Bunmi Owolabi and Dr Pedi Obani recorded on 23/12/2024

In this compelling episode, we explore the transformative work of AfriKindness, a charity dedicated to advocating for kindness, cultural understanding, and racial harmony among children and young people.

Founders Bumni and Pedi share their journeys, emphasizing the importance of empowering families and addressing complex racial challenges through community engagement, co-production, and educational initiatives. They also discuss the organization's rapid growth, the impact of COVID-19 on their mission, and the crucial role of social media in amplifying their message and reaching a global audience.

https://afrikindness.org/

https://afrikindness.org/support-us/volunteer-with-us/

https://afrikindnesspodcast.buzzsprout.com/2195332/episodes

Farina McKay recorded on 17/12/2024

In this episode, we hear from Farina McKay, a dynamic professional who reminisces about her childhood dreams of working with monkeys at a zoo, then navigating through creative writing aspirations, and ultimately finding her niche in linguistics and sales within the cybersecurity field.

Farina shares insights into her current role in an identity advisory company, discussing the challenges and rewards of sales, and the impact of remote work, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, she touches upon her advocacy for more women in tech, the complexities of social media, and the importance of real, meaningful human connections in the digital age.

Tayba Azim 17/12/2024

Tayba Azim runs her own private practice in Counselling & Psychotherapy, organizes and facilitates psycho-spiritual retreats, and provides Mizan Therapy—womb healing techniques to address conditions of the reproductive organs, emotional health, and unresolved trauma.

With over 15 years of experience in mental health, domestic abuse, and trauma, she focuses on supporting women all over the world, of all ages, especially the South Asian community, particularly Muslim women, and those that are neurodiverse.

Tayba employs an Islamically-informed approach in her counselling, tailored to her clients' needs, educating Muslim women about their rights within Islam. She empowers women to own and reclaim their menstrual cycle and rights within a capitalist society, helping to dismantle the guilt and shame imposed by patriarchy, culture, and colonialism.

https://nurturingheartandwomb.com/

Instagram: @nurturingheartandwomb

Melissa Canavan recorded on 19/11/2024

In this episode, Melissa Canavan reflects on her unique and varied journey from having childhood dreams of working in roles as diverse as a Royal Dishwasher to eventually finding her calling in nursing and coaching.

Melissa shares insights into the challenges faced during her education and early career, the important personal decisions that led her to write a book and offer coaching, and the transformative life experiences that have guided her professional and personal growth.

As always, we discuss the impact of societal issues like COVID-19 and climate change on Melissa’s work, and how she navigates the complexities of balancing work, personal growth, and social media presence.

You can find Melissa Canavan at: https://www.authormelissacanavan.com

Or buy the book at: https://www.authormelissacanavan.com/buy-the-book/

Also check out https://www.shinecollective.co.uk/shecanshine

Miranda Arieh recorded on 23/10/24 13/11/2024

Miranda Arieh is the HEROES Group Work Programme - Founder & CEO, offering 'Healing, Education and Recovery of Emotional Strength'. She’s an Award-Winning Mental Healthcare Consultant, a Lived Experience Practitioner, a Trauma Informed Care Specialist and a BBC Radio Presenter. In this compelling episode, Miranda shares her journey from aspiring singer to a mental health advocate and public speaker.

Drawing inspiration from punk and grunge artists, Miranda channelled her creativity into creating the HEROES Group Work Program, a mental health initiative designed to help individuals recover from trauma.

Facing her own struggles with mental health, Miranda developed this program based on her lived experiences and extensive self-education. Now, she trains others to offer this life-changing support, focusing on building community and fostering genuine human connections to heal trauma.

www.mirandaarieh.co.uk

www.heroesnetwork.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook/X/LinkedIn: @mirandaarieh

Andy Simpson recorded on 23/10/24

In this episode, Andy Simpson shares his journey from childhood aspirations of being an RAF pilot to co-running a successful signage business, FastSigns, with his father. He discusses his early interest in sports, his educational path in computer science and maths, and his eventual entry into the signage industry through franchising. Andy also dives into the challenges and opportunities brought by COVID-19 and reflects on the importance of sustainable practices and social media in modern business.

You can find Andy at: https://www.fastsigns.co.uk/leeds/

So, 150 episodes in. In five years. Still. We’re at 150 so now we’re on the push to 200 as soon as we can. There’s more to come from Series 5 and I’ve got a dozen interviews in the can already for this year.

I always need listeners, guests and most importantly donations. If we’re to get anywhere doing this, it needs to start receiving donations. Hit follow, share or donate to help the project hit that 1000 interviews.

Alan Thompson recorded on 06/11/2024

Alan Thompson is the founder and Managing Director of Business Dad Ltd.

And is often recognised from the back of his head, usually in a photograph at an event where he can often be found hovering around the food and drink table.

Having been a Business Adviser under the EU-funded AD:Venture programme from 2018-2023, working with new start to 3 year old businesses offering advice, mentoring and being the one to hold them to account. When the EU funding finished, he set up Business Dad Ltd to continue working with small business owners on their daily challenges.

In a career spanning 50 years he’s worked in Asset Finance for 2 major banks, Business Recovery for 2 large accountancy practices, run his own retail, e-commerce and consultancy businesses and he brings all of that lived experience to the table to help his clients to succeed.

If you'd like to work with Alan you can contact him at: business-dad.co.uk

Or find him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanthompson-adv/

Colin Grist recorded on 04/09/2024

Colin Grist is the other Co-Founder and the Creative Director at Few and Far.

Few and Far help charities make the world a better place. Proud to work only with charities and do-good organisations in bringing their experience and expertise in digital to a sector in real need of support.

Colin worked for almost 15 years in digital - across design and development - creating award-winning work for organisations such as: WaterAid, The Bank of England, Blue Cross and Mind.

Colin speaks openly about his own mental health experiences both as a founder but also as a creative person and he set up a platform called 'Pressures & Perspectives' to help break the stigma around mental health in the creative industry.

Recently Colin became a Trustee at Leeds Mind and is also a qualified gym instructor & dance instructor, providing dance classes to the local community for over 3 years.

To find out more about Few and Far go to: https://www.fewandfar.co.uk/

Check out 1% For The Planet here: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

And if you're unfamiliar with B-Corps check their UK website here: https://bcorporation.uk/

You can buy Let My People Go Surfing here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/let-my-people-go-surfing/yvon-chouinard/naomi-klein/9780143109679

Other booksellers are available but my mate works at Waterstones.

You can also check out S04 E19 of Working Hours to hear from Colin's co founder Thomas Nadin.