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In today’s episode, we’re delighted to welcome Alexia Barrett from The BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. We’ll be talking about inclusivity, life behind the scenes of the show, and why she is encouraging more diverse casting.

The Great British Sewing Bee is currently looking for the UK’s best amateur sewers for Series 13 - and they are especially encouraging applications from disabled people and those with long-term health conditions who have a passion for sewing and creating their own clothes. The aim is to make the process as inclusive and accessible as possible, so a wide range of voices and experiences are represented in the sewing room.

If you, or someone you know, would like to apply, you can do so at www.applyforsewingbee.co.uk, email , or call 0117 450 8530 to request an application form.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 8pm.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Today we’re talking about confidence, self-image, and the idea of “looking good.”

Does looking good make us feel good?

We’ll look at how appearance affects confidence, from bad hair days to clothes, weight, and all the messages we pick up from social media, TV, school, and the people around us.

We’ll also talk about why accepting ourselves can be so hard, and what confidence really means - on our own terms!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today’s episode, we’re talking all about pet peeves - the little things people say and do that can be frustrating, awkward, or just plain annoying!

We’ll also talk to Laurent about his exciting Royal Academy Summer Show news, and discuss our passions and things that make us happy! We hope you enjoy it!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today’s episode, we talk openly and honestly about anxiety — what it really feels like, how it shows up in our everyday lives, and why it can be so difficult to manage.

We share our personal experiences, explore simple coping strategies, and discuss small, practical tools that can help make anxiety feel more manageable. If you’re living with anxiety or supporting someone who is, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone.

We’ve included some UK-based support links below if you need extra help:

Anxiety UK
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Helpline: 03444 775 774

Mind
https://www.mind.org.uk
Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Samaritans (24/7)
https://www.samaritans.org
Freephone: 116 123

SHOUT Crisis Text Line (24/7)
Text SHOUT to 85258

NHS Talking Therapies
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies/

💛 If you’re in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or go to A&E.

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Why do we listen to music? Why can one song feel like home, while another takes us straight back to a moment in time?

In today’s episode, we’re talking all about music. The songs we love. The genres that shape us. And the tracks that help us focus, lift our mood, and say what we can’t put into words.

From comfort songs to full-volume sing-alongs, we’re sharing how music fits into our everyday lives.

Click here for a playlist of our favourite songs to accompany this episode!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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We're returning to Oak Lodge School – and we couldn't be more excited!

In this bonus episode, we head back to Oak Lodge to catch up with our brilliant pupil podcasters who stole our hearts the first time around. Since we last visited, so much has happened – so we're sitting back down with our original mic-holders to find out how the podcasting project changed things for them, what they've learned, and where they're headed next.

Have they caught the podcasting bug for good? Did the experience open new doors? And what are their dreams for the future?

It's heartfelt, it's hopeful – welcome back to Oak Lodge!

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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Welcome back to the Dis-Labled Podcast!

Today we are doing something a little bit different because this episode is an omnibus of our soap opera ‘45 Nowhere Street’.

We (the students of Community Focus) wrote and performed this soap opera. We think it is very good and you will enjoy it. It is even better than Eastenders and Coronation Street. Take a seat and enjoy!

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot

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In today’s episode, we celebrate the written word through poems and talking tales written and performed by CF students.

Featuring original voices and creative storytelling, this episode brings together spoken word and narrative pieces that showcase the imagination, insight, and expression of CF’s young writers.

Project Managers: Andrea Rai & Phil Powell.

Editor: Phil Powell

Huge thanks to the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund for supporting our Dis-labled podcast. Learn more about their amazing work: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

All enquiries: podcast@communityfocus.co.uk

Website: https://www.communityfocus.co.uk/

Theme Music: Rastko Rasic @ the students of Community Focus

Other Music: Jazzy Frenchy by ⁠⁠⁠Benjamin Tissot