What the Friday Youth Podcast

In this episode of Youth Social, host Romilly speaks with producer and animator Kath Shackleton about how young people can find and create arts and culture opportunities in their local area. Drawing on her experiences growing up in Bradford in the 1980s and building spaces like the One-in-12 Club, Cath talks about turning anger and hopelessness into action, using activism and DIY music events to b...

Sharing your art for the first time can feel terrifying, especially when you are worried about being judged, not feeling talented enough, or not fitting the image of a typical creative. In this episode, Isabelle talks to Jess Woodhead, Youth and Social Arts Lead at Chol Theatre  https://wearechol.co.uk , about how young people can move through fear, self doubt and comparison to share their work wi...

Is arts and culture really for people like me? In this episode, Iarlaithe talks with vocal artist and local entrepreneur Sarala Soul about diversity in the arts, who gets represented, and how young people from underrepresented backgrounds can find their place in creative spaces. Sarala shares her journey from a nervous 15 year old on a school stage to headlining a sold out show for International W...

How do you keep your creativity alive when you are juggling college, work or caring responsibilities? In this episode, host Isabella speaks with Hardeep Singh Sahota - artist, educator, dancer, choreographer and Creative Director of the South Asian Arts cultural hub - about realistic ways to make space for arts and culture in a busy life. Hardeep shares how he balanced college, marriage and runnin...

In this episode, Aleeza talks with Alicia from Invictus Wellbeing about the communication skills that young people are rarely taught at school or college, but desperately need when they start work. Together, they explore: Why asking for help at work is a strength, not a failure How to judge when to figure things out yourself and when to seek support Practical ways to set healthy boundaries with ma...

Burnout is not just an adult problem. In this episode, Amal talks with Alicia from Invictus Wellbeing about what burnout really looks like for young people in education, work and in between. They explore how constant tiredness, numbness, social media pressure and money worries can quietly build up until even small tasks feel impossible. Alicia offers clear, practical steps for spotting burnout ear...

Many young people support a family member without ever using the word “carer.” In this episode, Saman talks with Jason from Invictus Wellbeing about what it means to be a young carer and how to balance caring responsibilities with college, work and your own ambitions. They explore: How to recognise you are a young carer even when it just feels “normal” The impact of stress, tiredness and guilt on...

In this episode, Momina and Samira sit down with Jason from Invictus Wellbeing to unpack why so many young people overthink their choices about courses, careers and the future. They explore how external pressure, social media comparison and fear of judgement can turn normal thinking into anxious overthinking, and what healthy decision making looks like instead. Jason shares practical strategies to...

In this episode, Alnoor talks to Bea from Invictus Wellbeing about mental health in plain language, focusing on the realities of starting work while struggling with anxiety, low mood and confidence. They explore how to tell the difference between normal nerves and more serious anxiety, what overthinking does to your confidence, and how fear and self doubt can quietly stop you from applying for job...

Leaving school or college can feel like someone has suddenly taken the scaffolding away. In this episode, Saman talks with Bea from Invictus Wellbeing about the “big leap” from education into work and independence, and how young people can look after their mental health along the way. They explore: Why the loss of structure and routine can feel so unsettling Common barriers such as anxiety, low co...

In this episode, Joe speaks with Minnie from Invictus Wellbeing about how young people can prepare for work when anxiety or mental health challenges feel overwhelming. They explore the difference between normal nerves and anxiety that might need extra support, focusing on how intensity and impact on daily life can turn worry into a barrier. Minnie unpacks common challenges that young people face w...

In this episode, Amal speaks with Minnie from Invictus Wellbeing about one of the biggest challenges young people face: how to get work experience when you don’t have any yet. They unpack why entry-level roles still demand experience, how repeated rejection can knock your confidence, and what counts as experience beyond paid jobs - from caring for family and school projects to gaming, volunteering...

In this episode, Jo sits down with Abbie from Avictus Wellbeing to unpack how the fear of being judged can quietly hold young people back as they move from education into employment. They explore how judgement shows up in everyday moments – not applying for roles you’d be great at, staying silent in meetings, or choosing a “respectable” career over one that actually feels meaningful. Abbie explain...

Disagreements are a normal part of any relationship - but they don’t have to turn into full‑blown arguments or fallouts. In this episode, hosts Bailey-Grace and Ellen are joined by Lucy Rose from Calderdale Council’s family intervention team, where she works with young people who have been reported missing. Drawing on her experience having “return home” conversations, Lucy shares practical tools t...

Starting university can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to money. In this episode, Asher talks with Gemma, a Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer from the University of Huddersfield, about the real costs of going to university and how to manage your finances with confidence. They break down: Tuition fees – what they are, how much they typically cost, and how the Tuition Fee Loanworks L...

Bailey Grace interviews Matt Davies, a digital transformation lead at Pennine GP Alliance to discuss the NHS app's benefits for teens and young adults. The app allows users to order prescriptions, manage appointments, view health records, and get quick advice on symptoms. It also supports proxy access for caregivers. Key features include two-factor authentication and secure access to health data....

In this episode, Ella and Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing discuss how small issues can escalate into significant mental health problems if not addressed early. Ruby emphasises that mental health support is crucial even before a crisis, likening it to preventive care. She explains that ignoring feelings can lead to burnout and anxiety, which can worsen if left unchecked. Ruby advises on early signs of...

In this episode, Finley discusses normalising mental health with Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing. Ruby explains that the stigma around mental health often deters young people from seeking help. She emphasises that mental health struggles are common and not needing a diagnosis to take care of one's mental health is normal. Ruby suggests using direct language to discuss mental health issues and educati...

Beau discusses stress and life transitions with Michela from Invictus Wellbeing. Michela explains that life changes, such as starting college or a job, cause stress due to uncertainty and cultural pressures. She differentiates between normal stress, anxiety, and burnout, emphasising the importance of recognising when to seek help. Healthy coping mechanisms include routine, breaking tasks into mana...

Miroslav discusses mental health with Michaela from Invictus Wellbeing. Michaela explains the difficulty in finding clear information about mental health due to medical jargon and stigma, but notes progress with youth-led movements and online resources. She defines mental health as the foundation of emotional and psychological well-being, emphasising that it exists on a spectrum and can be influen...

In this podcast episode, Noah interviews Danny from Invictus Wellbeing about the challenges young people face when opening up about their mental health. Danny explains that young people often fear judgment and feel misunderstood, especially with the pressure to compare themselves to others online. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and encourages seeking help as a sign of stren...

Blake discusses cyberbullying with Danny from Invictus Wellbeing. Cyberbullying is defined as any form of bullying that occurs online, including social media, messaging apps, and gaming chats. It can be particularly damaging due to its 24/7 availability and anonymity. Danny advises victims to document evidence, block the bully, and seek help from trusted adults or mental health professionals. Cybe...

In this episode of the "What the Friday" podcast, Warren and Danny from Invictus Wellbeing discuss depression, differentiating it from general sadness, and its impact on daily life. Danny explains that clinical depression is a diagnosable mental health condition affecting cognition, behaviour, and emotions, and can manifest in various forms, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, a...

Tamara and Latifat discuss sleep deprivation among teens and young adults, inviting Dr. Joy to explain the science behind it. Dr. Joy explains that teen brains release melatonin later, causing sleep difficulties. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, which lack affects focus, memory, and mood. Screen time before bed suppresses melatonin and disrupts circadian rhythms. Insomnia can be caused by stress, c...

In the "Headspace vs Bedspace" episode of the What The Friday youth podcast, host Gabby and expert guest Dr. Joy discuss the inextricable link between mental and sexual health. Dr. Joy explains that mental health issues like anxiety and low self-esteem can impact sexual well-being, affecting body image, performance, and relationships. Conditions such as vaginismus and erectile dysfunction can be d...