Chapter 6: Forgiveness, shame, redemption and punishment

Aaron, is an intellectual, kind and ambitious man, and we chat to him as he prepares for what he hopes is the last leg of a life sentence. Aaron is reflective, philosophical and well-read and hopes to put his degree in social science to good use on his return to society. He dreams of doing a master's and being a lifelong learner who can do good in the world, and be who he was always meant to be. This is our final episode, and it is fitting that Aaron would lead us out of this series of Conversations on the Margins. Music in this podcast is performed by students at Wheatfield prison education centre.

In chapter 8, Lynn chats to Sarahjane McCreery from the Irish Penal Reform trust. Sarahjane gives us an insight and understanding of the efforts to improve human rights and standards for men and women in the prison system. This important conversation and reflection comes at a great time in the series because like Governor Eddie, Caron McCaffrey and the men you've heard from throughout the podcast, everyone is circling around the same issues, each coming at it from a different angle. We also hear from Jamie and Joe in this chapter who give us further insight into life in the prison system from first hand experience. You will hear more music performed by students of the Wheatfield education centre.

In Chapter 7, Lynn chats to students of the Wheatfield Prison Education Centre about life, music, art and education. The school in Wheatfield is brimming with talent, creativity and learning. For lots of the men there, the first time they ever held a musical instrument or got to try different types of arts and crafts was in the prison system. This special episode highlights the importance of creativity and opportunity in life, and how it can be a tool for people to find and connect with their true selves. More than ever this chapter is jam packed full of music performed by the students of Wheatfield Prison Education Centre.

Lynn chats to Eddie Mullins, governor of Wheatfield prison about life within the Irish Prison System. Eddie, from his perspective, explores his views on the Justice System and what we can do to change it for the better. In this episode, Eddie talks about how recidivism happens in communities not inside prison, he believes that prison should be a last resort and reserved only for the people who need to be there. The music heard in this episode is performed by men in the Wheatfield Prison Educational Centre.

Niall has been in the prison system for a long time. In this conversation with Lynn he gives a profound account of his life journey that ultimately asks society the question; if he is taking responsibility for his crime, who is going to take responsibility for young men in communities like the one he came from? As ever, music heard in this podcast is performed by students in Wheatfield Prison Educational Centre.