Shows
Conversations to Connect #22. The Heart of Rocinha: Community & Capoeira in Brazil's Largest Favela with Gustavo RodriguesIn this episode of Conversations to Connect, I sat down with Gustavo Rodrigues, Capoeirista and Tour Guide who grew up in Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela, in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro. Gustavo is an integral member of Acorda Capoeira, a transformative social project that has thrived in the heart of Rocinha for over two decades. Founded in 2004 by Mestre Manel, Acorda Capoeira is a social project that empowers young people, children & adults through the art of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art blending music, dance, and combat with deep African roots. Capoeira is a sy...
2025-01-2818 minConversations to Connect#21. Tuning in for Connection: How Prison Radio Association connects, inspires and empowers prisonersOn today’s episode, I am joined by Sarah Taylor, Research and Evaluation Manager at the Prison Radio Association (PRA). Founded in 2006, PRA is a UK charity that operates National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station dedicated to individuals in prison. Broadcasting 24/7, National Prison Radio plays a crucial role in supporting incarcerated individuals, contributing to efforts to reduce reoffending. PRA’s team of radio professionals collaborates with prisoners to create inspirational, informative programs that engage listeners in meaningful activities and discussions, ultimately enhancing their chances of living crime-free lives. PRA also produces several podcasts available on major...
2024-10-3138 min
Add to PlaylistRick Wakeman and Fenella Humphreys, from Bach to EurovisionKeyboard maestro and prog rock musician Rick Wakeman and concert violinist Fenella Humphreys are today's studio guests with Anna Phoebe and Jeffrey Boakye. In the penultimate episode of the current series, they take us from a Bach favourite via an Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong classic before hopping on a train to Moldova for some lively Eurovision action.Producer: Jerome Weatherald
Presented with musical direction by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna PhoebeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:1st movement of Concerto for Two Violins in D Minor by Bach
A Futuristic Auntyquarian...
2024-09-2042 minConversations to Connect#20. Discover community at your doorstep with Cormac RussellOn today’s episode I am joined by Cormac Russell, a social explorer, author and a much sought-after speaker. He is the Founding Director of Nurture Development and a member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, at DePaul University, Chicago. Over the last 25 years, Cormac’s work has demonstrated an enduring impact in 35 countries around the world. He has trained communities, agencies, NGOs and governments in ABCD and other community-based approaches in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe and North America. His most recent books are The Connected Community- Discovering the Health, Wealth, and Power of Neighborhoods (Coauthor John McKnig...
2024-09-181h 18Conversations to Connect#19. From early intervention to lasting change: How Chance UK are helping young people find belonging and hopeOn today's episode, I am joined by Vanessa Longley, Chief Executive of Chance UK. Chance UK is a leading children's charity dedicated to supporting children aged 5-13 with early intervention and mentoring programs. Since its founding in 1995, Chance UK has focused on supporting children facing adversity by providing individualized support to enhance self-esteem and develop essential life skills. The organization also extends its efforts to families, offers workshops, and advocates for policy change, recently addressing the devastating long-term impact of primary school exclusions. Vanessa Longley is the Chief Executive of Chance UK, bringing over 25 years o...
2024-08-2755 minConversations to Connect#18. From fear to flight: Overcoming environmental trauma through sport with Ruy Marra da Silva JrOn today's episode, I am joined by Ruy Marra da Silva Jr., a distinguished neuroscientist, hang gliding instructor, and two-time Brazilian champion. Ruy is deeply committed to the belief in the unlimited capacity of human evolution, a philosophy that has guided his extensive research and innovative approach to mental health and personal development. He is currently part of the Biociences and Health Research Group at Fiocruz and the Laboratory of Advanced Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology at the UFRJ School of Medicine, where he is pursuing a master's degree focused on breathing and meditation for anxiety and depression....
2024-07-1521 minConversations to Connect#17. How to turn fragile disconnected neighbourhoods into thriving communities with Seth KaplanOn today’s episode I am joined by Seth D. Kaplan, a leading expert on fragile states, societies, and communities. Seth is the author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD as well as developing country governments and NGOs.On thi...
2024-06-101h 30Conversations to Connect#16.Art as Activism: Amplifying Voices of Environmental Injustice in Black and Indigenous Communities with Kriss MunsyaOn today’s episode I am joined by Kriss Munsya, a Congolese-born visual artist currently living in Rio de Janeiro, with experience in photography, graphic design, music and video production. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, Munsya became aware of his differences early on. In his white-dominated surroundings, he became accustomed to experiences with normalised discrimination, oppression, and violence. He grew up in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, and that era was very important for him. As a first- generation African immigrant, Munsya was consistently confronted with normalised and often violen...
2024-03-2355 minConversations to Connect#15. Promoting boxing as a tool for mental and physical wellbeing with Sammy Mckay, Founder of Champs WithinOn today’s episode I am joined by Sammy McKay, professional boxer, boxing coach at Miguels Boxing Gym in Brixton and founder of Champs Within. Sammy started boxing in 2015, as part of the London Fire Brigade Lambeth Boxing Initiative. Having travelled the world training with champions, Sammy gained a number of title wins and turned pro in 2020. Sammy has trained regularly at Miguels since finding the sport, and is now one of the lead trainers at the gym. Set up in 2020, Champs within uses boxing as a tool to foster positive social interaction in a supportive and controlled environment, empo...
2023-12-2842 minConversations to Connect#14. Discovering the healing powers of beauty with Beatriz AcevedoOn today’s episode I am joined by Beatriz Acevedo. Beatriz Acevedo is an artist and educator, originally from Colombia, who has been living in the UK for 20 years. She is passionate about restoring our relationship with beauty, challenging the imposed ideas of what is pretty and discovering beauty around and inside us. She has been writing about beauty, aesthetics and ethics and is now finishing her first book on her experience of mental health and the healing powers of beauty.On this episode we discuss the feelings of isolation that can come with leaving behind yo...
2023-11-2558 minConversations to Connect#13. Building more cohesive and connected communities with Brendan CoxOn today’s episode I am joined by Brendan Cox. Brendan Cox is a campaigner for more cohesive communities. He has co-founded multiple organisations that work to build more connected and cohesive communities, such as More in Common which works to build more inclusive communities in France, Germany, the UK and the US, Survivors Against Terror, the Jo Cox Foundation,(continuing the work of his late wife) and the Together Coalition. Brendan started work in the aftermath of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, working with children who lost their parents in the war. This formative work gave him...
2023-10-1845 minConversations to Connect#12. The impact of racism on health and wellbeing and building an antiracism community with Nova ReidOn today’s episode I am joined by Nova Reid. Nova Reid is a thought leader, TED speaker, author and producer, fascinated by human behavior. Often described as a force to be reckoned with, Nova uses her professional background in mental wellbeing to encourage meaningful change from the inside out. Through her impactful advocacy and powerful public speaking, writing and storytelling, she has become renowned as an agent of change, selected as one of Black Magic Network’s Top 100 Black British Women and receiving a Precious Award for Social Impact. She is a regular contributor to BBC News and Sky Ne...
2023-09-241h 01Conversations to Connect#11. The importance of fostering workplace belonging and building diverse, inclusive communities with One Twelve AgencyOn today’s episode I am joined by Hannah Campbell and G Bansal, the founders of One Twelve, a creative agency that works with fashion, music and brand partnerships in the UK. Hannah and G founded One Twelve with an important mission, as black and brown female founders, they have a vision to ensure marketing is more inclusive and representative of various peoples lifestyles and cultures. They aim to ensure that future generations of all backgrounds see themselves and their stories represented authentically. Having both experienced loneliness and marginalisation in the workplace, they know first hand the importance of cr...
2023-07-161h 12Conversations to Connect#11. The importance of fostering workplace belonging and building diverse, inclusive communities with One Twelve Agency.On this episode I am joined by Hannah Campbell and G Bansal, the founders of One Twelve, a creative agency that works with fashion, music and brand partnerships in the UK. Hannah and G founded One Twelve with an important mission, as black and brown female founders, they have a vision to ensure marketing is more inclusive and representative of various peoples lifestyles and cultures. They aim to ensure that future generations of all backgrounds see themselves and their stories represented authentically. Having both experienced loneliness and marginalisation in the workplace, they know first hand the importance of creating...
2023-07-101h 13
Conversations to Connect#10. Finding purpose and adventure in your 80s with Commander David Hawksley, aged 100On this episode I am joined by my grandfather, Commander David Hawksley OBE, born in August 1923. David joined the navy at 18 in 1942 and fought in the Second World War and continued to work in the navy until 1976. He then began a new career at BSI, British Standards Institution. On leaving BSI at 65, he became an international consultant for developing countries to help them develop their own standards institution. Whilst working in the navy David met his wife Sheila and they were married for 54 years. David became her full time carer in 2000 for the last 4 years of her life when...
2023-06-0834 minConversations to Connect#9. How pets can help with loneliness and why it's always better to rescue an animal with Marc The VetOn this episode I am joined by Marc Abraham or Marc The Vet, as he is more commonly known. Marc is an award winning veterinary surgeon, broadcaster, author and animal welfare campaigner and was awarded an OBE for services to animal welfare in the 2021 Queens Birthday honours. As well as campaigning to improve animal welfare in the UK, Marc volunteers around the world, and visits schools teaching pupils about looking after animals and each other.On this episode, we discuss Marc's own personal journey with loneliness as an animal welfare campaigner, the importance of our connection...
2023-05-231h 00Conversations to Connect#8. Improving wellbeing, empowering youth and creating community through soul music with Tony SupremeOn this episode I am joined by Tony Supreme, an award winning radio presenter, CEO of Grounded Sounds, a charity which aims at empowering youth through music, as well as the founder of Soul Surge - a music and wellbeing platform. With extensive knowledge and personal experience of the criminal justice system Tony also mentors and supports young people into careers in music.On this episode, we discuss Tony's own personal experience of loneliness and isolation in prison, dealing with grief and the difficulty men face in talking about their emotions. We explore the power of r...
2023-04-3054 minConversations to Connect#7. How monthly tea parties are making life less lonely for thousands of older people, with Re-engageOn this episode I am joined by Meryl Davies, Chief Executive Officer at Re-engage, a charity aimed at tackling the huge and growing issue of loneliness in later life. More than 2 million people in the UK over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say that they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Re-engage is working to make life less lonely for thousands of older people every year. They organise monthly tea parties to people aged 75 and over, as well as running a telephone befriending service, organise...
2023-03-2547 minConversations to Connect#6. Social prescribing and empowering solutions to beat loneliness with Dr Radha ModgilOn this episode I am joined by Dr Radha Modgil, GP, Media Personality and medical expert for BBC Radio 1, campaigner, broadcaster, podcast host and author. Dr Radha Modgil is also an ambassador for the National Academy of Social Prescribing and offers empowering advice that helps people deal with life's many challenges, and to take control of their own health and wellbeing. On this episode we discuss loneliness as a public health issue, exploring the impacts of loneliness on health and how social prescribing offers a diverse range of community projects which are helping to empower people...
2023-02-2537 minConversations to Connect#5. Bringing communities together through music with Brixton Chamber OrchestraFor our fifth episode I am joined by Silas Armstrong of Brixton Chamber Orchestra. Music is a universal language that connects us all. It can improve our emotional state, enhance our mood and create a sense of unity and togetherness that can help in reducing loneliness and social isolation. Based in Brixton, London, Brixton Chamber Orchestra is a registered charity and group of instrumentalists that provides live orchestral experiences to new audiences in unexpected venues, collaborating and playing with different artists and genres - from Grime to Gospel, Disco to Drum and Bass, Classical to Jazz, and everything in...
2023-01-1439 minConversations to Connect#4. How Beam are tackling isolation faced by refugees and people experiencing homelessness through community and technologyFor our fourth episode we are joined by Simon Jarvis, Operations Executive at Beam. Beam is an award-winning Tech for Good start-up and crowdfunding platform that supports homeless people and refugees into stable jobs and homes. Beam's technology allows anyone around the world to read about individual people's stories, connect with them, write messages of support and help to fund vocational training and housing. On this episode we discuss the isolation and loneliness that someone experiencing homelessness or a refugee may face, and the way that Beam tackles this, creating a supportive and positive online community to empower people...
2022-12-1826 minConversations to Connect#3. Loneliness and marginalisation among the LGBTQ community with Eddy ElmerFor our third episode we are joined by Eddy Elmer, to discuss marginalistion and loneliness in the LGBTQ community. Despite the birth of the global gay rights movement, the LGBTQ community still suffer from marginalisation and a risk of increased loneliness. On this episode we discuss potential causes, risk factors and collective solutions.Eddy Elmer is a researcher and consultant in aging and mental health, focusing on loneliness in marginalized groups such as sexual minority seniors; aging inmates and parolees) Eddy is completing his PHD in Social gerontology, studying minority stress and loneliness in the LGTBQ c...
2022-12-0448 minConversations to Connect#2: Forest Bathing & reconnecting with nature with Tansy in the Wild.For our second episode we are joined by Tansy Dowman, Forest Bathing Guide, Outdoor Life Coach and Mindfulness Teacher. Tansy helps people reconnect with nature and themselves to live more fulfilling lives.Being close to nature and green spaces has a proven impact on loneliness, depression and anxiety and in this episode we are going to be discussing forest bathing, mindful walking and how reconnecting with nature can help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation. To find more about Tansy in the wild you can check out Tansy's website: https://www.tansyinthewild...
2022-11-0639 minConversations to Connect#1: Exploring loneliness and community solutions with Robin Hewings, Programme Director of the Campaign to End LonelinessFor our first ever episode we are joined by Robin Hewings, programme Director at the Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.Robin Hewings has been with the organization for 3 years, and before heading up the campaign was working on policy and research, including directing programmes on th...
2022-10-1028 min
Home Front - Omnibus26-30 March 1918The fourth omnibus of Season 13, A Woman's Place, set in Folkestone, in the week, in 1918, when footballer Walter Tull was killed in the Spring Offensive.Cast
Alice Macknade ..... Claire-Louise Cordwell
Adeline Lumley ..... Helen Schlesinger
Marion Wardle ..... Laura Elphinstone
Ivy Monk ..... Lizzy Watts
Howard Argent ..... Gunnar Cauthery
Hermione ..... Amber Aga
Sophie Beckwith ..... Abbie Andrews
Esme Macknade ..... Katie Angelou
Ray Wardle ..... Isabel Barry
Gabriel Graham ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Edie Chadwick ..... Kathryn Beaumont
Juliet Cavendish ..... Lizzie Bourne
Constance Pettigrew ..... Phoebe Frances Brown
Hugh Cavendish ..... Pip Carter
Bill Macknade ..... Ben Crowe
Annie Fear ..... Kathleen Cranham
Sylvia Graham ..... Joanna David
Private Casey ..... Ryan...
2018-03-3056 minHome Front - Omnibus12-16 March 1918The second omnibus of Season 13, A Woman's Place, set in Folkestone, in the week, in 1918, when the Times published details for women registering to vote for the first time.Cast
Rev. Alec Poole ..... Tom Stuart
Adeline Lumley ..... Helen Schlesinger
Sylvia Graham ..... Joanna David
Ivy Monk ..... Lizzy Watts
Kitty Lumley ..... Ami Metcalf
Sophie Beckwith ..... Abbie Andrews
Isabel Graham ..... Keely Beresford
Gabriel Graham ..... Michael Bertenshaw
Juliet Cavendish ..... Lizzie Bourne
Hugh Cavendish ..... Pip Carter
Dolly Clout ..... Elaine Claxton
Carson Martindale ..... Stephen Critchlow
Eleanor Tanney ..... Aimee-Ffion Edwards
Constance Pettigrew ..... Phoebe Frances Brown
George Tanney ..... Neil Grainger
Terence Wentworth ..... Jack Lowden
Rev...
2018-03-1656 min