Speaking of Inclusion...

Katie Allen Consulting Limited

"Speaking of Inclusion..." explores the role of inclusion within society, workplaces and beyond. Listen along to thought-provoking conversations with special guests from a range of industries, delving into topics such as gender identity, anti-racism, inclusive recruitment, and of course… the role of allies. You can expect insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will take you from being simply being curious to confidently navigating conversations about diversity and equality. Hosted by Katie Allen, Inclusion Coach and TEDx speaker, and creator of Allyship In Action.

  1. Become a Super Communicator - with Ettie Bailey-King

    May 26

    Become a Super Communicator - with Ettie Bailey-King

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion..., Katie Allen talks with Ettie Bailey-King about what it really means to be a “Super Communicator”. Ettie is an inclusive and accessible communication educator who helps people and organisations communicate clearly,inclusively, and accessibly. Together, they explore why inclusive language and accessible communication matter, and how the words and formats we use can shape how people feel, engage, and make decisions. Katie and Ettie also explore the reality of information overload (how our brains and bodies respond to the constant streamof emails and notifications) and the toll it can take. Ettie offers practical advice for managing our own overwhelm, and tips to avoid overwhelming others in the way we communicate. The conversation tackles the complexity of difficult conversations, especially when bias or discrimination is involved. Ettie shares some grounded strategies for regulating emotions and looking after yourself before, during, and after challenging interactions. The episode finishes with straightforward, actionable tips for making your communication more inclusive and accessible, such as rethinking how you use hyperlinks. 3 key takeaways: Everyday language shapes perceptions and experiences, especially when it comes to inclusion. Choosing words purposefully matters.Overwhelm isn’t just personal, it’s baked into how we work, communicate, and use technology. Both individuals andorganisations can make small changes to help.There are practical, evidence-based ways to prepare for and manage tough conversations, placing wellbeing and personalagency front and centre. Reflective Question:How does the way you communicate, both in what you say and the way you present information, affect others’ ability to understand, engage, and feel included? Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: Ettie’s accessible communications checklistEttie’s website: www.fightingtalk.ukEttie’s LinkedIn: search for "Ettie Bailey-King" (only one result)Sign-up link for Ettie’s newsletter (via fightingtalk.uk above) If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at Buy Me A Coffee. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 4m
  2. Mental Wellness meets Crime Thriller - with Mary Desch

    May 12

    Mental Wellness meets Crime Thriller - with Mary Desch

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion..., I am joined by Mary Desch, a former psychiatrist from Portland, Oregon, who has made the leap from addiction medicine to writing psychological crime thrillers. Mary and I discuss her first novel, Tangled Darkness, and how her background in psychiatry and addiction work informs her storytelling and character development. Throughout our conversation, Mary shares a grounded look at the realities of mental wellness, addiction, and recovery. The episode offers insight into how mental health struggles show up in everyday life, the critical role of community and support, and why understanding the complexities of addiction (forboth those directly affected and those around them) matters. We talk through the messy, very human sides of change, shame, coping, and what it actually takes to move from struggle toward real peace of mind. We also cover why education and open conversations about mental health are as important as teaching physical health or spirituality, and how those in the workplace (and beyond) can make a difference by listening and engaging with care. 3 key takeaways: Lasting recovery from addiction is not just about stopping, it’s about staying stopped, with support, and learning to live with peace of mind.Open, non-judgemental education about mental health and addiction is missing from most early life experiences, but it is vital for adults and young people alike.Community, whether through mutual support groups, friends, family, or even creative circles, can make a profound difference for those facing tough times. A question for listeners to reflect on:How can you show up with empathy and openness for someone whose experience or struggles you might not fully understand? You can find about Mary and her amazing writing from her website www.MaryDesch.com. Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: You can find additional interviews with Mary by searching for “Mary Desch author interviews” onlineTangled Darkness is available to buy in all good book outlets NOW, and the sequel, If I Go Quiet, plus the upcoming novella, Lethal Loyalty, and forthcoming novel, Play Me Once will be available very soon – keep an eye on Mary’s website!If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at www.coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠ www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 16m
  3. Practical Nutrition - with Sammy Williams

    Apr 28

    Practical Nutrition - with Sammy Williams

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Sammy Williams, a qualified nutritionist and intuitive eating coach. Together, we explore what it really means to take a practical and sustainable approach to your health andwellbeing, especially when tempted by the ongoing craze for quick fixes and fad diets. Sammy shares her journey from competitive sport and science teaching to holistic nutrition, weaving in the science, psychology, and even the spirituality that underpins lasting behaviour change. Through our conversation, you’ll hear: 1.     Sustainability over Quick Fixes: We unpack why those popular weight loss injections and silver bullet solutions rarely deliver long-term benefits and how health is really about habits, not hacks. 2.     Structural Barriers to Health: Sammy highlights how access to good nutrition is too often seen as a privilege, not a right, and why lower-income groups are disproportionately affected by metabolic diseases and exclusion from wellbeing. 3.     Small, Compassionate Changes Work Best: Hear practical tips for breaking out of autopilot routines and shifting towards more energising, nourishing habits, withoutattempting to overhaul your entire life all at once. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: What’s the one small thing you could do differently this week to support your energy and wellbeing—without falling into the trap of all-or-nothing thinking?   If you’ve found value in this conversation and want to help keep Speaking of Inclusion ad-free, why not buy Katie a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion? Your support helps keep the podcast funded and accessible to all.   Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 5m
  4. Being Safe People - with Cath Blayney

    Apr 14

    Being Safe People - with Cath Blayney

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Cath Blayney, a liberation coach for black and brown leaders and an allyship coach for white coaches, consultants, and healers. Cath and I first met when she approached me on LinkedIn about my own behaviour and language... a story you can hear more about in this episode! Together, we explore what it really means to be a "safe person" rather than just creating so-called safe spaces. Our conversation weaves through stories of vulnerability, identity, race, and the everyday realities of allyship… both its challenges and its power. Cath generously shares her journey, from working with head teachers in education to supporting anti-racism in organisations, and how her own mixed heritage informsher work. We discuss how organisations and individuals can move beyond platitudes and box-ticking exercises, towards honest self-reflection and genuine behavioural change. We also talk through our own learning moments, including times when mistakes have been made in the name of inclusion, and what it takes to lean into the discomfort thatbrings. Here are three key takeaways from this episode: 1.    Safe spaces are only as meaningful as the people within them. It’s about cultivating safe people equipped with the self-awareness and capacity to handle discomfort and challenge, not just sticking a label on a meeting or group 2.    Emotions like shame, guilt, and defensiveness are not negative in themselves, they’re valuable data to be processed, not blockers to growth 3.    There is no “completion” in personal or organisational anti-racism work. Instead, it’s a continual process of reflecting, regulating, and learning from mistakes, especially when those lessons are uncomfortable As you listen to today’s episode, consider this question:How do you respond (physically and emotionally) when someone challenges your perspective on inclusion or calls attention to mistakes you might have made? Cath can be contacted in the following ways: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inclusiveleadershipcoaching/ Website: www.InclusiveLeadershipCoaching.co.uk If you’d like to support the podcast and help keep these honest conversations going, you can buy me a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.comTheme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 10m
  5. Inclusion as a Competitive Edge - with Hacia Atherton

    Apr 1

    Inclusion as a Competitive Edge - with Hacia Atherton

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by HaciaAtherton, author of "Billion Dollar Blind Spot", principal consultant at All Star Consulting, and founder of Empowered Women in Trades. Hacia brings her lived experience as a woman in a fifth-generation family plumbing business, a leader with ADHD and dyslexia, and the resilience forged through surviving a near-fatal horse-riding accident. Our conversation covers everything from the realities of family business dynamics and the importance of psychological safety at work, to how positive psychology and individual belonging can transform not just performance, but wellbeing and leadership. We talk about how honest self-reflection, adaptive tools, andunapologetic role modelling can open doors for true inclusion, and why Hacia believes that shifting from "safe spaces" to "brave spaces" is fundamental for lasting change. 3 Key Takeaways from our chat:Role modelling inclusive and neurodivergent-friendly practices creates visible, actionable change: leaders who openly adapt for their own needs empower others to do the same. Psychological success matters as much as outward business performance: wellbeing should be measured holistically, not in silos. Creating brave spaces, rather than purely safe spaces, enables constructive challenge and authentic growth: it’s about respecting discomfort and co-creating culture. As you listen, consider: What does “brave space” mean for you, and how might you foster it in your own work environment? Hacia can be connected with in the following ways: Her book Billion Dollar Blindspot can be found here: https://www.haciaatherton.com/billion-dollar-blindspot   Websites: www.haciaatherton.com www.allstarconsultinginc.com   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/haciaatherton.mapp/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/ Instagram:@hacia.atherton    If you enjoyed today’s episode and want to help keep Speaking of Inclusion funded, buy Katie a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Your support keeps this podcast running and the conversations flowing. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is aspecialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama"by Alder

    51 min
  6. Islamophobia - with Halyma Begum

    Mar 17

    Islamophobia - with Halyma Begum

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion, Katie Allen sits down with Halyma Begum, an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) specialist and wellbeing lead, for an honest conversation about Islamophobia, everyday barriers, and what it means to be visibly Muslim in the UK right now. The conversation opens up with real-life stories about microaggressions, racism in public spaces, and the challenges of being both a woman and Muslim in a world where bias often goes unchecked. Halyma shares her journey from the contact centre floor to leading on EDI in major organisations, reflecting on moments of realisation, solidarity, and the importance of community. She discusses how her Islamic faith shapes her work, the practical aspects of inclusion in schools and workplaces, and the impact of recent anti-Muslim sentiment on daily life. Ramadan, its meaning, and misconceptions about the Islamic faith are part of the discussion, as are the small steps allies can take to support Muslim colleagues and neighbours. Halyma’s stories are practical, sometimes painful, and always rooted in hope and the urge for justice. Key takeaways: Inclusion is not just policy but interaction: The small everyday actions in schools, workplaces, and communities can profoundly affect how Muslim colleagues and neighbours feel seen and supported. Islamophobia is on the rise, and it’s not always loud or obvious: It can show up as unchecked comments, assumptions, or simply silence from those who witness discrimination but don’t intervene. Acts of solidarity matter: From learning greetings like “Ramadan Mubarak” to being curious about different experiences, these gestures help build connections and safer spaces. Question to reflect on: Where in your day-to-day life might you have missed an opportunity to challenge prejudice or show support for someone from a different background? If you enjoy the podcast, you can help keep it funded by buying me a virtual coffee at www.coff.ee/speakingofinclusion. Every contribution helps the show keep going! Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen.Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.⁠ www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

    56 min
  7. Sleep is a Skill - with Beatrix Schmidt

    Mar 3

    Sleep is a Skill - with Beatrix Schmidt

    In today's episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Beatrix Schmidt, a sleep coach for adults, professional speaker and author of Sleep Skills for Life. Together, we unravel the myths and realities behind what it means to truly sleep well and explore why so many of us struggle with getting the rest we need. Beatrix shares her own journey with insomnia, addressing why generic tips often fall short, and bringing a refreshing perspective: sleep isn’t a matter of luck, but a set of practical, learnable skills. We discuss how personality traits, neurodiversity, and lifestyle impact sleep, and why the art of relaxation, physically, emotionally, and mentally, is at the heart of successful sleep transitions. Throughout the conversation, Beatrix offers advice on recognising when your sleep is actually a problem (versus just an occasional tough night), reframing sleep difficulties as puzzles to be solved rather than signs of being broken, and the importance of self-awareness and curiosity in building sustainable sleep habits. We also touch on the pitfalls of quick fixes, why tracking your sleep doesn’t always lead to meaningful change, and how to future-proof your sleep skills for every stage of life. Here are three key takeaways from today’s episode: Sleep is a skill, not an accident – and it can be shaped to suit your needs, personality and stage of life by working with who you are, not against yourself. Generic solutions often miss the mark; what works for one person (think: baths, meditation, journaling) may not work for another, and recognising your own patterns is the first important step. You are not broken if you struggle with sleep. The real progress starts by identifying your individual sleep puzzle and seeking support before years of trial and error entrench the problem. A question to reflect on as you listen: How well do you really understand your own sleep patterns? And are you actively working with, rather than against, your personality and daily behaviours to improve them? Beatrix can be connected with via her website, www.BeatrixASchmit.com where you will also find all her free resources - including her free consultation for those who are really struggling! you can also buy her book Sleep Skills for Life here: https://www.beatrixaschmidt.com/bookpurchase If today’s episode resonated with you, help support the show by buying me a virtual coffee at www.BuyMeACoffee.com. Just head to coff.ee/speakingofinclusion and help keep the podcast funded. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations. www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 25m
  8. Migration Without Shame - with Kamil Hejmanowski

    Feb 17

    Migration Without Shame - with Kamil Hejmanowski

    In this episode of Speaking of Inclusion... I am joined by Kamil Hejmanowski, a world champion kickboxer, karate sensei, and now life coach supporting migrants who experience shame in the UK. Kamil generously shares his journey from growing up in Poland to navigating teenage years as a new migrant in theUK, grappling with a sense of not belonging, shame, and the search for self-worth. Throughout our conversation, Kamil shares how his earliest experiences shaped his understanding of self, community, and cultural differences. We discuss the complex realities of migration. How they reverberate through identity, family dynamics, and working life. Kamil provides invaluable insight into the hidden challenges many migrants face, including cultural expectations, emotional barriers, and the sometimesinvisible burden of having to prove oneself. Key takeaways from this episode: Migration is a deeply personal experience, shaped by culture, upbringing, and often invisible emotional struggles such as shame and a need to prove one's worth.Our personal histories influence the way we work, relate to others, and respond to challenges, highlighting the need for greater empathy and understanding in our workplaces and communities.Real change, whether in individuals or institutions, requires us to look beneath the surface and address the root causes of behaviour, rather than simply treating the symptoms.As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question:How might you better recognise and support those whose life stories and cultural backgrounds differ from your own?   Things we said we'd include in this episode's show notes: Link to Kamil’s website - www.kamilhejmanowski.com,where you will also find his TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook accounts (both Polish and English language)A reminder that Kamil’s website is available in both Polish and English, with a button to swap languages If you found value in today's conversation and want to help keep the podcast going, you can buy me a virtual coffee at coff.ee/speakingofinclusion – every cuppa helps to fund the show. Speaking of Inclusion is hosted by Katie Allen. Katie is a specialist inclusion consultant and confidence coach, offering a no BS approach to DEI and helping people become more confident in important human conversations.www.KatieAllenConsulting.com Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

    1h 8m
See All (69)

Trailer

About

"Speaking of Inclusion..." explores the role of inclusion within society, workplaces and beyond. Listen along to thought-provoking conversations with special guests from a range of industries, delving into topics such as gender identity, anti-racism, inclusive recruitment, and of course… the role of allies. You can expect insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will take you from being simply being curious to confidently navigating conversations about diversity and equality. Hosted by Katie Allen, Inclusion Coach and TEDx speaker, and creator of Allyship In Action.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Allen Consulting Limited
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Katie Allen Consulting Limited
  • Show Website
    Speaking of Inclusion...