Berkshire Heroes

We talk to Reading-based Specsavers eye specialist, Mikaeel Iqbal, to understand why people should be getting their eyes checked even if they don't have sight problems and exploring myths about whether tech really is bad for our eyes.

What is it like for newly qualified nurses? How are patients who attack medical staff treated? And what is it like to work for the NHS in 2026 right at the beginning of your career? Nurse Sophie Barnard shares her experience of what led her to nursing, the brilliant experiences and how staff could be better supported.

Kris Lund is a student at the University of Reading and has manned the stall 'Talk to a Tory' on campus, encouraging respectful dialogue between different views. He shares his experiences of being involved in politics and dealing with hostility.

Jodie Edith is a psychotherapist, trauma specialist and campaigner for the ending of violence against women and girls.

She shares with us her personal story, her professional insights into mental health and how she keeps herself resilient.

Find more about Jodie's work here:

https://www.nurturefromwithin.co.uk

Angela Gomes is the Wellbeing Manager of Maidenhead Football Club Community Trust. She discusses mental health, connection and outreach in the community. Angela is part of The Wellness Hub.

Disclaimer: Berkshire Heroes does not make health recommendations. The purpose of the podcast is to explore ideas and hear people's first-hand experiences.

What is kinesiology and how do people find their way to it? Andrea Clarke is a kinesiologist and a member of The Wellness Hub. She shares her experiences and insights.

Disclaimer: Berkshire Heroes does not make health recommendations. The purpose of the podcast is to explore ideas and hear people's first-hand experiences.

Zoe Desousa launched The Wellness Hub after experiencing burnout in corporate life. She aims to bring health options and information to busy individuals and one of the best places for convenience is the workplace. The Hub is made up of health and wellness specialists including a nutritionist, trauma specialist, acupuncturist, and more. As employers take the health of their employees more seriously, having The Wellness Hub visit workplaces means workers have an easy option to prioritise their health, when it's often the lowest on their to-do list.

Juliet Greenhalgh is a qualified nutritionist who specialises in supporting women going through the menopause. She speaks about what women need to keep in mind when it comes to diet, exercise and hormones as well as what family, friends and colleagues should do to support them. Juliet shares her insights, experiences and practical advice.

Nina Bailey from Aspire2 shares how the charity gives children from Whitley schools the skills, confidence and experiences to succeed. From public speaking competitions to tickets to arts and sports events, Aspire2 is about broadening horizons and helping young people seize opportunities to fulfil their potential. While there is doom and gloom about the prospects of today's children, learn how Aspire2 is using practical measures to boost their life chances, and are seeing the difference.

Byzantium is Joanna Day's luxury fashion brand. With a boutique on Crowthorne High Street and having exhibited her designs at London Fashion Week, Joanna has the inside-track on the fashion industry. She established her brand through hard work, self-belief and persistence and shares her insights into success, skills and the state of UK fashion.