Episodes
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He was one of the very first television gladiators, the yardstick of 'sports entertainment', Dan Clark is better known as Nitro to millions of people across the world and will forever be the true definition of a TV gladiator. In a new Netflix documentary, Muscles and Mayhem, Dan and his co-stars delve deep into the real world of American Gladiators and provide an unprecedented insight into the television phenomenon. Having watched the documentary series, we were intrigued to know more...
Dan 'Nitro' Clark opens up and gives us such an honest and moving account of his personal life, from addiction to bereavement, and from stardom to his own health struggles, his life is quite something. Dan also has a book out which is titled F Dying: How Cheating Death Kicked My Ass into Loving, Learning and Living My Best Life.
In this episode we speak about Dan's family and the entrenched problems with trauma and addiction. We also of course cover his incredible career, both as a gladiator, but also his time in film and television. And also so much more - Dan really and truly gives us an open and honest conversation!
Please follow him on Instagram: @DanNitroClark
And you can see all of Dan's projects, including his heralded Ted Talk and his book, on his website: www.DanNitroClark.net
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Please meet Wes Cunliffe - he has the most incredible story...
As a teenager Wes was on the frontlines of county lines dealing. He's been stabbed multiple times, had literal run-ins with the law, and has experienced the harsh realities of a life fraught with struggle; Wes' life was one of survival.
He is now flourishing on the rugby pitch, as well as being one of the most respected youth mentors around. Wes dedicates his time to making sure young people don't take the route that he did, and he's even started a new charity called Rize & Reach, aimed to provide mentoring, training and services in the community. Keep an eye open for Wes and Rize & Reach's work!
Thank you Wes!
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Missing episodes?
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How much do you know about the infamous site Silk Road and its creator Ross Ulbricht, also known as Dread Pirate Roberts?
We speak to Lynn Ulbricht, the mother of Ross...
Ross was a pioneer of the deep web and bitcoin. He created a new market place which ended up as a vending system for an array of things, including drugs. Ross was the mastermind behind the website but didn't actually partake in vending himself. Ross now serves a double life prison term and many people feel this is an injustice on many levels. The toll this has taken on the family is inconceivable.
We're joined by Lynn to speak about the history of Silk Road and the journey which led up to Ross' imprisonment. How is Ross now, and what is he doing? What hope is there of his release? And why is this perceived by so many people as a gross injustice? An incredible tale of criminal and social justice on trial.
If you would like to know more or support Lynn and Ross, go to: freeross.org
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this episode represent the individual only
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This is an epic episode with some of the all-time great voices from international drug policy. Recorded live at the Cranstoun conference in Brighton in February 2023, the guests were all briefed to go beyond the usual scripts and be as honest as they could be... and they did not disappoint. This conversation was one of the most open that you're ever likely to hear. Featuring:
Alex Stevens, Professor in Criminal Justice at the University of Kent
Niamh Eastwood, Executive Director, Release
Kassandra Frederique, Executive Director, Drug Policy Alliance
Danny Ahmed, Clinical Director, Cranstoun
Zoë Dodd, Co-organiser Toronto Overdose Prevention Society
Megan Jones, Director, Cranstoun
Thank you for all the work from the Cranstoun crew who put the event and conference on and enabled us to get this conversation recorded, and thank you to Stage One Audio and Visual LTD for all the work on the day. And of course, thank you to Peter Krykant for making this all happen.
Special mention and praise to Nigel Brunsdon who provided all photography and images - as ever Nigel is a legend and you must check out his work via Instagram: @nigelbrunsdon and also nigelbrunsdon.com
Disclaimer: All views expressed in this episode represent the individual only.
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On today's Stop and Search we're joined by Matt Hutchinson. He's a doctor specialising in Rheumatology and General Medicine, and also a comedian - what a combo!
We have a very open and wide-ranging conversation about drug policy, medicine, addiction, the prescribing of pain medication, comedy, and so much more. We really do cover some bases in this chat. Matt is also performing at the Edinburgh Festival, so if you would like to see him in action then go to Assembly George Square Studios on the dates of Aug 2-14, and 16-27 - see his new show Hostile.
We're going to be coming back to Matt as he has so much more to say - so thank you to him for such a wonderful chat! Find him on Twitter @Hutch_up
Small disclaimer, let's be honest and real, you know how it works: All views expressed by guests are their own and don't necessarily reflect that of Law Enforcement Action Partnership.
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In this breaking news, emergency broadcast, special podcast, we'll be discussing the bold new moves by the Scottish government to reform their drug policies.
We speak to retired Police Inspector Ian Andrew, and former Detective and author of The Ten Percent, Simon McLean - both of whom are LEAP UK and LEAP Scotland members. Both Ian and Simon have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to help these new proposals come about.
So, what are we talking about here? Well, a new report recommends that Scotland decriminalises all drug possession, as well as safe consumption rooms, diamorphine assisted treatment, and drug checking services. This is also a step towards a conversation around legal regulation of all drugs.
Hear from inside the circle, how this came about, how it's shaping up and crucially... how will the Westminster government react?
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Louise Marwood is an actress and comedian - you may recognise her from the British soap opera Emmerdale. In recent weeks Louise has bravely spoken out via the media about her own struggles with addiction, using her platform to help build the discussion around addiction and stigma... but Louise is now embarking on a new project!
With her background in the arts and comedy, Louise will be putting on a one woman show titled: Rita Lynn: The Life Coach Who Wanted to Die - part autobiographical, part comedy, part drama, this stage production looks to start a deeper conversation around what it's like to be at "rock bottom". In this podcast episode we discuss this exciting new venture as well as some very personal insights from Louise's own life, and we also discuss the much-needed nuance around 'recovery' and what that actually means.
At the time of broadcast of this podcast episode Louise is crowdfunding the stage show - please do support her with whatever you can via the Go Fund Me page. All kind donations go towards making the show bigger and better, and with a chance to tour!
And tickets are already on sale! You can get tickets via the Rosemary Branch Theatre.
Please do support and listen to Louise's words in this podcast - and share share share if you can! Let's have this big conversation around addiction and kick the stigma right out.
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A journalist, newspaper editor, radio presenter, author, Stig Abell has just about done it all in the world of media and journalism. In his book, How Britain Really Works, Stig writes about the many institutions of the UK and how policy making is not always what it's cut out to be. Having done a lot of work in prisons and the justice system, Stig has seen firsthand how we may want to make some changes to the way we currently work.
Stig currently co-presents the Monday to Thursday breakfast show on Times Radio and has a new fiction book out called Death Under a Little Sky. In this podcast episode we cover a lot of ground, from Westminster, to prisons, from Fleet Street and the responsibility of journalists, to the way in which politics and the media crossover. And of course, drug policy.
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Having served as the chief judge of the Newark Municipal Court, Judge Victoria Pratt is also professor at the Rutgers Newark School of Criminal Justice. Judge Pratt has a written a book called The Power of Dignity: Transforming Criminal Justice which delves into her work in and out of the courtroom. Having looked for alternatives to the criminal justice system for many years, Judge Pratt is an advocate of community solutions and going deeper than your average courtroom. Her TED talk, "How Judges Can Show Respect," has been viewed over thirty million times and is well worth a watch.
In this podcast episode we speak about the many ways in which the justice system needs to change and how judges and police officers need a tangible link to their communities in order to understand the people in which they deal with. We also speak about the many pipelines to prison, and how people from BAME backgrounds are inherently at a disadvantage in the justice system... and of course addiction, we must speak about addiction.
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Shelby Hartman is the co-founder and CEO of the innovative publication Double Blind Magazine. Having written for numerous publications such as Vice, Huffington Post, Rolling Stone, Shelby and her partner Madison are now shaping how we view the emerging and exciting world of psychedelics via Double Blind Magazine.
In this episode we talk about a the need for quality drug journalism, how the UK can learn from the US with the emerging psychedelic treatments around PTSD and trauma, what can the lessons of cannabis regulation teach us, and so much more!
Find Shelby on twitter: @shelbyannehart
And find Double Blind Magazine on your social media platforms, as well as the website: https://doubleblindmag.com
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Let's chat with TV presenter, broadcaster, and podcast legend, Tim Lovejoy.
Tim has had an interesting journey with drug policy... like many, Tim believed in our drug laws, he had no need to investigate further. But after hosting a number of people on his own podcast, The Lovejoy Hour, such as Peter Bleksley, Neil Woods, Johann Hari, and our own Stop and Search host Jason Reed, Tim has had a complete transformation in his thinking and is now a big advocate from drug policy reform - he does all he can to help spread the message.
In this episode of Stop and Search we talk about the role the media play in drug policy, as well as press 'scandals'. We also delve into mental health, addiction, and what more we can all do to help raise awareness to this big issue.
Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and nice review wherever you can.
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He's a mental health advocate, author, criminal justice reform advocate, chart-topping podcaster, and of course the director of communications under Tony Blair's term as Prime Minister - Alastair Campbell barely needs an introduction.
In this episode we go further with Alastair than he's ever gone before in giving his thoughts on failed drug policy and how the 'war on drugs' has caused harm across society. With Alastair's own personal tales of addiction, alongside his advocacy for mental health and criminal justice reform, Alastair is able to give a multifaceted perspective as to why he now looks at drug policy with different eyes.
We also quiz Alastair on the influence and power of communications - how could we not?! There's a lot to unpick in the episode, such as drinking and drug use in Westminster, the story behind Labour's reclassification of cannabis, Norway's pioneering justice reforms, and so much more.
Please subscribe, like, leave nice reviews, and all that lovely stuff. You know what to do, thank you!
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What is it really like being a county lines drug dealer? Danielle Marin was at the forefront of the drug distribution evolution and became a drug dealer at an early age. The book Top Girl is a must-read!
Danielle witnessed some of the very worst aspects of society and yet she has one of the calmest and most sensible demeanours imaginable. On this episode Danielle tells us in her own words what led her to become a dealer, what the life was like, and yes, she discusses some of the worst aspects of the past and abuses. Please do be advised that some incredibly hard subjects are spoken about in this conversation. We give such gratitude to Danielle for her candour and allowing us an unprecedented insight into her incredible life.
We're also joined by writer Robin Eveleigh who is the ghost writer of Top Girl. Robin is a regular contributor to Vice, as well as a host of other publications. How did Robin find the process? How did he cope hearing Danielle's most horrific tales of abuse and trauma?
Please do listen and share this episode, and once more... thank you very much Danielle!
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Richard Mylan is an actor from film, stage and television, as well as a theatre producer, director and a drama teacher. His career has been diverse and littered with big roles such as Waterloo Road. But recently Richard has devoted more of his time to speak about his personal journey with addiction in hopes that he can raise awareness for other people who may be struggling, and to wipe away the stigma that can often come with addiction.
In this special episode we have a very intimate conversation with Richard about his heroin use which lasted twenty years - how and why he got to that place of addiction, and his advocacy for a change of attitudes.
We send such gratitude to Richard for his openness and honesty. Conversations such as this go a long way in helping others, as well as helping make the societal changes that we need to save lives.
Find Richard via his website: https://www.richardmylan.com/
And Twitter: @RichardMylan
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We talk to Stanley Nelson, director of the new Netflix documentary Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy. What really happened in the 80s and the crack epidemic?
Taking an in-depth look at the societal costs, how communities reacted, and how the media played their part, this eye-opening documentary is described as “a puzzle” by Stanley who tried to piece together the many overlaps of the crack picture. From the media term of ‘crack babies’, to addiction, poverty, the militarization of the police, and also there’s a large international element too with the Ronald Reagan presidency having a part to play in Nicaragua… and this is where it really gets interesting!
Stanley Nelson set about trying to tell this massive story and his film and he does so with the help of many contributors, including Dr Carl Hart who you might know from previous episodes of the Stop and Search podcast. Have a listen to this podcast and then watch the film, it’s truly a must-see!
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Dr Carl Hart has almost become a legendary figure in the world of academia and the media, he’s a professor of neuroscience and psychology at Columbia University and known for his work in drugs and addiction. His first book High Price: A Neuroscientist's Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society was very well received and challenged many misconceptions around society’s perception of drugs and culture, and his new book is set to go even further…
Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear is truly an enthralling read. Dr Hart wants us all to come out of the closet with regards to our drug consumption, he's also coming forward with unapologetic honesty about his own drug use and what it means to him and his life. So, what do we, adults, need to know about the drugs we consume, and what do we need to do to help push this big conversation forward?
Yes, this really is a fascinating and honest discussion!
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Norman Pilcher has gone down in history as the muse behind the song I Am the Walrus by The Beatles. When serving in the newly formed drugs squad, Norman arrested John Lennon, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Dusty Springfield, and many other iconic figures from the 60s. He was one of the first and most infamous foot soldiers in the newly formed 'war on drugs' which began in the late 60s, but what does Norman now think as he looks back over his astounding career in the police service? His new book Bent Coppers is a tell-all about his time in the service and the many good - and bad - coppers that he served with. Norman has also spent time in prison himself which has given him some valuable insights.
In this very, very interesting conversation - we of course discuss Norman's career in the police and the drugs squad, but we absolutely have to talk about the iconic celebrities that he was tasked with arresting, but we also discuss the theme of the book, 'Bent Coppers' and why was Norman so compelled to write this book. And to conclude... what does Norman think about drug policy now?
You can buy limited edition signed copies of Bent Coppers by Norman Pilcher by making enquires at: [email protected] - and regular copies are available at all good retailers.
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The new film County Lines is set for release on December 4th, it is a comprehensive dramatisation of what goes on in the county lines drug chain, but the film is also about so much more...
Henry Blake is the writer and director of this new film but his background is in youth work - Henry conveys why he was compelled to make this film. We talk about what Henry saw in his work, how the film is a big snapshot on his time spent working with the vulnerable, and why the county lines drugs network makes some degree of sense to the children who fall into them.
We also have to address how politics and society have both played a hand in ensuring the practice of county lines is here to stay until we tackle inequality in our communities.
You can see County Lines by visiting the BFI Player or Curzon Home Cinema from December 4th. And you can follow Henry Blake on Twitter @HenryBlake26 - and the film can be followed @CountyLinesFilm
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Leroy Logan MBE climbed the police ranks to become a Superintendent and along the way he encountered institutional racism, abuse, and erroneous accusations and investigations. Leroy has released a new book titled Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop... so how did he get into the police service? Well, that in itself is a fascinating story.
Leroy's life is set to be dramatised by director Steve McQueen and the role of Leroy will be played by John Boyega, so make sure you look out for that!
In this episode we talk about racism, communities, stop and search powers, black lives matter, the 'defund the police' movement, and so much more! As mentioned at the start of this episode, Leroy's life and career mimics society and all the themes that we are faced with today, so this is a podcast not to be missed.
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With over 25 years of experience in criminal law, Chris Daw QC is a barrister who's seen it all. Murder, heists, the apex of international financial crime, and of course drug barons. He's defended many, many people. What drove him to seek answers? What alternatives did he find? And why should we abolish the prison system as we know it... and reform our drug laws?
In his new book, Justice on Trial: Radical Solutions for a System at Breaking Point, Chris decided to tour the globe, looking for answers and alternatives to our current approach to the criminal justice system.
As said, Chris has seen it all - quite literally - and he's got quite a few tales to tell! What works? What fails? And what expense and harm are there for individuals and society alike? How can we make sure less people go to prison, and for less people to go back to prison after their release?
This is a truly fascinating discussion. The book is available as from now!
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