-1820 min
Un:JustPilot: Clearly not Disclosable (Liam Allan, Michael O'Brien, Julia Smart and others)Pilot episode where we look into the most pressing issue of our time - Disclosure. To help me understand this crisis better, I spoke with Michael O'Brien, who wrongfully served over 11 years in prison for murder and Liam Allan himself. I was also joined by his lawyer and 2018's Barrister of the Year, Julia Smart. Maya Chopra gave me an insight into the crisis at magistrates Court, and Danielle Reece-Greenhalgh spoke with me about the possible ways forward.2018-09-2640 min
The Galactic Good Feel Show from BFF.fmGalactic Good Feel #17Enjoying the show? Please support BFF.FM with a donation.
Playlist
0′42″ I'm No Stranger by Joe Bataan on Singin' Some Soul (-)
3′30″ Funk Pump by The Counts on It's What's In The Groove (=)
7′08″ Probably Nu It by Tree on The Mctreeg EP (-)
9′33″ Mae Out Song by The Rosebuds on Make Out (The Rosebuds)
14′58″ We Can't Be Friends by Dream Koala on We Can't Be Friends (ZuluZulu )
18′43″ Temptation Is Hard To Fight by George McGregor & the Bronzettes on -- (--)
21′17″ Step Into My World by Spaded Jade (-)
25′09″ Theme From Godather by Professionals (-)
...2016-12-2200 min