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How can I help my ageing parents?

Ageing is a fact of life but caring for elderly parents is a role reversal that few people find particularly easy. As life spans lengthen, adult children in their 50’s and 60’s are increasingly caring for frail, older parents. In fact, 1 in 5 people in the UK are carers to an older family member. The resources in this Pod touch on the many issues you may face while caring for an ageing parent and offer plenty of helpful tips and advice.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Will Dr Bot see you soon?

The majority of decision makers in healthcare today believe that the use of AI will become increasingly widespread over the next few years but is this a good thing? While AI’s potential ability to provide earlier and more accurate diagnosis, reduce recovery times and free up busy healthcare professionals is undeniable, there is also frequently hysterical media coverage about AI and robotics, and real concerns about patient data privacy.  And will it be the sector that saves us from Coronavirus?

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Incredible or insulting

When American Dirt came out, it was an Oprah’s book club pick and became The Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller. It was optioned for a film adaptation by Clint Eastwood and was lauded by many as the ‘great immigration novel’. However since then it has received harsh criticism, particularly from many Latinx writers for what they felt was its stereotypical portrait of migrants from Mexico and Central America.  The controversy caused Jeanine Cummins to cancel her book tour and all events due to death threats and more.

There’s so much to discuss about this novel, so in addition to reading the book why not enrich your book club meeting by exploring the US/Mexico crisis further with podcasts and videos from the frontlines and discussions about the potential consequences of telling a story that is not your own.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Candid conversations

The best interview podcasts can reveal a lot about their subject. The more informal atmosphere and relaxed environment of podcast interviews, can lead to some truly remarkable insights into the lives and careers of guests. Engaging discussions are had over the dinner table or on a dog walk and cover topics as diverse as grief to food, politics to comedy. We have selected a few of our favourites so you can listen to candid conversations with some of the world’s most interesting people.

If you like the series, then you can find more episodes listed underneath the one we chose in the ‘Play’ window.

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Is addictive use of social media making us depressed?

There’s no doubt that social media shines when it’s being used as a force for good however more often its been blamed for causing feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and self-loathing and has been linked to an increased in loneliness. In this Pod we explore the issues and ask how we can be more mindful of our social media presence and make technology work for us rather than against us.

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Stories of lies and deception

Scams and cons have always been a topic of interest in popular culture but con artist entertainment is certainly having it’s moment. From pyramid schemes to medical fraud, these are stories of charismatic false prophets, money and deception that leave trails of destruction in their wake. We have selected a few of this genre to get you started.

For more on The Theranos/Elizabeth Holmes story, take a look at our Pod The Theranos Scam 

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Unbelievable but true

Rigorously reported and fearlessly written by prize-winning journalist John Carryrou. Bad Blood is a fast paced and gripping story of the biggest corporate fraud since Enron. A tale of ambition and hubris, set amid the bold promises of Silicon Valley.

In 2014, Theranos founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes was widely seen as the next Steve Jobs. A brilliant Stanford dropout whose start-up promised to revolutionize the medical industry with its breakthrough device that performed the whole range of laboratory tests from a single drop of blood. Backed by high profile investors, Theranos was valued at more than $9 billion. There was just one problem, the technology didn’t work.

After the book came the podcast series The Drop Out, followed by the documentary ‘The Inventor’ and now a film staring Jennifer Lawrence is in the works. It’s a story that we just can’t get enough of!

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Meet the amazing code-breaking women

Bletchley Park, Britain’s top code-breaking centre during World War Two, employed around 10,000 people. By 1945, 75% of them were women. Many worked as top codebreakers, selected for their academic achievements in maths, science and languages but few have had the recognition of their male peers. In this Pod, we explore the history of Bletchley Park, the impact its astonishing code breaking activities on the war and importantly, the stories of the women who worked there.

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What does your body language say about you?

How good are you are reading other people’s body language? What does your body language say about you?

Use the resources in this Pod to explore how to improve your body language, learn how to read it and how to use it to improve your relationships.

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An audio fix for book lovers

There are some amazing literary podcasts that you can listen to when you’re not reading. Whether you are looking for lively book club discussions, in depth author interviews, candid book reviews or simply want to discover new gems to read next, there’s something bookish out there for everyone.

We have selected our favourite podcasts that discuss all things books, by book lovers for book lovers.

Enhance your book club discussions with our Book Club collection.

Or view all available Pods using our Pod Index

Does brain training really make any difference?

There are now a huge range of games and apps that claim to help with brain training. But do they work? Is it true that you must ‘use it or lose it’, can you improve your working memory, IQ or brain power and what role can brain training play in preventing dementia? How does brain training on a game or app compare to exercising? In this Pod, we look at a wide range of media with claims on both sides of the argument.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

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An injection of humour

Laughter can often be the best medicine, so take a break and have a good giggle listening to these hilarious podcasts from British comedians.  Not everyone has the same sense of humour, we know that comedy can be very subjective, therefore we’ve selected a wide range of podcasts so hopefully something here will hit your funny bone!

If you like any of the series below, you can find more episodes listed underneath the one we chose in the ‘Play’ window.

For more satirical, weekly comedy check out BBC Radio 4’s Comedy of the Week and Friday Night Comedy podcasts, both will brighten your week. The most recent episodes of both can be found on most streaming platforms. 

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Travel smarter and smoother

Travelling for business can be a bit of a chore to say the least. If you enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places, it can seem exciting for a while, but soon living out of a suitcase ceases to be attractive. Even more so if you do a lot of business miles over the course of the year, or are away from home for long periods at a time working on a longer term project.

Preparation is always the key to making the trip more comfortable and enjoyable, so here are some business travel tips and hacks that will really make a difference to how your business travel feels.

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To baby or not to baby?

Being childfree is still one of the oldest taboos, and some women who choose not to have children feel regularly judged by others and suffer push back from society and friends. They feel they are denied the status of being ‘real’ women because they have made the decision not to be mothers.

But parenthood is not the only path to a happy, productive life and more people than ever are choosing to forgo it. In fact 1 in 5 women in the UK over 45 don’t have children, a much bigger number than most people realise.

It is time to remove the stigma and openly discuss a choice that many are taking.

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Could cold showers transform your life?

Exhilarating, challenging, energising and addictive? The theory behind the concept, how to introduce cold showers into your daily routine and the benefits to your health, from relaxing the mind, improving the skin and to reducing fats.

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Get behind the concussion headlines

This Pod has been guest curated by former Leeds Rhinos captain, Stevie Ward. Much has been written and published about the impact of concussion in sport. In this pod, with a focus on rugby, we look at the issue from the views of those most impacted: the athletes.

We suggest you start with Stevie’s own documentary video, exploring the effects of living with concussion.

The Pod highlights a number of handpicked podcast episodes.

The selected videos cover athlete stories and recent research. In addition, we have a collection of recent and useful articles.

The Xtra section includes links to useful websites and further reading.

Is the truth out there?

Are they a new phenomenon fuelled by the internet and social media or have they been around much longer than that? In this Pod, we track the origins of conspiracy theories, see why they work and why certain groups of people are more susceptible to them and, if all else fails, how to resist them!  We also hear a powerful piece from the victims of conspiracy theories.

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They’ve been around for centuries but why?

Cults are certainly having a moment but aren’t they always? The word first entered the English language in 1614 but they still fascinate us today. The Sincheong Church is being blamed for the spread of coronavirus in South Korea; Bhagwan Shree Rajneesah, was the subject of hit Netflix series, Wild, Wild Country; Charles Mason was depicted in Hollywood movie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and the book Cult X, about the sarin attack on the Tokyo subway, was a massive bestseller. We look into the lure of the cult and hear from some of those who have escaped their clutches.

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What is it and why is it so popular?

Coined around 20 years ago for ‘tourists’ visiting sites, attractions or exhibitions made famous by death, suffering and disaster. Will Coldwell in the Guardian writes: ‘When it comes to holiday jaunts, the site of a nuclear disaster zone, the home of a serial killer or the execution chamber of a former state prison don’t scream “wish you were here”. But while it might not be everyone’s idea of fun, demand for macabre attractions and disturbing experiences that recreate horrific moments in history is growing – dark tourism is on the rise.’

The following pieces will open your eyes to the differing aspects of Dark Tourism and have you question the ethics and morals around it.

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Self help techniques

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders, with one out of fourteen people around the world being affected. It is often described as an uncomfortable feeling of nervousness or worry about something that is happening, or might happen in the future. Everyone feels anxiety to some extent, it is part of being human and is the body’s way of signalling a problem or threat. However, it becomes a problem if it happens too often, goes on for a long time or impacts your ability to live your life as fully as you want to.

Use the self help resources below, which focus on Generalised Anxiety Disorder, to help you understand why it’s happening. Discover how to take back control. Learn ways of reducing your anxiety and incorporate these techniques into your everyday life to make it more manageable.

Note: Please talk to your doctor, or a mental health professional, if you experience severe or persistent anxiety.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Uplifting tale of friendship

London, 1941. Amid the falling bombs Emmeline Lake dreams of becoming a fearless Lady War Correspondent. Unfortunately, Emmy instead finds herself employed as a typist for the formidable Henrietta Bird, the renowned agony aunt at Woman’s Friend magazine. Mrs Bird refuses to read, let alone answer, letters containing any form of Unpleasantness, and definitely not those from the lovelorn, grief-stricken or morally conflicted.

But the thought of these desperate women waiting for an answer at this most desperate of times becomes impossible for Emmy to ignore. She decides she simply must help and secretly starts to write back – after all, what harm could that possibly do?

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Is the state of your house linked to that of your mind

Does decluttering really help relieve stress and bring a sense of calm? Or does it set an impossibly high standard that just makes us feel worse, as we fail to achieve picture perfect tidiness? In this pod, we explore the ideas behind decluttering, the psychology behind how we feel about our possessions, the experts who swear by it and practical tips and ideas for making a few small changes, for those that end up inspired to try.

SHOP To support this Pod, we have handpicked a great selection of shelf units, storage containers, baskets and bags. Plenty of inspiration to help clear your mind and your surfaces. View our Decluttering Shop page.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Get organised with this selection of storage ideas

To support our Decluttering Pod, we have handpicked a selection of shelf units, storage containers, baskets and bags. Plenty of inspiration to help clear your mind and your surfaces.

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

Part of our Wellbeing Collection

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Disconnect to reconnect

How many times a day do you check your phone? The idea that our obsession with our smart phones is getting in the way of our relationships, our productivity and even our children’s ability to have a conversation is gaining momentum. In this pod, we explore the ideas behind digital detoxing, as well techniques to make you feel more in control such as the ‘zero inbox’ principle. And has the lack of quiet spaces in our 24/7 connected world led to the rise in modern mindfulness?

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Has contempt replaced conversation?

As mass media infiltrates our lives, our communication skills are waning, too often these days arguments with people we disagree with feel impossible. Have we lost the ability to have friendships with people with different views? Has outrage culture and today’s extreme politics driven division in society? What can we do to combat this?

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Should we be more critical of the stories we tell our kids?

Disney has tried to diversify and empower its princesses, they have evolved significantly as a response to, and a reflection of, changing social norms. From helpless, subservient Snow White to today’s strong, independent, girl power-oriented Moana. But have they done enough?

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Podcast Mix Tape 1

Driving off on your holidays? Need some in car entertainment? Looking for some inspiring podcasts but not sure where to start? Look no further, here is our version of a mix tape, just with podcasts rather than music!

In this Pod, we have a included a bit of everything. We’ve selected some great episodes from a few of our favourite podcasts. Whether you want to hear an amusing chat with Dawn French or  learn about the amazing Ice Shaman Wim Hof, there’s something here for everyone. So sit back, enjoy and listen on your journey.

Part of our Drive Time Collection. View

Podcast Mix Tape 2

Driving off on your holidays? Need some in car entertainment? Looking for some inspiring podcasts but not sure where to start? Look no further, here is our version of a mix tape, just with podcasts rather than music!

In this Pod, we have a included a bit of everything. We’ve selected some great episodes from a few of our favourite podcasts. Listen to Louis Theroux interviewing Helen Bonham-Carter or hear about the true crime case of Stephen Hilder, there’s something here for everyone. So sit back, enjoy and listen on your journey.

Part of our Drive Time Collection. View

Sport Podcasts Mix Tape

Looking for some inspiring sport podcasts but not sure where to start? Look no further, here is our version of a mix tape, just with podcasts rather than music! In this Pod, we delve into the world of sports, covering a vast range of subjects including sporting rivalries, exploring cheats in sport, talks with Olympians and inspiring stories of human endeavour.

Part of our Drive Time Collection. View

Christmas Podcast Mix Tape

Driving home for Christmas? Looking for some inspiring festive podcasts to entertain you on your journey and get you in the Christmas spirit? Well look no further, here is our present to you this year. An audio selection box of podcasts supplying a bit of everything from yuletide cheer to festive fun facts, family debate to Christmas dinner cooking tips.

So sit back, enjoy and listen on your journey.

Part of our Drive Time Collection. View

Practical steps after the death of a loved one.

Experiencing the death of someone close can be extremely difficult. Even more so when you have to take responsibility for all the many procedures that ensue. From registering the death to dealing with the person’s property, the tasks can be overwhelming especially when you’re grieving.

Find helpful advice in this Pod about funeral planning, wills, probate and dealing with grief.

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Astonishing self-invention

Tara Westover grew up preparing for the End of Days in rural Idaho with radical survivalist Mormon parents. She didn’t get a birth certificate until she was nine and had no medical records because her father did not believe in doctors. She and her six older siblings worked in her father’s junkyard. As she grew older, her father’s beliefs became more extreme and one of her brothers grew violent.

At 17, she decided to educate herself as a means of escape. Within 10 years she had earned a PhD in intellectual history and political thought from Cambridge but was estranged from her parents and half of her siblings. Now 31 and still living in Cambridge, Educated is her first novel and is about the transformative power of education and the price she had to pay for it.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome

When your children leave home, it can trigger a range of emotions, from pride and satisfaction to sadness and loss. It is a transitional period of life that many struggle to get used to, particularly those who have spent many years at home caring for the children.  But it is also a time that brings new opportunities, time to discover new hobbies or reignite old ones, revitalise your relationships with your partner and explore new horizons. Discover how you can make the most of this key stage of life.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

How to help your children deal with exam stress

Feeling pressure to work hard can be a useful motivator but when stress levels get too high, it becomes counter productive. And when does your stress also get in the way? In this Pod, we look at the causes of exam stress and highlight useful tips, ideas and strategies for dealing with it.

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Get away from the everyday

Learning something new keeps your mind sharp, helps you problem solve and stimulates creativity. Stretch your mind and get away from the everyday, with our handpicked selection of fascinating and thought-provoking podcasts. Let us surprise you with something new. The plan includes ten options. Try listening to one a day or spread them out over a couple of weeks or so. We would love to know what you think!

The perfect plan to expand your mind.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Set off on an adventure around the world

The growth of the internet has allowed families to connect, explore and learn in ways never previously imaginable, and on very low budgets. The family gap year is a dream many have imagined but can be hugely daunting. Here we explore how some families have taken a leap of faith and are making their adventures happen. Be inspired as they share their stories, experiences and lessons learnt.

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Celebrate the sisterhood

Podcasts hosted by women, for women, covering the topics we all like to discuss with our girlfriends. If you need a few more female voices in your life then pop your headphones on and start listening to this collection. Let these ladies give you the conversation therapy you need, whether that’s a good laugh, relationship advice or general life musings.

We hope you enjoy these podcasts as much as we do!

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Get caught up in a drama

Radio drama and fiction podcasts are having a renaissance, as artists make television for your ears. With great writing, acting and sound production, there are some amazing serial dramas out there. Some popular podcast series, like Homecoming and Limetown, have even made the transition to TV, whist others like Bright Sessions have become novels.

Here we select a few of our favourite scripted serial drama podcasts, for you to immerse yourself in. We have selected the first episode in each series. If you’re enjoying it and want to continue, then you can find the next episodes listed underneath in the ‘Play’ window.

If you’ve listened to something amazing that you think we should add, please let us know via the members Contact section of our website or via our Facebook page.

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Has 9 to 5 had it’s day?

Flexibility can benefit everyone, if you do it right. In a flexible working arrangement, an employee has some say over how, where or when they work. Whether this involves working from home, working part-time, job sharing or having another kind of flexitime arrangement. With such a wide range of technologies, new working methods and communication solutions available to employers today, there is no reason why flexible working can’t be a universally advantageous endeavour. In a Forbes study, remote workers were happier, felt more valued and felt more productive. But it also highlighted the importance of management communication, goals setting and focus to avoid any pitfalls.

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen businesses adopt flexible working practices, like remote working, at an unprecedented rate. Will this culture change continue to be embraced after the pandemic?

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A veritable feast!

What’s better than binging on podcasts? Binging on podcasts about food! There are many hilarious, inspiring and insightful food podcasts to chose from – and here we have a selection. These are not about cooking, but rather the history and origins of food, our favourite foods, our obsession with food and our, sometimes complex, relationships with food.

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Help I’m a Grandparent

Gone are the days of grannies as grey-haired ladies who knit blankets, nowadays half of British grandparents are under 65. Becoming a grandparent can be an incredibly rewarding and happy experience. However, it isn’t always without its challenges. Here we look at what being a grandparent might involve, tips for new grandparents, and general advice on this major milestone.

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Wake up and smell the roses

The  popularity of gardening is positively blooming! Fun, fruitful and family friendly, with well known therapeutic benefits for all.  In recent years, research has shown that millennials now are spending more on their gardens than their parents and garden centre popularity is on the up. The huge number of podcasts devoted to all aspects of gardening is a testament to this.

If you’re new to gardening, gardening podcasts or both, here are a few to chose from.  There is a bit of variety but with a common theme – Get Growing!  We hope that at least one of these will become a regular fixture, but if we’ve missed one of your favourites, please let us know via the Contact section of our website or via our Facebook page.

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Dazzling and masterful

This is Britain as you’ve never read it. This is Britain as it has never been told. From Newcastle to Cornwall, from the birth of the twentieth century to the teens of the twenty-first, Girl, Woman, Other follows a cast of twelve characters on their personal journeys through this country and the last hundred years. They’re each looking for something – a shared past, an unexpected future, a place to call home, somewhere to fit in, a lover, a missed mother, a lost father, even just a touch of hope . . .

Winner of the Booker Prize 2019

‘Beautifully interwoven stories of identity, race, womanhood, and the realities of modern Britain’ 

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Courage and resilience

Throughout history and around the globe women have overcome the toughest resistance imaginable to win victories that have made progress possible for all of us. That is the achievement of each of the women in this book. They are all gutsy women, leaders with the courage to stand up to the status quo, ask hard questions, and get the job done.

Be inspired by ordinary women who have gone on the achieve the extraordinary. Hillary and Chelsea Clinton have collated ‘The Book of Gutsy Women’ , a phenomenal collection of essays about women who have made a lasting difference in the world. Listen to their interview about the book with Fearne Cotton on the Happy Place podcast and then delve a bit deeper into the stories of nine of these amazing women.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Simple, affordable gym equipment to use at home

To support our Workout Videos Pod, we have handpicked a selection of simple, affordable gym equipment to help you workout at home. Hand weights, skipping ropes, yoga mats and exercise balls and more.

We have also handpicked a selection of stylish, comfortable sportwear to help you workout at home. View our Sportwear Shop page.

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

Part of our Wellbeing Collection

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Creating habits that stick

If you want to develop healthy habits that last, then learn how to habit stack. Whether it’s improving your diet, exercising more or drinking less, the best way of developing a new habit that you will stick to, is to ‘stack it’ on top of another deeply ingrained habit. It doesn’t matter whether the current habit is a good one or a bad one, if it is something you do often, without thinking about it, you can anchor some new habits either side of it, or use it a a trigger to do something else.

The key is to make small changes, one at a time and allow them to get embedded before changing something else. When most of us try and change our habits to be more healthy, we try and do too much at once. Throwing loads of changes together. You stick to them for a while but then it gets too hard and the habits fade. The trick is the build slowly, stack new habits on top of old and then the habits will last.

This Pod includes loads of great advice and ideas for how to habit stack and where to start. Enjoy!

A ‘Spooktacular’ Collection

October is the time for all things scary. Here is a collection of podcasts – some spooky, some informative and some just downright weird – to put you in the mood!

Enjoy some tricks and treats with this Halloween Collection.

Use our Pod Index to find more Podcast Collections.

Tender and moving

Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet is a fictionalised account of the short life of Shakespeare’s 11 year old son. Winner of the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction, the chair of judges Martha Lane Fox said O’Farrell’s novel was a “truly great” work of fiction and an “exceptional winner”.

England, 1580: The Black Death creeps across the land, an ever-present threat, infecting the healthy, the sick, the old and the young, alike. A luminous portrait of a marriage, a shattering evocation of a family ravaged by grief and loss, and a tender and unforgettable re-imagining of a boy whose life has been all but forgotten, and whose name was given to one of the most celebrated plays of all time, Hamnet is mesmerizing, seductive, impossible to put down.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series View

Inspiring ideas to try at home

Healthy eating ideas to help you kick start the summer. Many of us will be planning to eat more healthily as we come out of lockdown and these videos will help provide you with ideas and inspiration. This great selection of YouTube channels provide free healthy eating tips for beginners, supermarket shopping ideas, what makes a balanced food plate, meal planning advice and much more. We have selected one video from each channel, to give you an idea of the style of the channel and the advice and recipes on offer.

If you like a particular channel, the click ‘Watch’ then ‘Visit External Site’, to find the full selection of videos.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index.

How to break free from the trap of over parenting

We want to be engaged with our children and their lives, but not be so emmeshed that we lose perspective on what they need. But when does engaged parenting become overparenting and rather than build self-reliant and confident children our influence on our children becomes negative?

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Can the past help us understand our present?

They say that those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it—or maybe they’re just missing out on some really great stories.

This selection of podcasts take a look at the weird, complex, fascinating people and events that have shaped the world in ways big and small.

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Our top podcast tips

Check out what we are loving right now on Podfolio. If you are looking for something new to listen to, this is your short cut to some great ideas!

Our Pod Index helps you also search by category or just type a topic in the search bar.

You can also find the Podfolio Team’s favourites by looking at our About pages.

Get your beauty sleep

Sleep is as critical to our well being as food, water or shelter, however over 40% of people suffer from issues with sleep. Fall short on your sleep and research has shown that it can take a serious toll on your daytime energy, productivity, emotional balance and even your weight. Here we look at why we sleep, the importance of sleep and how lifestyle changes can make a world of difference to your sleep quality. Improve your sleep and improve the quality of your life.

SHOP To support this Pod, we have handpicked a selection of related products to help you get a good night’s sleep. Choose from a range of best selling pillows or try an essential oils diffuser, a white noise machine or some comfort sleep ear plugs. View our Sleep Shop page.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Get more out of Podfolio

We have created a series of ‘How To’ videos to help you get the most out of Podfolio.

Find out more about using Podfolio below.

See all our available content using our Pod Index

Create a free account to bookmark favourites, create your own collections and suggest new topics.

Still have questions? Then check out our FAQs

The ethics of social media influencers

Is it time to regulate social media influencers? Brands are pouring billions of pounds into partnering with influencers who can reach consumers on social media but many operate with no ethical framework. Whether it’s promoting products they don’t use or not declaring sponsored posts, this fast growing and largely unregulated practice is an ethical minefield. What are rules and is it possible to get it right? Who should we believe and when? And is it really the career of the future?

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Uncovering the truth

Investigative reporting has become a staple of journalism, and podcasting is the newest way to experience it. Offering engaging stories that dig deep into the subject, the hosts assume the role of detective, bringing listeners along with them as they follow leads and unravel the story.

The American show, Serial may have put this genre of podcasts on the map, however there are many great investigative podcasts to broaden your mind while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Here are a few of our favourites.

We have selected the first episode in each series. If you’re enjoying it and want to continue, then you can find the next episodes listed underneath in the ‘Play’ window.

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Take a look at Katie’s favourites

Podfolio founders Penny, Katie and Sam have picked a selection of their favourite podcasts, videos and articles.  This is Katie’s selection of her favourites.

Katie says ‘Last Seen is one of those podcasts that showcases the best of True Crime and Investigative Journalism.  It’s a look into the most valuable and confounding art heist in history and, I promise you, that even if are not interested in art, you will be hooked!  Wind of Change is another podcast with a surprising subject – could the massive hit by the Scorpions actually have been written by the CIA to fight communism?  If you are looking for some inspiration, then The Power Hour with Adrienne Herbert could be just what you need.  Her positivity, optimism and motivation are infectious.’

If any of Katie’s playlist spark your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find out more. Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Learn whilst listening

From short stories to science, junior news to kids mindfulness, the best podcasts for children are engaging and informative. They can keep your children entertained, spark their imaginations, teach new ideas or make them laugh. The selection for kids has never been better, they can be played on road trips, while cooking, doing jigsaws, colouring or before bed to wind down. Our favourites here are for Junior School aged children, they manage to combine learning with fun and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike, so the whole family can join in.

If you like the series, then you can find more episodes listed underneath the one we chose in the ‘Play’ window.

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Start running from scratch

Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or are unfit. If you’re not sure where to start, use the resources below to help you get going and build up gradually. We recommend the Couch to 5k nine-week, guided, training program which is designed to help people transform a sedentary lifestyle into an active one. In this Pod, graduates of the program share their tips and you can discover how to progress in your new found skill once you’ve cracked the 5k distance!

So what are you waiting for? Set yourself the 5K target, lace up your trainers and achieve the goal. Running regularly will improve both your physical and mental health. and give your confidence and self belief a boost.

SHOP To support this Pod and our Workout Videos Pod, we have handpicked a selection of simple, affordable gym equipment and a selection of stylish, comfortable sportwear to help you learn to run or workout at home. View our Gym Equipment Shop and our Sportwear Shop pages.

Click here to view more Wellbeing Pods or view all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Advice and support to help you survive and thrive

If you are looking for some support and advice for life during and after divorce, then this Pod can help. Full of practical, thoughtful and expert advice it covers subjects such as how to tell the children, surviving the first few weeks, parenting after divorce, dealing with finances, introducing a new partner and caring for your emotional wellbeing. There are also stories from others who have been through the same thing and in the Xtra section, we list a few ideas of where you can find more help and support.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Handpicked makeup and accessories

To support our Mature Makeup Videos Pod, we have handpicked a great selection of makeup, brush sets, storage solutions and other accessories.

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

Part of our Life Stages Collection

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Tips and tricks for mature skin

In this Pod, we have decided to concentrate on makeup for the more mature skin.  The internet is bombarded with wrinkle free teenagers advocating the use of various products, so we are showcasing videos that celebrate experience over youth!

As long as there have been people, there has been makeup.  The Ancient Egyptians would decorate their eyes with dark green, black or blue kohl circles that were supposed to ward off the evil eye and Alexander the Great apparently wore eye makeup for aesthetic and health reasons, as it ‘protected the delicate skin around the eyes and kept off flies’.

During a global crisis, it might feel a bit trivial to pull out your makeup bag and go to town on bronzer.  But experts say it can actually make a huge difference in navigating these unpredictable times.  It can help separate home and work life, your weekend self from your work self and some studies have shown that, for some, wearing make up can even boost productivity.

SHOP To support this video collection, we have handpicked a great selection of makeup, brush sets, storage solutions and other accessories. View our Mature Makeup Shop page.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Fashion and style for mature women

A fabulous collection of fashion and style videos for women in their 40s, 50s and beyond. We have handpicked videos from a wide range of fashion Youtubers, creating brilliant content for mature women. Whatever your style, we have something for you.

With advice on everyday style, like finding great jeans, revamping your wardrobe, putting together simple outfits that work for your shape and tips on finding that perfect occasion wear, these videos provide a great range of fashion and style ideas.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

Great Podcasts for Midlife Women

Our pick of the best podcasts that aim to inspire and empower women over 40. Join the conversation and listen to these podcasts offering advice about midlife, menopause and health. Informative, entertaining and humorous.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Gripping prison epic

Midnight Express is the true story of Billy Hayes, an American college student who was caught smuggling drugs out of Turkey in 1970 and thrown into prison. First released as a book in 1977, it quickly became a worldwide best-seller. The story was made into a movie in 1978, directed by Alan Parker, produced by David Puttnam and written by Oliver Stone. It went on to win two Oscars in 1979 for Best Screenplay and Best Original Score.

In more recent times, Billy has travelled round the world with a one man show Riding the Midnight Express, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013. He has written two sequels to his original book both published in 2013: Midnight Return (Escaping Midnight Express) and The Midnight Express Letters – from a Turkish Prison, 1970 – 1975, a collection of letters written to his friends and family from prison. In the same year, the story was made in to a ballet, which was the subject of much speculation when the lead dancer, Sergei Polunin, left the show one week before opening. In 2016, the story was the subject of a documentary, Midnight Return: The Story of Billy Hayes and Turkey. 

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

The rise of the sober curious

Becoming sober or at least sober-curious is something that seems to be on the lips of many mid-lifers. Are you starting to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and thinking you might like to change it ?

Whether you are thinking about taking a break, are considering moderating your drinking or contemplating going alcohol free, there is a whole community out there that can help you with your journey. Use the resources in this Pod to learn more, hear from others on this path and get tips and advice from the experts.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Your finances made simple

Learn how to manage your own money and build financial independence, whatever your goals. Take control of your finances, with easy to understand, straight forward advice.

We have focused this Pod on women, as research from YouGov Omnibus has shown that over half of women have never owned any investments, with a lack of knowledge and confidence holding them back. However, the resources here are useful for anyone wanting to understand their finances better.

This Pod covers tips and ideas for setting household budgets, planning for the future with savings and investments, dealing with financial shocks, pensions made easy and much more. With simple, user friendly language and practical tips that can make managing your money a whole lot easier.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Music to my ears

Podcasts excel at telling stories, offering insight and adding depth to the music you are already listening to, or make you interested enough to listen to something completely different.  A good music podcast will not only add weight to your perception of an artist or song, but allow you to absorb crazy amounts of knowledge in an hour or less.

Here, we present a mix of podcasts from the comic to the academic and all points in between!

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A darkly, compelling debut

My Dark Vanessa is the harrowing tale of fifteen year old Vanessa Wye’s relationship with her forty five year old English teacher, Jacob Strane and the lasting impact it has on her life.  Kate Elizabeth Russell resists the insistence on black and white in sexual dealings – instead inhabiting the mind of a vulnerable teenager, offering insight into how black might feel like white, how abuse may be taken for romance – and how this lie could be desperately clung onto into adulthood.  My Dark Vanessa reveals a slow journey towards a different understanding

Although this book seems very current, with its themes of manipulation by an older man, Kate Elizabeth Russell actually took 18 years to write this novel that has been labelled Lolita for the #MeToo society.  Like American Dirt, this novel too has courted controversy: a seven figure advance, allegations of plagiarism that got it dropped from Oprah’s book club,  and questions about whether the novel was based on Russell’s own experience and the implication that she needed to prove her credentials for writing about sexual trauma.  It is somewhat ironic that in writing a book about a woman who doesn’t want to come forward about abuse, she is then forced to reveal her own trauma. As she says on her website, “my greatest wish is that My Dark Vanessa will spark conversation about the complexity of coercion, trauma, and victimhood, because while these stories can feel all too familiar, victims are not a monolith and there is no universal experience of sexual violence”.  See her website (link in Xtra) for the complete piece.

Stephen King described it as ‘A hard story to read and an even harder one to put down … a package of dynamite’.  See what you think.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Ideas to help you navigate, thrive and embrace life

Midlife doesn’t need to be a crisis. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, change your vocation or try something new. Live the second half of your life with renewed passion and zest.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Breakfast Club with a twist

An award-winning young adult, mystery/suspense novel by author Karen M. McManus. One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five students, with contrasting personalities walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Bronwyn the brain. Addy the beauty. Nate the criminal. Cooper the athlete and Simon the outcast. The victim, known for exposing everyone’s darkest secrets through a gossip app, has plenty of enemies, but who has the biggest motive? Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide and one of them is definitely lying. Pay close attention and you might solve this. Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Lying is an inherent part of being human and we all do it, take a deeper look in our Why We Lie Pod View 

Take a look at Penny’s favourites

Podfolio founders Penny, Katie and Sam have picked a selection of their favourite podcasts, videos and articles.  This is Penny’s selection of her favourites.

Penny says ‘I love the analogy of the Sorting Hat in the Hidden Brain podcast on personality types, a favourite topic of mine. The investigative series, Girl Taken, had me gripped on my daily walks during lockdown and the video How One Tweet Can Ruin Your Life is a salutary lesson for us all. The Science of Laughter and the stories of the female code breakers at Bletchley Park are also in my top picks. The Bletchley Park women are so inspiring, I could listen to them for hours!’

If any of Penny’s playlist spark your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find out more. Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Gripping podcast series Winter 2021

Here is a selection of my top podcast recommendations to keep you entertained this winter. Gripping, real life investigations that will have you hooked. Perfect for a long bracing walk or cozy evening in.

Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Be the type of person you want to meet

Taking a personality test can be both fun and revealing. But how reliable are they and do they ever tell us anything we don’t already know? Being curious to understand ourselves better is part of human nature but can knowing more about our personality type really help us make better decisions or build stronger relationships? Personality assessments are also commonly used in the workplace, as part of an interview process or career development. But some complain of being sidelined, or even sacked, when the test doesn’t give the answer the employer is looking for. In this Pod, we explore how personality tests work, why we love them so much and how to use them wisely.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Listen to something new

Every month we highlight a new podcast or podcast series that we’ve discovered on our travels.  No particular topics here, we just think you will enjoy them. Share what you think of them on our Podfolio social media platforms. If you come across something that you think we should add, do get in touch.

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Homesickness, packing and how to make friends

For many young people, going away to University will be the first time they will live away from home and it can be a hugely daunting experience. How can you help them prepare? In this Pod, we explore tips and advice on dealing with homesickness, what to pack, how to make friends and settle in and getting used to independent study.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

How does colour affect perception and behaviour?

Thinking of redecorating or buying some art? Artists and interior designers have long believed that colour can dramatically affect moods, feelings, and emotions. In this Pod, we explore science behind the way people see colour, the psychology of how it affects us emotionally and the dramatic difference choices of colour make for our homes, our clothes and the objects we buy.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Shopping essentials for your new puppy.

To support our  Puppy Training Videos Pod, we have handpicked a selection of puppy supplies that you might find useful in the first few weeks of your puppy’s arrival. Mabel, the Podfolio puppy, recently joined our team and she has helped to narrow down the suggestions you find here. She particularly likes the Himalayan Yak bars and Skippers fish twists!

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Unleash your puppy’s potential

Puppy training should begin the day they arrive in your new home and a consistent approach will set you up for a great relationship with your new dog. Luckily many experts have made their training tutorials free to watch on YouTube, providing easy step by step instructions and giving you the skills you need to successfully train your dog.

Each trainer we’ve highlighted has numerous training playlists on YouTube, covering all aspects of puppy training. So if you find you engage with one particular trainer or like the way they deliver their message search their channel for more videos.

SHOP To support this Pod, we have handpicked a great selection of helpful and practical puppy supplies that you might need in the first few weeks of your puppy’s arrival. View our Puppy Shop page.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

How to boost your happiness and wellbeing

The search for happiness is a universal human desire, which we see as critical to leading fulfilled lives. But rather than pursuing it by the accumulation of wealth, fame or beauty, we need to recognise that happiness is a state of mind that comes from within and lasting happiness and meaning is earned through honed, consistent behavioural habits.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

What is going on in the teenage brain?

As children become teenagers, their brains undergo a transformational period of development that can impact mood, sleep patterns and attitudes to risk. They can challenge even the calmest of parents with aloof, baffling, stressful or worrying behaviour.  A better understanding of these changes can help you adapt your parenting style, navigate your way through problems and difficult situations and build a better relationship with your teenager. While teenagers might need support with decision making and planning, it is also a period of great opportunity for learning and creativity. This Pod will help you make the most of these precious years.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Mind-bending thriller

Recursion is a New York Times Bestseller by Blake Crouch, author of Dark Matter and the Wayward Pines triology. Described as mind-bending, action-packed and deeply emotional, Recursion is science fiction thriller set in New York, exploring love, grief and the nature of memories.

When Barry Sutton fails to stop the suicide of a women suffering with False Memory Syndrome, a mysterious affliction that drives its victims mad with memories of a life they never lived, his search for the truth is more terrifying than any disease. Neuroscientist Helena Smith, whose mother has Alzheimer’s disease, has dedicated her life to creating a technology that will preserve our most precious memories forever. As their stories collide, Barry and Helena are trapped together in a loop of ever-growing chaos.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Raising resilient kids

Resilience is the ability to bounce back and overcome difficult experiences and is an essential tool that helps kids navigate their way through life’s inevitable challenges.

Every parent hopes that their child will grow to become a confident and self-reliant adult, but how do you raise a resilient child when your gut feeling is to protect them from all the bad things?

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Getting back to work after a long career break

Returning to work after many years away can be a daunting prospect. Your skills feel out of date and it can be hard to know where to begin. However, many employers now offer Return to Work programmes or ‘Returnships’, which act as a bridge back to a roles for those who have taken extended career breaks. In this Pod, we look at how Returnships work and explore lots of other strategies, tips and ideas to help you start thinking about getting back to work with renewed confidence and a sense of excitement.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

From Supreme Court Justice to pop culture icon

US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the history-making jurist, feminist icon and national treasure, has died, aged 87. Ginsberg was just the second female justice on the US Supreme Court and her 27 years on the bench was marked by a tireless fight to advance the rights of women and to ensure the promise of the constitution applied to all. She struggled against blatant sexism throughout her career as she climbed to the pinnacle of her profession. Despite maintaining a modest public profile, Ginsburg inadvertently became not just a celebrity, but a pop-culture heroine. She may only have been 5ft tall, but Ginsburg will be remembered as a legal giant.

Pod published Sept 2020.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Recommended Listens Autumn 2021

Here are a few of my top podcast picks for the autumn. If you are looking for some podcast inspiration for your next dog walk or car journey, then hopefully there will be something in this mix to entertain you.

If this playlist sparks your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find more in that genre.

Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index

Take a look at Sam’s favourites

Podfolio founders Penny, Katie and Sam have picked a selection of their favourite podcasts, videos and articles.  This is Sam’s selection of her favourites.

Sam says ‘I love discovering quirky podcast treats, The Case of The Missing Hit and Ta Dum It’s Netflix are two such episodes, gems that you just want to pass onto others. My other podcast picks include the unbelievable but true story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos, detailed in The Drop Out, this had me gripped from the first episode. I then read the book, watched the HBO documentary, followed the news updates and generally couldn’t get enough of the story!’

If any of Sam’s playlist spark your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find out more. Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Recommended Listens Spring 2022

Sam shares some podcasts that she has recently enjoyed.  Some are old, others recently released, but hopefully you might find something new to listen to within these recommendations.

Check out some of her other favourites in the Playlist Collection

Or view all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Recommended Listens Summer 2022

Here are a few of my top podcast picks for the summer. If you are looking for some podcast inspiration for your next dog walk or car journey, then hopefully there will be something in this mix to entertain you.

If this playlist sparks your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find more in that genre.

Meet the Team here.

Create a free account to build your own library of favourites, or create a page of bespoke content to share with friends and family. To find our how read our FAQs.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index

Recommended Winter Listens

Here are a few of my top podcast picks for the Winter. If you are looking for some podcast inspiration for your next dog walk or car journey, then hopefully there will be something in this mix to entertain you.

If this playlist sparks your interest in a topic, just use the search bar to find more in that genre.

View the Playlist Collection or view all available Pods using our Pod Index

Are we limiting our lives because of fear?

“Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it’s a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means that you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference. Yes lets you stand out in a crowd, be the optimist, see the glass full, be the one everyone comes to. Yes is what keeps us all young.” Quote Eric Schmidt

Could saying Yes help us experience more of what life has to offer ? It means taking chances to stretch your comfort zone, to overcome your insecurities, to beat fear, to get through failure, criticism, rejection, and embarrassment with a positive spirit. It essentially means knowing what you need “more” of in your life to help you live a more optimal life. And often the things we need most we resist because they make us feel uncomfortable. Surrender this control, say Yes more and reignite your life.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Bring more calm to your life

For many people, podcasts can be a surprisingly helpful resource from which to learn self-care coping strategies. If you’re not sure where to start but want to bring more calm into your life, try one of these podcasts. Find interviews and stories to relate to, supportive conversations, tools and actionable techniques to help you take back control.

The ‘Play’ link will take you to their latest podcast episode, in the play window you can scroll down to see their other episodes to find one of particular interest to you, or click the external link to go to their website.

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For parents of those dealing with self-injury

Discovering that your teen “cuts” or self-injures his or her body is absolutely terrifying for a parent. Resources in this Pod help with the identification of the early signs, explore the issues involved, discuss how to open lines of communication with your teen and what you can do to support them.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Have you written a book or always wanted to?

Trying to get it published can be a long and demoralising process. This ‘How To’ Pod explores how to take control and publish the book yourself, the pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing, suggested steps, success stories and where to find resources and online guides that can help you.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

A great range of products to help you sleep better

To support our How To Sleep Better Pod, we have handpicked a selection of related products to help you get a good night’s sleep. Choose from a range of best selling pillows or try an essential oils diffuser, a white noise machine or some comfort sleep ear plugs.

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

Part of our Wellbeing Collection

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Recovery stories in the face of adversity

Inspiring individuals from a variety of sports, who have suffered life changing injuries and set backs, share their stories of bravery, courage and determination.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Comfortable, stylish sportwear for all workout types

To support our Workout Videos Pod, we have handpicked a selection of stylish, comfortable sportwear to help you workout at home. Leggings, trainers, cropped tops, zip tops, running wear, fleeces and more.

We have also handpicked a selection of simple, affordable gym equipment to help you workout at home. View our Gym Equipment Shop page.

All of these products are from Amazon. Click the images or follow the links to find out more.

Part of our Wellbeing Collection

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Unlock your leadership potential

Leadership is a journey and contrary to popular belief, people are not born leaders. Most of the skills that you need can be taught.

Find out how enhance your career prospects, by improving your gravitas and leadership presence. Explore the characteristics of authentic leaders, why psychological safety at work is so important and what drives company culture. A rich set of resources full of simple, easy to access tip, hints and advice for improving your leadership skills.

More Work related Pods.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index.

Find your colours, body shape and personal style

Learn how to style yourself at home. Find out what colours look best on you, how to determine your body shape, how to declutter and revamp your wardrobe and tips for finding your personal style. A bit of focus and a few simple changes can make a real difference.

You can also work out how to identify your face shape, so you can choose hairstyles, glasses and sunglasses that will suit you best. All from the comfort of your desk or sofa.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

You’re not mad, you’re menopausal

Cut through the confusion of symptoms and learn how menopause is affecting you both physically and mentally. Women should no longer be invisible and suffer menopausal symptoms in silence. This Pod offers help and advice from the leading experts with links to the many resources that are out there to help you during this difficult life stage.

Part of our Life Stages Collection.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

The dramatic rescue of 12 boys from the Thai caves

In June 2019, twelve boys aged 11 to 16 and their football coach became trapped by rising flood waters in the Tham Luang cave network in Thailand. They were eventually found deep inside the caves ten days later, leading to one of the most difficult cave rescue attempts ever undertaken. Battling rising flood waters, miles of narrow caves and the fact that many of the boys couldn’t swim, the rescuers divers had to sedate them, connect them to dive tanks and stretcher them out one by one. Here we bring you the full story, including first hand accounts from those involved.

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Iconic modern classic

Set in the deep American South between the wars, The Color Purple is the classic tale of Celie, a young black girl born into poverty and segregation. Raped repeatedly by the man she calls ‘father’, she has two children taken away from her, is separated from her beloved sister Nettie and is trapped into an ugly marriage. But then she meets the glamorous Shug Avery, singer and magic-maker – a woman who has taken charge of her own destiny. Gradually Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves.

Published in 1982, The Color Purple went on to win both the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction. In 1985, the book was adapted into a film directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey, and in 2005 it was adapted into a Broadway musical.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Does it really work

Currently one of the world’s most popular health and fitness trends, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern where you cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Popular methods are the 16/8 method, Eat Stop Eat and the 5:2 diet, all of which split the day or week into eating periods and fasting periods. It does not say anything about which foods to eat, but rather when you should eat them.

Note : Please do not look to this Pod for medical advice, please consult a medical professional before adopting an intermittent fasting regiment. This Pod is solely presenting various views on fasting, diet and health.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

A powerful love story

Boris Starling is an award-winning novelist, non-fiction writer and screenwriter who has reached the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists. His debut novel Messiah was made into a primetime BBC1 series which ran for five seasons. The Law of the Heart is his ninth novel and inspiration for the title comes from ‘one of the foundations of modern cardiac medicine… known as the law of the heart’, first published by his great grandfather Ernest Starling in 1912.

For rollercoaster designer Theo, living on the edge is just part of the job. He’s used to wandering the world perfecting thrills, his heart immune to commitment. But then a commission in repressive North Korea exposes him to emotions he’s never dared to feel. Tour guide Min has a soul that wants to soar, but she knows it’s safer to build walls around her heart and mind. Skilled in showcasing the mesmerising beauty of capital city Pyongyang without revealing its darker secrets, she introduces Theo to a country he will never forget―and begins to question her policy of quiet compliance.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Heartbreakingly good

Colson Whitehead is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Underground Railroad, which in 2016 won the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. The Nickel Boys, his follow up book, won Colson a second Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2020. He brilliantly dramatizes another strand of American history through the story of two boys sentenced to a hellish reform school in Jim Crow-era Florida.  The book was named one of Time Magazine’s 10 best fiction books of the decade.

Th story is set at a time when the civil rights movement was spurring change, but progress was slow and certainly didn’t infiltrate the book’s fictional Nickel Academy where much of the story takes place. The Nickel Academy, a segregated reform school for boys, is based on the true story of the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Florida.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Dying with dignity or playing God?

Do we have the right to die? Is it ever ok to end the life of another? Should people be allowed to choose their own death in accordance with their own wishes, or has death on demand gone too far? Is there a slippery slope? As of 2019, assisted dying is still illegal in the UK but accepted in Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, five states in the USA and Canada. Many people are against assisted dying for religious or moral reasons. They fear the floodgates might be opened leading to uncontrollable killing of vulnerable people. In this Pod, the podcasts generally voice the debates of the issues and factors involved, whilst the individual stories in the video section present the human side of the issue.

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Blood, fraud and money

Claiming to have developed new diagnostic technology that would allow blood testing using one or two drops of blood, Theranos was poised to revolutionise the medical industry. At one time the company had a private valuation of over $8 Billion and Elizabeth Homes was touted as being the ‘Next Steve Jobs’ and was a familiar face on magazine covers and TV screens. However after a spectacular rise came a spectacular fall, Theranos was dissolved and Elizabeth Holmes indicted on charges of fraud. With her court case now delayed until Oct 2020, it’s an amazing story that we just can’t seem to get enough of.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Family and identity

From The New York Times-bestselling author of The Mothers, a stunning new novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds, one black and one white. Weaving together multiple strands and generations of this family, Brit Bennett produces a riveting, emotional family story and a brilliant exploration of the American history of passing. Looking well beyond issues of race, The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past, as it shapes decisions, desires and expectations, and explores the multiple reasons why people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

Viewed from all sides

There’s really no substitute for seeing artwork in the flesh, but the next best thing is getting to know everything about it in preparation for when you can.  Now is the perfect time to brush up on your art trivia to impress your pals with when the gallery doors open again. Whether you’re looking to buy art, learn more about the history, broaden your horizons or want to wade into the mysteries of the art world, here are some art podcasts, videos and articles to sink your teeth into.

The art market can seem like a daunting world, reserved for those with millions to spend on artworks by the biggest names in the business. But don’t be intimidated: everyone can enjoy buying and owning art in an affordable way.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

Indulge your inner detective

There’s nothing more satisfying than getting hooked on a good podcast and many of the most addictive series come from the true crime genre. The cold case podcast, Serial, was ground breaking and kicked off the true crime podcast phenomena in 2014. Since then the genre has exploded and some of the most popular include Dirty John, S Town, In The Dark, Criminal and Casefile.

With unsolved cases to answer, stories that will make you shiver and real crimes that seem almost unbelievable, these are stories that grab your attention and stay with you.  Put on your detective hat and try these suggestions for some of the best true crime podcasts.

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Not all heroes wear capes…

From F1 to cricket and athletics to horse racing, we have selected a number of great podcast conversations with some of the UK’s top sports stars. In revealing and honest conversations they share their stories, touching on the mindset required to reach the top of their sport, what they have learnt from their successes and failures and how they have coped with life after retiring.

View all available Pods using our Pod Index

The science behind what makes us laugh

We Brits are famous for our sense humour but what exactly is it that makes us laugh and why? Laughter is a universally shared human response that is intrinsically linked with culture and communication styles. How does humour help us build relationships and resolve conflicts and can we be taught to be funny?

You might also like our British Comedy Collection

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Does your name shape your destiny?

How important is picking the right name for your child? Well, if academic studies are correct names can have consequences for a person’s job prospects, where they live, marriage prospects and even school results. Our name confers our sense of identity and uniqueness, which is why they are so important to both us and to society.

Name inspiration may come from family, religion, book or TV characters, celebrity or nature. But decide wisely, as a name is more than just a name!

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Striking and evocative

Where the Crawdads Sing is an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heart-breaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising murder mystery all in one. Delia Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.

With themes of abandonment, loneliness, resilience and the power of nature, there’s plenty to discuss about this book. Find out more about the author, her story and the landscape of the marches in the resources below.

Part of our ‘Beyond the Book’ Series. View

The truth is we all do it but why?

Lying is an inherent part of being human and we all do it, everyday, to friends, family and work colleagues. From little white lies in order to be polite or protect the feelings of others, lies designed to hide our inadequacies or avoid blame, to the lies we tell ourselves about how we really feel, there are many types of lie and equally as many reasons why we do it. Children learn to lie from about the age of three and become accomplished liars by around the age of seven. So where is the line between socially acceptable lying and unacceptable deceit? Can you tell when someone is lying and why do some people develop into pathological liars?

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It’s the wine talking

We have hand picked a selection of wine podcasts to suit a range of tastes. With everyday tips, in depth analysis, interviews, tastings and more, there is much to explore. For each podcast series, we have listened to a few episodes to get the feel of the series and then picked out one episode for you to try.

If you like the series, then you can find more episodes listed underneath the one we chose in the ‘Play’ window. If you come across a wine series that you think we should add, please let us know via the Contact section of our website or via our Facebook page.

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Straightforward advice for ambitious women

In this Pod, we are focusing on advice and tips for Women in Leadership. We explore subjects such as the likeability dilemma, imposter syndrome and the role of men in building gender equality at work. With advice of how to make yourself heard, interviews with inspiring women, reports on the progression of women in the workplace and details of the ten best business books written by women, there is something here for everyone.

More Work related Pods.

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Ways to work well from home

More people are working from home than ever. These tips can help you stay productive and maintain balance. Videos cover: setting up your home office, a standing desk review, general working from home productivity tips, Zoom tricks you might not know, posture exercises and information on taking care of your mental health whilst working remotely.

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Bringing personal training into your home

Push back the sofa, get your sweat on. Exercise is hugely important for both our physical and mental health. With WFH keeping us at home, now more than ever we need to keep up our exercise regime. Luckily, many trainers and fitness instructors have made their high quality and inspiring workout videos readily accessible on YouTube.

We’ve selected classes from our favourite instructors, all providing free, full length, workout videos. Whatever your fitness level or goal, there’s something for everyone, from yoga to HIIT, Pilates to dance. There are plenty of equipment free options too and all from the comfort of your own home!

SHOP To support this Pod, we have handpicked a selection of simple, affordable gym equipment and a selection of stylish, comfortable sportwear to help you workout at home. View our Gym Equipment Shop and our Sportwear Shop pages.

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Refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot

Want to recycle more, reduce your food waste and use less plastic but not sure where to start? Be inspired by others and learn some quick tricks to reduce your own consumption.

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