Growth Uncut

Sarah Lewis

A podcast about growing people. Different people around the world talking about personal growth within the context of social and criminal justice.

  1. Mar 13

    Justice 2.0: You Can’t Upgrade Justice Without Lived Experience, with Michael McCusker

    What if the people who understand the justice system best are the ones who have lived through it? In this episode of Growth Uncut, Dr Sarah Lewis is joined by Michael McCusker, Engagement and Advocacy Manager at The Turnaround Project in Belfast. Michael shares his personal journey from involvement in the justice system as a young man to becoming a leading advocate for lived experience leadership in justice reform. Together they explore the growing movement to place people with lived experience in positions of influence, ensuring policies and programmes are shaped by those who truly understand the challenges of reintegration. The conversation covers: • The barriers facing people leaving prison• The importance of trust, listening and collaboration• The risk of fragmentation within the lived experience movement• Why self-care and resilience are essential for leaders working in this space• The vision for a more co-ordinated and humane justice system This episode is a powerful reminder that lasting reform happens when systems learn from the people they affect most. The Turnaround Project is a Belfast-based organisation dedicated to improving outcomes for people who have been involved in the justice system. The organisation works with: • Government departments• Statutory agencies• Community organisations• People with lived experience to create opportunities for individuals leaving prison to reintegrate successfully into society and influence the development of justice policy and practice. A key ambition of the organisation is to place people with lived experience into positions of leadership and influence, ensuring their insights shape future justice reforms. Learn more:🌐 https://theturnaroundproject.org 🌱 About The Turnaround Project 🌐www.growtransformbelong.com 🌱About Justice 2.0 #Justice2Point0#CriminalJusticeReform#PrisonReform#SecondChances#SocialImpact#Desistance#Justiceleadership

    17 min
  2. Mar 9

    Justice 2.0 in Action: The Digital Bridge After Prison

    What if no one had to leave prison alone? In this episode of Growth Uncut, Dr Sarah Lewis is joined by Sid Singh to introduce the Growth App, a bold Justice 2.0 innovation designed to transform the journey from prison to community. Born out of lived experience and years of work in criminal justice reform, the Growth App acts as a digital bridge between people leaving prison, charities and support networks. It connects the “hero” (the person rebuilding their life) with “buddies” and “guides” who can support their growth journey. Think of it as a growth map for life after prison; helping people track progress, access opportunities, celebrate milestones, and reach out when things get tough. At the same time, it helps organisations connect the incredible work already happening across charities, probation, and community services so that support is no longer fragmented or hidden in silos. Sarah and Sid share the powerful “why” behind the app, the lived experiences that shaped it, and their vision for Justice 2.0 — a justice system that prioritises hope, belonging and human growth. This conversation isn’t just about technology. It’s about building a future where people leaving prison are connected to community, opportunity, and support from day one. Learn more about the Growth App:🌱 https://www.thegrowthapp.org If you believe that no one should navigate life after prison alone, you can help make this movement real. ✔ Download the Growth App✔ Share it with someone who could benefit✔ If you’re a charity or organisation, sign up as a guide and join the ecosystem of support Together, we can upgrade justice and build a system where growth and belonging are possible for everyone. #Justice2Point0#TheGrowthApp#CriminalJusticeReform#Desistance#JusticeInnovation#PrisonReform#SocialImpact#LivedExperienceLeadership#BelongingMatters#GrowTransformBelong

    32 min

About

A podcast about growing people. Different people around the world talking about personal growth within the context of social and criminal justice.