Skilfully Speaking

Colin’s story is remarkable.   Leaving school with no qualifications, his military career, the SAS, persevering with further education as an adult, starring in the reality series SAS – Who Dares wins and now writing and touring the country as a motivational speaker.  The skills involved in his life have been many and varied.  Colin told his inspirational story to Jackie the morning after he appear...

Known to millions as the face of Dictionary Corner in Countdown and its late night comedy counterpart, Eight Out of Ten Cats Does Countdown, Susie Dent has spent decades on our screens exploring how words shape the way we think, feel and connect.  Susie explains the skills behind not only being a lexicographer and broadcaster, but also writing her latest novel. From City College Plymouth , for eve...

Everyone recognises Tom from his appearances alongside his family (and dogs!) on Gogglebox, but Tom is also a world-class professional dancer, a dance teacher and he is a proud advocate for autism. Tom talks about how he juggled his dancing with his TV appearances and how his autism diagnosis changed his life. Brought to you by City College Plymouth , supported by Babcock Produced by Fresh Air Stu...

Deliciously Ella began as a personal blog during a period of serious ill health and has now grown into a hugely influential plant-based brand, spanning books, food and digital platforms. Ella not only had to learn new skills, but had to do so under pressure! Jackie finds out how she did this and what her advice is for coping with the stress of modern life. Brought to you by City College Plymouth ,...

Best known as Tracy Beaker, Dani has been on stage and screen for over two decades. She has starred in theatre, appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, directs TV and she mentors young performers through her academy. She discusses the skills involved in moving from one role to another, as well as mental health issues, the impact of social media and becoming a spokesperson for women’s health. Brought to...

Ben McBean takes Jackie through his incredible story, from joining the Royal Marines at 16 and surviving life changing injuries in Afghanistan, to running marathons and becoming an inspirational motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion and disability awareness. This episode includes graphic descriptions of injuries, battlefield trauma and loss of life. It may be difficult or overwhelming fo...

In this episode, Jackie is joined by former Army officer and champion for women in the defence sector, Angela Owen OBE, who founded Women in Defence UK, focusing on mentoring, policy and cultural change. Jackie discovers the skills behind Angela’s incredible journey and why she is one of the fastest women on Earth… for her age! From City College Plymouth , supported by Babcock Produced by Fresh Ai...

What better way to launch a new season of Skilfully Speaking, than with the current Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith? Covering everything from what’s in the latest white paper to her time on Strictly Come Dancing, this is essential listening for anyone with an interest in skills and education. From City College Plymouth , for everyone. Supported by Babcock . Produced by Fresh Air Studios , P...

As the first ever female chair of Babcock International Group, Dame Ruth is an inspiration to many. She talks Jackie through her impressive career which started with studying black holes and then took her through various businesses over nearly 40 years. But what skills does it take to chair a board and lead a major international business through a period of massive change…? Kindly supported by Bab...

Melissa is a familiar face from the likes of Coronation Street, Grantchester and the much talked-about Adolescence.  Recorded the morning after she presented the City College Plymouth student awards, Mellissa discusses the skills and strategy used to overcome negative attitudes in the industry about her disability, and how she’s now helping young aspiring actors to develop their creative skills. ...

Beth’s journey started with her playing football as the only girl in a boys’ team to winning the Golden Boot at the Euros.  We find out the skills required to become one of the most famous and successful sportswomen in the country.  Essential listening as the Women’s Euros get underway in Switzerland. Supported by Babcock , and brought to you by City College Plymouth . Produced by Fresh Air Studio...

Rob Rinder sprang to fame on our TV screens as “Judge Rinder”.  Since then, he has gone on to present numerous TV shows and has fronted many documentary series covering law, travel and art history.  Jackie met up with Rob during his panto run in Plymouth and found out the skills required to become a barrister, how he continues to inspire young people going into law and how communication plays a vi...

Robin is the UK Executive Lead for Jisc’s further education and skills policy. Jackie discovers how Robin’s journey took him from working in shops to managing a band, before a career in teaching came calling. So, what skills are behind being at the forefront of digital innovation in education? How will using tech such as AI and blockchain transform learning? Jackie finds out! Kindly supported by B...

Recorded in the week leading up to the 2025 TCS London Marathon, Dave is setting out to break a record!  Dave has already been a triple Paralympian and is an inspirational athlete.  But this will be his biggest challenge yet, breaking the record for completing the London Marathon on crutches.  Jackie explores Dave’s story and finds out the skills involved in overcoming the challenges he’s faced th...

Marcus is also known on social media as “The Hull Boy”, where you’ll find him undertaking a wide variety of running challenges.  In this episode, Jackie explores what skills are involved in raising money for charity, managing a huge social media presence and keeping mental and physical health in check, just as Marcus is about to take on his biggest challenge yet…! Supported by Babcock , brought to...

The morning after being guest speaker at the Apprenticeship Awards, former Olympic swimmer and six-times world champion, Mark Foster sat down with Jackie to explore his journey from being the fastest 11-year-old in the world to competing on the world stage.  The skills he acquired, the people he surrounded himself with and the lessons he’s learned have brought him to new loves such as dancing, gol...

Celebrating International Women's Day with an essential conversation! In this episode of Skilfully Speaking, we’re shining a light on women’s health with journalist and author Kate Muir. Kate is a passionate advocate for women, breaking stigmas around menopause and empowering others with knowledge. Join us as we explore the skills behind Kate’s impactful work and share vital advice that every woma...

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of being authentic, mental health, resilience and building a business.  The guests featured are cosmetics legend, Liz Earle, entrepreneur, Ben Towers, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, former MP, Robert Halfon, TV presenter turned life coach, Anna Williamson and AI educator, Dan Fitzgeral...

Yes, you read that title correctly!  This episode is the grand finale of Season 1 of Skilfully Speaking, so the tables are turned, and Jackie Grubb is the guest and is being interviewed by Paul Philpott. Paul finds out about Jackie’s skills journey – from childhood ambitions to be a Blue Peter presenter and a make-up artist, to becoming a teacher.  We find out what Jackie has learned from her Skil...

The team at Skilfully Speaking and City College Plymouth has a great relationship with Babcock International Group.  So, it’s great that Babcock’s CEO, David Lockwood has been chatting to Jackie about what it’s like running a global organisation, the essential skills that Babcock looks for in new recruits, the importance of having the right aspirations and just how good David is … at table tennis!...

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of education, career choices and technology.  The guests featured are former MP, Robert Halfon, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, TV presenter turned life coach, Anna Williamson, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, entrepreneur, Ben Towers and AI educator, Dan Fitzgerald. Brought to you by City College Plymouth and supporte...

James is the CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth. He was born in Plymouth and has worked all over the world developing skills, encouraging young people, raising millions of pounds for charity and teaming up with the likes of Sir Matthew Bourne to stage ground-breaking productions that have taught young people new skills that have changed their lives. Jackie gets some remarkable insights into how James h...

Dan is known as “The AI Educator” and has written extensively about AI, as well as having travelled the world educating everyone from students to businesses about AI.  Jackie asks him all about what AI is and what it can do now, as well as how AI can help us with education in the future and what skills are required to work with it. Supported by Babcock International Brought to you by City College...

Ben’s story is extraordinary and unique.  He started running businesses at the age of 11, is the founder of the employee engagement platform, Happl and has been described by Sir Richard Branson as “one of the UK’s most exciting entrepreneurs” and at the time of recording this episode, Ben is only 25 years old.   So, how did he develop such impressive skills at such a young age?  What sort of suppo...

As co-founder of the Liz Earle Beauty Company in 1995, Liz knows all about the skills required to succeed.  She’s also been busy as a TV presenter, writer and over the years has even launched a magazine and a range of jewellery.  Liz has all the knowledge and experience to give advice on the skills we all need to learn, to earn and to live a happier, healthier life. Presented by Jackie Grubb, From...