The Secret Life of Prisons
Prison Radio AssociationThe Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate. The podcast tells the hidden stories from behind bars. Paula Harriott is Chief Executive of Unlock. She spent time in prison and now works to help those who have been to prison to contribute to the debate around crime and justice. Phil Maguire is the Chief Executi... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 124 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | NewsSociety & Culture | ||||
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Latest Episodes
As the Sentencing Act 2026 receives royal assent, Phil and Paula take to the stage at Conway Hall in London as part of the Clinks annual conference 2026.
Lord James Timpson was Chief Executive of Timpsons, where he pioneered the employment, at scale... more
Andy West teaches philosophy in prisons. His father and brother spent time behind bars and he wrote a memoir, The Life Inside, about his career in prisons which we featured in an episode back in May 2025. That book has now been adapted for a BBC1 ser... more
Every year the radio industry gathers for the Radio Festival in London. The event, run by a wonderful organisation called the Radio Academy, brings together radio professionals from across the country to see the finest broadcasting talent talking abo... more
In 2006, Phil Maguire OBE left his job at the BBC to work in prisons. He joined a small group of committed, inspirational people to found a charity, the Prison Radio Association, which went on to transform how we communicate in prisons and set up the... more
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- Excellent insights
I don’t have a lot of personal experience of prisons, but this podcast really brims with excellent insights and compassion for a group of people commonly despised by society, and those charged with guarding and helping them. However appalling some of their crimes may be - and I don’t deny the suffering of the victims - prisoners are, after all, human beings; and many, perhaps most, have endured extremely painful experiences on their way to prison. This podcast reminds us of the basic humanity... more
Apple Podcasts5seanie227
United Kingdoma year ago - High quality political podcast
Fantastic podcast, I’ve listened to every episode. Huge respect for Paula Harriott. The humanity that you bring to this content about our criminal justice system is invaluable. Keep up the great work.
Apple Podcasts5RvafUnited Kingdom2 years ago Excellent podcast! Great topics and professionally delivered.
Podcast Addict52 years agobennkr9- Recommend to everyone
Painfully beautiful
Apple Podcasts5MDMA matt
Australia5 years ago - Enlightening
I’m a criminology student and my lecturer recommended this podcast. I feel like this should be listened to by every adult, the understanding and insight it offers is so enlightening and I feel changed as a person. I have always been interested in prison reform but I never understood the extent of the effects of prison life!!
A perfect podcast, the guests, questions and poet at the end are just so moving!!
Take a listen, share it with your friends, you won’t regret it
Apple Podcasts5DavisfaceUnited Kingdom5 years ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Secret Life of Prisons
What is The Secret Life of Prisons about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This show centers on criminal justice reform, prison life, and the human stories behind incarceration. Episodes frequently explore rehabilitation, media ethics, funding for charities, and voices from inside and outside the system, including former prisoners, advocates, and researchers. Notable strengths include a humane, policy-focused approach, tangible examples of reform in action (such as rehabilitation programs and charitable partnerships), and a consistent emphasis on giving voice to people affected by imprisonment. It stands out for its blend of advocacy, first-hand experiences, and discussions about systemic change, making it helpful for listeners who want pragmatic insights into prison reform, funding, and community-led initiatives.... more
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How many listeners does The Secret Life of Prisons get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Secret Life of Prisons?
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How many subscribers and views does The Secret Life of Prisons have?
To see how many followers or subscribers The Secret Life of Prisons has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to The Secret Life of Prisons?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Secret Life of Prisons:
1. Desert Island Discs
2. The Louis Theroux Podcast
3. The Rest Is Entertainment
4. The Trial
5. The Story
How many episodes of The Secret Life of Prisons are there?
The Secret Life of Prisons launched 7 years ago and published 124 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact The Secret Life of Prisons?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Secret Life of Prisons?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for The Secret Life of Prisons?
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What guests have appeared on The Secret Life of Prisons?
Recent guests on The Secret Life of Prisons include:
1. Anne Fox
2. James Timpson
3. Charlie Moloney
4. Beatrice Auty
5. Toni Garrigos
6. Wayne Hickman
7. Dame Rachel De Souza
8. Angus Stobie
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.