A pioneering Plymouth podcast inspiring people to embrace new skills and take control of their future has reached a milestone 100,000 listens.
Launched just 18 months ago, Skilfully Speaking shines a spotlight on well-known inspirational figures – focusing on their real-life journey to success and exploring the skills gained and challenges they have faced along the way.
Hosted by nationally-renowned skills ambassador Jackie Grubb, the initiative is a collaboration between City College Plymouth and city-based Fresh Air Studios. Listener figures show that the podcast, which is now in its second series, has reached people in more than 70 countries and has broken the 100,000 listens barrier.
Dame Kelly Holmes with Skilfully Speaking host and City College Plymouth Chief Executive, Jackie Grubb
The idea for Skillfully Speaking was born out of a conversation between Jackie and Paul Philpott, the Managing Director of Fresh Air Studios, who share a determination to drive a wider conversation in the South West around the skills agenda and wanted to highlight the challenges and inspirational stories of individuals and organisations.
The wide range of past and future guests includes Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder, broadcaster and author Anna Williamson and Olympian and world champion swimmer Mark Foster.
Each episode is produced with support from Babcock International Group and goes deep into conversation with individual guests, covering subjects as diverse as health and wellbeing, role models, career pathways and how to develop essential skills. Listeners pick up a wealth of hints, tips and advice to motivate others to achieve their goals in life.
Olympian and world champion swimmer Mark Foster recording his episode of Skilfully Speaking
Host Jackie, who is also Chief Executive of City College, said: “It’s hard to believe that what began as a conversation in a meeting in Plymouth around two years ago has ended up being listened to and helping people all around the world. It has clearly struck a chord with a global audience seeking not just motivation, but actionable insight on how to grow, adapt, and thrive in a world where change is constant.
“To reach 100,000 listens, including more than 64,000 in the UK, means that what is being said resonates with people and has an impact, which was very much our objective at the beginning. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring more inspirational stories, hints and advice that are engaging, accessible and informative.”
Marcus Skeet, aka the Hullboy, shared his powerful story of overcoming his mental health struggles through running
Paul said: “Though the ambitions we had for the podcast were quite modest, it quickly became obvious that a bold approach coupled with high quality production standards and some amazing guests was resonating strongly with our audience. The feedback we have received has been brilliant and we really feel we have been able to get under the skin of one of the most important issues facing our region.”
Skilfully Speaking is available on Spotify and Apple podcasts and other platforms, with new episodes dropping every month.
