Second Chance – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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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

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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

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Emma-Jane Taylor is not afraid to speak out on subjects that many people find taboo. Aged 9 Emma was sexually abused. Aged 13 she was groomed and raped. Aged 17 she took back control of her life. Aged 23 she sought therapy and embraced her experience. Now she is a successful entrepreneur and public speaker empowering her daughter, her friends and woman around the globe. Being a victim of sexual abuse did not define her. 

Links: 

About

The Inspirational Mentor - Home

https://www.instagram.com/theinspirationalmentor/

Childline | Childline

Victim Support |

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stephen Gillen was once described as an organised crime boss and one of Britain's most dangerous prisoners. After serving a number of lengthy prison sentences  he embarks on a life changing journey. One that benefits him and others. As a dangerous prisoner he spent years in and out of secure units - inside maximum security prisons. However, Stephen Gillen is no exception to the vast number of prisoners who turn their lives around after crime and punishment - but his story is a compelling testimony as to why we should never write people off because of their past.

Links: 

Stephen Gillen You Tube

www.stephengillen.com 

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When David, a privately educated city financial broker, lost his job he tried to hide the fact from his girlfriend, family and friends. His addiction to cocaine and gambling led him to crime and eventually attempts to commit suicide. Prison changed his outlook on life. As he prepares for an adventure no-one has ever attempted before he tells me why he has not allowed his mistakes to define him.

Links: 

Suicide Helpline

Help for problem gambling - Healthy body

https://allianceofsport.org/

https://penalreformsolutions.com/

www.nomadicpaddler.co.uk

www.everestreform.co.uk 

@nomadicpaddler 

@everestreform

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

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Gary Mansfield agreed to transport two holdalls across the UK for a criminal organisation. What he thought was a couple of bags full of fake designer clothes labels turned out to be over 4 million pounds worth of class A drugs.  The judge sentenced him to 14 years in prison. Inside prison Gary discovered his real artistic skill was not selling fake clothing and drugs but his ability to create art that caught the attention of world renowned artists. 

Links: 

Gary Mansfield - @MizogArt - Home

Gary Mansfield

Twitter: @mizogart

Gary Mansfield (@mizogart) • Instagram photos and videos

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

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Cannabis, or weed as it is widely known, is freely available to order online for delivery in some states of America. This decriminalisation and legalisation of cannabis, although in conflict with Federal laws, has generated a trade now worth millions of dollars for CEO’s importing or growing their own weed in places like California, Colorado and Alaska.

But not everyone is in high spirits about the state of play.  Evelyn Lachapelle served five years, from a 7 year prison sentence, for illegally laundering money generated from cannabis trafficking, before it became legal.  She now campaigns for the sentences of over 40,000 prisoners, convicted and imprisoned for cannabis crimes, to be overturned now that the law has changed.

Links: 

Last Prisoner Project - Cannabis Reform Nonprofit

EVELYN LACHAPELLE

Evelyn LaChapelle (@EvelynLaChapel5)

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DJ Vodicka worked as a correctional officer in the state of California, in the USA.  For sixteen years he was a prison guard in the highest security prisons, serving meals to gang leaders, serial killers in lockdown cells, and patrolling exercise yards filled with violent felons while unarmed and outnumbered 1000-to-2. He belonged to an elite unit called the Investigative Services Unit, responsible for solving horrific crimes inside the walls. He became a whistle-blower when he uncovered a group of rogue prison guards who called themselves, The Green Wall. His state senate testimony exposed a scandal that led to resignations, transfers, sudden retirements, and reforms of the system. The story is a classic tale of the triumph of personal integrity in the most dishonest place imaginable.

Links: 

DJ Vodicka: https://twitter.com/standingalone48?s=20

DJV - Author, The Green Wall - https://ttriathl8r.wixsite.com/gw723

Salinas Valley State Prison (SVSP) - California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Webpage: Second Chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com  

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter) 

Sound by Joe Adams Podcasts| Audio Avalanche

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romani Boreland aspired to become an economist and was courted by both Havard and Yale Universities in America. He chose to stay and study in the UK making his mother Natalie extremely proud. He was 19 years old, full of life and a bright future when he decided to attend a New Years party with some friends to bring in 2018.  At the part a fight resulted in two teenagers being stabbed, one fatally. Ramani did not inflict any of the wounds but was charged with murder and convicted of manslaughter. His mother claims her talented son, who had never been in trouble with the police before, is a victim not a killer.

Links:

Natalie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empereznatnat/

Joint Enterprise Campaign: CoSign (@cosign200)

Miscarriages of JusticeUK (MOJUK)

Second Chance: facebook.com/RaphaelRowePodcast/

Second Chance Website: https://www.raphael-rowe.com/second-chance

Website: Raphael-Rowe.com

Instagram: @areporter

Twitter: @areporter)

Sound by Joe Adams: www.audioavlanche.co.uk

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