1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave

Should you be saving independently when you're married or in a serious relationship? How much should you expect from a partner when it comes to money? And how important is it to talk about cash with your other half? Reece Parkinson and guests explore how to tackle the complicated world of money and relationships. Toni Tone is a content creator and public speaker. Kay Ani (aka Uncle K) is a DJ. Bol...

Actors Ashley Walters, Little Simz and writer Ronan Bennett are here! The trio join Reece Parkinson to discuss the brand new season of Top Boy, youth violence, black representation on screen and what role a show like Top Boy plays in the current political climate.

Warning: This episode contains references to self-harm and suicide. Mental health problems affect 1 in 10 children and young people. The Mental Health Foundation has found that 70% of children and young people who experience a mental health problem have not had appropriate interventions at an early age. And the trauma from this can have a lifelong impact. What is trauma and how does it manifest? A...

Drugs and music have always had a complicated relationship - from lyric references, to club culture, to the overdose of various musicians. Does something need to change? The rise of drug-related deaths amongst young people is higher than ever. How much responsibility does the music industry carry? Should artists and DJs be more aware of drug references in music? And when does this become censorshi...

Every week it feels like there is a new social issue to get behind. Social media is filled with hashtags regarding political campaigns and disasters happening around the world on a daily basis. But if the point is to raise awareness, do we all have a responsibility to get involved? And if so, what makes someone an activist? Marci Phonix is a rapper who uses his lyrics to talk about inequality and...

Technology affects everything around us - from the legal system to the dating scene. The majority of the tech industry is run by white men - with ethnic minorities making up just 5% of the workforce. Online, black women are 84% more likely to be mentioned in abusive or problematic tweets. In a world that is becoming more and more reliant on digital technology, how is this likely to impact people f...

What counts as cheating? What does gaslighting mean? And when does 'being true yourself' really mean just being a bully? As this year's season comes to an end, Reece joins a panel of guests to explore the most shocking, relatable and thought-provoking storylines from Love Island 2019. Josh Denzel is a presenter and was a contestant on Love Island Season 4 in 2018. Tolly T is a journalist and podca...

The history of black hair and why it matters is long, complicated and controversial. From weaves and wigs, to afros, to cornrows and braids - black hair can be a political minefield to understand. Reece joins this week’s guests to explore. Emma Dabiri is a television and radio presenter and author of 'Don’t Touch My Hair'. Christala Fletcher is a professional wig maker and was diagnosed with Alope...

Are you rampant rabbit in the bedroom? Or would you describe yourself as a bit of a prude? Reece has an unfiltered chat about the highs and lows of sex - and asks all the questions you want to know but might be too shy to ask. From one night stands and faking an orgasm, to weird fetishes and sex playlists - we get frank, honest and filthy. Scotty Unfamous is an award winning romance author, sexual...

For years now, there has been a lot of concern around the impact social media is having on body image. But are things getting worse? By 2020, it’s expected that almost 1.5 million people in the UK will have had a non-surgical treatment such as Botox or fillers. More serious treatments like the Brazilian Butt Lift or Liposuction are becoming common practice too. How much of this is actually safe an...

We often hear about how a growing number of students are struggling to get the right grades whilst keeping up with hobbies, a social life and sleep. But now this attitude towards ‘hustle harder’ is becoming a lifestyle. Almost 2/5 of UK workers have a “side hustle” - the majority young people. Welcome to hustle culture - it is obsessed with striving, positivity and hard work. But is the grind alwa...

June is International Pride Month - a time of celebration and awareness of LGBT+ history. Pride 2019 is especially important because it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots - a series of demonstrations which marked the start of the gay rights liberation movement in New York City. We explore how the intersection of race and sexuality is impacting young people. Tanya Compas is a youth w...

Research by the British Skin Foundation has found that 60% of people currently suffer from or have suffered from a skin disease. The charity Changing Faces has found that 1 in 3 people feel depressed, sad or anxious as a result of having a visible difference. Reece Parkinson meets three young people who all have a skin condition or skin difference. Alec King is a model and has the autoimmune disor...