In our latest podcast episode of Experts by Experience, Mariam sits down with Titi Solarin, founder of Tailored Futures CIC, to explore what true reintegration looks like for people leaving the criminal justice system.

Titi shares her journey into youth work, the barriers people face when rebuilding their lives, and why personalised, stigma‑free support matters. She also introduces ReintegrateME, a groundbreaking new app that connects inclusive employers with people who have convictions.

Listen now to Mariam and Titi’s powerful conversation about dignity, second chances, and the future of reintegration.

In this episode of Experts by Experience, producer Jess Hart takes on the role of host as she speaks with mother‑and‑son duo Annette and Ryan.

Annette and Ryan discuss growing up neurodiverse in systems that overlooked their needs — and the emotional toll on families who aren’t listened to. They share how mislabelling, masking and missed support shaped their journeys, and how one person believing in you can change everything.

Their lived experiences inspired The Empowering Young Champions (EYC) Project) — a youth‑led, lived‑experience‑rooted CIC supporting young people to build confidence, resilience and healthier futures. EYC combines professional expertise with real‑life insight to advocate for young people, help them navigate adversity and make informed choices.

Authentic, emotional, and full of insight — this episode is a reminder that listening, understanding, and advocating can change lives.

In our latest episode, Mariam sits down with with Blood Red Sky author, Sara Cullen, for a powerful conversation exploring youth justice, care experience, poverty, and the systems that shape young people’s lives.

Drawing on her background in teaching and public protection, Sara shares why compassion, dignity, and early support are essential for change.

This human-centred conversation is for anyone interested in storytelling, criminal justice, or the power of understanding.

Learn more about Sara: https://www.sarajcullen.com/

In this episode of Experts by Experience, Nic speaks with Katie and Tom from Finding Rhythms about how music is transforming lives in prisons and the community.

Since 2013, Finding Rhythms has delivered collaborative music projects across 30 prisons, supporting over 1,000 participants to create original music, gain qualifications, and build confidence. They share powerful stories of how music provides a safe, non-judgemental space for self-expression, helping people rebuild their identity and navigate life after release.

The episode also highlights Making Waves, their 10-week community programme in Peckham, where participants produce tracks, work towards a qualification, perform live, and access ongoing mentoring.

A moving conversation about creativity, second chances, and the power of music to spark lasting change.

In this episode, Mariam speaks with Kevin and Jayde, founder and directors of the incredible grassroots organisation Khadys Dream. Kevin’s lived experience inspired him to create a charity supporting young people and families affected by the criminal justice system, and together, they share how their work has grown to reach even more communities.

They reflect on the importance of prevention and early intervention, the misconceptions and glamorisation of the criminal justice system among young people, the challenges of transitioning from youth to adult justice, and the often-overlooked impact on families.

In this powerful episode of Experts by Experience, Mariam sits down with Siyanda, an award-winning Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) professional, to explore her transformative journey from overcoming racial adversity to building a career dedicated to empowering others. Siyanda opens up about the challenges she faced growing up in a predominantly white area and her difficult experience in navigating the justice system. She also shares how her lived experiences fuel her passion for dismantling systemic biases and promoting inclusivity in the workplace. A testament to resilience and self-discovery, Siyanda’s story is one of healing, growth, and finding strength through community.

Women make up just 4% of the UK prison population, which means their voices and experiences are too often overlooked in conversations about criminal justice.

In this episode, Nic and Mariam speak with Lizzy Jewell, Head of Communications and Engagement at Working Chance, the UK’s only employment charity solely for women with convictions. Together, they explore what it really means to be a woman navigating a system largely designed for – and dominated by – men.

They discuss the unique challenges women face both in custody and on release, how past trauma and stigma can shape their journey, and what needs to change so that fewer women enter the system and more are able to break the cycle. The conversation also includes practical advice for women who have been in contact with the justice system and are looking for support

With Restorative Justice Week approaching, Mariam and Nic sit down with Julie, Head of Service for Restorative Justice at Calm Mediation, to explore what Restorative Justice really means.

In this episode, Julie shares real stories that show how structured conversations between victims and those who have caused harm can create understanding, accountability, and even healing. It’s a conversation that brings the process to life and highlights the human impact of Restorative Justice.