Life Behind Bars
David Navarro spent ten years in and out of prisons all over the country. Now he's sitting down to eat a real prison meal with a guest who has their own unique experience of being incarcerated or working within His Majesty's Prison Service. From the moment they take their first bite the pair embark on a journey that unravels the real myths and stereotypes that people have about UK prisons and prisoners. All comments they dissect are genuine things people have said on the internet about UK prisons. Exploring topics such as rehabilitation, overcrowding, relationships, and the challenges faced by both prisoners and staff, the conversation covers difficult topics and brings back memories for those involved. Across the series we'll hear anecdotes painting a unique picture about daily life inside.
- 2024-2024
- 1 season
- Suspense
David Navarro spent ten years in and out of prisons all over the country. Now he's sitting down to eat a real prison meal with a guest who has their own unique experience of being incarcerated or working within His Majesty's Prison Service. From the moment they take their first bite the pair embark on a journey that unravels the real myths and stereotypes that people have about UK prisons and prisoners. All comments they dissect are genuine things people have said on the internet about UK prisons. Exploring topics such as rehabilitation, overcrowding, relationships, and the challenges faced by both prisoners and staff, the conversation covers difficult topics and brings back memories for those involved. Across the series we'll hear anecdotes painting a unique picture about daily life inside.
Season 1 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 2024
Episode 1
The truth about prison food
Ever wondered what prisoners eat every day? David Navarro shares a standard prison meal of pie and mash with prison cook turned Michelin star chef Nathaniel 'Natty' Mortley. They discuss the best and the worst of prison food, kitchen etiquette and how most prisoners cooked meals using kettles in their cells. We learn why the prison kitchen is the best place to be, why guards must strip search you if you work in there, and inventive places to hide seasoning. Breaking down misconceptions around the quality of the food, David and Natty reveal the reality of eating meals on the inside.
Episode 2
Prison life with a former prisoner and prison officer
What happens when an ex-prisoner sits down to eat with a retired prison officer? David Navarro shares a jacket potato and rice pudding with Neil Samworth who worked as a prison guard for many years. They go head-to-head and have an honest conversation about what life is really like from both sides of the bars. From extreme violence to illegal deals, the pair open up about the tough environment that both staff and prisoners experience when inside the institution of prison. Can they meet in the middle over a plate of standard issue prison food?
Episode 3
Being transgender in a UK prison
What are the realities of being trans in prison? David shares a meal with Danny Baker, discussing how he came to terms with his trans identity whilst spending time as a young trans man in a woman's prison. Over a fish supper, commonly served on Fridays in prison, the pair dissect how young people get stuck in the system and if redemption for ex-prisoners is truly possible.
Episode 4
Men's vs women's prisons
How different is it for women in prison? David eats a plate of rice and curry with former prisoner Jules Rowan as she recalls her time on the inside. The pair share personal anecdotes and compare and contrast how they were treated. From inventive ways to use sanitary towels to getting ready for a prison visit, both talk honestly about the world of prison and what they did to survive it.
Episode 5
In prison for tax fraud
UK prisons are disproportionally populated with young black men, and here, David sits down with the minority: a middle-class white man. Chris Atkins was convicted of tax fraud in 2016 and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Over a meagre prison breakfast, the pair discuss whether the inequalities of race and class are just as prevalent behind bars as they are in the outside world. And the pair go deep into how they both stayed sane whilst struggling with their sentence.