Just Meee. Real stories that help us understand ourselves, and each other, a little better.

Social media is rarely out of the headlines, and increasingly it's because of concerns about the impact it is having on our children and young people. In this deeply moving episode of the Just Meee Podcast, Stuart Stephens shares the story of his son, Olly, a bright, kind and much-loved 13-year-old whose life was tragically cut short in 2021. The events leading up to Olly's murder expose...

⚠️ Content warning: This episode discusses online grooming, child exploitation, and the loss of a child. Some conversations stay with you long after they end. This is one of them. In this deeply moving episode, Lorin LaFave shares the story of her son Breck Bednar, a bright, kind, and talented 14-year-old who was tragically groomed online and murdered in 2014. Out of unimaginable heartbreak, Lorin...

I’ve often wondered what shapes a great leader — and whether it’s something you’re born with, or something you grow into. What I love about this conversation with Jacqui is the honesty in her journey. School wasn’t easy for her. Learning felt stressful, and she struggled at times to find her place. And yet, through belief, determination, and a desire to make a difference, she went on to earn a deg...

What does it really take to become an Olympic Gold Medallist? Not just the medals… but the mindset, the discipline, and the resilience behind it all. In this episode of the Just Meee Podcast, Sophie Capewell MBE shares an honest and refreshing insight into her journey, what it takes, what it feels like, and what comes next once you’ve reached the very top. From early inspiration through her family...

Rebecca Adlington – The Magic Ingredient What is the magic ingredient behind lasting success? In this month's Just Meee podcast, Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington OBE reminds us that it isn’t talent alone, it’s belief, resilience, and the people who back you when no one else can see the finish line. From winning double gold in Beijing at just 19 to building Swim! A national learn-to-swim mov...

The more I listen to stories like Paul Pook’s, the more I realise how powerful it is when someone turns pain into purpose. This deeply moving and honest conversation with Paul, CEO and founder of Tackle 360 and Tackle Suicide, is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can still find a way through. Paul shares how rugby gave him self-esteem and belonging after a difficult childhood, and...

“What if the most powerful thing we do this year… is choose to begin again?” As we step into 2026, this episode is a moment to pause and reflect, on the lives that inspired us, the people who shaped us, and the stories that live on. From icons like Jane Goodall and Cleo Laine, to everyday heroes like Chris and Sarra Hoy, this is a reminder that legacy isn’t just what we leave behind, it’s what we...

“Some stories stay with us. Some change us. And some remind us of who we are, and what we’re capable of.” Over the past year, the Just Meee Podcast has brought together voices from every walk of life, people who’ve faced loss, found purpose, embraced change, and dared to speak from the heart. In this short highlights reel, we’re sharing just a few of the powerful moments that made us stop, reflect...

The more I live, the more I realise that things happen when they’re meant to. This podcast with the truly inspirational and insightful Corey Hastings is a beautiful reminder that life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you. Corey invites us to follow our hearts, stay positive, and not to fear change. And that change is okay, even when it doesn’t make sense. This episode is a magical drop of hap...

Sometimes, life just takes time. Gaz Jones was one of the very first attendees on a Meee employment course back in 2016 in North Wales, and he’s been part of our journey ever since. This podcast is a powerful reminder that life doesn’t follow straight lines. It’s full of twists and turns, some good, some not so good. But what shines through in Gaz’s story is the value of staying curious, open, and...

From unimaginable tragedy to a mission of hope and change. Martin Cosser lost his 17-year-old son, Charlie, to knife crime, a pain no parent should ever have to endure. But rather than be silenced by grief, Martin has turned his heartbreak into a powerful force for good. This podcast is a deeply moving story of love, loss, and purpose, and how one father is using education, awareness, and communit...

Eric O’Grey was nearly 400 lbs and spending over $1,000 a month on medication. One doctor even told him to start planning his funeral. But another doctor, who took the time to truly understand him, changed everything. Dr. Preeti recommended two simple but life-changing steps: adopt a plant-based diet, and adopt a shelter dog. This podcast is a beautiful story of how one woman’s insight and one res...

How a mother’s love and grief are driving a fight to change the law and protect all our children. No parent should ever have to face the unimaginable grief of losing a child. And no parent should be left without answers, not knowing why their child chose to take their own life. Ellen has bravely taken on the UK Government to push for a vital change in the law: to allow parents access to key social...

From Marine to entrepreneur, Sean Taylor has built world-class adventures that redefine iconic experiences. Starting from humble beginnings, he spent 20 years in the Marines before venturing into jaw-dropping, magical adventures, constantly learning, evolving, and striving to do things better everyday. This podcast is a masterclass in how trust, instinct, and honesty form the foundation of a succe...

Trying to find your place in life is hard, no matter who you are or where you come from. What we love about Nikki is how she used her upbringing to find her voice through hip hop. She created a safe space for herself to write lyrics, take part in rap battles, and discover that everyone’s journey is unique. Today, Nikki works at Wigan Youth Zone, an exceptional facility that helps young people find...

"We’re not meant to be on this planet to be unhappy and suffer." This belief, shared by the renowned author Victoria Hislop, is at the heart of her storytelling. Her extraordinary ability to craft stories that stir every emotion, while wrapping them in hope, optimism, and beautifully happy endings, has made her one of the most beloved writers of our time. This podcast is pure joy. It’s a...

Do you ever feel like some people just tackle challenges head-on? I often do. Talking with the incredible Anthea Rowan is a reminder that sometimes, you just have to get on with it, do your best, and seek to understand what feels daunting.  This podcast was a joy, a powerful affirmation that fear fades when we strive to understand. Anthea has dedicated her life to brain health. Whether researching...

One of Karyn McCluskey’s favorite sayings is, “Proceed until apprehended,” and it’s easy to see why. As Chief Executive of Community Justice Scotland, Karyn has dedicated her career to the pursuit of justice, driven by an unwavering passion for helping and supporting others. Her relentless approach to life is a testament to her deep commitment to making a difference. Join Karyn in this inspiring c...

To start 2025, we’re excited to bring you a special podcast with our very own Sid Madge. Known for his ability to inspire and connect, he shares reflections on 2024 and hopes for the year ahead. Last year reminded us, more than ever, of how precious time is and how extraordinary we all are. Sid explores the lessons of 2024, celebrating those small, fleeting moments that hold the greatest meaning....

What struck me most when I met and interviewed Ryan was his pure love for movement. It might sound unusual at first, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. Our bodies, minds, and spirits are always in motion, so why don’t we embrace and celebrate it more? This episode serves as a powerful reminder of why Ryan feels so strongly about “inspiring people to move.” His insights into moveme...

It’s so refreshing to hear the amazing work that Conor is doing for the “Youth Voice”, through his wonderful organisation ’Spark UK’. His approach and fresh ideas on mental health, and making the world a kinder, happier place are so needed. If there’s a big message here, it’s to involve younger people in communities, societies, in business, and in government. Thank you Conor for being the voice an...

It’s not often you meet an author of a book you’ve loved reading. So meeting Neil, aka Sam, was truly inspiring. His wonderfully down to earth and humble outtake on life is truly remarkable. And, his advice to us all is equally as wonderful. Every minute of this podcast uncovers the timeless truth of being yourself. From a young teenager who loved rugby to becoming a prison officer in Manchesters...

I never realised the magic, healing, and confidence that tattoos can bring. Luíza trained as an architect and was working in Brazil, but as a child had a passion for art, drawing, and especially Japanese anime. Luíza spent her days working in an architectural practice in Brazil, and in the evenings and nights turning her passion for art into becoming a tattoo artist. She then travelled over 9,000...

Don't let age fool you! Ben, a young star at Travelodge, a company known for valuing their employees, embodies this perfectly. He sees the beauty in the unexpected – every day at Travelodge is a new adventure. And let's not forget the power of connection! Ben reminds us that in a room of eight strangers, there are eight opportunities to learn something incredible.  Thanks for the infecti...

Stef took nearly 50 years to find his calling. And, what a calling it is! Stef started a charity called Onwards & Upwards that helps prisoners find meaningful employment, and not return to prison. Through faith and kindness, his ultimate legacy is to see empty prisons, and to help give prisoners the opportunity to find a better way to live their lives. Amazing. Inspiring. And wonderfully magic...