In this episode, we’re embracing a bold approach to change—looking at what we want to bring into our lives and what we’re ready to leave behind. It’s all about clearing the clutter, both mentally and physically, and making space for what truly matters. We share the things we’re inviting in this year—better time management, improved mental health, and a more intentional balance between work, family, and self-care—and the things we’re letting go of, like perfectionism and draining environments.

As we reflect on the challenges we’ve faced over the past year, we open up about the toll of stretching ourselves too thin and how we’re working to break free from those limits.

By the end of this episode, we hope our reflections and goals inspire you to make space for your own growth and set your own intentions for the year ahead.

Our conversation blends raw honesty and humour as we share the personal and societal anxieties triggered by the election. Exploring the fractured left, the power of misinformation, and the need for leaders to create safe spaces for these difficult conversations. 

With a focus on activism, Arda urges a shift from national politics to local, grassroots action that fosters real change. Amid the chaos, we shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health, self-care, and solidarity in creating hope for the future.

In Polite Company is produced by Urban Podcasts.

As we unpack the complexities of entitlement, complicity, and the objectification of women, we also explore how societal expectations around masculinity contribute not only to violence but to mental health crises among men. This episode isn’t about blaming men, but rather starting a necessary conversation about vulnerability, emotional expression, and the societal structures that perpetuate these harmful behaviours.

We also examine the role of technology and media in escalating these issues, pondering whether today's digital landscape is merely amplifying pre-existing problems or sparking a much-needed reckoning. With a mix of urgency and reflection, we ask: are we truly on the brink of change, or are we simply more aware of long-standing issues?

In Polite Company is created by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we dive deep into the summer riots that swept across the UK, examining the racial tensions that fuelled the violence, and how the media distorted these events as anti-immigration protests. But what was really behind the chaos?

We explore the tragic events that sparked the unrest and how grief quickly turned into racial scapegoating. From the history of racist riots in the UK to the glaring inequalities in policing, we critically dissect how race and class are intertwined in this societal breakdown. Our discussion challenges the dangerous narratives that divide communities and asks why violent mobs are treated with leniency while peaceful protesters face harsh penalties.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Together, we’ll reflect on Alex's impactful work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where he championed underrepresented groups with unwavering dedication. His unique ability to connect with and mentor his team, even in the most challenging times. Kieron also recountsthe shock and confusion that followed his sudden passing and the importance of having robust support systems in place to help navigate such unexpected tragedies.

Through personal anecdotes, we honour Alex’s legacy and discuss how his values continue to influence us.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

In this episode, we bring our perspectives to explore how climate change amplifies structural inequalities rooted in a history of colonialism and systemic racism. We explore the disparities between the global north and south, using examples like nearly expired vaccine donations to Jamaica and the uneven socio-political impacts of tourism.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

We confront the historical ties these honours have to the monarchy and the British Empire and the painful narratives they carry for descendants of enslaved people and the Windrush generation. Together, we explore the intricate emotions and justifications for accepting these awards and question whether renaming them could address their problematic branding.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Cesca's journey is one of resilience, growth, and the ongoing quest for self-acceptance, making her insights invaluable for anyone grappling with similar experiences.

In this episode, we touch on the emotional rollercoaster of displaying affection publicly with a same-sex partner, the misjudgements faced within the LGBTQ+ community, and the critical importance of a supportive circle of friends.

We also explore the empowering process of coming out to family members, and Cesca opens up about the varied reactions she encountered and the delicate balancing act of introducing a same-sex partner to loved ones.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

I'm Ella, and I'm Kieron. Join us as we laugh, cry, and discuss topics that excite us and keep us up at night.

In Polite Company is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Join us for a wide-ranging conversation in which we discuss everything from schooling, to the origins of Black mistrust in medical institutions, to the impact of internet voyeurism (in which the ability to see violence enacted on Black bodies has become more and more commonplace).

Just a heads up that this episode contains discussion of some difficult topics. So take care while you're listening.

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Links:

• Tuskegee Syphilis Study

• For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Too Heavy (play)
• Moonlight (film)

From the governmental halls of power, to pop culture and TV, we delve into the nuances and contradictions - and explore what it means to feel truly represented.

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Further Reading:

• The Handmaid's Tale - by Margaret Atwood
• ⁠What White People Can do Next⁠⁠ - by Emma Dabiri

• ⁠Ernst Röhm, The Highest-Ranking Gay Nazi⁠ - JSTOR article by Matthew Wills
• Oscar’s First Black Winner Accepted Her Honor in a Segregated ‘No Blacks’ Hotel in L.A. - Hollywood Reporter article by Seth Abramovitch

Further Watching:

• Small Axe - dir. Steve McQueen
• Black Panther - dir. Ryan Coogler
• Queer As Folk; It's a Sin; Cucumber, Banana & Tofu - all written by Russell T. Davies
• American Horror Story, S3: Coven (see here for further history on the real life serial killer whose story is told in this season)

• Last Tango in Halifax
• Killing Eve
• Ms Marvel

As always, you're invited to a conversation with (opinionated) friends who are here to share as well as to learn, and who are always up for a laugh - or a cry! This season, we're also excited to have some special guests behind the mic for the first time.

We're excited to have you join us for what promises to be another interesting and enjoyable season of In Polite Company.

Next up, Kieron chats to Ella about his career in design & how his childhood tendency to take apart his toys led him down this path; his life growing up in London in a diverse environment (but one often still steeped in bias); how being surrounded by female role models impacted him - and much more!

Expect laughter alongside deeper discussions about trauma, family & what it means to be a sensitive boy growing up in a patriarchal society. Enjoy!

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

First up, Ella chats to Kieron about her career journey; her life growing up in Leeds in a mixed-heritage household; some failures and hard lessons - and much more! Expect laughter and RuPaul's Drag Race tangents alongside deeper discussions about therapy & personal growth. Enjoy!

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

In part 3 we dissect a couple of examples of car crash corporate allyship, and discuss what went wrong and why; we give our take on what good looks like; and we explore why allyship is often rendered ineffective when it comes from a place of shame and guilt.

• The clip we play in this episode is from Nilay Patel's Decoder podcast interview with Chris Best, CEO of Substack. You can listen to the whole conversation here.

• And the Jane Elliot speech in which she's asking a white audience whether they would be happy to be treated as society treats Black people can be watched here.

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

In part 2, we talk further about performative allyship and the importance of intention; how understanding systemic oppression as a disease which harms us all is key to having resilience as an ally; whether the term 'ally' is even helpful; the concept of 'good trouble'... and lots more.

The clip we play in this episode is from Glennon Doyle's 'We Can Do Hard Things' podcast, with guest Dr Yaba Blay - and you can listen to their conversation in full here.

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

In part 1, we cover some of the research around allyship, and the discrepancies in perception between self-identified allies and the communities they are seeking to help; the pitfalls of allyship from the perspective of accruing 'good person points'; the importance of having resilience and staying power... and much more.

The NPR 'Life Kit' podcast episode we reference in this discussion can be listened to in full here.

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

Part 2 covers issues of prejudice & exclusivity within our own ranks (i.e. within queer spaces); zero-sum thinking as a potential explanation for transphobia within so-called feminist circles; Trump & online polarisation... and much more.

The audio clip we play in this episode is a short excerpt of Sylvia Rivera's speech at the 1973 Gay Pride Rally, and you can watch it in full here.

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.

Part 1 covers the gender binary and its colonial roots; our perspective on how the gender binary is harmful; intersectionality; Sam Smith... and much more.

Just a heads up that sometimes we might use some colourful language or talk about things that could make you feel some type of way. So, be cool and take care while you're listening.