Life After Prison Podcast : New Series Launches With Powerful Stories of Change & Redemption
The Prison Radio Association (PRA) has officially launched a brand-new season of its acclaimed audio series, Life After Prison, expanding the platform’s mission to support, uplift, and tell the stories of people rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
Presented by dynamic co-hosts Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan, the latest series offers a sweeping, deeply human look at rehabilitation, trauma recovery, self-transformation, and navigating society after release. This isn’t just another podcast series—it is a groundbreaking movement centred on lived experience, authentic storytelling, and community empowerment.
With each guest bringing their own powerful journey of adversity, accountability, change, and triumph, Season 10 stands as one of the most impactful instalments yet.
Inside the New Series: Stories of Change, Struggle, and Strength
This season assembles an extraordinary range of individuals whose lives were shaped by the criminal justice system—yet not defined by it. Their stories highlight the complexity of life after incarceration and the resilience required to start again.
Below is a deep dive into every featured guest and the compelling themes their stories introduce.
Sabrina Hewitt: From Exploitation Victim to Defender of At-Risk Youth
Sabrina Hewitt’s story is one of survival, courage, and purpose. A former victim of county lines exploitation, Sabrina’s early life was marked by coercion, danger, and vulnerability. Yet today, she has become a fearless advocate for young people, working tirelessly to protect children who are at risk of manipulation and violence.
Her episode explores:
The hidden world of county lines grooming
How survivors navigate trauma and rebuild self-worth
Why targeted support and outreach can save lives
Her work in safeguarding programmes across the UK
Sabrina’s transformation provides a powerful illustration of how lived experience can become a catalyst for reform and protection.
Chris Baker: Rebuilding Life After Devastation
During a police chase that changed the trajectory of his life, Chris Baker lost his arm. Yet what could have been the end of his story became a dramatic beginning.
Today, Chris is:
A successful actor
An inspiring motivational speaker
A figure of resilience within disability and justice reform conversations
In his Life After Prison episode, he discusses:
Accepting physical change
Overcoming shame and regret
How opportunities in the creative arts helped him reimagine his identity
His role in reshaping public perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals
His journey demonstrates how pain and adversity can evolve into hope, success, and a new sense of purpose.
Big Stygs: From Category A Prisoner to Community Leader
Once categorised as a Category A prisoner, Big Stygs had to confront his past directly to change his future. Today, he stands as an entrepreneur, community organiser, and mentor focused on improving social outcomes for young people in disadvantaged areas.
His episode explores:
Prison culture and its long-term psychological impacts
Entrepreneurship as a form of empowerment
Leadership within communities affected by crime
The importance of credible mentors with lived experience
Big Stygs’ transformation is not only profound but also deeply influential within inner-city communities trying to interrupt cycles of violence.
Marc Conway: Fighting for Justice Reform After an IPP Sentence
Few sentences in recent British history have generated more controversy than the IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentencing framework.
Marc Conway, who personally endured an IPP sentence, now dedicates his life to campaigning for:
Prison reform
Policy change
Greater public understanding of the impacts of indefinite sentencing
His episode goes beyond personal experience, exploring:
The mental health consequences of IPP sentences
The difficulty of reintegration when release is unpredictable
How sustained advocacy creates pressure for systemic reform
Marc’s work offers a critical voice within the movement demanding transparency, fairness, and rehabilitation-focused justice.
Chef Jon Watts: From Prison to Primetime TV and a Bestseller Career
Known to audiences as Chef Jon, Jon Watts’ journey spans:
A period of imprisonment
A reinvention through culinary creativity
The rise to becoming a bestselling author
Television appearances showcasing his cooking skills
In his episode, listeners gain insight into:
How food can become a therapeutic outlet
The discipline and structure cooking provides
His mission to show that second chances can lead to excellence
How he navigated the food industry after incarceration
Chef Jon’s story is a testament to how talent, opportunity, and support can change a life.
Karen Howell-Ball: Reclaiming Power Through Advocacy
Karen Howell-Ball’s early years and adulthood were marred by abuse, trauma, and a prison sentence. Yet today she stands as a powerful voice for women, using her experience to advocate for:
Gender-specific support services
Trauma-informed practice within the criminal justice system
Empowerment programmes for young women
Her story sheds light on:
How cycles of abuse can push people into offending
The challenges women face in prison
The vital role of community support in healing and rebuilding
Karen’s work continues to influence conversations around women’s justice reform.
A Rare Inside Look: Special Episode Recorded at HMP Brixton
One of the most striking episodes in the new season was recorded inside HMP Brixton before a live audience of prisoners.
Featuring:
The prison governor
Currently incarcerated individuals
Open, uncensored discussions on rehabilitation
This groundbreaking episode offers:
A first-hand look at the rehabilitation process
Honest dialogue about prison experiences and barriers to progress
A rare chance for listeners to hear directly from people currently serving time
A platform for men at Brixton to speak openly about their hopes, fears, and misconceptions
This is rehabilitation storytelling through a lens rarely accessible to the public.
The Opening Episode: The Extraordinary Journey of David Haze
The season opens with the inspiring story of David Haze, a man whose path from aspiring soldier to prisoner would eventually lead to reinvention and world-record achievement.
David’s life has included:
Early military ambitions
Struggles with addiction
A prison sentence
A transformation into a world-record-breaking paddleboarder
Becoming an influential voice on justice reform
In his conversation with Zak and Jules, David explores:
How adventure sports became his healing mechanism
His commitment to raising awareness about re-entry challenges
Why physical endurance and discipline mirror emotional and mental resilience
His story sets the tone for a season that celebrates perseverance, determination, and hope.
Meet the Hosts: Zak and Jules—Authenticity Built on Experience
What makes Life After Prison so compelling is not just the guests—it’s the authenticity of its hosts. Both Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan understand the realities of incarceration and re-entry because they’ve lived them.
About Zak Addae-Kodua
Served nine years across three sentences
Now runs a social enterprise supporting young people
Works in advocacy, community engagement, and justice reform
Known for delivering honest, impactful insights
About Jules Rowan
Served two and a half years
Developed a passion for rehabilitation, fitness, and wellbeing during her sentence
Uses her platform to champion others rebuilding their lives
Together, Zak and Jules bring a unique depth and credibility that few podcasts in the UK or globally can replicate.
A Movement, Not Just a Podcast
Zak reflects on the evolution of Life After Prison:
“What started as a podcast platform transformed into a community movement of support, built on inspirational stories. This season includes incredible storylines full of resilience, change, and transformation that will inspire people affected by the criminal justice system and spark much-needed conversations in the wider world.”
The podcast has become a home for lived experience, a source of information for professionals, and a beacon of hope for thousands navigating life after release.
Award-Winning Recognition and Industry Impact
Life After Prison continues to gain major recognition:
Zak and Jules won the 2023 ARIA Award for Best New Presenter
The Prison Radio Association received Best Publisher or Network at the British Podcast Awards
These honours reflect:
The trust guests place in sharing their stories
The value the podcast provides for listeners
The PRA’s commitment to impactful audio storytelling
The growing public interest in justice reform narratives
Head of Podcasts Becky Jacobs notes that Season 10 highlights the “deep level of trust” guests have in the hosts and the profound impact the series has on audiences.
Why This Series Matters Right Now
As conversations about prisons, rehabilitation, mental health, and community reintegration become more prominent, Life After Prison offers:
A platform for unheard voices
Real stories behind statistics
Humanised portrayals of people often stigmatised by society
A reminder that change is always possible
The series encourages listeners to rethink what they believe about crime, punishment, and second chances.
Where to Listen
Life After Prison is available on all major podcast platforms, including:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
BBC Sounds
Amazon Music
Whether you’re involved in justice work, interested in real-life transformation stories, or simply looking for meaningful content, this series is one of 2025’s must-hear releases.
