<![CDATA[Amplifying The Unseen]]>fdb11531-8316-59ab-a4c8-69d8069fdb67Wed, 14 Oct 2026 01:30:20 +0000Captivate.fmKirsty Reedhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/06b0011b-fe21-44b2-a2d2-e479908080f8/Amplifying-the-Unseen-Podcast-Front-Cover.jpgAmplifying The UnseenKirsty ReedKirsty ReedAmplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone. This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.https://amplifying-the-unseen.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastEpisode 06: Why Women Need To Take up More SpaceEpisode 06: Why Women Need To Take up More SpaceWhat does it mean for women to unapologetically take up space in boardrooms, communities, and everyday life despite a world that too often encourages them to shrink themselves?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed opens up about recent struggles with self-expression, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of being silenced and the importance of authenticity. Drawing from personal stories, family history, and candid conversations with other women, Kirsty Reed explores the double standards and unseen burdens women carry at work, at home, and in society.

Whether you’re struggling to take space up at work, juggling care at home, or just beginning to carve your path, this episode offers solidarity, honesty, and encouragement to take up the space you truly deserve.

Highlights:

00:00 Why engaging with unseen stories matters

02:14 Authenticity, exhaustion, and honouring all parts of ourselves

05:10 Rage and the physicality of powerlessness in today’s world

06:33 Freedom of speech, protest, and collective unease

09:13 Generations of strong women and searching for community

12:15 Managing as a young woman leader and hiding motherhood

14:43 Intergenerational perspectives

15:13 The invisible labor women keep carrying (“3am to-do lists”)

16:29 Internal competition and experiencing scrutiny from other women

23:19 Representation, imposter syndrome, and the anxiety of “too much”

28:39 Women turning on each other and the cost of division

30:35 Pep talks for the next generation: do you, whatever “you” is

35:14 Women need to build each other up

36:41 Closing call: claim your voice and help others do the same.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What does it mean for women to unapologetically take up space in boardrooms, communities, and everyday life despite a world that too often encourages them to shrink themselves?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed opens up about recent struggles with self-expression, reflecting on the physical and emotional toll of being silenced and the importance of authenticity. Drawing from personal stories, family history, and candid conversations with other women, Kirsty Reed explores the double standards and unseen burdens women carry at work, at home, and in society.

Whether you’re struggling to take space up at work, juggling care at home, or just beginning to carve your path, this episode offers solidarity, honesty, and encouragement to take up the space you truly deserve.

Highlights:

00:00 Why engaging with unseen stories matters

02:14 Authenticity, exhaustion, and honouring all parts of ourselves

05:10 Rage and the physicality of powerlessness in today’s world

06:33 Freedom of speech, protest, and collective unease

09:13 Generations of strong women and searching for community

12:15 Managing as a young woman leader and hiding motherhood

14:43 Intergenerational perspectives

15:13 The invisible labor women keep carrying (“3am to-do lists”)

16:29 Internal competition and experiencing scrutiny from other women

23:19 Representation, imposter syndrome, and the anxiety of “too much”

28:39 Women turning on each other and the cost of division

30:35 Pep talks for the next generation: do you, whatever “you” is

35:14 Women need to build each other up

36:41 Closing call: claim your voice and help others do the same.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>c55e5348-2f4b-43c6-b5a3-67c8b6197deeWed, 14 Oct 2026 02:30:00 +010037:45falsefull66Episode 05: Homework vs. Play: Rethinking After-School PrioritiesEpisode 05: Homework vs. Play: Rethinking After-School PrioritiesWhat happens when homework takes priority over play, and the school system puts pressure on families in ways that don’t always fit their realities?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed dives into the lived experience of "homework versus play" drawing on 20 years of experience in children’s services and her own candid journey as a parent. She challenges the assumed benefits of homework, highlighting the judgment and shame parents often feel, and questions who homework is really for.

Throughout, Kirsty Reed calls for professionals and parents alike to have more curious, less judgmental conversations about after-school life, and to notice the inequalities some children face in access to safe play. She ends with a passionate plea: Let’s shift from homework pressure to nurturing children’s interests and wellbeing through truly inclusive opportunities for play and learning.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:31 Grieving the school run: an unexpected family journey

03:09 Home education as a last resort after system challenges

04:10 September is harder: disrupted schooling and home tutors

05:15 Finding ways to meet social needs outside of school

06:22 Reimagining childhood: play and learning outside strict academics

07:14 Knowing summer’s freedom makes September’s transition tougher

10:01 Questioning the system and the feeling of guilt versus grief

13:00 Waiting for support and the irony of a “regulated” child out of school

14:15 Missing out: school dinners, sports day, clubs and milestones

18:24 Community opinions and constant scrutiny as a home-educating parent

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What happens when homework takes priority over play, and the school system puts pressure on families in ways that don’t always fit their realities?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed dives into the lived experience of "homework versus play" drawing on 20 years of experience in children’s services and her own candid journey as a parent. She challenges the assumed benefits of homework, highlighting the judgment and shame parents often feel, and questions who homework is really for.

Throughout, Kirsty Reed calls for professionals and parents alike to have more curious, less judgmental conversations about after-school life, and to notice the inequalities some children face in access to safe play. She ends with a passionate plea: Let’s shift from homework pressure to nurturing children’s interests and wellbeing through truly inclusive opportunities for play and learning.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:31 Grieving the school run: an unexpected family journey

03:09 Home education as a last resort after system challenges

04:10 September is harder: disrupted schooling and home tutors

05:15 Finding ways to meet social needs outside of school

06:22 Reimagining childhood: play and learning outside strict academics

07:14 Knowing summer’s freedom makes September’s transition tougher

10:01 Questioning the system and the feeling of guilt versus grief

13:00 Waiting for support and the irony of a “regulated” child out of school

14:15 Missing out: school dinners, sports day, clubs and milestones

18:24 Community opinions and constant scrutiny as a home-educating parent

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>67ac400a-f0aa-4504-87b4-9c4248bafae3Wed, 07 Oct 2026 03:00:00 +010030:49falsefull55Episode 04: Grieving the School Run: When the System Can’t BendEpisode 04: Grieving the School Run: When the System Can’t BendWhat do you do when September arrives, the school gates open, and your child isn’t walking through them?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed unpacks the unexpected grief and complex emotions that come when a child is no longer able to attend school - not by choice, but because the system simply can’t meet their needs.

Drawing from her family’s complex journey she reflects on the sense of loss, guilt, and the challenges of navigating judgment from others. She talks openly about mourning everyday rituals like school runs, assemblies, and after-school clubs.

Yet as she shares moments of sadness and frustration, Kirsty finds solidarity with other parents and home-educating communities, and calls on professionals to look beyond numbers to the real stories and needs of families.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:31 Grieving the school run: an unexpected family journey

03:09 Home education as a last resort after system challenges

04:10 September is harder: disrupted schooling and home tutors

05:15 Finding ways to meet social needs outside of school

06:22 Reimagining childhood: play and learning outside strict academics

07:14 Knowing summer’s freedom makes September’s transition tougher

08:19 Kirsty Reed’s own grief and feeling overwhelmed by loss

10:01 Questioning the system and the feeling of guilt versus grief

13:00 Waiting for support and the irony of a “regulated” child out of school

14:15 Missing out: school dinners, sports day, clubs and milestones

18:24 Community opinions and constant scrutiny as a home-educating parent

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What do you do when September arrives, the school gates open, and your child isn’t walking through them?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed unpacks the unexpected grief and complex emotions that come when a child is no longer able to attend school - not by choice, but because the system simply can’t meet their needs.

Drawing from her family’s complex journey she reflects on the sense of loss, guilt, and the challenges of navigating judgment from others. She talks openly about mourning everyday rituals like school runs, assemblies, and after-school clubs.

Yet as she shares moments of sadness and frustration, Kirsty finds solidarity with other parents and home-educating communities, and calls on professionals to look beyond numbers to the real stories and needs of families.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:31 Grieving the school run: an unexpected family journey

03:09 Home education as a last resort after system challenges

04:10 September is harder: disrupted schooling and home tutors

05:15 Finding ways to meet social needs outside of school

06:22 Reimagining childhood: play and learning outside strict academics

07:14 Knowing summer’s freedom makes September’s transition tougher

08:19 Kirsty Reed’s own grief and feeling overwhelmed by loss

10:01 Questioning the system and the feeling of guilt versus grief

13:00 Waiting for support and the irony of a “regulated” child out of school

14:15 Missing out: school dinners, sports day, clubs and milestones

18:24 Community opinions and constant scrutiny as a home-educating parent

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>3be96986-a3a4-4f27-b9ef-423e388527c2Wed, 30 Sep 2026 02:30:00 +010033:43falsefull44Episode 03: School Runs & Unseen Struggles: Finding Connection in the ChaosEpisode 03: School Runs & Unseen Struggles: Finding Connection in the ChaosWhat happens when the school run becomes one of the hardest parts of your day and nobody seems to notice?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed explores the realities behind the daily school run: the stress, isolation and struggles that can sit beneath the surface.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience as a mum, Kirsty shares how her youngest child’s transition into school—and particularly from Reception to Year 1—became increasingly difficult. As a young, summer-born, neurodivergent child, the pressures of formal education led to escalating distress and school avoidance.

Kirsty also opens up about the loneliness parents can experience when their child’s needs don’t fit the norm, sharing honest stories of tearful school runs, school gates and moments when even well-meaning staff didn’t know how to help.

At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful message: connection matters.

Sometimes a smile, a check-in or an honest conversation can be the lifeline someone needs.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:28 When the school run becomes tough

01:00 Two decades of school runs and different “mum” identities

02:15 The impact of the pandemic on the working parent’s school run

03:20 Craving community with her fourth child and new lessons learned

04:04 Disruption in schooling and unique joys/difficulties of her youngest

04:38 The rare luxury of a swimming pool at her child’s school

05:23 Early challenges in nursery and reception

05:42 Joining a mum group chatand drifting away from it

06:07 Strong views on homework, seasoned by 19 years of parenting

07:30 Changes in routine: walking, biking, and meeting her child’s needs

11:41 The gap between her child’s experience and the world sees it

12:00 On emotional school avoidance: a topic for future episodes

13:43 Longing for support at the school gate

16:10 A call to small acts to open connection

18:35 Change starts with listening and not looking away.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What happens when the school run becomes one of the hardest parts of your day and nobody seems to notice?

In this episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty Reed explores the realities behind the daily school run: the stress, isolation and struggles that can sit beneath the surface.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience as a mum, Kirsty shares how her youngest child’s transition into school—and particularly from Reception to Year 1—became increasingly difficult. As a young, summer-born, neurodivergent child, the pressures of formal education led to escalating distress and school avoidance.

Kirsty also opens up about the loneliness parents can experience when their child’s needs don’t fit the norm, sharing honest stories of tearful school runs, school gates and moments when even well-meaning staff didn’t know how to help.

At the heart of the episode is a simple but powerful message: connection matters.

Sometimes a smile, a check-in or an honest conversation can be the lifeline someone needs.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

00:28 When the school run becomes tough

01:00 Two decades of school runs and different “mum” identities

02:15 The impact of the pandemic on the working parent’s school run

03:20 Craving community with her fourth child and new lessons learned

04:04 Disruption in schooling and unique joys/difficulties of her youngest

04:38 The rare luxury of a swimming pool at her child’s school

05:23 Early challenges in nursery and reception

05:42 Joining a mum group chatand drifting away from it

06:07 Strong views on homework, seasoned by 19 years of parenting

07:30 Changes in routine: walking, biking, and meeting her child’s needs

11:41 The gap between her child’s experience and the world sees it

12:00 On emotional school avoidance: a topic for future episodes

13:43 Longing for support at the school gate

16:10 A call to small acts to open connection

18:35 Change starts with listening and not looking away.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>583fd4ec-28e1-4336-9fad-317e1bd89b73Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:30:00 +010018:54falsefull33Ep 02: From Rage to Hope: Harnessing Injustice for Collective ChangeEp 02: From Rage to Hope: Harnessing Injustice for Collective ChangeWhat do we do with our anger when we see something that isn’t right?

In this second episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty explores the journey from rage and frustration towards hope, action and collective change.

Drawing on her experiences as a mother, grandmother and advocate, Kirsty reflects on a lifelong awareness of injustice—from childhood experiences and family debates to working within systems that often feel deeply flawed.

She explores how anger sparked by professional frustrations, systemic barriers in maternity and education, and the exhaustion of everyday advocacy can become a catalyst for change rather than something that leaves us feeling powerless.

Kirsty also considers the growing sense of numbness and disconnection in our communities, asking what happens when we stop responding to injustice and whether staying neutral is really possible when something is fundamentally wrong.

Ultimately, this is an episode about turning personal pain into collective empowerment, and finding small acts of hope, kindness and connection even when the world feels overwhelming.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

02:24 Working within systems and balancing rage and hope

04:04 Early signs of injustice and family stories from childhood

05:10 Politics at the dinner table and growing up in a monocultural community

06:12 The physical and emotional toll of witnessing injustice

07:24 Misunderstanding rage for anger and its impact on accessing services

09:22 Experiencing and advocating through maternity services

13:12 Being an empath and using lived experience to support others

14:31 Social media, vulnerability, and the importance of hope

17:23 Politics with a "small p" and focusing on people, not just policy

18:27 Acting as a bridge between communities and decision-makers

19:49 The challenge and importance of political neutrality for advocacy

20:22 Sacrifice, calling out injustice, and creating community through hope

26:09 Advice for turning rage or numbness into hope, starting small

29:47 Empathy for others struggling to access their rights

32:19 Encouraging hope, kindness, and small acts to uplift others.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What do we do with our anger when we see something that isn’t right?

In this second episode of Amplifying the Unseen, Kirsty explores the journey from rage and frustration towards hope, action and collective change.

Drawing on her experiences as a mother, grandmother and advocate, Kirsty reflects on a lifelong awareness of injustice—from childhood experiences and family debates to working within systems that often feel deeply flawed.

She explores how anger sparked by professional frustrations, systemic barriers in maternity and education, and the exhaustion of everyday advocacy can become a catalyst for change rather than something that leaves us feeling powerless.

Kirsty also considers the growing sense of numbness and disconnection in our communities, asking what happens when we stop responding to injustice and whether staying neutral is really possible when something is fundamentally wrong.

Ultimately, this is an episode about turning personal pain into collective empowerment, and finding small acts of hope, kindness and connection even when the world feels overwhelming.

Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed

02:24 Working within systems and balancing rage and hope

04:04 Early signs of injustice and family stories from childhood

05:10 Politics at the dinner table and growing up in a monocultural community

06:12 The physical and emotional toll of witnessing injustice

07:24 Misunderstanding rage for anger and its impact on accessing services

09:22 Experiencing and advocating through maternity services

13:12 Being an empath and using lived experience to support others

14:31 Social media, vulnerability, and the importance of hope

17:23 Politics with a "small p" and focusing on people, not just policy

18:27 Acting as a bridge between communities and decision-makers

19:49 The challenge and importance of political neutrality for advocacy

20:22 Sacrifice, calling out injustice, and creating community through hope

26:09 Advice for turning rage or numbness into hope, starting small

29:47 Empathy for others struggling to access their rights

32:19 Encouraging hope, kindness, and small acts to uplift others.

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>d7a3db81-f2f4-47df-8bfc-0ade3f841c60Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:15:00 +010034:35falsefull22Ep 01: Unseen Stories: Building Community Through Honest ConversationsEp 01: Unseen Stories: Building Community Through Honest ConversationsWhat happens when we start talking about the stories and experiences that are too often left unheard?

In the first episode of Amplifying the Unseen, host Kirsty Reed introduces a podcast dedicated to voices, experiences and stories that are often overlooked.

Kirsty explores subjects including parenting, SEND, anti-racism, allyship and social injustice through honest conversations and lived experience.

Drawing on her career in charities, public services and community work, she shares why authentic leadership, advocacy and creating space for different perspectives matter.

At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: real change starts with conversation.

Kirsty invites listeners to approach difficult subjects with curiosity, kindness and openness—and to build a community where we can listen, learn and challenge our thinking together

Highlights:

00:00 Meet Kirsty Reed and Highlighting the Unseen

00:10 Introducing that the podcast focuses on parenting, SEND, community, racism & social justice

01:19 Transforming services for children and families

02:39 Giving unheard voices a platform

03:03 Calling out injustice with love and humour

04:04 Why "hard to reach" communities aren't hard to reach

05:20 Once you see inequality, you can't unsee it

06:03 Why community and connection matter

07:29 Navigating division with kindness

08:28 Challenging assumptions and seeing things differently

09:11 Breaking gender stereotypes and embracing choice

10:19 Privilege, racism and refusing to look away

15:54 Community anger, division and information bubbles

16:48 From education professional to challenging parent

17:44 Disagreeing well and having better conversations

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>What happens when we start talking about the stories and experiences that are too often left unheard?

In the first episode of Amplifying the Unseen, host Kirsty Reed introduces a podcast dedicated to voices, experiences and stories that are often overlooked.

Kirsty explores subjects including parenting, SEND, anti-racism, allyship and social injustice through honest conversations and lived experience.

Drawing on her career in charities, public services and community work, she shares why authentic leadership, advocacy and creating space for different perspectives matter.

At the heart of the podcast is a simple belief: real change starts with conversation.

Kirsty invites listeners to approach difficult subjects with curiosity, kindness and openness—and to build a community where we can listen, learn and challenge our thinking together

Highlights:

00:00 Meet Kirsty Reed and Highlighting the Unseen

00:10 Introducing that the podcast focuses on parenting, SEND, community, racism & social justice

01:19 Transforming services for children and families

02:39 Giving unheard voices a platform

03:03 Calling out injustice with love and humour

04:04 Why "hard to reach" communities aren't hard to reach

05:20 Once you see inequality, you can't unsee it

06:03 Why community and connection matter

07:29 Navigating division with kindness

08:28 Challenging assumptions and seeing things differently

09:11 Breaking gender stereotypes and embracing choice

10:19 Privilege, racism and refusing to look away

15:54 Community anger, division and information bubbles

16:48 From education professional to challenging parent

17:44 Disagreeing well and having better conversations

About Amplifying the Unseen:

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty is a podcast sharing honest social stories and elevating voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND, and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy, and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

This podcast is for those who believe listening is a radical act and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC) for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked, because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed:

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst, and system challenger with over 20 years’ experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience, and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing these together to ensure that the voices and needs of local communities are embedded at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty’s work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders, and organisations to foster equity, inclusion, and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Kirsty is highly experienced in working across all levels of organisations, providing insight, reflective space, and strategic support to develop joined-up approaches to change theory, strategic planning, and transformation. She is known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, creating safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration, and innovation.

Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty enables teams to move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>19f288e3-bee4-43e8-bd8c-ac58ddd17c81Wed, 23 Sep 2026 02:00:00 +010018:38falsefull11Welcome to Amplifying the UnseenWelcome to Amplifying the UnseenSome stories are everywhere. Others are quietly pushed to the edges.

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed is a podcast that elevates the voices, experiences and perspectives that too often go unheard. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, Kirsty explores the realities of parenting, community, blended families, anti-racism, raising children with SEND, leadership, inequality and the systems that shape our lives.

You'll hear from parents, community members, professionals, community leaders and people with lived experience sharing stories that challenge assumptions, spark reflection and inspire change.

This isn't about quick fixes or neat conclusions. It's about creating space for meaningful conversations, listening deeply and exploring the experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with one another. Because when we truly hear each other's stories, we create the possibility for more inclusive communities, stronger relationships and positive change.

If you believe understanding starts with listening, and change starts with conversation, this podcast is for you.

Follow the show so you don't miss an episode.

About the podcast

Amplifying the Unseen shares honest social stories and elevates voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

It's a podcast for those who believe listening is a radical act, and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform, now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC), for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked. Because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst and system challenger with over 20 years' experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing the two together to ensure the voices and needs of local communities sit at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty's work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders and organisations to foster equity, inclusion and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, she creates safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration and innovation. Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty helps teams move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>Some stories are everywhere. Others are quietly pushed to the edges.

Amplifying the Unseen with Kirsty Reed is a podcast that elevates the voices, experiences and perspectives that too often go unheard. Through honest conversations and powerful storytelling, Kirsty explores the realities of parenting, community, blended families, anti-racism, raising children with SEND, leadership, inequality and the systems that shape our lives.

You'll hear from parents, community members, professionals, community leaders and people with lived experience sharing stories that challenge assumptions, spark reflection and inspire change.

This isn't about quick fixes or neat conclusions. It's about creating space for meaningful conversations, listening deeply and exploring the experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with one another. Because when we truly hear each other's stories, we create the possibility for more inclusive communities, stronger relationships and positive change.

If you believe understanding starts with listening, and change starts with conversation, this podcast is for you.

Follow the show so you don't miss an episode.

About the podcast

Amplifying the Unseen shares honest social stories and elevates voices too often left unheard. Through conversations on social injustice, anti-racism, parenting, SEND and inequality, Kirsty explores lived experience, advocacy and the realities of pushing for change in systems not designed for everyone.

It's a podcast for those who believe listening is a radical act, and that real change starts by amplifying what has been unseen.

Amplifying the Unseen is also a storytelling, advocacy and leadership platform, now proudly a Community Interest Company (CIC), for the people, experiences and truths that so often get overlooked. Because everyone deserves to be seen, heard and included in the conversations that shape their lives.

About Kirsty Reed

Kirsty is a voice amplifier, change catalyst and system challenger with over 20 years' experience driving social change rooted in advocacy, lived experience and community leadership. She is both an expert by profession and an expert by experience, bringing the two together to ensure the voices and needs of local communities sit at the heart of decision-making.

As a mum of four and a grandmother of four, Kirsty's work is deeply grounded in real life. She partners with individuals, community leaders and organisations to foster equity, inclusion and collective action, working alongside people rather than implementing change to them. Kirsty is the Founder and Director of Amplifying the Unseen CIC and Director of Magpie Collaborative Ltd.

Known for designing and delivering meaningful, engaging workshops tailored to each organisation, she creates safe and courageous spaces for difficult conversations, collaboration and innovation. Through her facilitation and advisory work, Kirsty helps teams move beyond intention into action, driving purposeful, people-centred social impact and sustainable change.

Connect with Kirsty:

LinkedIn: Kirsty Reed

Instagram: amplifying_the_unseen

Website: www.amplifyingtheunseen.org

]]>bbd05332-45bf-47fd-8c3e-967c497aa249Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:35:00 +010001:28falsetrailer