In this episode of the Lived Experience series, host Michael J Mc Cusker engages with Ryan Cadwell, the founder of Inner Evolution. They explore Ryan's journey from professional rugby to personal transformation, discussing themes of trauma, identity loss, and the path to healing.

Ryan shares his experiences with darkness, the impact of sports on his early life, and how he navigated challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of faith and personal growth, culminating in Ryan's commitment to helping others through Inner Evolution.

Warning: Ryan talks openly about issues with Mental Health and Suicide.

Join us as we delve into the transformative journey of Gary Coleman, who rose from the depths of addiction and homelessness to become a duty manager at Mr. Price. In this episode, Gary opens up about the impact of childhood trauma, the struggles of addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek recovery.

Discover how community support, education, and a newfound purpose in helping others have shaped his path. Gary's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the ongoing journey of recovery.

In this episode, Robert Cullen shares his transformative journey from a troubled youth to a dedicated criminology student. He discusses the impact of trauma on his education, the importance of compassion in learning environments, and the challenges of navigating homelessness and relationships.

Robert reflects on his dual life as a chef and drug dealer, his turning point in prison, and the role of meditation in his self-discovery. He emphasises the need for understanding structural issues in society, the importance of feminism and masculinity, and his aspirations to become a criminology lecturer to help others. Through his story, Robert highlights the significance of connection, love, and the desire to make a positive impact in the world.

Takeaways

• Education felt like the right fit for me.
• I was bullied a lot when I was young.
• I wanted to be the tough guy to escape feelings of weakness.
• Compassionate teachers made a difference in my life.
• I felt a craving for love and connection.

• Meditation helped me find calm amidst chaos.
• Rebuilding relationships with my children is important.
• Structural issues in society contribute to crime.
• I aspire to teach criminology and promote understanding.

• "Prison creates or exacerbates addictive tendencies."