Best Skilfully Speaking Podcasts (2025)

1
S2 Ep8: Melissa Johns - Auditions, Adversity & Advocacy: Melissa Johns on Making It in Media 35:48

12d ago35:48

35:48

Melissa is a familiar face from the likes of Coronation Street, Grantchester and the much talked-about Adolescence. Recorded the morning after she presented the City College Plymouth student awards, Mellissa discusses the skills and strategy used to overcome negative attitudes in the industry about her disability, and how she’s now helping young as…

1
S2 Ep7: Beth Mead MBE: Lessons from a Lioness – From Women's Euros Triumph to Teamwork and Tenacity 28:16

1M ago28:16

28:16

Beth’s journey started with her playing football as the only girl in a boys’ team to winning the Golden Boot at the Euros. We find out the skills required to become one of the most famous and successful sportswomen in the country. Essential listening as the Women’s Euros get underway in Switzerland. Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City …

1
S2 Ep6: Judge Rob Rinder: Law, Media and the Power of Telling the Truth 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

Rob Rinder sprang to fame on our TV screens as “Judge Rinder”. Since then, he has gone on to present numerous TV shows and has fronted many documentary series covering law, travel and art history. Jackie met up with Rob during his panto run in Plymouth and found out the skills required to become a barrister, how he continues to inspire young people…

1
S2 Ep5: Unlocking the Power of Digital Education: Robin Ghurbhurun on AI, Tech & Transformation 43:36

3M ago43:36

43:36

Robin is the UK Executive Lead for Jisc’s further education and skills policy. Jackie discovers how Robin’s journey took him from working in shops to managing a band, before a career in teaching came calling. So, what skills are behind being at the forefront of digital innovation in education? How will using tech such as AI and blockchain transform…

1
S2 Ep4: How to Keep Running When You Want to Quit: David Wetherill on His Marathon World Record Attempt at the 2025 TCS London Marathon 43:18

3M ago43:18

43:18

Recorded in the week leading up to the 2025 TCS London Marathon, Dave is setting out to break a record! Dave has already been a triple Paralympian and is an inspirational athlete. But this will be his biggest challenge yet, breaking the record for completing the London Marathon on crutches. Jackie explores Dave’s story and finds out the skills invo…

1
S2 Ep3: The Hull Boy on Running the Length of the UK and Facing His Mental Health Head-On 41:58

4M ago41:58

41:58

Marcus is also known on social media as “The Hull Boy”, where you’ll find him undertaking a wide variety of running challenges. In this episode, Jackie explores what skills are involved in raising money for charity, managing a huge social media presence and keeping mental and physical health in check, just as Marcus is about to take on his biggest …

1
S2 Ep2: How to Stay Mentally Strong Under Pressure - Mark Foster’s Lessons from Elite Swimming 43:27

5M ago43:27

43:27

The morning after being guest speaker at the Apprenticeship Awards, former Olympic swimmer and six-times world champion, Mark Foster sat down with Jackie to explore his journey from being the fastest 11-year-old in the world to competing on the world stage. The skills he acquired, the people he surrounded himself with and the lessons he’s learned h…

1
S2 Ep1: Empowering Women - Menopause, Health & Breaking Stigmas with Kate Muir - an International Women's Day Podcast 50:23

6M ago50:23

50:23

Celebrating International Women's Day with an essential conversation! In this episode of Skilfully Speaking, we’re shining a light on women’s health with journalist and author Kate Muir. Kate is a passionate advocate for women, breaking stigmas around menopause and empowering others with knowledge. Join us as we explore the skills behind Kate’s imp…

1
S1 Ep12: Best of Part 2 - What It Really Takes: Entrepreneurs, Olympians and Industry Leaders on Resilience, Mental Health and Authentic Success 52:20

9M ago52:20

52:20

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of being authentic, mental health, resilience and building a business. The guests featured are cosmetics legend, Liz Earle, entrepreneur, Ben Towers, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, former MP, Robert Halfon, TV presenter turned life coac…

1
S1 Ep11: Jackie Grubb - From Blue Peter Dreams to College CEO: Jackie Grubb on Education, Leadership and Lessons from City College Plymouth 45:29

10M ago45:29

45:29

Yes, you read that title correctly! This episode is the grand finale of Season 1 of Skilfully Speaking, so the tables are turned, and Jackie Grubb is the guest and is being interviewed by Paul Philpott. Paul finds out about Jackie’s skills journey – from childhood ambitions to be a Blue Peter presenter and a make-up artist, to becoming a teacher. W…

1
S1 Ep10: David Lockwood - Building Skills for a Global Workforce: Babcock International CEO David Lockwood on Talent, Leadership and Staying Competitive 38:50

11M ago38:50

38:50

The team at Skilfully Speaking and City College Plymouth has a great relationship with Babcock International Group. So, it’s great that Babcock’s CEO, David Lockwood has been chatting to Jackie about what it’s like running a global organisation, the essential skills that Babcock looks for in new recruits, the importance of having the right aspirati…

1
S1 Ep9: Best of Part 1 - From Classroom to Cutting Edge: Insights from Olympians, Entrepreneurs and Educators on Tech, Learning and Career Success 31:11

12M ago31:11

31:11

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of education, career choices and technology. The guests featured are former MP, Robert Halfon, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, TV presenter turned life coach, Anna Williamson, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, entrepreneur, Ben Towers and AI educator, Dan Fitzgerald. Bro…

1
S1 Ep8: James Mackenzie-Blackman - More Than a Stage: Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO James Mackenzie-Blackman on Theatre, Skills and Community Impact 35:31

1y ago35:31

35:31

James is the CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth. He was born in Plymouth and has worked all over the world developing skills, encouraging young people, raising millions of pounds for charity and teaming up with the likes of Sir Matthew Bourne to stage ground-breaking productions that have taught young people new skills that have changed their lives. Jac…

1
S1 Ep7: Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator on Learning, Adapting and Thriving in the AI Age 45:54

1y ago45:54

45:54

Dan is known as “The AI Educator” and has written extensively about AI, as well as having travelled the world educating everyone from students to businesses about AI. Jackie asks him all about what AI is and what it can do now, as well as how AI can help us with education in the future and what skills are required to work with it. Supported by Babc…

1
S1 Ep6: Ben Towers - From Teenage CEO to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur: Ben Towers on Business Growth, Pressure and Leading at 25 38:21

1y ago38:21

38:21

Ben’s story is extraordinary and unique. He started running businesses at the age of 11, is the founder of the employee engagement platform, Happl and has been described by Sir Richard Branson as “one of the UK’s most exciting entrepreneurs” and at the time of recording this episode, Ben is only 25 years old. So, how did he develop such impressive …

1
S1 Ep5: Liz Earle MBE - From Start-Up to Self-Care: Liz Earle on Building a Beauty Brand, Business Growth and Living Well 43:43

1+ y ago43:43

43:43

As co-founder of the Liz Earle Beauty Company in 1995, Liz knows all about the skills required to succeed. She’s also been busy as a TV presenter, writer and over the years has even launched a magazine and a range of jewellery. Liz has all the knowledge and experience to give advice on the skills we all need to learn, to earn and to live a happier,…

1
S1 Ep4: Robert Halfon - Shaping the Future of Skills: Minister Robert Halfon on Education Reform, Student Struggles and Supporting Learners 29:05

1+ y ago29:05

29:05

Robert Halfon is Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education. He discusses his important and challenging role in shaping the education and skills landscape in the country – areas he’s been passionate about even before he entered the House of Commons. He also shares his personal education and skills stories, including his health challe…

1
S1 Ep3: Anna Williamson - From TV to Mental Health Advocate: Anna Williamson on Anxiety, Counselling and Breaking the Stigma 44:07

1+ y ago44:07

44:07

From CITV to This Morning, Anna is not only a familiar face on our TV screens, she’s also a counsellor, mental health campaigner, one half of the LuAnna podcast and the author of the best-selling book, Breaking Mad. Jackie discovers the connections between developing skills and taking care of mental health, as well as Anna’s work with The Prince’s …

1
S1 Ep2: Dame Kelly Holmes Part 2 - Dame Kelly Holmes: Confidence, Courage and Coming Out - A Journey of Self-Acceptance 35:48

1+ y ago35:48

35:48

Part 2 of a 2 part launch special with Dame Kelly Holmes. In this two-part special to kick off the podcast series, Jackie chats to double-Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes about her life inside and outside athletics and the skills that took her on this extraordinary journey: from meeting an inspirational PE teacher at school, through joining…

1
S1 Ep1: Dame Kelly Holmes Part 1 - How Dame Kelly Holmes Built Resilience: From Armed Forces to Olympic Gold 32:45

1+ y ago32:45

32:45

Part 1 of a 2 part launch special with Dame Kelly Holmes. In this two-part special to kick off the podcast series, Jackie chats to double-Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes about her life inside and outside athletics and the skills that took her on this extraordinary journey: from meeting an inspirational PE teacher at school, through joining…

1
Skilfully Speaking - The Promo 1:05

1+ y ago1:05

1:05

Acquiring new skills and seizing opportunities can unlock a whole new world. In Skilfully Speaking, well-known successful people from a wide range of backgrounds pass on the secrets to their success. Talking to skills expert and leading educationalist Jackie Grubb, they share experiences and advice aimed at inspiring others to embrace new skills an…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Skilfully Speaking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Skilfully Speaking

Skilfully Speaking

1
S2 Ep8: Melissa Johns - Auditions, Adversity & Advocacy: Melissa Johns on Making It in Media 35:48

1
S2 Ep7: Beth Mead MBE: Lessons from a Lioness – From Women's Euros Triumph to Teamwork and Tenacity 28:16

1
S2 Ep6: Judge Rob Rinder: Law, Media and the Power of Telling the Truth 58:38

1
S2 Ep5: Unlocking the Power of Digital Education: Robin Ghurbhurun on AI, Tech & Transformation 43:36

1
S2 Ep4: How to Keep Running When You Want to Quit: David Wetherill on His Marathon World Record Attempt at the 2025 TCS London Marathon 43:18

1
S2 Ep3: The Hull Boy on Running the Length of the UK and Facing His Mental Health Head-On 41:58

1
S2 Ep2: How to Stay Mentally Strong Under Pressure - Mark Foster’s Lessons from Elite Swimming 43:27

1
S2 Ep1: Empowering Women - Menopause, Health & Breaking Stigmas with Kate Muir - an International Women's Day Podcast 50:23

1
S1 Ep12: Best of Part 2 - What It Really Takes: Entrepreneurs, Olympians and Industry Leaders on Resilience, Mental Health and Authentic Success 52:20

1
S1 Ep11: Jackie Grubb - From Blue Peter Dreams to College CEO: Jackie Grubb on Education, Leadership and Lessons from City College Plymouth 45:29

1
S1 Ep10: David Lockwood - Building Skills for a Global Workforce: Babcock International CEO David Lockwood on Talent, Leadership and Staying Competitive 38:50

1
S1 Ep9: Best of Part 1 - From Classroom to Cutting Edge: Insights from Olympians, Entrepreneurs and Educators on Tech, Learning and Career Success 31:11

1
S1 Ep8: James Mackenzie-Blackman - More Than a Stage: Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO James Mackenzie-Blackman on Theatre, Skills and Community Impact 35:31

1
S1 Ep7: Dan Fitzpatrick, The AI Educator on Learning, Adapting and Thriving in the AI Age 45:54

1
S1 Ep6: Ben Towers - From Teenage CEO to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneur: Ben Towers on Business Growth, Pressure and Leading at 25 38:21

1
S1 Ep5: Liz Earle MBE - From Start-Up to Self-Care: Liz Earle on Building a Beauty Brand, Business Growth and Living Well 43:43

1
S1 Ep4: Robert Halfon - Shaping the Future of Skills: Minister Robert Halfon on Education Reform, Student Struggles and Supporting Learners 29:05

1
S1 Ep3: Anna Williamson - From TV to Mental Health Advocate: Anna Williamson on Anxiety, Counselling and Breaking the Stigma 44:07

1
S1 Ep2: Dame Kelly Holmes Part 2 - Dame Kelly Holmes: Confidence, Courage and Coming Out - A Journey of Self-Acceptance 35:48

1
S1 Ep1: Dame Kelly Holmes Part 1 - How Dame Kelly Holmes Built Resilience: From Armed Forces to Olympic Gold 32:45

1
Skilfully Speaking - The Promo 1:05

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