Diverse Talk Matters

What happens when the technology designed to make recruitment faster and more efficient becomes another barrier for people with a disability? And who is accountable when AI-powered recruitment systems exclude qualified candidates before they have even had the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities? In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Susan Scott-Parker...

Menopause is finally getting more attention at work. But what about menstruation? In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Chiara Cocco, a postdoctoral research associate working with Professor Kate Sang and the EDI Caucus. Chiara shares findings from research involving more than 60 women and people who menstruate, exploring how workplace culture, flexibility,...

What does a truly inclusive school look like in practice? And what does it take to move beyond policies, awareness days and good intentions to create a culture where every child genuinely belongs? In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Gemma Hathaway, EDI Lead at Inspire Education Trust and Assistant Headteacher at Bluecoats School in Coventry. With more than...

In this powerful episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Tash sits down once again with leadership expert, coach, and inclusion strategist Sandra Pollock OBE — and this time, they go deep into what inclusive leadership really means in today’s workplaces. Together, they unpack the realities leaders often avoid: Why inclusive leadership is not “being soft” — it’s a performance strategy How heart‑led leader...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters , Tasha is joined by Mark Wilson for a timely and thought-provoking conversation about compassion, misinformation and the realities shaping today’s social and political climate. Together, they explore how public narratives around asylum seekers, refugees and migration are often shaped by myths, political language and misinformation, and what the evidence act...

🎙️ In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid sits down with Sandra Pollock OBE to explore the realities of women’s equality and the impact of the Women’s Awards, now celebrating its 10th year.   Sandra, a leadership specialist and founder of the Women’s Awards, reflects on her lifelong commitment to gender equality, from noticing stereotypes in childhood to challenging...

In episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reed sits down with Richard Wade and Luise Usiskin to explore the realities of LGB parenting in the UK. Richard, a freelance musician and father of two adopted boys, shares his journey through adoption and co-parenting.  Louise, an equality, diversity and inclusion consultant, reflects on her experience navigating IVF as a lesbian couple...

In this episode, Tash speaks with activist and equality advocate Natasha Johnson, co-founder of All Black Lives UK and EDI lead at St Basil’s Youth Homelessness Charity.  Natasha reflects on the youth-led protests of 2020 following George Floyd’s murder and shares how she and her peers mobilised thousands across the UK to demand justice and systemic change. They explore: - The ongoing realities of...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters , we’re diving into one of the most important and fast-moving conversations of our time: disability, accessibility and artificial intelligence. Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by David Banes, a global leader in accessibility, assistive technology and inclusive innovation, with over 40 years of experience working at the intersection of disability, education...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid speaks with disability equity advocate Bee Innes, who shares her lived experience of ME and Lyme disease and the systemic challenges that shaped her journey. Bee discusses the complexity of navigating long-term illness, from years spent bedridden to delayed diagnosis, and the role that nutrition, hydration and functional approaches p...

In this episode, Natasha Broomfield-Reid talks to Anita Jakhu and Kyriacos Spyrou about what it really takes to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion within the charity sector. Together, they explore the very real challenges charities continue to face, including limited resources, gaps in knowledge, and a lack of capacity that can stall progress. They discuss why leadership buy-in is essential an...

Join host Natasha Broomfield-Reid as she speaks with Aiesha Alexander and Lorna Phillip about the experiences of Black and racialised women in pregnancy, maternity, and child health. In the full episode, we explore:  • Personal and professional experiences with maternity care  • The impact of systemic and historical inequalities  • The role of support systems such as doulas, midwives, and communit...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Natasha Broomfield-Reid, Founding Director of Diverse Matters, is joined by Elise St Palmer, Head of Operations and People at Possible. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) to create truly anti-oppressive organisations. Elise shares Possible’s journey – from developing inclusive practices to building an...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters , Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by wellbeing coach and trainer Melanie Allcott, founder of Rebalance Wellbeing. Together, they explore what it really means to stay well—physically, mentally, and emotionally—in today’s “always on” world. Drawing on nearly three decades in workplace wellness, Melanie shares her journey into wellbeing, the lessons she learn...

In this powerful episode of Diverse Talk Matters , we explore what it means to be LGBTQ+ and from a racialised community. Our guests share personal stories about navigating identity, discrimination, and assumptions — both in their personal lives and the workplace. We discuss: The impact of intersectionality on lived experiences The need for culturally relevant support groups How race, faith, and s...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid—Director and Founder of Diverse Matters—is joined by three brilliant members of the Diverse Matters team: Paula Whelan-Cooper, Luise Usiskin and Kyriacos Koursis. Together, they explore what progress has really been made when it comes to lesbian, gay and bisexual inclusion, both in the workplace an...

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Diverse Talk Matters , Natasha Broomfield-Reid, Director of Diverse Matters, is joined by Elliott Rae—founder of Music Football Fatherhood, keynote speaker, and passionate advocate for inclusive fatherhood and men’s mental health. Together, they delve into why engaging men in conversations about inclusion, mental health, and parenting is not only necessary...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters , Natasha Broomfield-Reid is joined by Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive of Working Families – the UK’s leading work-life balance charity working to remove the barriers faced by working parents and carers. Jane and Tash discuss the wide range of support offered by Working Families, including their free legal advice line, which helps working parents and carers un...

In this, our 17th episode of Diverse Talk Matters, Tash is joined by April Dawn, founder of Creating Equals, to explore the unique challenges Black women face in the workplace and the impact of racialized trauma on their lives. April shares her experiences working with Black women affected by domestic abuse, health inequality, and workplace discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for safe spa...

In this, our 16th episode of Diverse Talk Matters , we delve into the importance of LGBT+ inclusion in schools with two incredible guests, Lynne Nicholls and Sue Sanders , Co-founder of UK LGBT History Month . This episode launches just in time for LGBT History Month and highlights the essential work of Schools Out UK , an organisation dedicated to promoting LGBT+ inclusion in education. Lynne Nic...

In this episode, host Tash sits down with guests Karen Geddes and Marcia Orr to discuss the unique challenges faced by black women in policing. They share their personal journeys, delve into the creation of the organisation Women in the Shade, and address the ongoing struggles for representation and support within uniformed services. 💡 Key topics include: • The importance of mentorship and self-a...

In this powerful episode of Diverse Talk Matters , Natasha Broomfield-Reid welcomes Simon Croft from Gendered Intelligence to discuss the critical topic of trans inclusion. Together, they unpack: ✨ The difference between gender and sex and why it’s essential to understand.  ✨ The challenges of advocating for trans rights and the role of education and open dialogue.  ✨ Practical steps for employ...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, we sit down with Lily Samuels, a nutritionist specialising in menopause and perimenopause, to discuss the critical role of nutrition during this stage of life. Lily sheds light on the lack of research surrounding women's health and emphasises the need for more support, particularly when it comes to nutrition. Tune in as Lily explains how proper nutriti...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, host Natasha Broomfield-Reid sits down with guests Marcus Morgan and Lynne Nicholls to explore the complexities of bisexual inclusion. Together, they define bisexuality, discuss the challenges faced by the bisexual community, and confront the misconception that the 'B' in LGBTQ is silent. Through personal stories of coming out, the guests reveal t...

In this episode of Diverse Talk Matters, hosted by Mikayla Sinead, we delve into the intricate dynamics of workplace banter. Joined by insightful guests Luise Usiskin and Paula Whelan-Cooper, we explore the definition, impact, and boundaries of banter in professional settings.  Our conversation highlights the significance of power dynamics and the experiences of marginalised groups, emphasising th...