The Backstory: Recent Episodes

Claire Mutimer and Suzy Coulson

Telling the human stories that are happening all around us - stories that may be unusual but could be happening to your neighbour or the person next to you on the bus.


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Hi everyone, we'd love you to give our new podcast a listen.

Being Socially Distant is a new lockdown audio comedy from the producers of The Backstory Podcast. Written and produced by Tin Shed Productions and starring Suzy Coulson, Claire Mutimer, Kate Wilson and Ivan Vaughan. It is recorded remotely.

You can listen to episode 1 here or click here to subscribe directly so that you get new episodes when they're released.

Please follow us on instagram: @beingsociallydistant

Music: 'Latin Nights'

Composer: Tim Brown, Brown House Media

Publisher: Pond 5

Being Socially Distant is a Tin Shed Production.

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This week we hear from Nancy and daughter Nina who, together with lodger Wes, find themselves living together in lockdown in a newly constituted household. Nancy works in mental health so she has spent the last few weeks holed up in her bedroom supporting clients via Zoom, whilst she and Nina get used to living together after being apart for a while. Online dating, routines and the challenges of this enforced period of reflection - there's plenty here to relate to.

In a follow on from last week, Suzy asks Claire some non-corona questions in an attempt to talk about something - anything - else.

We really hope you've enjoyed our set of new normal backstories. You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

We are @thebackstoryypodcast on Facebook and Instagram @thebackstorypod on twitter.

The Backstory Podcast is produced by Tin Shed Productions

hello@tinshedproductions.co.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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This week Suzy and Claire put five questions to each other about their new normal - how is life in lockdown in the Norfolk countryside? They talk about creative writing, podcasts they are listening to, their highs and lows and what might happen next. Then we hear from Lex who is in Sussex and reads out her blog which caught Claire's eye last week as it strikes many cords of what we are all experiencing.

Lex's blog can be found at: https://thethoughtreport.com/coronavirus-diary-of-a-working-mum/

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

We are @thebackstoryypodcast on Facebook and Instagram @thebackstorypod on twitter.

The Backstory Podcast is produced by Tin Shed Productions

hello@tinshedproductions.co.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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We are bringing you a season of backstories with the theme - a new normal - telling the real-life stories of us all adjusting to life in the midst of the corona outbreak. We hope you find some comfort in hearing other people's new normals.

This week we hear from Masha who lives in Buenos Aires with her husband. Masha's two sons are in Canda and her youngest, who's 19, is in his second year of university. When lessons were cancelled Masha and her husband made plans for him to come home but, as lockdown kicked in, things didn't go according to plan.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

We are @thebackstoryypodcast on Facebook and Instagram @thebackstorypod on twitter.

The Backstory Podcast is produced by Tin Shed Productions

hello@tinshedproductions.co.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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We are bringing you a season of backstories with the theme - a new normal - telling the real-life stories of us all adjusting to life in the midst of the corona outbreak. We hope you find some comfort in hearing other people's new normals.

We kick off with Amy who is in the midst of a very tricky time as her Mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour just at the start of all this madness - she managed to get her Mum operated on just before all non-emergency operations were cancelled - but now she is caught up in all the corona lockdown. She explains how it is all playing out and how Mother's Day is for her this year.

This has been a fast turn-around podcast recorded remotely - so apologies for any sound issues - although it is pretty good given it was recorded on a phone.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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In this week’s mash-up we hear a selection of stories on the theme of recovery. First we hear from from Jilly Moss whose little girl Alba contracted what turned out to be measles before her first vaccination. Jilly tells how frightening it was when no -one could recognise the illness and her daughter became so ill. This interview is with Claire on the phone - so apologies for the sound quality.

We also hear from Dave who became obsessed by his weight and describes his recovery from anorexia (season 4 episode 2) and finally Tiff’s story of recovery which is absolutely remarkable as she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer (season 3 episode 4) but to the amazement of her rugby-playing husband Tom Youngs and her daughter Maisie and the rest of her family she was told that the cancer had gone.

Our podcast recommendation is Emily Eavis on BBC's Desert Island Discs and Jon Ronson's audible original: The Last Days of August.

Trigger warnings for this episode: anorexia, cancer.

Help and support:

NHS website advice on measles

Beat - eating disorders

Macmillan -cancer support

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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This week we’re talking ‘Transformation’ - experiences that can blindside or creep up slowly but that change your life. We hear from Marc who was diagnosed with HIV in the 80s, when treatment and prognosis were very different. HIV is a disease that has seen massive change in recent years, although as Marc explains, there’s still some way to go with reducing stigma. We also hear from Adele, whose life was transformed by an acid attack, and from brothers Michael and Robert talking about Michael’s major head injury following an assault and how that has changed the dynamic within their family.

Our podcast recommendation is Modern Mann ‘Pupil A’ from 1st May 2019..

Trigger warnings for this episode: HIV, acid attack, domestic abuse, head injury

Help and support:

Terrence Higgins Trust for HIV and sexual health support

Acid Survivors Trust

Headway - the brain injury association

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Tea Time

Composer: Johnny Berglund

Source: Epidemic Sound

Title: Above It All

Composer: August Wilhelmsson

Source: Epidemic Sound


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This week we have our second mash-up, this time our first story is from another podcast The Break-up Monologues and we hear from comedienne Jane Postlethwaite interviewed by host Rosie Wilby about a big break up she went through. Carrying on the theme we hear about Nick Little and how it was for him to lose his business partner and best friend to a sudden illness and finally we go right back in to the archives to our first ever backstory to hear about Jan and John's story of losing their daughter - killed by her husband the mayor of Cromer. If you want to hear either of the last stories then Nick's story is series 6, ep 1 and A moment of madness is series 1, ep 1.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is ‘The Shrink Next Door’.

You can hear the full Break-Up Monologue featuring Jane Postlethwaite here.

Trigger warnings for this episode: Murder, domestic abuse.

Help and support:

Cruse Bereavement Care Helpline: 0808 808 1677

Refuge Against Domestic Violence: 0808 2000 247

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:


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Backstory is back! This time we’re hearing from a mixture of new and familiar voices as we look at the theme of Altered States. We hear from Pat, whose Parkinson’s Disease causes hallucinations that her family is there, from Jess and Matt who lived through Jess’s post-partum psychosis and from Natasha who had intrusive thoughts as part of her OCD. All three have in common the experience of trying to live with an altered state of reality and the challenges that poses.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is ‘Personal Best’.

Trigger warnings for this episode: Parkinson’s, Post-Partum Psychosis, OCD, hallucinations

Help and support:

Parkinson’s UK

Association for Post Natal Illness

OCD Action

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Thunderbird

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licence

Title: Late Answer

Composer: Indigo Days

Source: Epidemic Sound

Title: Tea Time

Composer: Johnny Berglund

Source: Epidemic Sound

Title: Above It All

Composer: August Wilhelmsson

Source: Epidemic Sound


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Rounding up our season looking at people seeking justice, we hear from Adele Bellis who suffered an acid attack in August 2014. The attack was arranged by her ex-partner, Anthony, but carried out by someone acting on his behalf. It followed a long and abusive relationship in which Anthony had made numerous threats against Adele and her family, as well as physically attacking her. Adele describes the attack itself, the abusive relationship that preceded it and what came after.

Our podcast recommendations of the week are ‘Parentland’ and ‘Paradise’ available on BBC Sounds.

Trigger warnings for this episode: domestic violence, acid attack, coercive control

Help and support:

Acid Survivors’ Trust

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

Adele’s book, ‘Brave’ is published by Harper Collins

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Thunderbird

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 3.0 Licence

Title: Interlude 2

Author: Ashley Burgoyne

https://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer


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This is Lee’s story of getting justice for his mother - Cherry Groce - who was shot in front of him by the police on 28th September 1985 when they raided his family home. She was shot through the spine and paralysed and the incident led to several days of rioting in Brixton. Lee was 11 at the time. Cherry died 26 years later from complications related to the injuries she sustained that night. This began Lee's search for justice for his Mum and their family. 29 years after the shooting, an inquest was finally held, but how would Lee ever come to terms with this traumatic incident at such a formative time in his life...

This programme does contain a short description of violence.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is BBC Sounds, Shreds: Murder in the dock.

Help and support:

https://www.inquest.org.uk - Inquest the charity, supported Lee in his legal battle.

Please support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License




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In PART TWO we continue the shocking and compelling story of how Penny Farmer and her family tracked down her brother and his girlfriend’s killer; 38 years after they were murdered on a boat off the coast of Guatemala in 1978. After a eureka moment out walking with her mother, Penny suddenly realised that facebook may hold the key to finding the sons of the main suspect - Silas Boston - who were on board the boat when it happened. Penny finally found out exactly what happened to her brother and his girlfriend Peta on board the ship. Subsequently the police also caught up with Boston - although the story doesn’t even end there…

Heads up - this podcast does contain some graphic details.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is Love and Radio's 'The Living Room' and The Daily 'The Hunt for the Golden State Killer'.

Help and support:

https://www.gov.uk/world - Foreign Office overseas

Lucie Blackman Trust https://www.lbtrust.org/

Citizens' Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Cruse Bereavement Care https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 (UK and ROI - Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Link to Penny's book

Dead in the Water - Bringing Down My Brother's Killer After His 39 Years On The Run - A True Story by Amazon.co.uk

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786069660/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_egzyCbVFHD1N3

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License


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This is part one of Penny Farmer's remarkable story about her brother Chris and his girlfriend Peta who went off travelling to South America in 1978. Peta wrote home detailed letters every week and then the letters suddenly stopped. In this two-parter Penny describes the pain of Chris and Peta not coming home and their slow realisation that something dreadful had happened to them in the sea off Guatemala at the hands of Silas Boston. In this first part we hear about how Penny experienced their disappearance as she prepared to go off to university and their discovery of the horrific fate the couple had come to which set Penny on a 40 year quest to find and convict their killer - one which facebook held the key to in 2015.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is 'Love Stories with Dolly Alderton'.

Help and support:

https://www.gov.uk/world - Foreign Office overseas

Lucie Blackman Trust https://www.lbtrust.org/

Citizens' Advice https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Cruse Bereavement Care https://www.cruse.org.uk/

Samaritans https://www.samaritans.org/ 116 123 (UK and ROI - Free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)

Link to Penny's book

Dead in the Water - Bringing Down My Brother's Killer After His 39 Years On The Run - A True Story by Amazon.co.uk

Learn more: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1786069660/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_egzyCbVFHD1N3

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License


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Rounding up our season looking at the people whose job it is to help others, this week we’re heading to the gym to meet personal trainers Olly and Zane. Both have had their own struggles and have used exercise and fitness to help themselves out of a slump and maintain their mental well-being. For them, fitness isn’t about achieving the sort of image we’re all too familiar with - it’s about looking after yourself, valuing yourself and not expecting things to happen overnight.

Our podcast recommendation of the week is ‘Addicted to Sex’ by the BBC.

Trigger warnings for this episode: eating disorders, suicide, mental health.

Help and support:

Beat Eating Disorders 0808 801 0677

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

Links to weight diversity activists mentioned in the episode:

Marilyn Wann

Marianne Kirby

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: TeenQueens2

Composer: Stefan Netsman

Source: Epidemic Sound


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This week Claire went to meet Christie Watson who worked as a nurse for over twenty years. We hear about when she found herself on the other side of the fence watching Cheryl her Dad’s nurse - look after him when he became terminally ill with lung cancer. She describes the minute cues that Cheryl took from getting to knowing her Dad that helped her nurse him so effectively. She describes the pressures that nurses are under and what needs to change as we head towards a bed crisis which is actually a nursing shortage this winter. Christie has gone on to write two fictional books and most recently The language of Kindness: A Nurse's Story.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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Continuing our season looking at the people whose job it is to help others, this week it’s Nicky and Alan from St. Martin’s Housing in Norwich. They tell us about their work with John, who has been an on/off client of St. Martin’s. John (not his real name) was a rough sleeper, a chaotic heroin user and supporting him was not easy. When people are batting with complex and entrenched problems, there are no quick fixes, no easy answers. It turns out, though, that good old-fashioned perseverance and compassion go a long way. Nicky and Alan tell us about their work and what it takes to help someone move from the streets to having their own front door.

Help and support:

St. Martins Housing (Norwich based)

Shelter

Crisis

Samaritans Call free anytime: 116 123 (UK)

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Stand Still

Composer: Johannes Hager

Source: Epidemic Sound


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This is a new season of the backstory - this run of four has a particular theme - we are looking at people’s jobs which involve doing good. This week we hear from Nick Little who set up a social enterprise company called the Outsiders with close friend Oz Osbourne. They quickly realised that in the world of social enterprise community work their high standards were tricky to maintain or were often undermined, but they stuck to their guns. They ran some amazing projects together including a human library where you could borrow people instead of books and have a chat with them for half an hour - the idea was to chose someone who totally challenged your prejudices - so they had categories like transgender, muslim and disabled. They also run the 12th man which is a project training barbers to be mental health first aiders, able to spot the warning signs among customers and point them in the right direction if they need help.

But then this summer Oz died.

Nick Little explains how hard it is to do good and how it is even harder when you suddenly lose your best friend and business partner.

Help and support:

the-outsiders.org.uk/about-us - Nick's social enterprise

12th-man.org.uk - Nick's

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

www.mind.org.uk

thecalmzone.net

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: Eternal Hope

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Title: Evening Fall Harp

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Title:Quiet Contemplation 18

Author: Christian Andersen

Source: Epidemic Sound


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Season 5 Episode 8

Terry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease when he was 59. 8 years after his diagnosis, he and daughter Vicki talk about how the illness has changed their lives, individually and as a family, the strains and losses that come with living with a progressive disease and how it also has the potential to bring people closer together.

Help and support:

Parkinson’s UK

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

NHS information about Parkinson’s

Carers UK

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: "Light Thought Variation 3"

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Season 5 Episode 7

In part two of Jess and Matt's story we hear about the tough journey from Norfolk to London to get Jess and baby Albert in to a psychiatric Mother and Baby unit. Jess explains what it was like to get treatment there and how they all coped with hospital life and getting used to slowly go out again. We hear about how it was eventually coming back to Norfolk and getting used to being at home and eventually the big decision of whether to try for another child.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

  • Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) and APP forum
  • Association for Post Natal Illness
  • Mind: what is postpartum psychosis?
  • PANDAS Foundation UK
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists: postpartum psychosis

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music

Title: Light Thought Var

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Eternal

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Season 5 Episode 6

Jess and Matt had an excellent birth but then things started to go a bit weird, Jess just wasn't herself. Matt had been warned that women can be very affected by hormones after the birth, but this was extreme. It turned out that Jess was suffering from postpartum psychosis a mental illness that comes on just after having a baby. When baby Albert was taken in to hospital with jaundice it became clear that he wasn't the only one that was ill and Jess needed very specialist care which wasn't readily available...

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

  • Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP) and APP forum
  • Association for Post Natal Illness
  • Mind: what is postpartum psychosis?
  • PANDAS Foundation UK
  • Royal College of Psychiatrists: postpartum psychosis

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music

Title: Light Thought

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Evening Fall

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

Title: Marrakesch

Author: Phillip Gross

Source: http://freemusicarchive.org

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Season 5 Episode 5

Lillian and Dan have enjoyed a long marriage, full of travel and dancing. With Lillian in her 70s and Dan in his mid-90s, the time came recently when they took the difficult decision to move Dan into residential care. Lillian talks about still being married but not feeling like a wife, the gains she enjoys and the sadness of the losses brought about by this recent change.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

Help and support:

Age UK

MIND

Campaign to end loneliness

Samaritans 116 123 (24 hours)

The Loneliness Project

Music credits:

Main theme:

Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

Title: "Eternal Hope"

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Trichotillomania: Cara’s story

Season 5 Episode 4

When Cara moved from a happy primary school to a large, intimidating high school her mental well-being plummeted. Her height and long red hair made her stand out and the attention caused her eczema to flare. Struggling to cope, Cara turned to hair pulling, a coping mechanism that offered temporary relief but created its own problems. In this week’s Backstory we hear about how one thing can lead to another, how conditions can take hold before you realise they’re a problem and how writing helped Cara to find the confidence to stop this compulsive behaviour.

Find out more about Cara here.

Cara’s book ‘Every Trich in the Book’ is available here.

You can support us with likes, shares and reviews.

The Backstory is taking a short break but please keep us in your library as we’ll be back in a few weeks.

Help and support:

Bullying UK – advice and support for children and parents/carers

0808 800 2222

Information from OCD UK about trichotillomania can be found here.

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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The road to recovery: Hope’s story

Season 5 Episode 3

Hope is one of 5 children. It was a big, busy family and not without its fair share of conflict and discord. By the age of 17 Hope had been suffering from anorexia for 4 years, a condition she’d done her best to hide from friends and family. But when her heart nearly stopped things had to change. In this week’s Backstory we hear about life as an in-patient and how relapse and recovery are a long journey.

Hope’s fundraising page can be found here.

Her book ‘Stand Tall Little Girl’ is available here.

Help and support:

Beat – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity

0808 801 0677

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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7/7 Behind the scenes: David’s story

Season 5 Episode 2

In July 2005 London and the country were in jubilant mood, celebrating winning the bid to host the 2012 Olympics. The next day, during the morning rush hour, four bombs exploded, three on the Underground and one on a double-decker bus. 52 people were killed and hundreds were injured. David Videcette was working in counter-terrorism and was faced with the prospect of a complex and lengthy investigation that would take over his life for the next few years and cost him his marriage. In this week’s episode David talks candidly to Suzy about what life was like behind the scenes of the investigation into the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil.

For more information about David Videcette and to find out about his books The Theseus Paradox and The Detriment visit davidvidecette.com

Information about Encompass can be found here.

The Encompass exhibition ‘Belonging in Britain’ runs from 23/9/18 – 13/10/18 at The Guardian, Kings Place, London N1. It is free to visit.

Help and support:

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Incidental music: Title: “Eternal Hope” Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Title: “Interlude 2” Author: Ashley Burgoyne Source: ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com


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Brethren to burlesque: Sapphira’s story

Season 5 Episode 1

Welcome back to Season 5. We start with a love story. Sapphira felt like a misfit, naturally flamboyant but brought up by brethren. Eventually excommunicated, her life spiralled but then she met Tony. Tony had also been raised by brethren and together they started to heal. Sapphira talks about what it means to have the rug pulled out from under your feet and then find the real you through music and burlesque.

Sapphira’s book can be found here:

http://www.triggerpublishing.com/product/burlesque-or-bust-bringing-my-mental-health-to-heelpre-order-now/

Sapphira’s social media links:

www.facebook.com/sapphiramusic
www.twitter.com/sapphiramusic
www.instagram.com/sapphiramusic

Help and support:

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

www.mind.org.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music provided by www.sapphiramusic.com


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Mindfulness on wheels: Tim’s story

Season 4 Episode 7

This is Tim McKenna’s account of what it is like to live with bipolar disorder – I think it is an amazing account of being male and mentally ill and initially not having much help or support through not knowing what was wrong and hiding how he was feeling – as he felt ashamed of it.

It does include some details of feeling depressed and a suicide attempt so if that is a trigger for you then just be aware of that – but it is a story of survival and realisation and learning about yourself and about cycling and straight jackets and how sometimes the worst sounding things are the biggest help.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

www.mind.org.uk

https://www.time-to-change.org.uk

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Suicide awareness training is available online through Zero Suicide Alliance.

Tim’s facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Tim-Cycles-The-Coast-495360543981739/

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
License: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Title: Eternal Hope

Author: Kevin MacLeod

Source: incompetech.com
License: CC Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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From free school meals to the High Court: Ali’s story

Season 4 Episode 6

Ali grew up in Wales on free school dinners with four other siblings. This is the story of how he made an extraordinary success of himself and how his experience of difference tallies with his work as an immigration barrister. What gives some children the drive to move beyond their background?  Who influenced Ali?  How will it change for the next generation?

Help and support:

Citizens Advice

Music credits:Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)You can really help us with reviews, likes, shares and signing up a friend.  Thanks.


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Who helps NICU parents? Vicki’s story

Season 4 Episode 5

Vicki is a young woman on a mission. Having experienced life on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after the birth of her first son, she’s determined to push for better mental health provision for parents in similar situations. Vicki struggled with the shock and her mental health suffered, all whilst trying to care for a young baby with significant health problems. She talks openly about the experience for her, son Elijah and partner Greg.

As always, this week’s backstory is followed by backchat in which Claire and Suzy talk about the pros and cons of blogging and why getting the right therapy is so important, as well as our regular podcast recommendation.

Help and information:

Bliss – for babies born premature or sick bliss.org.uk

Samaritans 24 hours a day, free and confidential call 116 123

Vicki’s blog can be found here.

Music credits:Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)You can really help us with reviews, likes, shares and signing up a friend. Thanks.


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This backstory is about two remarkable brothers. Michael is now 33 and he was punched in the jaw six years ago down on Great Yarmouth seafront on a saturday night, which knocked him over smashing his head on the side of the kerb. His brother Robert, who is ten years younger than him, has been a huge part of his support in enabling him to learn how to live again with what turned out to be a major brain injury.


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Right person, right place: Naomi’s story

Season 4 Episode 3

Naomi is a woman of many talents. Actress, stand up and academic. As part of her role with a school where the pupils wore Tudor uniform, Naomi went to Romania to work with young people in an orphanage, children who had been institutionalised their whole lives under Ceausescu’s regime, children for whom regular communication wasn’t possible.

As always, this week’s backstory is followed by backchat in which Claire and Suzy talk about the broader issues, working with teenagers and why Suzy is a psychic cat whisperer.

To support the charity mentioned in this episode please go to www.fundatianewlife.com

The Guardian article on Vişinel Balan can be found here.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)You can really help us with reviews, likes, shares and signing up a friend. Thanks.


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Recovering from anorexia: Dave’s story

Season 4 Episode 2

Dave’s backstory is a tale of going to the brink and then choosing to live, of recovery and the ongoing struggles that come as part of the package. Challenging all the stereotypes, Dave talks about his anorexia with a massive dose of humour and gives a new perspective on this most pernicious and dangerous illness.

As always, Claire and Suzy discuss the backstory and occasionally veer off at a tangent, including talking about why spots have featured heavily in both their weeks.

For Help and information:

Beat – The UK’s Eating Disorder Charity

Helpline: 0808 801 0677

Download the cheat sheet here to help if you’re going to your GP.

Men get eating disorders too

Supporting men with eating disorders

Samaritans

Call for free anytime on 116 113

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)You can really help us with reviews, likes, shares and signing up a friend. Thanks.


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Hide or confide? Kiki’s story

Season 4 Episode 1

Kiki’s backstory is a tale of two halves – she is a footballer but it isn’t about football. It is about something that happened that changed the course of her career forever, a simple mistake that stopped Kiki’s plans in their tracks. The second half is about something she needs to tell someone but has built it up in her mind and she doesn’t know how to share it. It’s important she tells them really soon.

Claire and Suzy chat about the programme including Claire’s love of shades of grey, Suzy’s almost pHD and why we can’t agree on how rule abiding we should be.

For Help and Information:

www.stonewall.org.uk

https://www.samaritans.org

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Learning to Live Again: Tiff’s story (Season 3 ep 4). Join us as we discuss what we’ve learnt about whether we consider Tiff to have been brave, what you can donate from your body whilst you are still alive and how to deal with being captain of Leicester Tigers when your wife finds out they are terminally ill. We also discuss which podcast we are recommending from the British Podcast Awards, alternative therapies, cannabis oil and mindset.

For Help and Information:

Information on stem cell donation: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now

Information on blood donation: https://www.blood.co.uk

Information on platelet donation: http://platelets.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/

Bloodwise – the charity behind blood cancer research https://bloodwise.org.uk

Comprehensive information on all cancers and support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Season 3: Episode 4

Learning to live again: Tiff’s story

In the latest episode, Claire travels to Leicester to talk to Tiffany Youngs…

Tiff appeared at the age of 28 to have an amazing life – recently married to Tom Youngs, the England and Leicester Tigers rugby player, with a new baby girl Maisie and a lovely family home in Leicester.

However this was all about to be turned on its head when she found out in 2014 that she was suffering from Hodgkin Lymphoma.

This is the remarkable story of how Tiff dealt with three years of ill health and numerous different treatments, including a stem cell transplant, only to be told the devastating news in April 2017 that her cancer was terminal.

“I said you know Mummy hasn’t been very well, unfortunately Mummy has got to go to heaven….and she was like Oh OK so I never see Mummy again.”

However a few months ago Tiff found out that she was in remission – the scan was completely clear of cancer.

How does it feel as a mother to face a terminal diagnosis? Tiff talks to Claire about her health and emotions, and the extraordinary turnaround which sees her now in remission from the disease.

For Help and Information:

Information on stem cell donation: https://www.dkms.org.uk/en/register-now

Information on blood donation: https://www.blood.co.uk

Information on platelet donation: http://platelets.blood.co.uk/the-donation-process/

Bloodwise – the charity behind blood cancer research https://bloodwise.org.uk

Comprehensive information on all cancers and support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk

Music Credits:

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy

Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)

Source: www.gosoundtrack.com

Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Incidental music: Title: Eternal Hope Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Title: Light Thought Variation 1 Author: Kevin MacLeod Source: incompetech.com Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s Story (Season 3 ep 3). Join us as we discuss what we’ve learnt from online suicide awareness training, apps that might help and how we manage our own stress.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

www.mind.org.uk

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Empathy

Support for anyone who is bereaved by suicide – Joy and Kathryn’s group in Norfolk

www.empathynorfolk.co.uk

Suicide awareness training is available online through Zero Suicide Alliance.

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Season 3 Episode 3

A Different Kind of Grief: Kathryn and Joy’s Story is about two women who have got together to run a support group for people who have lost a loved one to suicide.

We realise this programme could be a trigger for some people so please look after yourselves and perhaps don’t listen if you feel this will affect you. Support groups are below.

Both Kathryn and Joy sadly lost a relative to suicide themselves – Kathryn lost her sister Alison in 2015 and Joy lost her son Ian 11 years ago. This podcast is about how the grief of suicide impacts on loved ones in such a profound way. Kathryn and Joy talk about how they find so many people don’t entirely understand it, the stigma that still exists around suicide and how hard it is to accept that someone wanted to escape their pain and leave you. Joy’s brave insight and honesty over her own mental health and Kathryn’s observations of how friends and neighbours reacted and their suggestions over how to be a good friend in this scenario mean that you really come away understanding this grief and how to be a better a friend.

Both of their loved ones had pre-existing mental health problems and they believe both of them could have been saved if only they had had the right support.

Help and support:

CALM 0800 58 58 58

Helpline & web chat available 5pm to midnight every day

thecalmzone.net

Samaritans

116 123 (24 hours)

www.samaritans.org

Maytree

A sanctuary for the suicidal

020 7263 7070

www.maytree.org.uk/index.php

MIND

0300 123 3393 (Mon – Fri 9am – 6pm)

www.mind.org.uk

Papyrus

Prevention of Young Suicide

0800 068 41 41 (Mon – Fri 10am – 5pm / 7pm – 10pm. Weekends 2pm – 5pm)

www.papyrus-uk.org

Empathy

Support for anyone who is bereaved by suicide – Joy and Kathryn’s group in Norfolk

www.empathynorfolk.co.uk

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Title: Light Though Variation 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about the second and concluding part of A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story (Season 3 ep 2). Join us as we discuss what happened after the rape, why Sheila confided in Bridget and what we’ve learnt about how to respond if someone discloses sexual abuse.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Season 3 Episode 2

Sheila was raped at a garden party when she was 62. She’s a retired nurse, a mother and grandmother. In the concluding part of this two-part backstory, we find out what happened after the rape, how she confided in best friend Bridget and how the support of local services led to a full investigation and, crucially, a trial.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: ThunderbirdAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: Light Though Variation 3Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about A Targeted Assault: Sheila’s Story (Season 3 ep 1). Join us as we discuss our thoughts about the terrible assault that Sheila was subjected to. We’ll also discuss your feedback about the programme, what we’ve learnt and what schools are teaching about consent.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Season 3 Episode 1

Sheila was raped at a garden party when she was 62. She’s a retired nurse, a mother and grandmother. In episode 1 of this two part backstory, Sheila talks about the build up and how she believes she was targeted. Movingly, she describes the attack itself and we hear how best friend Bridget helped her to move forwards in the aftermath. Episode 2 of Sheila’s story airs next week.

Help and support:

Rapecrisis.org.uk 0808 802 9999

thesurvivorstrust.org/sarc/ – for information about SARCs 0808 801 0818

Our sponsor:

Huge thanks to our sponsor, Paola Cumiskey – Decorative Artist specialising in marbling, graining, murals, trompe l’oeil and other incredible paint effects. If you’re looking to create something unique in your home then get in touch at paolacumiskey.com.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: ThunderbirdAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary (Season 2 ep 4).  Join us as we try to answer some of the questions thrown up by Ali Golds’s backstory – Ali’s relationship with her own mother, how backstories can be awkward sticking points when you are dating and the unusual way that podcasts can help in those circumstances.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching.  Don’t let your backstory dictate your future.  Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.


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Claire with Ali GoldsAli is 50 years old and has had a life less ordinary – she has a complicated backstory. This is a two-parter and in this second part (please do listen to part one first) Ali is just escaping a violent partner with her youngest son Conor. Ali goes on to reflect on her tricky childhood which contains an episode of abuse. We go on to hear about her first marriage, her time in the women’s refuge and her search for her daughter.

She looks back on this time with compelling insight from her son Conor who is now 19 and adds a fascinating viewpoint as he recalls things that happened to his family when he was much younger.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

https://www.refuge.org.uk – 0808 2000 247 National Domestic Violence Helpline

http://www.riseuk.org.uk – Freedom from domestic violence

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: Light thought var 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: Comfortable MysteryAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Ali Golds: A Life Less Ordinary (Season 2 ep 3). Join us as we try to answer some of the questions thrown up by Ali Golds’s backstory – why Ali’s kids lived with their dad, what Esther Perel would make of her marriage and how Peter Andre dealt with his stepchildren.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

http://www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/ 0808 2000 247

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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Claire with Ali GoldsAli is 50 years old and has had a life less ordinary – she has a complicated backstory. This is a two-parter and in this first part we meet Ali as she is meeting her second husband. She already has two children who live with their dad and and after a series of failed relationships Ali is hoping that this next one will be different – but the blending of this family does not ultimately go to plan…with shocking outcomes.

She looks back on this time with compelling insight from her two sons who are now 19 and 27 and add a fascinating viewpoint as they recall things that happened to their family when they were much younger.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

https://www.thejunoproject.co.uk – Ali’s project that she runs to empower young women.

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: Light thought var 1Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: SnowdropAuthor: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Martin and Mo – Stepping Up (Season 2 ep 2).  Join us as we contemplate taking on a baby when you thought all of that was behind you, and how parenting a second time around can be a very different experience.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching.  Don’t let your backstory dictate your future.  Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

The Trussell Trust 

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) 


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#02 – Stepping Up: Martin and Mo

How far would you go to do the right thing? What does it mean to step up, to allow the course of your life to be changed completely? This week we hear from Martin and his partner Mo about how they stepped up to take on Martin’s baby grandson and how others in turn helped them.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

The Trussell Trust

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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Hi and welcome to Backchat, where Suzy and Claire talk about the latest episode of The Backstory.

This week we’re talking about Norman Lamb – the personal and political (Season 2 ep 1). Join us as we ramble on about confidence and how to get it, cycling and why we’re definitely not psychopaths.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

Samaritans Available 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Call free from any ‘phone 116 123.

http://zerosuicidealliance.com

OCD Action

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)


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#01 Norman Lamb – the personal and political

Welcome back to Season 2.

We’re kicking off with Norman Lamb, Lib Dem MP and former care minister. Norman has spoken openly about his own family’s mental health and we wanted to know whether these experiences had influenced his career. We return to the subject of OCD and Norman talks about the impact of his sister killing herself in 2015. We also talk confidence, compromise and coalition.

We’re delighted once again to be sponsored by 16 Degrees Coaching. Don’t let your backstory dictate your future. Contact James today to find out more about leadership and career coaching.

Useful links:

Samaritans Available 24 hours a day, free and confidential. Call free from any ‘phone 116 123.

http://zerosuicidealliance.com

OCD Action

Music credits:

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Title: “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Title: Interlude 2Author: Ashley BurgoyneSource: ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com


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In this, our final podcast of Season 1, Claire and Suzy talk about ‘Blood, sweat and trauma’ (Season 1 Episode 8) and Lotty’s traumatic experience following the birth of her daughter.  Keep us in your feed as we’ll be back in 2018 with more docupods telling stories that we think are worth listening to.We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


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#08 Birth, sweat and trauma

What happens when the birth of your baby, that long-awaited happy event, leaves you traumatised? How do you manage when it feels as though every other new mum is coping and you’re struggling just to get through the day? Lotty speaks out about her experience of having her daughter, 7-month old Daisy and how the series of traumatic events she experienced will have lifelong consequences for her and her family.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Incidental music:

Incidental music: “Comfortable Mystery 2” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

For further information and support:Birth Trauma AssociationRead more about Lotty’s story in her own words here.NHS Choices


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In today’s backchat Claire and Suzy talk about ‘What are the chances?’ (Season 1, ep 7)and discuss the unique friendship that Zoe and Emma have, and what’s important in friendship in general.  And glitter poo, of course.We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


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#07 What are the chances?

Emma and Zoe had baby boys a few months apart with Down’s Syndrome which was undiagnosed before birth – quite a rare event these days. It turned out that they had older boys at the same school and when a mutual friend introduced them – to their surprise they got on! On talking with them Claire realised their backstories perhaps explained this remarkable friendship and a philosophy that has built up between them which helps them create a positive future for their sons.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Farmdrop – the ethical grocer that brings the farmers’ market to your door. Use promo code BACKSTORY to get £25 off your first £50 order.Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Incidental music:

Incidental music: “Comfortable Mystery 2” and “Light Thought” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Interlude” by Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer

For further information and support:https://thehamletcharity.org.uk/home/https://www.downs-syndrome.org.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/bestbuddiesandtheiradventures/ – Eli and Mason’s Facebook page


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Hi, welcome to the second episode of the backstory backchat.  Claire and Suzy talk over a cuppa about the latest episode of the backstory.  This week we’re talking about ‘Marrying a stranger’ (Season 1, episode 6).


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#06 Marrying a stranger

When Hina got married the first time, as a modern British Asian, she went down the conventional route of marriage for ‘love’ – seeing arranged marriages as rather old fashioned. However, when the first marriage went wrong Hina was faced with a new proposition on a trip to Lahore with her mother and opened her mind and her heart to a totally new arrangement. Hina and her husband talk to Claire about different approaches to love.

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Incidental music:

Jalandhar Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Big Mojo Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Haratanaya Sree by Veena Kinhalfrom Free Music Archive is licensed under a Public Domain License.


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Hi, welcome to the first episode of the backstory backchat.  Claire and Suzy talk over a cuppa about the latest episode of the backstory.  This week we’re talking about ‘Aspergers for girls’ (Season 1, episode 5).


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#05 Aspergers for Girls

Isabella always felt different. As a child she was something of a loner with few friends. After three unsuccessful marriages, and with two children, one of whom is autistic, she met Edward who worked with children with special needs. Finally, in her 30s, Isabella was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. She explains to Suzy why she was diagnosed so late in life, the effect her condition has and what family life is like when half the members have autism and half are neurotypical.

Links:

The National Autistic Society

NICE guidelines for getting help as an adult

NHS Choices – Autism Spectrum Disorder

Available on Apple Podcasts or wherever you choose to listen.

Find out more at thebackstorypodcast.co.uk and follow us: @thebackstorypod on twitter, @thebackstorypodcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music: “Concentration” and “Light Thought var 4” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Interlude” by Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer


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#04 A new gender frontier

Felix was born female and grew up as a girl with a different name. At 17, having gone through a lot of change at home, and in a lesbian relationship with Rebecca, Felix started to question his gender. Rebecca began to identify as gender neutral and Felix realised he identified as male and started the transitioning process. They both talk to Claire to explain this new gender frontier where people who now feel they weren’t assigned the right gender at birth or don’t want to identify as either gender are making big changes in their lives. Felix and Rebecca give us an honest and at times amusing insight into the trans world.

Looking for more information about terminology? You may find this glossary useful.

Further information and support:

Stonewall

Mermaids for children, young people and their parents/carers

NHS Choices Transgender health

Main theme:Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)Incidental music:Titles: “Snowdrop”, “Comfortable Mystery 2” and “Eternal Hope”Author: Kevin MacLeodSource: incompetech.comLicensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/


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#03 An unwelcome presence

In her late 20s, Natasha woke up one morning and knew that she was HIV positive. She spent the next 9 years trying to hide her anxiety, planning her funeral and imagining how she would be rejected when everyone found out the truth. In fact, Natasha was suffering from a form of OCD which took over her life and cost her a career she loved, a family and countless opportunities. Natasha talks to Suzy about her OCD, its beginnings in early childhood and how she has learnt to survive a condition that remains invisible to other people.

Launched during OCD Awareness Week 2017

Help and information:

OCD Action

NHS Choices

Available on iTunes and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

Find out more at thebackstorypodcast.co.uk and follow us: @thebackstorypod on twitter, @thebackstorypodcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

“Comfortable Mystery”, “Comfortable Mystery 2”, “Light Thought var 1” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Interlude” by Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer


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#02 Harvey’s Hidden Sentence

The signs might have been there for the adults in his life, but for seven year old Harvey his dad going into prison was a complete shock. Despite living in a house full of his siblings Harvey felt very alone. This is the story of the relationship Harvey had with his dad and how everyone worked to keep that alive, despite his dad being inside. Harvey was helped by Ormiston Families, who offered regular support to Harvey and an opportunity to talk things through.

Harvey and his mum and support worker, Jo, all talk to Claire about circumstances being far from ideal, but working with what you have, about enduring love and seeing things from a child’s perspective.

According to a National Offender Management Service Report, there are 200,000 children in the UK with a parent in prison.

Black image created by Welcomia – Freepik.com

For more information, please contact:

Ormiston Families, which is based in Ipswich and is the leading family charity in the East of England, providing services to support children and young people who face the very real dangers of social exclusion. Identifying and responding to the needs of children, whatever challenges they face, the charity’s vision is of a world in which every child will be loved, nurtured and valued.

Ormiston Families’ Breaking Barriers service: supports children and young people affected by imprisonment. The team works in schools and communities, providing one to one support for children and young people who have a parent or relative in prison, or have been affected by imprisonment in another way.

The service identifies the emotional needs of children and young people and gives them a confidential space to express themselves by using a range of toys and activities. The service operates throughout Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

By providing these services, Ormiston Families’ Breaking Barriers team can support those most in need and help them to overcome any hurdles and the stigma that often surrounds having a loved one in prison.

www.ormistonfamilies.org.uk

www.twitter.com/ormistonfamily

www.facebook.com/ormistonfamilies

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music:

“Comfortable Mystery”, “Comfortable Mystery 2”, “Light Thought var 1” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

“Tumult” by Kai Engel (freemusicarchive.org)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/


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#01 A Moment of Madness

In December 2012 Andrea Johnson was killed by her husband, Keith, who then killed himself. Keith had been the mayor of Cromer in Norfolk and he and Andrea were well-known. To outsiders they had a happy marriage – cars, holidays, lots of fun. Even after their deaths, their families chose to bury them together, believing that Keith’s actions were a moment of madness. Then the diaries were found.

In this first episode of the backstory, Andrea’s parents talk to Suzy for the first time since her murder, and tell their story of how they found out the truth about Andrea’s real life with Keith.

Help and information:

0808 2000 247 National Domestic Violence Helpline

Refuge

Women’s Aid

Available on iTunes and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

Find out more at thebackstorypodcast.co.uk and follow us: @thebackstorypod on twitter, @thebackstorypodcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music: Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer


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Welcome to the backstory podcast, documentary story-telling by Claire Mutimer and Suzy Coulson.

We’re born people-watchers, nosy, curious, call it what you will.  We all have a public face and a life behind closed doors but everyone has a backstory – something that pervades every aspect of life or a shock that blindsides.  We wanted to tell those stories.  

Here they are – each episode is a new backstory thoughtfully told.  Half an hour spent seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

Available on iTunes and everywhere else you get your podcasts.

Find out more at thebackstorypodcast.co.uk and follow us: @thebackstorypod on twitter, @thebackstorypodcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Music credits:

Main theme: Title: Nancy
Author: Grimo (http://www.gosoundtrack.com/the-team/)
Source: www.gosoundtrack.com
Licence: CC By 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Incidental music: Ashley Burgoyne http://ashleyburgoyne.wixsite.com/writerandcomposer


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