On today’s episode I am joined by Kriss Munsya, a Congolese-born visual artist currently living in Rio de Janeiro, with experience in photography, graphic design, music and video production. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, Munsya became aware of his differences early on. In his white-dominated surroundings, he became accustomed to experiences with normalised discrimination, oppression, and violence. He grew up in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, and that era was very important for him. As a first- generation African immigrant, Munsya was consistently confronted with normalised and often violent racism from a young age. These experiences fed his vision of the world and himself within it. Art has been present in his life from an early age, but he decided to focus on photography five years ago because of his increasing involvement in social movements. He perceives photography to be an impactful medium that translates his experiences into open invitations to question the status quo.On this conversation we discuss Kriss' latest project Killing Da Vinci where he has been travelling around the America's connecting with black and indigenous communities affected by environmental injustices. We delve into the ways in which living in different countries and cultures can change you, the disconnecting nature of the idea of perfection, what community means and the importance of helping others to reconnect and break cycles of loneliness and isolation. This was such an interesting and important conversation and I learnt a lot from Kriss and his experiences. I hope you enjoy listening.To find out more about Kriss Munsya, his art and his latest projects and exhibitions you can check out the links below:Website: https://www.krissmunsya.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krissmunsya/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptur-Nx_ZxIPodcast Host - Fenella PhoebeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellaphoebeTikTok: @fenellaphoebeMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Sammy McKay, professional boxer, boxing coach at Miguels Boxing Gym in Brixton and founder of Champs Within. Sammy started boxing in 2015, as part of the London Fire Brigade Lambeth Boxing Initiative. Having travelled the world training with champions, Sammy gained a number of title wins and turned pro in 2020. Sammy has trained regularly at Miguels since finding the sport, and is now one of the lead trainers at the gym. Set up in 2020, Champs within uses boxing as a tool to foster positive social interaction in a supportive and controlled environment, empowering one another to achieve goals, reach our full potential and be the best versions of ourselves. Champs Within aims to showcase how boxing not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also encourages consistency, discipline and resilience, whilst teaching kids transferable skills that can help forge a healthy approach to everyday life. On this conversation we discuss the impact of trauma on mental and physical health, the need for people to have a healthy outlet for the stresses and difficulties in life and how community, consistency and understanding is important in fostering personal and collective growth. I really enjoyed recording this conversation so hope you enjoy listening. We recorded at Miguels Boxing Gym so apologies as there are a few boxing noises in the background!To find out more about Sammy McKay, Champs Within & Miguel's Boxing Gym you can check out the links below:Website Champs Within: https://www.champswithin.com/Website Miguels Boxing Gym: https://miguelsboxinggym.co.ukChamps Within Instagram: @champswithinSammy McKay Instagram: @perfectimperfection101Miguels Boxing Gym Instagram: @miguels_boxing_gymPodcast Host - Fenella PhoebeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellaphoebeTikTok: @fenellaphoebeMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Beatriz Acevedo. Beatriz Acevedo is an artist and educator, originally from Colombia, who has been living in the UK for 20 years. She is passionate about restoring our relationship with beauty, challenging the imposed ideas of what is pretty and discovering beauty around and inside us. She has been writing about beauty, aesthetics and ethics and is now finishing her first book on her experience of mental health and the healing powers of beauty.On this episode we discuss the feelings of isolation that can come with leaving behind your home country and becoming an immigrant. We discuss the healing powers of beauty on mental health, how we can incorporate beauty into our everyday lives and the importance of making time for creative self expression. This was a beautiful conversation which we recorded in Beatriz' art studio. I hope you enjoy listening.To find out more about Beatriz Acevedo, you can check out the links below:Website: https://beatrizacevedoart.wordpress.comInstagram: creatibeoraclePodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Brendan Cox. Brendan Cox is a campaigner for more cohesive communities. He has co-founded multiple organisations that work to build more connected and cohesive communities, such as More in Common which works to build more inclusive communities in France, Germany, the UK and the US, Survivors Against Terror, the Jo Cox Foundation,(continuing the work of his late wife) and the Together Coalition. Brendan started work in the aftermath of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, working with children who lost their parents in the war. This formative work gave him a long-standing passion for combatting ethnic and religious hatred. He went on to work on conflict and atrocity prevention around the world with Oxfam and later as Chief Executive of the international conflict and genocide prevention organization Crisis Action. He served as Special Advisor to the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown between 2008 and 2010 where he advised on international development, conflict and foreign policy. He has worked for and advised a number of organisations including Save the Children, the UN and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is the author of the best-selling book ‘More in Common’ and when not working he spends his time mountaineering, sailing and looking after his two children.On this episode, we discuss the importance of community, how quickly communities can fall apart and how to spot warning signs. We delve into how social connection is the red thread that holds society together and how we need to make this a priority in our ever more disconnected modern lives. This was such an interesting and important conversation.To find out more about Brendan Cox and the companies he has cofounded you can find the links below:Together Coalition: Together - connecting communities, bridging dividesMore in common: We are More in CommonSurvivors Against Terror: Home - Survivors Against TerrorThe Jo Cox Foundation: The Jo Cox FoundationTwitter: Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) / X (twitter.com)Podcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Nova Reid. Nova Reid is a thought leader, TED speaker, author and producer, fascinated by human behavior. Often described as a force to be reckoned with, Nova uses her professional background in mental wellbeing to encourage meaningful change from the inside out.  Through her impactful advocacy and powerful public speaking, writing and storytelling, she has become renowned as an agent of change, selected as one of Black Magic Network’s Top 100 Black British Women and receiving a Precious Award for Social Impact.  She is a regular contributor to BBC News and Sky News, and has written for publications including the Guardian, Vogue, Elle, and Stylist.  In 2019, Nova was headhunted by TEDx Frankfurt to deliver a talk on racial microaggressions and has also shared the stage with acclaimed actor David Harewood at the National Theatre to discuss the impact of racism on mental health. Nova runs a life-changing online academy entitled Becoming Anti-Racist with Nova Reid and has recently published her first book, The Good Ally, a guided antiracism journey, from bystander to changemaker.On this episode, we discuss the impact of racism on health and feelings of belonging in society, how Nova is building an antiracist community and how to stay grounded and connected to each other and ourselves even in times of difficulty. This was a really important and insightful conversation and I hope you enjoy listening. To find out more about Nova’s work please visit; www.novareid.com and follow Nova on Instagram @novareidofficialYou can find The Good Ally here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-good-ally-nova-reid/2348881?gclid=CjwKCAjwoqGnBhAcEiwAwK-You can watch Nova's Ted Talk here:https://www.ted.com/talks/nova_reid_not_all_superheroes_wear_capes_you_have_the_power_to_change_the_world/details Podcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Hannah Campbell and G Bansal, the founders of One Twelve, a creative agency that works with fashion, music and brand partnerships in the UK. Hannah and G founded One Twelve with an important mission, as black and brown female founders, they have a vision to ensure marketing is more inclusive and representative of various peoples lifestyles and cultures. They aim to ensure that future generations of all backgrounds see themselves and their stories represented authentically. Having both experienced loneliness and marginalisation in the workplace, they know first hand the importance of creating safe, inclusive and diverse workplaces, where everyone can feel like they belong. On this episode, we discuss what it is like to experience loneliness in the workplace, the importance of feeling like you can belong at work and how many diversity and inclusion strategies are not effective. We discuss how G and Hannah set up One Twelve and how they are building an inclusive creative community, working with and not against their competitors. This is a really important conversation and a great listen for everyone, especially those navigating the working world.To find out more about One Twelve Agency, you can check out their website:Website: https://www.onetwelveagency.com/Instagram: @onetwelveagencyHannah's article on diversity and inclusion in Campaign: https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/why-diversity-initiatives-load-bs/1818350This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.orgFollow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpgPodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am joined by my grandfather, Commander David Hawksley OBE, born in August 1923. David joined the navy at 18 in 1942 and fought in the Second World War and continued to work in the navy until 1976. He then began a new career at BSI, British Standards Institution. On leaving BSI at 65, he became an international consultant for developing countries to help them develop their own standards institution. Whilst working in the navy David met his wife Sheila and they were married for 54 years. David became her full time carer in 2000 for the last 4 years of her life when Sheila passed away from emphysema in 2004. On this episode, we discuss how David managed to cope with the grief of losing his life partner and build a new sense of purpose through travel and volunteering. He booked his first solo travel experience at 82 to Peru and climbed Machu Picchu, and booked an around the world trip at 89. He has also volunteered for The Woodland Trust, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Christchurch Priory. This episode is inspiring for people of all ages, as we discuss how it is never too late to try something new, learn a new skill and build friendships and community around us.This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.orgFollow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpgPodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am joined by Marc Abraham or Marc The Vet, as he is more commonly known. Marc is an award winning veterinary surgeon, broadcaster, author and animal welfare campaigner and was awarded an OBE for services to animal welfare in the 2021 Queens Birthday honours. As well as campaigning to improve animal welfare in the UK, Marc volunteers around the world, and visits schools teaching pupils about looking after animals and each other.On this episode, we discuss Marc's own personal journey with loneliness as an animal welfare campaigner, the importance of our connection with animals and the positive benefits of pet ownership. We explore the mutually beneficial relationship that forms when you rescue an animal and how teaching young people about animal welfare can boost empathy and improve connection. This was such an insightful and interesting conversation, I learnt so much about how to start a campaign, build a movement and create community fuelled by a mutual passion. I hope you enjoy it!To find more about Marc The Vet you can visit his website: https://marcthevet.net/Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcthevetFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarcTheVet/?locale=en_GBLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcabraham/This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.orgFollow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpgYou can find the article on animals helping to solve loneliness here: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/latest/essays/helpingtosolvelonelinessPodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am joined by Tony Supreme, an award winning radio presenter, CEO of Grounded Sounds, a charity which aims at empowering youth through music, as well as the founder of Soul Surge - a music and wellbeing platform. With extensive knowledge and personal experience of the criminal justice system Tony also mentors and supports young people into careers in music.On this episode, we discuss Tony's own personal experience of loneliness and isolation in prison, dealing with grief and the difficulty men face in talking about their emotions. We explore the power of radio and music on wellbeing and connection and the importance of community in an ever more disconnected society. I loved this conversation and I hope you enjoy it!To find out more about Soul Surge, you can visit their website: https://soulsurge.coInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulsurgeuk/Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoulSurgeUKTo find more about Grounded Sounds you can visit the website: https://www.groundedsounds.orgTwitter: https://twitter.com/Grounded_SoundsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/groundedsoundsuk/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3DYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@groundedsoundsuk/videosThis series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.orgFollow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpgPodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode I am joined by Meryl Davies, Chief Executive Officer at Re-engage, a charity aimed at tackling the huge and growing issue of loneliness in later life. More than 2 million people in the UK over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say that they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Re-engage is working to make life less lonely for thousands of older people every year. They organise monthly tea parties to people aged 75 and over, as well as running a telephone befriending service, organise group activities that offer gentle exercise and social connection. On this episode we discuss loneliness in older age, the multiple factors that can lead to chronic loneliness as well as the joys of making new friends in later life.It was a really lovely and insightful conversation and I hope you enjoy it. To find more about Reengage you can visit their website: https://www.reengage.org.ukTwitter: https://twitter.com/reengageukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reengageuk/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzUOL-QDPYSCpmEgIWluug/This series is created in collaboration with The Campaign to End Loneliness. Currently in the UK there are over 9 million people experiencing loneliness and lacking the friendship and support that we all need. The Campaign to End Loneliness are experts in the field of loneliness and connection and are dedicated to sharing research, evidence and knowledge to make a difference to people’s lives.To find out more about the Campaign to End Loneliness you can check out their website: https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.orgFollow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EndLonelinessUK?s=20&t=mkgkZP_azjiF6R0G7CuSpgPodcast Host - Fenella HawksleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksleyMusic - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octaviahttps://www.athenaoctavia.comhttps://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.