Shows
In Polite CompanyBetter Late Than Never: Our Ins & Outs for 2025In this episode, we’re embracing a bold approach to change—looking at what we want to bring into our lives and what we’re ready to leave behind. It’s all about clearing the clutter, both mentally and physically, and making space for what truly matters. We share the things we’re inviting in this year—better time management, improved mental health, and a more intentional balance between work, family, and self-care—and the things we’re letting go of, like perfectionism and draining environments.As we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced over the past year, we open...2025-02-201h 04
Secrets and SabotageEpisode 13 - What's going on with you?Now that season 3 is done, Kieran and Emmanuel are joined this week by Psychotherapist Ella McCrystal host of The New Mind Podcast to give us her take on some of the things we saw this year.2025-02-1745 minIn Polite CompanyAmerica Has a ProblemHow do you cope when politics feels like a never-ending source of fear and division? In this episode, we are joined by our friend from across the pond, Arda, and dive into the emotional aftermath of Trump’s recent victory, reflecting on the toll it takes on marginalised communities.Our conversation blends raw honesty and humour as we share the personal and societal anxieties triggered by the election. Exploring the fractured left, the power of misinformation, and the need for leaders to create safe spaces for these difficult conversations. With a focus on activism, Arda urges a shift f...2024-12-1941 minIn Polite CompanyToxic Masculinity and the Rise of ViolenceWhat happens when toxic masculinity meets an unchallenged culture of entitlement? In this episode of In Polite Company, we explore the disturbing rise of violence against women, exploring its deep connections to broader societal issues like toxic masculinity and systemic failure. Through high-profile cases like the Dominique Pellico trial in France, we shine a light on the violence that's been quietly simmering beneath the surface for far too long.As we unpack the complexities of entitlement, complicity, and the objectification of women, we also explore how societal expectations around masculinity contribute not only to violence but to ment...2024-11-2739 minIn Polite CompanyClass, Race, and Chaos: Decoding the Summer RiotsWhat do we really see when the headlines scream of riots and unrest? In this episode, we dive deep into the summer riots that swept across the UK, examining the racial tensions that fuelled the violence, and how the media distorted these events as anti-immigration protests. But what was really behind the chaos?We explore the tragic events that sparked the unrest and how grief quickly turned into racial scapegoating. From the history of racist riots in the UK to the glaring inequalities in policing, we critically dissect how race and class are intertwined in th...2024-10-1755 minIn Polite CompanyHonoring Alex: A Journey Through Grief, Leadership, & LegacyIn this episode of Impolite Company, we take an intimate look at the sudden and tragic loss of Kieron’s friend and manager, Alex, and how his incredible leadership and empathy have left an indelible mark on his life.Together, we’ll reflect on Alex's impactful work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where he championed underrepresented groups with unwavering dedication. His unique ability to connect with and mentor his team, even in the most challenging times. Kieron also recountsthe shock and confusion that followed his sudden passing and the importance of having robust support systems in place to help navigate s...2024-08-2947 min
On Wednesdays We Read (OWWR Pod)Ep. 127- Harry Dresden, Yours Forever (Summer Knight)Send us a textHannah and Laura finish up their discussion of Summer Knight by Jim Butcher, chatting about the plot, characters, and themes. Spoiler: they enjoyed this book a lot! In other news, Hannah watched a strange Beauty and the Beast retelling and Laura reflects on the plot of High School Musical.**This episode contains SPOILERS for Summer Knight by Jim Butcher. Spoiler section begins at: 45 min 50 secs.**Media MentionsSummer Knight by Jim ButcherGrave Peril by Jim Butcher Fool Moon by Jim ButcherStorm Front by J...2024-08-211h 42In Polite CompanyUnequal Impacts: Is Climate Change Racist?Climate change doesn’t affect us all equally. The myth that environmental crises impact everyone the same way masks the harsh reality faced by marginalised communities, particularly in the global south.In this episode, we bring our perspectives to explore how climate change amplifies structural inequalities rooted in a history of colonialism and systemic racism. We explore the disparities between the global north and south, using examples like nearly expired vaccine donations to Jamaica and the uneven socio-political impacts of tourism.In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.2024-08-061h 04In Polite CompanyThe Master’s Tools: Questioning The Legacy of British HonoursThe legacy of the British Empire casts a long shadow, and its honours system is no exception. In this episode, we challenge the status quo and explore the complexities of OBEs and other accolades awarded to people of colour within the UK honour system.We confront the historical ties these honours have to the monarchy and the British Empire and the painful narratives they carry for descendants of enslaved people and the Windrush generation. Together, we explore the intricate emotions and justifications for accepting these awards and question whether renaming them could address their problematic branding.2024-07-1155 minIn Polite CompanyPersonal Stories: Navigating Bisexuality with CescaNavigating bisexuality can often feel like walking a tightrope under the scrutiny of societal pressures and internal conflicts. Cesca joins us to share her deeply personal journey of discovering her bisexual identity, from a childhood with an emotionally reserved guardian to the thrilling yet confusing dynamics of an all-girls school.Cesca's journey is one of resilience, growth, and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance, making her insights invaluable for anyone grappling with similar experiences.In this episode, we touch on the emotional rollercoaster of displaying affection publicly with a same-sex partner, the misjudgements faced within the...2024-06-2550 minIn Polite CompanyWelcome to In Polite CompanyWelcome to In Polite Company, the podcast in which we bring our black, queer perspectives to some of the most exciting and pertinent DEI issues of the moment. I'm Ella, and I'm Kieron. Join us as we laugh, cry, and discuss topics that excite us and keep us up at night.In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.2024-06-1901 min
In Polite CompanyFrancesca - Navigating BisexualityTBD
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inpolitecompany/message2024-01-2654 min
In Polite CompanyBONUS EPISODE: New Year, Same UsHappy New Year!
This is an extra special bonus episode (you lucky devils!) in a slightly different format than usual. This time of year is all about reflection, resetting, and looking forward with anticipation. Rather than setting resolutions we probably won't keep, we've decided to do a retrospective instead.
So this episode is all about what we want to START, STOP & CONTINUE in 2024. We really enjoyed this conversation. Feel free to nick the format if you like it too!
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inpolitecompany/message2024-01-0546 min
In Polite CompanyThe Struggle is RealIn this episode, we are discussing mental health in the Black community. Why do Black men in the UK have higher rates of mental health issues than their white counterparts? To what extent does racism shape not only the development of mental health crises within our communities, but our ability to access help and support?
Join us for a wide-ranging conversation in which we discuss everything from schooling, to the origins of Black mistrust in medical institutions, to the impact of internet voyeurism (in which the ability to see violence enacted on Black bodies...2024-01-0353 min
In Polite CompanyYou Can't Be What You Can't SeeWe're super excited to be back for season 2! In our first episode of the season, we discuss the importance of diverse representation. What is the power of visibility? Does having leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds and walks of life always lead to positive outcomes? And in what circumstances does the phenomenon of 'representation' equate to hollow tokenism?
From the governmental halls of power, to pop culture and TV, we delve into the nuances and contradictions - and explore what it means to feel truly represented.
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Further...2023-12-0659 min
In Polite CompanySeason 2 TrailerWe're back for another season of insightful and occasionally challenging conversations, all through the lens of our unapologetic Blackness and Queerness.
As always, you're invited to a conversation with (opinionated) friends who are here to share as well as to learn, and who are always up for a laugh - or a cry! This season, we're also excited to have some special guests behind the mic for the first time.
We're excited to have you join us for what promises to be another interesting and enjoyable season of In...2023-12-0100 min
In Polite CompanyBONUS EPISODE: Behind the Mic with KieronJoin us for a special bonus two-part episode, in which we go behind the mic to learn a little more about our co-hosts; who they are, what they do, and the experiences that shaped them.
Next up, Kieron chats to Ella about his career in design & how his childhood tendency to take apart his toys led him down this path; his life growing up in London in a diverse environment (but one often still steeped in bias); how being surrounded by female role models impacted him - and much more!
2023-10-0539 min
In Polite CompanyBONUS EPISODE: Behind the Mic with EllaJoin us for a special bonus two-part episode, in which we go behind the mic to learn a little more about our co-hosts; who they are, what they do, and the experiences that shaped them.
First up, Ella chats to Kieron about her career journey; her life growing up in Leeds in a mixed-heritage household; some failures and hard lessons - and much more! Expect laughter and RuPaul's Drag Race tangents alongside deeper discussions about therapy & personal growth. Enjoy!
Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some...2023-10-0556 min
From The BlocS1 Ep4 - PowerIn this episode Ella interviews Polish producer and songwriter from East London, Power. He moved to the UK with his parents when he was 6 years old. Music has been present in his family for a long time and he started making his own tunes at the age of 16. Power has worked with many UK artists, such as NSG, ZieZie, Tallia Storm, Figure Flows, Dun D, Ashton Russell, Summa Taylor, Aya Bleu and more.On the podcast we feature his tracks:'Cali Nights' - Power, K9, Gia Gray'Responsibilities' - Power, feat...2023-07-0524 min
In Polite CompanyTrust Me, I'm an Ally - Part 3Happy Pride Month!
The month of June is a month in which allyship often becomes a buzzword, as corporations in particular rush to declare their solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks. In this episode, we discuss allyship more broadly; what it means to be an ally to any marginalised community, beyond the performative posturing that happens once per year.
In part 3 we dissect a couple of examples of car crash corporate allyship, and discuss what went wrong and why; we give our take on what good looks like; and we explore why allyship is often rendered...2023-06-2332 min
In Polite CompanyTrust Me, I'm an Ally - Part 2Happy Pride Month!
The month of June is a month in which allyship often becomes a buzzword, as corporations in particular rush to declare their solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks. In this episode, we discuss allyship more broadly; what it means to be an ally to any marginalised community, beyond the performative posturing that happens once per year.
In part 2, we talk further about performative allyship and the importance of intention; how understanding systemic oppression as a disease which harms us all is key to having resilience as an ally; whether the term 'ally' is even helpful; the...2023-06-1335 min
In Polite CompanyTrust Me, I'm an Ally - Part 1Happy Pride Month!
The month of June is a month in which allyship often becomes a buzzword, as corporations in particular rush to declare their solidarity with LGBTQ+ folks. In this episode, we discuss allyship more broadly; what it means to be an ally to any marginalised community, beyond the performative posturing that happens once per year.
In part 1, we cover some of the research around allyship, and the discrepancies in perception between self-identified allies and the communities they are seeking to help; the pitfalls of allyship from the perspective of accruing 'good person points'; the importance...2023-06-0229 min
In Polite CompanyTERF Wars - Part 3In this episode we talk all about the current anti-trans climate, and the urgent necessity of allyship and solidarity with our trans siblings. As cis queer people, we discuss how the gender binary impacts us, as well as the responsibility we have to use our privilege in spaces where we have it, to fight for trans rights and liberation.
Part 3 covers the 'bathroom debate', the dangers of reducing women to their biology - for trans and cis women alike; how intersex people are often erased from the conversation; trans & non-binary inclusion in the workplace ... and much more. Kieron shares a...2023-05-1029 min
In Polite CompanyTERF Wars - Part 2In this episode we talk all about the current anti-trans climate, and the urgent necessity of allyship and solidarity with our trans siblings. As cis queer people, we discuss how the gender binary impacts us, as well as the responsibility we have to use our privilege in spaces where we have it, to fight for trans rights and liberation.
Part 2 covers issues of prejudice & exclusivity within our own ranks (i.e. within queer spaces); zero-sum thinking as a potential explanation for transphobia within so-called feminist circles; Trump & online polarisation... and much more.
The audio clip...2023-05-0326 min
In Polite CompanyTERF Wars - Part 1In this episode we talk all about the current anti-trans climate, and the urgent necessity of allyship and solidarity with our trans siblings. As cis queer people, we discuss how the gender binary impacts us, as well as the responsibility we have to use our privilege in spaces where we have it, to fight for trans rights and liberation.
Part 1 covers the gender binary and its colonial roots; our perspective on how the gender binary is harmful; intersectionality; Sam Smith... and much more.
Just a heads up that sometimes we might use...2023-04-2625 min
In Polite CompanyWhere Are You Really From? - Part 2Join us as we discuss whether it's really possible to bring your authentic self into the professional environment. Should we view corporate statements encouraging employees to 'bring their whole self to work' as positive - or (more cynically) as empty platitudes? Is it actually even possible to bring our authentic selves into the workplace, and should we be asked to?
We explore some of the potential consequences, in particular for Black and brown folks, in expressing our full authenticity in spaces that are not as psychologically safe as they might purport to be.
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Send in a voice message: https...2023-03-1545 min
In Polite CompanyWhere Are You Really From? - Part 1Join us as we discuss whether it's really possible to bring your authentic self into the professional environment. Should we view corporate statements encouraging employees to 'bring their whole self to work' as positive - or (more cynically) as empty platitudes? Is it actually even possible to bring our authentic selves into the workplace, and should we be asked to?
We explore some of the potential consequences, in particular for Black and brown folks, in expressing our full authenticity in spaces that are not as psychologically safe as they might purport to be.
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Send in a voice message: https...2023-03-1555 min
In Polite CompanyLast In, First Out - Part 2Join us as we look into the impact of mass tech lay-offs on DEI efforts. With 'last to join is the first out the door' adopted as common practice when it comes to redundancies, how does this impact the wave of recent hires that companies made, in the wake of the BLM protests of 2020? Are people from historically marginalised backgrounds bearing the brunt of tokenistic policies that are now being scrapped at the first sign of difficulty?
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inpolitecompany/message2023-02-0829 min
In Polite CompanyLast In, First Out - Part 1Join us as we look into the impact of mass tech lay-offs on DEI efforts. With 'last to join is the first out the door' adopted as common practice when it comes to redundancies, how does this impact the wave of recent hires that companies made, in the wake of the BLM protests of 2020? Are people from historically marginalised backgrounds bearing the brunt of tokenistic policies that are now being scrapped at the first sign of difficulty?
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inpolitecompany/message2023-02-0852 min
In Polite CompanyTrailerJoin us as we explore all the topics that interest us and impact our lives as LGBTQ+ Black people in the workplace.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inpolitecompany/message2023-02-0100 min
¡Ahoy! PodCastCaro Rossi_"Todos estamos aquí por algo."“Soy una persona fiel al destino y creo que uno puede no entender porque las cosas pasan hoy día, pero que, con la perspectiva del futuro se podrán entender por qué estas ocurrieron. Y eso me da paz y tranquilidad, porque sé que lo que pasa hoy, lo voy a entender mañana”. Extracto de la entrevista realizada a Carolina Rossi, donde relata cómo ella se para ante la vida y enfrenta el futuro. Caro es una mujer que toma riesgos, que lleva la bandera global desde su nacimiento y que se nota que tiene cancha. En esta entr...2020-07-072h 10