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S1 E24 "I’m the Danger": Life as a Gang Slave

Crime

15+

1h 20m

9 May 2025

In this episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Sosa Henkoma, who shares his journey from gang life to becoming a modern-day slavery survivor. Raised in a tough environment and drawn into criminal networks at a young age, Sosa opens up about the psychological grip of gang culture, the exploitation he endured, and how young people are coerced into situations that feel impossible to escape. Sosa speaks candidly about the violence he witnessed, the trauma he carried, and the process of being groomed into county lines drug operations, something that many young people across the UK face today without fully understanding it. His story sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of criminal exploitation, modern slavery, and how easily vulnerable individuals can become trapped in a system that profits from their pain. But this is also a story of transformation. Sosa now uses his voice to educate others, mentor youth, and campaign against the very systems that once controlled him. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, youth justice, and social change. It’s raw, honest, and deeply human.

Season 1, 23 Episodes

Season 1 (23 Episodes)

People Are Deep: True Crime - How Real Is James Bond: Former Spy Life Story

How Real Is James Bond: Former Spy Life Story,

What does it really take to be a spy? In this gripping episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Harry Ferguson, a former British intelligence officer who spent decades living a double life in one of the most secretive professions on Earth. From covert operations and high-stakes missions to the moral and psychological toll of deception, Harry reveals the hidden truths of spy work. He breaks down how espionage actually works in the modern world (far from the glamour of James Bond), and shares what makes it one of the hardest jobs imaginable: the isolation, the betrayals, and the constant need to hide who you are. We dive into the emotional cost of lying for a living, what separates good spies from dangerous ones, and how his work shaped his relationships, identity, and sense of morality. Harry also reflects on the transition from the shadows of government intelligence to life as a writer and public figure, and whether the truth is ever fully yours again once you’ve lived in secrets. This isn’t a thriller. It’s the real thing: raw, reflective, and deeply human.

15+ 1h 16m 2024

People Are Deep: True Crime - From Dealing Drugs in School to Tackling Youth Crime

From Dealing Drugs in School to Tackling Youth Crime,

What happens when you grow up thinking crime is your only path? In this moving and powerful episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Matthew Norford, a former gangster and drug dealer from Manchester, whose life in crime began shockingly early - in primary school. Raised in a chaotic environment and drawn into street life before he fully understood the risks, Matthew tells us how violence, addiction, and a desire for respect pulled him deeper into the world of gangs. He opens up about his lowest moments: watching close friends die, becoming addicted to the lifestyle, and nearly losing everything - including his life. But this is also a story of hope. After hitting rock bottom, Matthew chose to change. With incredible honesty and self-awareness, he shares what it took to escape the cycle and rebuild not just his life, but his purpose. Today, he runs 1Message, a mentoring and youth intervention programme that helps steer young people away from gangs and violence. This conversation explores the systemic traps that lead young people into crime, and how one man is now using his past to change the future for others. Raw, emotional, and full of insight, this is a true story of second chances.

15+ 1h 13m 2024

People Are Deep: True Crime - Why I Don't Regret Killing A Man

Why I Don't Regret Killing A Man,

What leads a person to commit the most serious crime imaginable? And what happens after the sentence is handed down? In this intense and thought-provoking episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Ofill Allen, a man who served time for murder. Ofill opens up about the moment that changed his life — the circumstances that led to him taking another person’s life, and how it all unfolded. He discusses his arrest, trial, and the experience of being found guilty of murder. But this isn’t just a story about crime — it’s a story about consequence, reflection, and survival inside one of the most unforgiving institutions: prison. Ofill takes us deep inside the UK prison system, describing the mental toll, the violence, and the slow, painful process of trying to understand what he had done — and who he had become. This conversation doesn’t glorify crime or simplify guilt. It challenges you to confront uncomfortable questions: What does true accountability look like? Can people change? And what happens when your worst decision becomes your entire identity? An honest and sobering episode from someone who has lived the darkest of truths.

People Are Deep: True Crime - From Diagnosed Psychopath to Life Coach

From Diagnosed Psychopath to Life Coach,

Can a person truly change, even when labelled a psychopath? In this extraordinary episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Lewis Raymond Taylor, who grew up in an abusive household that set him on a path of violence, crime, and emotional chaos. In and out of prison from a young age, Lewis lived a self-destructive life until everything came crashing down - and forced him to face who he really was. Diagnosed as a psychopath while serving time, Lewis refused to let that define him. Instead, he began a radical transformation: from inmate to international life coach. Now a successful entrepreneur featured in the Netflix documentary The Psychopath Life Coach, Lewis opens up about the pain behind his actions, the mindset that kept him trapped, and the deep internal work that helped him find meaning beyond his label. This is a raw, challenging, and inspiring conversation about trauma, identity, and the possibility of redemption. Whether you're sceptical or hopeful about personal change, Lewis’s story will stay with you.

15+ 1h 21m 2024

People Are Deep: True Crime - I Was Forced To Harvest Organs By The Chinese Government: A Chinese Surgeon Speaks Out

I Was Forced To Harvest Organs By The Chinese Government: A Chinese Surgeon Speaks Out,

In this haunting and courageous episode of People Are Deep, we speak with Dr. Enver Tohti, a former surgeon from China’s Xinjiang province who was forced to perform organ harvesting on prisoners who had just been executed. His story is one of unimaginable moral conflict, state control, and personal reckoning. Dr. Tohti reveals how, during his time as a practicing surgeon, he was ordered by the Chinese government to extract organs from a still-warm body of a prisoner killed by firing squad - a moment that would change his life forever. After carrying out these orders, he made the decision to speak out, risking everything to expose the truth. His whistleblowing didn't stop there. Dr. Tohti also revealed secrets about China's illegal nuclear weapons testing program and the brutal systemic persecution of the Uyghur population. After fleeing China, he sought asylum in the UK, where he continues to campaign for human rights and bring global attention to crimes against humanity. This episode is a harrowing look into the hidden machinery of authoritarian regimes, and the bravery it takes to stand against them. It raises profound questions about complicity, conscience, and how one man’s decision to speak out may have saved countless lives.

People Are Deep: True Crime - I Was Arrested With Firearms At 17

I Was Arrested With Firearms At 17,

In this powerful episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Kevin Koffi, who was first arrested at the age of 13 and would go on to serve nearly six years across 11 different prisons in the UK. His life was shaped early by crime, violence, and a justice system that saw him as a statistic - until he decided to change everything. Kevin walks us through the moments that led to his first arrest, what life behind bars was really like as a teenager, and how the prison system can both crush and harden young men. But more importantly, he reveals what it took to break free from that cycle, and why he’s now dedicating his life to preventing others from ending up where he did. Today, Kevin works directly with young people across the UK, using his own story to inspire, guide, and protect. His work is rooted in lived experience, and his message is clear: the system won’t save you, but change is still possible. Raw, emotional, and brutally honest, this conversation goes deep into youth violence, masculinity, criminal justice, and redemption. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to truly turn your life around, this is the episode for you.

People Are Deep: True Crime - Confessions Of A Crime Scene Cleaner

Confessions Of A Crime Scene Cleaner,

What really happens after the police leave a crime scene? In this eye-opening episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Victoria, a professional biohazard, trauma, and crime scene cleaner in the UK. From cleaning up after murders, suicides, and hoarders, to confronting unimaginable sights and smells, Victoria shares the reality of a job that most people couldn't stomach for a single day. She walks us through some of the most shocking, emotional, and even darkly humorous cases she’s worked on, from hoarder homes full of decades of waste to flats where tragedy struck. Has she ever been scared? What does it do to your mental health to walk into death on a regular basis? And what makes someone choose to do this work? Victoria also talks about how she’s found purpose beyond the clean-up, using her TikTok platform to support and de-stigmatise hoarding disorder, while educating the public on what trauma cleaning really involves. This isn’t just about bleach and biohazards - it’s about compassion, dignity, and human stories.

People Are Deep: True Crime - Hunting The London Cat Killer

Hunting The London Cat Killer,

Over the past decade, hundreds of animals have been found mutilated across the UK, with the most infamous cases tied to what's become known as the Croydon Cat Killer. Authorities dismissed them as fox attacks. But not everyone is convinced. In this chilling episode of People Are Deep, we speak with Boudicca Rising, co-founder of the South London Animal Investigation Network (SLAIN). She’s been investigating the deaths for over ten years: cataloguing patterns, challenging police conclusions, and chasing disturbing leads. Boudicca takes us inside the scale of this operation: the timelines, the map of mutilations, the behavioural markers that point to a serial perpetrator, and the suspects she believes need a second look. Her insights raise powerful questions about how seriously society takes animal cruelty, and how it might be a gateway to even darker crimes. She also shares what keeps her going after years of brutal discoveries, public scrutiny, and official pushback - and why she still believes the killer is out there, and can be caught. This is a conversation about justice, truth, and the people who refuse to look away.

People Are Deep: True Crime - Inside the Mind of a Hostage Negotiator

Inside the Mind of a Hostage Negotiator,

What goes on in the mind of someone who’s been kidnapped - and what does it take to bring them home alive? In this gripping episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Dr. James R. Alvarez, a psychiatrist and expert in the psychology of hostage negotiation. He’s the only consultant ever used by both Scotland Yard and the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Teams, and has been at the center of some of the most sensitive, high-risk kidnappings in the world. Dr. Alvarez takes us deep into the world of kidnap-for-ransom cases, the psychological profiles of kidnappers, and the emotional toll on victims. He reveals the core tactics of successful negotiators, why ego can kill a negotiation, and the surprising mistakes law enforcement agencies often make. He also shares powerful case studies and explains how his background in psychiatry allows him to read between the lines - literally saving lives by understanding tone, silence, and fear. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to talk someone off the edge or convince a captor to let someone go - this is a rare look into the mind behind the message.

People Are Deep: True Crime - Britain’s First Female Bouncer

Britain’s First Female Bouncer,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Delia El-Hosayny, who became the UK’s first female door supervisor at just 18 years old - breaking barriers in one of the country’s most male-dominated and aggressive industries. Delia opens up about her first nights on the job, how she handled violent confrontations, and what it was like being underestimated by men, punters, and even fellow bouncers. From full-blown brawls to subtle intimidation tactics, she shares how she navigated the emotional and physical toll of standing on the front lines of Britain’s nightlife. Delia reflects on the adrenaline, the trauma, and the burnout that came with the job, as well as the tools she developed to protect her mental health. We also dive into how her identity as a young woman of mixed heritage impacted her experience in an industry often shaped by toxic masculinity and racial tension. This is an honest, gritty, and surprisingly tender portrait of a woman who fought her way into a space where she was never supposed to belong, and came out with stories you won’t forget.

People Are Deep: True Crime - How A Terrorist Attack Made Me A Peace Activist

How A Terrorist Attack Made Me A Peace Activist,

In this powerful episode of People Are Deep, we speak with Bjorn Ihler, a peace activist, technologist, and expert in countering violent extremism, whose life was forever changed by the far-right terror attack in Norway on July 22, 2011. Bjorn survived the massacre on Utøya island, where 69 people, mostly teenagers, were killed by Anders Breivik in one of the deadliest mass shootings in European history. Bjorn shares what it was like to live through that unimaginable day, the emotional aftermath of surviving when so many others didn’t, and how he chose peace over hatred in its wake. We explore how individuals become radicalised, what drives extremist ideologies, and how societies can build resilience before violence ever begins. With years of experience working with former extremists, governments, and tech platforms, Bjorn breaks down how propaganda spreads, why some prevention efforts fail, and what actually works when it comes to building lasting peace. He also talks about the importance of dialogue, even with those we might fear, and the personal toll of working in such a challenging space. This episode is not just about survival - it’s about what it takes to turn trauma into a mission for good.

People Are Deep: True Crime - I Received A Life Sentence For Attempted Murder

I Received A Life Sentence For Attempted Murder,

In this moving episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Wessley Blades, who was sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder. But Wessley's story is far more than a headline: it’s a journey through childhood trauma, systemic injustice, and emotional transformation. Wessley opens up about growing up in an abusive household, the anger and emotional suppression that led him into crime, and the pivotal moment that resulted in his incarceration. He shares deeply personal insights into the racism, violence, and lack of mental health support he witnessed and experienced behind bars, and how that environment almost crushed him. But this is also a story of hope. Wessley explains how therapy, emotional self-awareness, and a desire to help others helped him rebuild his life. Through mentorship and advocacy, he now works to support others who are caught in cycles of violence and incarceration. This episode is a raw, powerful exploration of what it means to grow, heal, and choose a different path, even after the system has written you off. If you've ever wondered whether real rehabilitation is possible, or what change looks like from the inside out - don’t miss this one.

People Are Deep: True Crime - YouTube Vigilante On Why He Catches People

YouTube Vigilante On Why He Catches People,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we talk to Michael van Erp, better known online as CyclingMikey, a London-based YouTuber, road safety activist, and self-described vigilante who’s made headlines for filming drivers committing traffic offences and reporting them to the police. Michael shares the personal story behind his passion: from his childhood in Zimbabwe and the tragic road death of his father, to what first pushed him to start documenting dangerous drivers in the capital. He explains how his now-viral footage has helped lead to dozens of prosecutions, including celebrities like Guy Ritchie and Chris Eubank, and tells us what it's really like to confront motorists in real time. We dive into the public backlash, ethical debates, and emotional toll that come with playing the role of road enforcer - why some people call him a hero, and others a snitch. Michael also reflects on the broader questions of responsibility, legal loopholes, and the psychological impact of reckless driving. Is it justice? Is it vigilantism? And what does it reveal about how we behave behind the wheel? Whether you agree with his methods or not, Michael’s mission raises critical questions about safety, accountability, and personal action in the face of danger.

People Are Deep: True Crime - I Worked Forensics On The Princess Diana Inquiry

I Worked Forensics On The Princess Diana Inquiry,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Professor Allan Jamieson, a leading forensic and DNA expert and director at The Forensic Institute in Glasgow. Allan shares eye-opening insights into the limitations and challenges of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. He explains why DNA is often misunderstood as infallible, revealing how contamination, misinterpretation, and the complexity of forensic science can lead to wrongful conclusions. We explore the difficulties surrounding high-profile cases, including why the Princess Diana investigation remains unresolved despite decades of scrutiny. Allan also offers a critical perspective on the American justice system’s reliance on forensic evidence and contrasts it with practices in the UK, highlighting systemic issues and the importance of scientific rigor. This fascinating conversation breaks down the science behind the headlines and challenges common perceptions about crime-solving, evidence, and justice.

15+ 1h 14m 2025

People Are Deep: True Crime - Criminal Barrister on the Dark Side of the Justice System

Criminal Barrister on the Dark Side of the Justice System,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we talk to Nathan Toms, a criminal barrister based in London. Nathan shares what drew him to the legal profession and offers a candid look at his experiences within the UK justice system. He discusses the challenges facing courts today, the complex humanity behind the people involved - defendants, lawyers, judges - and why the system often struggles to deliver true justice. Nathan also opens up about the urgent need for prison reform in the UK, highlighting issues around overcrowding, rehabilitation, and the impact incarceration has on individuals and society. Along the way, he gives us some lighter insights too, including the history and reasons behind why judges still wear wigs. This conversation provides a rare insider’s view into criminal law, justice, and reform, revealing both the flaws and hopes for the future of the system.

People Are Deep: True Crime - How We Expose War Crimes & Corruption with Google

How We Expose War Crimes & Corruption with Google,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Eliot Higgins, citizen journalist and founder of Bellingcat, the groundbreaking investigative journalism website specializing in open-source intelligence and fact-checking. Eliot shares the fascinating story behind Bellingcat’s origins and how he transitioned from an everyday internet user to a pioneering force in digital investigations. We delve into some of Bellingcat’s most high-profile work, including their in-depth analysis of the downing of MH17, and discuss how open-source tools have transformed modern journalism. Eliot also shares his insights on the future of traditional journalism in the digital age, exploring how younger generations use social media to consume and verify news. This episode offers a compelling look at the evolving landscape of journalism, truth-seeking, and the power of the online community to hold power to account.

People Are Deep: True Crime - My Boyfriend Tried to Kill Me

My Boyfriend Tried to Kill Me,

In this powerful episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Zoe Dronfield, a domestic abuse survivor and campaigner. Zoe shares her harrowing journey, from the early red flags she noticed in her relationship to the traumatic experience of an attempted murder attack. Her story shines a light on the complex realities faced by survivors and the courage it takes to speak out. Zoe also discusses why she chose to become an advocate for change, focusing on her campaign to reform laws around stalking and domestic abuse. She highlights the gaps in the current legal system and shares her vision for making it safer and easier for survivors to report abuse and access support. This episode is a vital conversation about resilience, justice, and the ongoing fight to protect vulnerable people from violence and abuse.

People Are Deep: True Crime - In Prison With My Dad

In Prison With My Dad,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we talk to Lewis Clark, a former gangster from South London who has transformed his life. Lewis opens up about growing up with an armed robber father and the impact this had on his early years. He shares how he got involved in crime at a young age, eventually dealing drugs and spending time in prison. Through candid storytelling, Lewis reveals the challenges he faced on the streets and behind bars, and what motivated him to change his path. Now committed to a new life, he discusses the importance of making better choices and the journey to self-redemption. This episode offers an honest and inspiring look at life after crime and the power of second chances.

People Are Deep: True Crime - You Will Die In Prison: IPP Sentences

You Will Die In Prison: IPP Sentences,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Andrew Morris, who has served an IPP sentence (Imprisonment for Public Protection) - a controversial sentence in the British legal system that can, in theory, keep someone imprisoned indefinitely. Andrew shares a detailed explanation of what IPP entails and sheds light on the fundamental flaws within the system. He candidly discusses the severe mental health impacts that IPP sentences have on prisoners and the damaging uncertainty caused by indefinite incarceration. Andrew also offers his insights into what urgent prison reforms are necessary in the UK to make the justice system fairer and more humane. This episode is a critical exploration of a rarely understood legal sentence and a call for reform from someone who has experienced it firsthand.

People Are Deep: True Crime - Drugs, War Zones & Deadliest Gangs: Crime Reporter’s Biggest Stories

Drugs, War Zones & Deadliest Gangs: Crime Reporter’s Biggest Stories,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we talk to Livvy Haydock, an investigative journalist and correspondent known for her work covering war zones and crime stories. Livvy shares how she found her path into the demanding world of war and crime journalism and the experiences that have shaped her career. She opens up about some of the most harrowing and shocking events she has witnessed on assignment, revealing the emotional toll that such intense reporting takes. Livvy also discusses the challenges journalists face when covering traumatic stories and the resilience needed to keep telling these important stories. This episode offers a rare, personal insight into the life of a frontline journalist dedicated to uncovering truth amidst conflict and crime.

People Are Deep: True Crime - I Hacked a Nuclear Weapons Base & Got Caught

I Hacked a Nuclear Weapons Base & Got Caught,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we speak to Greg Van Der Gaast, a cyber security expert and former hacker who once worked undercover for the FBI. Greg shares his fascinating journey from discovering hacking as a curious teenager to becoming a skilled hacker whose exploits caught the attention of the FBI. He recounts the pivotal hack that alerted federal agents to his talents and how the FBI approached him with an offer that changed the course of his life, turning from hacker to protector of digital security. Greg also explains why cyber security matters now more than ever and offers insights into how individuals and organizations can better protect themselves in an increasingly connected world. This episode dives deep into the hidden world of hacking, law enforcement collaboration, and the urgent need for improved cyber awareness.

People Are Deep: True Crime - How I Survived Child Abuse At Magdalene Laundries

How I Survived Child Abuse At Magdalene Laundries,

In this powerful episode of People Are Deep, we talk to Maureen Sullivan, a survivor of child abuse at the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. Maureen courageously shares her harrowing experiences growing up in these infamous institutions, where countless women and girls were subjected to harsh conditions, forced labor, and systemic abuse. She opens up about the physical and emotional scars left behind, the struggle to find her voice, and the lasting impact the Magdalene Laundries had on her life. Maureen also discusses the importance of remembrance, justice, and raising awareness about this dark chapter of history. This episode is a moving testament to survival, resilience, and the ongoing fight to ensure such abuses are never forgotten or repeated.

People Are Deep: True Crime - "I’m the Danger": Life as a Gang Slave

"I’m the Danger": Life as a Gang Slave,

In this episode of People Are Deep, we sit down with Sosa Henkoma, who shares his journey from gang life to becoming a modern-day slavery survivor. Raised in a tough environment and drawn into criminal networks at a young age, Sosa opens up about the psychological grip of gang culture, the exploitation he endured, and how young people are coerced into situations that feel impossible to escape. Sosa speaks candidly about the violence he witnessed, the trauma he carried, and the process of being groomed into county lines drug operations, something that many young people across the UK face today without fully understanding it. His story sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of criminal exploitation, modern slavery, and how easily vulnerable individuals can become trapped in a system that profits from their pain. But this is also a story of transformation. Sosa now uses his voice to educate others, mentor youth, and campaign against the very systems that once controlled him. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime, youth justice, and social change. It’s raw, honest, and deeply human.

15+ 1h 20m 2025

Details

People Are Deep: True Crime

Crime

15+

1 Season

1h 16m

What really happens when you fall through the cracks of society? When the system fails you, when you fail yourself, and when you find your way back? People Are Deep: True Crime is the interview series that meets people where they are, not where we expect them to be. We speak to those at the rawest edge of human experience - survivors, perpetrators, detectives, undercover officers, whistleblowers - people whose lives have collided with true crime in the most intimate and often devastating ways. We go deep into childhoods, chaos, coping mechanisms, consequences and the redemption. From former prisoners to criminal psychologists, victims of trafficking to police who’ve stared into the darkest corners of humanity, People Are Deep: True Crime doesn’t just ask “what happened?”, it asks why, and who you became after it. Every story is complicated. Every person is more than their worst moment. Every conversation is a reminder: people are deep.

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