Podcast

Episodes

29 +

Listeners

3400 +

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.

Listen on

Professional Edition - Episode 31 - Martin Bisp

In this episode of What Really Matters, Ben Carpenter sits down with Martin Bisp – the straight-talking co-founder of ‪@empirefightingchance‬. Martin opens up about growing up in Kingswood, the pressures of hiding his intelligence to fit in, and how sport became his saving grace. He reflects on building one of the UK’s most impactful youth charities, the real challenges behind the scenes, and why he refuses to play political games.

Previous episodes

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.

Professional Edition - Episode 29 - Neil Maggs

In this episode of the What Really Matters podcast, we sit down with Neil Maggs, journalist, broadcaster, and youth advocate, to discuss his journey from aspiring footballer to media powerhouse. Neil shares his personal struggles, career shifts, and deep reflections on the state of youth work and social change.

Professional Edition - Episode 28 - Clare Moody

In this episode of the “What Really Matters” podcast, we sit down with Claire Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner, to discuss her journey from growing up in rural England to shaping policies that impact communities today. Claire shares her thoughts on youth voice, crime prevention, and the role of community-led action in creating safer spaces.

Professional Edition - Episode 27 - Blué O'Connor

In this episode of the “What Really Matters” podcast, we welcome Blué O’Connor, an inspiring entrepreneur and youth advocate with a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and social impact. Blue shares his experiences of growing up in a close-knit community, navigating career shifts, and eventually co-founding a social enterprise that’s changing lives.

Professional Edition - Episode 26 - Leigh Middleton

In this episode of the “What Really Matters” podcast, we sit down with Leigh Middleton, Chief Executive of the National Youth Agency (NYA), to discuss his journey from a young person growing up on one of Europe’s largest housing estates to leading the charge for youth work in England.

Professional Edition - Episode 25 - Junior Sauders

In this episode of the “What Really Matters” podcast, we talk with Junior Saunders, an inspirational youth mentor and founder of the innovative GCSE Boost program. Junior’s personal story of resilience and transformation is as remarkable as his commitment to creating impactful opportunities for young people.

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!