A Class of Their Own

This episode isn't just for people like Sal Naseem, it's for anyone with the power to listen, learn, and act. Sal Naseem, author of True North: A Story of Racism, Resilience & Resisting Systems of Denial, has lived through it all: the relentless racism, the concrete / glass / all the ceilings, and the fight to create change within resistant institutions. From a childhood shaped by violence and survival instincts to becoming the Regional Director for London and National Discrimination Lead at the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Sal's journey is one of courage, resilience, and transformation. In many ways he didn't have a choice. Raised in a family that ran a community shop, Sal's early life was steeped in love, kindness and generosity. His father, a stoic figure, believed in building relationships and earning respect through actions. Yet the shop wasn't just a place of warmth; it was a frontline to help and support the community. Unfortunately, Sal also faced threats daily - machetes, syringes, fire. Sal learned to navigate a world that tested him at every turn. But survival wasn't enough. Sal couldn't stay silent. It's not in his nature. During the George Floyd protests in 2020, he became a public voice for accountability in policing, taking on immense personal and professional risk to call out systemic racism. He learned that driving change meant enduring isolation, backlash, and relentless scrutiny not to mention Personal Attacks. This episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to lead, to survive, and to create change: - The Cost of Courage: Sal opens up about his battles with institutional resistance, the mental toll of being on the frontline, and the price he paid for standing up for what's right - Kindness as a Weapon: His father's legacy of respect and generosity shaped Sal's belief in community-building, even in the face of hatred - Lessons for Leaders: If you hold the power to make decisions, this is your chance to understand what it feels like to navigate systems of denial Sal's story isn't just about resilience; it's a call to action. For leaders, for allies, and for anyone willing to see the world through a lens of accountability and fairness, this episode is a must-listen. To understand what one man can be put through and be standing at the end with his head held high. This isn't just another podcast, it's reality. It's a raw, unfiltered look at what it takes to drive change when the odds are stacked against you. 🎧 This is part 1 of Sal's powerful story. Whether you can relate or not, this is for you if you want to learn, grow, and use your position to create a kinder, fairer world. Change starts with understanding, which starts right here Guest: https://www.instagram.com/sal_naseem https://www.linkedin.com/in/sal-naseem Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website: https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magecha https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Payne https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridge https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Studio: Podcast House https://www.podcasthouse.uk Episode bought to you by: play for change https://www.playforchange.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd

This isn’t just another episode on A Class of Their Own Podcast it’s a rallying cry. Emma Freivogel, CEO of Radical Recruit, is on a mission to prove that the people society overlooks are often the ones with the most to offer. Emma’s story starts in a home where love had no limits. Her parents ran an open-door policy, well her mum did and her dad fed any kid in need could walk through their door. But with generosity came tension: “Why can’t it just be us?” Emma reflects on the push and pull of family values that shaped her worldview. Emma learned early on that dignity, respect, and love can transform lives. From rebuilding her own life in Oz to London to creating Radical Recruit, Emma knows what it means to fight for a second chance. She’s built a movement that connects people leaving prison, struggling with homelessness, or simply ignored by the system with employers willing to see their potential. Hiring for potential, not pedigree. This episode will move you, challenge you, and leave you questioning why you’re not doing more to help. The people Emma works with aren’t charity cases, they’re fighters, survivors, and problem solvers. They just need a chance. Her approach is raw, unapologetic, and urgent, because if we don’t act now, more lives are failed and slip through the cracks. What to Expect: - The raw truth about resilience and redemption: Emma shares her personal journey from chaos to clarity. - Why privilege needs a rebrand: She explains how we can all use what we have to make space for others. - Radical Recruit’s game-changing model: Practical, bold, and results-driven support for people society writes off. - Small wins, big impact: Why even the tiniest opportunities can be life-changing for someone starting over. Why This Matters: This isn’t just about giving people a shot; it’s about redefining opportunity. The clock is ticking. Every day, more people are left behind simply because no one believes in them. Emma’s work shows what’s possible when you stop making excuses and start taking action. What you can do to help: Listen. Share. Act. Emma doesn’t want sympathy, for her radicals she wants change. And change starts right here, with you. Whether you’re an employer, a leader, or someone who believes in fairness, this episode will challenge you to show up and think differently. You’ll walk away inspired, but more importantly, you’ll walk away knowing you can do something. The smallest actions, liking a job, offering a job, sharing this message, asking better questions all of this can create ripples that transform lives. This isn’t just a story; it’s a movement. Join us. The time to act is now. Radical change starts with Radical Recruit. Guest Emma Frivogel https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmafreivogel https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/radicalrecruit2024 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website: https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magecha https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Payne https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridge https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Studio: Podcast House https://www.podcasthouse.uk Episode bought to you by: play for change https://www.playforchange.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd

This week's episode brings you the kind of conversations most men avoid-and desperately need. It's raw, it's real, and it might just be the push you need to stop bottling things up and start talking. From living in shame to finding purpose, these stories challenge everything we think about what it means to be "strong." Josh White opens up about how being the life of the party masked crippling anxiety, fear, and feelings of failure. Diagnosed with ADHD, he was labelled, judged, and left searching for help in all the wrong places. "I was scared of life," Josh admits. But smashing through his comfort zones helped him rewrite his story. Real Hackney Dave had it all on paper-car, kids, house-but felt miserable and ashamed of the life he'd built. He hit rock bottom, tore up the rulebook, and rebuilt a life that feels authentic, one motorbike ride at a time. His message is blunt: stop waiting for permission to live your life. Joe Roberts-Walker shares the heartbreak of losing his brother and the unexpected beauty of finding hope in his niece. "Grief is something we're never prepared for," he says, but Joe's story is one of love, legacy, and learning to hold pain and joy in the same hands. Paraag Amin takes us into the pressure cooker of cultural expectations, from childhood responsibility to adult burnout. After hitting a breaking point on his 40th birthday, he realised life isn't about titles or achievements but the way you make others feel. Why This Episode Matters: These aren't just stories, they're lifelines. They remind us that no one has it all figured out and that opening up isn't just brave; it's necessary. What You'll Gain: - A glimpse into the lives of men who've faced the fear, grief, and shame that we rarely talk about. - The courage to reflect on your own struggles and the strength to start your own conversations. - Hope that even in your darkest moments, there's a way forward. If you're willing to talk. Why Listen Now? Because every second you wait is another second pretending you're fine when you're not. These men didn't have all the answers, but they had the courage to start. Now it's your turn. Your story matters, and someone out there needs to hear it. Start sharing and talking today. Guests Paraag Amin https://www.instagram.com/the_paraag David Buonaguidi https://www.instagram.com/realhackneydave Josh White https://www.instagram.com/josh_white1 https://www.instagram.com/canowater Joe Roberts-Walker https://www.instagram.com/mejuicer Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website: https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magecha https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Payne https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridge https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Studio: Podcast House https://www.podcasthouse.uk Episode bought to you by: play for change https://www.playforchange.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd

This isn’t just another episode. It’s a lifeline. It’s a collection of raw, honest moments from five incredible men who’ve walked through pain, joy, and the grey areas in between—and lived to share their truths. Through rebuilding and rising stronger. Their words will resonate, challenge, and inspire you to confront what you’ve been holding back. Sam Smith reveals the weight of feeling worthless after sport, the emptiness of chasing the next thing, and the life-changing moment someone made him feel 'normal'. His raw honesty reminds us all: it’s not just okay to ask for help, but we need to seek help until we find something that we truly need. Alex Payne lays bare the stark reality of acting and freelancing, where soaring highs are crushed by endless lows. He opens up about how depression creeps in, how family values gave him grit, and why routine becomes a saviour. Amardeep Parmar speaks to the unique struggles of South Asian men, exploring the destructive pressures to bottle emotions. He shares his softer side and why opening up is both cathartic and painfully confronting and needed. Real Hackney Dave reflects on hitting 50 and seeing life through a raw, unfiltered lens. After a catastrophic period where everything fell apart, including his marriage, he's found a way back, realising that clarity often comes in life’s darkest moments. Tayo Adesnia brings us a heartwarming story of #FriendCalledDave requiring resilience and brotherhood, proving that even in life’s toughest moments, connection can pull us through. This was a key reasons he is developing and building TrashGxng today. These are some of the conversations we often avoid, especially men, and we desperately need. Each of these men challenge us to stop bottling things up, to ask for help, and to the strength we need. Why Listen Now: - This episode isn’t about fixing us; it’s about freeing us. - These stories show that being vulnerable isn’t weak—it’s brave Whether we are navigating loss, battling insecurities, or just trying to figure out who you are, these stories remind us that none of us are alone and that opening up could be the first step to breaking free. What You’ll Gain: - Connection: Hear stories, fears, the untold that feel like your own, or ones you want to be able to share - Inspiration: Real, unfiltered stories that show strength - Hope: Realise you’re never too far gone to rebuild and find opportunity even in the messiest of moments - Action: A call to be brave, reflect, share, and start conversations that matter These stories could save a life. Maybe even yours. Because sometimes, the best way to help yourself is to help someone else feel seen. Your story matters. Start sharing it today Guests Sam Smith https://www.instagram.com/thisisthechangingroom https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-smith-coaching Alex Payne https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne David Buonaguidi https://www.instagram.com/realhackneydave Tayo Adesina https://www.instagram.com/trash_gxng Amardeep Parmar https://www.instagram.com/amardeep.s.parmar Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website: https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magecha https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Episode bought to you by: play for change https://www.playforchange.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd

Ever had life break you wide open, leaving you to rebuild from scratch? For Naroop Jhooti, that moment hit when a 25+ year relationship ended, leaving him single at 41 and a male role model for his daughter. This episode is a raw dive into the gut-wrenching reality of finding yourself again, not just as a father, but as a man who’s faced down insecurity, heartbreak, and the fear of never finding love again. Growing up, Naroop never felt like he fit in. Bullied for an eye condition and never feeling "enough" in Southall, he constantly struggled to find his place. His brother’s early stardom and success contrasted sharply with Naroop’s own shyness, deepening his insecurities and desire for self-acceptance. Yet, life had more in store. When his marriage fell apart, he had to confront these old wounds – all while learning to be the dad his daughter deserved. Now, he’s passionate about supporting single fathers of colour and breaking down the stereotypes of masculinity. Why should you listen? Because Naroop’s journey is a blueprint for resilience. He’s proof that: - You can survive heartbreak, rediscover your worth, and become the person you needed all along. - Vulnerability doesn’t weaken you; it gives you strength in ways pride never could. - Learning to love yourself might just be the key to finding love again. - This isn’t just a story – it’s a lesson in healing, rebirth, and redefining what it means to be a man. Naroop’s insights will inspire you to face your own fears and emerge stronger than before. Drop what you’re doing, because this is one you can’t afford to miss. Naroop #YouAreAClassOfYourOwn Guest Naroop Jhooti Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnaroop TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsnaroop Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/naroopjhooti Website: https://www.backthebrave.com Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-class-of-their-own/id1732288997 Watch on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast/podcasts Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Apq2pSbmvytPjABrlidpN?si=4d62eba56abb45ad Social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aclassoftheirownpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aclassoftheirownpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aclassoftheirownpodcast Website: https://www.playforchange.co.uk/aclassoftheirownpodcast Host: Mira Magecha https://www.linkedin.com/in/miramagecha https://www.instagram.com/mira_magecha Creative Director: Alex Payne https://www.instagram.com/alexjamespayne Editor: Josh Partridge https://www.instagram.com/joshfilmmaker Music: Jay Witsey https://www.instagram.com/jay.witsey Studio: Podcast House https://www.podcasthouse.uk Episode bought to you by: play for change https://www.playforchange.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/play_forchange https://www.linkedin.com/company/playforchangeltd