Birds Eye View Podcast

Birds Eye View is a podcast made by female prisoners in the Darwin CorrectionalCentre (DCC).

The magazine-style format takes listeners on a journey inside Sector Four, where scars and regret overlap with hope, horoscopes and beauty hacks. The 10-episode audio experience is the result of a two-year storytelling project involving more than 70 women.

“We called it BIRDS EYE VIEW because we wanted to give people a new perspective on who we are.”

Collectively hosted by 18 women, each episode centres on a core theme, using interviews, poetry, satire and the prison soundscapes to tell the story. From the holding cells where women are strip-searched to the industries section where Qantas headsets get refurbished, the women share their personal stories of survival and resilience.

Episode 1

Making HerstoryWelcome to BIRDS EYE VIEW, a podcast made in the Darwin Correctional Centre. In this episode, you’ll meet the women of Sector Four and a bunch of birds, but first, we need to get you inside the prison.

Episode 2

SurvivalIn this episode, you’ll find out about the beauty hacks women use to keep looking good in prison and you’ll meet Julie, who survived a rare disease and a world tour with a famous rock band.

Episode 3

BloodlinesWhat’s it like to be in prison with your mum? And what’s it like to be a mum in prison? You’ll find out in this episode, all about family.

Episode 4

PaybackIn this episode, meet Serafina and Noelene, who are doing time because of payback and find out how revenge shapes life in prison.

Episode 5

Working ItDid 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. 

Episode 6

FracturesTime does strange things in prison. Hours are broken up by the intercom and whole weeks dissolve into a single meal. This week, find out how women measure time with hot dogs and why Kaye is determined to stop drinking.

Episode 7

LoveLet’s talk about sex, baby. That’s right folks. This episode is all about love and sex in prison. Meet Naomi who had a boyfriend on the other side of the fence, find out what it means to be ‘gate gay’ and meet some real love birds.

Episode 8

FaithIn this episode, you’ll find out why getting mail in jail is such a big deal and you’ll meet Aimee, who goes to church on the inside.

Episode 9

BeautyIn this episode, women share tips for looking good in prison and you’ll meet Jess, a self-confessed fashion fanatic with a love for expensive body scrubs and animal metaphors. 

Episode 10

HomeIn this final episode of Birds Eye View, follow Joan as she prepares for her last day in prison, and join Deanne as she heads back home to country.

Executive Producer: Johanna Bell

Producers: Leah Sanderson, Johanna Bell and Cinnamon Nippard

Mixing: Hamish Robertson

Music Coordination: Ben Andrews 

Graphic & Online Design: Celia Neilson

Online Production: Jess Ong

Legal Advice: Kathryn Wilson