Overcoming Fear & Building Resilience in Jail | Shaun Attwood | TEDxSurreyUniversity

Addicted to club drugs and rave parties for over ten years, Shaun Attwood ran multimillion-dollar businesses in the stock market and Ecstasy dealing - until a SWAT team smashed his door down. Forced to go on an inner journey in Arizona's deadliest jails, Shaun identified the root causes of his addiction and what it takes to get the most out of life.
Shaun shares some of his life-enhancing strategies in the context of his hard-hitting story.
Shaun Attwood is a Guildford-based true-crime author and public speaker, who is banned from America for life. National Geographic Channel featured his story of incarceration in Arizona worldwide as an episode of Banged-Up Abroad. Shaun does over 100 talks a year at schools, colleges and universities about the consequences of drugs and crime. He also campaigns for human rights.
“Shaun's story is the Manchester rave scene meets The Wolf of Wall Street and ends in The Shawshank Redemption” - Jon Ronson author of The Psychopath Test
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@SusieW-ku4ub]

Shaun is truly a gentle soul and a terrific teacher of Life Lessons.

[@sarahpenna262]

Susie W He's a total fraud . Check out what has come to light about his double life . Revolting man

[@janeE011]

I like this guy more and more each time I see him and hear him! Keep up the positive vibes! Bless!

[@Kristy-ns5bh]

Agree I have been watching his yt channel he is so calming .. came here to find out his life story

[@sarahvegangarden4822]

Seriously, my respect for Shaun increases every time I see him on KZbin. He clearly does not relish public speaking, but he does it anyway and I'm grateful he does. He has important life lessons to share. He is an admirable man. Shaun, keep up the pressure on Prince Andrew! We want justice for the abused children and young people trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell!

[@cindysue5079]

Isn't he inspiring?

[@shellieshimmel9148]

It never ceases to amaze me what horrible places our prisons are. If you can cope with the stress and trauma and become resilient instead of being damaged by it you can go on to write books and give Ted Talks like this guy. Yoga and a good therapist can do wonders. What a story of survival.

[@ltrg361]

well said

[@thatswhatshesaid8365]

Resilient people are the damaged people who have earned their armor and the wisdom to never let it go.

[@truegrit4752]

Shaun - I have so much admiration for you - you took a horrible situation and turned it into a way to help those incarcerated in the all too often unjust US criminal justice system. So glad you're out, and so glad you are educating the rest of us. I learn from you.

[@ReSearcherSusie]

Much respect for Shaun, for taking responsibility & turning his life around to help others.

[@mrsfloridablue54]

This man is a gem for those who have travelled the same road

[@EduardMennodeBoer]

Bravo, Shaun! And not just for this talk!

[@cathihargaden1608]

I know exactly what you mean when you described being assaulted - I was on crutches after coming out of major surgery - coming out of a pub in Notting Hill Gate i was attacked by a guy who had been rejected by the women in the pub, I ended up in the gutter like you described I went into foetal position but I left my body - I didnt feel or see anything - I was gone until I came back into my body to feel the punches and kicks. I also do yoga and swimming and I agree totally when you also meditate you can achieve the same effects as though you are on drugs. Well done you to come through all of this, saying it how it is and now drilling down into the top echelons of society. Well done!

[@Kristy-ns5bh]

Wow Cathi your experience sounds frightening. I am glad it seems as though you do not have any pstd and you sound like you have recovered inside and out. I hope you continue this way. 💙

[@cathihargaden1608]

@@Kristy-ns5bh yes thank you - it taught me a lotx

[@katrinaanderson485]

Shawn your story blows my mind man God was so good to you!!!!

[@swirlcrop]

This guys life is truly fascinating. What he says about the justice system is just horrible.

[@chuckhockey9464]

The US Court system

[@cacomelon4768]

Yeah, "justice"

[@thatswhatshesaid8365]

Justice is for the rich, Crop.

[@danielobrien8417]

You mean the "Just us" system.

[@kennybrydges9084]

Just seen this, hats off to you Shaun, you have been through the mill lad! Tc Kenny B 👍👏🏼🙏🏼

[@peppermintmocha3271]

Oh my gosh! I absolutely loved your talk! I really needed to hear this right now.

[@WoodyBro]

Your story touches me, this seems worse than death, I’m glad you’re out now Shaun.

[@Rael39]

What an inspiring guy.

[@GreasyBelcher]

Shaun is an interesting guy. Always publishing good content

[@martincroker490]

Being in a dark place in my own life just now, I find Shaun's insight and sharing of his experience very helpful. So thank you Shaun.

[@maryellengonthier5274]

I hope you're in a better place in your life now 🙏

[@mattwarchild9557]

I'm a ex con and think it's great what your doing shaun keep it up bro! And it keeps me up at night knowing Steven Avery is completely innocent. What has happened to him is the worst injustice I don't know how those crooked cops can sleep at night.

[@doogleticker5183]

Wisdom. Love U Shaun!!

[@shaunattwoodOFFICIAL]

i love the comments, wow, I'm blown away, thx Tedx

[@simonnefabre1506]

Shaun, you are such a Sweetheart ! Thanks for sharing this which gives a very good perspective of how badly PTSD can impact a person... I am glad you had a great therapist and the support of your family (and yoga ;)) to help you cope to help you go deep inside yourself and find who you are !!!

[@toi5244]

God damn Attwood whatcha doin in there? Yoga Hahaha

[@SuperRobotdance]

Paula Fletcher it was just a joke bro

[@niczajimaveho3297]

Yeah that killed me man :D

[@KazTheB]

Loved this talk and it's amazing that he has used his experiences to help others. Inspirational

[@joanneshearer9928]

Wow I always watch your videos,I think your great.this was fabulous , thank you Shaun.

[@Dannydawson537]

Great guy and so dedicated to his work and a inspiration for anybody who’s been in prison, a true roll model

[@oracleangelsshiftall2609]

Shaun you are an amazing and inspiring person!!!! Thank you for being you!!! ❤❤❤

[@inspiredbylove1432]

Beautiful Shaun !! This touched my heart deeply😢You truely are a remarkable man, what a fantastic video !! I'm glad you survived your ordeal and emprisonment by using Yoga techniques, I'm so glad too, that you eventually got free, to be able to relate your experience and wonderful story to us. 🤔It has truly made you the awesome person you are today, a changed man, honorable, highly esteemed and just one loveable soul. I wish you all the best. 💞😊

[@carolstubley3925]

Mr Atwood, your a very inspirational person and your Ted Talk was amazing, thank you for your help, I think I've just found what I'm looking for......I'm gonna try Yoga....

[@tedijune6759]

carol stubley Yin Yoga is my favorite. You can begin at any level of fitness. It can be gentle, subtle, anxiety relieving..Good consistent healthful routine :-)

[@amw6778]

... well done Shaun... excellent talk!

[@huffypuffy8244]

One of the best ted talks I've heard, and his podcast is brilliant too

[@KatrinaAune]

Shaun you are such a much better speaker now... ✨🤘😇✨

[@xzeros1]

Nice job Shaun, thank you.

[@SA77888]

Good on ya Shaun, youre a real survivor.

[@nhess8590]

You are such an inspiration .

[@kayetucker9905]

Watching for the first time on Vice.

[@speedy8581]

I was always watching gaming vids now I am addicted to tedx

[@yancuicrodriguez1913]

That was very helpful. Thank you for sharing

[@jeanthornton2107]

Aw! Bless you

[@123rosebuds]

I know what you mean about yoga. Good timing to have sent you that book--wow.

[@123rosebuds]

Hoola hoola--hah!

[@123rosebuds]

So glad for Dr. O.

[@KumaBean]

See you in Jersey 2020, much love and respect Brother 👌 🍻

[@computerworld6994]

fantastic. Really learned from it.

[@dillonvossen1144]

thank you!

[@seand6602]

Great job Shaun

[@cjdaly4652]

Thanks. Be well.

[@mc.8391]

A nice unassuming man.... who in spite of his terrible history has retained a sense of humour …... a pleasure to listen to...

[@heartland3781]

Excellent

[@michellem3982]

Wow Shaun, l bet talking to ppl about what you have been through has really helped you alot also...You went from criminal to public speaker, be proud of yourself, you did great with your life..Canada

[@sangfroid8903]

This made me tear up...Thanks for the talk.

[@normannl.2134]

Awesome video!

[@josephthistle7026]

Good talk

[@catty016q]

Thanks Shaun for sharing you speak so much sense

[@cindysue5079]

Atwood is a genuinely good person. I hope he becomes bigger and better. What a compassionate activist ✌❤🙏wow Shaun yoga will save you for sure.

[@risenshine2783]

I have this book and it got me into yoga years ago!

[@manylittlefish693]

What an amazing TedTalk!

[@davidgriffiths6748]

Nice one Shaun, respect!

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Excellent 👍🏽

[@KatrinaAune]

HAPPY BABY!!!!

[@fredfletcher9966]

It's good to stop sometimes and really think what is important in life and what is not worth worrying about and what really makes us happy and what we only need to be happy. Clarity and peace and contentment

[@yalewolfe1554]

amazing

[@katymeigs5290]

"Not an interesting enough guy to be around": what a monumental misreading of who Shaun is!!

[@2seek4truth]

I love Shaun

[@catherinepositano8544]

@@2seek4truth.. You girls!... Crim Struck!

[@inspiredbylove1432]

@@2seek4truth ..... I love Shaun too😍

[@SartamMT7]

Inspirational story

[@logosrisingbear]

Legendary

[@Redlioness-gp9ci]

Shaun is an inspiration. Resilience is the key to happiness. I struggle with deflecting all the negative people and sometimes take their attitudes on board. Sometimes my perceptions get distorted, then I realise it's just my subconscious baggage coming to the forefront. when I'm triggered my reactions go into defence mode which then transfers into a reactive mode where It wants to retaliate like an AK47 but I never do retaliate in such extreme measures instead I manage to contain it but then feel highly stressed and ill for days after. Meditation for me has become a necessary tool to destress from my mental torture. I can be my worst enemy and Ive progressed so much to how I used to feel now. Gratituted is the key to happiness aswell, sometimes I just need to be reminded of this. PTSD takes time and effort to reverse but all the hard work to minimise its negative effects is worth it in the end.

[@musiccreators6683]

The worst prison is your mind and also your worst enemy is yourself when theres no enemy inside theres no enemy outside that can do u harm. I forget who said that, not the exact same.word for word but still this guy reminds me of it and is a great example

[@elguero933]

Great talk Shaun, plus I know I took some of your MDMA in the late 90s XD What a fellow!

[@calarthur]

If you like this guy search his name he has a really good channel

[@avgonyma1]

This is so surreal and amazing. You're an intelligent and highly interesting person! Sorry to ask you this: I am not completely sure how your sentence was reduced from 200y to 6y. Would you mind just repeating it?

[@thefishybuissnes]

True gordie

[@thefishybuissnes]

Shaun Attwood you're legend man!

[@tomg5187]

Geordie gang Geordie gang Geordie gang Geordie gang 😆

[@hey_in_hey]

Thanks for sharing your story.I know what living with anxiety is like. And you're right about it. Btw: the sound guy should do a different job. It is a shame the sound quality is so poor.

[@barbarawhelan541]

Was set free from my prison by reading the Bible. 50 lbs was lifted from my shoulders when I was prayed for by beautiful women and I received Christ as my savior 😍❤️👍🇺🇸🌺🙏😎

[@weeannie495]

🙏 this has been very helpful to me. I have recently been diagnosed with CPTSD doing well with it although I’m not able to work. Life is very different with lots of changes. Thank you.

[@Kim-md8bg]

American prisons are so awful geez. Compared to our norwegian 3 star hotel prisons lmao. With playstation and private bathrooms

[@fivenine5905]

there system is punishment. our is rehab. which is why theirs is so bad.

[@tedijune6759]

Yin Yoga, deep diaphragm breath, meditating are all great for me too. Uncontrolled anxiety is a mo-fo. Also, people are more focused on themselves than they are on you :-)

[@veaterecosan5636]

He's certainly an impressive gent.

[@collateral7925]

I hope this guy gets more views, this is great!

[@chrisneil3460]

Would almost be better in solitary than to be around people like that

[@craigjames4343]

Tell us about your beef with superman?

[@cadnewham]

How did they take it that you were English? When I lived in the states a lot of blokes used quite like to chat to me, but some were quite jealous of how women would react to my accent.

[@aceiii9305]

❤️‍🔥

[@leemarvinhitchmanciaratell3450]

I like this kid… he’s alright.

[@youngdreamer8425]

i want to meet dr. o

[@furyofbongos]

Only sadistic criminals throw people in cages for a victimless "crime."

[@RosieWilliamOlivia]

MDMA can be successfully used to treat ptsd. He was unknowingly on the right track for healing from the assult but went too far.

[@diamondinthestonebyriverbl2148]

Me too! Please read my book "Diamond in the Stone" available from Amazon.

[@Kristy-ns5bh]

What's it about .. were you in prisoned

[@morecambekb]

Hmm his account of his first time meeting ya man Bullittt in his book, doesn't mention being shoved up against a wall

[@fredbates3165]

You missed a big chunk out of that story I want to hear the full story use get from England to going to prison you missed out the gangster years I want to hear everything could you please point me in the right direction of the full story 🙂

[@phreak761]

He has a KZbin channel with the full story.

[@joehill2099]

He also has a series of books explaining his experiences

[@kernowarty]

The stress and tension did not go away when you took Ecstasy, the drug just suppressed them.

[@RosieWilliamOlivia]

Look up maps and look up ptsd treatment with mdma. The drug is very successful at treating ptsd when used correctly.

[@hettybl]

Loads of people including me have been taken in by this man, he's a complete fraud though unfortunately. The truth is all coming out.

[@lonibytyqi6093]

Any links? I can’t find anything. What part of the story is false

[@thomasjacobs3830]

Those are ex- AB

[@paulmiddlehurst5152]

I've done a little 💩 poop in my pants

[@chuckennuggett]

Check out shaun attwoods youtube channel. More prison stories. More reasons to not get yourself there

[@kushalnaik8588]

What he meant by dropping. Soap and never got lucky?

[@paulmiddlehurst5152]

What do you think about transexuals from translevania

[@eatshit2863]

The "prosecutor" should be put to death immediately for her "mistake".

[@RockysLife]

I thought this guy went to jail for illegal activities in stockbroking??? Why is he now saying he he sold ecstasy? He’s got a strong British accent but talking about American jails.. tf?

[@RockysLife]

A Thrasher did he go to jail more than once?

[@elliottR2]

He moved to america and became a very successful stock broker, started doing ecstacy, started selling it, because a kingpin, went to prison and got banned from America for life

[@UrbanChaos20]

Dude's always swallowing something.

[@kevshearer3245]

similar to your mum then i suppose

[@kevshearer3245]

similar to your mum then i suppose

[@igodgaming1705]

The tedious jump scully smile because wrecker quickly change opposite a wistful chicory. lush, natural weed

[@mecheevyn7002]

The righteous house firstly risk because cappelletti consecutively post off a phobic drive. phobic, sturdy panther

[@chrisneil3460]

Complete bs him being sent to a supermax especially a foreigner. I wonder why his story sounded so crazy compared to other people I know who have been to prison

[@Harrisongarrison0800]

Who do u know ?

[@parisdupree8940]

Chris Neil educate yourself on his story before you say it’s bs! He was the biggest ecstasy dealer in the Southwest!

[@kenw.simpson1007]

He has told the same tales too many times for me.