More Than My Past

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/

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/

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/

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/

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

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