How do you hold on to your own humanity in inhumane conditions? This is what you'll discover in  this powerful episode of Humankind with journalist Cheng Lei, who's had a storied career presenting news and current affairs in Australia and Asia.

Lei speaks about her remarkable journey of resilience and survival after being wrongly detained in China for three years and two months. A detention that included six months 'sitting in punishment', unable to move or speak without permission. 

Now she's using her voice to help others, determined to share the incredible gift of freedom. In this third episode of Frances Whiting's new podcast, Lei reveals how she survived those years and how the mind can free what the body cannot. 

Frances Whiting's Humankind is a new limited series from The Courier-Mail and Sunday Mail.

Read more from Frances Whiting, including her Qweekend story on Cheng Lei.

Frances Whiting's new novel, The Nocturnals, is out now. 

Cheng Lei's A Memoir of Freedom is out now. 

Content warning: this episode contains references to sexual assault.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now call 000.  1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a 24/7 phone service to support people impacted by sexual violence and domestic and family violence. You can also reach out to Lifeline for 24/7 crisis support on 13 11 14.