Best Unpaid Carers Podcasts (2025)

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Unpaid carers need better support, with Laura Collins 24:36

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1d ago24:36

24:36

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we have the pleasure of speaking to Laura Collins, an unpaid carer…

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Activist stitching, with Ceri Higgins 24:05

1d ago24:05

24:05

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we are joined by Ceri, an unpaid carer from Wales, who shares her …

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The politics of unpaid care, with Sarah Rees, Katy Styles, and Vanessa Marr 30:38

1d ago30:38

30:38

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we embark on a collaborative journey with Sarah Rees, the head of …

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Find yourself through stitching, with unpaid carer Clare 31:24

8d ago31:24

31:24

In this episode of Caring Craftivists, Vanessa Marr and Katy Styles delve into the transformative power of craftivism through the lens of Claire, an unpaid carer for her autistic children. Clare shares her personal journey of embracing her identity as a carer, sparked by her involvement in the Caring Craftivists Project. We explore the intricate me…

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The power of an embroidered duster, with Domestic Dusters founder Vanessa Marr 29:39

8d ago29:39

29:39

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we dive into the fascinating intersection of care and creativity w…

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Coaching In Prisons 43:29

15d ago43:29

43:29

Can coaching transform prison culture and reduce reoffending? In this episode, we explore the work of Spark Inside, who bring coaching to people living and working in UK prisons. We speak with Louise from Spark Inside, coach Katie, and programme participant Frankco about the impact of coaching in the justice system. sparkinside.org…

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Displaying dusters at the Senedd: A community partnership, with Katy Styles and Vanessa Marr 27:43

16d ago27:43

27:43

In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story. In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we dive into the vibrant world of craftivism with hosts Vanessa Ma…

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Bonus Episode - Finding Motivation 26:10

2M ago26:10

26:10

A bonus episode today! It's peak inside the writing coaching audio sessions of my new writers membership The Fold. This audio session is all about finding motivation when we are not excited to sit down and write. In it, I give a number of journaling prompts to get to the heart of your lack of motivation (which we all experience from time to time) a…

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Alice Kinsella on blending genre 1:10:17

3M ago1:10:17

1:10:17

Alice Kinsella is a poet based in the west of Ireland. She's the author of the poetry pamphlet Sexy Fruit, the prose poem memoir Milk: On motherhood and madness and the genre blending Wake of the Whale, co-authored with Daniel Wade, which was a Sunday Independent Book of the Year in 2024. This conversation covers so much - from unpaid work in publi…

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Sarra Manning on writing romantic fiction 1:05:35

3M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

Sarra Manning is the author of 8 adult novels, over 15 YA novels. She began her career on teen magazines and has been writing about love and sex ever since. Sarra talks about being a 'word count slut', writing books fast, how what she learned on magazines helps her pitch novels and the secret to writing about sex successfully. Sarra is also the lit…

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Grants for Writers with The Society of Authors 46:06

3M ago46:06

46:06

Want to know how to get funding to write? Today I'm speaking to Robyn Law, head of Fundraising, Grants and Prizes at The Society of Authors, a UK trade union for writers, illustrators and literary translators. As well as looking at everything the SoA can do for all of us, we do a deep dive into how to apply for grants to help support you while you …

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Aime McNee on why we need your art 50:25

3M ago50:25

50:25

Aime McNee is a writer and creativity coach and author of We Need Your Art - a look at the power and essential nature of creativity and how to kick start and maintain your own creative habits. From perfectionism to permission and the difficulty in finishing work, Aime talks about some of the big challenges and joys we experience as artists, and why…

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Alice Wilkinson on writing personal non-fiction 59:33

4M ago59:33

59:33

Alice Wilkinson is an award winning journalist and the author of How To Stay Sane in A House Share, her debut book about the joys and challenges of cohabiting. In this conversation we discuss some of the challenges of writing personal non-fiction, finding a gap in the current discourse and some of the differences she found in book writing and publi…

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Grace Timothy on writing and ADHD 56:56

4M ago56:56

56:56

Grace Timothy is a journalist and author of Is It My ADHD? On the podcast today Grace talks about getting a late diagnosis of ADHD and how wading through the misinformation online drove her to write a book in order to understand her own brain better. Is It My ADHD? is out 27th February This series of the podcast is sponsored by award winning audio …

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Tessa Hadley on the pleasures of fiction 53:04

4M ago53:04

53:04

Tessa Hadley is an award winning author of eight novels, many short story collections and one of my personal favourite writers. In this conversation Tessa talks with me about the pleasures and irresponsibility of the short story, her first novella The Party, writing as a performance and the benefits of publishing for the first time in mid life. Thi…

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Daisy Buchanan on reading yourself happy 1:01:15

4M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Daisy Buchanan is a bestselling author, journalist and broadcaster. Today we're talking about her latest book Read Yourself Happy and the unique power of books to make us feel better, as well as how reading makes us better writers. Read Yourself Happy is out now This series of the podcast is sponsored by award winning audio book app xigxag Listener…

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What's to come in series 10 2:32

5M ago2:32

2:32

A little taster of what's to come in series 10 featuring Tessa Hadley, Daisy Buchanan and Grace Timothy. The new series begins 5th February You can subscribe to Not Too Busy To Write on Substack pennywincer.substack.com pennywincerwrites.com Penny on Instagram @pennywincer 4bf661332a54c42dda99f791c1378d9407200820…

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Women's Prize Discoveries 2025 with Dreda Say Michell, Chloe Timms and Emma Van Straaten 52:55

6M ago52:55

52:55

Join me for a special episode digging deep into the Women's Prize Discoveries 2025, a prize and program for unpublished women fiction writers in the UK and Ireland, with two of this years judges Dreda Say Mitchell, an award winning and bestselling crime and mystery author and Chloe Timms, journalist, author and podcast host. We are joined by the wi…

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Episode Three - Coaching for Arts and Activism 25:11

7M ago25:11

25:11

In this episode, we discover the transformative work of Union Arts - a unique training programme for community artists and social activists across the north of England. We talk to coach Anisa Saleh and programme participant Linda Devo to explore the intersection of coaching, arts, and activism.By Coaching for Social Impact

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Balancing a Career Change & Unpaid Care while Navigating Stay-At-Home Restrictions with Leonie Mulgrew 41:48

8M ago41:48

41:48

Leonie Mulgrew married her husband Shane nearly 36 years ago. They built a life together, with Leonie working as a beauty therapist at Myer and Shane running his business. In 2021, Shane was diagnosed with stage four melanoma after a misdiagnosis. This critical moment changed their lives, leading to an extensive, 15-hour surgery and significant med…

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From Hospital Administrator to Resilience & Purpose in Unpaid Care with Cheryl Harris 38:09

8M ago38:09

38:09

Cheryl Harris, is a community advocate, and former unpaid carer. She transitioned from hospital administration to volunteering and has been deeply involved in senior care and disability services. Cheryl's life changed when her husband Ken was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1995. She navigated the complexities of dialysis and healthcare, showing i…

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The Realities & Rewards of Unwavering Support and Care with Barbara Minuzzo 30:46

8M ago30:46

30:46

Barbara Minuzzo has had a lifelong journey in unpaid care. This began with Barbara looking after her father who battled high-level dementia. This demanding role set her on a path of continuous caregiving. Today, she cares for her mother, who has experienced a stroke and suffers from high-level dementia. Her focus remains on enhancing her mother's i…

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A Mother's Care and Love for a Child with Down Syndrome with Deb McNair 41:18

8M ago41:18

41:18

Deb manages each day’s start with Ella’s varying capabilities. From making breakfast to struggling to rise, her mornings are governed by Ella’s unpredictable moods and behaviours. Deb’s husband Dave, provides crucial flexible support, enabling the family to handle challenging days. Together, they prioritise self-care and navigate the complexities o…

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Balancing a Journey as a Young Carer to an Advocate for Caring Rights with Monica Benney 50:58

8M ago50:58

50:58

[INSERT] ***** We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Kintsugi Heroes. Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group. If you’d like to …

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Caring for a Partner with Dementia and for Yourself with Joe Coppi 42:21

8M ago42:21

42:21

An active IT consultant and community volunteer, Joe first noticed his wife Joyce’s memory lapses during an overseas trip. Seeking medical advice, their journey with early-onset dementia began. Seeing Joyce's desire for a move, Joe transitioned them from Greenwood East to Geelong. Downsizing made life simpler, providing easy access to essential ser…

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Carers Together Episode 7 - We talk to PlayPeace and two carers about Carer Breather 54:05

9M ago54:05

54:05

We talk to Donna from PlayPeace and two carers, Sophie and Marie about our fantastic Carer Breather services. If you want to find out more about what's on offer at Playpeace, visit https://www.playpeace.org.uk/ *Trigger warning: contains stories that may trigger parent carers*

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TRAILER: Welcome to Australian Carers 1:13

9M ago1:13

1:13

Welcome to Australian Carers, a Kintsugi Heroes Limited Series where we shine a light on the important Australians who provide voluntary care for someone in need. Episodes will release every day for Mental Health Week in Australia, beginning on Sunday 13th October 2024. If you'd like to donate to Kintsugi Heroes, please head to http://kintsugiheroe…

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S9 Ep5. Lucy Gough - from interior stylist to author 45:53

9M ago45:53

45:53

Lucy Gough has come to writing via her career as a stylist and art director. From working in house at magazines, to freelance art direction with John Lewis and Marks and Spencer, Lucy took a leap of faith in lockdown, when all her work disappeared, and wrote a course on Interiors Styling. That creative risk changed everything fo her. In this episod…

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S9 Ep4. Alice Vincent on finding home in the garden 48:52

9M ago48:52

48:52

Alice Vincent is a writer and broadcaster, and the author of Rootbound: Rewilding a life and Why Women Grow: Stories of Soil, Sisterhood and Survival, both of which were longlisted for the Wainwright Prize. In this conversation we talk about how books begin and evolve for Alice, how she structures her time between columns, book writing and her news…

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S9. E3. Clover Stroud on home and belonging 52:52

10M ago52:52

52:52

Sunday Times bestselling author Clover Stroud's latest book The Giant in the Skyline begins with a difficult decision about whether to uproot her family from their home in Oxfordshire in order to keep the family together, and leads to a pilgrimage of discovery about what it means to feel at home and belong. We talk about grief's affect on our feeli…

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S9 E2. Kerri ni Dochartaigh on finding home in the Irish landscape 1:08:49

10M ago1:08:49

1:08:49

Kerri ni Dochartaigh is the award winning author of Thin Places and Cacophany of Bone. Kerri's work delves deep into home and belonging, from her childhood in Derry during the troubles, where her family were forced to leave their home, to an adulthood of wrestlessness, unable to find a feeling of home, until she returned to the Irish landscape of h…

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S9. E1. Penny Wincer on why Home Matters 51:29

10M ago51:29

51:29

The tables are turned for the first episode of series 9 - host Penny Wincer is being interviewed by author Caro Giles about her new book Home Matters. We talk about what draws Penny to write about home, digging beneath the surface of homes to find meaning behind the choices we make and how objects become portraits and tell stories about our lives a…

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Coaching the Social Care Workforce 33:20

11M ago33:20

33:20

In this episode we chat to Dr Suzanne Triggs, Suzanne holds a PHD in Coaching and Social Work and has pioneered the use of coaching by social workers. We talk about her current work with coaching care experienced young people, her research, the coaching skills training she delivers in local authorities across the U.K and her passion for democratisi…

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Ep 28 Dementia With Dignity 37:37

12M ago37:37

37:37

Many family are supporting someone to stay at home while they live with dementia. In this interview with Lyneta Russell from Alzheimers New Zealand we look at some of the tools available to support their family member to live with dignity and retain what control they can We would love to hear from you. Click here to send us your feedback and sugges…

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Ep 27 Whānau Manaaki 19:10

12M ago19:10

19:10

Māori know what's right for their own whānau and care for their whānau beautifully. However for some there may be a disconnection from their whakapapa, from their iwi, from their tikanga. This conversation with Diane Perenara, nurse, and Equity and Partnerships Manager at Arohanui Hospice, discusses reconnecting and shares a website that is dedicat…

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Ep 26 - Four Things to Say When Someone is Dying 40:23

12M ago40:23

40:23

Four simple phrases: “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” and “I love you” — carry enormous power to mend and nurture our relationships and inner lives. In this conversation with Dr. Ira Byock he explains how we can practice these phrases in our day to day lives and the impact they can have. Dr. Ira Byock is a palliative care physicia…

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Carers Together Episode 6 - We talk about Health and Wellbeing 51:12

1y ago51:12

51:12

Carolanne speaks to Vicki Allan of Lanarkshire Links, Carol Ramsay of the Health and Wellness Hub Motherwell and 3 carers, Alan, Karen and Yvonne about how caring affects your overall health and wellbeing.

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Coaching for Unpaid Carers 35:51

1y ago35:51

35:51

When the ongoing needs of a family member or friend are so much greater than our own, does our life matter less? Host Carolyn Mumby is joined by Catherine MacAdam and Katherine Collins from Coaching for Unpaid Carers a ground breaking social enterprise they founded to combine their personal experiences of caring and the transformative power of coac…

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Stacey Heale on writing about death and life 47:30

1y ago47:30

47:30

Stacey Heale is a fashion academic and writer whose husband Greg was diagnosed with terminal cancer when their youngest daughter was just a baby. Greg died 5 years later. In her memoir Now Is Not The Time For Flowers, Stacey writes about the big conversations that arise from imminent death. In this epsiode Stacey and I talk about writing about the …

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Carers Together Episode 5 - We talk to Lesley, Fiona and Monica 45:03

1+ y ago45:03

45:03

We sat down with Lesley, Fiona and Monica to discuss their recent attendance at our Recognition to Rights training and how this has helped them in to take back control of their caring roles. We also talk about what they'd love to see if we we waved a magic wand to make caring easier.

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Jesse Sutanto on writing a best selling series 33:52

1+ y ago33:52

33:52

Jesse Sutanto is the best selling author of Dial A for Aunties and Vera Wang's Unsolicited Advise for Murders and the winner of the Comic Writer in Print Award 2021. Jesse and I chat about her latest book in her very funny Aunties crime series The Good, The Bad and The Auntie, about her journey from Oxford MFA in Creative Writing, to leaning into h…

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Charlotte Wood on writing craft and Australian fiction 42:27

1+ y ago42:27

42:27

Charlotte Wood is an award winning Australian author of 10 books including the 2016 Stella Prize winner The Natural Way of Things and the 2020 international bestseller The Weekend. Her latest novel Stone Yard Devotional is about a woman who abandons her life, her marriage, her career and retreats to a religious community in a remote area of Austral…

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Ep 25 - Life Stories and Other Memory Gifts 21:05

1+ y ago21:05

21:05

Writing a biography is one way of celebrating a life that can bring pleasure to both the person telling their story and to those who treasure the record they have to remember them by. This episode explains why this can mean so much and offers tips on how to go about recording someone's story. There are also suggestions that might appeal for creatin…

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Ep 24 - Helping Someone Move Safely 21:58

1+ y ago21:58

21:58

When we are caring for another person we often need to help them move around. This episode offers some advice on some of the things you can do to protect yourself while helping them to move between furniture, or in a bed, safely. Please also follow this link to watch videos on assisting someone, and also on giving someone a bath or hair wash in bed…

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Tamu Thomas on women who work too much 50:49

1+ y ago50:49

50:49

Tamu Thomas is a transformational coach whose debut book Women Who Work Too Much helps over-achieving, over-functioning women set boundaries, find joy and flourish. In this conversation we talk about natural (rather than toxic) productivity, radical rest and why work (not over work) can be a positive thing. This is such an important conversation fo…

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Bijal Shah on the power of bibliotherapy 57:14

1+ y ago57:14

57:14

Author Bijal Shah is a trained Bibliotherapist who brings the power of reading into the therapy room. It's a technique that dates back to Ancient Greece and Bijal shares some of the tools and techniques she uses in todays episode. Certain that reading is a big part of your mental wellbeing? You will love this episode which does a deep dive into why…

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Amy Arthur on pacing yourself as a writer 50:59

1+ y ago50:59

50:59

Amy Arthur is an award winning writer and science journalist whose new book Pace Yourself is a practical guide to pacing - a tool developed to the manage symptoms of chronic illnesses like ME/CFS which Amy was diagnosed with as a teenager. This is such an important (and practical) conversation, not just for those who are managing chronic illnesses …

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Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE - Chair of Think Local, Act Personal 36:59

1+ y ago36:59

36:59

Envisioning the 'gloriously ordinary life' "The big picture for me in co-production is how do we enable people to flourish to get a gloriously ordinary life? "Think of it about, you know, it could be 15,000 piece jigsaw." Bringing his experience - as someone who has cared for family, received care, and who has a view of the 'big picture' system - D…

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Jessica Bull on blending fact and fiction 47:53

1+ y ago47:53

47:53

Jessica Bull's debut novel Miss Austen Investigates sets Jane Austen up as an amateur sleuth, when a dead woman is discovered at a ball and her beloved brother is arrested and facing the noose. I had so much fun talking to Jessica about the challenges of blending fact and fiction, her passion of Jane Austen (and the books and films that have been i…

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Emily Kenway - Author of 'Who Cares' 1:03:14

1+ y ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Are we 'freaked out' by the topic of care? What's does community have to do with caring for others? And where do we, as individuals, and 'the system' play a role? These are all questions Suzanne tackles with Emily Kenway, esteemed author of 'Who Cares: the hidden crisis of caregiving and how we solve it'. Emily takes us through some of the key them…