The Social Matters Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Regina Suddahaza, founder of The Girls Changing Room! Regina is leading the charge to transform spaces for women and girls in sport, while advocating for greater diversity and authentic representation of women of colour across the sports media industry.During our conversation, Regina shares the important mission behind The Girls Changing Room and reflects on the persistent barriers, underrepresentation, and systemic inequities women of colour face both on and off the field. She explores why amplifying diverse voices and prioritising representation in sports media is essential to creating an inclusive, empowered culture for the next generation.She also highlights her work in dismantling old traditional structures for connection, breaking down misconceptions, and building a supportive platform where women's stories in sport are fully seen, heard, and celebrated.This is an insightful and necessary conversation. Regina reminds us that when women of colour are given equal representation, platform, and voice, we move closer to a fairer, more equitable sports media landscape where every girl can see herself reflected and reach her full potential.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.📲 Instagram: @girlschangingroom and @reginasuddahazai📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Welcome back to the latest episode of the Social Matters Podcast! In this episode, we have an open discussion about what helps us to keep going when things feel exhausting, progress feels slow, and a sense of 'meh' starts to creep in.In a world where fighting for change can often leave us feeling tired and disheartened, how do we keep going when it feels like nothing is shifting? For us, it’s about discovering what keeps our inner spark alive when our tanks are running on empty. We talk about the importance of rest, understanding and connecting with context, adjusting our expectations of progress, and how we sustain ourselves for the long haul.This episode invites you to pause, take a breath, and reflect on what keeps you grounded when tiredness sets in. How do you refuel your energy when change feels out of reach, and what helps you stay in the fight without burning out?Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant duo Sophie Strachan and Dr Nneka Nwokolo! Sophie and Nneka work with Sophia Forum, an organisation dedicated to promoting and advocating for the rights, health, welfare, and dignity of women living with HIV through research, awareness, and policy influence.During our conversation, Sophie and Nneka share the vital mission behind Sophia Forum and reflect on the persistent health and gender inequities women face in healthcare and HIV prevention across the UK. They explore how amplifying women’s voices and prioritising their specific needs within research, health sectors, and wider society is essential to achieving true health equity.They also highlight Sophia Forum’s campaign, Risk to Reason, which focuses solely on women, breaking down the systemic barriers and misconceptions surrounding HIV risk, prevention, and care.This is an insightful and necessary conversation. Sophie and Nneka remind us that when women living with HIV are supported, prioritised, and heard, we move closer to a fairer, more equitable society where every woman can reach her full potential.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.You can follow the work of Sophia Forum via the links below:🌍 Websites: sophiaforum.net | womenandprep.org.uk📲 Instagram: @sophiaforum📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

Welcome back to this brand new season of the Social Matters Podcast! We are kicking off the season with a bit of light in the dark, bringing you some of the good news stories we've experienced recently.In a world that can often feel overwhelming with bad news, where do we find hope, joy and the fuel to continue fighting the fight? For us, it's reconnecting with good news stories.  We share some of our favourite recent stories, and explore how tuning into good news isn't about ignoring reality, but about nourishing our optimism, celebrating progress, and recharging our collective energy for the road ahead.This episode invites listeners to pause, take a breath, and reconnect with good news stories you've encountered. What good news has lifted your spirits lately, and how can holding onto those stories help us keep moving forward?Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

We have a new episode for you! In this conversation, we explore the idea of “connecting with your why,” and reflect on what this means in the context of social change, challenging discrimination and our own journeys within the DEI space.What does it mean to stay connected to your deeper motivations for doing this work? In spaces where conversations about inequality and discrimination can be complex, emotional and at times overwhelming, how can grounding ourselves in our “why” help us to keep going with intention and integrity?In this episode, we discuss the different reasons that draw people into social change work, and how those motivations can evolve over time. We reflect on our own “whys,” exploring the personal experiences, values and moments that have shaped our commitment to challenging discrimination and working within DEI.We also explore the realities of this work, the tensions, the emotional weight and the risk of disconnection, and consider how reconnecting with our “why” can support resilience, honesty and a deeper sense of purpose. Rather than seeing purpose as something fixed, we think about it as something that shifts, grows and is continually revisited.This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own motivations, what drives them to care about social change and how staying connected to that “why” can shape the way they show up in the work and in the world.Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Ben Dunn, Head of Impact and Innovation at Magic Breakfast — a charity champion and provide nourishing breakfasts that help children and young people learn and thrive.During our conversation, Ben shares the mission behind Magic Breakfast and reflects on the vital role a nutritious start to the day plays in shaping a child’s ability to learn, connect and thrive. He explores how something as simple as breakfast can have a profound impact on educational outcomes, overall wellbeing, and a lot more!Ben also highlights the long-term impact Magic Breakfast is striving for, and why tackling child hunger is essential to creating a fairer, more inclusive education system.This is a thoughtful conversation about the power of early support and the difference it can make in a child’s life. Ben reminds us that when children are properly nourished, they are better equipped to engage, grow and reach their full potential.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.🌍 Website: magicbreakfast.com📲 Instagram: @magicbreakfast_uk📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

We have a new episode for you! In this conversation, we explore the Louis Theroux Netflix documentary 'Inside the Manosphere', reflecting on our reactions, what stood out to us and the wider conversations it raises about masculinity, identity and influence.What is the manosphere, and why is it gaining traction among young boys and men? In a digital world shaped by algorithms, online communities and powerful personalities, how are ideas about gender, power and belonging being formed and reinforced?In this episode, we discuss the key themes from the documentary, unpacking the narratives it presents and the impact these spaces may be having on young people. Drawing on our own perspectives and experiences, we reflect on the appeal of the manosphere, the role of social media, and how messages around masculinity, success and relationships are being communicated and absorbed.We also explore the potential risks and harms, alongside the broader societal context that allows these movements to grow. What responsibilities do we all hold in responding to this? And how can we create space for more balanced, healthy and nuanced conversations about masculinity?This episode invites listeners to think critically about online influence, gender narratives and the importance of supporting young people to navigate complex spaces.Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

We have a new episode for you! In this conversation, we explore the systemic concept of safe uncertainty, originally developed by Barry Mason, and reflect on what this idea means within organisations, professional practice and our own experiences in social work.What does it mean for professionals and organisations to hold both safety and uncertainty at the same time? In systems that often prioritise control, answers and certainty, how can curiosity, reflection and openness create space for more thoughtful and ethical practice?In this episode, we discuss how the concept of safe uncertainty can challenge rigid decision-making and encourage organisations to move away from defensive cultures towards environments that value learning, collaboration and reflection. Drawing on our experiences in social work and organisational systems, we explore the tensions between accountability and curiosity, and how fear, risk management and hierarchy can sometimes limit meaningful dialogue.We also reflect on how adopting a stance of safe uncertainty can support better relationships with the people we work alongside, recognising complexity, valuing different perspectives and resisting the pressure to rush towards simple answers in complex situations.This episode invites listeners to think differently about certainty, organisational culture and the importance of curiosity in practice.Tune in, share and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we’re joined by Arran Williams and Karan Rai from the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO), the organisation responsible for refereeing across the professional football leagues.During our conversation, Arran and Karan share insight into the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work taking place within PGMO, and why creating a culture of belonging is essential to the future of the game. They reflect on the importance of representation across refereeing pathways, the barriers that have historically limited access, and the practical steps being taken to widen participation and opportunity throughout the leagues.We explore what diversity and inclusion mean in the context of elite sport, the challenges referees can face both on and off the pitch, and how intentional leadership can help shape environments where officials from all backgrounds feel valued, supported and able to thrive.This is an open and thoughtful conversation about culture, representation and long-term change in refereeing in football. Arran and Karan remind us that meaningful inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it requires commitment, visibility and sustained action.If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to share it, leave a review, and follow us on all our social media platforms.🌍 LinkedIn: PGMO📲 Instagram: @fa_pgmol📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk

In this episode, we open up a conversation around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) by responding to a series of thought-provoking statements and questions. Rather than offering simple answers, we explore where we agree, where we disagree, and —most importantly — why.Through honest discussion and reflection, we unpack common assumptions, tensions, and misconceptions around EDI. We consider how language, policy, lived experience, and organisational culture shape the way EDI is understood and practiced, and where good intentions can sometimes miss the mark.This episode invites listeners into the nuance behind the headlines, recognising that EDI is not just a checklist or a debate topic, but an evolving commitment that affects real people and real outcomes. We challenge each other’s viewpoints, share practical insights, and reflect on what meaningful inclusion can look like in action.Expect thoughtful dialogue and space to think more deeply about your own position.Tune in, reflect, and join the conversation.📲 Instagram: @matterspodcast💼 LinkedIn: Social Matters🌍 Website: socialmatters.org.uk