Word on Wearside

Please be aware that this episode contains frequent reference to unhealthy eating habits, diet culture, and eating disorders throughout. Listener discretion is advised, and listeners who are particularly affected by these topics are advised to take precaution. There has been recent heightened attention surrounding body image and diet culture on social media. By discussing celebrities such as Kate...

Join Christian, Ben, and Adam, as they discuss the Newcastle Takeover by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, and whether the club's success has been earned or bought. This spirited debate looks into the varied reactions from fans and supporters. The Team Christian Casey, Ben Pescod, Adam Scorer With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and proof-listened by...

In today’s episode we’ll be talking about how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting students in the North-east. Featuring interviews with Oladimeji Adepoju (Prince), the President of Wellbeing with the University of Sunderland Students' Union, and members of Sunderland's student population. The Team: Caitlin Anderson Charlotte Burdon Gina Carr Chloe Gudgin With teaching supervision by Richard Ber...

A look back and ahead to the third series of the hit Netflix series Sunderland 'Til I Die, featuring interviews with Sky Sports' Tom White, and SAFC supporters network Spirit of '37. The Team: Andrew Beharie Christopher Mills Sam Pringle Lauren Taylor With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and proof-listened by Tyler Selby. A Spark Sunderland podcast, produce...

In this episode we take a look at two local services that provide alternative mental health support to Sunderland Communities: 17Nineteen is a community arts organisation that works with art to engage with the community. The Foundation of Light is a part of Sunderland Football Club and they provide support through organised sport. The Team: Marvelous Adenekan Liam Charlton Connor Crampton Jennifer...

Kieron, Nathan and Paul explore what the Tyne and Wear derby means to them while appreciating whether there may be such a level playing field any time soon. This episode investigates how the lack of a competitive fixture since 2016 has grown supporters weary, or alternatively fiery, in the hope of a derby match. The biggest question, meanwhile, is what do Sunderland have to do to try and make it b...

Warm spaces, often called warm banks, have been slowly popping up in the news over the last few weeks, but what exactly are they? We answer that question by speaking to a Sunderland-based journalist, and someone who is helping to run a warm space in the heart of the city. The Team: Bethany Jones Eve Percy Callum Rowe With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and...

This episode, a conversation about mental health within male football. Featuring Sunderland footballer Luke O’Nien, former Newcastle U23 goalkeeper Nathan Harker, Northern League manager Tony Fawcett, and If You Care Share founder Matthew Smith. Luke and Nathan speak to us about their own personal mental health battles and what they have done to overcome a difficult period of their life. Tony talk...

In this episode we are talking about international fashion culture and more particularly about fashion trends in Greece, Malaysia, Romania, and of course the UK. Four different countries with some common fashion trends. I hope you enjoy it! The Team: Jayne Loo Ornela Korcari With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and proof-listened by Tyler Selby. A Spark Sun...

Please be aware that this episode contains some use of homophobic language, specifically use of the word "puff", at approx. 9 minutes 35 seconds. Listener discretion is advised. Homophobia in football has been a talking point for years, but with the World Cup playing in Qatar the issue has never been more relevant. We will be discussing this today, including the reactions from FIFA and the fans, f...

Why are we in a cost of living crisis? And how are people being affected? Today, we break down the crisis. The Team: James Barker Will Brown Daniel McCallum Max McVittie With teaching supervision by Richard Berry, Jay Sykes, and Jenny Wotherspoon, and proof-listened by Tyler Selby. A Spark Sunderland podcast, produced at the University of Sunderland.

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