The Forgotten Generation Podcast

In this episode, Niraj chats with Eden Byrne about living with long COVID from the age of 18 and how it changed his life just as everything was beginning—A-levels, university, and independence. Eden shares how symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain have shaped his daily routine, social life, and sense of identity. He opens up about losing friendships, managing unpredictable symptoms, and the emotional weight of falling behind peers. But Eden also talks about finding purpose through volunteering, hosting his podcast, and joining long COVID communities. This is an honest, down-to-earth conversation about adapting to a new reality, setting boundaries, and holding onto the small joys in life—even on the hard days. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this episode, Niraj speaks with Elia, an 18-year-old living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Elia shares her story of fainting as a child, navigating years of worsening symptoms, and finally being diagnosed at 17. She talks about how CFS affects her energy, independence, and identity—and how hard it is when symptoms are invisible. Elia opens up about the emotional toll, the grief of missing out, and how even with good planning, flare-ups can still hit without warning. She explains what real support looks like, why routine helps, and how sometimes the best thing you can do is just be there and listen. This is a thoughtful, honest chat about living with CFS and learning to adapt without losing hope. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this heartfelt episode, Niraj speaks with sisters Aleen and Atiqa about their journey of realising Aleen is autistic and how that’s shaped their relationship. Aleen opens up about her mental health crisis in 2020, how burnout and sleep struggles led her to explore neurodivergence, and why self-diagnosing autism helped her better understand her needs. Atiqa shares what it’s like supporting a sibling with an invisible disability—dealing with change, learning to be patient, and finding new ways to communicate. Together, they reflect on the ups and downs of unmasking, and how they’re building a more neuro-affirming relationship. This episode gives a rare insight into the sibling experience, and what support, trust, and growing together really looks like. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this honest episode, Niraj speaks with Charlotte about living with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), a condition that affects daily life in unpredictable and exhausting ways. Charlotte shares her long journey to diagnosis, the confusion with other conditions like autism and chronic fatigue, and how hard it can be to explain an invisible illness. She opens up about balancing self-awareness with vulnerability, managing energy crashes, and finding strength in gratitude and support. From calling herself lazy to realising she’s incredibly determined, Charlotte speaks openly about internalised stigma, misunderstood friendships, and the challenge of feeling seen. This episode is a raw and real look at life with POTS, and how connection and self-compassion can make all the difference. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this episode, Niraj chats with Erin Mather about misophonia—a condition where specific sounds can trigger strong emotional reactions like anger, panic, or sadness. Erin shares how misophonia has affected her since the age of eight, from daily life and friendships to eating habits and social settings. She talks about the challenges of managing triggers like chewing and clinking cutlery, how she communicates her needs, and why being understood matters more than people getting everything right. Erin also reflects on what real support looks like—not perfection, but acceptance. This honest and personal conversation gives a much-needed insight into a condition that’s often misunderstood or overlooked, especially as an invisible disability. A must-listen for anyone wanting to support someone with misophonia. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this episode, Niraj speaks with Clark about her lived experience with fibromyalgia—a chronic pain condition that’s often misunderstood. Clark shares what her journey to diagnosis looked like, how fibromyalgia affects her day-to-day life, and why it's so hard to explain an invisible and fluctuating disability to others. She talks openly about the physical pain, emotional impact, and stigma she faces, as well as the coping strategies that help her manage—like using mobility aids and building a supportive community. Clark also highlights how friendships have shifted over time and what true support looks like. This episode is a real and honest insight into what it’s like living with a condition that most people can’t see but affects everything. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

In this episode, Niraj chats with Anjelika Gearing about masking and how it can lead to losing your sense of identity. Anjelika talks openly about growing up without realising she was masking to fit in, and how this led to confusion, exhaustion, and pretending to be someone she wasn’t. After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD, she started unmasking – not by choice, but because she simply didn’t have the energy to keep pretending. She shares how she’s slowly figuring out who she really is, using tools like self-care, mindset shifts, and understanding thought patterns. This honest conversation gives a real insight into the emotional impact of masking, and what it’s like to slowly reconnect with your true self. To get connected with Niraj, find him on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga with guest Stefano Di Rico who is a mental health campaigner, My Life My Say Squad Leader, and Young Minds Activist 2022-2025.   To get connected with Stefano, find him on Instagram and Linkedin.   To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X.   The Forgotten Generation Podcast is a Be the change. Media Network production.   To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn.   You can find The Forgotten Generation blogs on our Substack.   If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.   The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga with guest Molly Taylor, who is an #iwill Ambassador, co-chair of the #iwill Movement, youth participation and power advocate, and a youth advisor at The National Lottery Community Fund. To get connected with Molly, find her on Instagram and Linkedin. To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. You can find The Forgotten Generation blogs on our Substack. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is a special part 2 on the National Youth Strategy hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga and featuring #iwill Ambassadors and National Youth Collaborators Georgina Heron-Edmends and Milly Marr. Listen to Part 1 of the National Youth Strategy Special here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VF1hhLmPcTbz8GH3vfffp?si=FY6HdngWTM-HQFWTPF6HgA&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A4eNwQ5qO7f1CaHFr2TZPls To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To read the full report of national youth strategy: Youth Matters: Your National Youth Strategy - GOV.UK To get connected with Georgina, find her on Instagram and Linkedin. And to listen to life my lane podcast : https://open.spotify.com/show/2AXGlwbyOAcQX4Zff6Rwi4?si=9Yi5YJzcTl2g4yBPr4HpEw To get connected with Milly, find her on Instagram and Linkedin. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Welcome to TFG Journey Talks: a short video series about your journeys, advice, and a day in my journey amplifying young people’s voices. Today’s episode is a Stand Up and Out Assembly talking about the topic of burnout in people who are neurodiverse. Troy Njenje Mbanga, the host and creator of the podcast and this series, speaks with Yashneil Ramlall, who is an A-level student, youth advocate, and a member of the Kids Charity UK Youth Advisory Panel. Some resources and organizations for burnout: Autistic Burnout https://www.themix.org.uk/explore-our-topics/mental-health/burnout/ How I Overcame Burnout | Real Mental Health Stories | YoungMinds To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Yash, find him on Instagram and Linkedin. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. You can find the Stand Up and Out Collective on Instagram too. You can also watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cd_YG1v2pIw. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga and features Rosanna Cornforth-Revill, who is a national youth advocate and a member of the Kids Charity UK Youth Advisory Panel. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys. To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Rosanna, find her on Instagram and Linkedin. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga and features Olly Moores, who is a youth advocate and a Barnardo's youth advisory group member. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys.  To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Olly, find him on LinkedIn and Instagram. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga features Abi Daly, who is a youth advocate, Kids Charity UK Youth Advisory Panel member, and previously a Duke of Edinburgh Youth Ambassador 2024/2025. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys.  To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Abi, find her on Instagram. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga features Jacob Barnett, who is a youth advocate and a Kids Charity UK Youth advisory panel member. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys.  To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Jacob, find him on Linkedin. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Welcome to the first episode of TFG Journey Talks: a short video series about your journeys, advice, and a day in my journey amplifying young people’s voices. Part 2 of Episode 1 of this series features Troy Njenje Mbanga, the host and creator of the podcast and this series. To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga and features Rachel Hasson  who is a youth activist, co-founder of Faerie Press CIC, and an #iwill Ambassador. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys.  To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X To get connected with Rachel, find her on Instagram and Linkedin. Find Faerie Press CIC on Instagram: Instagram To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Today's episode is hosted by Troy Njenje Mbanga and features Thomas Grimwood, who is a Diana Award 2024 Recipient, a performing arts student, and a youth advocate. This series is about amplifying the lost voices of young people that are misrepresented in SEND and invisible disabilities and sharing lived experiences to stand up and out in the world on their journeys. To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram. Listen to Thomas's podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/show/21JIhxTp8dDhOWhmiEUrRr?si=ccWJnT-9QM62HK-Bwk63mw To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Welcome to the first episode of TFG Journey Talks: a short video series about your journeys, advice, and a day in my journey amplifying young people’s voices. This series features Troy Njenje Mbanga, the host and creator of the podcast and this series. To get connected with Troy, find him on Instagram, on LinkedIn, and on X. To follow along with The Forgotten Generation Podcast, you can find the podcast on Instagram and LinkedIn. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

In this episode, Skye Morgan and Tricia Walker, reflect on their podcast journey and take a look back at their favourite moments from it. We hope you have enjoyed listening as much as we have enjoyed making it! To get connected with Skye, find them on Instagram. To get connected with Tricia, find her on Instagram. To follow along with all of The Forgotten Generation Podcast series, you can also find the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram:@bethechangemedianetwork. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at lily@bethechangepodcast.org.