The Life After Prison podcast was created in October 2022 as the first podcast channel designed to support and inspire people who have spent time in prison and are now building their lives back up again on the outside. It also provides guidance for people more widely affected by the Criminal Justice System.
Zak Addae-Kodua and Jules Rowan were recruited from a raft of people with lived experience of prison, with both landing the presenting job while still completing their licence on probation. Addae-Kodua had been presenting his own DIY podcast for a few months before he applied to be the host, but other than a few small jobs on National Prison Radio, Rowan had no previous experience as a broadcaster. The original intention was to hire a solo host for Life After Prison, but after testing together the format was adapted to incorporate them as a duo. They’ve appeared on BBC Newsbeat and BBC London News, and taken part in many events with the Probation Service, where they have presented the podcast to thousands of staff.
Having spent a total of almost 11 years in prison between them, they are now fully committed to giving back to society and helping others stay away from crime. Through the podcast, Addae-Kodua and Rowan have built a truly supportive digital community of former prisoners and support organisations sharing information and advice. The judges said that “Zak and Jules' work demonstrates the power of podcasting, both as a tool for reaching underserved communities and as a way to bring fresh new perspectives into the media and broadcast space. Their work in building a wider community around their podcast is exemplary.”
Nominated by: Becky Jacobs, head of podcasts, Prison Radio Association
