Welcome to a special bonus episode of Right From Wrong, marking the conclusion of our first series. Today, I’m thrilled to share a deeply meaningful conversation with a very special guest—Sir Michael Palin. As many of you know, Michael is best known for his role in Monty Python and his incredible travel documentaries, but today, we delve into a side of him you might not be familiar with: his work and passion for restorative justice.

In this episode, we discuss a powerful theatre production that resonates on multiple levels—emotionally and socially. Michael shares his heartfelt reflections on the play, which is based on my story of transformation and redemption. We talk about the intersections of theatre, personal growth, and the restorative justice process, highlighting how art can spark vital conversations around accountability and healing.

Michael opens up about his involvement with the Longford Trust and his impactful lecture titled "Collateral Damage," which focused on the families of perpetrators—those innocent yet stigmatised by association. We explore the importance of maintaining family bonds for offenders and how crucial these relationships are for meaningful reintegration into society.

Throughout our chat, we touch on themes of forgiveness, the challenges of social stigma, and the often overlooked emotional journeys of both victims and perpetrators. It's a candid, moving conversation that I believe will inspire you to reflect on the power of restorative practices in mending broken lives and communities.

00:01:57 Experiencing My Story Through Theatre. Michael shares his emotional reaction to watching Punch, describing its realistic portrayal of life in Nottingham and the raw power of restorative justice on stage.

00:03:27 The Power of Asking Tough Questions. We discuss why curiosity and difficult conversations are crucial—not just in storytelling, but in the restorative justice process itself.

00:03:59 Restorative Justice in Action. Michael shares his thoughts on restorative justice, reflecting on its importance and the patience, communication, and emotional depth required for it to work.

00:05:38 The Families We Forget. We talk about the collateral damage caused to families of perpetrators—how they suffer too, and how the system often fails to support them.

00:07:47 How My Actions Affected My Mum. I open up about the devastating impact my imprisonment had on my mum—how she turned to alcohol as a way to cope, and how my actions contributed to her decline.

00:13:54 The Role of Family in Rehabilitation. Michael emphasises the importance of family connections in preventing reoffending, drawing on his experiences with prisoner support groups.

00:16:12 My Journey of Change. We discuss my transformation—learning emotional intelligence, forming healthy relationships, and understanding what true accountability means.

00:18:23 Redefining Masculinity Through Vulnerability. I talk about how embracing vulnerability changed my life, especially as a man, and how it helped me grow emotionally.

00:19:17 Meeting My Victim’s Parents. I share what it was like to meet the parents of the man I killed—one of the hardest but most necessary steps in my journey toward accountability and healing.

00:22:12 Learning to Handle Conflict. I reflect on my desire to develop skills in facilitating difficult conversations and conflict resolution—tools that are vital for personal growth and staying out of trouble.

00:25:04 Why More People Need to Know About Restorative Justice. Michael and I discuss how little awareness there is about restorative justice and why it needs to be more widely understood and implemented.

00:29:23 Breaking the...

Today, we’re diving deep into a conversation that’s particularly close to my heart. I’m joined by the brilliant James Graham, an acclaimed playwright who has managed to turn my life story into a powerful stage play called Punch.

James takes us behind the scenes, sharing his emotional and creative journey of adapting my book into a theatrical masterpiece. Together, we explore the transformative power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. We also dig into the wider themes of restorative justice, forgiveness, and personal growth, which resonate so deeply not just with me but with everyone involved in this project.

This episode encapsulates so many of the emotions we've tackled this season: the struggles and the breakthroughs, the doubts and the hopes. And I can't wait for you to hear James discuss how this project has spurred his own growth and reflections on societal issues.

Our conversation is layered, rich with insights, and brings forward that unique blend of accountability and redemption that defines Right From Wrong. This episode promises to inspire and challenge you, offering a new perspective on the ripple effects of our actions and the transformative power of empathy.

00:01:09 Looking Back on Season 1. As I wrap up the first season of Right From Wrong, I reflect on the key themes, powerful conversations, and incredible guests who have shaped my journey from punishment to redemption.

00:02:39 Introducing James Graham. I sit down with playwright James Graham, the man who took my story and turned it into the stage play Punch. We talk about his background and what drew him to my journey.

00:03:24 Processing the Impact of the Play. James shares his thoughts on the reception of Punch—the overwhelming audience response, critical acclaim, and what it meant to see the play come to life.

00:04:22 Reaching Beyond the Theatre. We discuss how Punch has resonated beyond the stage, with people in the legal system—judges, politicians, and educators—engaging with its message on restorative justice.

00:07:29 Growing Up Working-Class with Big Dreams. James reflects on his childhood in a mining village and how his family’s support, despite financial struggles, allowed him to pursue his passion for the arts.

00:10:04 Challenging Cultural Expectations. We talk about how pursuing the arts isn’t always encouraged in working-class communities and how James’s school played a crucial role in making theatre feel accessible.

00:11:40 Hard Work and Family Sacrifices. Both James and I share stories about the work ethic instilled in us by our families, particularly the sacrifices our mums made to give us opportunities.

00:14:20 Immersing in Restorative Justice. James opens up about the deep research process he went through to ensure Punch authentically captured restorative justice and the emotional weight of my story.

00:17:11 Relating on a Personal Level. James shares how themes of vulnerability, relationships, and emotional expression in my journey resonated with his own struggles and experiences.

00:21:58 Why Punch Matters to So Many People. We explore how the themes in Punch—accountability, forgiveness, and second chances—have connected with audiences from all walks of life.

00:24:45 The Power of Forgiveness. We unpack how forgiveness is portrayed in the play and the impact it’s had on audiences, as well as on James and me personally.

00:24:55 Healing Through Theatre. I reflect on how theatre has helped me connect with people in ways I never expected and how the collaborative effort of the

Welcome back to another episode of Right From Wrong. Today, I'm incredibly excited to bring you a profound and heart-touching conversation with two truly inspiring guests, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst. Both actors have immersed themselves in the world of Punch, a play that is very close to my heart, portraying an immensely personal story of tragedy, accountability, and redemption.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of storytelling and live theatre. Julie and Tony share their deep reflections on stepping into the roles of Joan and David, the parents of the man whose life was ended by my single, devastating punch. We delve into how embodying these characters has challenged and changed them, and how the story they help bring to life resonates on levels that are both deeply personal and universally human.

We also discuss the unique ways in which theatre can catalyse real-world change, reaching people not just intellectually but viscerally, as evidenced by the impact of our performances on audiences and even within the legal system. Moreover, we ponder the complexities and emotional landscapes of forgiveness, the immense courage it takes, and how restorative justice can transform lives—not just for those directly involved, but for communities as a whole.

Their insights underscore the remarkable journeys that people go through when faced with unimaginable pain and the paths they take toward healing and understanding. You’ll hear about moments of raw emotion, silent connections, and the ongoing dialogue that follows long after the curtains close.

This episode is a testament to the incredible power of empathy, and it will leave you reflecting on your own capacity for forgiveness and change. I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me. So, without further ado, let's dive into this conversation with Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst. You won’t want to miss it.

00:03:23 Exploring the Impact of Punch. Julie and Tony share their reflections on being part of the play and how its impact has exceeded their expectations—not just personally, but socially as well.

00:04:45 The Power of True Stories. Tony talks about why real-life stories like mine resonate so deeply, challenging audiences and inspiring change because of their authenticity.

00:07:00 Theatre’s Real-Time Connection. Julie highlights the unique ability of live theatre to create an immediate, profound connection with the audience—something no other medium can replicate.

00:09:31 Preparing to Portray Real People. Julie and Tony explain how they approached their roles, focusing on empathy rather than imitation to ensure their performances truly honoured the people involved.

00:13:27 Carrying the Emotional Weight. Tony describes what it was like to perform highly sensitive scenes in front of the real people affected, and how it reinforced the responsibility of storytelling with integrity.

00:16:48 The Complexity of Forgiveness. Julie delves into how forgiveness is never simple or linear—it’s something people turn to out of necessity, survival, and a desire to heal.

00:18:06 What Forgiveness Means to Me. I share my personal experience with forgiveness—how my understanding of it has evolved, and why it’s often a bittersweet and deeply emotional journey.

00:19:58 Audience Reactions and Reflection. Tony describes the overwhelming responses from audiences—how each person engages with the play differently, but all come away emotionally and intellectually moved.

00:23:37 The Toughest Scenes for Me to Watch. I open up about the moments in the play that hit hardest—scenes that bring back painful memories but also show how far I’ve come in my journey.

00:27:08 Why Theatre Is So...