Samantha Rudd

Recorded on 19/01//2025

Samantha Rudd, is from Leeds is married with a beautiful 6 years old son with Autism. During the week Samantha is a supply teaching assistant working at various schools.

She had attended the classes at SOS Dance in Morley for 2 years until she decided to start teaching the routines herself and the rest, as she says, is history. Sam says teaching dance is, right up my alley! She loves to empower and inspire people through Commercial Dancing.

You can follow Samantha and SOS Dance on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sossamanthadance/

Recorded on 19/01/2025

Steve Bootle is a freelance photographer based in North Leeds, with over 25 years’ experience.

Steve works mainly in corporate, business and commercial photography, concentrating on business portraits and PR. He also covers events and conferences, along with weddings and bar / bat mitzvahs.

We discuss the challenges and rewards of a career behind the lens, the impact of the digital revolution on photography, and the ongoing influence of social media on his industry. Steve also delves into the realities of freelancing, the importance of networking, and his hopes for the future, including his desire to give back through community and charity work.

You can find Steve Bootle at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevebootle/

https://www.facebook.com/stephen.bootle.31

https://x.com/sb1photography

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 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.