“I went from the best worker. I was the best worker and my boss’s best friend to so many days off. I used to not answer my phone, unexplained absences, when I was just using drugs. It was really out of control. I was really out of control.”

Did you know that Qantas headsets get refurbished by women in prison? And some prisoners get to whipper snipper old people’s lawns? In this episode, find out why work is such a big deal in prison, and meet Taise, who used to have a great job on the outside.

Working It is the fifth episode of BIRDS EYE VIEW, a magazine-style podcast that gives you a new perspective on women in prison. BIRDS EYE VIEW was co-created with women inside the Darwin Correctional Centre and is presented by StoryProjects.

Feature storyteller: Taise
Contributions: Sylvia, Noelene, Kaye, Aimee, Kelly-Anne, Bianca, Trisha, Kiara, Brooklyn, Taise, Rocket, Deanne, Jessica, Naomi, Serafina, Julie, Tegan, Joan, Philomena, Yasmin, Sofi, Kirsty-Louise, Jessee, Beccy, Gillian, Karen, Kym, Tara and Ashley.
Executive production: Johanna Bell
Production: Cinnamon Nippard, Leah Sanderson and Johanna Bell
Mixing: Hamish Robertson from Tall Tale Audio
Music coordination: Ben Andrews
Theme music: 'Worth It' by Caiti Baker
Featuring music by: Bat Hazzard, Casii Williams, Caiti Baker and Sietta (full music credits)
Online production: Jess Ong
Legal advice: Kathryn Wilson
Graphic and web design: Celia Neilson

Please note that this podcast contains material that may be disturbing, especially for survivors of trauma. Aboriginal and Torres Strait people are advised that the story may contain the names and voices of people who have passed away.