Best Garth And Ray Podcasts (2025)

1
The Prison Philosophers | Andy West and Ray Smith 41:26

2h ago41:26

41:26

Andy West is the author of The Life Inside: A Memoir of Prison, Family and Learning to be Free, which is currently being adapted into a BBC television drama. Andy has been teaching philosophy in prisons since 2016. You can buy Andy's book while supporting local independent bookshops here. Ray Smith writes for Inside Time, the monthly newspaper for …

1
The HMP Brixton Half Marathon 58:58

7d ago58:58

58:58

Two days before the 2025 London Marathon, a very special half marathon took place behind the walls of HMP Brixton in aid of the Prison Reform Trust. And The Secret Life of Prisons was granted exclusive access to bring you the sounds of a momentous morning. Nine of HMP Brixton's residents undertook a 16-week training programme, supported by members …

1
Justice vs the culture wars | Your questions answered 43:08

21d ago43:08

43:08

We love to hear your thoughts, your views and your questions. To contact the show, please email [email protected]. In this week's episode we answer questions from listeners inside and outside prison. Presenters: Phil Maguire – Chief Executive, Prison Radio Association Paula Harriott – Chief Executive, Unlock Producer: Andrew Wilkie Assistant Pr…

1
We've visited a lot of prisons | Duewaine Marshalleck-Baker and Arthur Hagues 41:31

28d ago41:31

41:31

This week we've got two guests who, for very different reasons, have spent time in a lot of different prisons. We asked them to compare notes and tell us their best stories. Duewaine Marshalleck-Baker was released from prison for the final time in 2016, having spent more than eighteen years in prison on and off. He now works for National Prison Rad…

1
Who was Chris Tchaikovsky? | Kate Fraser and Deborah Coles 42:04

1M ago42:04

42:04

Chris Tchaikovsky was a founder of the charity Women in Prison, the charity that campaigns on behalf of women in the criminal justice system. She died in 2002, having lived an extraordinary life. Today's episode marks the end of Women's History Month and is dedicated to her life and her legacy. Kate Fraser spent 17 years in heroin addiction, engage…

1
Disclosure and barring | Peter Lewis and Penelope Gibbs 39:05

1M ago39:05

39:05

Peter Lewis served a prison sentence for receiving a corrupt payment. Shortly after his release, during the pandemic, he applied for a voluntary role directing cars at a Covid vaccination centre and his application was rejected, apparently because of his criminal record. He is now an ambassador for the FairChecks campaign. Penelope Gibbs is the Dir…

1
Visits | Faye Dunn and Mo 36:17

2M ago36:17

36:17

When Mo went to prison hundreds of miles from home, his older sister would visit him but he didn't see his mum in person until he was more than two years into his sentence, and his youngest sister didn't come to visit him at all. He went five years without seeing her. How did he and his family come to these decisions, and what was it like reconnect…

1
Finding the common ground | Alice Dawnay and Kam 33:54

2M ago33:54

33:54

Alice Dawnay founded the charity Switchback in 2008, which supports young Londoners to find a way out of the justice system. She's now part of the team that's just launched the Common Ground Justice Project, which is an initiative to find the common ground in the sometimes polarised debate around crime and justice. Kam was helped by Switchback when…

1
Why me? | Khamran Uddin and Keeva Baxter 42:59

2M ago42:59

42:59

In 2013, Khamran Uddin wrote a letter to the man he had violently assaulted in a random attack on a deserted railway platform. The victim was coming home from work as he did every day when Khamran seriously injured him with a baseball bat. What followed was an extraordinary meeting which changed both their lives. Keeva Baxter is the Campaigns and C…

1
The culture of sentencing | David Gauke 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

David Gauke is the former Conservative Member of Parliament for South West Hertfordshire, the former Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor, and the Chair of the Labour government's Independent Sentencing Review. Phil and Paula ask him about the progress of the report, delve into the politics of crime and justice, and finish with challe…

1
Talent development | Richie Makepeace and Nancy Prentice 37:00

3M ago37:00

37:00

Richie Makepeace was just trying to keep his head down and get through his prison sentence in HMP Brixton when he was offered a job in the prison's radio production training workshop. Like many people in prison, he was really worried about whether he would be able to find employment. But after release he got offered a job helping to deliver Nationa…

1
The most serious development in decades | Michael Kennedy and Ian Vandersluys 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

Spice, a name for a group of synthetic drugs that have gripped prisons over the past decade, are said by researchers at Middlesex University's Drug and Alcohol Research Centre to have played a role in almost half of all non-natural deaths in prisons over a five year period. Michael Kennedy had already used spice on one occasion before he went to pr…

1
Diagnosis | Scout Tzofiya Bolton and Michelle Walsh 40:52

3M ago40:52

40:52

Scout Tzofiya Bolton is a poet, activist, radio producer and the author of The Mad Art of Doing Time. She went to prison in 2023 where she received excellent care for the mental health conditions that led to her offence. You can read Scout's recent article for The Guardian here. You can listen to Scout's documentary for BBC Radio 4, entitled The Ba…

1
Sentencing: A Primer | Tim Owen KC 34:00

3M ago34:00

34:00

Tim Owen KC is a criminal barrister who has sat as a Deputy High Court Judge. He is a co-host of Double Jeopardy: The Law and Politics Podcast. You can find the sentencing guidelines for all offences heard in the Magistrates and Crown Courts on the Sentencing Council website. Presenters: Phil Maguire – Chief Executive, Prison Radio Association Paul…

1
Telling stories | Mickey Dehara and Max Porter 41:41

4M ago41:41

41:41

Mickey Dehara is a screenwriter who has frequently collaborated with the director Guy Richie, including playing a starring role in the film Snatch. He served a prison sentence in the early 2010s when he got involved with National Prison Radio and won the Sandford St. Martin and Jerusalem Awards for a dramatisation of the Good Friday story which he …

1
Moral blindness | Jamie Bennett and Andrew Morris 49:44

4M ago49:44

49:44

Jamie Bennett is is the author of a new book which looks at the challenges of managing prisons. He is Prison Contracts Group Director at His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service. He has been Governor of Morton Hall, Long Lartin, Grendon and Spring Hill prisons. Andrew Morris served a sentence in HMP Spring Hill while Jamie was the Governor there.…

1
Prison in numbers | Dr. Kimmett Edgar 49:27

4M ago49:27

49:27

In November 2024, Janey Starling from the charity Level Up, called out the presenter of LBC's breakfast show Nick Ferrari live on air for his apparent ignorance of the facts around the imprisonment of women. In response to that interview, we invited friend of the podcast Dr. Kimmett Edgar to the studio to help us understand what the numbers can tel…

1
Spending Christmas outside San Quentin | Greg Eskridge and Eli Wirtschafter 32:24

4M ago32:24

32:24

Greg Eskridge was released from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center in California, formerly known as San Quentin state prison, on 23 July 2024 after serving 30 years and 25 days. In prison Greg became a founding member of the Uncuffed radio program and podcast, a project run by the public radio station KALW. Greg now works full-time as Uncuffed’s fir…

1
Outside the Old Bailey 39:41

5M ago39:41

39:41

In November the Sentencing Academy, a charity that aims to improve public understanding of sentencing in England and Wales, released a piece of research entitled 'Who is in prison and what is the purpose of imprisonment?'. It concluded that most people know very little about prisons. To test these findings, Phil and Paula went to stand outside the …

1
I disappeared for seven years | Sarah Moore and Sonya Ruparel 38:38

5M ago38:38

38:38

Sarah Moore was exposed to the most dangerous situations imaginable during a seven-year period in which she disappeared from her family's life. She wanted to protect them from the effects of her chaotic lifestyle and mental ill-health, both of which she struggled to manage. She is now a criminal justice practitioner working at Anawim, a Women's Cen…

1
Six people who were in prison and now work in radio | Ali, Jules, Nico, Garth, Faye ... plus Paula 44:19

5M ago44:19

44:19

The Prison Radio Association is a charity that runs National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station for people serving prison sentences. We employ people in prison to develop their skills, find their best voices and help them discover ways to lead crime-free lives after release. This week we are participating in The Big Give, a nati…

1
Parenting from behind bars | Sean Henry 33:18

5M ago33:18

33:18

Sean Henry received multiple prison terms through his early adult life. But receiving a long sentence for a serious offence when his son was just two months old, Sean discovered a different perspective on his own life and the way he had been acting. With precious support from key people in his life, including his son's mother and their extended fam…

1
What I Learned About Prison in Iran | Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe gives the Longford Lecture 2024 55:17

6M ago55:17

55:17

On Monday 11 November 2024, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe delivered the annual Longford Lecture at Church House in Westminster. Nazanin was imprisoned in 2016 at the end of a family visit to Iran, accused of plotting to overthrow the government by running courses in journalism that the Iranian regime said aimed to train people to spread propaganda agai…

1
The Election Recap Pod 1:35:19

6M ago1:35:19

1:35:19

Garth and Ray wrap with a recap. E-mail us at: [email protected] Garth and Ray

1
I lost 18 stone in prison | Tyler Voase and Samy Ali 28:09

6M ago28:09

28:09

Tyler Voase was released from prison in the summer of 2024. He first went into jail in 2022 weighing over 40 stone, and with the support of a well-thought-through and timely intervention from gym staff he reinvented himself, losing 18 stone while in HMP Feltham. Samy Ali is a Physical Education Instructor (PEI) at HMP Feltham, and he was the member…

1
Episode 2: Election Eve Check-in 1:06:14

6M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Garth and Ray check in on the eve of the election. E-mail us at: [email protected] Garth and Ray

1
What can we learn about the future of criminal justice from the budget? | Matthew Torbitt and Ben Zaranko 34:54

6M ago34:54

34:54

Matthew Torbitt is a writer and broadcaster. A period of homelessness as a young man led to involvement in crime, for which he received a sentence. These experiences fed a political awakening and a career working with the Labour Party. Matthew now writes and tours television studios commentating on politics. He joins us down the line from Washingto…

1
2024 Election Predictions - Harris v. Trump 1:17:27

6M ago1:17:27

1:17:27

Garth and Ray bring forth their quadrennial election predictions. E-mail us at: [email protected] Garth and Ray

1
Seven years in the seg | Dwaine Patterson and Claire Salama 38:20

6M ago38:20

38:20

Dwaine Patterson spent 22 years in prison. For seven of those years he was one of a handful of people detained in Close Supervision Centres (CSCs). CSCs are prisons within prisons, housing those people said to be the most dangerous and disruptive in the entire prison system. In this remarkable interview, Dwaine describes what it was like to be deem…

1
Prisons and the press | David Shipley and Danny Shaw 38:20

7M ago38:20

38:20

David Shipley served a prison sentence for fraud. He had never known anyone who had come into contact with the criminal justice system prior to his conviction. His sentence was eye-opening for him. He became 'radicalised' by the experience and promised himself he would do everything he could after release to talk as widely as possible about the rea…

1
My probation officer is also my colleague! | Simon Madu and Danielle Bond 32:03

7M ago32:03

32:03

Simon Madu was released from prison in 2021 after serving twelve years in prison. He remains 'on licence' and must report to his probation officer regularly as part of his continuing sentence. However, Simon is also a member of staff at His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, as the Engagement Lead for a pioneering project called Engaging Peopl…

1
From Cell to CEO | Paula Harriott 1:02:16

7M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In 2004, Paula was imprisoned for eight years for a drugs offence. Twenty years later, she is the trailblazing Chief Executive of a prominent national charity, being cited multiple times for her pioneering work in the criminal justice sector by none other than the Minister of State for Justice, and noted by The Times of London as an 'intutitive bro…

1
The Secret Life of Prisons visits the Labour Party Conference | Paul Mason and Faye Dunn 57:42

7M ago57:42

57:42

The Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool was built in 1846 and was the first structure in Britain to be constructed from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood. As a result, it was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world. It was also the venue for the 2024 Labour Party Conference, and Phil and Paula took the opportunity to re…

1
Being diagnosed with cancer in prison | Tony, Marion Misselbrook and Professor Jo Armes 55:47

8M ago55:47

55:47

In 2021 Tony was told by a nurse in HMP Ford that she suspected he had cancer. Over the following years, Tony has experienced frustration and fear but also received heart-warming empathy and kindness from the staff at the Fernhurst Centre at St. Richards Hospital, Chichester, and in particular from Marion Misselbrook, a Macmillan Information and Su…

1
Hold or Fold | Ben Jones and Steve Girling 52:04

8M ago52:04

52:04

Ben Jones and Steve Girling are the hosts of Hold or Fold, a brand-new podcast from the Prison Radio Association that supports people who suffer from gambling addiction. Ben and Steve both went to prison for offences linked to their gambling. After release, both men realised that there were gaps in screening for gambling addiction in prison and in …

1
Food in women's prisons | Libby and Dr. Erin Power 57:17

8M ago57:17

57:17

What role does food play in the daily lives of women in prison? Libby is the Head Chef at The Edge at Joey Orr’s, an award-winning restaurant in Liverpool. She spent time in Styal and New Hall prisons, where she had contrasting experiences of the culture around food behind bars. You can visit The Edge at Joey Orr’s by booking a table here. Dr. Erin…

1
What does the country think about prisons? 30:32

8M ago30:32

30:32

Phil and Paula are outside HMP Liverpool, aka Walton Jail, to talk to passers-by about what they think of prisons and the people inside them. Presenters: Phil Maguire – Chief Executive, Prison Radio Association Paula Harriott – Chief Executive, Unlock Producer: Andrew Wilkie The Prison Radio Association is a charity that runs National Prison Radio,…

1
Lessons from a former Prisons Minister | Rory Stewart 33:40

8M ago33:40

33:40

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- On Wednesday 22 November 2023, Rory Stewart delivered the annual Longford Lecture at Church House in Westminster. Rory's lecture was entitled, Rhetoric vs Reality: My Journey as Prisons Minister. It addressed wh…

1
The Secret Life of Lifers | Part 2 58:49

9M ago58:49

58:49

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- How to survive a life sentence We're back in the studio with two people who have been to prison and are now outside living with a 'life licence', to talk about 'hooks for change' and the what happens as the real…

1
The Secret Life of Lifers | Part 1 58:30

9M ago58:30

58:30

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- What is it like to receive a life sentence? We're joined by two people who have had this experience - both have been to prison and are now outside living with a 'life licence'. They join Phil and Paula in the st…

1
The future of probation: Part 2 | Professor Nicola Carr and Dr. Matthew Millings 1:03:23

9M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- In June 2024 a group of people with a wealth of experience of probation gathered for a one-day workshop at Liverpool John Moore's University as part of the Rehabilitating Probation project. The workshop aimed to…

1
Prisons under Starmer | Lord Ken Macdonald KC 37:54

9M ago37:54

37:54

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- What can we make of the most recent announcements on prison policy? And what are we likely to see from a Starmer government over the longer term? Lord Ken Macdonald KC was Director of Public Prosecutions immedat…

1
Violence on prison wings | Duewaine Marshalleck-Baker and Conroy Harris 37:06

10M ago37:06

37:06

We need your help! Please visit www.prison.radio/survey to tell us about yourself and what you want to hear on The Secret Life of Prisons. Thank you. -- Duewaine Marshalleck-Baker spent many years in prison, and during those sentences he witnessed and perpetrated violence. During his last sentence he worked on National Prison Radio and we're proud …

1
The future of probation: Part 1 | Lol Burke and Caroline 40:34

10M ago40:34

40:34

We need your help! Please visit www.prison.radio/survey to tell us about yourself and what you want to hear on The Secret Life of Prisons. Thank you. -- Caroline was released from prison with low hopes for the future. Then she met a probation officer from a surprising background and with her support she built a successful life for herself. Caroline…

1
Miscarriages of Justice | Andrew Malkinson and Emily Bolton 45:24

10M ago45:24

45:24

We need your help! Please visit www.prison.radio/survey to tell us about yourself and what you want to hear on The Secret Life of Prisons. Thank you. -- Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. In this very special episode he tells us about his time in prison, and how others serving sentences reacted when he told them…

1
Five big asks for the next government | Anne Fox 1:02:48

10M ago1:02:48

1:02:48

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- In general election week, the Secret Life of Prisons finishes our series of guests who have knowledge and insight about the role criminal justice plays in politics as the major players fight for our votes. We've…

1
James Phillips: National Prison Radio's Rock Show legend | Ollie Brookes and Scout Tzofiya Bolton 33:18

11M ago33:18

33:18

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- James Phillips was in prison in 2014 when he first heard National Prison Radio's Rock Show. He decided he was going to become its next host, and managed to get a transfer to the prison where the show was based. …

1
Five pieces of advice for the next government | Andi Brierley 45:36

11M ago45:36

45:36

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- As we approach the next general election, the Secret Life of Prisons is bringing you guests who have knowledge and insight about the role criminal justice plays in politics as the major players fight for our vot…

1
Being released homeless | Michael Sloane and Matt Gannon 32:19

11M ago32:19

32:19

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- If you have been to prison you are fourty times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. Michael Sloane spent three decades in and out of prison, addiction and homelessness. He was onc…

1
Five things to look out for at the general election | Dominic Grieve, former Attorney General 43:49

11M ago43:49

43:49

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. -- As we approach the next general election, the Secret Life of Prisons is bringing you guests who have knowledge and insight into politics and the role criminal justice is likely to play as the major players fight…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Garth And Ray Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen