Shows
Right Side of the BrainAvita Jay - ActorSend us a textAvita Jay talk about her work as an actor and her experiences of stroke, her father dying of a stroke when Avita was fifteen. Theatre includes: The Empress, Falkland Sound, The Comedy of Errors, The Winter’s Tale (RSC); Jinnistan (Òran Mór, Traverse); Favour (Bush Theatre); The Lovely Bones (Birmingham Rep); Billionaire Boy (NST Theatre/UK tour); The Secret Garden (York Theatre Royal); The Jungle Book (national tour); Bottled Up (Lyric Hammersmith); Bring on the Bollywood (national tour); We’re Stuck (Shoreditch Town Hall/national tour); Rapunzel, Warde Street...
2024-05-0631 minRight Side of the BrainAdam Pearce - Actor and stroke survivorSend us a textOriginally from Portsmouth, Adam trained as an actor at the Guildford School of Acting. He has worked in many shows across the West End and UK including Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, The Prince of Egypt, Sweeney Todd to name a few. With surviving at stroke at the age of 38, Adam is incredibly proud of his 'journey'so far, which finds him back at the Sondheim Theatre in Les Miserables. @adampearceuk@lesmizofficialSupport the show
2024-04-0145 minRight Side of the BrainCharlie Dorer - NHS England Stroke quality improvement for RehabilitationSend us a textSupport the show
2024-03-0429 minRight Side of the BrainCillian O'Brain & Sarah Rickard - Greater Manchester neurorehab and integrated stroke delivery networkSend us a textSarah manages the Greater Manchester Neurorehabilitation & Integrated Stroke Delivery Network, which she helped establish in 2015. Previously, Sarah spent much of her career within the NIHR Clinical Research Networks in senior management roles both in Greater Manchester and in London. Cillian is a qualified Occupational Therapist with experience of working in several inpatient stroke and neurorehabilitation settings across GM. He joined the network in April 2022 as a Facilitator as part of a larger service improvement team. The team work in collaboration with local stroke and neurorehabilitation teams into support quality im...
2024-02-0540 minRight Side of the BrainEdmund Hubbard - Arts Consultant and stroke survivorSend us a textEdmund Hubbard is an independent arts consultant and a trustee for InterAct Stroke Support. He talks about his life and the circumstances of his stroke with Nirjay Mahindru. Details about his consultancy work can be found at www.hubbardartconsultancy.com Support the show
2024-01-0159 minRight Side of the BrainDr Romila Bahl FRCEM MSEMSend us a textIn 2016, after 10 years working frontline as a Consultant in Emergency Medicine and Major Trauma, Dr Bahl decided to pursue her interest in Exercise and Physical activity and retrain formally in Sports and Exercise medicine. She now shares her working hours between being a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Kings College London, working as an Adult and Paediatric SEM Consultant at the National Centre in Loughborough and for UHL, working as a Clinical champion for Physical Activity for the Department of Health and Social care and as a Medical Examiner. Her specialist interests include Co...
2023-05-0134 min
Something with...In Conversation with Nirjay MahindruFrom age five, despite his mother’s warnings, Nirjay was fascinated by the idea of acting. Later in life, he found it very much to his liking and considered himself a lucky actor – successful and always in work.As the actor's life doesn’t always fit with family life, Nirjay moved into theatre management and then moved to the not-for-profit sector, becoming Chief Executive of InterAct Stroke Support.With a supportive wife, a job he liked and excelled at, being acknowledged as a writer, and securing season tickets for Arsenal football club for himself and his ch...
2023-04-111h 01Right Side of the BrainJenny Benson - Fundraiser and Project Officer- Read for GoodSend us a textJenny Benson is the Fundraising and Project Officer at Read for Good, a UK charity with the aim of motivating all children to read for fun, because loving reading changes lives. With a background in fundraising and communications, and in young people's mental health and activism, Jenny delights in sharing her love of literature and inspiring children and young people to embrace the power of storiesFor more details about Read for Good visit https://readforgood.org/about-us/ Support the show
2023-02-0630 min
Stroke Rehab Times PodcastHow do stories benefit stroke survivors?To start season 2 of the SR Times Podcast off we speak with Nirjay Mahindru, CEO of InterAct Stroke Support on the services they offer to stroke survivors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2023-01-1026 minRight Side of the BrainSégolène Scheuer- Performer and Vocal Empowerment CoachSend us a textSégolène is a Performer and Vocal Empowerment Coach combining voice, language, breathwork and energy therapy to help creatives find their voice in life and in art.She's taken what she's learned from the worlds of wellness, coaching and performance to help people fuel their expression, release limiting beliefs, stagnant emotions and unlock their vocal power.Instagram: @artfulsego // @theartfulathleteFind out more about my journey: https://theartfulathlete.co.uk/about-me The Artful Athlete Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1EtigHRBHSlcKvlEr6eTQV The Artful...
2023-01-0956 minRight Side of the BrainProfessor Marion Walker MBESend us a textMarion Walker is Emeritus Professor of Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of Nottingham and a fully accredited Executive Coach. She has particular expertise in the development and evaluation of complex interventions and has published widely on moving evidence from randomised controlled trials into routine clinical care. She is a strong advocate of patient partnership and co-chaired the Nottingham Stroke Research Partnership Group for 10 years. Marion was a Trustee of the Stroke Association (2009-2019) and is passionate about supporting women in STEM subjects. Marion is an Executive Member of the International Stroke Recovery and...
2022-12-0537 minRight Side of the BrainHelen Daniels - Development co-ordinator and former InterAct AdministratorSend us a textHelen Daniels is a former InterAct Stroke Support Office Administrator and has recently rejoined the InterAct family as their Development Co-ordinator. Helen is a British mezzo-soprano based in Bern, Switzerland. She is a member of the Swiss Opera Studio where she is studying with Christian Hilz, and has worked with renowned directors and conductors including Olivier Tambosi and Christoph Campestrini. Helen is generously supported by the Alec Turner Music Scholarship (awarded by the General Charity of the City of Coventry).Helen has performed in masterclasses with Barbara Hannigan and A...
2022-11-0732 minRight Side of the BrainCassandra Hugill - Dept of Neuro imaging UCLSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Cassandra Hugill, founder of the UCL World Stroke Day Forum and Public Engagement Manager at the Department of Imaging Neuroscience, UCL, discusses the importance of having lived experts voice in shaping stroke research and rehabilitation. Cassandra has been working with people with neurological conditions for the past five years, ensuring that research is accessible and more tailored to the needs of patients. To find out more about the forum, and to watch some short documentaries about the stroke research taking place at UCL, please visit bit.ly/UCLWSDforum
2022-10-2428 minRight Side of the BrainKonstantin Kisin and Francis Foster - hosts of TRIGGERnometrySend us a textKonstantin and Francis share their experiences of developing the hugely successful podcast Triggernometry. Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British comedian, podcaster, writer and social commentator. He made international headlines in 2018 by refusing to sign a university “behavioural agreement form” which banned jokes about religion, atheism and insisted that all humour must be “respectful and kind”.Konstantin is the reigning Jewish Comedian of the Year and has won a number of other comedy competitions, awards and prizes. He has played some of the UK's biggest comedy clubs and has supported Geoff Norcott, Shazia Mirza and A...
2022-10-1051 minRight Side of the BrainAndrew Davis - Photographer and stroke survivorSend us a textSupport the show
2022-09-1939 minRight Side of the BrainTorin Douglas - former BBC media journalist and one of the founders of Chiswick Book FestivalSend us a textTorin Douglas is a highly respected former BBC media correspondent for over 25 years who has also worked for the Independent and the Times. He is one of the founders of the Chiswick Book Festival which starts on Wednesday 7th September. Details of the festival can be found hereSupport the show
2022-09-0526 minRight Side of the BrainChristabel Flight - Founder of Silver Sunday and Westminster councillorSend us a textChristable Flight is the founder of Silver Sunday, an event celebrating older people that occurs on the first Sunday in October. She was a Westminster councillor for 17 years. Further details about Silver Sunday can be found at https://silversunday.org.uk/Support the show
2022-08-2230 minRight Side of the BrainEleanor Caird - Actor and former InterAct readerSend us a textEleanor Caird is an actor that started working for InterAct during the early days of the charity, seeing the plethora of changes that has occured within the charity over the years, and was an active participant in community based projects that encouraged the creativity of stroke survivors. Support the show
2022-08-0834 minRight Side of the BrainRoss Foley - Actor and InterAct readerSend us a textActor Ross Foley talks about his experiences working for InterAct Stroke Support, including hospital settings, and the InterAct at Home virtual delivery service.Support the show
2022-07-2532 minRight Side of the BrainProfessor Judith MottramSend us a textProfessor Judith Mottram talks about her work as an Arts professor at the University of Lancaster, the relationship between Art and creativity and also arts and health.Support the show
2022-07-1129 minRight Side of the BrainSartaj Garewal- Actor and founder of Dynamic Presenting.Send us a textAn English actor and voice artist, born and raised in Wiltshire, UK. Sartaj began as theatre actor in Shakespeare and contemporary productions. Performed in Scott Rudin's 2015 production of "Behind The Beautiful Forevers" at National Theatre. Other theatre credits include Royal Court, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and Bush Theatre in UK. Has worked with Sean Connery, Andrew Garfield, Archie Panjabi, Sheridan Smith, Omid Djalili. Hollywood debut in League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Has also appeared in Indian feature films Tezz and Desi Boyz. Best known for playing Jasper Choudhury in Season 2 of Nickelodeon's hit teen d...
2022-06-2733 minRight Side of the BrainMegan McKie Smith - Actor and InterAct reader and poetSend us a textFellow podcast host Megan takes to the other side of the Mic as she is interviewed by Nirjay Mahindru. Megan is an actor, poet, drama facilitator and highly experienced InterAct reader.Support the show
2022-06-1343 minRight Side of the BrainRula Lenska - Actor and InterAct ambassadorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with actress Rula Lenska. Rula talks about her childhood, her journey within acting, and her support for the various charities she feels passionate about. Support the show
2022-05-3032 minRight Side of the BrainNick Clarke - CEO of Stroke Information and stroke survivorSend us a textIn conversation with former footballer and stroke survivor Nick Clarke about his stroke and how and why he set up Stroke Information.Support the show
2022-05-1633 minRight Side of the BrainProfessor Alexander Leff - professor of NeurologySend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Professor of Neurology Alexander Leff from Kings College London. Support the show
2022-05-0245 minRight Side of the BrainTony Banks - former head of Conferences & events at the Stroke AssociationSend us a textTony Banks spent 10 years at the Stroke Association and was the head of Conferences and events. Support the show
2022-04-1833 minRight Side of the BrainOliver Ford Davis - Actor & InterAct ambassadorSend us a textOliver Robert Ford Davies (born 12 August 1939) is an English actor and writer, best known for his extensive theatre work, and to a broader audience for his role as Sio Bibble in Star Wars Episodes I to III. He is also known for his role as Maester Cressen in HBO series Game of Thrones.In 1959, as a member of the Oxford University Experimental Theatre Club, he appeared in his first Stratford performance in the Memorial Theatre's open-air production of Bartholomew Fair. His first professional appearances were, at the age of 27, in the 1967...
2022-04-0448 minRight Side of the BrainDr Adam Ali - Founder of CareCompareSend us a textDr Adam Ali is an Orthopaedic Surgeon and NHS Clinical Entrepreneur. He is co-founder of carecompare.net, an innovative site that enables people paying for their own care to quickly find and choose between local care companies able to help. CareCompare is free-to-use and being supported widely by the NHS, Homecare Association, voluntary sector and Innovate UK. Support the show
2022-03-2134 minRight Side of the BrainJohn Gordon - former civil servant, stroke survivor and poetSend us a textStroke survivor John Gordon in conversation with Nirjay Mahindru. John met InterAct whilst at Newcastle hospital and was inspired to write poetry afterwards. He's published book of poetry Popcorn is available online. John's story was the inspiration behind InterAct's recent BBC Radio 4 Charity appeal. A civil servant during his working life, John talks about his background, the civil service and his experiences both of stroke and InterAct Stroke Support. Support the show
2022-03-0738 minRight Side of the BrainRonald Ferguson - Music producer and stroke survivorSend us a textRonald Ferguson is a music producer and stroke survivor who now campaigns for what he describes as "social prescribing enterprise". Ronald is now a director of the charity Arts4dementia In this interview Ronald talks about his experiences of suffering a stroke and his treatment during his hospital stay, and how the organisation Headway, the brain charity, put him back together again. This interview was recorded during the period of the lockdown.Support the show
2022-02-2129 minRight Side of the BrainAllie Esiri - writer and former actorSend us a textAllie Esiri’s best-selling anthologies SHAKESPEARE FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, A POET FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR, A POEM FOR EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR and A POEM FOR EVERY NIGHT OF THE YEAR have lit an explosion of interest in poetry in the UK, are regularly chosen for National Poetry Day and have been picked as best books of the year in The Observer, The Times and the New Statesman. Live performances at festivals and theatres and on audio with poems read by some of our best-known actors - fr...
2022-02-0730 minRight Side of the BrainRobin Norton-Hale Artistic Director Opera Up CloseSend us a textRobin Norton-Hale is an English theatre and opera director. She is the Artistic Director of OperaUpClose, having founded the company alongside Adam Spreadbury-Maher and Ben Cooper in October 2009 and an Artist in Residence at Oxford Playhouse. She studied English Literature at Hertford College, Oxford and was a Clore Cultural Leadership Fellow (2013/14).Her directing credits for OperaUpClose, all in her own new English translations, include La Bohème (Soho Theatre, Cock Tavern Theatre and King's Head Theatre), winner of the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera and Best Off-West End Production in the 2011 W...
2022-01-2452 minRight Side of the BrainLisa Lux - MusicianSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with musician Lisa Lux. As a professional drummer Lisa has banged the skins for various UK chart bands inc, Girls Aloud, Hepburn, Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Michelle Gayle. Current band: The Priscillas This interview was recorded during the lockdown period. Support the show
2022-01-1039 minRight Side of the BrainBaroness Jan RoyallSend us a textBaroness Royall of Blaisdon is a British Labour Co-operative Party politician. She was Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. Jan Royall grew up in Hucclecote and Newnham on Severn, where her parents ran a shop.She was educated at the Royal Forest of Dean Grammar School and Westfield College, University of London, where she gained a BA in Spanish and French in 1977.She was a special adviser to Neil Kinnock, the leader of the Labour Party, in the 1980s, and she h...
2021-12-2751 minRight Side of the BrainVanessa Bailey - actor, writer, film maker with Nine Yard filmsSend us a textIn conversation with Vanessa Bailey. Founder of award-winning production company NINE YARDS FILMS, creating powerful stories. Multi award-winning director, screenwriter and actress. Irrepressible storyteller.https://www.nineyardsfilms.com Support the show
2021-12-1334 minRight Side of the BrainAlex Hassell - Actor and co founder of the Factory TheatreSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with actor Alex Hassell. As well as being an actor, he is a co- founder of the highly influential Factory Theatre. Alex was born in Southend, the youngest of four, to a vicar. He trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama after completing GCSE and A-Level courses at Moulsham High School, in Chelmsford, Essex.He has appeared in a number of stage roles, most recently as Hal in Henry IV Parts I and II, and Henry in Henry V, for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
2021-11-2947 minRight Side of the BrainStephen Hayward - Stroke survivorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Stephen Haywood. Stephen is a former businessman and was a member of the Territorial Army for over 30 years. He is also a stroke survivor.Support the show
2021-11-1530 minRight Side of the BrainHelen Brice - psychotherapistSend us a textHelen Brice is an existential psychotherapist, a Dialectical Behaviour TherapyPractitioner, and founder of Stimmung, a busy private practice inPiccadilly. She works trans-diagnostically, with orwithout diagnosis. Passionate about bringing equal status topsychotherapy alongside psychologist colleagues and associates,whether in the NHS, private hospital or forensic settings. She ispassionate about what neuroscience has brought to traditional talking therapies, and was invited to speak at the World Summit on Neuroscience & Psychiatry .Helen's practice Stimmung can be found hereSupport the show
2021-11-0147 minRight Side of the BrainMitchell Mullen - ActorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with actor Mitchell Mullen. As well as being a performer, Mitchell is also a teacher. Mitchell has been teaching at the London studio since it first opened its doors in 2013. He holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been teaching acting since 1996.TV credits include: Deep State (Epix), Catastrophe (Amazon Prime/Channel 4), The New Pope, (HBO), The Feed (Amazon), Genius: Einstein (National Geographic Channel), Outlander (Starz), Absentia, (Sony Pictures), Undercover and The Interceptor (BBC One), Toast of London and Utopia (Channel 4), Harley and The Da...
2021-10-1848 minRight Side of the BrainTara Lakin - Stroke AssociationSend us a textTara Lakin of the Stroke Association in conversation with Nirjay Mahindru. She is the Service Lead for the South East covering Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. She is interested in all aspects of stroke recovery and has dedicated the past 12 years to this field.Support the show
2021-10-0427 minRight Side of the BrainAlan McCormick - Writer and winner of the Ruth Rendell Short Story competition.Send us a textwith alanSupport the show
2021-09-2052 minRight Side of the BrainDaniel Betts - ActorSend us a textHalf-German, and born in Cuckfield, West Sussex Daniel Betts trained at the Drama Centre London. He trained under Yat Malmgren and Christopher Fettes at the Drama Centre, London, graduating in 1993. His varied career has included many roles on the British and International stage, as well as TV and film work including Fury (2014), and the Brad Pitt films War Machine (2016) and Allied (2016)As well as appearing in films and television programmes, he has been a voiceover artist on many commercials.Support the show
2021-09-061h 07Right Side of the BrainJacob Sam-La Rose - Poet and teacherSend us a textJacob Sam-La Rose is a poet, performer, educator and editor who has performed and taught internationally.His work has been published in several anthologies, including Identity State: New British and Irish Poets (2010); Penguin's Poems for Love (2009); City State: New London Poetry (2009); and Michael Rosen's A-Z: The Best Children's Poetry from Agard to Zephaniah (2009); and journals including Sable LitMag, Trespass magazine and X magazine. His debut pamphlet collection, Communion (2006), was a Poetry Book Society Pamphlet Choice and his first full poetry collection, Breaking Silence (2012), was shortlisted for the Forward Poetry Prize (Best First...
2021-08-2350 minRight Side of the BrainFayon Dixon - InterAct Community Liaison OfficerSend us a textBorn in Coventry, London resident for 30 yearsFayon Dixon is a broadcaster, host and facilitator with her purpose embedded in motivation, encouragement and inspirational interactions.Fayon is a regular commentator with BBC Radio London and a newspaper reviewer for a variety of broadcasters on Talk Radio. Fayon is the creator, host and producer of ‘The Kids Are Alright Show’ where she encourages children as young as 4 years to provide content and present on Riverside Radio, achieving awards for best presenter and best community content in 2018 and 2019....
2021-08-0942 minRight Side of the BrainRt hon Alan Johnson - former Home Secretary and Health SecretarySend us a textAlan Johnson was General Secretary of the Communication Workers Union before entering Parliament as Labour MP for Hull West and Hessle in 1997. He served as Home Secretary from June 2009 to May 2010. Before that, he filled a wide variety of cabinet positions in both the Blair and Brown governments, including Health Secretary and Education Secretary. Until 20 January 2011 he was Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. His childhood memoir ‘This Boy’ was published by Bantam Press on 9th May 2013. It won the Royal Society of Literature Ondaatje Prize, and the Orwell Prize, Britain's top polit...
2021-07-261h 03Right Side of the BrainNell Dunn - WriterSend us a textNell Dunn came to notice with the publication of Up the Junction (1963), a series of short stories set in South London, some of which had already appeared in the New Statesman. The book, awarded the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize, was a controversial success at the time for its vibrant, realistic and non-judgmental portrait of its working-class protagonists. It was adapted for television by Dunn, with Ken Loach, for The Wednesday Play series, which was directed by Loach and broadcast in November 1965. A cinema film version was released in 1968.Talking to Women (1965...
2021-07-1224 min2021-06-2833 minRight Side of the BrainDr Kate Allat - author, speaker & survivor of locked in syndromeSend us a textDr Kate Allatt is a , keynote/webinar speaker, THRIVE trainer, TEDx, health consultant, internationally published author, researcher, global stroke advocate and peer mentor. Kate’s unique leadership messages support businesses operating in the health sector ie, the NHS Leadership, assisted tech providers, home care providers and pharma sectors points of difference in crowded markets. Kate also delivers her Stroke Rehab Surgeries for clinicians and stroke survivors to help them be the best versions of themselves functionally, during activities and participating in life. Kate has dedicated her life to stroke recovery, Locked In Syndrome and ha...
2021-06-1433 minRight Side of the BrainDr Maria Grazia TurriSend us a textMaria Grazia Turri is a Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London and the co-director of the MSc Creative Arts and Mental Health. She is a medical doctor and worked as psychiatrist and psychotherapist for the NHS for 15 years. She is a member of the Critical Psychiatry Network. Maria advocates for reform of the dominant paradigm in contemporary psychiatry and is passionate about promoting the creative arts as essential to research,education and practice in mental health and wellbeing. As a researcher in theatre studies, sh...
2021-05-3130 minRight Side of the BrainDr Tom Balchin - Director of ARNISend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with the founder of the ARNI.Support the show
2021-05-1736 minRight Side of the BrainPeter Levine- author, academic and stroke researcherSend us a textPeter G Levine is a researcher, author, clinician, professor and science communicator, dedicated to finding and reporting on the best systems for driving post-stroke brain plasticity. Pete has been at the forefront of testing many of the most innovative stroke neuro-rehab options including EMG-based gaming, wearable robotics, mental practice, functional E-Stim, transcranial magnetic stimulation and modified constraint-induced therapy (mCIT). He was the lab co-director at the U. of Cincinnati Academic Medical Center, and a Research Associate at the Kessler Institute. His clinical research continued with The OSU B.R.A.I...
2021-05-0343 minRight Side of the BrainSteph Harland CEO Age UKSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Steph Harland, the CEO of Age UK. Steph has been CEO of Age UK since January 2018. She joined one of our predecessor organisations, Age Concern England, in 2002. Before that Steph had worked in the voluntary sector locally, nationally and internationally mainly on issues to do with older people and other groups of adults with care needs. She first became involved with Age Concern in the late 1980s as a volunteer for Age Concern Greenwich. Steph was closely involved in the creation of Age UK in 20...
2021-04-1936 minRight Side of the BrainAmith Sitaram - Stroke consultant Queen Elizabeth hospital GlasgowSend us a textNirjay Mahindru and Megan Mckie Smith in conversation with stroke consultant Amith Sitaram, stroke consultant at Glasgow Queen Elizabeth hospital. Amith is an experienced Stroke Clinician and researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Imaging Research, Clinical Research, Medicine, Healthcare, and Neuroscience. Strong Clinical and research background with a focus in Improving Stroke Care. Has had the pleasure to work with the best in the field in the University of Zurich, University of Calgary and University of Glasgow.This interview was recorded during the p...
2021-04-0540 minRight Side of the BrainJoanna Brendon MBE - ArtistSend us a textArtist Joanna Brendon in conversation with Nirjay Mahindru. Joanna Brendon is probably best known for being the first Director of the concert hall, St John’s Smith Square (https://www.sjss.org.uk). Throughout her career, she has been involved with funding for the arts, working with the Royal Opera House, Royal Academy of Dancing, the Spanish Arts Festival and Sadler’s Wells.In 2005, she gained a MA at Brighton University, her thesis being “Do Visual Artists Need To See? – Exploring Alternative Perceptions” as a way of confronting her own diminishing sight prior...
2021-03-2233 minRight Side of the BrainLynn Rutherford - Artist, illustrator and stroke survivor.Send us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to Norfolk based artist Lynn Rutherford about her life, her stroke and her art. Lynn suffered a major stroke in 2018 and hospital staff were convinced she wouldn't pull through. Lynn retired from a life time working with children and young people. Art has always been important at work and for leisure.Lynn remembers nothing about her stroke. She knows that it was the kindness and professionalism of strangers which meant she survived. Lynn says "Friends and family are very important, as is experiencing nature. Having a lovely dog mea...
2021-03-0828 minRight Side of the BrainSas Freeman - Writer, Artist, mentor and stroke survivorSend us a textSas Freeman was living the fairytale dream as a model, a television and film actress – which all came to an end overnight. Life changed drastically for the 45-year-old as the result of not one, but two back-to-back strokes .After experiencing two strokes in her mid-40s, Sas has become an impassioned advocate for increasing stroke awareness and supporting fellow stroke survivors and their care partners. She is the author of Two strokes not out. Sas previously worked as a photographic model and on television. She appeared in films and as a double for Emma...
2021-02-2247 minRight Side of the BrainTrevor Phillips - Writer Broadcaster and former politicianSend us a textTrevor Phillips OBE ARCS FIC is a British writer, broadcaster and former politician. In March 2015, Phillips was appointed as the President of the Partnership Council of the John Lewis Partnership for a three-year term. His is the first external appointment since 1928.Phillips is deputy chairman of the board of the National Equality Standard, and other business appointments include chairman of Green Park Diversity Analytics, director of WebberPhillips, a data analytics provider; and director of Pepper Productions, an independent television production company. He is a member of the board of the Barbican...
2021-02-0852 minRight Side of the BrainMichelle Iglesias - ArtistSend us a textMichelle Iglesias began her painting journey in 2004 after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31, which lead her to discovering the therapeutic value of creating art. She has since been exhibiting her paintings nationally and continues to develop her inherent skills in order to produce art of the finest quality. Much of her work consists of natural elements, including water and nature. She specializes in acrylic and oil paintings on canvas, with inspirations coming from nature, dimensions, and individuals struck by cancer. Michelle’s paintings invite viewer involvement and have been de...
2021-01-2534 minRight Side of the BrainWaris Islam - TV and Film DirectorSend us a textWaris Islam is an award-winning writer director with network credits in film, television and radio.He also practices as a Consultant on projects developing training courses, overseas and in the UK. He has written for BBC Radio drama, directed award winning short films 'Short' and 'The Family Portrait' and written a 'Coming Up' for Channel 4. Waris has alsodirected episodes of Hollyoaks, Eastenders, Holby City and creator, series writer and director for BISHAASH. He is on the BBC Hotlist for 2017 and preparing for his first feature film. Waris is represented by Elinor...
2021-01-1146 minRight Side of the BrainLucy Smith - Philanthropy Officer Leonard Cheshire disabilitySend us a textLucy Smith spent 20 years working in the film industry before moving to the voluntary sector. She is currently the philanthropy officer at Leonard Cheshire disability. Lucy was integral to the creative collaboration between InterAct and Leonard Cheshire culminating in the creation of a radio play. This interview was recorded during the period of the lockdown. For more information on Leonard Cheshire, www.leonardcheshire.org Support the show
2020-12-2833 minRight Side of the BrainAustin Willet - Chief Executive - Different StrokesSend us a textMegan Mckie Smith in conversation with the Chief Executive of Different Strokes, the charity dedicated to helping younger stroke surviviors. For more details of the work of Different Strokes, please visit https://differentstrokes.co.uk Support the show
2020-12-1426 minRight Side of the BrainIan Talbot OBE - Actor and theatre directorSend us a textMegan McKie Smith in conversation with actor and theatre director Ian Talbot. For 20 years Ian was Artistic Director of the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, where he directed a few of his own musical hits over the years at the Open Air – High Society and The Boy Friend being examples and was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Best Director for his production of The Pirates Of Penzance. Ian was awarded an OBE in 2008 for his services to Drama. He is also the Chairman of trustees of InterAct Stroke Support.Ian...
2020-11-3055 minRight Side of the BrainHayley Youell/Kiz Bangerh - Culture health and wellbeing Alliance/Hip Hop HealsSend us a textTwo guests in this podcast. Hayley Youell of the Culture Health and Wellbeing alliance and Kiz Bangerh founder of Hip Hop Heals, both in conversation with Nirjay Mahindru. Catch the latest events that will be occuring via the Alliance. Details for the alliance can be found atwww.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.ukFor Hip Hop Heals and Kiz's work, more details can be found at:https://anchor.fm/hiphophealskizhttps://www.hiphophealsuk.org/https://twitter.com/hiphophealsuk https://www.facebook.com/hiphophealsuk/Su...
2020-11-1637 minRight Side of the BrainChe Walker - Writer, Director, Actor, TeacherSend us a textNirjay Mahindru is joined by Che Walker.Che Walker studied acting at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, and has worked with Edward Bond, Philip Ridley, Mark Ravenhill, Stellan Skarsgaard, Chris Penn and Robert David Mc Donald.His first play BEEN SO LONG premiered at the Royal Court theatre in 1998, starring Sophie Okonedo, and was runner-up for The John Whiting Award and the Meyer-Whitworth Award, and has subsequently been translated and produced worldwide.FLESHWOUND premiered at the Royal Court in 2003 and won the George...
2020-11-0246 minRight Side of the BrainJuliet Bouverie OBE - Chief Executive, Stroke AssociationSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Juliet Bouverie, COE of the Stroke Association. Juliet has been chief executive of the Stroke Association since June 2016.Prior to joining the Stroke Association, Juliet worked at Macmillan Cancer Support for 16 years in roles including head of planning and policy, director of corporate development and executive director of services and influencing.In this last role, she led a staff team of over 800 people, managed a budget of £150m and oversaw a programme of award-winning innovations and service design across the UK. She also sec...
2020-10-1933 minRight Side of the BrainFrancis D'angel - Yoga teacher and stroke survivorSend us a textMegan McKie Smith in conversation with former yoga teacher Francis D'Angel about his life, and the circumstances of his stroke. Francis is a regular attendee of Leonard Cheshire disablity in Wandsworth, an organisation InterAct has been working with. Support the show
2020-10-0528 minRight Side of the BrainMaureen Younger- Stand up ComedianSend us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to stand up comedian Maureen Younger about her life and career.Maureen is a tri-lingual London Scot, she’s frank, fast, feisty, sharp, engaging – honest humour with attitude!Gigs include: Hackney Empire, The Stand, Hampstead Comedy Club, Upfront Comedy, Glee Club, Amused Moose Soho, Comedy Camp, Comedy Store, Up the Creek, Bearcat Comedy Club, Underbelly, Komedia, Frog & Bucket, Downstairs at the King’s Head, Arthur Smith’s Cut Price Comedy Night, Comedy Café, Laughing Cows, Hampstead Theatre, BrouHaHa, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Buzz Comedy, Monkey Business, Joogleberry Playhouse...
2020-09-2132 minRight Side of the BrainNick Ede - CEO East of Eden, Philanthropist and charity activist.Send us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to Nick Ede about his life and work. Nick has over 20 years of experience in PR and brand development and spent 15 years as Creative Director of EdenCancan PR in London. During those years he was lucky enough to develop strategic PR campaigns for brands including Lastminute.com, Puma, Channel Four, MTV, Spanx, Lipsy London, BBC Children In Need, Fox, News UK, little Mistress, Ultimo, Ariella Couture, Upper Street Shoes, Comedy Central and Organic Surge. During that time he also carved out a successful TV career presenting regularly on Lorraine on...
2020-09-0730 minRight Side of the BrainLindsay Dowding - Writer and stroke survivorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to former nurse Lyndsey Dowding about her life, working in the NHS as a nurse for many years, her stroke, and the publication of her book "Charlie the Horse, Owl, and the Planning Application". This interview was recorded in May 2020 during the lockdown period. Lindsay Dowding worked at the NNUH for 13 years, was taking part in a workshop in Pottergate in Norwich when she suffered a stroke. She was rushed to the very hospital she worked at. Support the show
2020-08-2429 minRight Side of the BrainBarry Macaulay - Northern Ireland Director for Stroke supportSend us a textNirjay Mahindru in conversation with Barry Macaulay, talking all things Stroke in relation to Northern Ireland. Recently, Barry received a BEM in recognition of his commitment to Disability Sports. The medal recognises the positive contribution that Barry has made to the disability sports sector in Northern Ireland over a period of 27 years. Barry’s passion and dedication has made a significant impact, providing lots of new opportunities for people with a disability to get involved in sports. Barry has also provided strong strategic input for strengthening Disability Sport NI and other disability sports org...
2020-08-1027 minRight Side of the BrainAnthony Rudd CBE- Professor of Stroke MedicineSend us a textNirjay Mahindru interviews Professor Anthony Rudd, one of the UK's former leading clinician on stroke. Anthony Rudd was Professor of Stroke Medicine at Kings College London, Consultant stroke physician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital and the National Clinical Director for Stroke for NHS England and NHS Improvement. He ran the stroke programme producing national stroke guidelines and the national stroke audit since 1995. His research interests are stroke rehabilitation, organisation of care and quality improvement with over 300 peer reviewed publications. He was made a CBE in the Quee...
2020-07-2734 minRight Side of the BrainIqbal Khan - Theatre directorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to theatre director Iqbal Khan about his life growing up in Birmingham, the influence of his mother and brothers, depression and feeling out of kilter with those around us, plus the state of British theatre today. Iqbal began his directing career at the Leicester Haymarket and National Theatre Studio.His credits include: A Christmas Carol (Box Clever); Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe); Snookered(Tamasha/Oldham Coliseum/Bush/UK tour): The Importance of Being Earnest: The Musical (Riverside Studios); The Killing of Sister George (West End); Broken Glass (Tri...
2020-07-1345 minRight Side of the BrainAndrew Davis - Photographer and stroke survivorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru interviews Andrew Davis, the critically acclaimed photographer who suffered a stroke in 2013. Andrew discusses his life, the world of professional photography, and the consequences of his stroke. This interview was recorded in May 2020 during the lockdown period in the UK. Support the show
2020-06-2928 minRight Side of the BrainRupert Graves - ActorSend us a textNirjay Mahindru talks to actor Rupert Graves about his early childhood in Weston Super Mare, his life as a professional actor, the stroke that affected his father, and Arsenal football club.This interview was recorded in May 2020 during the lockdown period in the UK following COVID 19. Support the show
2020-06-1527 minRight Side of the BrainPilot episode- Caroline Smith, Theatre Director.Send us a textPilot episode, An interview with the founder of InterAct Stroke Support, former theatre director Caroline Smith about her life and the idea behind creating the charity. InterAct are a charity that take professional actors into hospitals and read to stroke survivors. For more information visit our website at www.interactstrokesupport.org This interview was recorded on 12th May 2020 during lockdown in the United Kingdom due to COVID-19.Support the show
2020-05-1829 min