Episode 46 : Unmasking ADHD in the Criminal Justice System: An Exploration with Angela Kirwin

When Susan Pease Banitt stepped away from her psychotherapy practice, it wasn't just a career change—it was a moment of transition that illuminated the hidden complexities of psychological trauma.

 Join us as Susan, with her considerable insight into PTSD, dissociative disorders, and the dark corners of ritual abuse, shares her personal journey and the challenging reality that pushed her towards new horizons in healing. Her voice adds depth to our conversation on the multi-dimensional treatment of trauma and the intriguing concept of lightworkers and starseeds that defy traditional healing paradigms.

Our discussion ventures into the realm of reincarnation, a concept met with sceptics in Western cultures yet woven seamlessly into the fabric of Eastern and indigenous traditions. 

The episode features an introduction to a pivotal new book that gathers the wisdom of female therapists—a harmonious blend of voices seeking to redress the balance in a historically male-dominated field. This anthology not only serves as a celebration of women's resilience in trauma therapy but also as a rich tapestry of diverse healing modalities, with each page promising a step towards empowerment and understanding.

As we wrap up, the transformative power of Reiki emerges as a beacon of hope for those navigating the aftermath of trauma. 

We celebrate its ability to transcend dualities and its roots in the enlightened teachings of Usui Sensei. Moreover, we confront the troubling misdiagnosis of PTSD as a personality disorder, a misstep with profound implications for women in search of support. 

Our episode concludes by setting the stage for a series of enlightening dialogues with the book's contributors, and a partnership with The View Magazine that underscores our dedication to amplifying women's own voices in the journey towards mental health and justice.

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When Max Dubiel decided to swap his strategy consultant hat for a barista's apron and an entrepreneur's vision, he brewed up more than just a coffee business; he created a lifeline for UK inmates. This podcast serves you the story of Redemption Roasters, where Max and his team are transforming the lives of young offenders with the rich aroma of specialty coffee and a shot of hope for a better future. As you sip through this episode, you'll be captivated by the transformative journey from the confines of a young offenders institute to quaint London coffee shops, where former inmates become baristas, roasters, and symbols of second chances.

Listen closely as we explore Redemption Roasters' remarkable blend of social entrepreneurship and criminal justice reform. Max reveals the operational hurdles they faced inside prison walls, the challenges of scaling a social enterprise, and how they've crafted a sustainable business model that doesn't sacrifice impact for growth. This isn't just a chronicle of a coffee company; it's a narrative of redemption and resilience, a testament to the power of community and the belief that everyone deserves a second shot at success, even if that shot is in an espresso cup. Join us for an invigorating conversation that will stir more than just your morning brew.

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Have you ever wondered if justice truly prevails in the UK's criminal appeals system? This week, we're joined by heavyweights Simon Natas and Jeremy Dein KC to tackle this very question, pulling back the curtain on the urgent need for reform. As we navigate the complexities of the Court of Appeal's narrow criteria and the 'lurking doubt' that haunts some convictions, our guests expose the critical issues and potential solutions that could reshape the path to a fairer legal process.

The conversation takes a turn into the labyrinth of introducing fresh evidence, a task akin to scaling a legal Everest beyond the typical 28-day appeal window. Through the lens of a harrowing Section 18 conviction, Simon and Jeremy illustrate the steep resistance and the concept of 'expert shopping' that often obstructs the road to justice. But it's not just the courts—our critique extends to the critical role and challenges faced by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), an entity designed to be a beacon of hope that now struggles under the weight of bureaucracy and skepticism.

Our exchange culminates in a frank discussion on the broader implications plaguing our justice system, from the troubling power of the prosecution to appeal lenient sentences to the dire state of incarceration for individuals with mental health issues. This episode is more than just a revelation of systemic faults—it's a clarion call for modernization and compassion in a system that affects lives long after the courtroom falls silent. Join us for this eye-opening journey through the UK's criminal appeals process, and lend your ear to a dialogue that champions the pursuit of  justice.

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Embark on an enlightening journey through the intricacies of the criminal justice system with leading solicitor advocate Simo   Natas, and the outstanding barrister Jeremy Dean KC. As Jeremy recounts his ascent from humble beginnings to becoming a leading criminal silk, we peel back the layers of his commitment to aiding those ensnared by the law's hard grip.

Our discussion reveals a transformative side of legal advocacy, where deep bonds of trust with clients, especially youths entangled in gang violence, can redirect lives towards hopeful futures. Their conversation doesn't shy away from the gritty complexities faced by defendants under the scrutinizing eye of joint enterprise law, or the contentious use of past behaviors to sway present cases. 

The episode takes a hard look at the legal landscape shaped by cases like Jogee, probing the seismic shifts in the requirements for murder convictions, and the disproportionate sentences that can shadow minor players in crimes. 

We raise the curtain on the next pressing dialogue, signaling a foray into the intricate struggles of prisoners grappling with mental or personality disorders within the appellate system.

 As we dissect the disparities in murder and manslaughter sentences, it becomes clear that the scales of justice need recalibrating. Tune in for a compelling exploration that highlights the urgency for reform and the powerful role of empathetic legal representation in changing lives within the legal arena.

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Picture a world where our concept of justice is redefined - where punishment is replaced with connectivity and relationship building. This profound shift is the heart of our discussion with the insightful academic, Lisa Guenther, who has extensively researched the effects of solitary confinement on individuals. Lisa gifts us with her wisdom as we scrutinize the impact of solitary confinement, navigating the complex concept of carceral power, and highlighting the controversial issue of carceral feminism.

We're unafraid to question the status quo. As staunch abolitionists, we debunk misconceptions surrounding the abolitionist movement and paint a vibrant picture of a future without prisons. Instead, we explore the possibilities of a society that champions public health solutions and reallocates funds from the criminal justice system towards building a more supportive and equitable world. We dream about a justice secretary who champions diversity and qualifications, a far cry from what we currently have.

We round off our conversation with the gut-wrenching tale of the proposed women's building in Holloway. 

The story is a testament to the collective fight for justice, a struggle marred by the council's mishandling of funds and ignorance of the community's wishes. Lisa shares her experiences, shedding light on the commodification of women's struggles and the necessity to amplify their voices.

 So, join us as we embark on this journey, not just to explore justice, but also to incite action towards a more equitable society.

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Are you ready to journey into the dark realities of the prison system? With our esteemed guest, Lisa Guenther, we invite you to pull back the curtain on the unsettling practice of solitary confinement. Lisa's profound insights, drawn from rigorous research and the lived experiences of those who have suffered the brutality of isolation, will undoubtedly challenge your perspectives. Prepare to confront the weaponization of race, gender, and the devastating psychological impact of prolonged seclusion within the US prison system.

The second part of our conversation shifts focus to women in solitary confinement. Brace yourself as we share heart-wrenching stories from courageous women who have survived this harrowing reality. We critique the incongruity of punishment versus rehabilitation within the justice system and Lisa bravely shares her personal experience as a previously incarcerated woman. Her inspiring journey of resilience and activism, even within the confines of prison, speaks volumes about the urgent need for systemic change.

In the final segment of this episode, we probe the profound concepts of social death and creative resistance within the prison system. We discuss how incarceration often results in a loss of identity, yet, in the face of such adversity, many prisoners demonstrate remarkable resilience. 

The power of language and personal narratives are highlighted as we explore these complex issues. So, come along for a thought-provoking journey into the heart of the prison system. Join us next week as we continue our conversation on revolutionizing international justice systems. Let's learn together, let's grow together, and let's be the catalysts for much-needed change.

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Meet Linda Aspey, a prolific voice in the realm of climate psychology, who's using her own experience with eco-anxiety to drive crucial discussions around climate change. Stirred by an overwhelming sense of concern and despair over the state of our planet, Linda has become an influential figure in raising awareness about the psychological impacts of climate change. Join Linda and leading trauma psychologist Susan Pease Banitt as they unpac  the socially constructed silence surrounding this issue and underscore the significance of confronting and processing eco-anxiety as a catalyst for a more sustainable future. 

In the throes of the pandemic, the younger generation’s fears over climate change have only intensified, creating a potent cocktail of helplessness and anxiety. We dig into this crisis, examining the role media plays in shaping public perception and governmental policies, and the glaring omission of climate change issues within the therapy profession. 

Linda offers valuable insights on utilizing privilege and guilt as agents for positive change and provides practical steps towards building a more equitable and sustainable world. 

Tune in for a profound conversation that not only sheds light on the psychological implications of climate change but also inspires us to break the silence and take action.

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Part 1 of 2
What is it like to live with a constant sense of anticipation and fear for the future of our planet?

 Our guest for this episode is Linda Aspey,  hosted by Susan Pease Banitt.  They explore the experience of eco-anxiety, an issue that is silently spreading across our society. We share our personal journeys in grappling with this sense of impending doom and the importance of breaking the silence and acknowledging this mental strain.

Curious about the invisible role media plays in shaping your perception of environmental health? 

We unpacked this and more, discussing the subtle ways media contributes to climate change denial and the socially constructed silence surrounding environmental issues. In our conversation, we also explore the absence of rituals and conversations around environmental degradation in Western society and why this matters. 

We reflect upon our collective responsibility to wake up and address the existential threat to our environment.

Finally, we turn the spotlight onto privilege, decolonization, anxiety, and the power of active hope and community in responding to climate change. We discuss the impact of privileged communities on indigenous populations, the importance of reconnecting with nature, and the role of active hope and community in combating the overwhelming nature of climate change.

 As we navigate these topics, we highlight the need for empathy, connection, and action in creating a more sustainable and just world. 

Join us as we journey from anxiety to action, and rediscover our common bond with nature.

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What if you were thrust into an alien world where every move was monitored and every freedom restrained? That's the startling reality that encapsulates Anna Delvey's (Anna Sorokin) journey. A journey woven with the threads of being a fallen socialite, an immigrant, and a victim of the justice system. Anna, best known from Netflix's 'Inventing Anna', joins us to pull back the curtains on her life, both within the prison walls and after her release. 

From serving café meals to officers in a bakery assistant role while being a vegetarian, to rubbing shoulders with the infamous Harvey Weinstein in prison, Anna shares the surreal tales of her prison life. However, the most heart-wrenching part of her story lies in her struggle against the infantilizing prison system, gender violence, and the trauma that led to her longest sentence of 15 and a half months. Can you imagine the crushing feeling of being recalled for a tweet about your probation officer? 

As we navigate the world outside the prison with Anna, she opens up about the trials of her day-to-day life post-release, marked with an ankle monitor as a constant reminder of her past. We delve deep into her ongoing immigration case, the ominous threat of being extradited back to Germany, and the ramifications of a potential life-long ban from the country she once called home. Anna’s story is a testament to resilience and redemption, a riveting narrative that brings to light the struggles of immigrants, the flawed justice system, and the concept of fair punishment. Tune in, for this is a narrative that begs to be heard.

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How does one survive the brutality of incarceration and the deprivations of prison life? What if that person is an immigrant caught in an unresponsive justice system? Today, we pull back the curtain on these harsh realities, journeying through the narrative of an artist who found salvation in creativity amidst the bleak confines of prison life. 

The emotional toll of dependency and loss of control can be crushing, but our guest artist turned adversity into inspiration, forging a path of resilience with limited resources. Through their story, we bear witness to the transformative power of art, a lifeline that transcends the physical confines of a cell. We'll journey with them as they navigate the limitations and opportunities that come with their newfound talent, offering insights into their creative process both within and beyond prison walls.

As we round off this poignant discourse, we delve into the therapeutic value of art and the importance of community support in healing trauma. Our guest shares insights on the courage to believe in oneself, the importance of authenticity, and the power of reclaiming one's narrative. We'll also discuss the urgency of prison reform, the rights of incarcerated women, and the importance of advocacy, laying bare the role of a supportive community in effecting change. Join us in unearthing these hidden truths, as we shine a light on the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity and the profound impact of art on the soul.

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