The fascinating life of former drug lord Stephen Mee really is what dramatised movies try to replicate. Originally from Northern Manchester, Stephen faced many challenges throughout his upbringing, including personal loss and family struggles. Despite discovering his artistic talent early on, he also became involved in a life of crime. It culminated in 1996, when he was given 30 years for importing class 'A' drugs. His stories about his involvement in the trafficking of millions of pounds and hundreds of kilos of cocaine with Turkish, Albanian, and Colombian crime groups beggars belief. Stephen served sixteen and a half years in prison. His life took a turn during his time in prison, where he pursued his passion for fine arts, leading to a transformative experience. He has now established himself as a professional artist, drawing inspiration from both his past and present experiences. Listeners of this podcast can receive 50% off a subscription to the Crime+Investigation Play app, where you can stream thousands of hours of unmissable true crime content, all ad free. To take advantage of this offer head to crimeandinvestigationplay.co.uk and use the offer code SECONDCHANCE when prompted. Offer ends 31st March 2024, and is applicable for the length of any package that you purchase. Subscription auto-renews at the chosen standard package rate after the offer ends. Dates may be subject to change at any time. See full terms and conditions. Guest Links: Stephens Website Instagram Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance On Youtube Second Chance On Instagram Second Chance On Facebook Second Chance on LinkedIn Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Kirwin spent over a decade working in some of the most notorious prisons in Britain, where she documented her experiences and the stories of the men she met in her book "Criminal."  On this podcast Angela told me the current prison system is failing the most vulnerable members of our society, as she discovered while working inside prisons. She believes that prison is not a separate world, but rather a place where the most damaged and vulnerable people in our society end up. Not only is the system ineffective, but it also contributes to habitual criminality, making society less safe and less humane. It is, she says, high time that governments take notice of this issue and implement steps to improve the situation. Guest Links: Angela’s Instgram Angela’s Book Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's world, where news travels quickly and public scrutiny is constant, safeguarding a celebrity's image is no easy task. Even minor missteps can have a significant impact on their reputation, particularly with the rise of social media. Therefore, it's essential to have a skilled and experienced legal representative who can handle reputation risks and navigate the complexities of reputation management. Repairing the damage to a celebrity's image can be challenging once the harm has already been done. High-profile cases, such as those involving Russell Brand, Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy, actor Noel Clarke, and other high-profile stories like Philip Schofield, are just some of the examples where managing and repairing the harm caused to a celebrity's image can be extremely challenging. In this episode, I spoke with James Modley, a proficient commercial litigator who specialises in complex cases involving reputation risks and suspected fraud. With years of experience in handling high-profile cases, James is the go-to expert for celebrities and corporations who need help managing their image. He ensures that his clients' best interests are always protected, while also trying to manage public perception of their image whether they are guilty or not. You can also listen to my interview with James on my audio book 'You Are Accused', available on Audible. Click the link in the description or search for 'You are Accused' by Raphael Rowe to get your copy. ‘You Are Accused’ with Raphael Rowe Guest Links: James Modley Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The collapsed trial of Liam Allan reveals a widespread problem in the legal system, which criminal defence lawyers have been warning about for some time. Liam was accused of rape and sexual assault, but his defense was that any sexual contact between himself and his former girlfriend was consensual. The Prosecution's case relied heavily on the ex girlfriends account, which is a common situation in sexual assault allegations that often occur in private settings without any independent witnesses. It took two years from Liam’s arrest for his trial to proceed in the Crown Court. Prior to the trial, his lawyers had repeatedly asked the Prosecution to disclose text and social media messages between Liam and his ex girlfriend from her phone. Despite clear guidelines on disclosure, the officer in charge of the case failed to hand over this potentially useful information to the defence team. It wasn't until the trial started that this material was brought to the attention of the Prosecuting barrister, who ordered it to be handed over immediately. The messages cleared Liam of all charges. His ex girlfriend and accuser had messaged him asking for sexual contact and spoke of a desire for violent sex and rape fantasies. In other messages to friends, she stated that no crime had been committed. To their credit, the Crown dropped the case as soon as he became aware of this material. It also made a public statement acknowledging "a very serious miscarriage of justice" had only narrowly been avoided. You can also listen to my interview with Liam on my audio book 'You Are Accused', available on Audible. Click the link in the description or search for 'You are Accused' by Raphael Rowe to get your copy. ‘You Are Accused’ with Raphael Rowe Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colin Sutton, a former police detective, is celebrated for his instrumental role in the capture of two of the UK's most notorious criminals. Levy Bellfield, a serial killer, and Delroy Grant, a serial rapist, were both caught thanks to his exceptional efforts. The BAFTA-nominated ITV drama "Manhunt" was inspired by the successful investigations led by Sutton. With over three decades of experience and a record of solving over 30 murder cases, Sutton is a seasoned detective with a remarkable track record. His involvement in these two high-profile cases, however, brought him widespread recognition. In "Manhunt," DCI Sutton is portrayed by Martin Clunes as the lead investigator who brought both criminals to justice. Sutton's book "Manhunt" provides a comprehensive insight into his methods and strategies. I had the pleasure of meeting Colin earlier this year at Crimecon, where we discussed his exceptional work as a detective in front of a live audience. We also talked about the challenges and fame that came with his exceptional career, as well as the second chance he gave to the victims of the crimes he helped solve. Guest Links: Colin on X Colin's Website Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on Facebook Second Chance on LinkedIn Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a British-Australian academic, endured 804 days as a rebellious hostage of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) while being accused of being an agent for Mossad, MI6, or a spy for Australia. She was imprisoned in the infamous Evin prison, where she was kept in isolation from the outside world and subjected to relentless interrogations. Despite being told repeatedly that she would be forgotten, Kylie refused to confess and rejected the ever-changing accusations. The Australian government dismissed the charges as baseless, but she was convicted by "the hanging judge" of Iran, and sentenced to 10 years in prison. After a year in solitary confinement, Kylie was suddenly transferred to Qarchak, known as the world's worst women's prison, located on the outskirts of Tehran. Although no evidence was ever presented to support the charges against her, she was subjected to the harshest of conditions. Finally, after a complicated prisoner swap involving four countries, Kylie regained her freedom. In this interview and her book "Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison," she shares the story of her harrowing experience and how she overcame it. You can also listen to my interview with Kylie on my audio book 'You Are Accused', available on Audible. Click the link in the description or search for 'You are Accused' by Raphael Rowe to get your copy. ‘You Are Accused’ with Raphael Rowe Guest Links: Kylie on X Kylie on Instagram Kylie's Book Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the past twenty years, the UK has been grappling with the aftermath of the notorious "Post Office scandal," which has affected countless innocent individuals. In 2000, the Horizon IT system was introduced to modernise the Post Office network, but its rollout led to a barrage of wrongful convictions for fraud, theft, and false accounting. Despite technological advancements in digital payments and optimised accounting, the system frequently flagged accounting discrepancies due to bugs and errors, resulting in harsh punitive measures taken against subpostmasters and staff. Consequently, thousands of innocent people lost their jobs, homes, and freedom. The Post Office and its lawyers attempted to cover up the scandal by withholding crucial information about Horizon in court cases, leaving many of the victims without justice or compensation. Recently, the Court of Appeal overturned the wrongful convictions of many former subpostmasters, stating that the Post Office should not have initiated the prosecutions.  Jo Hamilton, a former sub-postmistress from Hampshire, joined me on this episode to share her story of how the scandal affected her. She was accused of stealing £36,000 from her branch and pleaded guilty to false accounting in 2008 out of fear of imprisonment. It took years for her to clear her name, and in the meantime, she had to mortgage her house and borrow money from friends. What she didn’t know at the time was the fact that the Post Office investigators had evidence indicating that she had never stolen any money but hid it from her defence. This scandal underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour, particularly with those we ought to trust the most. You can also listen to my interview with Jo on my audio book 'You Are Accused', available on Audible. Click the link in the description or search for 'You are Accused' by Raphael Rowe to get your copy. ‘You Are Accused’ with Raphael Rowe Guest Links: Jo on X Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube  Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Cowley's youth was marked by explosive arguments and aggression, due to his parents being alcoholics. He eventually became homeless and turned to crime, After serving in the army, which failed to provide him with the direction and purpose he craved and the subsequent death of his parents, Paul's quest for meaning led him to an extraordinary encounter with God. This encounter changed his life forever and led him to the path of priesthood. In 2022, Paul Cowley made history as Iceland's first-ever Director of Rehabilitation. His role is to recruit ex-offenders for jobs within the company. Paul has helped many individuals secure jobs at the frozen food retailer's stores, with more opportunities on the horizon. Paul oversees the recruitment process, rather than adding it to HR or line manager responsibilities. The program has received support from the company's founder and executive chairman, Malcolm Walker. Paul's journey from a troubled youth to a soldier, and finally to a priest, is a testament to the transformative power of faith and hope. He shares his story  is to give hope to anyone who feels lost and broken. Guest Links: Paul on X Paul on Instagram Paul on LinkedIn Second Chance Podcast Links:  Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amanda Knox, a journalist and public speaker, is best known for her wrongful conviction in the murder case of Meredith Kercher. Alongside her ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, Knox was accused of the crime and sentenced to 26 and 25 years in prison, respectively. After four years behind bars, the Italian court acquitted them in 2011. However, Knox was again convicted in 2014 but was later exonerated by the Supreme Court of Italy. Despite her traumatic past, Knox has dedicated herself to advocating for criminal justice reform and media ethics. She serves on the board of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, where she shares her story to raise awareness about issues within the criminal justice system. Knox's bravery and activism serve as an inspiration and model for others who have experienced similar injustices. You can also listen to my interview with Amanda on my new audio book 'You Are Accused', also available on Audible. Click the link in the description or search for 'You are Accused' by Raphael Rowe to get your copy. ‘You Are Accused’ with Raphael Rowe Guest Links: Amanda Knox Website Amanda on X Amanda on Instagram Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank Stedman, a lad from Essex was arrested at Heathrow Airport on a flight back from Thailand having fled there to escape capture for his involvement in organised crime. Driven by his greed for money, Frank became a runner for an organised drug trafficking gang. He transported and delivered large sums of money and kilos of drugs across the country until the authorities caught up with him and his co conspirators. He pleaded guilty for his involvement in a £80 million drug supply conspiracy. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. However, there is more to this story.  In this episode Frank speaks openly about his experiences and the lessons he learned and is a huge advocate that crime does not pay. He hopes that by sharing his story, he can discourage others from following a similar path. Guest Links: Frank on Instagram  Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Hunt Interviews Raphael Rowe on the Raphael Rowe Foundation and the Importance of Improving Basic Human Rights in Prisons Worldwide They discuss the origins of the Raphael Rowe Foundation with Raphael Rowe, following the success of the Netflix series 'Inside the World's Toughest Prisons'. Raphael emphasizes the need to improve basic human rights in prisons worldwide, including access to water, food, sanitation and a bed – things many of us take for granted in the UK. To learn more about the Foundation's work and contribute to the cause, visit raphaelrowefoundation.org. Your support can make all the difference in someone's life. Raphael himself is a testament to the opportunity that can arise from challenging experiences, having become a journalist as a result of his own time in prison. Join the movement towards a better future for all and check out season 7 of the series on Netflix today. Second Chance Podcast Links: Raphael Rowe Foundation Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noel, at the age of 23, was sentenced to life imprisonment, even though he was not responsible for the fatal stab wound that killed a man. He was released 15 years and 2 months later, at 38, refusing to let his circumstances define him. Instead, he found solace in yoga - using it as a means of promoting wellness and inner peace, not just for himself but for those around him, too. During his time in prison, he developed a wellness program through yoga, which he taught to fellow inmates and staff, creating a sense of community and support that he felt was lacking. Now that he's a free man, he still goes back to teach others. Noel's dedication and passion for yoga helped him and those around him cope with the challenges of prison life. With his experiences, he discovered the power of mindfulness and self-care and is committed to helping others find the same sense of peace and purpose through yoga inside and outside. Guest Links: Penal Solutions LinkedIn Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicole's once-promising career as a lawyer was eclipsed by her drug addiction, which led her down a dark path. As a result, she engaged in dishonest billing practices, took cash payments from clients, and even showed up to court under the influence of drugs. Consequently, she was disbarred by the Law Society of British Columbia, and her life spiralled out of control.  She started dealing crystal meth, and found herself entrenched in dangerous situations, including surviving a brutal attack on her life. She even worked for a bike gang where an operation to bring the gang down led to her eventual conviction for drug trafficking and sentence to three years in prison. Despite the hardships, Nicole sought help for her addiction and began the process of rebuilding her life. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Saskatchewan, providing hope and encouragement to the formerly incarcerated and individuals struggling with addiction. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work in overcoming adversity and achieving new goals. Guest Links: Nicole LinkedIn Nicole Instagram Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a child, Gethin Jones was highly sensitive and struggled with feelings of being lost and overwhelmed. He didn't know how to deal with his emotions and resorted to negative behavior. Eventually, he became uncontrollable and was taken away from his family and placed in the care system. This experience sent him spiraling down a path of self-destruction that resulted in a 20-year relationship with the Criminal Justice System. During this time, Gethin spent eight years in prison and developed a drug dependency. However, his last prison sentence proved to be a turning point in Gethin's life. He went through a transformative process that changed his personal and professional outlook. Now, he firmly believes in his potential and uses his experience to help others unlock their own potential. He works with Prisons, Charities, and Local Authorities to create high-performing individuals and teams. Gethin Jones Links: Gethin Jones on Twitter Unlocking the Potential Website Gethin YouTube Second Chance Podcast Links: Second Chance on YouTube Second Chance on Instagram Second Chance on LinkedIn Second Chance on Facebook Raphael's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The film, The Sun Also Rises, due out later this year, portrays the life of Raye, a woman trapped in an abusive relationship, as she struggles to escape the cycle of violence and its effects on those around her. With Gina Jones in the lead role, it is a story of strength and resilience, both on and off the set. Despite losing part of her hearing and suffering from tinnitus after a car crash, Gina refused to give up on her passion for acting. She persevered through the difficulties of hearing directions on set and feeling out of place at social events, proving that she is a true fighter. Gina's dedication to raising awareness about the challenges abuse victims face in her new film is a testament to her character and spirit. Through her portrayal of Raye, she shines a light on the reality of domestic violence and empowers others to take action. Gina's success is only the beginning, and there is no doubt that her talent and courage will continue to inspire many.  Gina Jones Links: Gina Jones on Instagram Gina Jones Website The Sun Also Rises Trailer Second Chance Podcast Links: Raphael on Instagram Raphael on Twitter Raphael's Website Raphael Rowe Foundation Second Chance on Facebook Second Chance Podcast LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reed Domingo is a charming man with an unbelievable story. Struggling to pay for the expensive costs of American IVF treatments, he found himself in debt to the tune of $250,000. When the situation became unbearable, Reed turned to bank robbery as a last resort, even going so far as to carry cyanide capsules in case he was ever caught. Having worked in a bank and undergone extensive training on how to handle robberies, Reed knew exactly how to exploit the system during his lunch breaks, walking away with tens of thousands of dollars each time. From a privileged background to resorting to desperate measures, Reed was determined to relieve himself and his family of the financial burdens that came with trying to have a child. Eventually, the FBI caught up with Reed, and he was arrested. In this episode, you'll hear all about how it happened and what followed. Reed's story is truly one of a kind, and he now lives a completely different life. Despite the shocking nature of his past, Reed has since dedicated his life to helping former convicts become better people. We appreciate him taking the time to share his story with us, and we hope you'll leave your thoughts in the comments section. Thank you for listening! Links: Second Chance Podcast Links: Raphael on Instagram Raphael on Twitter Raphael's Website Second Chance on Facebook Raphael Rowe Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jermaine Pennant is a former professional football player known for his on-field prowess and off-field controversies.  After being signed for £2 million by Arsenal at age 15, he went on to play for prestigious clubs like Leeds, Arsenal and Liverpool. However, his troubled personal life, including alcohol problems and run-ins with the law, soon overshadowed his football career. Despite his success on the pitch, he was labelled a "Bad Boy" by his former manager Steve Bruce and the British media. In his autobiography 'Mental: Bad Behaviour, Ugly Truth and the Beautiful Game', Pennant revealed that his upbringing and troubled relationship with his father, who was convicted of drug dealing, affected him psychologically to this day. He was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 39, which gave him clarity into understanding his past decisions, particularly his finances and careless life choices. Although Pennant has had his fair share of struggles, he is now determined to help others who find themselves in similar situations. He has found love with Jessica Impiazzi and is working towards a brighter future. With a focus on sports and mental wellbeing, Pennant hopes to change the public's opinion and share the real truth about his life experiences. Jermaine Pennant’s Links: Jermaine Pennant on Instagram Jermaine Pennant on Twitter Brutally Honest with Jermaine Pennant Mental by Jermaine Pennant Second Chance Podcast Links: Raphael on Instagram Raphael on Twitter Raphael's Website Second Chance on Facebook Raphael Rowe Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may seem unlikely, but many successful entrepreneurs have come from difficult backgrounds and turned their lives around. With the right mindset, perseverance, and willingness to learn new skills, anyone can transform their life and create a successful business. Take the story of Quan Huynh, for example. In 1999, he shot and killed another man in Hollywood in a gang-related incident and spent 22 years in prison. However, upon his release in 2015, he channelled his drive and determination into something positive, setting up his own business, Defy Ventures. He even received the Peace Fellowship Award for his work with the Alternatives to Violence Project, helping others to heal and find purpose. Journaling is a powerful tool that Huynh used to understand himself, his past, and create a new future. His writings in prison led him to author the book, Sparrow in the Razor Wire, and actively shift the narrative of what it truly means to be a former offender. In this episode, he shares what it was like to be behind bars and how he found freedom within to keep bouncing back from even his tenth chance at life! Quan Huynh Links: Quan Huynh on Instagram Quan Huynh on Twitter Quan Huynh's Website Quan Huynh on Facebook Quan Huynh on YouTube Second Chance Podcast Links: Raphael on Instagram Raphael on Twitter Raphael's Website Second Chance on Facebook Raphael Rowe Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Wade, a wealthy entrepreneur, says he was searching for love in all the wrong places, relying on his wealth to attract partners. He believed love was only for those without money until he met Dana, his fourth wife and true love. They met through his own dating website, Seeking.com in 2020. Before meeting Dana, Brandon had dated sugar babies and endured a number of painful divorces. But after spending his 50th birthday alone, he knew he needed a change. After visiting a fortune teller who predicted he would remarry, he found the love of his life. Despite the outside world's judgement, Brandon and Dana say they are genuinely in love and are now happily married. Brandon's newfound appreciation for honest commitment has led him to rebrand his website, Seeking, to reflect his own personal romance. Launched in 2006, SeekingArrangement.com is a luxury dating website for singles. Seeking welcomes anyone looking for a premium online dating experience, and its mission is to help its 40+ million members find relationship success by encouraging honesty between partners. Brandon says his own story of finding true love serves as a testament to the transformative power of love. He wants people to know that his own experience has shown that a change in approach to dating can lead to great relationships.  Every relationship starts with how we feel about ourselves, and love can bring joy and happiness at any point in life. Brandon hopes his story will inspire others to find the same joy he has found in his life. You can watch the full interview on the Second Chance Podcast YouTube channel. Brandon Wade on Instagram Brandon Wade on Twitter Brandon Wade on Facebook Seeking on Instagram Seeking on Twitter Seeking on Facebook Seeking on YouTube Seeking Website 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.

Bianca Colclough's Empowering Journey: From Gambling Addiction to Creating a Supportive Community for Women Bianca Colclough, the founder of This Girl community, has opened up about her own struggles with gambling addiction. Despite being unknown to many close to her, this addiction stemmed from years of sexual abuse by a family member and dealing with her parents' difficult divorce. She has also experienced her own divorce and two miscarriages. In an effort to help other women share their own stories and overcome their traumas, Bianca now brings women together to build self-worth and businesses step by step. Her company offers consulting and networking to support wellness and development. Bianca's gambling problem started small and quickly became unmanageable as she sought to escape her own reality. Her hope is that by sharing her story, others will be inspired to come forward and seek help in overcoming their own addictions. No matter what the addiction may be - whether it's related to alcohol, food, drugs, sex, cleanliness, or gambling - asking for help is a courageous step towards healing. Remember that you are not alone on this journey, and there is great strength in seeking support. You can watch the full interview on the Second Chance Podcast YouTube channel. This Girl Community on Instagram This Girl Community Website This Girl Consultancy on TikTok Second Chance Podcast on YouTube Raphael on Instagram Raphael's Website Second Chance on Facebook Raphael Rowe Foundation Podcastsecondchance on TikTok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.