CHAMPIONING NEURODIVERGENCE & COMMUNITY - SWAD POD x GRAY RODGERS

INK AND IMPACT - SWAD POD x KEVIN PAUL

🎙️ Episode 10: Ink and Impact - Kevin Paul’s Story🎙️ In this episode, we discuss Kevin's turbulent teenage life to tattooing A-list celebrities and changing UK laws, Kevin Paul’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. In this powerful episode, Kevin opens up about: 💥 Surviving trauma and gang violence at 17 🎨 Building a world-class tattoo career and inking Ed Sheeran ⚖️ Pushing for tattoo safety laws and confronting violent crime 🕊️ What he learned from working with victims, prisoners and police This one’s raw, inspiring and full of hard-won insight. Plus… ⁠Alexander Hunt⁠ joins us live with a moving, original poem about the proposed incinerator in Swadlincote and it hits hard. We talk about our sister bond the laughs, the love and the messy realness of running a podcast together. The missing cats in Swad we get into it, because something’s not right. The Swad Pod goss behind the scenes, what we’ve learned, and where we’re heading. And we’re calling on local sponsors who want to back something that’s truly community-driven. If you’re into real stories, resilience, and redemption you don’t want to miss this. 👇 Like, share, and tag someone who needs to hear this. #SwadPod #KevinPaul #RealTalk #TattooStories #FromSurvivorToSuccess #AgainstTheOdds #CrimePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunityChange #UKTattooScene

REVIVING GRESLEY CHURCH - SWAD POD x ALAN: FRIENDS OF ST GEORGE & ST MARY'S

This episode, we’re diving deep into one of Swadlincote’s most iconic buildings Gresley Parish Church ⛪️ We sat down with a special guest who's right at the heart of the efforts to save, restore and reimagine this historic space. From navigating the challenges of funding bids to sharing the dreams of what this place could become for the community again …. this episode is full of inspiration, passion, and local pride. 💬 We ask questions like: ✨ What makes Gresley Church so special to Swad? ✨ What led to the much-needed repairs and how’s the National Lottery funding journey going? ✨ Who's been behind the scenes making this happen? ✨ And what’s the vision for the future? This is more than bricks and mortar….it’s about community, legacy, and hope. If you love Swadlincote, believe in preserving our history, and want to see it grow into something meaningful for future generations, this one’s for you 💛 Want to get involved? Check out the socials for St George & St Mary's- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093587109668 👇 Don’t forget to like, share, and tag someone who loves local heritage. #SwadPod #Swadlincote #GresleyParishChurch #LocalStories #CommunityPodcast #HistoricSwad #SwadHistory #MakingADifference #NationalLotteryHeritage #SupportLocal

CUP OF KINDNESS: WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS - SWAD POD x AMY LOWE

This week on Swad Pod, we’re chatting with the passionate Amy, founder of ⁠Tea and Tots⁠ – a heartwarming space where parents and little ones can connect, unwind, and share in the magic of community over a good cuppa. 💛 We dive into: ✨ The inspiration behind Tea and Tots and the ‘aha’ moment that started it all 💡 What keeps Amy going on the tough days 🏆 The biggest achievements and most memorable moments so far 🌱 Exciting future plans—what’s brewing next?! Plus, we have a bit of fun: 🐻 If Tea and Tots had a mascot, what would it be? 😂 A heartwarming moment with the community that totally made her day 💭 One thing she’s learned about herself on this journey This episode is all about passion, community, and making a difference, so grab a cuppa, get comfy, and tune in now! 🎧 Tag a parent who’d love Tea and Tots! #SwadPod #TeaAndTots #CommunityMatters #ParentLife #SupportLocal #Swadlincote

CHAMPIONING NEURODIVERGENCE & COMMUNITY - SWAD POD x GRAY RODGERS

🎙️ Episode 7: Meet Gray – Championing Neurodivergence & Community Change! 🧠✨ In this eye-opening episode of Swad Pod, we sit down with Gray—an advocate, leader, and change-maker in the world of neurodivergence. From their own journey with autism to shaping the Autism Act of 2009 in the Houses of Parliament, Gray’s impact is nothing short of extraordinary. We’ll dive into: ✨ Their experience of being diagnosed as autistic and how it reshaped their life ✨ How they played a role in influencing national policy ✨ The story behind SAS – Swadlincote Aspergers Society and its lasting impact ✨ The realities of lockdown and the opportunities that followed ✨ What’s next for Gray and SAS as they continue their mission Gray’s story is about resilience, advocacy, and making a real difference for the neurodivergent community. So hit play, get inspired, and walk away with a new perspective on autism, inclusion, and how we can all create change. #AllTogetherForAutismDerbyshire #SwadPod #Neurodivergence #AutismAwareness #Swadlincote #CommunityMatters #Advocacy #Inclusion #SAS #MakingADifference

CONFRONTING BULLYING - A CALL FOR CHANGE - SWAD POD x RACHEL & NATHAN

Sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/710972 Bullying is a devastating issue that affects far too many young people, yet it’s often dismissed, ignored, or downplayed. In this special episode of SwadPod, we’re tackling the urgent reality of bullying—the emotional and mental toll it takes, the systems that fail to protect our children, and what needs to change to ensure safer environments for young people. Joining us today are two local courageous parents who have experienced firsthand the heartbreaking consequences of bullying. Instead of staying silent, they are fighting for change, advocating for better support systems, and launching a petition to demand action from schools and the wider community. Together, we’ll explore: 🔹 The real impact of bullying on children and families 🔹 Where schools and systems are falling short 🔹 The emotional and mental health effects of ongoing harassment 🔹 What we, as a community, can do to create safer spaces for young people This isn’t just about raising awareness—it’s about starting a conversation that leads to real change. If you’ve been affected by bullying or want to help make a difference, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, share, and let’s work together to make our community a place where every child feels safe, heard, and supported. 📢 Don’t forget to check out the petition and SIGN IT TODAY!