The Beautiful Truth

Neelofer Nova

Series of episodes created by poet and writer Neelofer Nova. Conversation based podcast exploring ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the lens of current affairs topics and interviewing guests. Neelofer created a connection with her guests with an aim to get to the real truth behind their story, truth is rare because many people don't have the courage to speak it, but in this podcast we are 100% real.

Episodes

  1. Women and the Criminal Justice System

    17/12/2020

    Women and the Criminal Justice System

    Did you know that... There are now over 2200 more women in prison than there were 25 years ago. 93 women have died in prison in England and Wales since March 2007. 82% of women sentenced to prison had committed a non-violent offence, compared to 67% of men. At least 49% of women in prison identify as being victims of domestic violence, compared to 6% of men. In this episode Neelofer interviews Donna Everett from the organisation Women In Prisons. Donna's story is not the typical one of most people who work with women in the criminal justice system. In fact, she is an example of how someone can turn their life around from being incarcerated to now helping, working with and advocating for other women in prison and who have been affected by the criminal justice system.  Through exploring Donna's story, we discuss how domestic violence can often be a catalyst for women coming into contact with the criminal justice system and how it is so important to reduce custodial sentences for women, which has far reaching and deep impact on families and children. Bringing awareness to the issues faced by women in the UK prison system and also after they are released, this episode discusses the increased need for trauma informed support services and more importantly the need to lobby parliament for big change.  This is an important conversation that needs to be heard and will help to increase awareness and give some insight into a subject that is not widely or often discussed.  "We have potential - no one sees that - they just see the crimes, drugs, mental health - they won't see what's behind it" (Prison Reform Trust/ User voice Women's Council Member) "Simply put, locking women up for a few months many miles from home leads only to increased alienation, increased problems for families and carers, and, perhaps most damagingly , an increased likelihood of reoffending and recall. They should not be in prison to begin with" (Kate Green MP)

    1h 4m
  2. “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not living life”

    08/03/2020

    “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not living life”

    Recorded on location at the home of playwright Sonya Hale in Brixton, South London. The traffic outside and the police sirens can be hard in the background as the mic is sensitive and her front room is not soundproofed. This podcast is called the Beautiful Truth for a reason; it’s real, Its raw. it’s unscripted conversation between the host and the guest. Sonya is a published playwright and works with some major theatre companies in the UK, she is currently writing a short film funded by the BFI and now runs her own writing workshops in theatres, treatment centres, prisons and festivals. Sonya didn’t start out life in the world of theatre or writing, she shares with me her journey of how once her life was personified by addiction, homelessness and what seemed like a life that could never achieve happiness. Nine years into her recovery, her true story of how she took hold of opportunities that came her way and used her creative skill and passion, as well as a commitment to recovery and meditation to turn her life around is both inspiring and very touching. Covering women, addiction, recovery, homelessness and respecting the characters that she creates and writes into her plays, this woman is a walking example of how living in your truth can be powerful enough to save your life! The host Neelofer Nova also shares an original piece at the end of this episode called “Addict” Disclaimer: this episode does include some swearing, occurring organically in the midst of sharing truth, not meant to offend.

    1 hr

About

Series of episodes created by poet and writer Neelofer Nova. Conversation based podcast exploring ordinary people doing extraordinary things through the lens of current affairs topics and interviewing guests. Neelofer created a connection with her guests with an aim to get to the real truth behind their story, truth is rare because many people don't have the courage to speak it, but in this podcast we are 100% real.