• Kate Eves (Audio); The Human Stories Behind Death Investigations
    Feb 18 2026

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kate Eves shares her extensive experience in researching and investigating deaths in custody, discussing the complexities and challenges faced by professionals in this field. She highlights the importance of understanding the human stories behind the statistics, the impact of media narratives on public perception, and the need for transparency and accountability in death investigations. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of this work, the inquest process, and the lessons that can be learned from past investigations.

    Keywords

    death, custody, investigations, mental health, media narratives, transparency, accountability, inquests, criminal justice, coping mechanisms

    Bio: Kate has over 25 years’ experience of conducting research, inspections and investigations within custodial environments, in the UK and the US. Kate has worked with HM Inspectorate of Prisons, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, the Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody and HM Prison Service, where she led on the national strategy for reducing violence in custody. Kate has also worked with numerous prison and jail systems in the United States to improve detention conditions and increase accountability following deaths and serious violence. Kate recently chaired the UK government's first statutory inquiry into mistreatment in immigration detention, during which she found evidence of abuse contrary to international human rights legislation. She is a member of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, a group of experts who advise the UK government on the prevention of deaths in all forms of state custody.

    Takeaways

    Kate Eves transitioned from law to criminology, focusing on the aftermath of criminal cases.

    Investigating deaths in custody requires a balance of objectivity and empathy.

    The emotional impact of reviewing traumatic cases can be significant for professionals.

    Media narratives shape public understanding of policing-related deaths.

    Transparency in death investigations is crucial for accountability.

    Inquests serve as a fact-finding exercise but can be intimidating for families.

    Blame and shame can complicate the inquest process.

    Learning from past investigations is often hindered by systemic issues.

    Coping mechanisms are essential for professionals in high-stress roles.

    Death is the ultimate leveller, affecting everyone regardless of status.

    sound bites

    "I think it is really easy to kind of forget that."

    "The ultimate leveler, isn't it?"

    "You just have to be very aware of it."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Kate Eves and Her Career

    08:00 Exploring Policing Related Deaths

    15:48 Investigating Deaths in Custody

    20:45 Challenges in Death Investigation

    23:57 The Inquest Process and Its Emotional Toll

    26:42 Understanding Inquests and Their Challenges

    30:18 The Role of Blame and Shame in Inquests

    33:49 Learning from Inquests: Challenges and Opportunities

    35:28 Confronting Death: Perspectives and Insights

    40:40 Finding Hope in Difficult Work

    45:26 Coping with Moral Injury in Challenging Environments

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Kate Eves (Video); The Human Stories Behind Death Investigations
    Feb 18 2026

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kate Eves shares her extensive experience in researching and investigating deaths in custody, discussing the complexities and challenges faced by professionals in this field. She highlights the importance of understanding the human stories behind the statistics, the impact of media narratives on public perception, and the need for transparency and accountability in death investigations. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of this work, the inquest process, and the lessons that can be learned from past investigations.

    Keywords

    death, custody, investigations, mental health, media narratives, transparency, accountability, inquests, criminal justice, coping mechanisms

    Bio: Kate has over 25 years’ experience of conducting research, inspections and investigations within custodial environments, in the UK and the US. Kate has worked with HM Inspectorate of Prisons, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, the Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody and HM Prison Service, where she led on the national strategy for reducing violence in custody. Kate has also worked with numerous prison and jail systems in the United States to improve detention conditions and increase accountability following deaths and serious violence. Kate recently chaired the UK government's first statutory inquiry into mistreatment in immigration detention, during which she found evidence of abuse contrary to international human rights legislation. She is a member of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody, a group of experts who advise the UK government on the prevention of deaths in all forms of state custody.

    Takeaways

    Kate Eves transitioned from law to criminology, focusing on the aftermath of criminal cases.

    Investigating deaths in custody requires a balance of objectivity and empathy.

    The emotional impact of reviewing traumatic cases can be significant for professionals.

    Media narratives shape public understanding of policing-related deaths.

    Transparency in death investigations is crucial for accountability.

    Inquests serve as a fact-finding exercise but can be intimidating for families.

    Blame and shame can complicate the inquest process.

    Learning from past investigations is often hindered by systemic issues.

    Coping mechanisms are essential for professionals in high-stress roles.

    Death is the ultimate leveller, affecting everyone regardless of status.

    sound bites

    "I think it is really easy to kind of forget that."

    "The ultimate leveler, isn't it?"

    "You just have to be very aware of it."

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Kate Eves and Her Career

    08:00 Exploring Policing Related Deaths

    15:48 Investigating Deaths in Custody

    20:45 Challenges in Death Investigation

    23:57 The Inquest Process and Its Emotional Toll

    26:42 Understanding Inquests and Their Challenges

    30:18 The Role of Blame and Shame in Inquests

    33:49 Learning from Inquests: Challenges and Opportunities

    35:28 Confronting Death: Perspectives and Insights

    40:40 Finding Hope in Difficult Work

    45:26 Coping with Moral Injury in Challenging Environments

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Daniel (Audio); Titles How Therapy Helped a Survivor Reclaim His Identity After Decades of Repression
    Feb 11 2026

    Keywords

    childhood trauma, MDMA therapy, sexual abuse, repressed memories, family dynamics, forgiveness, healing, survivor stories, therapy, mental health

    Summary

    In this conversation, Daniel shares his profound journey of healing from childhood trauma and sexual abuse. He discusses the complexities of uncovering repressed memories, the role of MDMA therapy in his recovery, and the challenges he faced in disclosing his experiences to his family. Daniel emphasizes the importance of understanding grooming and conditioning, the struggle with forgiveness, and the significance of sharing one's story as a means of reclaiming dignity and sovereignty. He also offers valuable insights for therapists working with survivors of trauma, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in the healing process.

    Takeaways

    Daniel's journey began with a struggle against self-hatred and trauma.

    MDMA therapy played a crucial role in uncovering repressed memories.

    The process of reliving trauma can be both painful and transformative.

    Family dynamics can complicate the disclosure of abuse.

    Grooming and conditioning are key factors in understanding abuse.

    Forgiveness is a complex and personal journey for survivors.

    Setting boundaries is essential for healing and self-preservation.

    Support networks are vital for survivors of trauma.

    Sharing one's story can be empowering and healing.

    Therapists should approach survivors with compassion and understanding.

    Chapters (timings approx)

    00:00 Introduction to Daniel's Journey

    01:46 Uncovering Childhood Trauma

    05:11 The Role of MDMA Therapy

    08:37 The Impact of Repressed Memories

    12:25 Family Dynamics and Disclosure

    17:33 Understanding Grooming and Conditioning

    21:48 The Complexity of Forgiveness

    26:13 Advice for Therapists Working with Survivors

    30:18 Finding Healing and Support

    42:50 The Power of Sharing Your Story

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Daniel (Video); How Therapy Helped a Survivor Reclaim His Identity After Decades of Repression
    Feb 11 2026

    Keywords

    childhood trauma, MDMA therapy, sexual abuse, repressed memories, family dynamics, forgiveness, healing, survivor stories, therapy, mental health

    Summary

    In this conversation, Daniel shares his profound journey of healing from childhood trauma and sexual abuse. He discusses the complexities of uncovering repressed memories, the role of MDMA therapy in his recovery, and the challenges he faced in disclosing his experiences to his family. Daniel emphasizes the importance of understanding grooming and conditioning, the struggle with forgiveness, and the significance of sharing one's story as a means of reclaiming dignity and sovereignty. He also offers valuable insights for therapists working with survivors of trauma, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in the healing process.

    Takeaways

    Daniel's journey began with a struggle against self-hatred and trauma.

    MDMA therapy played a crucial role in uncovering repressed memories.

    The process of reliving trauma can be both painful and transformative.

    Family dynamics can complicate the disclosure of abuse.

    Grooming and conditioning are key factors in understanding abuse.

    Forgiveness is a complex and personal journey for survivors.

    Setting boundaries is essential for healing and self-preservation.

    Support networks are vital for survivors of trauma.

    Sharing one's story can be empowering and healing.

    Therapists should approach survivors with compassion and understanding.

    Chapters (timings approx)

    00:00 Introduction to Daniel's Journey

    01:46 Uncovering Childhood Trauma

    05:11 The Role of MDMA Therapy

    08:37 The Impact of Repressed Memories

    12:25 Family Dynamics and Disclosure

    17:33 Understanding Grooming and Conditioning

    21:48 The Complexity of Forgiveness

    26:13 Advice for Therapists Working with Survivors

    30:18 Finding Healing and Support

    42:50 The Power of Sharing Your Story

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Jonathan Cole (Video); The Hidden Power of Embodiment: How Physical Conditions Shape Identity and Connection
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode, renowned neurophysiologist Jonathan Cole meets David and Naomi and shares insights on how our physical body shapes our sense of self, communication, and emotional life. We delve into how physical conditions influence identity, the importance of embodiment, and the nuances of non-verbal communication in human experience.

    Key topics:

    • The role of neurophysiology in understanding sensory and motor deficits
    • How loss of movement or sensation affects personal identity and social perception
    • The impact of facial paralysis, disfigurement, and cosmetic surgery on social interaction and emotion
    • The significance of gesture, posture, and body language in communication
    • Differences in experiencing congenital vs. acquired conditions like blindness and deafness
    • How embodiment influences mental health and self-awareness
    • The societal implications of physical diversity and discrimination

    Timestamps: (Approx)

    00:00 - Introducing Jonathan Cole: Neurophysiology and accessible science 02:20 - How the nervous impulse explains bodily function and its narrative in literature 03:48 - Living without proprioception: Ian Waterman's story 06:30 - The curiosity-driven career bridging science and literature 08:37 - Embodiment and our automatic movements 10:22 - Practical challenges faced by those with proprioception loss 12:55 - The daily marathon of adapting to bodily disabilities 15:07 - Embodiment's effect on self-identity and social perception 16:47 - How social identity shifts with physical conditions like disfigurement or paralysis 18:48 - The importance of societal acceptance and personal resilience 22:03 - Visual vs. auditory vs. congenital vs. acquired sensory loss 25:10 - The process of adapting after spinal cord injuries and the role of community 27:29 - How embodiment influences verbal and non-verbal communication 30:49 - The role of body language and prosody in expressing emotion 34:22 - Embodiment and emotional expression: stories of women regaining feeling 37:10 - Cosmetic interventions, aging, and emotional expression 41:07 - Gesture impairments and their impact on relationships 43:20 - How physical expression (or lack thereof) influences support-seeking and social support 46:37 - Recognizing true character beyond facial cues 47:49 - Society's empathy and inclusion for embodied diversity 50:10 - The importance of understanding psychological and physical impairments

    Resources & Links:

    • Hard Talk by Jonathan Cole https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Hard-Talk-by-Jonathan-Cole/9780262049566?srsltid=AfmBOop5VwVWOtq9Q9DYvXR7jan_GAkc9HX_yJGbT294qjKQlQBgbM7V
    • Chekhov’s Sakhalin Journey: Doctor, Humanitarian, Writer (Paperback). Jonathan Cole https://www.waterstones.com/book/chekhovs-sakhalin-journey/jonathan-cole/9781350367517

    Note:

    The discussion underscores the profound connection between our physical embodiment and our emotional, social, and psychological selves. Recognizing and accommodating physical diversity enhances societal empathy and supports human connection.

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Jonathan Cole (Audio); The Hidden Power of Embodiment: How Physical Conditions Shape Identity and Connection
    Feb 4 2026

    In this episode, renowned neurophysiologist Jonathan Cole shares insights on how our physical body shapes our sense of self, communication, and emotional life. We delve into how physical conditions influence identity, the importance of embodiment, and the nuances of non-verbal communication in human experience.

    Key topics:

    • The role of neurophysiology in understanding sensory and motor deficits
    • How loss of movement or sensation affects personal identity and social perception
    • The impact of facial paralysis, disfigurement, and cosmetic surgery on social interaction and emotion
    • The significance of gesture, posture, and body language in communication
    • Differences in experiencing congenital vs. acquired conditions like blindness and deafness
    • How embodiment influences mental health and self-awareness
    • The societal implications of physical diversity and discrimination

    Timestamps: (Approx)

    00:00 - Introducing Jonathan Cole: Neurophysiology and accessible science

    02:20 - How the nervous impulse explains bodily function and its narrative in literature

    03:48 - Living without proprioception: Ian Waterman's story

    06:30 - The curiosity-driven career bridging science and literature

    08:37 - Embodiment and our automatic movements

    10:22 - Practical challenges faced by those with proprioception loss

    12:55 - The daily marathon of adapting to bodily disabilities

    15:07 - Embodiment's effect on self-identity and social perception

    16:47 - How social identity shifts with physical conditions like disfigurement or paralysis 18:48 - The importance of societal acceptance and personal resilience

    22:03 - Visual vs. auditory vs. congenital vs. acquired sensory loss

    25:10 - The process of adapting after spinal cord injuries and the role of community

    27:29 - How embodiment influences verbal and non-verbal communication

    30:49 - The role of body language and prosody in expressing emotion

    34:22 - Embodiment and emotional expression: stories of women regaining feeling

    37:10 - Cosmetic interventions, aging, and emotional expression

    41:07 - Gesture impairments and their impact on relationships

    43:20 - How physical expression (or lack thereof) influences support-seeking and social support

    46:37 - Recognizing true character beyond facial cues

    47:49 - Society's empathy and inclusion for embodied diversity

    50:10 - The importance of understanding psychological and physical impairments

    Resources & Links:

    • Hard Talk by Jonathan Cole https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Hard-Talk-by-Jonathan-Cole/9780262049566?srsltid=AfmBOop5VwVWOtq9Q9DYvXR7jan_GAkc9HX_yJGbT294qjKQlQBgbM7V
    • Chekhov’s Sakhalin Journey: Doctor, Humanitarian, Writer (Paperback). Jonathan Cole https://www.waterstones.com/book/chekhovs-sakhalin-journey/jonathan-cole/9781350367517

    Note:

    The discussion underscores the profound connection between our physical embodiment and our emotional, social, and psychological selves. Recognizing and accommodating physical diversity enhances societal empathy and supports human connection.

    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Alex Renton (Audio); Boarding School, Abuse, Slavery; Understanding History, Addressing the Present
    Jan 28 2026

    Keywords

    boarding school, trauma, recovery, family dynamics, sexual abuse, journalism, heritage, slavery, mental health, societal change

    Summary

    In this conversation, journalist Alex Renton discusses the profound impact of his boarding school experiences on his life and career. He reflects on the trauma associated with his time at school, including issues of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. Renton also explores the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in relation to his own experiences and the legacy of his family's involvement in slavery. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of openness, empathy, and responsibility in addressing these difficult topics and fostering healing.

    Takeaways

    Alex Renton reflects on the lifelong impact of negative boarding school experiences.

    His career as a journalist was influenced by his skepticism towards authority.

    Alex began writing about boarding schools after learning about abuse cases at his former school.

    He emphasizes the importance of speaking out against abuse and the challenges that come with it.

    The conversation highlights the need for empathy towards survivors of abuse.

    Family dynamics play a crucial role in how individuals cope with trauma.

    Alex discusses the prevalence of abuse in boarding schools and the need for systemic change.

    He explores his family's history of involvement in slavery and its emotional implications.

    The importance of openness and transparency in healing from trauma is emphasized.

    Alex advocates for better communication and understanding in addressing issues of abuse.

    Sound bites

    "I think, you know, I mean, I do talk people do."

    "I think we still sending children into danger."

    "I think we have to talk and we have to open."

    Chapters (Timings approx)

    00:00 The Impact of Boarding School Experiences

    09:11 The Long-Term Effects of Trauma

    18:08 Navigating Relationships with Parents

    21:22 Stereotypes of Boarding School Education

    24:43 Encouraging Disclosure and Support

    27:44 The Prevalence of Abuse in Boarding Schools

    29:47 Barriers to Disclosure: The Male Perspective

    32:25 Societal Attitudes Towards Male Victims

    34:30 Exploring Family Legacy and Historical Injustices

    39:16 Healing Through Openness and Responsibility

    43:26 Current Projects: A Hopeful Future for Child Safety

    46:54 Ten second outro video.mp4

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Alex Renton (Video); Boarding School, Abuse, Slavery; Understanding History, Addressing the Present
    Jan 28 2026

    Keywords

    boarding school, trauma, recovery, family dynamics, sexual abuse, journalism, heritage, slavery, mental health, societal change

    Summary

    In this conversation, journalist Alex Renton discusses the profound impact of his boarding school experiences on his life and career. He reflects on the trauma associated with his time at school, including issues of abuse and the challenges of speaking out. Renton also explores the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in relation to his own experiences and the legacy of his family's involvement in slavery. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the importance of openness, empathy, and responsibility in addressing these difficult topics and fostering healing.

    Takeaways

    Alex Renton reflects on the lifelong impact of negative boarding school experiences.

    His career as a journalist was influenced by his skepticism towards authority.

    Alex began writing about boarding schools after learning about abuse cases at his former school.

    He emphasizes the importance of speaking out against abuse and the challenges that come with it.

    The conversation highlights the need for empathy towards survivors of abuse.

    Family dynamics play a crucial role in how individuals cope with trauma.

    Alex discusses the prevalence of abuse in boarding schools and the need for systemic change.

    He explores his family's history of involvement in slavery and its emotional implications.

    The importance of openness and transparency in healing from trauma is emphasized.

    Alex advocates for better communication and understanding in addressing issues of abuse.

    Sound bites

    "I think, you know, I mean, I do talk people do."

    "I think we still sending children into danger."

    "I think we have to talk and we have to open."

    Chapters (Timings approx)

    00:00 The Impact of Boarding School Experiences

    09:11 The Long-Term Effects of Trauma

    18:08 Navigating Relationships with Parents

    21:22 Stereotypes of Boarding School Education

    24:43 Encouraging Disclosure and Support

    27:44 The Prevalence of Abuse in Boarding Schools

    29:47 Barriers to Disclosure: The Male Perspective

    32:25 Societal Attitudes Towards Male Victims

    34:30 Exploring Family Legacy and Historical Injustices

    39:16 Healing Through Openness and Responsibility

    43:26 Current Projects: A Hopeful Future for Child Safety

    46:54 Ten second outro video.mp4

    Show More Show Less
    47 mins