Welcome to our Shout Out to the Brave podcast.

Through this podcast series, we will celebrate the achievements of our students as they share the challenges of postgraduate study and the successes they have experienced as a result. We know that, in life, you have to take risks to reap the benefits. Our students share this same mindset.

It’s brave committing to postgraduate study. To focus on your ambition regardless of whatever else is going on in life – career, family, you. It’s not easy, but it pays off. Our students and graduates are proof of that. They’ve taken a risk and are achieving what they set out to do.

In this series, you’ll find out how.

The Shout Out to the Brave podcast

At UWE Bristol we are makers of change. We are a place where people thrive and flourish - working as one team to solve future global challenges through outstanding learning, research, and a culture of enterprise. 

This Changemaker podcast is a shout-out to our champions and catalysts for change. The button-pushers. The mould-breakers. The ones who stand up to stand out. Catalysts aren't afraid to make someone stop and think. Because when you stop and think, great things happen. Catalysts don't just play their part; they lead the charge for something better.

In this first series, we shine a light on UWE Bristol staff and our partners and discover remarkable projects that are shaping society and transforming futures.
Recorded at UWE Bristol in 2022. 

Presented and produced by Jeremy Allen. For information about working at UWE Bristol visit www.uwe.ac.uk/about/jobs.

The Changemaker Podcast

Business leaders share their insight and experience in this series of events organised by UWE Bristol.

Bristol Distinguished Address Series Podcasts

UWE Bristol’s brand new podcast series to remove the stigma around mental health. 

We are encouraging everyone to start a conversation about mental health as invited guests from across the University share their positive stories, and explore ideas to develop positive wellbeing in individuals and communities and raise awareness of mental health issues. 

This podcast follows our successful #LetsTalkNow campaign and is part of UWE Bristol’s Mental Wealth Lab initiative. 

For information about the wellbeing support options at UWE Bristol visit: www.uwe.ac.uk/wellbeing. 

For information about UWE Bristol’s Mental Wealth First Strategy and Mental Wealth Lab initiative, visit: www.uwe.ac.uk/about/mentalwealthfirst

Tweet us twitter.com/UWEBristol, like our Facebook page facebook.com/UWEBristol, and check out our Instagram instagram.com/UWEBristol. 

#LetsTalkNow #MentalWealthFirst #UWEBristol. 

Email us at mentalwealthlab@uwe.ac.uk

If you are concerned about someone, or need help with any of the issues discussed in this series, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123.

Recorded at UWE Bristol by students from the Department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies. 

Presented by Jemma Griffiths. Produced by Conor Kearney, Tom McKirdy (twitter.com/sydneyaudio), Becky Street (www.beckystreetaudio.com), Ollie Cullen, Jemma Griffiths, and Sarah Atkinson.

Let's Talk Now

In this episode, hear from MSc Physician Associate Studies student Roberta. After coming to UWE Bristol via an unexpected path, she initially studied a biomedical sciences degree where she discovered that it was important to her to find a people-facing element in her daily working life. This then led her to postgraduate study. When she found the Physician Associate Studies Master’s degree at UWE Bristol, she knew it’d give her everything she wanted in a career.

She talks about the many challenges she has overcome, from alcoholism to being a single mother, and why postgraduate studies means so much to her.

“I know there are great things to come for my future career, and progression in the role I’m pursuing.” Roberta

Please be aware that this podcast episode discusses the following subjects: alcoholism, sexual assault, drug use, depression, self-harm, eating disorders. Please proceed with caution if you feel you will be affected by these topics.

Episode one – How overcoming personal challenges helped Roberta find her best self at UWE Bristol.

In this episode, hear from MSc Aerospace Engineering graduate Zoe. Zoe took a traditional pathway into higher education and studied Engineering at both undergraduate and then postgraduate level – both at UWE Bristol.  After reviewing her university options, it became apparent to her that Engineering wasn’t simply a career that fit her skills – it involved everything she loved. 

She tells us how, despite financial challenges during her postgraduate degree, she managed to fulfill her dream of working in the space industry.

“UWE Bristol has allowed me to pursue the space industry, which is what I’ve wanted to do with my life since I was four years old.” Zoe

Episode two – How working part-time helped Zoe fund her master’s and land her dream career.

In this podcast, we are joined by Lamare, an MSc Human Resource Management graduate. After studying his undergraduate degree, he realised that to really stand out in his career he needed more. 

Studying part-time around his day job was a challenge.  But he was also faced with the worry that he might not fit in. That as a black male from a non-traditional family, with little experience of higher education, there would be no one else like him on the course. Fortunately, the people at UWE Bristol were from a mix of cultures and diverse backgrounds, and he had a really positive experience here.

He talks us through the challenges he has overcome and why it was the best decision he ever made.

“I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn’t studied my master’s at UWE Bristol.” Lamare.

Episode three – How being part of a like-minded community helped Lamare to fit in and achieve more.

Ana Miguel-Lazaro and Rania Regaieg talk about how UWE Bristol is making a stand against all forms of discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate behaviour through its SpeakUp campaign. Drawing from their own experiences of harassment, they talk about the campaign and how it is effecting change across the University and the student community

More about UWE Bristol’s SpeakUp campaign: www.uwe.ac.uk/speakup

UWE Bristol

Changemaker Podcast Ep #3 - Speak Up: Tackling all forms of discrimination and harassment

Appolinaire Etoundi and Andy Lewis in conversation. When BRL roboticist Appo met Para triathlete Andy at a swimming pool, he promised Andy he’d help him develop the knee joint for his prosthetic leg – but only if he won a medal at the next Paralympics. He won gold in Rio the following year (2016) – and the rest is history!

See Andy’s website at www.andyjlewis.co.uk. Find more about the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) on their website: www.bristolroboticslab.com

Changemaker Podcast Ep #1 - Developing a new prosthetic knee joint for a Paralympic champion

Dick Shone and Henry James represent two generations of UWE Bristol alumni, and both are interested in contributing to a net zero future. Dick owns modular home manufacturer Boutique Modern, and Henry is a project manager at Wells and West Utilities. In this episode, they talk about how hydrogen-powered boilers could be one part of a more sustainable energy mix in the home.

More about Boutique Modern: www.boutiquemodern.co.uk

Changemaker Podcast Ep #4 - Our Path to 2030: How hydrogen could power our homes

UWE Bristol’s Verity Jones and primary school teacher Nat Brown paint a picture of what racism looks like in schools, and they discuss Verity’s pioneering project that looks at the impact of racism on the mental health and wellbeing of 10 to 11-year-olds.

More about the research project: https://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/news.aspx?id=4200

Changemaker Podcast Ep #2 - Exploring the impact of racism on children’s mental health

Nikki Cotterill and Carla Southworth explain how one in five people in the UK suffer from incontinence. Nikki talks about some of the work she and Bristol Health Partners project manager Carla are doing to help people deal with bowel or bladder leakage. They discuss their community work and the CONfidence app they have developed to help people of all ages.

More about the research: https://info.uwe.ac.uk/news/uwenews/news.aspx?id=4154

Changemaker Podcast Ep #5 - Addressing inequalities in care for patients with pelvic floor disorders

Senior lecturer and three current students discuss highlights and challenges of studying Social Work at UWE Bristol.

Social Work at UWE Bristol - hear from our students

Rivermaids: a radio play

This play - a drama piece about local water resilience and climate change, has been co-created with community members of Tewkesbury and in partnership with The Roses Theatre. It is a response to a research call encouraging new collaboration between Drama and Geography from the University of the West of England, Bristol.

Created by Hilarie Bowman, Helen Carver, Julie Field, Emily Hastings, Jan Millett, Katie Preedy and Carrie Sermon, in partnership with Sarah Berridge and Lindsey McEwen from UWE Bristol.

Written by Ingrid Jones from acta Community Theatre, Bristol,
Recorded by Laurence Nelson at Yellow Shark Recording Studios,
Hosted by the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury.
Funded by the University of the West of England.

www.courses.uwe.ac.uk/W490/drama-and-acting
www.uwe.ac.uk/research/centres-and-groups/cwcr
www.acta-bristol.com/
www.yellow-shark.co.uk/

Rivermaids

Join us for the latest exciting event in our Bristol Distinguished Address Series, recorded live at the Watershed in Bristol. A conversation with Camilla Rigby and Rachel Mostyn, Co-Founders and CEOs of Bristol-based business the Women's Work Lab, as they explain how and why they are doing well by doing good.

Since launching, Women’s Work Lab has supported over 300 women – mostly single parents, many with experience of domestic abuse, children with SEN and their own health conditions – on their journey into work. Camilla and Rachel's shared vision is to become the UK’s biggest employability support for unemployed Mums.

Listen more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address
Watch the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrOzUDjo8U6JTeJ02D-Bo_EtA47W6vG-T  
Learn more about the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-dis…hed-address-series

Rachel Mostyn & Camilla Rigby, The Women's Work Lab | Bristol Distinguished Address Series

There are many people in and across the University who are driving change. In this special changemaker podcast series we shine a light on some of our Black academics and the excellent work they are doing in the university and outside to help drive change. 

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Malcolm Richards about his work and how he is driving change. Malcolm talks about the importance of community and creating safe spaces within those communities.  

The episode was recorded on July 4th 2024 – the day of the UK general election.  

Please see below for resources mentioned in the episode:  

Professor Christine Callendar: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/47981-christine-callender  

Kimberle W. Crenshaw: https://www.law.columbia.edu/faculty/kimberle-w-crenshaw 

Professor Paul Gilroy – Black Atlantic: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/institute-of-advanced-studies/people/professor-paul-gilroy / https://www.pagesofhackney.co.uk/webshop/product/the-black-atlantic-modernity-and-double-consciousness/?srsltid=AfmBOoqk_fnJHbXbccpTlB7dkguLlB3offF7OwF_rh58HPeL2vfFXBDL 

Amy Saleh https://people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/AmySaleh  

Stuart Hall https://www.stuarthallfoundation.org/stuart-hall/  

Dr Rita Gayle: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/gees/gayle-rita 

Book Bag https://bookbag.shop/?srsltid=AfmBOopTgQY-XwGHee4DNjE6ccvN2lIwhigTDSvS6kaim4anSDKXN3RB 

Professor Shawn Sobers: https://people.uwe.ac.uk/person/shawnsobers  
Towards a Network for Black Studies in Education https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/education/towards-a-network-for-black-studies-in-education-at-uwe-ecrg/  

Camille London-Miyo: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/research/centres-institutes/stephen-lawrence-research-centre/team.aspx

Changemaker podcast series: Malcolm Richards

In this episode, Marc Griffiths, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health and sponsor for the Integrated Care Academy (ICA) at UWE Bristol, and Dr Peter Brindle, Visiting Professor and Specialist Consultant, introduce the ICA and discuss where it connects across the health and care spaces and with whom.

Let’s Talk Health and Care Podcast Ep #1 - Intro to UWE Bristol's Integrated Health Care Academy

Noor Nixon, Inclusive Practice Project Manager at UWE Bristol and Antony Hill, Principle Investigator and Dean of Learning and Teaching at the College of Health, Science and Society, UWE Bristol, discuss the design and development of inclusive learning resources that enable workforce culture and behaviour change related to racism and discrimination in healthcare and education across the South West of England, as part of the Inclusive Training in Practice project. 

Useful links: 
https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/InclusiveTrainingwithinPractice

Let’s Talk Health and Care Podcast Ep#2: Design and development of inclusive learning resources

In this episode of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series, we hear from Danielle Mulder, who leads the BBC’s approach to sustainability across operations, programming, and communications. Named UK Green Business Leader of the Year in 2023, Danielle shares her insights on leadership, environmental sustainability, and the business case for biodiversity.

She has spearheaded the BBC’s “Nature Positive” strategy and shared insights on leadership, environmental sustainability and the business case for biodiversity.

A sustainability expert with more than 20 years' experience at firms including KPMG, Accenture and Carbon Intelligence, Danielle has worked on global sustainability initiatives including the London 2012 Olympics and the development of the Sydney Metro.

Listen more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address?si=c9992592803c4d798647fe0524f40b35&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Watch the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://youtu.be/2DGv_MuHJUU?si=tAKMuuBTMLuGyKaQ
Learn more about the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-dis…hed-address-series

Useful links: 
https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/whoweare/danielle-mulder 

Danielle Mulder, BBC Group Director of Sustainability | Bristol Distinguished Address Series

This special BDAS event celebrated the remarkable life and achievements of Dr Guy Bailey. Within this, Dr Roger Griffith MBE and guests shared the story of Guy Bailey, his pivotal role in the 1963 Bristol Boycott and who, after a degree at UWE Bristol, founded the first Black housing association in the South West. The evening was a tribute to Dr Bailey and proved a powerful demonstration of the value of community engagement in academia. 

The evening started with an address by UWE Bristol Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve West. A panel discussion followed, featuring UWE Bristol staff, Amy Saleh, Malcolm Richards and Professor Shaun Sobers, exploring how life-long learning in academia can empower communities. Current Student Union Presidents Lubyna Gardezi and Kolawole Olure then discussed their educational journey as international students, with former UWE Bristol student Xavier Baker, who is now a UWE staff member and engaged on community projects. Julz Davis CEO of Curiosity UnLtd then talked about the legacy of the Bristol Bus Boycott and his activism to engage young people. The evening concluded with UWE Bristol Professor Emmanuel Adukwu speaking on the Celebrating Excellence project. Finally, Miles Chambers paid poetic tribute to Dr Bailey's legacy. 

Listen more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address
Watch the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrOzUDjo8U6JTeJ02D-Bo_EtA47W6vG-T  
Learn more about the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-dis…hed-address-series

Useful links: 

Dr Guy Bailey OBE Honorary Graduate acceptance speech video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYRyddF0jE4
Full news piece: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/news/guy-bailey
Black History Month 2024 further video content: https://uweacuk.sharepoint.com/sites/staff-intranet-internal-communications/SitePages/Black-History-Month--Steve-West-and-Roger-Griffith.aspx
Roger Griffith Blog: https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/research-business-innovation/roger-griffith-a-journey-of-life-long-learning/

A celebration of the life of Dr Guy Bailey OBE | Bristol Distinguished Address Series

There are many people in and across the University who are driving change. In this special changemaker podcast series we shine a light on some of our Black academics and the excellent work they are doing in the university and outside to help drive change. 

In this episode, Stephanie talks to Professor Emmanuel Adukwu about his work and how he is driving change. Emmanuel has had a varied career and led on many initiatives that are helping to drive change across the university.  

This episode was recorded in 2024.  

Please see below for resources mentioned in the episode:   

Professor Val Edward-Jones  - https://societyoftissueviability.org/person/val-edward-jones/ 

Africa Week  - https://www.bristol-business.net/uwe-africa-week-a-celebration-of-diversity-heritage-and-progress/

https://appliedmicrobiology.org/  

Trustee Applied Microbiology International Early Scientist Conference (AMI) - https://appliedmicrobiology.org/ems-event-calendar/past-events/ecs-research-symposium-2024.html  

Black + Bio medical Advisory Group https://www.ukri.org/who-we-are/mrc/how-we-are-governed/mrc-black-in-biomedical-research-advisory-group/  

Bristol Legacy Foundations - https://www.bristollegacyfoundation.com/

American society for microbiology -   https://asm.org/

Employability in Applied Sciences  blog https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/employability-applied-sciences/  

Inspiring Stories of Excellence: A Showcase of Black Heritage Professionals in the College of Health, Science & Society at UWE Bristol  

https://blogs.uwe.ac.uk/research-business-innovation/inspiring-stories-of-excellence-a-showcase-of-black-heritage-professionals-in-the-college-of-health-science-society-at-uwe-bristol/  

UWE Bristol’s Celebrating Excellence Collection https://www.uwe.ac.uk/-/media/uwe/documents/events/bhm-celebratingexcellencecollection.pdf  

1,000 inspiring Black scientists in America  - Cell Press https://crosstalk.cell.com/blog/1000-inspiring-black-scientists-in-america  



Changemaker podcast series: Emmanuel Adukwu

In this first Bristol Distinguished Address Series event of Spring 2025, Nick Hounsfield (Founder of The Wave) and Host, Maggy Blagrove (Founder of Open Minds Active) explored all things Blue Health. Nick shared his personal journey and vision for The Wave, the first inland surfing destination in the UK, a 26-million litre artificial wave pool powered by solar energy. Together with Maggy and guest adaptive surfer Stephen Lightbown, the three Speakers shared their fascinating insights about the positive effects that spending time in water can bring – and how more of us can (and should) access the benefits of Blue Health. 
 
Nick is the founder of The Wave - a 'slice of the ocean' in a field in Bristol, where anyone and everyone can surf all year round. It brings the physical and mental health benefits of water, waves and nature to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities - from a child stepping on a board for the first time, to a professional training for the Olympics.  
 
The project was 10 years in the making and Nick’s journey from osteopath with £500 and a vision, to making it a £35 million reality, is an inspiring tale of grit and resilience. Nick is on the board of Surfing England and has been particularly involved in supporting and growing the profile of the para-surfing community. This resulted in the English team winning a record number of medals at the World Adaptive Surf Championships and The Wave hosting the English Adaptive Surfing Open competition. Nick was also part of the prestigious UK Sport International Leadership Programme. 
 
Maggy is the director and founder of Open Minds Active CIC, a Bristol-based social impact organisation dedicated to making swim-based activities accessible across Bristol. The organisation helps people connect with nature in blue spaces to enhance mental wellbeing and reduce social isolation. 
 
Maggy holds a Master’s in International Development and has over 20 years of experience in sport and community development. Throughout her career she has led numerous sport-for-social-change initiatives across the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Ireland and the UK, using physical activity to engage disadvantaged youth and marginalised communities in post-conflict settings. An experienced open water swimmer and coach, Maggy is passionate about tackling health inequalities and enabling more people to access and enjoy the outdoors. 
 
Stephen Lightbown is a Bristol-based poet, children’s author; yoga teacher and adaptive surfer. Stephen uses his poems to give a voice to his disability and is the author of three poetry collections; and in 2026 his first children’s picture book will be published. When he is not writing Stephen can be found surfing and is a passionate advocate for the power of blue health. He has represented England twice at the ISA World Para Surf Championships in California and helped Team England to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Championships.     
 
 
Links:    
Watch more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series:   Picture 2, Picture, Picture • The Bristol Distinguished Address Series     
Listen to the Bristol Distinguished Address Series podcast: https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address  
Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-distinguished-address-series   
The Wave: https://www.thewave.com/ 
Open Minds Active: https://www.openmindsactive.org/ 
Stephen Lightbown: www.stephenlightbown.com 
Independent Bristol Bookseller, Arnolfini Bookshop: https://bookshop.arnolfini.org.uk/ 
Arnolfini, Bristol: https://arnolfini.org.uk/

Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave, Bristol Distinguished Address Series

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Kieran McCartan, Professor of Criminology at UWE Bristol, and an expert in applying public health strategies.  Our focus is exploring a subject that is as challenging as it is crucial: the prevention of child sex abuse. Child sex abuse affects more children than most people realise, so highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies is vital.

Trigger warning: This podcast episode mentions the sexual abuse of children in the context of how we work together to prevent it. It affects all communities, 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 7 boys worldwide. Talking about child sexual abuse is important and part of the solution. If listening to the podcast has affected you and speaking to someone would help or if you simply want to learn more, the NSPCC website is a good place to start. 
nspcc.org.uk/

A curated list of relevant publications and outputs, for more please see my UWE webpage:

-	McCartan, K. F., Eason, A., Senker, S., Adiss, N., &Porter, C. (in press, 2025). Understanding and Developing a public health and criminological approach to tackling sexual abuse: prevention, treatment and integration. Palgrave Macmillan. NEW BOOK THAT PODCAST CHAT IS BASED ON

-	Uzieblo, K., Smid, W., & McCartan, K. F (2022). Challenges in the Management of People Convicted of a Sexual Offence: A Way Forward. Palgrave MacMillan.

-	McCartan, K. F., & King-Hill, S. (2024). Developing a Framework for the Prevention of Sibling Sexual Behaviour. Child Abuse & Neglect doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106849

-	McCartan, K., & Kemshall, H. (2023). Incorporating Quaternary Prevention: Understanding the Full Scope of Public Health Practices in Sexual Abuse Prevention. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, 67(2-3), 224-246.  doi.org/10.1177/0306624X211049204 

-	McCartan, K. F. (2024). Scoping review of international approaches to child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention interventions by law enforcement. ECPAT International.

-	Kemshall, H., & McCartan, K. F., (2022). Desistance, recovery, and justice capital: Putting it all together. HM Inspectorate of Probation. 

-	McCartan, K. F. (2022). Adapting out thinking on theory and practice in working with people convicted of a sexual offence. HM Inspectorate of Probation. HM Inspectorate of Probation. 

-	UWE Change makers on collaborative work on Child Sexual Abuse prevention with NSPCC Together For Childhood. soundcloud.com/uwebristol/changemaker-podcast-together-for-childhood?in=uwebristol/sets/changemaker-podcast 

-	I contribute regularly to the ATSA (Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse) blog  
blog.atsa.com/ 

Let's Talk Health and Care Podcast Ep#7: The Public Health approach to preventing child sex abuse

In episode 3 we discuss the challenges of working across different languages; the differences we noticed and the translation decisions we made (this episode is in two parts).

The Words for Leadership - Episode 3 Part 1

In episode 4 we talk about the differences between working in a UK quartered head office and an Italian host site.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 4

In episode 5 we consider whether the idea of inclusive leadership travels and translates across different languages and cultures.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 5

In episode 1 we discuss why it’s important to study EDI across different language contexts and how we began the research process.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 1

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Two seemingly unrelated organisations are finding innovative ways to support youth in vulnerable situations, and promote community safety. Watch and listen again to this very pertinent BDAS event, where we heard from a youth boxing therapy charity from Bristol and an office for violence prevention from Edmonton, Canada – both working to reduce violence an ocean away.

Empire Fighting Chance uses a powerful combination of non-contact boxing and intensive personal support to challenge and inspire young people aged 8 to 25 to realise their unique potential.

REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities is a non-profit agency that acts as a hub for coordination, action, and focus on community safety and well-being. (Think of them as the ‘glue’ that brings and holds collaborative partnerships together.) They’ve been touted internationally for their work as an office for violence prevention, which is an entity whose central mandate is to prevent different forms of violence.

After meeting at an urban peace conference in Columbia, the two organisations are bringing international lessons to improve support for youth in their respective cities. Now, Bristol is on the brink of creating its own office for violence prevention inspired by REACH. And in Edmonton, local not-for-profits are banding together to build a youth boxing program modeled after Empire Fighting Chance.

The panel was led by Alex Beresford, TV presenter and Empire Fighting Chance Ambassador, and included: Martin Bisp (Co-Founder & CEO, Empire-Fighting Chance); Jan Fox (Executive Director, REACH Edmonton); Dr Craig Johnston (Senior Lecturer in Criminology, UWE Bristol); and Mariella Miller-Davies (Fundraising Assistant and Youth Voice Ambassador, Empire Fighting Chance).

About the organisations

Empire Fighting Chance delivers four psychologically informed non-contact boxing programmes that help young people get back into education, exit gangs, and reduce youth violence. They also share the impact and methodology of their programmes to a network of boxing clubs, mental health services, and community based organisations across the UK and the world. And, they fight alongside their network for political and policy change to reduce social inequality and amplify the impact and success of early intervention sport based programmes.

REACH Edmonton Council for Safe Communities is a highly-trusted organisation in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, that brings together community, service agencies and government to get things done, with the ultimate aim of preventing violence to create safer communities. REACH plays a convening role, leading or supporting more than 30+ community partnerships in areas that have an upstream effect on community safety and well-being such as child, youth and family well-being; and mitigating addiction and mental health problems.

Listen more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address
Watch the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrOzUDjo8U6JTeJ02D-Bo_EtA47W6vG-T  
Learn more about the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-distinguished-address-series

Useful links: 

Martin Bisp, Empire Fighting Chance: bit.ly/4kn9Glb
Empire Fighting Chance Team: https://empirefightingchance.org/who-we-are/our-people/
Jan Fox: https://reachedmonton.ca/staff-board/jan-fox/
REACH, Edmonton: https://reachedmonton.ca/
Dr Craig Johnston, UWE Bristol: https://people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/CJohnston
Watershed: https://www.watershed.co.uk/

Empire Fighting Chance & REACH Edmonton | Bristol Distinguished Address Series

In this special collaboration with Bristol’s 2025 Festival of Nature on the theme of ‘Water’, we heard from an expert panel about rivers as the ancient ‘gut health’ of our planet. They explored the crucial role of rivers in the carbon cycle and our ecosystem, the research work and citizen science that is being carried out to learn more about them, the campaigns to keep our waters clean - and what we can be doing to nurture and enjoy rivers in our cities and beyond.

Our panel was led by Professor Darren Reynolds, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Knowledge Exchange, UWE Bristol, and included guests, Emma Brisdion, Communications & Campaigns Manager, The Rivers Trust and UWE Bristol Alum; Dr Eva Perrin, Research Fellow in River Pollution, University of Plymouth and UWE Bristol Alum; Hedvig Lyche, Chief Sustainability Officer, Additive Catchments; and Mehbooba Ferdoush, a cold water swimmer. We also had a special screening of the trailer for the Bristol-made documentary film, ‘Rave On For The Avon’, courtesy of EightySita.

The post-even drinks included a special rivers-themed exhibition by Devon-based photographer and artist, William Templeton, curated watery texts from Bristol independent bookseller, Bookhaus, and stalls from ‘Rave On For The Avon’ and water-testing organisation, MolEndoTech, who demo’d their rapid water quality analysis device with the audience.

Listen more from the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://soundcloud.com/uwebristol/sets/bristol-distinguished-address
Watch the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrOzUDjo8U6JTeJ02D-Bo_EtA47W6vG-T  
Learn more about the Bristol Distinguished Address Series: www.uwe.ac.uk/events/bristol-dis…hed-address-series 

Useful links:

Festival of Nature 2025: https://www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/
Professor Darren Reynolds, UWE Bristol: https://people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/DarrenReynolds
Emma Brisdion, The Rivers Trust: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-brisdion/?originalSubdomain=uk
The Rivers Trust: https://theriverstrust.org/
Dr Eva Perrin, University of Plymouth: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/eva-perrin
Hedvig Lyche, Chief Sustainability Officer, Additive Catchments: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hedvig-lyche-4a433710/
Additive Catchments: https://additivecatchments.com/
Rave On For The Avon: https://www.eightysita.com/raveonfortheavondocumentary
Photographer William Templeton: https://williamjoshuatempleton.com/
Bookhaus: https://www.bookhausbristol.com/
MolEndoTech: https://molendotech.com/
Watershed: https://www.watershed.co.uk/

Festival of Nature | Bristol Distinguished Address Series

In this latest episode, we are joined by Dr Appolinaire Etoundi, Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Mechatronics at UWE Bristol. From pioneering low-cost prosthetic legs to developing AI-driven assistive devices, Appolinaire is reshaping how technology intersects with healthcare and his vision to create a centre that uses AI, 3D scanning and printing to tailor affordable prosthetics in real time is captivating. The driving force for the vision is entirely user-centred - a career shift motivated by being challenged by a gold medal winning Para Olympian to consider making joints for people rather than robots... His mission is to design technology that empowers and not excludes.

Interesting fact: The temperature in a prosthetic leg socket can reach 47-49 Celsius after 90 minutes of walking! There is so much to be done to improve this and many other aspects of living with prosthetics. 

Let's Talk Health and Care Podcast Ep#8: Revolutionising Assistive Technologies with affordable innovation

In Episode 7 part one we talk to Fernando who is a leader in a Spanish University and consider  his experiences of working in a multinational University when educating students in different languages and also consider the implications for EDI in this context.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 7 Part 1

In Episode 7 part two we continue the conversation with Fernando to consider how inclusive leadership translates and to consider how leaders can navigate this process across different contextual and linguistic contexts.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 7 Part 2

Episode 1: An in-depth look into the barriers underserved entrepreneurs face in accessing financial services. Aimed at surfacing unseen challenges and lived experiences, with representation from entrepreneurs and financial institutions.

Topics: Personal financial history, credit access, banking assumptions, gender bias in funding.
Theme: How systemic design leaves people out — and what’s lost because of it.

Fear of Finding Out - Episode 1

In Episode 8 part one, Marguerite Weber of Weber Michel Associates talks about her experiences in the banking sector as an executive recruiter. She considers how things have changed over the last 40 years and how in setting up her own company she resolved to do things differently.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 8 Part 1

In Episode 8 part two, Marguerite Weber continues to reflect upon how her own cultural background and identity influences her EDI and leadership practices  and whether the concept of inclusive leadership can be translatable.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 8 Part 2

In episode 11 we speak with Donna Ladkin who is Professor of Inclusive Leadership at the University of Birmingham Business School. We discuss her new book, ' Challenging Colonizing Logics in Management Research: Towards a Broader View of Management'. We take a journey through her own experiences and practices to consider how we can reorientate ourselves to the world through a connecting consciousness to embrace the plurality of voices involved with the complex issues of 21st century organisationall life.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 11

In episode 10 we hear from founder and CEO of Oak Agility; Kwasi Owusu- Asomaning who introduces us to his multicultural and multilingual working context as an executive coach. He shares some thoughts on creating inclusive 'we' spaces, the relationships between HQs and subsidiary businesses and some practical takeaways around his own reflexive learning and approaches to EDI.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 10

Episode 3: Exploring how designing financial services for accessibility and inclusion from the ground up creates
better experiences for everyone, not just those with specific needs.

Universal Design - Episode 3

Episode 2: A conversation with marketing and communications professionals from financial institutions on how inclusive messaging is developed, the challenges involved and examples of good practice.

System Says ‘No’ - Episode 2

In Episode 9 part one, Shehzaad Sams, CEO and Founder of Rononiti talks about his experiences of consulting with organisations globally. He reflects upon some of the colonial assumptions of a Westernised approach to EDI and how practices can become much broader and attuned to a local context.

The Words for Leadership - Episode 9 Part 1

In Episode 9 part two,  we continue the conversation with Shehzaad  to consider how relationships between HQs and subsidiaries are influenced by the dialogue between East and West in terms of ideas about inclusive leadership, how the word for leader in Bengali is understood and his practical tips about how to help inclusive leadership to be successfully transplanted into different contexts. 

The Words for Leadership - Episode 9 Part 2

Student Sarah Wheeler discusses the influences and motivations that led to her enrolling to study midwifery at UWE Bristol. She details her career journey to date - from becoming a nanny to running her own business providing sleep training for infants - providing an insight on how these and other experiences ultimately led her to midwifery.

Find out more about our Nursing and Midwifery courses: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/study/courses/coursesbysubject/nursingandmidwifery.aspx

Inspire Podcast #5 - Sarah Wheeler

Let's Talk About… Mental Health and Leadership, with guests Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven West and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees.

Episode 1: Let's Talk About… Mental Health and Leadership

Isaac, a student at UWE Bristol, and Daniella, who’s a lecturer in Adult Nursing open up about their experiences of anxiety, how it presents itself and ways of coping with it.

Recorded 8 March 2019. Follow Isaac ‘Lazy Eyez’ on Spotify.

Episode 2: Let's Talk About… Anxiety and Being True to Yourself

Harriet and Martin, both staff here at UWE Bristol, discuss the importance of self-awareness, and learning how to cope with periods of high anxiety and OCD.

Episode 5: Let's Talk About… Anxiety and OCD

Anna and Rick talk about how it feels to have depression, and how people’s understanding of the condition has improved over the last 20 years.

Episode 4: Let's Talk About… Depression

Rosie and Amanda talk about anxiety and why people shouldn’t feel like they’re alone in struggling with their mental health.

Episode 3: Let's Talk About… Social Anxiety and Not Feeling Alone

Simon, Miles and Mo talk about how important it is to understand what type of student they want to be and the importance of setting realistic expectations of themselves.

New Student Special Episode 1: Let’s Talk About…Discovering your student self

In this episode of our Future Impact Podcast, which was recorded remotely during the UK coronavirus lockdown, we spoke to four inspirational women about their coaching journey after undertaking the Certificate in Executive Coaching and Mentoring (ILM Level 7) programme here at UWE Bristol. 

We are joined by;
•	Jo Beckett, joint CEO for the Institute of Development Professionals and Education (IDPE) and founder of Jo Beckett Coaching and Development
•	Jane Shayler, former Director of Integrated Commissioning for Health and Social Care and currently providing coaching and leadership development to individuals working in the public and not-for-profit sector
•	Emily Loveday-Proom, Learning and Development Manager in local government
•	Sadie Drummond, business improvement specialist within education, mediator (conflict resolution) and executive and wellbeing coach (individual and groups) within education, social enterprises and small businesses.

This podcast series is hosted by Bristol Business School and Bristol Law School at UWE Bristol. Featuring exciting new developments in technology, management practice, and business and leadership, the Future Impact Podcast series will highlight the impact from both an academic and practitioner perspective on the future of society.

A huge thank you to all of our guests on this episode of the Future Impact Podcast series. We are always looking for interesting guests to contribute to our podcast, if you’d like to discuss this further please contact our team on the details below.

Presented by Rachel Evans. Produced by Rose Adderley and Tom Perou. Contact us at rose.adderley@uwe.ac.uk.

Future Impact Podcast #6: The unexpected impact of our coaching journey

This episode features the three podcast hosts: Dr Petia Petrova (Associate Director of Academic Practice at UWE Bristol), Kat Branch (Leader of UWE Bristol’s Centre for Music) and Dr Sam Elkington (the co-author of ‘The Serious Leisure Perspective’, Teesside University) We introduce our live audience to the origins of the podcast and the concept of Serious Leisure. We discuss the importance of community and how making time for leisure significantly affects our sense of identity and ability to recharge. We explore in particular the significance of separation between private and work spaces. Finally, we reflect on how our leisure pursuits have been impacted by the Covid pandemic, how we have managed to sustain and grow some but reluctantly given up others.

UWE Bristol

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks