On this first episode of Right From Wrong, we're delving deep into stories of transformation, brotherhood, and the harsh realities of growing up in challenging environments. I'm joined by my close friend, Akai Douglas, who was there the night my single punch tragically ended a life. Akai stands as a testament to resilience and change, having faced his own life-altering challenges.

Together, we reflect on our shared journey from the vibrant yet often dangerous nights out in Nottingham’s Meadows to grappling with the repercussions of a heartbreaking event that changed many lives forever. Akai recounts the moments leading up to my imprisonment, the police investigations that ensued, and the support systems—or lack thereof—that we encountered.

We also touch on Akai’s own extraordinary struggle following a violent attack he endured and his inspiring decision to channel that pain into becoming a campaigner for change and justice. From the visceral fear of those dark days to our ongoing quests for redemption, this conversation is packed with raw honesty and powerful insights.

Join us as we uncover the complexities of loyalty, the heavy toll of our past actions, and the hopeful paths we now tread in our efforts to make amends and build better futures. This episode is more than just a story—it's a call to understand, to empathise, and to drive meaningful change.

00:02:26 Akai’s Perspective on the Meadows. Akai shares his view on the Meadows, a place we both knew well—one that carried both beauty and danger. He reflects on its isolation and the tight-knit social fabric that shaped us.

00:03:29 Nights Out and Youthful Rivalries. Akai and I look back on our nights out as teenagers—moments filled with energy, excitement, and sometimes, conflict. We talk about the blend of camaraderie and rivalry that shaped our youth.

00:07:19 Challenges of Growing Up in a Tough Environment. We reflect on the pressures of growing up in a place where conflict was constant and proving yourself felt like a necessity.

00:11:33 The Life-Altering Punch. I revisit the night I threw a fatal punch—the moment that changed my life and so many others. Akai shares his memories of the immediate aftermath, the community’s reaction, and the overwhelming police presence that followed.

00:14:44 Facing the Consequences. Akai and I discuss the intense pressure that followed—from the police, from our community, and from within ourselves. The fear, the uncertainty, and the realisation that life as we knew it was about to change forever.

00:16:15 The Code of Silence and Snitching. We explore the unspoken rules of our environment—how the “no snitching” culture impacted everything, and the internal conflict I felt as people began coming forward with the truth.

00:17:06 Court and Prison Memories. Akai recalls supporting me through my court appearances and during my time in prison. We talk about the emotional and physical toll this took on both of us.

00:20:15 Support and Friendship. Akai was one of the people who stood by me when I got out of prison. We reflect on what that meant and how crucial support systems are when trying to rebuild your life.

00:23:32 Resilience and Accountability. I open up about the mental resilience I had to develop while in prison. Akai shares what it was like visiting me, and the tough realities we faced in those conversations.

00:27:51 Akai’s Turning Point. Akai opens up about his own experience surviving a violent attack—how it shaped him and pushed him to become a campaigner against violence instead of seeking revenge.

00:31:12 Breaking the Cycle. We discuss what it takes to break free from patterns of violence—whether that’s through...