What actually leads someone back into crime, even when they’re trying to do the right thing? And how quickly can things unravel?

In Episode 2 of Lead Good, we follow Judo in the period after his release, as he attempts to rebuild his life at 18.

He’s trying to stay on track, playing football, looking for work, and avoiding trouble. But without strong support or structure, and still surrounded by the same environment, the pressure begins to build.

Judo speaks candidly about how difficult it is to break away from your peer group, especially when it’s the only sense of belonging you’ve known. Even during a period where he avoids offending, the foundations aren’t strong enough to hold.

The turning point comes when a close friend is released from custody, pulling him back into old habits. What starts as a single moment quickly escalates into a full return to that lifestyle.

The episode takes a sharp turn when a friend is shot, triggering a chain of events driven by emotion and retaliation. Within a short period of time, Judo finds himself involved in a home invasion that would ultimately change the course of his life.

It’s a clear look at how quickly things can spiral, and how one decision can carry lasting consequences.

Make sure you follow and subscribe to keep up to date with future Lead Good episodes and season 2.

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Lead Good is produced by Good One Creative with support from Youth Activating Youth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how young people end up committing crime? Is it recklessness, or something deeper?

Episode 1 introduces Lead Good, a podcast exploring youth crime, accountability, and the possibility of change through lived experience.

Hosted by Lewis Martin, the series begins by acknowledging the harm caused by past actions and setting a clear intention: this is not about excusing or glorifying crime, but about understanding it and showing what change can look like.

We meet Judo, a 24-year-old South Sudanese Australian man currently on parole after serving time for aggravated burglary. Once part of the problem, he is now working as a lived experience mentor, supporting young people at risk of following a similar path.

This episode explores the tension between public perception and personal reality, particularly the impact of media narratives around youth crime and the South Sudanese community. It asks a central question that drives the series: who is behind the headlines?

Judo shares what motivates him now, including a desire to take responsibility, repair harm, and give back to his family and community. At the same time, the conversation openly acknowledges the skepticism many people will have, and the need for change to be demonstrated through action, not words.

Episode 1 sets the foundation for the Lead Good series, introducing the key themes of accountability, identity, and redemption, while preparing the audience for a deeper exploration of the events that led to his offending.

Make sure you follow and subscribe to keep up to date with future Lead Good episodes and season 2.

Follow us on Instagram

Follow us on TikTok

Follow us on LinkedIn

Lead Good is produced by Good One Creative with support from Youth Activating Youth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.