🎸 One depressing headline, a conversation with an elderly client, and a poem to the Prime Minister… who knew it would lead to a little rock theme and a podcast?

Welcome to Pods of Poems!

This is where the whole journey began.

I'd been hearing similar frustrations wherever I went — from the elderly people I cared for and their families to conversations on trains, in hotel restaurants and even from taxi drivers!

People felt fed up, overwhelmed and pushed to the back of the queue. When I thought about the older generations who had made so many sacrifices for the life we have today, I felt their voices deserved to be heard, too.

So I did something I'd never done before. I wrote my feelings down, and to my surprise, the words just kept coming. The last time I'd done any creative writing was back in my school days… ahem, quite a few years ago! 😂

I wrote those poems to get my own frustration out of my system but then I thought… why shouldn't the Prime Minister hear them? (wishful thinking I know!)

I wasn't trying to tell anyone what to think. I just wanted to give a voice to the frustrations people feel and hopefully make people smile along the way.

Then one poem led to another… and another!

Before I knew it, my poem had become a song with a little rock beat and Starmer’s Den Does Rock! was born… and so was the idea for a podcast!

There was just one small problem. I'd never even listened to a podcast! 😂 A bit of research later, I went into full-on “RIGHT, LET'S DO THIS!” mode.

What could possibly go wrong? 🤣 Well, plenty, actually… but that's for another day!

🎧 In this episode:

Everyday frustrations and the rising cost of living

Feeling fed up and unheard

An unexpected poem sees the light of day! 🎸💃 Then the words found a rock beat, when the dancer came out to play!! 🤘🎸

So turn it up, get ready to tap your feet, and join me for Starmer’s Den! 🎸💃🤘🎸🤘

🎭 Dancing through life, one poem at a time.

❤️ Be kind. Listen. Connect.

📺 Remember Saturday nights in the 80s and 90s? Four channels, no remote control, and a whole evening of television to look forward to!

Welcome to Pods of Poems!

We're heading back to the days when Saturday night television was an event in itself. Families gathered around the telly, everyone had their favourites, and changing channels usually meant getting up and doing it yourself!

There were so many brilliant shows that it would be impossible to mention them all, so I've included some of my own favourites — programmes that still make me smile whenever I think about them, and I hope they make you smile too!

Before streaming, catch-up TV and endless scrolling, we made the most of what was on. There were familiar theme tunes, family traditions and those little moments that somehow stay with us for years.

And of course, what's a trip down memory lane without a bit of music? 🎶 Get ready for a Poptastic Cheese Fest! 😂🧀😉 With a little inspiration from the sounds of the era, Pod and I are bringing back that unmistakable 80s and 90s pop feeling — with a Pods of Poems twist!

Join me for a little nostalgia as we revisit the television, characters and memories that made those Saturday nights special.

🎧 In this episode:

Saturday night television in the 80s and 90s

Life before remote controls and streaming

Some of my favourite shows from the era

Music inspired by the sounds of the time

The little moments that made Saturday nights special

Pods of Poems celebrates the stories, music and moments that connect us — whether they bring back memories, make us laugh or remind us just how much everyday life has changed.

So get comfy, put the kettle on, and join me for a little nostalgia. ☕📺

🎭 Dancing through life, one poem at a time.

❤️ Be kind. Listen. Connect.

💙 When someone loses the person they've shared a lifetime with, the silence left behind can be deafening.

Welcome to the very first episode of Pods of Poems.

In this opening episode, we explore loneliness in later life through a heartfelt story inspired by life in care. After spending a lifetime sharing life with the person you love, what happens when the house becomes quieter, familiar routines change, and the little things that once made life special are no longer the same?

Through poetry, storytelling and music, we look beyond the passing years to the person still there underneath — their memories, their experiences and their need for connection.

Growing older can bring changes none of us can fully prepare for but sometimes, a little kindness, a friendly conversation or one simple phone call can make more difference than we realise.

Because behind every story is a person who deserves to be seen, heard and remembered.

🎧 In this episode:

Loneliness and life after losing a lifelong partner
The importance of human connection in later life
Memories, independence and the changes that come with ageing
How small acts of kindness can make a difference

Pods of Poems brings together stories from care, 80s and 90s nostalgia, and poems and songs inspired by the world around us today. There'll be laughter, memories, reflective moments and plenty of heart along the way.

Thank you for joining me at the beginning of this journey.

💙 Remember: one phone call can make a difference. You never know what someone is going through.

❤️ Be kind. Listen. Connect.

Please follow Pods of Poems on your favourite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone who might appreciate it.

🎭 Dancing through life, one poem at a time.