The Social Matters Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful Vivian Tanaka, creator of Kamelion, a gamified mental health and personal development app for 11–18-year-olds. Rooted in Positive Psychology, co-designed with young people, and centred on curiosity and discovery, Kamelion is transforming the way young people engage with their wellbeing. Vivian’s work focuses on helping young people better understand their emotional world through playful learning, personalised pathways and interactive tools that...

In this episode, we dive into an important and timely question: what does it mean to be British today? Against the backdrop of a rising far-right movement and growing social divides, we explore how ideas of identity, belonging and community are being shaped and challenged in the UK right now. What does “Britishness” mean in a society that’s increasingly diverse but also increasingly polarised? How do we hold onto shared values when fear and exclusion are on the rise? Together, we discuss the ...

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Jade Barnett, co-founder of Power2Prevail, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable young people to see that their past and present circumstances don’t define their future. Jade’s work focuses on supporting care-experienced young people as they navigate the journey towards independence, employment and self-belief. Through mentorship, training and storytelling, Power2Prevail helps young people recognise their potential and take ownershi...

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Richard Yeboah, author of From Hackney, With Love: An Intimate History of Gentrification. Richard grew up in Hackney and saw first-hand how the area changed. Rising rents, new neighbours, and long-time communities feeling the squeeze. In our conversation, he blends personal stories, research and local voices to unpack what gentrification really looks and feels like. Who gets pushed out? Who gets to move in? And just as importantly, who gets to t...

In this final episode of the season, we reflect on the theme of hope: what it means to hold onto it, nurture it, and protect it, especially in times that feel unjust. We’re living in a world where discrimination and division remain ever present, and the noise of those who want to divide can often feel loud. But amidst it all, hope persists, not as blind optimism but as a deliberate, powerful act of resistance. In this conversation, we explore how hope shows up in our work, our communities, a...

In this episode, we have a powerful and much-needed conversation about menopause—what it is, what it isn’t, and the realities so many experience in silence. We’re joined by Dr. Elise Dallas, who brings her professional expertise to the discussion. She helps us unpack the physical, emotional, and social impact of menopause, while also challenging the stigma and misinformation that too often surround it. From hormonal changes and mental health to workplace support and personal relationships, D...

In this episode, we have an important and long-overdue conversation about grief and loss—our relationship with them, the support systems that carry us, and how we learn to live alongside deep emotional pain. We’re joined by Imogen, who shares her personal journey navigating the loss of a loved one. She speaks honestly about how grief has shaped who she is, her evolving relationship with loss, and how the brilliant charity Eden’s Trust provided a safe and supportive space when she needed it m...

In this episode, we delve into multidirectional solidarity—what it means, why it’s essential, and how it can drive real change, especially in the face of challenges to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As Donald Trump and others seek to roll back these efforts, we explore why standing together across different minoritised groups is more important than ever. From the power of allyship to the necessity of intersectional activism, we discuss how communities can resist division...