International Women's Day: Meet Jules Rowan, co-host of the Life After Prison podcast
For International Women's Day 2024 we spoke with former prisoner Jules Rowan about her experience with The Prison Radio Association - the world’s first national radio station for people in prison - and her role as co-host of the Life After Prison podcast, which offers advice, inspiration, information, support and entertainment to people who have experienced prison and the criminal justice system.
What drew you towards this role?
When I was released from prison, I really struggled to readjust back into normal life again which I didn’t really prepare for. I also was advised to not speak about my experiences because people judge, which I understood. Throughout my journey on release I realised that most people who have been to prison have felt the same way. When this role came up I knew I wanted grab it with both hands so I could help people that have been in a similar situation to me, to help them and their family/friends to not feel alone, to make the readjusting phase that little bit easier and to help break the stigma that people affected by the criminal justice system face.
What is your biggest challenge as presenter for Life After Prison?
People are very interested in why I went to prison and I get asked this question a lot, especially as a female I think people are more shocked and interested. In the past, I struggled to answer this question without feeling judged or needing to explain the whole story. But now, through Life After Prison, I’ve found a way to deal with that question in a way that is helpful for the community and myself.
Jules Rowan, co-host of the Life After Prison podcast
What is the most surprising thing that you have learnt?
How important a support system like our podcast community really is for people that have been affected by the criminal justice system. I also didn’t realise how this support could help and inspire not only people that have been to prison and their family and friends but also people working in this industry and a wider network.
Do you have advice for any other young women looking to enter this profession?
Yes. My biggest advice would be to follow your passions and beliefs and don’t let anything stop you. This profession does require confidence and the courage to vocalise your beliefs, it also requires embracing who you are and your journey which can sometimes feel daunting, especially as women. However, I didn’t start out with having all these skills, and I continue to learn and evolve every day. Don’t let anything stand in your way.
What career path do you hope to embark upon following on from this experience?
I never really thought that presenting could be a career for me, but I absolutely love it. I would like to keep growing the podcast and make presenting and helping people affected by the criminal justice system my fulltime career. Ultimately I want to work towards positive change in this field.