What Really Matters Podcast
The ‘What Really Matters’ podcast started over 2 years ago as many young people felt they were not listened too, heard or even cared about by society. So, we created a platform where young people from underserved communities could talk about what really matters to them and amplify their voices, without adult direction or tokenism. This has resulted in many interesting opportunities for those young people, calls to action and ideas for the future.
More recently the ‘What Really Matter – Professional Edition’ talks with youth workers, community development workers, educators and others who have lived experience of supporting young people and underserved communities in a wide variety of ways. Mostly from Bristol and now from across the UK and even internationally! We talk to guests about what it was like growing up, their career’s, things that have worked well or could be improved in the past, present and new ideas or approaches to help inform what we can ALL do to better to support young people and communities to thrive long into the future.
The What Really Matters Podcast has had over 3000 listens & views.
latest Professional Edition - kirk thompson
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Kirk (AKA DJ Krust) to explore identity, creativity, class, and what happens when your sense of self becomes deeply tied to the work you do.
Kirk shares his story of growing up working class in Bristol, finding belonging through music and youth culture, and carving out opportunities through creativity, obsession, and determination. He reflects honestly on success, burnout, and the difficult process of rebuilding purpose beyond work alone.
Previous episodes
Professional Edition - Episode 40 - tara miran
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Tara — community organiser, activist, and equality practitioner — to talk about belonging, displacement, identity, and what it really takes to build inclusive communities from the ground up.
Professional Edition - Episode 39 - suzanne thompson
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Suzanne Thompson – founder of The Restore Trust, leader of the Key Café project, and a powerful advocate for compassion-led rehabilitation, about poverty, stigma, early experiences, and transforming lives through relationships and opportunity.
Professional Edition - Episode 38 - paul holbrook
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Paul Holbrook, writer, director, filmmaker, and proud working-class creative, about storytelling, identity, and using film to give voice to communities that are so often overlooked.
Professional Edition - Episode 37 - sam and kari (bristol beer factory)
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Sam and Kari from Bristol Beer Factory, a proudly independent business proving that doing good and doing business can go hand in hand.
Professional Edition - Episode 37 - Kris and ellie (avon and somerset police)
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Kris and Elli, youth-focused officers with Avon and Somerset Police, about the importance of building trust, breaking down barriers, and working alongside young people to create safer communities.
Professional Edition - Episode 36 - Kayleigh wainright
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Kayleigh Wainwright — a passionate youth worker, sector leader, and Director of Youth Innovation at UK Youth — to explore her journey from a council estate in Blackburn to leading national programmes that support grassroots organisations and amplify young people’s voices.
Professional Edition - Episode 35 - andy street
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Andy Street — a respected business leader, civic champion, and long-time supporter of young people — to explore what drives his commitment to community, philanthropy, and meaningful change.
Professional Edition - Episode 34 - bodhi alridge
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Bodhi Aldridge — leadership coach, men’s work facilitator, and community mentor — about presence, masculinity, and how we support young people to find grounded confidence in themselves.
Professional Edition - Episode 33 - John nation
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with John Nation — community youth worker, cultural historian, and the man behind Bristol’s global street art reputation — about creativity, youth empowerment, and the importance of giving people a voice.
Professional Edition - Episode 32 - Daniel Edozie
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Daniel Edozie — former professional basketball player, motivational speaker, and youth mentor — about identity, resilience, and what drives him to support the next generation.
Professional Edition - Episode 31 - Martin Bisp
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Dom Wood, CEO of 1625 Independent People and long-time youth advocate, about his personal journey and the deeper purpose behind his work. Dom shares honest reflections on growing up in South Bristol, getting kicked out of school, and how his own lived experience fuels his mission to support young people today.
Professional Edition - Episode 30 - Dom Wood
In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we talk with Dom Wood, CEO of 1625 Independent People and long-time youth advocate, about his personal journey and the deeper purpose behind his work. Dom shares honest reflections on growing up in South Bristol, getting kicked out of school, and how his own lived experience fuels his mission to support young people today.
did you know?
These episodes have been filmed and produced by Dougie Allward and Made for Impact. Dougie is a young person we supported 15 years ago in Knowle through an arts and employment programme, he’s now 30 years old and runs Made for Impact with his twin brother!