Octopus Psychology

01/02/2026

Is the world at risk for vicarious trauma?

This weekend saw a huge dump of Epstein files and it seems the world is reeling. Some of us have seen this coming a long way off but recognising the sheer scale of it has a colossal impact. And there’s more to come.

You do need to know what’s been going on. You can’t afford to look away. But make sure you only read it in bite sized pieces. And you also need to find a way to cope with what you’re going to have to digest.

Vicarious trauma typically impacts on people in helping professions – first responders, therapists, social workers. But it can also affect anyone exposed to graphic violent and distressing material. Coupled with betrayal and the realisation of how we’ve been duped, things are going to feel tough. There’s a real risk of harm. Rather than withdraw in overwhelm, reach out to others and connect. We are stronger in solidarity with one another.

There’s a link to resources in the comments.



Daniel Forester

10/01/2026

Is medically unnecessary circumcision of boys as harmful as it is of girls?

If you're wondering why the government is considering classifying it as child abuse, check out the episode of Locked Up Living linked to in the comments in which we meet with Leeanne Morris and Dr Alejandro Sanchez on the National Secular Society

Exclusive: Possible revision of guidance for prosecutors in England and Wales comes amid safety concerns from courts

10/01/2026

🎧 Why should you tune in to this episode of Locked Up Living?
This week on Locked Up Living, a compelling dive deep into the world of incarcerated women, guided by Dr. Kathryn Whiteley—an expert with decades of experience researching women serving life sentences for violent crimes across Australia, the U.S., and Ireland. Kathryn joined Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones to discuss how sentencing, institutional life, and personal histories shape the unique experiences of these women—beyond the stereotypes and sensational headlines.
You’ll learn:
• The untold realities behind women’s pathways to crime
• Surprising international differences and what truly drives resilience and hope in the harshest environments
• How research can be both ethical and empowering for marginalized voices
• Why true crime culture fascinates us—and what’s often overlooked in the conversation

If you’re interested in criminology, psychology, social justice, or simply want to hear human stories that challenge assumptions, this episode is eye-opening, nuanced, and deeply moving. Check out Locked Up Living for fresh perspectives every Wednesday

Follow Locked Up Living on Spotify, Apple wherever you get your podcasts

Links to watch and listen below.

03/01/2026

Quantum theory, love and psychiatry

Ready to rethink mental health and the true meaning of connection?

In this episode of Locked Up Living, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones are joined by psychiatrist Dr Shivam Dubey and retired obstetrician/neonatologist Dr Salil Gupta for a fascinating conversation that moves from the science of emotions to quantum consciousness, spirituality, and the urgent need for real mental health education.

The discussion weaves together insights from Western medicine, philosophy, and ancient wisdom—tackling why "love" is more than just a feeling, why consciousness is still one of science’s greatest mysteries, and how their Mind Sync curriculum is changing how schools (and adults) nurture emotional resilience.
If you’re curious about the intersection of science, the soul, and practical tools for well-being, this episode will spark your imagination—and maybe even challenge some of your deepest assumptions.

Tune in for ideas that go beyond the ordinary.

Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links below

30/12/2025

https://youtu.be/Fx_q390S3tc?si=YnjFWH_AEU8RHJ7H

One of the biggest barriers to healing that survivors of childhood sexual abuse can face is the misperception that somehow they were responsible or could even have prevented the wrong they experienced. Abusers play on this and amplify the sense of culpability. Misplaced shame can stop people speaking up and reaching out to others. It puts a wall between the survivor and those they love. It makes it hard to connect and belong. Without this, survivors are too often left feeling as if they are not whole.

That’s why this initiative is so important. What started as a spark of creativity with Sane Seven will spread support and brotherhood to those who need it. Emma Katherine kindly invited us onto the Imagination podcast to share this story.

There’s a new website in development (link to What Was Hidden in comments) and a conference planned for survivors and allies in the spring. Subscribe to us on substack (link in comments) to get first notification when its launched.

https://youtu.be/Fx_q390S3tc?si=YnjFWH_AEU8RHJ7H

Today I couldn’t be more excited to present to all of you our biggest panel episode yet featuring the team from ‘Inside The Boys Club’ - an exciting and impo...

28/12/2025

Prevention does not begin by blaming children for outcomes adults failed to prevent. It begins by understanding violence honestly — not as caricature, but as a consequence.

Read more on this subject in this blog by Des McVey (link in comments). Des has spent years working with men who’ve committed the most serious acts of violence against women.

27/12/2025

Hosted by Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones, Locked Up Living explores the realities of institutional life, focusing on the challenges and personal growth that can emerge in settings like prisons. In each episode, they speak with guests who share unique perspectives from inside these environments.

In this featured episode, Natalie Miller, a registered nurse working in UK prisons, sheds light on the complexities and personal side of prison healthcare. She discusses the vital role of empathy, advocacy, and teamwork, the daily demands faced by prison nurses, and shares powerful real-life stories that highlight both the difficulties and the deep humanity within prison walls.

Tune in every Wednesday morning at 6am (UK time) for fresh conversations that reveal the untold stories and innovations from some of society’s most challenging settings.

Find us wherever you get your podcasts or via the links below

23/12/2025

6% of all reported sexual offences are against males aged 16-18 years despite them being only 2.4% of the population.
But it was still shocking to me to watch videos of David Walliams apparently indecently assaulting this group of males regularly as part of his stage act. Indecent assault with the added indignity of an audience witnessing it “just for laffs”.
Last week’s conversation was important as it covered the taboo subject of sexual abuse of boys. Naomi and David met with Andy Woodward, Rafael Viola, Tobi Tarquin, Joe Sabien and Dan to discuss the sexual abuse of boys and why it takes men decades to speak up. Importantly, we also spoke about the importance of how solidarity and open conversation can spark change

You can find the transcript and links to watch and listen in the comments
And if you want to get involved, check out this website. We’ve a male survivor-led conference planned for the spring
https://whatwashidden.org/

If you or someone you know is struggling with childhood trauma, please seek professional help, and know you are not alone. There’s also a link to resources in the comments

03/12/2025

Whilst the nation is concerned with grooming gangs, shouldn’t we be equally as concerned about some of the organisations we fund? What role does the UN play in the sexual abuse of children and what could be done about it? This week, Naomi and David are joined by Professor of Law, Andrew MacLeod

Look for Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts or find links to watch, listen or read the transcript in the comments

01/12/2025

UN: A force for good?
Or like the Roman Catholic Church, elite football academies, Oxfam, is the UN also a cloak? This week David and Naomi publish a conversation with UN Whistleblower Professor Andrew MacLeod.

From Wednesday at 6 am. Find us wherever you get your podcasts or look for Locked Up Living Podcast on YouTube.

29/11/2025

Wolves in sheep's clothing....

In our latest Locked Up Living podcast, Helen Evans shares her powerful story of uncovering systemic sexual abuse at Oxfam—and the personal cost of speaking out. From under-resourcing safeguarding to the realities of whistleblowing (including PTSD and community backlash), Helen Evans reveals what it really takes to create change in large organisations and why neurodivergent voices matter more than ever.

A must-listen for anyone committed to ethical leadership, safeguarding, and inclusion.

Tune in now and join the conversation!

Look for Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts – YouTube, Apple, Google, Spotify etc or via the links in the comments

26/11/2025

Abuse dressed up as Aid.

In this episode, Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones are joined by Helen Evans, former Global Head of Safeguarding at Oxfam. Helen shares her powerful whistleblowing journey, uncovering systemic sexual exploitation within the organisation and the emotional toll of advocating for survivors while facing resistance from leadership.

Key themes include:
• The systemic challenges of safeguarding in the aid sector
• The human cost of speaking out against wrongdoing
• The importance of neurodiversity in ethical leadership and whistleblowing
• Strategies for organisational and sector-wide change in safeguarding practices

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in institutional transparency, safeguarding, social justice, and the lived experiences of change-makers.

Look for Locked Up Living wherever you get your podcasts – YouTube, Apple, Google, Spotify etc or via the links in the comments