One Year In: Bridget Phillipson on Teachers, SEND and the Future of Education

What’s it really like being Education Secretary? In this powerful conversation, Bridget Phillipson marks her first year in post by speaking openly with Marvyn Harrison and young voices from Dope Black Dads. She reflects on the teacher who changed her life, discusses her priorities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and sets out her vision for mental health in every school. This episode goes beyond policy, it’s about care, culture and community.Topics covered:Why representation and personal connection matter in educationReforming SEND support for families and schoolsEmbedding mental health into the school dayCreating an inclusive education system that works for all Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine Friends… but Black.Not just a race-swap, but a complete cultural remix.In this episode, we explore what a modern-day, all-Black reboot of the iconic 90s sitcom could look like, set in Hackney, rooted in today’s Black culture, with characters that reflect our reality.We break down:The reimagined character archetypesThe new hangout spot (spoiler: it’s not Central Perk)The themes that would actually resonate today—gentle parenting, therapy bills, ghosting during Mercury retrogradeWhy this show would shift culture and go viral across every platformFrom the trap-jazz café to the Pan-African podcast host, this isn’t Friends.This is FAM.🎧 Tap in and tell us: would you watch this show?Learn more about Instagram Teen Accounts by visiting https://familycenter.meta.com/uk/our-products/instagram/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ THE CHALLENGEI put 20 parent-approved hacks to the ultimate test on live Sports Day—no retakes, no mercy. WHAT HAPPENED• Tip #3 nearly caused a water-fight 🤣 • Tip #7 saved £50 in 10 seconds • Tip #14 kept my son’s muscles warm like a pro sprinter FULL HACK LIST1. Balanced breakfast (slow-release carbs) 2. Pre-hydration strategy 3. Super-labelled bottle trick … all the way to 20. Capture memories, not just photos. WHY LISTEN✔ Zero-cost fixes ✔ Kid-approved fun ✔ Stress levels: obliterated CHALLENGE YOUTry three hacks, tag @DopeBlackDads with #SportsDayBoss, and I’ll shout-out the best video on next week’s show.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to your peace isn't reconciliation, but release?In this solo episode, Marvyn Harrison offers a detailed, compassionate guide for anyone navigating unresolved feelings toward an absent, distant, or emotionally unavailable father. You'll learn:Why closure matters (even without reconciliation)How to know if you're ready for contactA safety-first outreach planWord-for-word scripts for conversationAftercare tips for the 72-hour emotional falloutWays to navigate reluctant siblingsOne powerful mantra to carry with youWhether you're seeking answers or simply looking to lay old pain to rest, this episode gives you the tools, structure, and emotional protection to take your next step with courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synopsis In this intimate twenty-minute letter, written from the perspective of your grown child twenty years in the future, Marvyn Harrison pays tribute to fathers who stayed. The episode celebrates everyday courage, explores the quiet heroism of presence, and shows how one man’s consistency can echo through generations.Key Chapters1. Staying Is an Act of Courage (0 – 3 min)2. Presence Builds Identity (3 – 6 min)3. Breaking the Cycle (6 – 9 min)4. Lessons Learned by Watching You (9 – 12 min)5. How Your Presence Changes the World (12 – 14 min)6. The Hidden Cost of Staying (14 – 16 min)7. The Gift of Being Seen (16 – 17 min)8. Your Story Is a Masterclass (17 – 18 min)9. Flowers While You Can Still Smell Them (18 – 19 min)10. The Echo You Created (19 – 20 min)Listener Takeaways• Consistency beats grand gestures• Presence builds a child’s inner voice• Staying breaks generational patterns• Everyday dads are quiet revolutionariesCall to ActionIf this episode moved you, share it with a dad who needs to hear how much his everyday effort matters. Rate and review to help more listeners find Dope Black Dads. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this deeply moving episode of DopeBlackDads, we sit down with former world champion boxer Johnny Nelson and NHS GP Dr. Aziza Sesay to talk about something bigger than sport or titles — life, loss, and the power of early cancer detection.Johnny shares the emotional story of how his father missed the signs of cancer, and how that experience shaped his own approach to health. Dr. Aziza offers vital insights into why Black communities are at higher risk, how fear and stigma delay diagnosis, and the symptoms we should never ignore.This conversation is more than informative — it’s personal, practical, and potentially life-saving.👉 Visit nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, financial expert Emmanuel Asuquo joins us for a vital conversation on fraud prevention. With fraud affecting millions every year, Emmanuel breaks down the most common scams targeting the community, including online shopping fraud, holiday booking scams, and family fraud. He shares practical tips on how to spot suspicious activity and explains the importance of two-step verification (2SV) to secure online accounts.Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud, what to do if you've fallen victim, and how to report fraud. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Don't forget to share it with your friends and family! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode we talk to fathers David Gyasi and Nii Odarte Evans about the various stages of fatherhood - from the moment they found out to their experiences today. Join the conversation and tell us what you think.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to this week's episode of Dear Dope Black Dads! In this engaging discussion, Marvyn and Romantha delve into thought-provoking topics circulating on social media. From the impact of childhood trauma on adult experiences of PTSD to the profound experience of loneliness, no stone is left unturned.Have you ever found yourself reliving moments from your upbringing as an adult? Join us as we explore the complexities of this phenomenon and its implications on mental health.Loneliness, a universal human emotion, is also discussed as the reasons why sharing vulnerable moments online may not always lead to immediate empathy. Discover our personal strategies for coping with loneliness and share yours in the comments below. In a saddening case, we tackle the story of a stepfather who feels sidelined by his stepdaughter, who prioritised her biological father at her wedding. The ethical dilemmas and emotional intricacies of family dynamics unfold as we invite you to weigh in on what you would do in such a situation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the pressing issue affecting 1 in 4 children: the alarming lack of measles protection. In this important discussion with experts shedding light on London's measles crisis, especially within the Black community. We ask the experts some vital questions to guide you in making informed choices for your family's health. Join the conversation and empower yourself with knowledge to safeguard your loved ones. Don't miss out on essential insights – like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more valuable content! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.