Social impact podcast featuring changemakers in Manchester

Welcome to Season 11 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast
Hosted and Produced by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe

Hello and welcome to Meet the Mancunian: social impact stories from Manchester. I’m Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, your host, and I’m so glad you’re listening.

This podcast shares personal stories of care, courage, and commitment—told in the voices of people working quietly and passionately behind the scenes in our communities. From grassroots volunteers to social entrepreneurs and charity leaders, my guests open up about what drives them, the impact they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Every Tuesday, I’ll bring you thoughtful conversations that shine a light on Manchester’s changemakers. This season features a special collaboration with the Spirit of Manchester Awards, where I’m proud to highlight incredible nominees and the powerful work they do across the city. It’s a real honour for me to share their journeys and give listeners a deeper appreciation of the difference being made right here in Manchester.

You can listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or right here on my website: www.meetthemancunian.co.uk.

If something you hear resonates with you, please share the episode or leave a review—it really helps others discover these inspiring stories. I’d also love to hear from you. You can connect with me through the website or on social media: @MeettheMancunian on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky, and @MeettheMancunianPodcast on YouTube.

At its heart, Meet the Mancunian is about championing kindness, connection, and community. Together, by listening and sharing, we can make our world just a little bit brighter.

Let’s discover the heart of Manchester — one story at a time.

Support Meet the Mancunian

This podcast is a true labour of love, and it’s self-funded. If you’re enjoying the episodes, consider buying me a virtual coffee to support the show. You can also hear more about my podcasting journey in a special bonus episode or read my story. A huge thank you to the amazing community organisations who’ve partnered with me—learn more about them on the Partnerships page.

Recent Blog Posts

Sept. 30, 2023

So you want to podcast #3

It’s #internationalpodcastday and time to teach the world about podcasting. Should you think about podcasts? Did you know: 464.7 million people listen to podcasts and expected to reach 504 million by 2024. Around 1 in 5 intern…

Read the Blog Post

Jan. 8, 2023

Celebrating 1 year of #podcasting

Celebrating a year of #podcasting On 4 January 2023, I completed a personal milestone – 1 year of #podcasting. I launched my first season of the Meet the Mancunian podcast on 4 January 2022, on the same day as I started my interim st…

Read the Blog Post

Oct. 22, 2022

So you want to podcast #2

On the occasion of #InternationalPodcastDay, I wanted to write an updated article to reflect some top tips to create your own podcast in your very own voice. Perhaps you are a communication professional or a charity or an entrepreneur, looki…

Read the Blog Post

Reviews

John Swallow

This is becoming my fav podcast.John Swallow interviewing engaging, warm, interesting.And learning his work journey to Groundwork peaked my interest.Real people, authentic conversation.Love the background sound connecting to this interview.Nice touch

Spirit601
Feb. 16, 2022

Inspiring podcast

Such an inspiring podcast. Look forward to listening to all your episodes Deepa 😊

Mahua R
Oct. 15, 2022

Really interesting

Quite have enjoyed the episodes so far. A variety of guests and their stories - appealing and inspiring

Annie-Thomas
Oct. 15, 2022

Wow!

It was by sheer luck that I came across these podcasts-may be the unusual name attracted my interest; for a hardened grouch like myself with very little faith left in humanity- it was indeed refreshing to come across these Mancunians who make contributions to your community in their individual way.These good people deserve so much more than the hi so organizations and arm chair philanthropists who seem to flood the news space.Cheers Ms.Deepa Sutcliffe for highlighting these folks who are impacti

330 Bird
Oct. 15, 2022

Diana Bowden

I am a Mancunian or class myself as one living here for years.Love the concept of finding out about people/organisations and information.Love finding out through the “signature question” to person being interviewed where they love to go.Getting my pen out and making a list as some places I have never been to known about!.Great intro to the city of MANCHESTER to those who live here and to the those who are new /settling into this city.MEET THE MANCUNIANS my weekly addictive check in!

Spirit601
Oct. 15, 2022

Meet The Mancunian

I am a Mancunian myself and it is so interesting learning and finding out about individuals/organisations etc in Manchester that I had not been aware of.Learning about places I have not been to check out.Hot drink and a warm place to sit /travelling I can tune out and tune into Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe and guest.

Elaine Okoro
Oct. 24, 2022

A general review of the podcasts that I’ve listened to:

I really like the way Deepa has chosen the people she interviews. All of them have been carefully handpicked for their contribution to the local community and are very useful to local listeners and are interesting to overseas listeners like me. Here’s wishing Deepa & Meet the Mancunian all the very best!💐💐💐

Aarti Boaz
Nov. 1, 2022

Highly relevant content

I esp like the kind of people she interviews! They have truly amazing stories to say! It motivates and helps me to see how I could also give back to society or go follow my passion. I would rate this podcast very highly! Keep it coming Deepa! Thanks for doing this ! Look forward to your next :)

Amrita Pai
Nov. 4, 2022

Meet the Mancunian Frank Dowd

Being interviewed by Deepa was a real pleasure. Deepa made me feel comfortable from the start. We could of chatted all day 😁

Frank Dowd
Nov. 17, 2022

A podcast for the Mancunians!

I recently listened to the radio podcast show "Meet the Mancunian" and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed. Deepa does an excellent job of facilitating engaging and thought-provoking conversations with a diverse range of guests. Each episode focuses on a different topic, ranging from music and art to politics and social issues. No matter the subject, the discussions are always informative and insightful. Deepa has a natural ability to ask the right questions and draw out meaningful resp

Mukul Agarwal
Dec. 30, 2022

Serious Laughter

Inspiring. This is a really nice idea to find out more about. Deepa as always provides every opportunity for the guest to explain their passion and how they bring that into the Manchester community for the benefit of many people. The podcasts are just like listening into a lovely, friendly informal chat.

Dr Martin Sedgley
Jan. 30, 2023

Great work Deepa!

This is a brilliant podcast tackling difficult issues and showcasing the positive work done by the Manc worker Bees to make social impact and inspire others. Deepa is a fantastic host, welcoming, honest and asked the right questions without being formal. I would recommend this podcast to everyone 😍

Andy
Sept. 4, 2023

Much needed podcast on GM social value

Great hosting with a great mix of topics and guests

Donald Moore
Oct. 9, 2023

A Podcast Gem

This is such a wonderful podcast which throws a spotlight on a community of Mancunians who are adding value and creating social impact in Manchester. The host is what I’d call a ‘servant leader’ - She is selflessly bringing to the forefront a group of really important people who may otherwise go unnoticed for their valuable work. Deepa has inspired me to set up my own podcast and she is even helping me with this.

Yasmin Ariff
Nov. 19, 2023

social impact stories from Manchester

"Meet the Mancunian Podcast" delivers captivating social impact stories from the heart of Manchester. The engaging narratives, insightful interviews, and genuine connections with the community make each episode a must-listen. Kudos to the team for shining a spotlight on the diverse and inspiring tales that weave the vibrant fabric of Manchester. Highly recommended for anyone seeking meaningful and uplifting storytelling. Keep up the fantastic work! 👏🎙️

Stephen Dmello
Jan. 20, 2024

Deep Connection

I thought it was a really great opportunity to engage with a new audience and learn more about such an inspiring host. I felt a deep connection with Deepa and it enabled us to have a really meaningful conversation about a topic that is misunderstood and under appreciated. Deepa is a superb host and I would recommend future guests to get involved!

Susie Hughes
April 3, 2024

Inspirational people and impactful stories!

I thoroughly enjoy listening to all the podcasts and learning more about the amazing people who live and/or work in Greater Manchester. For example, when I listened to Yasmin Ariff's WomenEd coaching journey I learnt about the profile of women who generally seek coaching and what their issues are. I think it is inspirational that Yasmin offered free coaching to women leaders in WomenEd, which benefitted them enormously and also informed her research. I learnt that leaders need to slow down to be

Vicky McKinlay
April 5, 2024

Project 23 Mental health group.

This podcast is remarkable. It’s open doors for groups Spread the word and how they operate. It’s definitely one of our kind podcasts. People from Manchester Known as Mancunians Are loving watching what goes on. It’s helping by giving other people examples of how things can help communities sharing stories and giving advice. I really enjoyed my time doing this podcast It should be available very soon. I hope you enjoy so a massive shout out to. The Mancunian podcast. Have a watch of all the di

Mark Sproston
May 26, 2024

Best Host, asked the right questions

I’ve been to 2 podcasts, this one and another different show. Deepa knew how to lead the conversation and in the same time made me feel comfortable. And I think the episode went really well and with good information. I would totally recommend, Deepa is a very welcoming podcast host. Thank you!

Daniel Firea
Aug. 27, 2024

Refreshing experience!

It was a great experience to take part in the podcast. Deepa put me at ease instantly and it was just like a lovely chat! As an organisation it provided an opportunity to elevate our profile and provided dynamic/alternative content that we could use on social media and our website.

Shelley Roberts
Jan. 23, 2025

See all reviews

Featured Episodes

Recent Episodes

Listen On

Mental Health Episodes

Homelessness Episodes

Suicide Prevention Episodes

Mindfulness Episodes

Local History Episodes

Diversity and inclusion Episodes

Social enterprise Episodes

Sustainability Episodes

Browse episodes by category

Support On

Recent Blog Posts

About the Hosts

Mahua Roy

Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe

Reviews