Ian Lavery – MP for Blyth and Ashington (#26)

Ian Lavery – MP for Blyth and Ashington (#26)

Episode 26 of the Money Made Human podcast features Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington. Ian has dedicated much of his career to public service, representing communities through both the trade union movement and Parliament. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Ian about the experiences that have shaped his values, his journey into politics, and the realities of serving as an elected representative. The conversation also explores the lasting impact of the miners' strikes, the importance of trade unions and credit unions in supporting communities, and Ian's hopes for the future. Key topics in this episode include: * How Ian's upbringing, family, and experiences of poverty shaped his values * The impact of the miners' strikes on his family and wider society * His role as President of the National Union of Mineworkers * Why trade unions and credit unions remain important to local communities * His journey into politics and role as an MP * The realities of serving as an elected representative We hope you enjoy listening!

Elaine Rae – Chief Executive Officer, NHS Credit Union (#25)

Episode 25 of the Money Made Human podcast features Elaine Rae, Chief Executive Officer of NHS Credit Union. Elaine has dedicated her career to improving people's lives, from her early work in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative care to leading one of Scotland's largest credit unions. Having spent five years as Chair of the Board before becoming Chief Executive Officer, she is also one of the founding members of NHS Credit Union and has played a key role in its growth over the past decade. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Elaine about her career journey, the experiences that shaped her values, and the influence of growing up in poverty, her mother's resilience, and her family's trade union roots. She also reflects on the importance of compassionate care, including helping people achieve what she describes as a "good death", and how these experiences continue to inform her leadership today. The conversation explores the role of credit unions during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the importance of empowering women in leadership, and NHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme, which supports members experiencing economic abuse to regain control of their finances. Elaine also shares her work with the Coalition of Credit Unions, her ambitions for the future of NHS Credit Union, and her hopes for the years ahead. Key topics in this episode include: * Elaine's career journey and leadership at NHS Credit Union * Growing up in poverty and the influence of her mother and trade union roots * Her background in mental health nursing, social work, and palliative care * Female leadership and empowering women in the workplace * NHS Credit Union's Safe Harbour programme and supporting survivors of economic abuse * The role of credit unions during the cost-of-living crisis Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about compassion, leadership, financial wellbeing, and the power of credit unions to change lives.

Debbie Robinson – Chief Executive Officer, OurCoop (#24)

Episode 24 of the Money Made Human podcast features Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of OurCoop. A passionate advocate for the co-operative movement, Debbie has spent her career championing the values of cooperation, community, and member ownership. As CEO of OurCoop, she leads one of the UK's largest independent co-operative societies, serving communities across multiple sectors while remaining focused on delivering value for members and customers. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Debbie about her career journey, the people who have shaped her values, and the influence of a family deeply connected to the co-operative movement. She reflects on the positive impact of her upbringing, particularly the role her mother played in shaping her outlook on life and leadership. The conversation explores the power of cooperation to create meaningful change, both locally and globally, and why understanding members and customers remains at the heart of the co-operative model. Debbie also shares her thoughts on the future of the movement, the importance of creating opportunity, and why her personal philosophy is to "make every day count". Key topics in this episode include: * Debbie's career journey and leadership at OurCoop * The influence of family and the co-operative movement throughout her life * The opportunities created through cooperation at both a local and global level * Prosperity, growth, and what success should look like for communities * Debbie's hopes for the future of the co-operative movement * The importance of family and the support of her "home team" Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, cooperation, community, and the values that can help create a better future for everyone.

Alan Rough MBE – Scottish Former Professional Footballer & Football Broadcaster (#23)

Episode 23 of the Money Made Human podcast features Alan Rough MBE, Scottish former professional footballer and football broadcaster. Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s most recognisable goalkeepers, Alan enjoyed an outstanding playing career that saw him represent his country on the international stage and become a firm favourite with football supporters across Scotland. Best known for his time at Partick Thistle, he remains one of the club’s most celebrated players and a respected voice within the game today. In this episode, host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Alan about his journey into football, the influence of his parents, and the experiences that shaped a career spanning some of the most memorable moments in Scottish football. He reflects on representing Scotland at three World Cups, including his memories of the 1978 tournament in Argentina, and shares his thoughts on how the game has evolved over the decades. Key topics in this episode include: * Alan’s journey into football and goalkeeping * The influence of his parents and early life experiences * How football has changed over the years * The importance of saving and planning for the future as a professional footballer * His current role with PLZ Soccer and continued involvement in the game * The importance of staying active and maintaining good health Join us for an entertaining and insightful conversation with one of Scottish football’s most recognisable figures, reflecting on a remarkable career and the lessons learned along the way.

Hugh Gaffney – Former MP, Author of Auchengeich & Founding Member of 1st Class Credit Union (#22)

In episode 22 of the Money Made Human podcast, we’re joined by Hugh Gaffney, former MP, author of Auchengeich, and founding member of 1st Class Credit Union. Host Gayle Lloyd speaks with Hugh about a life shaped by service, community, and a deep commitment to helping others. From growing up in a family of eight siblings to his career with Royal Mail, Hugh reflects on the experiences that led him into trade union activism and later into politics. The conversation also explores Hugh’s powerful work in preserving the history of the Auchengeich mining disaster, where 47 men lost their lives in 1959, and the lasting impact it had on families and communities. He also shares personal reflections on loss, including the passing of his wife Anne, and the values that continue to guide him. Key topics in this episode include: * Hugh’s upbringing in a large family and early influences * His career with Royal Mail and work with the Communication Workers Union * His journey from councillor to MP * The importance of credit unions and payroll deduction schemes * The story of the Auchengeich mining disaster and his book * Personal reflections on grief, family, and motivation to help others We hope you enjoy listening to Hughie’s story as much as we did!