Speaking of Inclusion...

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 checklist * Ettie’s website: www.fightingtalk.uk [www.fightingtalk.uk] * Ettie’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ettie-bailey-king/]: 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 [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

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 [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” online * Tangled 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 [www.KatieAllenConsulting.com] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

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 [http://www.KatieAllenConsulting.com] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds – "No Drama" by Alder

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.com [http://www.KatieAllenConsulting.com] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama" by Alder

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 [https://www.haciaatherton.com/billion-dollar-blindspot]   Websites: www.haciaatherton.com [http://www.haciaatherton.com] www.allstarconsultinginc.com [http://www.allstarconsultinginc.com/]   Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/haciaatherton.mapp/ [https://www.facebook.com/haciaatherton.mapp/] LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/haciaatherton/ [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 [https://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 [http://www.KatieAllenConsulting.com] Theme music is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds - "No Drama"by Alder