Episodes

In the tenth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews volunteer and photographer, David McLenachan. David shares his journey from retirement to discovering a passion for volunteering, starting with The Met Theatre in Bury and expanding through various music festivals in Manchester. He discusses the challenges and rewards of volunteering, his photography career progression, and his role as a patient representative for Greater Manchester Canc...

In the ninth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Advita Patel, founder of Comms Rebel. Advita shares her passionate journey towards fostering diversity and inclusion, recounting personal experiences of feeling excluded and how witnessing a colleague's poor treatment ignited her advocacy. Advita explains the inception of Comms Rebel, emphasising the importance of being a 'positive disruptor' in driving inclusive communication. She also di...

In the eighth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Danny Ryder, actor and creative producer of Reload Theatre. They discuss Danny's passion for theatre, his diverse acting career, and the formation of Reload Theatre. Danny highlights the 'One Play One Day' initiative, an innovative theatre concept that challenges actors, directors, and writers to create and perform plays within 24 hours while supporting various charities. The episode explore...

In the seventh episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe talks with Mark Sproston, Founder of Project 23. Mark shares his personal journey, dealing with the mental health crisis following his brother's suicide, and the formation of Project 23, an award-winning, self-funding mental health group aimed at preventing suicides and providing support. They discuss the impact of physical fitness on mental health, the challenges of mental health services, and Mark...

In the sixth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe interviews Shanaz Hussain, Network Leader for WomenEd Northwest. Shanaz shares her passion for supporting women and battling inequality, tracing it back to her early community work. She discusses her involvement with WomenEd, a global network supporting women leaders in education, and her role as a headteacher in Blackburn, empowering young girls and addressing challenges such as digital poverty. ...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the fifth episode of Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian Podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe welcomes Steve Goodman, Chair of Liv's Trust. They discuss Liv's Trust's mission to support young people in Greater Manchester by offering music and dance opportunities. Steve shares inspiring stories on how the Trust provides safe spaces and activities for youth, particularly those affected by the Arena bombing and the COVID pandemic. Listener...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the fourth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Andrew Alan Matthews, artist and poet about his inspiring story of transforming the negative portrayal of Moss Side into a positive one through his Moss Side Nostalgia art collection. Andrew discusses his lifelong passion for art, the challenges he faced, including mental health struggles, and his efforts in aiding the community through his uplifting work. He also touches on his recent...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. It's Autistic Pride Day on 18th June. The purpose of Autistic Pride Day is a uniquely autistic led initiative celebrating neurodiversity and the strengths of autistic individuals. It empowers the autistic community, promotes self-advocacy, and fosters a sense of pride and unity, challenging stereotypes and inspiring change. In the third episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Charlie Michael Baker, author about supporting autism ...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the second episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Katie Geelan, Choir Director, Bolton Cancer Voices, Bury Fire Choir and Encore Youth Fire Choir. Katie expands on her passion for supporting community choirs in Bolton. Katie discusses the challenges and triumphs faced, including the recruitment of male singers and the impact of choir participation on community well-being. Katie also offers practical advice for anyone wishing to start ...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. In the season premiere episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Vicky McKinlay, Volunteer, Blackburn Harriers Athletics Club about her passion for supporting sports in the community. As a volunteer, Vicky is a coach, an official and a joint welfare official working with children in the age group 8-11 years in sports hall and competitions. She shares her journey into supporting sports in the community, challenges, and the impact she has mad...

Welcome to Season 8 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast: social impact stories from Manchester. A warm Mancunian welcome from your host, Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. Thank you for joining me today. I am a new Mancunian who enjoys meeting inspiring people who are helping to support the Manchester community and creating social impact. Over the last 2.5 years, I have been hosting the Meet the Mancunian podcast and have interviewed over 84 guests so far. Every Tuesday, I bring you the stories of Manc...

In the season finale of Season 7 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe talks with Susie Hughes, Head of RSPCA Manchester and Salford, about the significant impact the organisation has on improving animal welfare in the UK. The episode covers Susie's personal journey to becoming passionate about animal welfare, influenced by David Attenborough. It explores the mission of the RSPCA Manchester and Salford, highlighting their efforts in rescuing animals from neglect and crue...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 11 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Education #Youth #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the eleventh episode, host Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe engages with Rahiela Koser, Community Organiser for Oldham Parent Power, detailing her journey from a participating parent to her current role, and the positive impact the initiative has had in...

7.10 Meet the Mancunian: Talking supporting mental health with theatre with Zac Blinston A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 10 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #MentalHealth #Theatre #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the tenth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast features Zac Blinston, Artistic Director of Mental Rebellion Theatre, who shares his journey from ...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 9 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the ninth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Tahera Khanam, Founder, Better We. Tahera talks about improving the mental health of the community by promoting social inclusion, health awareness, and engaging in physical activities. ...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 8 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #women #children #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the eighth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Fiona Spencer, Vice President, Soroptomist International Manchester Club, about how they support women and girls in UK and in India to reach their full potential. Fiona introduces how...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 7 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #veterans #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the seventh episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Joel Oxberry, Director, Walking with the Wounded about how supporting veterans. Joel shares how they empower veterans by reigniting their sense of purpose, enabling them to make a positive c...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 6 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #YoungPeople #skills #football #employability #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the sixth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews John Shiels, CEO, Manchester United Foundation talks about supporting young people with pastoral care, life skills, and career skills. John talks about his...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 5 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Cycling #Fundrasing #Community #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe. (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the fifth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast interviews Wes Hamnett, a dedicated fundraiser for local charities including Wythenshawe Hospital, the Christie Charity, Macmillan Cancer Support, and the British Heart Foundation....

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 4 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #SocialJustice #SexualViolence #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the fourth episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Jesmin Chowdhury, Founder, Ayna Arts and social justice activist. Jesmin talks about her passion for societal change and her personal journey from being a victim of unfavo...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 3 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #Youth #Mentoring #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the third episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Victoria Ramsden, Mentor, Bolton Lads and Girls Club about mentoring the youth. Victoria also shares how mentors provide a safe space and stability for young people in times of challeng...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 2 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester # Refugees #AsylumSeekers #SocialImpact #NonProfit. Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe .(https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the second episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Mona Moussa, Refugee and Asylum Seeker Service Manager, Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury about supporting refugees and asylum seekers and helping them integrate into the communi...

A warm Mancunian welcome to all my listeners. Presenting Season 7, Episode 1 of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #youth #community #SocialImpact #NonProfit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). In the season premiere episode, the Meet the Mancunian podcast talks to Nick Buckley, author and mayoral candidate about his passion for supporting the youth in the charity he founded, Mancunian Way. He talks about the charity’s philosophy of no las...

Presenting Season 7, Meet the Artist bonus episode of the #MeettheMancunian #podcast #GM #manchester #art #goals #2024 #community #socialimpact #nonprofit Hosted by Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe (https://www.instagram.com/meetthemancunian/). Every season, I sit down with Mahua Roy, the artist behind the attractive creatives for the Meet the Mancunian podcast. In Season 7 of the Meet the Mancunian podcast, Mahua and I discuss our collaboration over seven seasons, the highlights of Season 6, and a sneak...