The Beautiful Truth

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)

Episode 5  - features an insightful interview with guest, Syane Findlay - who shares with us GEMS OF KNOWLEDGE.  

Syane is an international trainer, transformation coach and author of the bestselling book NO FEAR HERE: How to rise up and release your potential. She is known for her ability to inspire, empower and provoke positive change both in terms of personal and professional development.

In this episode we discuss unlocking your gifts within, explore how you can use more of your potential and capabilities. Self-development and personal growth is the canvas on which we paint discussion on not settling in life, stepping out of your comfort zone, doing new things and supporting the growth of others. 

We touch on the vibrational levels of people which translate into frequency and energy, how EQ levels develop our self-awareness and how saying "YES" to doing  and trying new things can be a GAMECHANGER in your life! 

Do you want to be more courageous? 

Do you want to know to fill up your joy tank? 

Do you struggle with change? 

Do you want to plant some seeds of personal empowerment into your heart? 

Then this episode is for you! 

It's been a strange and difficult time for many of us across the world with the Covid-19 Pandemic. How do we make sense of it all? 

In this 20 minute episode, the host and poet Neelofer Nova discusses the flip side of issues we are all going through, some of the positive sides of  the current chaos and provides some food for thought on how we can all cope better and touches on time to pause, reflect and use this is an opportunity for personal reinvention.  Ever wondered why you are finding it hard to adjust or you can't stop worrying, Neelofer tells you how to make friends with your RIGHT BRAIN! 

Neelofer shares some of her poetry, making sense of these times through spoken word piece CORONA WHO?. 

Look after yourself everyone, Stay Safe. 

Give yourself 20 mins to sit back, relax and listen... 

Part of the "Mandem on the Wall" phenomenon that went viral on Youtube, Percelle Ascott joins us for Episode 3 of The Beautiful Truth. 

From a boy in Brit School with big dreams and selling books on Amazon to make some money, to becoming a successful actor and writer, as well as the exec producer of projects that hit 15.8 million views, Percelle reveals the sacrifices it takes to get where you want to in a tough industry.

Hitting walls, losing deals and followers, sharing homemade tuna, pasta and sweetcorn to feed the team before a show and how discipline, tenacity, belief and teamwork has allowed him to give back to a community of young actors, artists and content creators by supporting their dreams.

Oh and he is only 27 …..

You won't want to miss the gems of knowledge he shares....

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.

Welcome to episode 1 of the Beautiful Truth. Created by strong minded and outspoken poet Neelofer Nova. 

These are a series of conversations with invited guests who are all doing extraordinary things and willing to share their own beautiful truth through the lens of sharing their own journeys and sharing with the host their perspective on some important current affairs affecting culture and society. If you want some food for thought, this will be a gourmet three course meal to delight you ears with. 

Our first guest is the talented actor and published playwright Ambreen Razia, who has gained a reputation as a rising star and a trail blazer in her industry. 

Welcome and Enjoy!