Can a swallowable gummy solve a problem that toothbrushes can't? In this episode, Carol and Tom meet Molly Baldini, founder of DentaBlue, whose path from drama school to NHS dementia coordination led her to spot a gap nobody is addressing: oral care for people who can no longer manage a toothbrush.

Molly traces her journey from a childhood in Cirencester and a love of drama, through the NHS mental health system, to her current role as a dementia coordinator in a general hospital. It was there, watching oral care consistently fall through the cracks for patients living with dementia, that the idea for DentaBlue took shape. As Molly puts it, "there needs to be a viable alternative to allow people to feel dignified and comforted throughout their life."

The conversation explores the realities of building a physical product as a young woman entrepreneur. She recounts challenges with sixty-four prototypes, while identifying the most suitable packaging based on carers’ and families’ feedback. Determined to succeed, she cold messaged dentists on LinkedIn and got into the industry’s leading trade show through a care solutions competition.

Molly also opens up about wider gaps in dignity focused care, including dry mouth support, denture care and inclusive food design for people with chewing or swallowing difficulties.

This is a candid, practical look at grassroots innovation and why inclusivity in care is never one size fits all.

Interesting Topics

{8:11} – Why Molly started DentaBlue and what it does.

{11:53} – Molly’s journey to getting DentaBlue to market.

{21:32} – Identifying and validating a care need despite not being a medical practitioner.

­­{24:21} – How Molly aims to make dental care more inclusive.

Key Takeaways

• Early career experience across mental health and general hospital settings revealed how easily oral care gets overlooked for people living with dementia.
• Genuine co-production, testing with the people a product is designed for, at every stage, shapes far better outcomes than assumptions ever could.
• Building a physical product as a young woman entrepreneur means being resourceful, persistent and comfortable with rejection.
• Inclusive design has applications far beyond its original dementia focus, from MS and stroke recovery to learning disabilities and sensory needs.
• Dignity should sit at the centre of care, whether that's oral health, denture care or making mealtimes accessible and enjoyable.

You can contact:

Molly Baldini: mollyrbaldini@gmail.com

DentaBlue: www.dentablue.co.uk

Dr Carol Sargent at https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler at https://getbide.com/

In this episode, we speak with Fiona Mahoney, founder of Reminiscence Learning, to explore the power of intergenerational influence and inclusive learning.

Fiona shares how “It’s so important that we just accept everybody for who they are… we shouldn’t be prescriptive in life.”

Fiona reflects on her early life experiences growing up across the UK and how her grandparents played a key role in shaping her passion for working with older people. From her career in occupational therapy to setting up her own business, she describes the journey that led to the creation of Reminiscence Learning.

We explore how Fiona developed innovative approaches to dementia care, including creating immersive reminiscence environments and the award-winning Archie Project, which connects schools with care homes. Through storytelling and creative engagement, Fiona highlights how children and older adults can learn from one another, breaking down stereotypes and building empathy.

This episode offers insight into how fun, creativity and real-world experiences can transform learning, support people living with dementia, and strengthen connections across generations.

Interesting Topics

⏱ 35:30 – Intergenerational learning between schools and care homes
⏱ 47:00 – Lessons from working with children vs adults
⏱ 55:30 – Advice for engaging and working with younger generations

Key Takeaways

• Intergenerational experiences can have a profound impact on empathy and understanding.
• Creative approaches like storytelling and reminiscence can transform dementia care.
• Children and adults learn effectively through the same engaging, simplified methods.
• Small environmental and behavioural changes can significantly improve quality of life for people living with dementia.
• Making learning fun, practical and inclusive encourages deeper connection and long-term impact.

You can contact:

Fiona Mahoney at fiona@reminiscencelearning.co.uk

Reminiscence Learning https://reminiscencelearning.co.uk

Dr Carol Sargent at https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler at https://getbide.com/

In this episode, Carol Sargent and Tom speak with Professor Lynne Corner, a leading voice in ageing innovation and deputy director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA).

Lynne describes how “Healthy ageing isn’t just about adding years to life – it’s about creating the conditions for people to live well for longer.”

Lynne shares how early experiences with her grandparents inspired a lifelong passion for healthy ageing and shaping environments where people can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

We explore how collaboration between communities, researchers, social entrepreneurs, carers and businesses can unlock practical solutions for an ageing population. From empowering people living with dementia to re-designing existing product to be age inclusive products, Lynne highlights the importance of innovation.

This episode offers insight into how cross-sector partnerships can drive meaningful change and create products, services and environments that support people throughout the world to live well for longer.

Interesting Topics
⏱ 05:40 – Why innovation and collaboration are essential for supporting longer, healthier lives
⏱ 10:20 – Opportunities for organisations, communities and businesses to co-create solutions for ageing well

Key Takeaways
• Early life experiences often shape our commitment to improving later life.
• Innovation in ageing requires collaboration between science, communities and industry.
• Inclusive design benefits people living with dementia, carers and the wider population.
• Sectors such as travel and tourism have growing opportunities to support healthy ageing through accessible and inclusive experiences.
• Building healthier ageing societies requires curiosity, creativity and cross-sector partnerships.

You can contact:

Dr Lynne Corner at lynne.corner@newcastle.ac.uk

The UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing at https://uknica.co.uk/

Dr Carol Sargent at https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler at https://getbide.com/