Hi, and welcome to the first edition of this newsletter.
I’m Jana Pruden. You’re getting this note because you signed up to learn more about Helen Naslund, after a feature story I wrote about her in The Globe and Mail last year.
You may remember it: Helen was charged with murder in the death of her husband, Miles, who had been abusing her for 30 years. Helen’s lengthy prison sentence made headlines around the country, and raised many questions about the way the justice system handled her case.
Helen Naslund.Amber Bracken/The Globe and Mail
Now, I’m excited to tell you about In Her Defence, a new podcast series about Helen’s long fight for freedom. This eight-part series, starting Tuesday, Oct. 10, will take us deep into life on the Naslund farm, exploring the events that led up to Miles Naslund’s death, the six years during which he was considered missing, and Helen’s arrest and conviction.
The series features exclusive interviews with Helen and her friends and family, and the people from around the country who came together to try to save her from spending the rest of her life in prison.
Podcast producer Kasia Mychajlowycz and I have spent the past few months hard at work on Helen’s story, which we believe is an important look at the obstacles survivors of domestic abuse face in the justice system.
Here’s how to listen to In Her Defence
The podcast is best enjoyed in your favourite podcast app. Search “In Her Defence” or click any of these links to find the show in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Make sure you follow the show so you never miss a new episode.
We would love to hear what you think about the trailer, your thoughts about the story, and anything else you’d like to see in this newsletter. My e-mail is jpruden@globeandmail.com, or you can follow me on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Thank you,
Jana