Spare a Thought

In this special introductory episode, Tom launches a new four-part mini-series of Spare a Thought titled Curly’s War, joined by his producing partner, Emily Merry. This series is inspired by Tom’s grandfather’s self-published memoir Curly’s War, written 25 years ago. The book recounts Walter George Blaza’s experiences as a Royal Marine Commando during the Second World War, from his early training, to taking part in the D-Day landings, and ultimately to the liberation of the Netherlands. Across the series, Tom will read selected excerpts from Walter’s first-hand account, using his grandfather’s voice as the thread that guides us. Each reading is followed by a deeper historical exploration, drawing out personal stories and broader social contexts. Alongside the military narrative, the series will shine a light on the often-overlooked dimensions of wartime life, including: Life and community in rural Leicestershire The role of women during WWII (including the history of women’s football) The realities of military training The experience and impact of the liberation of the Netherlands This series is both a personal act of remembrance and an invitation to explore how ordinary lives shape and are shaped by extraordinary times. Follow Tom's work: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Stay connected with the show: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ Listen to all previous episodes: https://spareathought.podbean.com/ or wherever you get your podcasts. Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

In today’s episode Tom speaks to Professor Les Back, a lecturer of Sociology at the University of Glasgow about 1979 TV episode of Open Door called It Aint Half Racist Mum. Together Tom and Les discuss the impact social work had on Les’s career as an academic, the life and legacy of Stuart Hall, one of the creators of cultural studies in the UK. The central focus of the pod this week is a TV episode Hall presented with actress Maggie Steed called It Ain’t Half Racist on Open Door, which was released in 1979. Through the conversation in today’s episode, you will see many parallels with the contemporary discourse in the public sphere, media and politics about immigrants, migration and racism. You can watch It Ain’t Half Racist Mum on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jy3ytj or you can find the episode on YouTube. Follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/  You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. 

To honour Black History Month, Tom is joined by Be the change. Media’s host of The Forgotten Generation Podcast Troy Njenje Mbanga. Together Tom and Troy discuss the life and legacy of Dr Dororthy Height, often referred to as the “godmother” of the Civil Rights movement.  Tom’s research is based off an interview with Dr Height, available to watch on Youtube: A Conversation with Dorothy Height - National Portrait Gallery: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfA9Am-rZTw  You can follow updates about The Forgotten Generation Podcast via instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforgottengeneration.podcast/ and you can catch-up on previous episodes on: Spotify: https://shorturl.at/kck3I Apple podcasts: https://shorturl.at/fou41  And everywhere else: https://theforgottengenerationpodcast.podbean.com/  Troy’s recommendations for The Forgotten Generation Podcast: National Youth Strategy https://theforgottengenerationpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-forgotten-generation-national-youth-strategy/  Interview with Eden Byrne https://theforgottengenerationpodcast.podbean.com/e/the-forgotten-generation-with-eden-byrne/  One Year Anniversary episode: https://theforgottengenerationpodcast.podbean.com/e/one-year-of-the-forgotten-generation-podcast/  Alongside exploring the achievements of Dr Height, Tom reviews a Common/Wealth Theatre Company production called Demand the Impossible, a part-performance, part punk-gig, part-sensory experience, exploring police injustice and the undercover infiltration of activist networks. Follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/  You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. 

In this episode of Spare a Thought, Tom is taken in a time machine to 2030 by author, activist and environmentalist Rob Hopkins to show us how we averted the climate crisis and reshaped our relationship with nature and the planet. During their conversation Rob tells Tom about working in a Tibetan monastery in Tuscany Italy, what he learned from a maverick teacher in Ireland about permaculture and he describes what the future tastes, smells and looks like.  You can follow Rob on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robhopkins5085/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yoodooright1968  Visit Rob’s website and sign up to his newsletter the Time Traveller’s Gazette: https://www.robhopkins.net/  You can purchase Rob’s book How to Fall in Love with the Future here: https://www.robhopkins.net/the-book/  Rob and Mr Kit have made an immersive music and video experience called Field Recordings from the Future: https://www.fieldrecordingsfromthefuture.co.uk/home  Kinsale Energy Descent Action Plan: http://www.transitiontownkinsale.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/kinsaleenergydescentactionplan.pdf  Follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/. Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. 

In this episode Tom interviews Charlie Edmonds from Civic Square, an organisation demonstrating neighbourhood-scale civic infrastructure for social, ecological, economic, and climate transition. Together Tom and Charlie discuss the gap between the idealistic vision of architecture students are taught at university vs the profit driven private practice they work in. Charlie outlines his own journey from architect to Mission Co-Lead for Neighbourhood transitions. Charlie outlines the three demonstrators Civic Square are building: Neighbourhood Doughnut  Neighbourhood Transitions  Neighbourhood Public Square The conversation across this episode tells a really important story: neighbourhood buy-in and co-design are essential for navigating climate change.  Head to Civic Square’s website to see what projects they are working on: https://civicsquare.cc/ Attend free events hosted by Civic Square: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/civic-square-30350377814  Read Civic Square and Dark Matter Lab’s report into the impact that rising temperatures will have on urban settings in the UK over the next 100 years: https://medium.com/neighbourhood-public-square/3%C2%BAc-neighbourhood-582903b050b2 Read Civic Square and Dark Matter Lab’s chapter on Endowing the Future: https://medium.com/neighbourhood-public-square/endowing-the-future-65041b0f88cd  Civic Square’s work is based around Dan Hill’s Designing Missions: https://shorturl.at/uFcSO  Civic Square’s Doughnut Demonstrator is based off Kate Raworth’s Doughnut Economics: https://www.waterstones.com/book/doughnut-economics/kate-raworth/9781847941398  The Danish project Doughnut for Economic Development: https://www.effekt.dk/doughnut-for-urban-development  You can follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/. Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. 

This episode marks a special milestone: Spare a Thought’s 1st Birthday! A huge thank you to every listener, guest, and supporter who has helped us reach 33 episodes and nearly 2,000 downloads!  Your host, Tom Spare, takes a moment to reflect on the show's journey - from its beginnings with The Political Dispatch to becoming a standalone show - and gives a special shout-out to the Founding Director of Be the Change. Media Network, Lily Mott, on her recent shortlist nomination for Cardiff University’s 30(ish) Awards. In honour of Black History Month and as part of our 'Educating for the Future' series, Tom is joined by Clarice Rodney, the Operations Manager of the Black British Book Festival . Clarice shares her career path and tells the story of how the festival began and how it has grown into a vital space for writers and readers. Together, Tom and Clarice discuss the powerful role of reading and storytelling in understanding our world, referencing the words of James Baldwin, and how the festival acts as an essential voice in a complex and often divisive media landscape. Clarice also shares invaluable advice for emerging writers, particularly those from Black and other marginalised communities, on getting their work published and seen. The conversation looks ahead to the Black British Book Festival, which takes place on October 19th at the Barbican Centre in London. You can book your tickets to the Black British Book Festival via the Barbican’s website: https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/black-british-book-festival-2025 Listen to Keyari Page’s Shadow and Light: https://shadowandlightpod.podbean.com/ Listen to the previous episode of Spare a Thought with Sinnead Ali: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/a-matricentric-future/ Listen to the most recent episode of The Political Dispatch - Trouble in France and Britain's Far Right March: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/trouble-in-france-and-britains-far-right-march/  And Olivia Dean’s latest album The Art of Loving is available to buy and stream wherever you get your music from. Head to Olivia’s website for more information about her music and upcoming tour: https://www.oliviadeano.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.  Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia.  You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/.

Tom interviews friend and founder of Womb CIC, Sinnead Ali who has recently opened a new studio space in Cardiff. The conversation covers Sinnead's journey from working at Cardiff Students' Union with Tom to traveling and becoming a yoga teacher. They discuss the inspiration behind Womb CIC, including Sinnead's personal experience with health issues, her work in Singapore hosting women's circles, and her training in pre-and post-natal yoga. Sinnead explains the term "matricentric" and how it influences the studio's holistic approach to wellness. Together Tom and Sinnead talk about how a matricentric future would centre the needs of mothers, leading to a ripple effect that benefits all of society. The conversation also highlights the Womb Festival, which focused on "bringing back the village" and supporting people during the fourth trimester. Sinnead shares how the festival's location in Grangetown, the most ethnically diverse ward in Cardiff, was chosen to be a welcoming and safe space for the community. Tom and Sinnead also discuss the challenges of the asylum system in the UK, the work of charities like Asylum Justice, and the importance of community-based services to support parents. To follow the latest news and events from Womb CIC head over to https://www.instagram.com/womb.sanctuary/  You can book sessions at the studio via https://www.wombcic.co.uk/  Sinnead’s yoga studio Womb on 99 Woodville Road, Cathays, CF24 4DY Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.  Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia.  You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/.

Tom interviews Jay Chard, a PhD student from the University of South Wales who is researching the role universities play in a just climate transition.  Together Tom and Jay discuss the terminology used by climate scientists, they explore the meaning behind climate justice and debate the role universities play in helping to adapt during ecological, environmental, social and economic change. Are universities complicit in climate breakdown? What is their role in fighting climate change? And are universities preparing their students to deal with the challenges climate change brings? Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia You can listen to all the previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/ to listen now.

Join Tom as he interviews Sam Cullis London Breeze Film Festival founder and Executive Director. Amongst other roles, Sam is Tom’s former Film studies teacher. Together they discuss Sam’s career path into the film world, the influence of former teacher Ray Wilkinson on both their lives, how new filmmakers can break into the industry, as well as discussing the timeline of the London Breeze Film Festival and look ahead to the Festival, which takes place in October.  The London Breeze Film Festival takes place between 22nd and 26th October. You can find out more about the festival via their Instagram and check their website: https://londonbreezefilmfestival.com/ Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia You can listen to all the previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/ to listen now.

In this episode, Tom speaks with Chris Thorpe, an apprenticeship coordinator and project manager at a photonics company. Chris discusses the importance of getting kids into STEM fields, his own non-linear career path, and how technology will shape the world of work for the school leavers of today.  Spare a Thought is a Be the Change Media Network production. Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia For exclusive insights and reflections, subscribe to Tom's Substack: tomspare.substack.com 

Tom hears from five members of Generation Covid, a cohort of young people whose education and lives were completely changed by the pandemic. This episode shares the stories of Will, Izzy, Emily, Eden and Emma as they recall navigating the early days of lockdowns. A sudden end to childhood, few formal goodbyes, and a jarring start to adulthood. In Season 2, Tom also collated the accounts of 12 people who have lived with Long Covid, and in a follow-up episode, explored how society can better support them. You can listen to those episodes below: Living with Long Covid: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/living-with-long-covid/ Supporting those living with Long Covid: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/supporting-those-living-with-long-covid/ Subscribe to Spare a Thought and follow us on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia. For exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and extended reflections, subscribe to Tom’s Substack: tomspare.substack.com Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.

Tom takes an epic Amtrak train journey, crossing four states to get from New Orleans to Atlanta. Onboard he meets a couple travelling to New York, talks voodoo and paranormal activities with an Amtrak worker and stays in a sketchy motel once he reaches Atlanta.  Join Tom as he explores the lives of two Georgia’s greatest sons: Martin Luther King Jr, and former President Jimmy Carter.  Subscribe to Spare a Thought and follow us on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia. For exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and extended reflections on the US, subscribe to Tom’s Substack: tomspare.substack.com. Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

Content warning: This episode makes brief references to drug use and death. This is Going Spare in the USA, a four-part mini-series following Tom Spare’s journey across America in the lead-up to the 2024 US Presidential Election. Part 2: The Big Easy Leaving behind the buzz of New York, Tom dives into the unique rhythm of New Orleans. From a chaotic arrival and a memorable Uber ride to vibrant markets and the soulful history of jazz, he gets an authentic taste of NOLA’s rich culture. Along the way, he meets resilient locals and witnesses the subtle yet striking ways politics shape everyday life. But amid the magic, moments of stark reality emerge, prompting deeper reflection on the American experience. Listen to Going Spare in the USA: Part 2 – The Big Easy now. Subscribe to Spare a Thought and follow us on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia. For exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and extended reflections on the US, subscribe to Tom’s Substack: tomspare.substack.com. Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

This is Going Spare in the USA, a four episode mini series focused on Tom Spare's trip to the US in the lead-up to the US Presidential Election in November 2024. What started as a meticulously planned cultural immersion in the Big Apple, exploring the grandeur of the New York Public Library, discovering the magic of Carnegie Hall, losing himself in the political treasures of Argosy Bookstore, and witnessing a groundbreaking "Romeo and Juliet" on Broadway takes an utterly unexpected turn. Listen to Going Spare in the USA Part 1: Trump Headlines the Garden. Subscribe to Spare a Thought today and follow Spare a Thought on Instagram. If you want a deeper dive, including exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and additional reflections on the US, subscribe to Tom's Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ You can also follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

Cast your minds back to October 2024. The US Presidential race is neck and neck between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and three-time Republican pick, President Donald Trump. Amidst the political drama, Tom Spare flew out to New York City to start an epic two-week journey traveling the United States as voting day fast approached. In a new four-part series, join Tom as he recounts his travels, accidentally finding himself in the middle of a political rally, hearing the music of New Orleans, learning about the humble beginnings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and witnessing election night unfold in Washington DC. Subscribe to Spare a Thought today and follow Spare a Thought on Instagram. If you want a deeper dive, including exclusive insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and additional reflections on the US, subscribe to Tom's Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

In this episode, Tom chats with Lizzie Spikes, an artist who lives in north Wales and is the co-founder of Driftwood Designs, an Aberystwyth based company who publish and produce a range of gifts, homewares, prints and cards. Together Tom and Lizzie talk about the role Wales plays in Lizzie’s art, the importance of community and taking things slow when starting up a business.   You can find out more about Driftwood Designs by heading to their website: https://driftwooddesigns.co.uk/  Don't forget to subscribe and rate Spare a Thought! Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ And you can also subscribe to Tom’s Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

In this episode, Tom chats with Amanda Hamilton, Director and Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP). They delve into the crucial role paralegals play in helping the public gain access to the justice system. Amanda shares insights into her fascinating career in law, how she rose to become CEO and now patron of NALP, and the significant impact of legal aid cuts from 2010-2015 on access to justice. Discover the skills needed to become a paralegal and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting the legal profession. Learn more about NALP via their website: https://www.nationalparalegals.co.uk/ Don't forget to subscribe and rate Spare a Thought!  Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ And you can also subscribe to Tom’s Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The world’s media has very little access to Gaza. Reports from aid agencies and local news sources suggest 2 million people are at risk of famine. Amidst the horror, the people of Gaza endure. In this special edition of Spare a Thought, Tom shares Dalia’s story.  Dalia is a Business Administration student who lives in Gaza. Life under the Israeli blockade is dire. Despite this she volunteers, supporting her community, working with organisations, advocating for human rights, for children, young people and women. She has a dream. She wants her voice to become part of the change she wants to see in her country because: “I truly believe that real change doesn't start from the top. It starts with one person, with one heart, and with one small idea…that travels further than we ever imagined.” You can listen to Tom’s interview with the International Rescue Committee on getting aid to Gaza from the Political Dispatch podcast here: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/   If you are able to, there are a number of charities supporting aid to Gaza: Choose Love: https://chooselove.org/  Doctors without Borders: https://www.msf.org/  The International Rescue Committee: https://www.rescue.org/uk  To hear more about Spare a Thought follow us on our new Instagram account.  Listen back to previous episodes of the show here: https://spareathought.podbean.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

Tom talks to Dr Julia Patterson, the Chief Executive of EveryDoctor. EveryDoctor is a campaigning organisation fighting for patients, staff and the future of the NHS.  This episode focuses on Julia’s journey from NHS doctor to campaigner and the personal costs of campaigning, what Wes Streeting’s reforms mean for NHS England, Julia’s book Critical and much more. You can find out about the work of EveryDoctor by heading to their website: https://everydoctor.org.uk/. You can also follow Julia on Tiktok and Bluesky.  To hear more about Spare a Thought follow us on our new Instagram account. You can also subscribe to Tom’s free Substack newsletter. Listen back to previous episodes of the show here: https://spareathought.podbean.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

Tom talks to Kim Mamhende, the Chief of Staff at The CAE, a Swansea-based charity that supports migrant, immigrant, refugee and asylum seeking communities in Wales.  Together Tom and Kim’s conversation centres on the work of the CAE, how work helps migrants and immigrants integrate into society, why the UK wouldn’t run without migrants and what role entrepreneurialism plays in bringing communities together. You can find out about the work of The CAE on their website: https://www.caentr.org follow them on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.  Follow Spare a Thought’s new Instagram account and you can subscribe to Tom’s free Substack newsletter. Listen back to previous episodes of the show here: https://spareathought.podbean.com/  Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.