Welcome back to another heart-to-heart episode of Right From Wrong. In this episode, I sit down with Sandra Barefoot, a pivotal figure in my transformation journey, to dive deep into the profound power of storytelling and the life-changing impact of the Restore Prison Program.

Sandra isn't just a guest; she's been a guiding light, helping me and countless others navigate the turbulent waters of accountability and self-forgiveness. Together, we reflect on my early days outside prison, the guilt that weighed heavily on my shoulders, and how the act of sharing our stories has the potential to heal and transform.

We explore the cultural stigmas surrounding vulnerability, especially in hostile environments like prisons, and discuss how creating safe spaces can lead to remarkable personal growth. Sandra's compassionate approach and her extraordinary ability to hold space for others have not only impacted inmates but have deeply influenced my path as well.

You’ll hear about my experience re-entering prison, this time for the right reasons, and how I grappled with my past while striving to make amends. We touch on the complexities of forgiveness, the ripple effects of our actions, and the invaluable lessons learned from those we might least expect.

Trust me, this episode is packed with insights and emotional revelations that you won't want to miss. Join us in this intimate conversation as we uncover how owning our stories and embracing our vulnerabilities can pave the way for true redemption and societal change.

00:01:44 Meeting Sandra Barefoot. I look back on the first time I met Sandra at a restorative justice conference and how she became such an important part of my journey toward redemption.

00:04:12 The Early Days of Collaboration. Sandra remembers my first experiences observing the Restore Prison programme and the deep emotional connection we formed through our shared mission.

00:05:29 What is the Restore Programme? Sandra explains The Forgiveness Project and the Restore Prison programme, breaking down its purpose, its origins, and the impact it has had on those inside the prison system.

00:08:55 Breaking Down Barriers in Prison. We talk about the initial scepticism from inmates and the powerful impact of creating a space where they could open up emotionally, even in such a tough environment.

00:10:09 My Own Transformative Experience. I share the overwhelming guilt I felt every time I left the prison after a session, knowing I had the freedom to walk away while others remained inside.

00:11:19 The Power of Human Connection. I reflect on the moment I connected with a prison officer and realised how much we all share the same struggles, breaking down my own prejudices.

00:12:01 Facing Full Accountability. I explain how some inmates tried to excuse my actions, but I refused to accept that—I had to take full responsibility for what I had done.

00:13:54 Shifting Perspectives. Sandra recalls how powerful it was when inmates watched a film of me meeting my victim’s parents and how it changed their views on accountability and forgiveness.

00:16:02 The Journey of Self-Forgiveness. We discuss the complex challenge of self-forgiveness—why it’s difficult but necessary, and how embracing our whole story is key to healing and transformation.

00:18:21 Dreams and Lost Opportunities. We reflect on inmates reconnecting with the dreams they had as children and how those lost opportunities were shaped by their environment and society’s expectations.

00:21:25 Storytelling as a Path to Healing. Sandra shares why storytelling is such a powerful tool in helping people understand their lives, reclaim lost parts of themselves, and move...