More Than My Past

Tony Attwood experienced addiction and served multiple prison sentences for a number of crimes before Judge Peter Ross sent him to rehab instead.Now many years into recovery, Tony has set up a vital housing charity for ex-offenders. Peter was his chair of trustees. Tony and Peter join actor Jason Flemyng and Forward Trust director Julie Muir to retell their remarkable story for the More Than My Past podcast. You can also listen to the audio version of this interview by searching for More Than My Past in your podcast app. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this final episode of series 2 of the More Than My Past episode, hosts Julie and Jason are joined by Forward Trust Chief Executive Mike Trace to speak about the themes covered in the series and reflect on how our approach to addiction and crime might be improved. Guests from the series with lived experience are asked to sum up how they'd change things if they had the chance. Ideas include outlawing short term sentences, improving education around addiction, and treating offenders with empathy instead of a desire to punish.Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is all about prison release - and the thoughts, feelings and practicalities that go along with it. Our hosts film star Jason Flemyng and Forward Trust Executive Director of Recovery Julie Muir explore the topic with a selection of guests from Series 2 who have all come out and stayed out. Leaving priaon can so often fill people with anxiety and uncertainty. Without the right support in place, re-offending can sometimes seem like the easiest option, especially when addiction is involved. Julie and Jason chat to a range of guests on everything from the support services which help people to prepare for release, the challenges of leaving prison while still struggling with addiction, and the key ingredients for a successful return to life on the outside. Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Safe accommodation is a massive factor for those seeking to move on from addiction or time in prison. Without it, cycles of addiction and offending are all too easy to fall back in to. In this episode, Jason, Julie and their guests explain how housing situations have shaped their journeys. As you'll hear, some of them are now involved in organisations which help people with this specific issue.Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason and Julie are again joined by our amazing cast of guests for series two, who discuss stigma surrounding a past that includes offending and/or addiction. From dating to job applications and insurance, this episode shines a light on the struggles that societal stigma creates. It also makes the point that we are all more than just one thing, so, as Julie puts it at the close of the episode, don't turn your back on someone just because they've fallen.Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Jason Flemyng interviews former prisoners and people in recovery with powerful stories to tell, exploring their struggle to turn their lives around and challenging the barriers and stigmas that can hold these people back.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/If you are in a crisis, contact the Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode continues More Than My Past's legacy of exploring the inspiring transformative experiences of everyday people which have led them into a new life of opportunity and productivity. Jason and Julie discuss the importance of role models and supporters - how they can appear at any time in life and bring about the most unexpected changes. From miracles behind prison bars to teachers who made a lasting impact, this podcast will lift your spirits and work wonders for anyone who is looking for a fresh start this New Year.Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for more of the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/If you are in a crisis, contact the Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence and abuse which some may find difficult to hear.Difficult family backgrounds are sadly common among those who fall into the grasps of addiction or offending. Family members can also provide vital sources of support for people struggling to overcome difficult pasts. In this episode, we hear from former offenders and people in recovery with a wide variety of family histories who describe the part their families have played in their journeys - for better and for worse. Listen back to our previous episode titled ‘Introduction to Series 2' for more of the backstories of the inspiring people you hear from in this one. For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ If you are in a crisis, contact the Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest for this special, political edition of the More Than My Past podcast is former Conservative politician, Rory Stewart. Rory served as Minister of State for Prisons under David Cameron's government prior to the 2019 general election. He's also held roles as Environment Minister and Minister for International Development. You can now hearing him chatting to former More Than My Past guest Alastair Campbell on their chart-topping podcast, ‘The Rest is Politics'.A rare government figure of recent years who seemed to have a genuine will to help and understand those in prison, we were keen to ask Rory about his time in the role as well as his wider views on the subject. Forward Chief Executive Mike Trace, who worked as an advisor on drugs to the Blair government, joined Forward Executive Director of Recovery Julie Muir to ask the questions.For more information and to view dozens of inspiring stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ If you are in a crisis, contact the Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actor Jason Flemyng introduces new co-host Julie Muir along with the stars of a brand new series of the More Than My Past podcast. Taking a documentary-style approach, Jason and Julie will be speaking to a range of inspiring people in a series of thematic episodes exploring topics including family background, housing, stigma, education and work. There's also a special interview with former Minister of State for Prisons, Rory Stewart. Make sure you hit subscribe and stay tuned.Our Series 2 guests are:Michael Balogun - https://twitter.com/mikejbal Marie-Claire O'Brien - https://newleafcic.org/ Jane SheaLiz Jones - https://www.uos.ac.uk/people/liz-jonesCorey Johnson - https://www.coreyjohnsonuk.com/Raf Chaves - https://www.youtube.com/@fromdopetohope Tony Attwood - https://www.hopeandvision.org.uk/Speedo Mick - https://www.thespeedomickfoundation.org/For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukIf you've been affected by anything you've heard in this podcast and want some help, you can speak to Forward's Reach Out online chat service at https://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/find-support/reach-out-online-chat/ If you are in crisis, contact the Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This festive edition of MTMP was recorded at the annual Forward Trust Reunion in Central London, which offers a chance for people who have been helped by the charity to celebrate their journey towards a life free from addiction or offending. Jason was there and found himself in the company of so many brilliant people, all under one roof and all more than their pasts. He asked some of them what their toughest Christmas period has been, how they got through it, and what advice they'd give to others who might be struggling through this often difficult time of year. Thanks to Jake, Tam, Ella, Vince, Joe, Andy, Natalie and Ilario for speaking to him - and thanks too to Rachel Wright for her co-production help. Remember, if you need someone to talk to, you can find Forward's online chat service by searching ‘Forward Reach Out' on Google – or, call the Samaritans on 116 123.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason speaks to Magnus Appiah, the co-founder of ‘Squash Da Beef'. Many years ago, Magnus was put in a prison cell with a rival gang member named Nicky Harris – but instead of fighting each other to the death as the police may have hoped, Magnus and Nicky chatted things out. They realised that the power of reconciliation could help others escape the clutches of violent crime, and ‘Squash Da Beef' was born. The pair now go into schools and put on workshops aiming to intervene in young lives before it's too late.Thanks to Defenders Entertainment for hosting us at their terrific South London studio.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.ukCheck out @squashdabeef on Instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason's guest on this extra special edition of More Than My Past is John, who was only released from prison in February of this year. John was inside both before and during COVID-19 lockdown, when prisoners were subject to unprecedented restrictions involving being locked in their cell for more than 23 hours a day. He was also released back in May of last year, but the temporary closure of many of the usual support services led him straight back to relapse and crime. John has been helped by The Forward Trust and the Nehemiah Project to finally break the 7-year cycle of re-addiction and re-incarceration that he was stuck in and is now using experience gained in HMP Brixton's Clink restaurant to start a career as a chef – a profession which has helped so many ex-offenders move forward with their lives.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Marie-Claire O’Brien was 26 and had a steady job when she crashed her car into a tree after a night out of heavy drinking, killing her close friend in the passenger seat. The shock of that accident, and her subsequent 14-month jail sentence, resulted in an emotional breakdown – but also, the beginning of a new chapter in her life. After release, Marie-Claire used her experience to set up New Leaf, a West Midlands-based social enterprise which offers support to those facing the many challenges of life after prison. Her conversation with Jason focused on her time inside and how she’s since managed to channel her guilt into motivation for helping others turn their own lives around. I hope you’ll agree that Marie-Claire’s story is living proof of the importance of second chances. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Conceptual artist Gary Mansfield was involved in crime from an early age, but wasn’t given a long prison sentence until £4.2 million worth of heroin was planted in his car by a fellow criminal. While serving his time in HMP Swaleside, he was inspired by an art teacher who ignited a passion that fueled his turnaround story. Mentored and encouraged by a host of conceptual artists including Tracey Emin, Gary completed a degree in fine art before creating his own work which has been exhibited internationally, selling for huge sums of money. He interviews other artists on his own Ministry of Arts podcast, and Gary’s belief in the redemptive power of art really comes through when he speaks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason's guest on this episode can boast a bestselling novel and a hollywood film based on the events of his life. Nico Walker grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and joined the US army aged 19 to serve in Iraq as a medic. He returned with severe PTSD, leading to opioid addiction. To fund his habit and distract him from his mental health problems, Nico began robbing banks. After 10 successful heists he was arrested and sentenced to 11 years in prison, where he wrote the critically acclaimed novel 'Cherry'. It tells a bleak, semi-autobiographical story of war and addiction which caught the attention of award-winning filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo. Their adaptation of 'Cherry', starring Tom Holland, is out now on Apple TV+.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason's interviewee on this episode was the inspiration for Helen Mirren's character in the ITV crime drama series 'Prime Suspect'. Jackie Malton joined the police force in 1970 and climbed up the ranks despite being a gay woman in a heavily male-dominated environment. She tackled robberies with the famous 'Flying Squad' branch of the Met, and acted as a whistleblower on police corruption in the eighties. Partly as a result of the culture she'd been working in, Jackie slipped into alcoholism, and has been in recovery since 1992. She now puts all that experience to use, working as a story consultant for other crime dramas, and as a clinician in HMP Coldingley, helping addicted prisoners. You can also see her in her own CBS Reality show, 'The Real Prime Suspect'.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason speaks to journalist, broadcaster and podcaster, Sam Delaney. You might have spotted Sam's work in the pages of Heat magazine, on the airwaves of TalkSport or on the screen in one of his notorious morning TV appearances. More recently, he's turned his hand to podcasting, including the hilarious 'Top Flight Time Machine'. Sam had a slightly chaotic upbringing with drink and drugs never far away, and the stresses of his career, fatherhood and addiction combined when he suffered a breakdown in 2015. In his signature relatable and irreverent style, he now offers advice on dealing with addiction and mental health problems in his new newsletter and podcast, 'The Reset'.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Jason speaks to a man with a true redemption story. Pastor Mick Fleming was sexually abused and learnt of the tragic death of his sister, all within the space of 48 hours. That trauma started a downward spiral that resulted in years of drug addiction, funded by criminality. As a drug runner and debt collector, Mick was arrested for murder twice, armed robbery three times and committed countless firearms offences. Just as he was about to inflict more pain on another victim, he 'saw the light', experiencing what he describes as a powerful religious moment. Since then, Pastor Mick has devoted his life to his community, passionately tackling poverty in his native Burnley with his charity, Church on the Street Ministries - which you can find online at cots-ministries.comFor more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Lauren Burnett's story of addiction and recovery comes with two main lessons - the dangerous appeal of drug culture among rebellious young people looking for a tribe to join, and the amazing turnaround that seemingly 'lost' people are capable of. Lauren comes from Jersey, and started taking hard drugs in her early teens. Moving to London and crossing paths with trendy Camden icons like Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty only tightened addiction's grip on Lauren. She suffered a heroin overdose that inflicted severe damage on her head, and was in hospital with a collapsed lung when she learnt of Winehouse's death. Using that low as a turning point, Lauren got clean and set up a fashion brand with global customers and a hugely successful pop-up shop in LA. She's also now a mother of three and works in fostering and adoption.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Now an erudite and widely-admired writer, the early part of Erwin James's life was very different. Aged 7, Erwin lost his mother in a car crash and his father took to drink and domestic violence in his grief. Under that tragic backdrop, he began a criminal career which led to a total of 53 convictions culminating in the murder of two men in London in 1982. Erwin fled the country and joined the French Foreign Legion until he was tracked down by Scotland Yard two years later, going on to serve twenty years of a life sentence. Initially writing from prison, he chronicled that life in an acclaimed Guardian column followed by three books including 2016's 'Redeemable', as well as in his current role as editor-in-chief of prison publication 'Inside Time'.Jason spoke to Erwin about his own story of redemption and views on prison reform, as well as the impact of COVID-19 restrictions which require prisoners to be locked in their cells for 23 hours a day - something Erwin himself experienced early on in his stay at Wandsworth Prison.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Alastair Campbell earned himself a formidable reputation in British politics as part of Tony Blair's New Labour government, for which he acted as spokesperson, campaign director and press secretary. Stalking that meteoric career, though, has been an ongoing battle with depression as well as recovery from alcohol addiction which hit rock bottom in the mid-eighties. If you want to know more, check out his latest book, 'Living Better', which is available now in hardback, e-book and on audible. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason talks to Mandy Ogunmokun, founder of the Treasures Foundation which supports women with histories of drug abuse, offending and homelessness. Mandy's early life was blighted by trauma. The daughter and granddaughter of sex workers, she was exploited by her grandmother and made to work as a prostitute at the age of 4. At the age of 45, she began working at HMP Holloway as a Forward Trust substance misuse worker after spending 20 years in and out of Holloway as an inmate, while a heroin-addicted sex worker and petty criminal. The success of her turnaround was crowned when she was asked to carry the Olympic Torch to the Guildhall as part of the build-up to London 2012 as recognition of her work in the field of addiction.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason's guest on this episode is former Arsenal and England captain Tony Adams MBE. Tony battled alcoholism for much of his early football career, famously crashing his car while well over the drink-driving limit in 1990 and being sentenced to four months in Chelmsford Prison (of which he served two). After a long and public recovery process, Tony went on to set up the Sporting Chance Clinic which offers support to sportspeople dealing with addiction.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason speaks to Lennox Rodgers - an ex-offender who suffered physical, sexual and racial abuse as a child before being groomed into gangs for whom he worked as a pimp, enforced and drug dealer. Since deciding to go straight he's become a motivational speaker, co-founded the early intervention Charity 'Refocus' and published a book, 'Breaking Better', which is available now. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason chats to his musical hero, Squeeze lead songwriter and recovering alcoholic Chris Difford. They talk music, football, addiction and recovery. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason speaks to inspirational ex-addict and ex-offender turned drug and alcohol treatment centre manager Kirsty Day, who provides a moving account of how a Forward Trust program helped her overcome her struggles with addiction and offending - and how she now helps others do the same. Plus, her visits from the Duchess of Cambridge whom she's met twice.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jason interviews Big Issue co-founder, crossbench peer and ex-prisoner Lord John Bird. He tells the story of his fascinating life’s journey “from lockup to the Lords”, including childhood homelessness, formative stints in prison and a successful career in the print industry before founding the Big Issue and receiving his peerage.For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor Jason Flemyng interviews former prisoners and addicts with powerful stories to tell, exploring their struggle to turn their lives around and challenging the barriers and stigmas that can hold these people back. For more information and to view dozens more stories, go to www.morethanmypast.org.uk. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.