Reasons to be Cheerful: The Podcast

Reasons to be Cheerful

Welcome to Reasons to be Cheerful, our brand new podcast series. Reasons to be Cheerful is a family run business, founded by Mark, Nic and Daisy. At the heart of everything we do is a shared passion for creating spaces that uplift, inspire, and bring people together. We believe in the power of storytelling, the strength of community, and most importantly, spreading cheer.

Episodes

  1. 07/20/2025

    Noah Venn: Hope

    Since recording this podcast, Noah's mother Sara has passed away. Noah has set up The Sara Venn Project in her honour, and is currently fundraising. Find out more here - https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-sara-venn-project In this conversation, Mark Shayler speaks with Noah Venn about the concept of hope, its significance in personal growth, and its role in social change. Noah shares his journey of taking over Edible Bristol and how hope has shaped his life, especially in the context of his identity and the challenges faced by the trans community. They discuss the importance of collective hope in driving social movements and the practices that can help individuals foster hope in their own lives, emphasising kindness, community engagement, and connection to nature. Noah and Mark explore the themes of self-care, hope, and community. They discuss the importance of being kind to oneself, the role of hope as a form of resistance against challenges, and how nature reflects cycles of hope. They also delve into how to inspire hope in others and the relationship between hope and action, concluding with personal reflections on what gives them hope for the future. Find Noah - @noahandsaravenn RTBC - @manyreasonstobecheerful www.reasonstobecheerful.co.uk

    Noah Venn: Hope

  2. 07/03/2025

    Ben Akers: Hope

    In this first series, we're diving into a theme that's close to our hearts - hope. In times of uncertainty, hope is the thread that holds us together, the spark that keeps us moving forward. Through inspiring stories, thoughtful conversations and powerful perspectives, we'll explore how hope shapes our lives, connects us, and helps us see the brighter side of even the toughest of days. In this conversation, Ben Akers shares his journey from the advertising industry to becoming the CEO of Talk Club, a charity focused on mental health and community support for men. He discusses the impact of personal loss, particularly the suicide of a close friend, and how it led him to create a documentary and a supportive community. The conversation delves into the meaning of hope, the importance of self-belief, and the necessity of cultivating hope in challenging times. Ben emphasizes the power of vulnerability and leading by example, encouraging others to open up and seek support. In this conversation, Ben Akers discusses the significance of connection and support in fostering hope, emphasizing the importance of checking in with oneself and maintaining a positive mindset. He shares daily practices that can help individuals cultivate hope, such as gratitude and positive affirmations. The discussion also explores the coexistence of hope with uncertainty and fear, the role of storytelling in inspiring others, and the necessity of action in realizing hope. Ultimately, Ben highlights the power of positivity and supportive communities in creating a mentally fit society. Talk Club - https://talkclub.org Reasons to be Cheerful - www.reasonstobecheerful.co.uk

    Ben Akers: Hope

  3. 06/24/2025

    Charlotte Sewell: Hope

    In this first series, we’re diving into a theme that’s close to our hearts - hope. In times of uncertainty, hope is the thread that holds us together, the spark that keeps us moving forward.  Through inspiring stories, thoughtful conversations, and powerful perspectives, we’ll explore how hope shapes our lives, connects us, and helps us see the brighter side of even the toughest days. In this conversation, Charlotte Sewell discusses her work in community building and social justice, emphasizing the importance of hope in navigating challenges. She shares her perspective on how hope acts as a driving force for action and connection among individuals. The discussion also touches on the balance between maintaining hope and managing emotional responses to global issues, highlighting the role of community and personal practices in fostering resilience and empathy. In this conversation, Charlotte and Mark explore the multifaceted nature of hope, discussing its relationship with empathy, privilege, and community. They delve into how collective hope can serve as a powerful force for good, the importance of leadership in fostering hope, and the interplay between hope, grief, and uncertainty. The discussion also highlights the significance of storytelling in nurturing hope and the necessity of action in realizing it. Ultimately, they reflect on the role of community and nature in finding hope amidst the challenges of modern life. Find Charlotte here - @sewellcharlotte Uncomfortable Spaces: NEWSLETTER: https://uncomfortableconversationslove.substack.com/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncomfortableconversations WEBPAGE: https://www.uncomfortable.love/

    Charlotte Sewell: Hope

  4. 06/17/2025

    Giel Malual: Hope

    In this first series, we’re diving into a theme that’s close to our hearts - hope. In times of uncertainty, hope is the thread that holds us together, the spark that keeps us moving forward.  Through inspiring stories, thoughtful conversations, and powerful perspectives, we’ll explore how hope shapes our lives, connects us, and helps us see the brighter side of even the toughest days. In this conversation, Giel Malual shares his profound insights on hope, resilience, and the power of storytelling. He discusses how hope can inspire courage and serve as a form of resistance against oppression. Giel reflects on his personal experiences with hope in dire situations, emphasizing its necessity in overcoming fear and adversity. He highlights the role of storytelling in fostering hope within communities and the importance of taking action to realize that hope. The conversation also touches on the current humanitarian crisis in Sudan, calling for global awareness and action to support those suffering. Find Giel - @gielmalual Find Reasons to be Cheerful - @manyreasonstobecheerful www.reasonstobecheerful.co.uk

    Giel Malual: Hope

  5. 06/06/2025

    Tinuke Bernard: Hope

    In this first series, we’re diving into a theme that’s close to our hearts - hope. In times of uncertainty, hope is the thread that holds us together, the spark that keeps us moving forward.  Through inspiring stories, thoughtful conversations, and powerful perspectives, we’ll explore how hope shapes our lives, connects us, and helps us see the brighter side of even the toughest days. In this episode, we're talking to Tinuke Bernard. In this conversation, Mark and Tinuke explore the concept of hope, its definitions, and how personal experiences shape one's perspective on hope. They discuss the importance of maintaining hope during challenging times, the nature of hope as something that can be cultivated, and practical habits to foster hope. Tinuke shares her insights on the role of community, literature, and music in nurturing hope, and concludes with reflections on the hope she sees in the younger generation. Find us on Instagram: @manyreasonstobecheerful Find Tinuke on Instagram: @tinukebernard www.reasonstobecheerful.co.uk

    Tinuke Bernard: Hope
  • 5 Episodes

About

Welcome to Reasons to be Cheerful, our brand new podcast series. Reasons to be Cheerful is a family run business, founded by Mark, Nic and Daisy. At the heart of everything we do is a shared passion for creating spaces that uplift, inspire, and bring people together. We believe in the power of storytelling, the strength of community, and most importantly, spreading cheer.

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