The Social Matters Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Jahnine Davis to explore adultification—what it is, how it impacts children, specifically Black children, and why it’s a crucial issue we need to address. From being perceived as older than they are to facing harsher expectations and reduced protections, adultification bias shapes the way Black children experience education, social care, and the justice system. Ja...

In this episode, we talk about working with reluctance and resistance—what it means, why it happens, and how to navigate it effectively. Whether it’s resistance to change in the workplace, hesitation in professional relationships, or challenges in team dynamics, reluctance can create barriers to progress. We explore the reasons behind resistance, the emotional and psychological factors at play, an...

In this episode, we explore the crucial work of building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture with Louise Oliver, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead at the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). From systemic barriers to meaningful progress, we unpack the challenges and opportunities in making maternity and parenting support more inclusive. Louise shares insights into the work already hap...

In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked yet pervasive issue of ageism—the bias that can lead to stereotyping and discrimination based on a person’s age. Whether it’s subtle remarks about being “too young” to lead or assumptions that older workers can’t keep up with technology, ageism affects people across the spectrum and shapes workplace dynamics in ways we may not even realise. We exp...

HAPPY NEW YEAR, PEOPLE! In this episode, we are delighted to be joined by the brilliant Lisa Zaranyika. Lisa is a Social Worker, Educator, Anti-Racist activist, and currently the Director of Community and Culture at Young Minds. We delve into Lisa’s Anti-Racist activism within social work and beyond. She shares her experiences in grassroots organising, her involvement with the Anti-Racist Movement...

In this episode, we delve into the nuances of feedback conversations and their vital role in personal and professional growth. Feedback has the potential to strengthen relationships, foster understanding, and drive positive change—when delivered and received with care. We explore how effective feedback can encourage reflection, whilst poorly handled feedback can create barriers and hinder progress...

🌟 WOW, WOW, and WOW! This is an episode you cannot miss. We had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Amy Butterworth, an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant who is making waves in the world of workplace accessibility. Amy shares her inspiring journey, including her lived experiences with Long Covid, and provides invaluable insights on how we can all contribute to creating more inclusi...

In this episode, we explore how language shapes our thinking and influences the contexts we live in. Words have the power to foster inclusion, build bridges, or erect barriers. We discuss how intentional, inclusive language can promote belonging and empower communities, while negative language can exclude, discriminate, and undermine the progression of anti-oppressive practices. By examining how w...

In this episode, we dive into the all-too-relatable experience of Imposter Syndrome—the fear that others will eventually uncover your perceived weaknesses and question your competence in the same way you do. This self-doubt often comes with a tendency to misattribute hard-won successes to external, random, or undeserved factors. We explore why this topic is so important, how imposter syndrome impa...

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly inspiring Ben Lindsay OBE. As the CEO of the award-winning charity Power the Fight, Ben is dedicated to empowering communities to end violence affecting young people. He shares his experiences leading this impactful organisation, discussing the effects of race and racism, the realities of operating with trauma, and his vision for...

Welcome to Season 7 of the Social Matters Podcast! After a refreshing summer break, we're back just in time for winter, ready to bring you insightful conversations, valuable knowledge, and a bit of fun along the way. In this first episode of the season, we dive into the topic of inclusivity. We explore what inclusivity means to us and discuss how organisations and teams can foster truly inclu...

FINAL EPISODE OF THE SEASON!!!!!  We've come to the end of another road. Our 6th season goes out with a bang! In this episode, your favourite trio of social workers talk about how Introducing Difference can help to create change. This episode is full of fun, laughter, intrigue and hopefully some helpful knowledge for you. Thank you for your support this season. We hope you've enjoyed our...

In this episode, your favourite trio of social workers are joined by the brilliant Emma Slade Edmondson. Emma is the co-author of a brand new book 'The Half Of It'. Emma is a London-base creative strategist, journalist and recent TEDx speaker - she specialises in social change and sustainability.  In her debut book, along with co-author Nicole Ocran, Emma explores race and identity throu...

This episode is an absolute banger! Your favourite trio of social workers were join by the brilliant Luke Billingham. Luke is a Youth and Community worker, Research Associate and Author and joined the Social Matters Podcast to discuss his work and perspective on youth violence. In a society where many people hold a narrow understanding of youth violence, Luke shares his experience and wisdom to he...

Your favourite trio of social workers are back for their 14th instalment of the season! In this episode, we explore what is meant by Organisational Trauma. What does this mean? How does trauma show up in your organisation? How can organisations respond to the experience of trauma?  Tune in to listen to this informative conversation. if you enjoy this episode then please share with your friends, le...

The clocks just went forward by an hour, the days are longer and brighter so we thought it will be a good moment to look back at some of our favourite 'check-ins' over the past 6 years. From our very first episode where we bumbled our way through explaining the podcast, to some episodes that left us in fits of laughter and tears.    If you are looking for some joy to pick you up then thi...

In this episode your favourite trio have a conversation International Women's Day and Women's History Month. From celebrating the contributions of women to exploring some of the interpersonal, structural and systemic challenges that women face in society today.  What does International Women's Day mean to you? Tune in to listen to this reflective conversation. f you enjoy this episo...

THIS IS A MUST LISTEN EPISODE! We were extremely lucky to be joined by the brilliant Amani Simpson for this informative, moving and powerful episode.  Amani Simpson is an award winning social entrepreneur, film maker, campaigner and youth coach. He is the producer and the protagonist of the acclaimed short film Amani which has now been watched over 4 millions times. He has also produced, Save Me,...

This was a fun one! In this episode, we were joined by a 'Badass' CEO, Executive Coach and friend of the podcast Hasan Khair.  Hasan shares his wealth of knowledge on what Inclusive Leadership means to him. What does it take to be an Inclusive Leader? How can you create an environment where people can be their authentic selves? What are some of the barriers to being an Inclusive Leader?...

In this episode your favourite trio have a conversation about the notion of Professionalism. What does it mean to be Professional? What are the benefits and constraints of Professionalism and how does our relationship with Professionalism impact how we are in the workplace? Tune in to listen to this insightful and reflective conversation. If you enjoy this episode then please share with your frien...

Your favourite trio of social workers are back with another insightful episode discussing what their understanding is of Unconscious Bias. This is a term that is used in a number of different contexts but what does it actually mean? How can we become more aware of our Unconscious Biases and what can do we do to address them? Tune in to listen to this informative discussion and share your views. If...

Informative, powerful, inspirational, fun and an important listen! Just some of the words we’d use to describe this episode. Nadia, Fran and Eugene were privileged to be joined by Craig Pinkney. Craig Pinkney is a nationally and internationally recognised Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist, and esteemed CEO of several organisations, including SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict an...

Merry Christmas everyone! We have a fun and informative new episode for you. In this episode, we have our own little christmas celebration and have a discussion about the Social Graces (again!). We share presents, learn more about the 'Wheel of Discussion' created by Collective Space and continue to discuss about our intersecting identities. This is a fantastic way to end the year!  If y...

This episode was recorded in November 2023  It was our pleasure to welcome Lisa Matthews to our podcast.  Lisa works for an organisation called  Young Roots and she is their first ever Policy and Campaigns Manager. Lisa has worked in the area of migrants’ rights for over 15 years, working across casework, psychosocial support, legal representation, campaigning and legal education. Prior to joining...

Conversations a meant to be started, continued but not necessarily always finished.  In this episode, we decided to start a conversation about the war in Gaza. There are many narratives and challenges with having such a conversation. Despite this it's necessary to start a conversation and hopefully it will be continued by many who listen to this.  If you enjoyed the episode then pass it on. ...