Hazel and Lydia are joined by award winning author and journalist Ali Sparkes. Ali has had a fascinating career spanning print media, BBC radio and magazine editing, marketing, events, training and PR, before moving into children’s fiction writing. She has now written an incredible 63 books, published by Oxford, Scholastic, HarperCollins, Franklin Watts and Stairwell Books.

The National Year of Reading is the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives. The campaign is not about putting away your devices. The National Literacy Trust don’t mind what or how people read. Today’s readers engage with stories and information across multiple platforms, from printed books to audio books, digital magazines to graphic novels.

Every kind of reading counts, even listening to Podcasts!

National Year of Reading: National Year of Reading 2026 | National Literacy Trust

Ali Sparkes: Ali Sparkes - Children's author of the popular Shapeshifter series of books

In this episode, Molly, Hazel and Noah are curious about addiction and recovery in one of our most vulnerable and honest conversations to date.

They are joined by Harry, who is now 3 years clean from drugs and alcohol. He speaks of journey, including how he lost his dream job and had to rebuild his life after 10 years of addiction.

We would like to say a special thank you to The Gregson Foundation for sponsoring this episode, Express FM for hosting us, #BeeWell for statstics as well as The Council for Social Responsibility for arranging this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult.

You can find further information and resources on: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/profess...

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Binit, Lydia and Hayley are discussing all things Sex Education, including topics such as misogyny, porn and staying safe online.

They are joined by Jo, a multi-award-winning educator, speaker, author, and consultant. She has spent 15 years in education, including a decade leading Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) and in 2024, Jo published Empowering Relationships and Sex Education: A Practical Guide for Secondary School Teachers. Alongside her consultancy work, Jo continues to speak publicly on issues including misogyny, consent, pornography, online harms, and violence against women and girls.

We would like to say a special thank you to The Gregson Foundation for sponsoring this episode, Express FM for hosting and #BeeWell for supporting this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/sex-and-consent/

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Hazel, Noah and George are discussing Creativity and the affect this may have on young people.

They are joined by Anastasia, who facilitates conversation, systems and events that bring communities and professionals together through collaborative creative practice She has extensive experience working with young people and manages Playland - transforming a former abandoned arcade into a fully youth-led venue. Together, they explore the philosophy behind creative thinking to discussing the role of play in our lives.

We would like to say a special thank you to The Gregson Foundation for sponsoring this episode, Express FM for hosting and #BeeWell for supporting this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on Young Minds: ⁠How Creativity Helps Me Make Sense Of My Mental Health | Blog | Young Minds⁠

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Ella, Ali and Noah discuss the LGBTQ+ community.

They are joined by Krystle, who is a Youth and Community Lead from Downtown Pompey. She has spent 3+ years supporting LGBTQ+ young people and their families at Portsmouth City Council's Early Help and Prevention Service, including 1:1 work, delivering training to professionals/services and running a regular support group for the parents and carers. She is also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and parent to a queer teenager.

We would like to say a special thank you to CSR for sponsoring this episode, Unloc for hosting us, Morrisons at Victory Park for donating refreshments, as well as #BeeWell for providing data and support for this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on: https://www.theproudtrust.org/young-p...

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Theo, Hazel, Binit and Ruby are discussing Social Media and the affect this may have on young people.

They are joined by Emily, who has spent 5-6 years working in marketing, alongside building her own social media platforms. From her time in the fitness space, collaborating with major brands, to where she is now - she has seen both sides of Social Media. Together, they dive into the reality of it all: the opportunities it can create... and the pressure it can bring.

We would like to say a special thank you to The Gregson Foundation for sponsoring this episode, Express FM for hosting and #BeeWell for supporting this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on Young Minds: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-p...

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Izza, Minaal and Ellie dive into the world of Bullying.

They are joined by Jade, who has over 20 years experience working with children and young people in a variety of roles. She has had our own personal journey with bullying as well as supporting young people who have been both victims and perpetrators.

We would like to say a special thank you to #BeeWell for sponsoring this episode, SPARK Community Space for hosting us as well as CSR for donating refreshments. Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging.

If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-p...

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk

In this episode, Theo, George and Ruby are discussing Loss and Bereavement and the affect this may have on young people.

They are joined by Lucy, a Bereavement and Loss Network Lead for Portsmouth City Council, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. Lucy has supported and advised not only children and young people, but staff also on how to manage situations of loss and bereavement, as well as offering signposting.

We would like to say a special thank you to The Gregson Foundation for sponsoring this episode, Express FM for hosting and #BeeWell for supporting this episode.

Please note, these episodes may contain topics which some listeners may find challenging. If you are affected by anything which is spoken about, please speak to a trusted adult. You can find further information and resources on Young Minds: ⁠Grief and loss⁠

If you are a professional, business or organisation who would like to support this project, please access the CSR website for contact information: www.csrnet.org.uk