The Living Well Podcast

Bradford Council

The Living Well Podcast is Bradford City Council’s public health podcast, hosted by Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin. Each episode explores real issues affecting health and wellbeing in Bradford, from mental health and early years to youth voice and healthy environments, through expert insight, lived experience and practical advice. Listen to learn more, challenge myths, and find local support at mylivingwell.co.uk.

Episodes

  1. Apr 7

    Public Health: Tackling Inequalities & Building Trust

    Public health is everyone’s business, focused on creating conditions where people can live their healthiest lives. In this episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin lift the lid on what public health is, why it matters, and how it works to make a difference in the Bradford district. They are joined by: Craig Blundred, Director of Public Health for Bradford District. Together, they explore: Why the role of public health is so broad—from air quality to poverty—and how it tackles the structural inequalities that contribute to the 10-year life expectancy gap in the district. The difference between delivering healthcare (which contributes about 20% of health) and organizing society (which contributes significantly more). Why public health works with people and gives them agency, rather than dictating to them—refuting the "nanny state" label as a simplification of complex issues. How people's choices are limited by their surroundings, such as housing, work, and proximity to takeaways or betting shops. The critical need for trusted voices in the community to cut through misinformation and address challenges like vaccine hesitancy. The positive impact of supporting communities to claim £100 million in unclaimed benefits (like Universal Credit and free school meals) to directly reduce poverty and improve health. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the real drivers of health and the complex work being done to create a healthier Bradford. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk ☎️ Or speak to the Living Well team on 01274 438 884

  2. Apr 2

    Youth Voices: Young Minds, Big Impact

    Nearly a quarter of Bradford’s population is under 18 — yet too often, decisions about services, policies and communities are made without young people’s voices being heard. In this episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin explore why youth voice and co-production are essential to good public health and better decision-making. They are joined by: Anisia, a Bradford Youth Ambassador and trainee youth worker Richard Cracknell, Voice and Influence Lead at Bradford Children and Families Trust Together, they discuss: Why young people are experts in their own lives How young people in Bradford can get involved and influence decisions Common barriers to youth engagement — and how organisations can remove them What meaningful co-production looks like in practice How young people are leading change on issues like safety of women and girls Why listening to young people must lead to action, not tokenism This episode is essential listening for anyone who works with, supports or makes decisions affecting children and young people — and for anyone who believes that better services start by listening. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk☎️ Or speak to the Living Well team on 01274 438 884

  3. Mar 26

    The First 1001 Days – Why Babies Matter in Bradford

    The journey to lifelong health starts before we are born. In this opening episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Zakra Yasin and Tim Howells focus on one of the most important — and most overlooked — areas of public health: babies and the first 1001 days of life, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday. They are joined by Dr Matthew Price, Director of Research and Grants at the 1001 Critical Days Foundation and a clinical psychologist with experience working in infant mental health services in Bradford. Together, they explore: Why the first 1001 days are the foundations for lifelong physical and mental health How babies communicate through crying, eye contact and body language What the “baby blind spot” means — and why babies are often overlooked in policy The importance of supporting parents’ and carers’ mental health Why dads and wider family networks matter for babies’ development How research (including on screen time) can be turned into practical guidance This episode is essential listening for parents, carers, professionals and anyone interested in giving every baby the best possible start in life. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk☎️ Or speak to the Living Well team on 01274 438 884🏠 Visit your local Best Start Family Hub

  4. Mar 19

    Eat Well - Why is it so hard to eat well?

    The food we eat is a golden thread that influences every part of our health and wellbeing. Yet, one in four people in Bradford experience food insecurity, and environmental factors like "food deserts" and "food swamps" make healthy choices challenging. In this episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin look at food insecurity and the systemic challenges to eating well. They are joined by Julie Thompson, CEO of In Churches, and Professor Maria Bryant from the Fix Our Food program at York University. Together, they explore: The difference between "food swamps" (areas with excessive unhealthy food options) and "food deserts" (areas lacking fresh food access), and why these are concentrated in deprived areas of Bradford. The widespread reality of food insecurity, which affects 20-25% of Bradford's population and is strongly associated with high rates of obesity and poor health. How systemic projects are making a difference, including the successful auto-enrollment of over 2,700 children onto free school meals in Bradford. The innovative work being done to enhance school menus, such as 'blending' hidden vegetables into popular meals to improve nutrition and environmental health. The critical shift from emergency food handouts to sustainable, dignified support models like the Nourishing Communities cash-first voucher scheme. The powerful connection between food quality and mental health, with 94% of food pantry users reporting improved mental wellbeing after accessing healthy food options. The economic argument for investing in free school meals: for every £1 invested in universal credit expansion, £1.38 is returned in wider societal savings. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of food in Bradford, and how we can work together to make the healthy option the easy option. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk

  5. Mar 13

    Smoking: Breaking Free -The quitting journey

    Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in Bradford, yet the journey to a smoke-free life is complex and challenging. In this episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin explore the reality of quitting and the critical support available for those ready to start their journey. They are joined by Rose Dunlop, Consultant in Public Health in Bradford, who shares expert insight into modern smoking habits, addiction, and effective cessation strategies. Together, they explore: The stark reality of smoking in Bradford, including the often-overlooked dangers of shisha (equivalent to 100 cigarettes in one hour). Why smoking is a key driver of health inequalities in the district. The most effective methods for starting your quit journey, from "cold turkey" to cutting down. Practical ways to manage physical cravings and withdrawal symptoms using free nicotine replacement therapies. The difference between vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers and the risk of youth vaping. How to recover from a slip-up, recognizing that quitting is often a multi-attempt journey with no stigma. This episode is essential listening for anyone who smokes, has quit and wants support, or wants to know how to help a loved one break free. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk ☎️ Or speak to the Living Well team on 01274 438 884

  6. Mar 4

    Obesity : Beyond Blame - Tackling Stigma and Systemic Change

    Obesity is a complex, sensitive topic, deeply connected to public health issues far beyond diet and exercise. In this episode of The Living Well Podcast, hosts Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin explore the depth of this issue in Bradford, from the financial costs to the profound impact of social factors. They are joined by: Colette Braun, Senior Head of Living Well at the West Yorkshire NHS Integrated Care Board. Together, they discuss: Why Bradford's high levels of deprivation are linked to high rates of obesity and a 20-year difference in healthy life expectancy between deprived and less deprived areas. The societal cost of obesity, which amounts to about £126 billion a year in the UK. Why obesity is not currently recognized as a long-term health condition in its own right, and the campaign to change this narrative. The profound psychological and physical damage of stigma and stereotypes, and why choice is often influenced by surroundings like housing and jobs. System-wide initiatives, such as the Play Streets Project and School Streets, that encourage physical activity for children. The role of GLP-1 weight loss medications (like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro), and why crucial lifestyle changes (wraparound support) are necessary to maintain weight loss and muscle mass. The free local support available through Living Well, including free weight management offers (Slimming World, apna, Brotherhood) and the BEEP (Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People) program. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in shifting the conversation around obesity from individual blame to systemic, collective responsibility. 🔗 Find support and resources at mylivingwell.co.uk ☎️ Or speak to the Living Well team on 01274 438 884

    Obesity : Beyond Blame - Tackling Stigma and Systemic Change
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Living Well Podcast is Bradford City Council’s public health podcast, hosted by Tim Howells and Zakra Yasin. Each episode explores real issues affecting health and wellbeing in Bradford, from mental health and early years to youth voice and healthy environments, through expert insight, lived experience and practical advice. Listen to learn more, challenge myths, and find local support at mylivingwell.co.uk.

Information

  • Creator
    Bradford Council
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bradford Council
  • Show Website
    The Living Well Podcast