The Horizon: Recent Episodes
Staffordshire University
Want to know more about people and learn stuff without even trying? Tune in to our Horizon podcast for some interesting and enjoyable listening. Join and be entertained by Gaz and Sam, from Higher Horizons+ and Staffordshire University, as they meet and chat to some uniquely amazing people with interesting stories to tell from various spots around the globe. Covering topics from education to esports; nursing to ninjas; trips down memory lane to music – and that’s just the first few episodes! #HorizonPodcast
In a very emotional podcast Gaz and Sam look back over the past 2 series, reminiscing on their favourite guests, topics and how much the Horizon Podcast has meant to them. From Fred Hughes setting the scene, Grace Barrett starting a new love for ABBA and Deb McAndrew wowing them both by pointing out that headphones are not required in the studio (where they are sat next to each other)...
It was a wild ride, and one we hope you’ve all enjoyed.
For now, this is farewell... but who knows what the future may bring!
Gemma and Sammy join Gaz and Sam on episode 5 of season 2. The power of volunteering and the different perspectives that art evokes – this is what Appetite does. Bringing the community together, to celebrate arts and culture and sowing the seeds of long-term transformation in the city.
Gemma and Sammy join Gaz and Sam on episode 5 of season 2. The power of volunteering and the different perspectives that art evokes – this is what Appetite does. Bringing the community together, to celebrate arts and culture and sowing the seeds of long-term transformation in the city.
Reels in Alumni... or at least that is what they are now known as following Matt Hubbard being the latest guest on the Horizon Podcast! 18years of business, founded by 3 Staffs Alumni and who have been 100% Staffs Alumni (mostly) from the start! Join us for a walk down memory lane (Roebuck anyone?!) with Matt as he talks about growing the business, he helped to found with 2 course mates after a cheeky beer... resilience and the willingness to want to try and how this then pays off!
Rob Marsden, Head Of Department for Media And Performance at Staffordshire University and an all-round expert in Pantomime (Oh no he isn't!😉). Writing and Directing Pantomimes since 1999, Rob has a wealth of knowledge for the industry and just how integral it is to the life of a theatre.
From realising what he was (and was not) good at, to shaping degree courses, Rob's passion for performing arts is infectious and this is why he makes the perfect December episode.
In this episode Sam and Gaz meet Sophia Khalid, creator of the travel business 'Girls Group Holidays'. Her company empowers women to travel the world safely and confidently, enabling friendships to flourish. Sophia shares her story from shy graduate to globetrotting inspiration, taking in destinations including China, Europe, America and North Africa.
Food entrepreneur, Cris Cohen is a man with a mission. He talks about his company 'Feasted' which was born out of lockdown. Cris is working to close the gap between luxury food and food poverty and raise the aspirations of the young of Stoke-on-Trent.
Join us for a slightly different podcast this month, to end season 1, where we delve into the minds of five 6th Form students, all in their first year, and discuss how they chose the path they are on, after 2years of Covid. No prom, no visits to college, no work experience days – 100% online, 100% of the time. Think you know what they were thinking? Think again!
A ray of sunshine, Tash Khan, joins us to talk about living with true core values, being kind and realising the need for that work life balance. An in-depth look into the management and leadership styles of the NHS, covering Children’s hospitals, Coventry A&E and CAMHS. Such wisdom at 29, and so much knowledge to share. In a nutshell, trust your gut!
This month's guest is the adopted Stokie, Ben McManus. CEO of Wavemaker, Staffs Alum and self-proclaimed magpie. A 'yes' attitude and a grounded partner have meant that Ben's business has gone from strength to strength, identifying keyways to adapt and overcome. Learn more about his love of Stoke, how he plans to change the outcomes for young people and his unwavering love of flamboyant shirts and colourful crocs!
This month we are joined by Martin Poyntz-Roberts, Senior Producer at Fresh Air Productions and a podcast master... intimidated... us?! Join us as we delve into a 16year career within the BBC, the start of Podcasting and the power a pint of beer (or 2) can have! Another guaranteed great listen, as we dig deep into all thing's journalism, radio and even a sprinkle of True Crime.
Creating a ripple effect of kindness throughout the city. Duane and Nikki Barrett are 2 of Stoke’s finest people, caring, helpful and working to raise aspirations. From an idea in 2017 to a fully-fledged charity helping thousands. This month’s episode touches on poverty, hardship, and the steps we can all take to try and make the world a better place.
Ally, author, musician and vocalist with #ABBAtars on ABBA’s new Voyage concert – wow! Grace Barrett never stops and her creativity, passion and vitality ooze from her every pore. In an open, true, and honest reflection about mental health and her driving forces, Grace tells how we should all take time to check-in. On ourselves, our feelings, and to learn how to channel our pathways. Who knows where they may lead? And quickly, back to the ABBA tour – how amazing is that? Go on, listen up, then check-in on YOU, and Take A Chance!
The ever-candid Deb McAndrew joins us to start the year right. We guarantee that whatever you thought this episode would be – it isn’t. Deb’s passion for theatre and wealth of knowledge is a joy to listen to. Learn about the 3 A’s, what she believes talent to be and get ready to book your next trip to the theatre!
For this special festive edition of the Horizon Podcast, we have the wonderful Jonny Wilkes (Oh no he isn’t!) joining us. Talking all things pantomime, the arts, and his fast-growing Wilkes Academy – training the future stars of stage and screen. Grab a festive tipple, listen and enjoy!
Becci Price, from the Navy to Police Officer and everything in between.
The passion that Becci has for her role as a Police Officer is palpable throughout this month's podcast. We guarantee by the end of this 55 minutes, you will be wanting to join too! Rescuing dogs, saving kittens, a shoulder to cry on – she has done it all in her role. Enjoy this insight into Policing and realise she is just like the rest of us. Don’t believe us? Have a listen!
Every part of this blurb is title-worthy. Rob is a writer, comedian, occasional performer, content contributor for Mock the Week, the man behind Future Shock Wrestling, blogger on subjects from sci-fi to marketing to wrestling, superheroes super fan, actor, voice-over artist, commentator, podcaster … breathe – we could go on! On top of all that, Rob is a Staffs Uni graduate and that’s Marvel-lous too!
We're getting physical with Mark Williams, Founder and Stoke's very own Dave Castro of CrossFit Napalm as he 'lifts' the lid on what CrossFit is really all about with insight to how he manages the business side too. Mark can't discuss CrossFit without mentioning the importance of positive mental health during and after lockdown life, in the fitness world. Grab your lifters, chalk up and get ready to PR!
All things Cyber Security – from hacking to cyber-crime, to personal identity fraud and more. This month Dominic Ryles (Kaspersky Cyber Security) joins us to give us the inside scoop on the latest tactics and threatening attacks!
Fighting cancer, supporting patients, and completing triathlons... You’d think we had a superhero on this episode, but no, for Alice Mackie it’s just a regular Tuesday morning! Learn what motivates her to achieve her incredible feats on a daily basis!
In this episode we look at education in Staffordshire, reflecting on how some things have remained the same since 1914 amidst major changes and developments, with guest star, local Historian and Honorary Doctor, Fred Hughes.
Welcome to the first episode of the new Horizon Podcast, bringing together the Higher Horizons+ team and the Staffordshire University Alumni team. Grab a brew, get yourself comfortable and hear more about the upcoming edition of Horizon, the Staffordshire University magazine!