Life in Black & White (and all the shades in between)

How can we build stronger, more positive relationships between parents and schools? In this episode​ of Life in Black & white podcast, ​we chat with Euan MacLean, founder of AdParents and former teacher, about parent-school partnerships, systemic challeng​es in education, and practical strategies to foster trust and collaboration. We dive deep into: Why parent engagement is more than attendanc...

What if the hardest conversations are the ones we need the most? In this powerful and honest episode, we open up about racism, bias, and personal experiences that have shaped the way we see the world. This isn’t a scripted, perfect discussion. It’s real, raw, and sometimes uncomfortable—but that’s exactly why it matters. We talk about how upbringing, immigration, and societal views influence our b...

Can imagination really change your life? In this episode, artist and founder of the children’s brand Squibbles, Jay Stansfield, dives into the transformative power of creativity and imagination. Jay shares his personal journey overcoming challenges with aphantasia - a condition that makes it hard to visualise in your mind - and explains why nurturing imagination is essential for both children and...

What would happen if women finally felt safe enough to tell the truth? In this powerful episode, hosts Ivana and Yaw sit down with journalist and author Vanessa Holburn to unpack why so many women stay silent — and what it costs them. From the shame surrounding abuse and motherhood to the unspoken struggles women carry alone, this conversation goes deep into the societal pressures that keep women...

What is fame really like behind the scenes? In this powerful and honest conversation, Charlotte Kelly from Soul II Soul opens up about her journey through the music industry - from global success to the quiet realities no one talks about. We dive into: * The truth about fame and success * Mental health in the music industry * The importance of confidence and self-belief * Songwriting and the creat...

Can AI really support mental health — or is it quietly changing how we connect, feel, and heal? In this thought-provoking episode, psychotherapist Susie Masterson explores the growing role of AI in mental health and therapy, including tools like ChatGPT. We unpack the benefits, risks, and ethical dilemmas of using artificial intelligence for emotional support — especially for women and vulnerable...

Can we really change our beliefs — and bridge cultural divides? In this powerful conversation, Dipti Tait, The Hypnotherapist, breaks down the science of soft wiring in the brain and how our beliefs, biases, and snap judgments are formed — and more importantly, how they can be changed. We explore why humans are wired to divide, where identity and culture come into play, and how the brain’s need fo...

Motherhood. Fatherhood. Parenting. No one really tells you how hard it can feel behind closed doors. In this raw and honest episode of Life in Black & White podcast, we sit down with Candice Davis, the founder of After Birth London to talk about the unspoken hardships of parenting — the ones we don’t post on Instagram and rarely say out loud. We dive into the realities of becoming a parent, th...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to live with ADHD as an adult? In this episode, we're sitting down with Mhairi, who shares her story - her late diagnosis, the ups and downs in relationships, parenting struggles, and the emotional rollercoaster it brings. We talk about coping strategies, why ADHD isn’t just a challenge but can actually be a superpower, and how just a bit of awareness can make a...

In this episode of Life in Black & White, we chat with Julia Boccio, who went from copywriting to photography, and ultimately to becoming a successful rom-com author. Julia shares the highs and lows of changing careers, navigating traditional publishing, and turning a viral wedding dance video into life-changing opportunities (yes, that includes meeting Patrick Swayze and Oprah!). Julia opens...

Following our recent run-in with online trolls, today’s episode of Life in Black & White is all about trolls, haters, and those unwanted opinions that seem to appear everywhere—whether it's on social media or in real life. We share personal experiences, unpack why people throw shade, and explore how to protect your peace while staying confident in who you are. We also emphasise the importance...

Today we’re joined by the wonderful Florence Ọlájídé, a woman whose story will stay with you long after you hear it. Born in Britain to Nigerian parents, Florence was privately fostered by a white family before being taken to Nigeria by her birth parents. Her journey is one of incredible strength - overcoming loss, loneliness, poverty, and maltreatment, while fighting fiercely for her education an...

In today's episode of Life in Black & White, we sit down with mindset coach Hayden Griffiths for an honest, no-filter chat about what it really takes to transform your life. Hayden opens up about his journey from battling addiction to helping others rewrite their own stories. Together, we dive into how childhood experiences shape who we become, why mindset is everything, and how embracing vuln...

How much of what we believe is truly ours—and how much is “soft-wired” into our brains? In this eye-opening conversation, the Hypnotherapist Dipti Tait dives into the science of soft wiring, showing how our beliefs and biases shape the way we perceive others. We explore why identity and culture can be so divisive, the primitive roots of snap judgments, and how these hidden patterns influence our r...

What happens when love meets culture? In this episode of Life in Black & White, we chat with Dr. Melissa Cancel about how cultural differences shape marriage, communication, and even parenting. From individualism vs collectivism to those “lost in translation” moments in everyday conversations, we explore why understanding (not judging) each other’s backgrounds is so important. Expect honest st...

What happens when your child’s race isn’t your own? In this raw and eye-opening episode, we explore the unspoken challenges of parenting across racial lines. Joined by Sarah Wood, a fellow white mum raising mixed-race children, we dive into the complex realities of navigating identity, having tough conversations, and confronting the biases that society (and sometimes we) hold. This isn’t about hav...

Ever wondered what it’s really like raising kids to speak more than one language? In this episode, we’re diving into our personal journey of raising bilingual children. Our boys speak English and Slovak, and we’re also introducing them to Ghanaian Chi.  We’re sharing: The little known benefits of bilingual parenting The challenges no one talks about Practical ways to keep multiple languages alive...

Can you go through life thinking you're kind, open-minded, and still discover a racist within you at 40? In this bold and honest conversation, we sit down with our friend and psychophonetics counsellor Natalia Cervinkova, who bravely shares her personal story of uncovering deep-seated racial bias within herself: something she didn’t even realise was there. We talk about: Why this is more common th...

Meet Dennis and Tessa: The Team Helping People Feel Brave and Confident  In this episode, we’re chatting with Dennis and Tessa from Dstnct Art Media - a creative duo who use photography to help people feel good about themselves. Dennis is an award-winning photographer with over 7 years of experience. But he doesn’t just take pretty pictures - he helps people see how amazing they really are. His ph...

In a world that often feels loud, rushed, and disconnected, kindness can seem like a lost art - and good manners, an outdated concept. But what if these "small things" are actually the foundation of a more connected, compassionate world? In this heartfelt episode, I’m diving into why kindness and manners still matter. From everyday interactions at the school gate to the way we speak to ourselves a...

In this episode, we chat with the lovely Oona Alexander - a parenting mentor known for her pressure-free and empowering approach to navigating challenging behaviour in children. Oona has helped countless families raise happy kids and feel good about themselves as parents. Her magic? She doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all method. Instead, she listens, adapts to each family’s lifestyle, and supports...

Ever wonder why men and women seem to think so differently? You're not alone - and you're going to love this conversation. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating (and often hilarious) differences in the way men and women process thoughts, emotions, and everyday situations. From communication quirks to misunderstandings in relationships, we unpack it all with honesty, laughter, and plenty of...

Divorce can feel like the end of everything you knew - painful, terrifying, and utterly overwhelming. But what if it could also be the beginning of something beautiful? In this deeply moving episode, we speak with Farhana, the UK's only Divorce Doula, whose own journey through heartbreak and fear led her to a life of strength, purpose, and peace. Farhana shares how she now walks alongside others i...

Do you ever feel like your past still shapes the way you think, react, or feel today? Maybe it’s that deep-seated fear of not being good enough or an overwhelming sense of guilt or anxiety that you can’t quite explain. What if the key to healing wasn’t just moving forward—but going back and reparenting the child within you? In this heart-opening episode, we sit down with Jenny Barber, a certified...

Ever thought about changing careers but felt too scared to take the leap? In this episode, we chat with Julia Boggio, bestselling romance writer, who has made not one, not two, but three major career changes! She shares her journey, the challenges she faced, and practical advice for anyone considering a career switch. We also dive into: ✅ The biggest fears around changing careers (and how to over...