Can you imagine what it is like facing a 200 year prison sentence? Join Shaun Attwood, a former stock-market millionaire and Ecstasy supplier turned public speaker, author and activist, as he describes what it was like to end up in Arizona’s deadliest jail and most importantly, what his shocking experience has taught him about happiness in life.

Shaun Attwood is a former stock-market millionaire and Ecstasy supplier turned public speaker, author and activist, who is banned from America for life.

Shaun’s writing – smuggled out of the jail with the highest death rate in America run by Sheriff Joe Arpaio – attracted international media attention to the human rights violations: murders by guards and gang members, dead rats in the food, cockroach infestations…

While incarcerated, Shaun was forced to reappraise his life. He read over 1,000 books in just under six years. By studying original texts in psychology and philosophy, he sought to better understand himself and his past behaviour. He credits books as being the lifeblood of his rehabilitation.

Shaun now tells his story to schools to put young people off drugs and crime. He campaigns against injustice via his books and blog, Jon’s Jail Journal. He has appeared on the BBC, Sky News and TV worldwide to talk about issues affecting prisoners’ rights.

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