In this moving and eye-opening episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant sits down with Ryan Wood and Julie Jones from Invisible Walls, a not-for-profit organisation in Wales working with children and families when a parent is in prison.

Ryan and Julie share how Invisible Walls was born from a desire to keep families connected, and why something as simple as a school report shared across prison walls can change the course of a child’s life. With honesty and compassion, they describe the stigma and silence that often surrounds parental imprisonment, and how schools, communities, and even school inspectors are beginning to shift their approach to these hidden children.

From quilts stitched with love to school discos raising funds, to ground-breaking parent–teacher sessions held inside prison, this conversation shines a light on the golden thread of family belonging—and the small, human actions that ripple into systems change.

This episode is a reminder that dignity, connection, and compassion can break down walls we cannot see—and open new pathways for children to thrive.

🌀 Topics covered:

• The founding of Invisible Walls and its mission to support families
• How trauma-informed training helps schools respond with empathy, not judgement
• Parent–teacher meetings inside prisons—centring children in the conversation
• The “golden thread” of family ties and why it reduces reoffending
• Stories of community love, from handmade quilts to grassroots fundraising
• Shifting systems: how prisons, schools, and inspectors are beginning to change

Whether you’re an educator, changemaker, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, this conversation will inspire you to see the invisible — and remember that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and connected.

💡Learn more:

• Visit the Invisible Walls website
• Follow Invisible Walls on Facebook
• Learn more about the Lord Farmer review mentioned in the show
• Visit the Project Linus website, providing support to children in need

In this deeply moving episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant is joined by spoken word poet, author, hip-hop artist, and creative practitioner Duke Al. Known for his raw, honest storytelling and lyrical brilliance, Duke opens up about how poetry became his lifeline while navigating OCD, intrusive thoughts, and later, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Together, they explore the transformative power of creative expression, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the beauty that can arise from suffering. Duke also shares his spiritual journey and how reconnecting with faith has shaped his perspective on pain, purpose, and resilience.

This is an episode about vulnerability, perseverance, and the choices we make in our darkest moments. Duke's voice is one of truth and light - a testament to the healing power of words.

🔸 Featured Topics:

• Creativity as therapy and connection
• Finding purpose through adversity
• The role of faith and free will
• Using poetry for social and personal change

📕 Duke’s poetry collection: Imagine We Traded Bodies with Sheep (2025)

🔗 Learn more about Duke: DUKE AL | Spoken Word Poet, Author & Hip Hop Artist

🔗Visit The Spark Movement website

📲Follow Duke on Instagram: @dukealpoetry

✨Follow The Spark Movement: @lightaspark.movement

Calling all changemakers! We’re back with season 3 of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, the show for people who want to change the world, leading with passion and purpose.

Hosted by Nikki Giant, founder of The Spark Movement, our third season brings a whole host of changemakers from across the globe to inspire you to find your Spark. If you feel a call to do something meaningful in life, and you want your work to also be your joy, then this show is for you.

New episodes will drop every Friday at 8am GMT, starting Friday 29th August, with guests joining Nikki from the USA, UK, New Zealand, and beyond, all with one common goal: to leave the world better than they found it.

In this season, guests will include:

• Duke Al, poet, author and hip-hop artist, who shares how poetry became his lifeline while navigating OCD.
• Shannon McDougall, principal of a small rural school in New Zealand with a mighty vision; one that centres human presence over performance.
• Claire Watson, teacher turned entrepreneur, who shares her powerful journey from burnout and breast cancer to personal transformation and soul purpose
• Ryan and Julie from Invisible Walls, a not-for-profit organisation working with prisons and schools to ensure incarcerated fathers can maintain a relationship with their children.

Join Nikki and a community of 'ordinary extraordinary' individuals who are ready to spark change and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Subscribe Now!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share it with others who are passionate about creating change. Learn more at https://thesparkmovement.com/#podcast