Rosina shares her inspiring journey from artist to educational innovator, leading a movement toward biophilic education – a new pedagogy that weaves together creativity, sustainability, ethics and a deep connection with nature.

The mission of Da Vinci Life Skills is to inspire and empower learners and educators where everyone is valued for their unique talents. They’re creating a new way of delivering the standard UK school curriculum through transdisciplinary project-based learning and a new skills-based assessment framework.

Together, Nikki and Rosina discuss:

🌱What biophilic education means and how it nurtures wellbeing

🎨Why creativity is essential to mental health and human thriving

🧠How schools can value every kind of intelligence

💫The future of learning rooted in love, beauty and belonging

This is a soulful conversation about what happens when we allow children (and adults) to remember who they really are — creative beings connected to the world around them.

Listen on:

🔗 Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music

Connect with us:

💛Follow The Spark Movement on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

Connect with Rosina Dorelli:

• Learn more about Da Vinci Life Skills on their website: www.davincilifeskills.com
• Connect with Da Vinci on Instagram
• Follow Rosina on LinkedIn
• Listen to Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, Do Schools Kill Creativity?
• Listen to Elizabeth Gilbert’s TED talk on creative flow

We unpack the 10 roles from Deepa’s framework (Visionaries, Builders, Disruptors, Caregivers, Experimenters, Weavers, Storytellers, Healers, Guides, Frontline Responders) and how teams, networks, and even funders can map their strengths and gaps to move from overwhelm to agency.

Deepa shares moving classroom stories from her children’s picture book We Are the Builders and offers grounded guidance for practising solidarity as a verb — including assessing risk, building the “muscle” of action, and creating communities of shared safety and belonging.

Listen for:

• How to use the 10 social change roles to energise your team and avoid burnout/boredom cycles.
• Practical ways disruptors, builders, experimenters and caregivers work together (and why no single role can “win” alone).
• A simple mapping exercise to spot role imbalances (e.g., too many builders, not enough storytellers) and gendered patterns of visibility.
• Why solidarity is iterative and how to take principled risks with your community at your back.

Learn more and connect with Deepa

• Visit Deepa’s solidarity hub: Solidarity Is – https://solidarityis.org
• Learn more about the Building Movement Project – https://buildingmovement.org
• Listen to the Solidarity Is This Podcast - https://www.solidarityis.org/podcast
• Check out Deepa’s work & books – https://deepaiyer.com

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, and now based in Wales, Ricardo shares his remarkable journey from the Cape Flats — a community scarred by apartheid — to becoming a global voice for empowerment and purpose.

Drawing on his guiding philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are”, Ricardo unpacks what it means to live beyond your environment, the transformative power of mentoring, and why intentional authenticity is the greatest gift we can offer to young people.

Together, Nikki and Ricardo explore:

🌍The Ubuntu approach to life, mentoring, and leadership

✨Living beyond your environment and breaking limiting beliefs

💡The role of mentors in unlocking hidden potential

🌱Why belonging, compassion, and authenticity matter more than systems or strategies

🔑How each of us can discover, develop, and share the unique “gift we carry”

This is a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and showing up for the next generation with love, belief, and authenticity.

Connect with Ricardo and learn more:

• Check out Paradigm Shift Academy's website
• Connect with Ricardo on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Listen to Ricardo's podcast, The Shift
• Follow Ricardo on Facebook

Neil shares the vision behind The Relationships Project: embedding relationship-centred practice across schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods, and governments. Together, Nikki and Neil reflect on why relationships are “common sense but not common practice,” how bridges between people can be widened and strengthened, and why the stories we tell each other can either divide us or heal us.

From supermarket queues to disaster recovery, Neil reveals how simple acts of connection ripple outwards - and why the survival of whole communities can hinge on trust and collaboration.

Highlights:

🌱 Why good relationships are both an end in themselves and a means to every goal

🌉 Bridge-building: repairing damaged connections and creating new ones

🧅 The “onion of wisdom” - a simple model for relationship-centred practice

💡 Why young people need relational skills as much as STEM subjects

🌍 The ripple effect of kindness, storytelling, and human connection

Resources:

👉Learn more on the Relationships Project website

👉 Explore The Centre for Creative Conversation

👉 Follow The Relationships Project on X and on BlueSky

Sash recalls bringing Simon Squibb’s Dream Machine to the first comprehensive school in Wales — and watching students light up as a two-minute chat turned vague hopes into real, do-able dreams.

We also explore discipline as self-trust (yes, including marathon lessons!), the power of working smart as well as hard, and why relatable role models matter — “you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Highlights

🎙️The moment Sash chose purpose and service over autopilot.

🎙️Dream Machine in a Welsh school: from “I don’t know” to “here’s my dream.”

🎙️Why creativity, financial literacy, nutrition & purpose belong in the school curriculum.

🎙️Discipline, integrity, and bringing body–mind–spirit to the mission.

🎙️4Lanka’s vision: free programmes, tools and community for South Asian youth.

Connect with Sash:

🚀 Follow 4Lanka and Sash on Instagram: @4lankaofficial and @sash.jm

🚀 Connect with Sash on LinkedIn: Sash Jayasinghe

🚀 Read Simon Squibb’s book and learn about the Dream Machine

Ceri shares her deeply personal journey into advocacy, the importance of early intervention, and why centring relationships and co‑production is the key to transforming systems. From challenging outdated approaches to education, to embedding therapeutic parenting principles, Ceri offers a blueprint for working collaboratively with policymakers, schools and services — without losing sight of the child at the heart of it all.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker or changemaker, this episode will leave you with hope, practical insights and a renewed belief that systemic change is possible when we lead with empathy, trust and courage.

Listen to hear about:

💬 Why parent voices matter in shaping policy

💬 Building trust between families, schools & services

💬 Co‑production as a culture shift — not a meeting

💬 The power of therapeutic parenting

Connect with Ceri and Parents Voices in Wales:

• Visit the Parents Voices in Wales website
• Follow Parents Voices in Wales on Facebook and Instagram
• Connect with Ceri on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the NEST framework in Wales

From her roots in teaching to creating an inclusive, joyful space where learning happens through real-world role play, Joanne shares how her passion for creativity, community, and compassion sparked the creation of a social enterprise that’s so much more than just a play centre.

Together, Nikki and Joanne explore:

• The transformative power of play in early childhood development
• Why imaginative environments grounded in real life are vital for building communication and life skills
• How Role Play Lane supports family wellbeing, neurodivergent children, and community connection
• The challenges of funding, burnout, and being a changemaker in today’s world and why being wired differently might just be a superpower

This is an inspiring listen for educators, parents, and anyone dreaming of a more human, heart-centred way of raising the next generation.

Connect with Joanne:

• Learn more about Heol Chwarae Rol - Role Play Lane on their website
• Follow Role Play Lane on Facebook
• Connect with Joanne on LinkedIn

Don't forget to check out Season 1 and 2 of The Spark Changemakers Podcast here.

From making education completely free for every child, to developing Te Noho Tahi — a holistic wellbeing model that centres human presence over performance — Shannon’s leadership is a masterclass in conscious education. He opens up about how his school has embedded daily rituals that uplift staff and students, how AI is being harnessed to create more space for human connection, and why relationship is at the heart of all true transformation.

This is more than a conversation about schools — it’s about humanity, belonging, and what becomes possible when we lead from who we are, not just what we do.

✨ Topics include:

• Making education truly free and accessible
• Putting teacher wellbeing first (and meaning it)
• The Te Noho Tahi wellbeing model and “space for listening”
• AI as a time-saving gift for relational practice
• Building a whole-school culture of presence, equity and love

🔗 Connect with Shannon:

• Learn more about Tokoiti School: https://tokoiti.school.nz/
• Explore Te Noho Tahi, Shannon's relationship and wellbeing framework here
• Dive deeper into Shannon's philosophy over on his blog: https://tenohotahi.substack.com/

From his own corporate burnout, to his journey into working with children and families, Gary shares his profound insights into trauma, evolutionary mismatch, toxic culture, and the importance of rewilding our souls. The conversation explores how children can become leaders of a new world - not by fitting into broken systems, but by reclaiming ancient wisdom, self-compassion, and connection with nature.

Together, Nikki and Gary unpack:

• Why listening is one of the most vital — and neglected — human skills
• How Heroic Kids supports children and parents to grow side-by-side
• The power of storytelling and nature-based learning in healing trauma
• Why emotional regulation is the foundation of leadership
• How we can raise a generation of conscious changemakers

This is a call to all mentors, parents, and educators to slow down, reawaken to what matters most, and walk alongside our young people as they step into their power.

Connect with Gary and learn more:

🔗Visit the 2nd Ascent website

📣Learn more about Heroic Kids

🌱Get a copy of Gary's book, Rewilding Your Soul

✨ Follow The Spark on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn

Claire shares her powerful journey from burnout and breast cancer to personal transformation and soul purpose. With warmth, wisdom and humour, she talks about the challenges of teaching, the impact of toxic stress, and how her healing journey helped her reconnect with childhood foundations of spirituality and self-awareness.

Together, Nikki and Claire reflect on growing up in a home filled with crystals, chakra charts, and angel cards - and how those early experiences have shaped their shared path. Claire opens up about the inner work that saved her life, including emotional healing, ancestral patterns, epigenetics, and the science of thoughts becoming biology.

Now, through Zen Clubs, Claire is bringing this knowledge to the next generation - offering children simple, powerful tools to understand emotions, shift thought patterns, and return to their inner spark.

This episode is a reminder that healing is possible, transformation is real, and our challenges can become our greatest teachers.

🌀 Topics covered:

• Burnout and the pressures of the education system
• Navigating cancer as a spiritual awakening
• The science behind thoughts, emotions, and healing
• Childhood spirituality and reclaiming your spark
• Creating Zen Clubs to support children’s wellbeing

Whether you’re on a healing journey yourself, supporting young people, or seeking deeper meaning, this conversation is not to be missed.

✨ Learn more:

• Visit the Zen Clubs website: Zen Club
• Follow Zen Clubs on Instagram: Zen Club on Instagram
• Connect with Claire by email: zenclubkids@gmail.com
• Check out the books Claire mentions: Louise Hay, Diana Cooper and The Body Keeps the Score, What the Bleep Do We Know and Elizabeth Kubler Ross

Learn more about The Spark Movement and the Spark Changemakers Podcast on our website: www.TheSparkMovement.com

Ryan and Julie share how Invisible Walls was born from a desire to keep families connected, and why something as simple as a school report shared across prison walls can change the course of a child’s life. With honesty and compassion, they describe the stigma and silence that often surrounds parental imprisonment, and how schools, communities, and even school inspectors are beginning to shift their approach to these hidden children.

From quilts stitched with love to school discos raising funds, to ground-breaking parent–teacher sessions held inside prison, this conversation shines a light on the golden thread of family belonging—and the small, human actions that ripple into systems change.

This episode is a reminder that dignity, connection, and compassion can break down walls we cannot see—and open new pathways for children to thrive.

🌀 Topics covered:

• The founding of Invisible Walls and its mission to support families
• How trauma-informed training helps schools respond with empathy, not judgement
• Parent–teacher meetings inside prisons—centring children in the conversation
• The “golden thread” of family ties and why it reduces reoffending
• Stories of community love, from handmade quilts to grassroots fundraising
• Shifting systems: how prisons, schools, and inspectors are beginning to change

Whether you’re an educator, changemaker, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, this conversation will inspire you to see the invisible — and remember that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and connected.

💡Learn more:

• Visit the Invisible Walls website
• Follow Invisible Walls on Facebook
• Learn more about the Lord Farmer review mentioned in the show
• Visit the Project Linus website, providing support to children in need

Together, they explore the transformative power of creative expression, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the beauty that can arise from suffering. Duke also shares his spiritual journey and how reconnecting with faith has shaped his perspective on pain, purpose, and resilience.

This is an episode about vulnerability, perseverance, and the choices we make in our darkest moments. Duke's voice is one of truth and light - a testament to the healing power of words.

🔸 Featured Topics:

• Creativity as therapy and connection
• Finding purpose through adversity
• The role of faith and free will
• Using poetry for social and personal change

📕 Duke’s poetry collection: Imagine We Traded Bodies with Sheep (2025)

🔗 Learn more about Duke: DUKE AL | Spoken Word Poet, Author & Hip Hop Artist

🔗Visit The Spark Movement website

📲Follow Duke on Instagram: @dukealpoetry

✨Follow The Spark Movement: @lightaspark.movement

Hosted by Nikki Giant, founder of The Spark Movement, our third season brings a whole host of changemakers from across the globe to inspire you to find your Spark. If you feel a call to do something meaningful in life, and you want your work to also be your joy, then this show is for you.

New episodes will drop every Friday at 8am GMT, starting Friday 29th August, with guests joining Nikki from the USA, UK, New Zealand, and beyond, all with one common goal: to leave the world better than they found it.  

In this season, guests will include:

• Duke Al, poet, author and hip-hop artist, who shares how poetry became his lifeline while navigating OCD.
• Shannon McDougall, principal of a small rural school in New Zealand with a mighty vision; one that centres human presence over performance.
• Claire Watson, teacher turned entrepreneur, who shares her powerful journey from burnout and breast cancer to personal transformation and soul purpose
• Ryan and Julie from Invisible Walls, a not-for-profit organisation working with prisons and schools to ensure incarcerated fathers can maintain a relationship with their children.

Join Nikki and a community of 'ordinary extraordinary' individuals who are ready to spark change and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Subscribe Now!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share it with others who are passionate about creating change. Learn more at https://thesparkmovement.com/#podcast

Jo shares her incredible journey of peacebuilding, her work in conflict resolution, and how empathy and dialogue have the power to heal even the deepest wounds. She discusses the importance of listening, self-forgiveness, and how we can all play a role in ending cycles of violence and revenge.

Tune in to hear Jo’s profound insights on the power of human connection, the role of young people as changemakers, and her mission to create a world rooted in understanding and compassion.

Key Topics Covered:

• How Jo turned personal tragedy into a mission for peace
• Her meeting with Patrick Magee and their ongoing work together
• The power of empathy in breaking down barriers
• Engaging young people in changemaking and peacebuilding
• The role of forgiveness and understanding in conflict resolution

Connect with Jo Berry:

🌍Learn more about Building Bridges for Peace: Website

📢Follow Jo on LinkedIn: Jo Berry

👉Follow Building Bridges for Peace on social media: Facebook and X (Twitter)

Clayton shares his journey growing up in a disadvantaged community, recognising the untapped entrepreneurial talent in street culture, and creating opportunities for people to transition from the streets to successful business ventures.

We dive into:

✔️The inspiration behind Street2Boardroom

✔️Breaking down barriers for underrepresented entrepreneurs

✔️How corporate and street business skills are more alike than you think

✔️The power of authenticity and self-belief in business

🔗 Connect with Clayton Planter:

• Website: www.street2boardroom.com
• LinkedIn: Clayton Planter
• Instagram: @streettoboardroom

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to find your entrepreneurial hustle, by being your authentic self.

Dan shares his deeply personal journey — from navigating alopecia after trauma to creating a supportive community that transforms hair loss into empowerment. Through wellness experiences, compassionate education, and advocacy, Baldilocks is redefining how we view self-image and resilience.

Together, Nikki and Dan explore:

• The emotional and psychological impact of hair loss
• The role of humor, community, and self-acceptance in healing
• How social and cultural expectations shape our perception of beauty
• The work Baldilocks is doing to support individuals through barbershop experiences, spa days, and workplace advocacy
• Dan’s inspiring journey from adversity to changemaking

This conversation is a reminder that confidence comes from within—and that by supporting each other, we can truly make a difference.

Connect with Dan & Baldilocks:

🌍 Website: https://www.baldilocks.me/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baldilocks.me/

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baldilocks.me

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

In this inspiring episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant sits down with Molly Leonard, the founder of Craft With Me. At just 26 years old, Molly has transformed her passion for crafting into a powerful tool for mindfulness, healing, and community connection.

Molly shares her deeply personal journey, from battling mental health challenges and spending years in and out of eating disorder units to discovering the therapeutic power of crafting. She talks about how a simple love for creating helped her find purpose, sparked meaningful conversations in hospital wards, and eventually led to her starting Craft With Me — a not-for-profit that delivers mindful craft workshops to people of all ages.

Tune in to hear:

• The impact of creativity on mental wellbeing
• The importance of self-expression and being our authentic selves
• How Molly’s resilience led her to become a King’s Trust Young Ambassador and a recipient of the prestigious Pride of Britain Award.

Listen now for a moving conversation about overcoming adversity, finding joy in small moments, and using creativity to make a real difference in the world.

Connect with Molly

• Website: https://craftwithme.co.uk/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftwithmecic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CraftWithMeCIC

Enjoy The Spark Changemakers Podcast? Subscribe to never miss an episode.

After the sudden loss of his son, Oli, Stefan and his family channelled their grief into purpose, creating lasting impact through education. Their foundation has already built over 27 schools, with many more in progress. Stefan discusses the power of vision, purpose, and values, the importance of collaboration, and how anyone can make a meaningful difference in the world.

🎧 Listen in as we discuss:

✔️How tragedy shaped the mission behind the Magic Future Foundation

✔️The impact of education on breaking the cycle of poverty

✔️The power of vision, courage, and taking action in the face of adversity

✔️How you can get involved in building a school or supporting the initiative

📌 Get Involved:

• Learn more about the Magic Future Foundation: www.oliverwissenbach.com
• Get a copy of Oli’s book: Sam Leaper’s Little Book of Wisdom
• Join the 30 in 30 team challenge to help build a school: https://oliverwissenbach.com/30in30
• Follow Stefan on LinkedIn: Stefan Wissenbach
• Read the book Stefan mentioned, Free to Focus

👉 Share this episode with a friend and help us spread the word!

Tom shares his journey from designing museum exhibits to becoming a leading voice in climate action, revealing how a pivotal moment in his career ignited a passion for change.

Discover how Tom simplifies complex problems, reframing the climate crisis into actionable solutions that empower individuals and organisations alike. Learn how you can make an impact and why the time for collective action is now.

Join Nikki and Tom as they discuss:

• Tom's epiphany about climate change during his work at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
• The principles behind his book and why solving the climate crisis can be simpler than we think.
• Insights on reframing habitual thinking and fostering creativity in addressing global challenges.
• Why understanding our personal resources and aligning them with our values is key to creating change

This is an episode filled with inspiration, actionable insights, and hope for a sustainable future.

Learn more:

• Learn more about Tom's work: https://www.tombowman.com/
• Buy Tom's book, 'What if Solving the Climate Crisis is Simple?' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Resetting-Our-Future-Solving-Climate/dp/1789047471

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then please subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review!

In this inspiring episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant sits down with Brian Gardner, Lead Advisor at the Ministry of Social Development in New Zealand, to discuss his ground breaking work in family violence prevention and promoting healthy masculinity.

With over 30 years of experience in the field, Brian shares insights into transformative initiatives such as "Change Is Possible," which highlights real men's journeys of change, and the vital role of community-based changemakers in creating safer relationships.

The conversation delves into:

• The power of reframing narratives around masculinity and violence.
• Supporting men through storytelling and community-driven initiatives.
• The significance of long-term strategies, like New Zealand’s 10-year plan, in addressing systemic violence.
• How focusing on healing, trust, and removing shame can lead to profound societal transformation.

Brian also shares his personal story, reflecting on his journey from witnessing violence as a child to becoming a leading voice for change. With heartfelt authenticity, this episode challenges us all to rethink how we engage with masculinity and foster healthier relationships for future generations.

Key Links & Resources:

• Change is Possible campaign: https://www.changeispossible.org.nz/
• Te Aorerekura - New Zealand's National Strategy to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence: https://tepunaaonui.govt.nz/national-strategy
• She Is Not Your Rehab by Matt and Sarah Brown: https://www.sheisnotyourrehab.com/
• Contact Brian via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gardner-3146091ba/

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to leave you inspired and ready to spark change in your own community.

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then please subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

Lilly shares her journey from self-discovery to founding Mindful Sparks, a platform that equips teachers with mindfulness practices to strengthen resilience, cultivate self-awareness, and foster compassion in classrooms. Drawing from her extensive global experience across Thailand, Nepal, China, and beyond, she highlights the importance of supporting educators to create thriving environments for themselves and their students.

Key topics include:

• The misconceptions about mindfulness and its practical applications for teachers.
• Why focusing on wellbeing should be foundational in education.
• The ripple effects of mindful practices on teacher retention and student engagement.
• Practical strategies for integrating emotional wellbeing into daily routines for both educators and children.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or someone passionate about creating positive change in schools, this conversation offers profound insights and actionable tips to support mental and emotional well-being in the educational landscape.

Connect with Lilly:

• Visit the Mindful Sparks website
• Follow Mindful Sparks on Instagram
• Connect with Lilly on LinkedIn

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then please subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review!

Syd’s stories highlight the power of empathy in leadership, the importance of centring human needs in systems and services, and the resilience needed to face life’s biggest challenges. Whether responding to natural disasters, advocating for vulnerable populations, or leading through the pandemic, Syd's approach emphasises kindness, courage, and a relentless commitment to doing what’s right.

Tune in to hear about:

• How her unique upbringing shaped her inclusive worldview.
• Lessons from decades of public service, including her work in child protection, health education, and community development.
• Why putting people at the centre of decisions transforms communities.
• How small acts of courage create big waves of change.

This conversation will leave you inspired to make your own impact, one compassionate decision at a time.

Connect with Syd:

• Get in touch with Syd via LinkedIn
• Learn more about Syd's work with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council's Together website

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then please subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review!

Hosted by Nikki Giant, this podcast is dedicated to helping people discover their inner spark – the passion, joy, and purpose that drives them to make a difference in the world. Whether you’re already a changemaker or just starting to explore how you can create a positive impact, this podcast is for you.

In this trailer, Nikki shares the mission behind the podcast and what you can expect from future episodes. New episodes will drop every Friday at 8am GMT and you'll hear inspiring stories from changemakers around the globe who are making an impact in their communities and beyond. The focus will be on themes of passion, purpose, and creating a legacy of positive change for future generations.

In this season, guests will include:

• Tom Bowman, an author and leading voice on climate change who shares wisdom from his book 'What if Solving the Climate Crisis is Simple?'
• Stephanie Lill, an educator in Bangkok, Thailand who is introducing mindfulness to support teacher and student wellbeing
• Brian Gardner, a government lead in New Zealand with over 30 years' experience of family violence prevention, who's passionate about promoting healthy masculinity
• Stefan Wissenbach, an entrepreneur and father who is on a mission to build 100 schools in the world's poorest nations

Join Nikki and a community of 'ordinary extraordinary' individuals who are ready to spark change and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Subscribe Now!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share it with others who are passionate about creating change. Learn more at TheSparkMovement.com

Alex shares the fascinating history behind the Golden Age of Pirates and how their forgotten principles of equality, democracy, and fair pay are more relevant than ever. Learn how the pirate mindset can inspire us to reclaim our agency, challenge the status quo, and create lasting change—whether in the workplace, education, or activism. With real-life examples from organisations like Greenpeace, Dyson, and NHS teams, Alex shows us how small acts of boldness can lead to significant cultural shifts.

Tune in to discover how you can take control, rebel with purpose, and be more pirate in your everyday life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The history and principles behind the Be More Pirate movement
• How to challenge the status quo in your personal and professional life
• The importance of collective action and rule-breaking with ethics
• Real-world examples of organisational transformation
• Practical tips on responsible rule-breaking and intelligent disobedience

Connect with Alex and Be More Pirate

• Visit the Be More Pirate website to learn more
• Connect with Alex and learn more about her speaking work at https://alexbarker.co.uk/
• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn
• Follow Be More Pirate on Faceook: www.facebook.com/BeMorePirate

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

Trigger Warning: Please note, Sharon refers to her family’s experiences of domestic abuse and how this has impacted upon her work on women’s rights and justice.

Sharon shares her personal journey, from growing up in a Southeast Asian community in the UK, witnessing domestic abuse, to becoming a trustee for numerous women-centred organisations. She has fought for gender equality and women’s rights through her legal career and advocacy work. Sharon also founded Justice in Fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the rights of women in the fashion supply chain, particularly those impacted by the crisis.

With a wealth of experience, Sharon dives deep into the intersections of gender inequality, modern slavery, and the power of community. She explains her commitment to giving a voice to those who are often unheard and how her path has been inspired by her family’s legacy and her passion for equality.

Tune in as Sharon reflects on her past, discusses the ongoing challenges in the fight for justice, and shares what drives her to keep making an impact.

Listen now for insights on:

• The role of supply chain transparency in tackling modern slavery
• Empowering women through community-driven initiatives
• The importance of legacy, resilience, and support in advocacy
• How change happens, both big and small, and what each of us can do to help

Connect with Sharon:

• Learn more about Justice in Fashion: justiceinfashion.org
• Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-benning-prince-775178b/
• Join Sharon’s group for grassroots Domestic Violence organisations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097304/
• Connect with host Nikki Giant: @NikkiGiant

If you're affected by any of the issues Sharon explores in this podcast, please contact the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

Mark shares his inspiring journey, from beginning as a volunteer in Thailand to starting his own school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by a vision to create a more holistic, creative, and student-centred educational experience, Mark's Odyssey School has become a beacon of hope for families seeking a nurturing and inclusive approach to learning. Mark discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a unique education model that fosters creativity, nature-based learning, and individualised support.

Join us as Mark shares valuable insights on leadership, the importance of love in education, and the need for a more joyful, strength-based learning environment.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a change maker in the world of education, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to create positive change.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark’s journey from drama and education to founding Odyssey School in Thailand.
• How nature-based and creative approaches can transform education.
• The role of love, safety, and joy in supporting students, including those who are neurodiverse.
• Overcoming the challenges of leading a school during a pandemic and beyond.
• Lessons on resilience and leadership in the education sector.

Connect with Mark Lloyd:

Twitter: @EduLeaderQuest

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lloyd-b795851a0

Odyssey School on Facebook: www.facebook.com/odysseyinternationalschool

Key topics include:

• The creation of the Innovate Together program, which has trained over 2000 public sector staff as change agents.
• How AI, such as Microsoft's Copilot, is revolutionising the way public sector organizations operate.
• Real-world examples of public sector innovation, including AI-driven solutions in local governments.
• The importance of collaboration, accessibility, and leadership in driving digital transformation.
• The future of AI in education, healthcare, and beyond.

Tune in to learn how technology is reshaping the public sector, the challenges faced along the way, and how Andrew's passion for change continues to inspire organisations globally.

Get in touch with Andrew:

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-boxall-6232514a/

Learn more about Microsoft's Innovate Together programme: https://wwps.microsoft.com/public-sector-innovate-together

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

Georgia shares her journey from joining Our Streets Now, a youth-led campaign against public sexual harassment, to founding its sports campaign and working with the Welsh Government. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of advocating for marginalised genders in education, sports, and society.

Georgia’s work spans from policy to grassroots activism, including her role as an ambassador for the Arsenal men's team through Her Game Too, an award-winning organisation promoting equality in sports. Listen as Georgia opens up about how the high-profile murders of women in the UK fuelled her mission, the systemic issues in gender inequality, and the powerful shift she sees happening among younger generations.

Key Points:

• How gender inequality and public harassment shaped Georgia’s advocacy journey.
• The role of sports in breaking down gender barriers.
• Why engaging men and boys in conversations about equality is critical.
• Georgia's vision for creating safer spaces for women and marginalised genders in public and sports.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on activism, allyship, and the future of gender equality.

Connect with Georgia

• Our Streets Now website: https://www.ourstreetsnow.org/
• Our Streets Now on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstreetsnow
• Our Streets Now on X: https://x.com/ourstreetsnow
• Connect with Georgia on X: https://x.com/g_theodoulou

Mehvish shares her powerful journey from the corporate world of Islamic finance to becoming a transformative force in HR, advocating for a more empathetic and inclusive workplace. She discusses the importance of shifting from traditional power dynamics and competitive environments to a focus on social mindfulness, human connection, and creating workplaces filled with love and joy.

Mehvish’s story highlights how we can bring about meaningful change at both grassroots and organisational levels by challenging old structures and centering people in all we do.

Key Topics:

• Mehvish's journey from law and finance to human relations and organisational development
• The importance of empathy, compassion, and human-relatedness in the workplace
• Why traditional HR practices need to evolve into people-centered strategies
• How fostering equality and mindful leadership can transform workplace culture
• Practical steps organisations can take to bring love and joy into their environments

Contact Mehvish and Learn More:

Visit www.sociallyinspired.org to get in touch with Mehvish, or connect with her on LinkedIn. Check out the book Mehvish mentioned, The Happy Manifesto at www.happymanifesto.com and Mindfulness-Based Organisational Education by Mark Leonard at www.socialmindfulness.net

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

Together, they explore the critical role empathy plays in fostering success, happiness, and strong connections—whether in classrooms, workplaces, or personal relationships. Ed shares his journey from teaching to launching a global empathy movement, his belief in empathy as a teachable skill, and its profound impact on behavior and society.

Highlights include:

• The power of film in storytelling and emotional connection.
• How empathy can be taught and its role in reducing conflict.
• The difference between empathy, kindness, and emotional contagion.
• Practical insights on applying empathy in everyday life.
• The importance of self-reflection and empathy for oneself before extending it to others.

Ed also delves into the current research on empathy, including findings from a 2024 report that surveyed students and adults about empathy in schools and workplaces. With 1.3 million students already reached across 50 countries, Ed is passionate about continuing to build the "Empathy Generation" and integrating empathy into education systems worldwide.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how empathy can transform lives and communities!

Contact Information:

Ed Kirwan

Instagram: @edkirwan

Twitter/X: @EdKirwan

Empathy Week

Website: www.empathy-week.com

Instagram: @empathyweek

Twitter/X: @EmpathyWeek

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

They discuss the power of early intervention in helping girls build self-confidence, develop healthy relationships, and navigate the complexities of today’s digital world. Mel also shares insights from her work addressing issues such as online safety, body image, and public harassment.

Tune in to hear how Freedom 2 uses creativity to inspire change and create safe spaces for girls to be heard, seen, and valued.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Mel’s journey from education to founding Freedom 2
• The importance of early intervention and creative wellbeing programs
• Empowering girls through conversations on online safety, body image, and relationships
• The impact of creativity in fostering confidence and self-expression
• Freedom 2’s efforts to tackle harassment and create safer public spaces for girls

Connect with Mel Manning and Freedom 2:

• Website: www.freedom2.org.uk
• Instagram: @freedom2uk
• TikTok: @freedom2uk

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

Andy explores how fostering happiness, belonging, and a sense of humanity can unlock students’ academic potential. He also delves into his work on integrating coaching techniques into education, offering insights into how this approach empowers both students and teachers alike. With practical examples and touching stories, this conversation highlights the need for a more compassionate, personalized, and holistic approach to learning, especially in the wake of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

• How focusing on happiness and belonging transforms school culture and student success.
• The importance of listening and understanding in building connections with students.
• The role of coaching in developing critical thinking, self-confidence, and agency in learners
• The impact of COVID-19 on education and how we can reimagine learning environments.
• Why balancing knowledge, humanity, and creativity is essential in today’s schools.

Tune in to discover how we can reshape the future of education for the better!

Connect with Andy via https://www.andylilescoaching.com/ or follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andylilescoaching or LinkedIn by searching for Andy Liles.

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

Conor shares his inspiring journey of founding a national organisation at just 14 years old, dedicated to sparking conversations around youth mental health. Discover how a group of ambitious teenagers turned their frustrations with the mental health system into a movement that now reaches over 300 schools across the UK.

Conor talks about the challenges of being a young leader, the importance of creativity, and the power of youth-led initiatives. He also discusses the role of social media, the pressures young people face today, and his hopes for the future of youth entrepreneurship.

Learn more about Spark UK at https://www.sparkuk.co.uk/ and connect with them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/sparkteens

Stay up to date with Nikki and the team at The Spark Movement here: https://linktr.ee/thesparkmovement

If you liked this episode and you’re ready to spark some change in the world then subscribe to the Spark Changemakers podcast and leave us a review.

In this trailer, Nikki introduces the mission behind the podcast and shares what listeners can expect from future episodes. Every week, you'll hear inspiring stories from changemakers around the globe who are making an impact in their communities and beyond. The focus will be on themes of passion, purpose, and creating a legacy of positive change for future generations.

In this season, guests will include:

• Conor Warren, an 18-year-old entrepreneur tackling the youth mental health crisis.
• Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola, who is transforming workplaces with love.
• Mark Lloyd, a school leader in Thailand who places joy and love at the heart of education.

Join Nikki and a community of 'ordinary extraordinary' individuals who are ready to spark change and leave a lasting impact on the world.

Subscribe Now!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share it with others who are passionate about creating change.

Learn More

Podcast Host: Nikki Giant

Release Date: New episodes every Friday at 8am GMT

Website: TheSparkMovement.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: LightASpark
• Instagram: LightASpark.Movement
• Connect with Nikki on X or LinkedIn