In this episode, we’re honoured to be joined by a true trailblazer: Kerry Davis, the first Black woman to represent England at football.

Kerry shares her incredible journey through the game, from her early days breaking barriers to representing her country on the international stage. With honesty and humility, she reflects on the challenges she faced as a Black woman in women's football, the progress made since then, and the work that’s still left to do.

We talk about identity, representation, and the fight for equity in football. Kerry’s insights offer a deep, personal perspective on resilience, legacy, and what it means to lead by example in spaces where you’ve had to carve your own path.

This conversation isn’t just about football—it’s about visibility, voice, and valuing those who came before. It’s a reminder that history-making often starts with someone's determination and simply refusing to sit on the sidelines.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we have a powerful and much-needed conversation about menopause—what it is, what it isn’t, and the realities so many experience in silence.

We’re joined by Dr. Elise Dallas, who brings her professional expertise to the discussion. She helps us unpack the physical, emotional, and social impact of menopause, while also challenging the stigma and misinformation that too often surround it. From hormonal changes and mental health to workplace support and personal relationships, Dr. Dallas offers insights that are both grounding and empowering.

Menopause impacts in a multitude of different ways, but one thing is clear: it deserves more understanding, more visibility, and more open dialogue. Together, we explore how to create space for honest conversations and how to support ourselves—and each other—through this transition.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

If you want to find out more about Dr. Dallas’s work then you can follow her at @drelisedallas.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we have a conversation about the complicated world of rules and inclusion—how structures meant to create order can sometimes exclude, and what it takes to build spaces where everyone feels included and as though they belong.

Rules are meant to keep things fair, safe, and organised, and in many situations, they do just that. But who gets to make them, and who gets left out in the process? We explore the fine balance between structure and freedom, and why rethinking the way we design systems is crucial for a more inclusive society.

Whether it's in workplaces or public spaces, we unpack how rigid rules can unintentionally marginalise people, and how small shifts in mindset and practice can open doors for those who have historically been left out. Inclusion isn't just about making room—it’s about transforming the room itself.

If you care about equity, and building communities that work for everyone, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we have an important and long-overdue conversation about grief and loss—our relationship with them, the support systems that carry us, and how we learn to live alongside deep emotional pain.

We’re joined by Imogen, who shares her personal journey navigating the loss of a loved one. She speaks honestly about how grief has shaped who she is, her evolving relationship with loss, and how the brilliant charity Eden’s Trust provided a safe and supportive space when she needed it most.

Eden’s Trust is a London-based charity offering free, confidential support to people and families dealing with bereavement. Through peer groups, counselling, and community events, they help individuals feel less alone in their grief and find ways to heal in their own time and on their own terms.

Grief isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s complex, personal, and often hidden. Together, we explore what it means to create space for grief, and how one navigates it while attempting to move forward.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

🔗 Learn more about Eden’s Trust: edenstrust.org.uk
📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we dive right into the Netflix series Adolescence—what it reveals about systemic issues in today’s world, the societal lessons it offers, and how it reflects the challenges of being a teenager.

Adolescence is more than just a phase; it’s a critical period of self-discovery, identity formation, and navigating systemic pressures. But how has the experience of being a teenager evolved, and what does Adolescence teach us about the ways society shapes (and often fails) young people?

Whether it’s toxic masculinity, violence against women and girls, socio-economic inequality, or the pressures of social media, we explore the unique struggles facing teenagers today—and what we can do, as individuals and as a collective, to create a more supportive world where adolescents can thrive rather than just survive.

If you’re a fan of the TV show, care about youth empowerment, and want to help shape a better future for the next generation, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we delve into multidirectional solidarity—what it means, why it’s essential, and how it can drive real change, especially in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As Donald Trump and others seek to roll back these efforts, we explore why standing together across different minoritised groups is more important than ever.

From the power of allyship to the necessity of intersectional activism, we discuss how communities can resist division and continue pushing for justice. We also talk about the importance of hope—how maintaining it fuels long-term change and keeps us engaged in the fight for equity.

Through real-world examples, historical context, and personal reflections, we unpack what true solidarity looks like, why it must go beyond single-issue activism, and what we can all do to ensure no one is left behind in the struggle for justice.

If you care about social justice, DEI, and collective liberation, this episode is for you.

Tune in, share, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we sit down with Jahnine Davis to explore adultification—what it is, how it impacts children, specifically Black children, and why it’s a crucial issue we need to address. From being perceived as older than they are to facing harsher expectations and reduced protections, adultification bias shapes the way Black children experience education, social care, and the justice system.

Jahnine brings her expertise and lived experience to unpack how adultification manifests, the long-term effects it has on young people, the influence of racism and what we can do to challenge these harmful narratives. Through real-life examples, research insights, and practical strategies, we discuss what we can do to advocate for Black children to be seen, protected, and supported as who they truly are—children.

If you’re passionate about social justice, child protection, or simply want to understand this issue more deeply, this episode is essential listening.

Tune in, share, comment, and join the conversation.

You can find more about Jahnine's brilliant work at www.listenupresearch.org

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we talk about working with reluctance and resistance—what it means, why it happens, and how to navigate it effectively. Whether it’s resistance to change in the workplace, hesitation in professional relationships, or challenges in team dynamics, reluctance can create barriers to progress.

We explore the reasons behind resistance, the emotional and psychological factors at play, and strategies to work more effectively with those who may be reluctant to adapt. Through personal experiences, reflections, and practical advice, we offer insights on how to foster collaboration, build trust, and create a more open and adaptable work environment.

If you’ve ever faced resistance—whether from colleagues, teams, or even within yourself—this episode will give you the tools and perspectives to approach it with confidence and clarity.

Tune in, share, comment, and join the conversation.

📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast
💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters
🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk