Around the world in 160 days: Vedangi Kulkarni, the youngest women to circumnavigate the world by bike

Meet Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu, a 48-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.   Early Activism: Learn about Jenny's activism against injustice, lack of freedom, and corruption under Mobutu's oppressive regime in the Congo.   Challenges and Struggles: Explore Jenny's journey as an asylum seeker in the UK, facing bureaucratic hurdles, homelessness, and legal battles.   Resilience and Determination: Discover how Jenny's unwavering spirit propelled him forward despite the odds, leading to a transformative journey of survival and perseverance.   Community Engagement: Hear about Jenny's current role as a support worker in Birmingham and his commitment to contributing positively to his community.   Gratitude and Hope: Gain insight into Jenny's gratitude for the opportunities provided by the UK and his aspirations for the future, including becoming a British citizen.   Life Lessons and Advice: Listen as Jenny shares valuable insights on resilience, perseverance, and navigating life's challenges, offering inspiration for listeners on their own journeys.   Join us for an episode filled with riveting storytelling, profound wisdom, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit as Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu shares his remarkable journey of survival and hope.   Resources:   Tales to Inspire: https://talestoinspire.com/ Mustard Tree: https://mustardtree.org.uk/ British Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org.uk/ BRASS: https://brassbolton.org/wp/ City of Sanctuary Bradford: https://bradford.cityofsanctuary.org/

In this episode, we hear from Jenny Dakosta Van Mputu, a refugee who shares his personal journey through adversity and resilience. Facing homelessness in British society, Jenny recounts the struggles of not knowing where to start or how to communicate in a foreign land. Jenny emphasises the importance of support, especially from organisations in Manchester, highlighting the difficulties of transportation due to financial constraints.  He expresses gratitude for the kindness of British people encountered along the way, noting the crucial role of community support in navigating the complexities of the immigration system. Language barriers compound the challenges, with individuals speaking diverse languages from their home countries. Learning English becomes essential for accessing vital services and legal assistance. Jenny now advocates for increased funding and support for refugees, including financial assistance for transportation to access resources like food banks and legal aid. Ultimately Jenny’s bite size episode provides a poignant insight into the struggles faced by refugees in the UK and the importance of compassion and support in helping them rebuild their lives. Resources:

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Yatin Mistry, a proud, gay, British Indian whose story of self-discovery and acceptance shines a light on the complexities of identity and the power of resilience. Growing Up in Essex: Yatin recounts his upbringing in 1980s Essex, where racism was pervasive and societal norms pressured him to conform to a whitewashed ideal. He internalised this racism, feeling ashamed of his own identity and striving to fit into a mold that didn't truly represent him. A Shift in Perspective: At age 14, Yatin's worldview shifted when he learned about colonialism and the atrocities committed against his ancestors. This sparked a journey of anger and introspection as he grappled with his dual identity as a British Indian. A Quest for Meaning: Yatin's comfortable life in London took a dramatic turn when he was confronted with the injustice of famine in Africa. Motivated to make a difference, he left his job and embarked on a journey to India to work with children in the slums. Discovering Dual Identity: In India, Yatin found himself immersed in the richness of his cultural heritage, challenging his preconceived notions of identity. He confronted internalised homophobia and came to accept his sexuality as a natural part of who he is. Navigating Family Dynamics: Yatin's journey to self-acceptance was not without its challenges, particularly within his family. Despite initial resistance, he found support and understanding from his brother, while facing more complicated reactions from his parents. Empowering Others: Today, Yatin is happily married and dedicated to helping others on their own journeys of self-discovery. He emphasises the importance of patience and understanding in allowing others to come to terms with identities that may challenge societal norms. Conclusion: Yatin's story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that embracing our true selves not only liberates us but also empowers others to do the same. As he aptly puts it, "when you let your light shine, you give others permission to do the same." Resources:   Website: Social Media:

In this bite size episode with Yatin Mistry, the discussion delves into the concept of community, particularly focusing on the experiences of those who belong to marginalised groups. The conversation is centred around Yatin's perspective, who sheds light on various aspects of identity and prejudice within communities.   Queer Community and Prejudice: Yatin highlights the challenges faced by individuals within the queer community, emphasising how they often endure prejudice due to their minority status. Drawing parallels, Yatin relates this to the experience of being a person of colour in a predominantly Caucasian society, where success may be hindered by societal biases.   Intersectionality and Protection: Yatin explores the intersectionality of identity, discussing how being a part of multiple marginalised groups can compound the challenges faced. Whether it's due to race, gender, or other protected characteristics, individuals often encounter barriers that affect their personal and professional lives.   Healthcare and Transphobia: The conversation extends to the healthcare sector, particularly addressing issues of transphobia. Yatin, advocates for better training and awareness among healthcare professionals to ensure respectful and inclusive care for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.   Respect and Understanding: Yatin emphasises the importance of mutual respect and understanding within communities. Whether it's respecting someone's preferred pronouns or cultural preferences, fostering dialogue and empathy can lead to positive change and greater inclusivity.   Changing Norms through Dialogue: Yatin believes that changing societal norms requires ongoing dialogue and conversation. By engaging in meaningful discussions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, it's possible to challenge existing prejudices and promote greater acceptance and tolerance.   Community Support and Empowerment: The episode concludes with a call to action for community support and empowerment. Yatin stresses the importance of solidarity among marginalised groups, highlighting the strength that comes from sharing experiences and advocating for change together.   Resources:

Join us as we delve into the captivating life story of Raji Sundar, a Mumbai-born individual whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. 🌍 Early Life and Cultural Exposure Raji shares insights into his childhood, where frequent job changes led to exposure to diverse cultures. By the age of 4, he effortlessly spoke four languages. Despite being reserved, Raji's journey was influenced by the fear of failure, hindering him from attempting new challenges. 💼 The I.T Boom and Career Climb The 90s ushered in the I.T boom, and Raji's keen interest propelled him into a career in technology. Join him as he recounts his experiences, from TCS in Mumbai to a challenging first year in the UK, working in Kent and commuting to London daily. Despite cultural shocks, Raji's dedication shone through, leading to a successful project at TCS and subsequent recruitment by H Boss, where he thrived in delivering one successful project after another. 🌟 Beyond the 9-5: A Paradigm Shift Despite corporate success, Raji wondered if there was more to life than the 9-5 routine. His life took a transformative turn in 2015 when he decided to support a friend running a charity 10k, marking the beginning of his love for running. This unexpected passion led to the creation of his blog, "Midlife Runners." 🏃‍♂️ Empowering Others Through Running Discover how Raji's life-changing experience led him to coach individuals worldwide, breaking barriers and making running accessible. His commitment to providing the right advice, especially for women post-menopause, led him to qualify as a Great Britain athletics coach. "Midlife Runners" became a community where underdogs found support, focusing on well-being, friendship, and the joy of running over competition. 🌈 Midlife Runners: Where Everyone Belongs Explore the ethos of Midlife Runners—a community not just about running, but about feeling good and forming lifelong connections. Raji Sundar's story is an inspiration for those seeking fulfillment beyond the conventional, proving that it's never too late for a transformative journey. 🔗 Connect with Midlife Runners: https://midliferunnersparadise.com/?page_id=14596 https://www.themovementcharity.com/

In this Bite Size episode, Raji Sundar explores the profound connection between lifestyle, movement, and societal well-being.    She emphasises the impact of modern conveniences, like the transport system, turning us into a sedentary nation. Raji delves into the essential nature of movement for individuals, societies, and communities, underscoring the importance of a balanced and active lifestyle, reflecting on personal experiences, admitting guilt about opting for convenience over healthier choices.    Raji discusses the societal shift towards greater awareness of movement, encouraging mutual support in adopting healthier habits. She questions the cultural inclination to prioritise speed and convenience, highlighting the paradox of rushing for short-term gains at the expense of mental well-being.    Resources:

In this Deep Dive episode featuring Emma Marshall, the founder of Movement is Medicine UK, we delve into a dynamic lifestyle movement that revolves around the profound impact of movement. Emma's narrative unfolds, spanning her teenage years deeply involved in rave culture to a crucial juncture marked by burnout in her professional life. Amidst grappling with diverse health challenges, Emma encountered difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis through traditional medical channels. The turning point came when Emma embraced functional medicine, revealing black mold poisoning as the root cause of her illnesses. Her pursuit of holistic healing led her to Mexico, where she discovered the profound connection between mind and body. Inspired by indigenous dance cultures, Emma realized the therapeutic potential of movement and decided to integrate it into her recovery. The birth of Movement is Medicine stems from Emma's personal revelation that movement can be a powerful form of medicine. She began conducting classes, sharing the scientific benefits of movement, and gradually built a community around her philosophy. The movement has grown exponentially, with around 30 individuals trained to teach Emma's method. Emma envisions expanding Movement is Medicine UK even further, with plans for pop-up events, workshops, panel discussions, and the possibility of a curated stage at a festival. Her mantra, "Movement is medicine," encapsulates not only her personal journey to health but also the mission she hopes will endure beyond her lifetime, inspiring others to prioritize movement for holistic well-being.    Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emma.the.alchemist/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/movementismedicine.uk/ Website: https://movementismedicine.uk/

In this bite size episode with Tales To Inspire, Emma Marshall delves into the transformative power of movement for overall wellbeing. Emma asserts that any form of movement serves as a reminder of our vitality, aligning with the innate nature of mammals constantly in motion. In contrast, modern lifestyles tether individuals to sedentary habits, adversely affecting both physical and mental health.   Emma challenges the prevailing concept of exercise, advocating for the simplicity of movement—walking, dancing, and cycling—as vital elements of daily life. She underscores the need for a societal shift to redefine exercise, urging people to embrace movement beyond conventional gym-centric practices. Drawing inspiration from Blue Zones, Emma emphasises that the healthiest societies seamlessly integrate movement into daily activities, including dance and walking. In her dance teaching methodology, Emma prioritises self-expression over choreography, aiming to reconnect individuals with the sheer joy of movement.   She posits dance, as a primal and tool-free form of expression, as a bridge between mind and body. Emma encourages listeners to reassess their perception of exercise, urging them to embrace movement as an intrinsic and holistic component of overall well-being.  Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/emma.the.alchemist/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/movementismedicine.uk/ Website: https://movementismedicine.uk/

Meet Meg Holloway, your lifecoach and the driving force behind The Joy Project. Living in the picturesque Lake District, Meg is not your typical coach. With a childhood colored by dance and rebellion, she navigated a journey through journalism, a stint as a ski sales rep, and a rollercoaster of experiences in her 20s. Diagnosed with ADHD, Meg's path to self-discovery and acceptance led her to create The Joy Project, challenging traditional coaching methods to better serve those with ADHD. Her mission extends beyond personal growth; Meg aims to equip individuals  with essential tools and break down stigmas surrounding ADHD. As a coach, Meg believes in the power of looking inward for positive change.  Join her on a journey of joy, resilience, and liberation.  Episode Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyprojectcoach/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/megg.holloway/ Website: Support:

Welcome to our bite-sized episode with Meg Holloway, where she delves into the profound impact of movement on mental wellbeing. Meg shares a deeply personal journey, from her childhood as a chatterbox to navigating a fear of movement due to a debilitating back injury in her young adult years. Discover the transformative moment that brought Meg back to the joy of dance and fitness in her late twenties, following a significant breakup. She candidly explores emotional and physical hurdles that hindered her from embracing movement, highlighting the contrast between stagnation and the euphoria experienced after attending a dance fitness class. As a dance instructor and passionate advocate for movement, Meg emphasises the inclusivity of her classes, focusing on the simple act of moving one's body rather than perfection. She opens up about personal struggles with mental health during her twenties, underscoring the potential impact consistent movement could have had on her wellbeing. Join Meg Holloway in this heartfelt exploration of the importance of movement, backed by personal experiences and a compelling call to prioritise joy and health through the simplicity of moving.   Episode Resources: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyprojectcoach/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/megg.holloway/ Website:   Support: