Second Chance

In the late nineties, John Lefebvre was approaching middle age and living out an unpromising legal career in Calgary, Canada. Then he jumped on board a dot-com start-up as a founder of Neteller. As companies fortunes rose along with those of the online gambling industry, the pay-off for Lefebvre and his partners would be astronomical. But it didn’t come without a price.The firm's involvement in transactions serving the online gambling industry led to charges of money laundering, racketeering, running an unlicensed money transmitting business and promoting illegal gambling. Lefebvre was charged in connection with the creation and operation of an Internet payment services company that facilitated the transfer of billions of dollars of illegal gambling proceeds from U.S. citizens to the owners of overseas internet gambling companies. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to promote illegal internet gambling transactions and served 45 days in Federal Prison.Links: WebsiteFacebookSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chrissy Chambers was the victim of revenge porn and chose to speak out to prevent others going through the trauma she experienced being publicly exposed on social media. When Chrissy broke off her relationship with an ex boyfriend he became revengeful and induced her with alcohol before secretly filming himself having sex with her.  He posted the videos on at least 30 porn websites which is when Chrissy first learned what had happened. During her fight to have the videos removed she suffered from sleep paralysis, alcoholism, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. At the time of her case, there were no laws that said revenge porn was illegal. Chambers set out to change this so other people who found themselves in this situation would not get turned away from law enforcement like she did.Links: Chrissy's Instagram YoutubeTwitterSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1https://www.raphaelrowefoundation.org/get-involvedSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David was imprisoned for his part in an organised drug trafficking network. But that’s not what defines him. His self-belief and determination took him from a prison cell to the head coach and manager of Livingston FC, a Scottish premiership football team. His story is testimony to the change in direction a person can take given an opportunity. His candidness and honesty is refreshing and to the point. He does not make excuses or blame anything or anyone for the mistakes he recognises were of his own doing. Yet, the reality for David and many others is how people can be influenced by the social environment and culture in which we start our life experiences. Links: Davie Martindale (@Daviemar13) / TwitterCoaching Staff - Livingston FCLinkedInhttps://livingstonfc.co.uk/Second Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1https://www.raphaelrowefoundation.org/get-involvedSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Britain’s high reoffending rate costs taxpayers around £15bn a year. Very little of taxpayers money is spent on the important work that volunteers like Lilly do to assist prisoners reintegrate back into society. As a result 60% of released inmates go on to reoffend within a two-year period. Prisons seclude criminals from the rest of society and so naturally ex-offenders find it difficult to readjust to normal life once they get out and find it difficult to reintegrate into society. Lack of job opportunities, and difficulties finding accommodation are just two of the challenges former prisoners face and it is a cause of why many drift back to crime. LinksSussex Pathways CharityFacebook TwitterLilly InstagramSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Raphael reads a couple of extracts from his book Notorious. Inspiring people to think about those they would not normally consider deserving of a Second Chance. Second Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Irwin was arrested at Gatwick Airport in 2007 with 1.1 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the lining of a bag he’d collected in the Caribbean. At the time he was addicted to cocaine and alcohol. He was sentenced to twelve years for drug trafficking. He served six in prison and six outside on licence. Whilst in prison Michael studied criminology and psychology and upon release he completed a masters at Queen's University Belfast. His second chance in life started in prison and his book ‘My Life began at Forty’ is an inspiring and fantastic resource for those with loved ones - or themselves - facing time in prison.Links for more about Michael Irwin :TwitterFacebookConvict CriminologyMichael's BookSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myles Harris, aka Bouncer is a content creator, sports and boxing promoter and an entrepreneur who served time in prison for robbery and drug offences. He plays on his past reputation naming sports management company ‘Wicked N Bad’. Myles’s journey to success was, like many poor and marginalised families' from inner city council estates, difficult and challenging. That’s not an excuse, it’s a reality, but as he advocates, it shouldn’t stop you wanting more, or becoming more, than the defined negative stereotype often portrayed.Links for Myles Harris:YoutubeWebsiteInstagramSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael O’Brien is a survivor of one the most emblematic miscarriages of justice in Britain. Known as ‘The Cardiff Newsagent Three’ case, it has become a key point of reference for campaigners against injustice. He spent 11 years in prison before his conviction was overturned. He lost not only his freedom but everything he'd ever had, including his wife, his child, and even his health. But he did gain something from his time inside: a self-taught knowledge of Law, and a burning desire to help others fight for justice. He is a best selling author of a number of insightful books about being a victim of a miscarriage of justice, prison and the Criminal Justice System. Links for more about Michael O’BrienTwitterLinkedInWikipediaSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastAudibleFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raphael is in conversation with associate professor David Skarbek, author of The Puzzle of Prison Order: Why Life Behind Bars Varies Around the World. An illuminating work of much interest to students of crime and punishment. Skarbek’s book digs behind the scenes of global prisons, studying the balance of power and hierarchy behind bars and how that affects prisoners. The conversation was part of the Fall for the Books Festival, organised by George Mason University, in Virginia, USA.  Fall for the BooksWebsiteInstagramDavid SarbekSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1991, Darnell Philips was 19 years old when he was sentenced to 100 years in prison for raping and brutally beating a 10-year-old girl in Virginia Beach, in the USA.  In 2015, the Innocence Project based at the University of Virginia, found, and had tested, new DNA evidence that they say proves he was not at the scene of the crime. This crucial development led to Darnell being freed from prison, on parole, in 2018,  after serving 28 years in prison. Darnell, now 50, has always insisted on his innocence, but his conviction has still not been overturned. This is due to a legal procedure in the law courts that lawyers believe a groundbreaking new law will remove, allowing Darnell  to finally prove his innocenceLinks: Darnell InstagramInnocence Project VirginiaSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastFacebookDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we share the inspiring story of Jessica Kent's Incredible Journey: Giving Birth in Prison, Overcoming Addiction, and Advocating for Change. Jessica Kent gave birth to her first child while serving a five-year sentence in an American prison for drug and firearm charges. After just a few days with her newborn, the authorities took the child away. But Jessica was determined to regain custody of her daughter. She overcame her drug addiction and won custody of her daughter, building a new life in the process.Jessica's life has been full of challenges, from giving birth while chained to a bed in prison, battling alcoholism and drug addiction, to becoming an influential figure with over 2 million social media followers. Despite these obstacles, she has managed to turn her life around and become a role model for women who have been through similar struggles.Jessica emphasises the importance of treating vulnerable individuals with respect and compassion. She uses her platform to raise awareness of issues within the prison system and advocates for change, including access to basic hygiene products and medical needs for inmates.Jessica's story serves as a reminder of the need for change in the prison system. You can watch her full interview on the Second Chance Podcast's YouTube channel.https://truecrimeawards.co.uk/2023/en/page/top-podcast-listeners-choice Jessica Kent on YouTubeJessica Kent VlogsJessica Kent on InstagramJessica Kent on TikTokJessica Kent on Facebook Second Chance Podcast on YouTube Raphael on Instagram Raphael's Website Second Chance on Facebook Raphael Rowe Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Word of warning, this episode contains details of sexual abuse that some listerners might find upsetting.Jeremy Indika is founder of ‘Something to Say’. His mission is to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse and to create content that attracts the attention of everyone. Because this is everyone's concern. Jeremy was sexually abused by his child minder when he was just 8 years old. Although his abuser was never prosecuted Jeremy was able to track him down and confront him.  It’s a subject that Jeremy wants more people to be aware of, because it is, he says, everybody’s concern. Jeremy wants to raise awareness and get this subject in front of more people. By turning what was once an uncomfortable topic, into one that people want to know more about, he believes more can be achieved to prevent future victims.Jeremy Indika Links:Mission - Something to SayJeremy Indika (@jeremyindika) / TwitterSomething to Say (@sts_official_1) / TwitterJeremy Indika - YouTubeSexual Abuse Links:ChildlineThe Survivors TrustSecond Chance Podcast Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastFacebookRaphael Rowe WebsiteDonation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brenda Birungi aka ‘Lady Unchained’ is passionate about second chances and is an important advocate for life after prison, having been sentenced to two and a half years inside at the age of 21 for a violence offence. She’s since become a poet, facilitator, mentor, and radio host for National Prison Radio. Brenda is also the founder and creative director of Unchained Poetry, an artistic platform for people with lived experience of the criminal justice system. She is also the host for Unchained Night’s, a night of inspirational storytelling through poetry and music. Brenda poetry workshops in prisons and in the community for a Women Centres helps women find their creative voice. Although she’s out of prison and living her best life - she continues to challenge the ex-offender label through creativity.unchained-poetryBrenda Birungi - Creative Director - Unchained Poetry Limited | LinkedInUnchained Poetry Limited - Home | FacebookUnchained Poetry (@UnchainedP) / TwitterLady Unchained #PeoplesQueen (@lady_unchained) • Instagram photos and videosSecond Chance Links:WebsiteBuzzsproutApple PodcastFacebookRaphael Rowe WebsiteIf you want to help produce this podcast please make buy me a coffee, we try to keep the cost of producing this podcast to a minimum but everything cost so every little helps.Donation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Richards is a sex and relationship engineer and master sensual masseur. He takes a humanistic approach to sex and intimacy and see’s himself  as a sex educator and general problem solver of sex and relationship needs and challenges. He aims to help people transform their relationships and sex lives to become what they want and deserve. Working full time in this field since 2005 he has discovered and used various different approaches that are not generally covered by conventional methods to help people in this intimate part of their life. By combining knowledge of sexual and relationship psychology with his experience as a sensual masseur he is able to work with both the emotional and sexual. Links:https://www.intimacymatters.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/Intimacymattershttps://twitter.com/IntimacyMattersSecond Chance Links:WebsiteBuzzsprout Apple Podcast Facebook Raphael Rowe Website BookInstagramTwitterRaphael Rowe FoundationIf you want to help produce this podcast please make buy me a coffee, we try to keep the cost of producing this podcast to a minimum but everything cost so every little helps.Donation Support:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/secondchance1Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Bonner was filming a documentary about piracy off a small island in Indonesia when he and a female colleague were arrested by the authorities and questioned about what they were doing. They were held for more than five months in an Indonesian prison. They were accused and threatened with charges including being a threat to national security, which carries up to 12 years in prison. In the end, after months in detention they were convicted of not having correct visas and sentenced to two-and-a-half months.  Linkhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-34702143Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I am speaking with Peguy Kato who devastatingly lost her son in an incident where he was stabbed 11 times. Peguy has made it her mission to provide support to families who have gone through similar experiences in honor of her son. This led to her setting up the All Champions charity which aims to prevent and protect people of all ages from knife and other serious youth violence by working towards the rehabilitation of young people engaged in knife crime and other serious youth violence. It also supports the victims of these crimes and people who may be at risk of engaging with it.Links:https://allchampioncharity.org/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is in collaboration with the Longford Trust who provide financial and mentoring support to young serving and ex-prisoners. The Longford scholarship assists in giving them a second chance to pursue a degree at university.Up until now all of my guest interviews have been recorded remotely thanks to Covid, but on this occasion I was able to meet Sean in person.After gaining qualifications to earn his place at the University of Leeds, Sean’s life became problematic when he couldn’t secure funding to cover his tuition fees. Selling drugs was a quick solution to this problem and Sean was arrested in his first week at University and sentenced to prison. During his time in prison and after his release Sean was determined to pursue his goal of studying mechanical engineering.The Longford Scholarship has given him a Second Chance, helping him secure a place and graduate from Teesside UniversityLongford Trust: https://www.longfordtrust.org/scholarships/the-longford-scholarships/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Flom is an American music industry executive and CEO of Lava Records, Lava Music Publishing, and Lava Media. He previously served as Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records and Capitol Music Group. He is personally responsible for launching acts such as Kid Rock, Katy Perry, Lorde, and Greta Van Fleet. He has been described as one of the most successful record men of the past 20 years. But Flom is also a leading philanthropist who has long championed various political and social causes. He is a board member of The Innocence Project and sits on many other programmes that help people in need of help. He hosts the phenomenal podcast Wrongful Conviction, now in its ninth season, which features interviews with men and women who have spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit. He is a dedicated and passionate advocate for criminal justice change and the ending of the death penalty.Links:Official Facebook page for Jason Flom‎Wrongful Conviction Podcasts on Apple PodcastsWrongful Conviction Podcasts | Podcast on SpotifyInnocence Project AboutSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Duncan Bell is a truly inspiring mental health campaigner and speaker.  Growing up in an extremely volatile environment, Thomas has fought adversity and fear since he was old enough to remember it.  He’s battled drug and alcohol addictions and destructive relationships in the past and is now the primary mental health champion in the UK’s Institute of Directors. Suffering from an extreme form of Bipolar disorder, Thomas has successfully turned his life around in order to help other people. Known internationally as The Bipolar Businessman, Thomas has previously supported Prince’s William & Harry’s Heads Together campaign, working with organisations to evoke change and end the stigma surrounding mental health in business. Further Information:Helplines and listening serviceshttp://www.thebipolarbusinessman.com/Looking for Support with Workplace Wellbeing?  www.mywholeself.co.uk Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I’m speaking with Junior Smart who was arrested in his mid twenties for possession of several kilograms of crack cocaine. Junior was left homeless after his mother died of a stroke, causing him to go into depression and become suicidal, planning to kill himself. On that day, an officer slid an envelope under the door of his cell containing photos of past family get-togethers. Junior said the photos snapped him back to reality and saved his life. He then seeked help from the Listeners and decided to train to become a Listener himself but soon discovered areas that lacked in support. He wanted to do something about it and make a change. He became a mentor for young offenders in the YOI, leading him to meet with St Giles Trust and setting up his successful SOS project which became London’s largest gang exit project.For more information on Juniors work:https://www.smarttc.co.uk/about-the-individual.htmlhttps://www.the-sse.org/stories/junior-smart-sos-gangs/Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.