Be the change. Media

•

Channel • 25 Shows

Careers

Careers

Updated 11 Jun
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 15 Mar
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated 2 Jul
News Commentary

News Commentary

Updated weekly
Technology

Technology

Updated 22 May
Performing Arts

Performing Arts

Updated 10 Apr
Politics

Politics

Updated 20/12/2025

11 Aug

The Art of Ethical Storytelling

This episode is based on a workshop Tom delivered in July 2026 for the Be the Change Media Network. Drawing on over 100 episodes of Spare a Thought and The Political Dispatch, Tom explores what makes a story worth telling and how to tell it responsibly. He gives the example of three very different episodes he's produced: Living with Long Covid, Spare a Thought for Paternity Leave, and Curly's War, a miniseries based on his late grandfather's WWII memoir. Along the way, Tom reflects on earning trust, knowing when to step back and hand a story to someone better placed to tell it, and what it means to hold someone else's legacy responsibly. You can listen to the episodes referenced in this talk, and all previous episodes, wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/. Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change. Media Network or its partners.
25 May

Olivia Dean Live Review

In this episode, Tom reviews Olivia Dean's live show at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, on 14th May 2026. Featuring excerpts and clips recorded on the night, Tom reflects on Dean's extraordinary rise from the Brit School to record breaking artist, and on a concert that was, in his words, joyous and healing. The episode explores Dean's music, her message of love, heritage and community. All clips were recorded at the Royal Arena Copenhagen. All rights reserved to the authors and owners of the songs. You can watch highlights from the gig on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sesR3AsOe0 Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/ Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change. Media Network or its partners.
16 Jul

Mind Our Future: Youth-Led Solutions for Mental Health

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network. In this episode, host Lily Mott explores how communities across Wales are working alongside young people to transform mental health support through Mind Our Future, a National Lottery-funded programme designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Rather than hearing from just one organisation, this episode brings together voices from partnerships across Wales that are taking different approaches to the same shared goal: creating services with young people, not for them. From creative arts and youth centres to schools, community spaces, and peer support programmes, each partnership shares how they're breaking down barriers, building trust, and designing support that reflects what young people actually need. Throughout the episode, young people and practitioners reflect on the moments that have stayed with them most, the impact these projects have had on their confidence, wellbeing, and communities, and why meaningful youth participation has been central to their success. They also share honest advice for other organisations looking to create more inclusive, youth-led approaches to supporting mental health. This episode is a powerful reminder that improving mental health isn't just about providing services; it's about listening to young people, investing in relationships, and giving communities the tools to create lasting change together. For more information about: The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk Mind Our Future: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/ Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn. Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.
2 Jul · Bonus

AI, Joy, and the Future of Work with Alex Jolly

Welcome back to Power of Passion, a podcast from the Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation, produced with Be the change. Media Network. In this special episode, host Lily Mott is joined by Alex Jolly, Partnerships Director for 100% Human at Work, to explore one of the biggest questions facing young people today: what does the rise of artificial intelligence mean for our futures? At the Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation, we've been thinking deeply about how AI will shape young people's lives, opportunities, and sense of purpose. We invited Alex to join us because of her expertise in the future of work and her thoughtful perspective on why joy, purpose, and our humanity will matter more than ever in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Together, Lily and Alex discuss how AI is changing the workplace, why young people should be part of shaping these conversations, and how society can better prepare the next generation for a future that is still being written. They also explore why passions, creativity, and meaningful human connection may become some of our greatest strengths in the years ahead. Alongside this wider conversation, Alex reflects on her own passion for singing in a choir and how music reminds her of the importance of community and doing something simply because it brings joy. You can read Alex's guest blog: On Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-204425394 On our website: https://fli.foundation/news/the-case-for-joy-in-a-world-redesigned-by-ai To get connected with Alex, find her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-jolly/ For more information about: Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation: https://fli.foundation/ Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/ 100% Human at Work: https://www.human-atwork.org/ Follow the Ferdinando & Luigi Innocenti Foundation on Linkedin. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn. Subscribe to this podcast and join us as we explore the passions that shape young people’s lives.
2 Mar

Claiming Space at the Table: Youth Voices in Governance

Welcome back to Voices in Action, a podcast from The National Lottery Community Fund, co-produced with Be the change. Media Network. In this episode, host Lily Mott explores what it really means for young people to take on leadership roles in governance, as equal, trusted decision-makers shaping strategy and funding at The National Lottery Community Fund. Lily is joined by four inspiring guests who sit on the Fund’s country committees across the UK. Holly Hendrie is a Scotland Committee Member, Callum Bruce-Phillips sits on the Wales Committee, Caolan McKiernan is a Northern Ireland Committee Member, and Millie Downes sits on the England Committee. Each brings their own professional and lived experience into governance spaces, from youth work and community development to arts, culture, and local government. Together, they discuss what country committees do, how they achieved their roles, and what it’s like to help decide how funding strategy and priorities are shaped. They reflect on the importance of preparation and support through the Young Trustees Movement, and the value of project site visits to ground governance in real community impact. The conversation also explores some of the challenges they've faced – including assumptions about having to “represent all young people,” navigating power dynamics, and what governance spaces can get wrong when involving young people in leadership. The guests share why access, support, and a genuine willingness to share power are essential for making youth participation in governance meaningful and effective. This episode is a powerful look at what happens when young people are not just consulted, but trusted with influence, and why opening up governance spaces leads to better lives in communities across the UK. For more information about: The National Lottery Community Fund: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk The National Lottery Community Fund’s Approach to Youth Voice: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/news/from-decision-making-to-culture-change-developing-our-approach-to-youth-voice Be the change. Media Network: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/ Follow The National Lottery Community Fund on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram and LinkedIn. Subscribe to this podcast and join us for more stories of youth-led change, community, and the power of social action.
18 May

Quickstart & Q&A

“Every ‘No’ is one step closer to a ‘Yes’.” Welcome back to season 3 of the Sister Station Podcast! In this episode, I did a short Q&A, mainly chatting about poetry, writing, and trying to stay positive in the face of rejection, before sharing a short poem at the end. Thank you to everyone who sent in a question. Don’t worry if you missed your chance to send in one this time; inshaAllah, I’ll be doing more Q&As like this one in the future! As always, expect honest convos, a little laughter, and some food for thought! _________________ Resource Round-Up: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Somebody Give this Heart a Pen by Sophia Thakur David Larbi (@davidlarbi) on Instagram Rakaya Esime Fetuga (@rakayaesime) on Instagram Please donate and share this fundraiser for Muslim Youth Helpline (MYH): https://app.givematch.com/fr/QkiYz5ep Visit the MYH website to find out more about the work that they do: https://myh.org.uk/ _________________ You can follow Sister Station on our socials: LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, BlueSky and Threads: https://linktr.ee/sisterstation And you can find your host, Muminah, on LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack & YouTube: https://linktr.ee/minahsmusings For more information about Be the change. Media Network, find us on Instagram or visit our website. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.
21 Aug

Sports for All with Jessica Bennet

This episode features Jessica Bennett, Project Lead at The Teen Project (CIO). Jessica is passionate about helping girls thrive in their minds, bodies, and futures. Through her work, she uses movement and sport to help teenage girls build confidence, positive body image, emotional wellbeing, and meaningful connections within their communities. To connect with Jessica further, you can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-b-602603132/ To find out more about The Teen Project and their work, visit: https://www.theteenproject.org.uk/ To get connected with Eden, find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eden-byrne-197b87211/ Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportsforallpodcast?igsh=MXN6eXNnaGNiaG9mbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the Change Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network.
10 Apr

Performing Passions with Noah Scott

In this episode of Performing Passions, Thomas Grimwood is joined by Noah Scott, a Mountview student and talented performer with experience across acting, singing, and dancing—a true triple threat. Noah has taken on a wide range of roles, including several leading parts in productions throughout his training. Noah talks about his journey from student to tutor, sharing the lessons he’s learned along the way and what inspires him to support the next generation of performers. He also discusses his experience working with neurodiverse young people and reflects on how inclusive teaching can help every student thrive. This episode offers heartfelt insights into performance, teaching, and the importance of creating spaces where all young people can shine. To get connected with Noah, find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noah_t_scott?igsh=MjkzMHRnOTA0NDF3 To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimwoodthomas?igsh=MWhvd2FpcjZ0MHJoag== Please leave a rating, share a comment and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethechangemedianetwork?igsh=bGZ6MGJ5MWVvejl4 If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at: lily@bethechangepodcast.org The views and opinions expressed by guests and host are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.
12/09/2025

KATSEYE 2025: GENIUS OR CHAOS?

In this episode of The Track Record, I sit down with Rae Khanna, a writer and a budding film director, to unpack the phenomenon of Katseye in 2025. We trace their journey from The Debut: Dream Academy to their bold new EP, "Beautiful Chaos", asking what holds them together, how they balance health with fan pressure, and what their place really is in an industry obsessed with control. Along the way, Rae and I dig into Manon’s contested narrative, the bigotry around Lara Raj’s queerness and identity, and Katseye’s daring choice to keep a trans-affirming lyric in Mean Girls when others would not. Are they pioneers of a new kind of global pop, or artists navigating impossible double standards? Do not forget to check out Rae’s blog on Instagram. To follow along with The Track Record, find the podcast on Instagram. To get connected with Vaish, find her on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.
11 Jun

Why I Started This Podcast (And The Degree I Didn't Finish...)

In this solo episode of Ctrl Click Career, I share the story behind the podcast: why I started it, why it sat in my notes app for five years, and why I believe young people deserve more honest conversations about careers. I open up about my own journey for the first time. From studying psychology and not completing my degree, to rebuilding my confidence and working in marketing, to training as a midwife and now becoming involved in activism and advocacy. This is a conversation about career detours, setbacks, resilience, and learning that success rarely follows a straight line. If you've ever felt behind, changed direction, watched your plans fall apart, or questioned whether you'll ever figure it all out, this episode is for you. Because sometimes the path you never planned for, ends up taking you exactly where you're meant to be... Ctrl Click Career. Career stories, unfiltered. Beyond the job title. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Be the change. Media Network is a youth-led platform dedicated to sharing stories, amplifying underrepresented voices, and informing the public about issues that matter to young people and our communities. The Network is home to podcasts, blogs, and video series produced by dozens of creators based around the world. For more information about Be the change. Media Network, visit: www.bethechangemedianetwork.com.