In this episode of Conversations to Connect, I sat down with Gustavo Rodrigues, Capoeirista and Tour Guide who grew up in Rocinha, Brazil’s largest favela, in the south zone of Rio de Janeiro. Gustavo is an integral member of Acorda Capoeira, a transformative social project that has thrived in the heart of Rocinha for over two decades. Founded in 2004 by Mestre Manel, Acorda Capoeira is a social project that empowers young people, children & adults through the art of Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art blending music, dance, and combat with deep African roots.

Capoeira is a symbol of resistance and resilience, originally developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a way to disguise combat training as dance, preserving their heritage while resisting oppression. In this conversation, Gustavo shares insights from his role as a tour guide in Rocinha, we discuss the incredible sense of community within the favela, and the powerful impact of the Acorda Capoeira project. We discuss some of the ways that people in Rocinha work together to make the favela a thriving community, from filling the streets and trees with art, to the Capoeira community coming together to support neighbours and friends during the pandemic. I learnt so much about what makes a community special and connected from my time in Rocinha and from training Capoeira with Acorda Capoeira and I hope you enjoy this episode.

Thank you so much Gustavo for taking me around Rocinha. If you are visiting Rio, Gustavo is the best tour guide! This is the first episode on Rocinha & Acorda Capoeira but I will be releasing a documentary shortly, so stay tuned.

To find out more information about Gustavo Rodrigues and his tours, check out his instagram below:

Instagram: @brazilian_real_tour

You can also find information about Acorda Capoeira here:

Instagram: AcordaCapoeira

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley-Walker

Instagram: Fenellaphoebe

TikTok: ConversationsToConnect

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I am joined by Sarah Taylor, Research and Evaluation Manager at the Prison Radio Association (PRA). Founded in 2006, PRA is a UK charity that operates National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station dedicated to individuals in prison. Broadcasting 24/7, National Prison Radio plays a crucial role in supporting incarcerated individuals, contributing to efforts to reduce reoffending. PRA’s team of radio professionals collaborates with prisoners to create inspirational, informative programs that engage listeners in meaningful activities and discussions, ultimately enhancing their chances of living crime-free lives. PRA also produces several podcasts available on major platforms. Their flagship show, Life After Prison, is hosted by Zak and Jules, who both have personal experience of the criminal justice system, to support and inspire people both inside and outside of prison. Other recent PRA podcasts include Hold or Fold, focused on gambling harm and recovery, Outside In, entirely created by individuals trained at National Prison Radio, and Money Mondays, where the hosts discuss financial topics for those inside and outside of prison.

In this conversation, we delve into Sarah’s insights gained from her role as Research and Evaluation Manager, as she has travelled the country interviewing prisoners about their experiences and the impact of radio. We discuss the range of programs offered by National Prison Radio that are accessible to inmates across the UK. Sarah and I also explore the profound isolation and loneliness that many prisoners face, as well as the creativity that can flourish in these environments. We discuss how National Prison Radio fosters connections between prisoners and the outside world, emphasising the importance of these relationships, the role of inspiring role models, and the ongoing efforts to combat the stigma of incarceration. We look at Life After Prison, National Prison Radio's award-winning podcast that inspires listeners and provides valuable guidance for those navigating life after incarceration. This was such an enlightening discussion about the remarkable work the Prison Radio Association is doing to build connections, inspire hope, and drive positive change for individuals both inside and outside of prison.

To find out more information about Prison Radio Association, you can check out the links below:

Instagram: @prisonradiouk

Website: https://prison.radio

Linkedin: Prison Radio Association

You can also find some information about their podcasts here:

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley-Walker

Instagram: Fenellaphoebe

TikTok: ConversationsToConnect

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Cormac Russell, a social explorer, author and a much sought-after speaker. He is the Founding Director of Nurture Development and a member of the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute, at DePaul University, Chicago. Over the last 25 years, Cormac’s work has demonstrated an enduring impact in 35 countries around the world. He has trained communities, agencies, NGOs and governments in ABCD and other community-based approaches in Africa, Asia, Australia/Oceania, Europe and North America. His most recent books are The Connected Community- Discovering the Health, Wealth, and Power of Neighborhoods (Coauthor John McKnight); Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2022, and Rekindling Democracy – A Professional’s Guide to Working in Citizen Space; Cascade Books, 2020.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of grassroots community building, diving into inspiring stories from Cormac's work and his book. Together, we unpack how to reignite active citizenship and make practical, meaningful changes in your neighbourhood. Cormac sheds light on the harm caused by top-down approaches that focus on symptoms rather than root causes, and how holistic, community-driven solutions can shift the narrative—whether it’s about health, safety, or aging well. We discuss the dangers of viewing communities through a lens of problems instead of strengths, and the immense potential in collective action to bring about lasting change. Throughout the conversation, Cormac emphasises the value of seeing people not as needy but as needed, and how fostering this shift can bring real benefits to both individuals and communities. It was such an insightful and enriching conversation, where despite having a set plan, we went off-script in the best possible way exploring Cormac's deep knowledge and passion for community building. I hope you enjoy and take away as much wisdom from this conversation as I did.

To find out more about Cormac Russell and his work you can visit his website, check out his books and his podcast:

Website: https://communityrenewal.learnworlds.com/

The Connected Community: https://theconnected.community/

Rekindling Democracy: https://wipfandstock.com/9781725253636/rekindling-democracy/

The Connected Community Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-connected-community/id1719985969

Cormac’s TEDx talk can be viewed here

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley-Walker

Instagram: fenellaphoebe

TikTok: ConversationsToConnect

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, I am joined by Vanessa Longley, Chief Executive of Chance UK. Chance UK is a leading children's charity dedicated to supporting children aged 5-13 with early intervention and mentoring programs. Since its founding in 1995, Chance UK has focused on supporting children facing adversity by providing individualized support to enhance self-esteem and develop essential life skills. The organization also extends its efforts to families, offers workshops, and advocates for policy change, recently addressing the devastating long-term impact of primary school exclusions.

Vanessa Longley is the Chief Executive of Chance UK, bringing over 25 years of senior leadership experience in healthcare charities, including her previous role as Director of Development at YoungMinds. Vanessa has been instrumental in leading initiatives to address the mental health crisis among young people, with a focus on amplifying youth voices and centering their experiences in advocacy and services. Vanessa is also a qualified bereavement counsellor and Trustee for SignHealth and is deeply committed to the transformative power of early support.

In this conversation, we explore the crucial work of Chance UK in supporting children and families through early intervention. We delve into the current challenges facing children today, including the rise in primary school exclusions, behavioural issues, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and education. Vanessa Longley shares her insights on the importance of addressing these issues early, fostering a sense of belonging, and building strong, connected communities. We also discuss how Chance UK’s unique approach creates lasting change by providing support at the point of earliest need, preventing future crises, and helping children find hope and connection in an often isolating world.

If you would like to find out more about Chance UK please check the links below:

Website: https://www.chanceuk.com/

Research & Information on exclusions: https://www.chanceuk.com/exclusions

Full report on long term impacts of primary school exclusions:

https://www.chanceuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Too-Young-to-Leave-Behind-full-branded-report_Final.pdf

Donations: https://www.justgiving.com/chanceuk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chance_uk/

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley-Walker

Instagram: fenellaphoebe

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode, I am joined by Ruy Marra da Silva Jr., a distinguished neuroscientist, hang gliding instructor, and two-time Brazilian champion. Ruy is deeply committed to the belief in the unlimited capacity of human evolution, a philosophy that has guided his extensive research and innovative approach to mental health and personal development. He is currently part of the Biociences and Health Research Group at Fiocruz and the Laboratory of Advanced Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology at the UFRJ School of Medicine, where he is pursuing a master's degree focused on breathing and meditation for anxiety and depression.

In this conversation, we explore the impact of the environment on mental health and how living in a violent or vulnerable community can shape mental health and can potentially lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Ruy shares his research on the impact of such environments and the benefits of social projects, particularly sports programs, in mitigating these effects and improving overall quality of life. We delve into his study conducted in Rocinha, one of Rio’s largest favelas, where he evaluated the impact of a Jiu Jitsu program on the quality of life, mental distress symptoms, and heart rate variability of its participants.

Ruy's work emphasises the importance of community and social projects in reducing PTSD symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. He discusses how the metaphor of ramp takeoff from his hang gliding experience applies to overcoming fear and the possibility of facing and conquering your fears. We cover the broader implications of understanding environmental impacts on stress levels, cognitive function, and mental health, highlighting how sports, social projects and positive community interventions can foster resilience, growth, and improve overall quality of life.

Join us as we dive into the profound connections between environment, mental health, and the transformative power of sports in this enlightening episode with Ruy Marra da Silva Jr.

To find out more about Ruy Marra da Silva you can check out his website below:

Website: https://www.respirecomciencia.com.br/

Research Paper: The impact of a violent community on mental health and the benefits of a sport program for social development

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35583853/

Instagram: ruymarra_equilibresuavida

Podcast Host - Fenella Phoebe

Instagram: fenellaphoebe

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Seth D. Kaplan, a leading expert on fragile states, societies, and communities. Seth is the author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and OECD as well as developing country governments and NGOs.

On this conversation we discuss Seth's work in Fragile States, what makes a fragile state and what drew Seth to turning his work towards the United States. We discuss his latest book Fragile Neighbourhoods, and why American and western society is experiencing a crisis of disconnection, how relationships are the foundation for social cohesion and what can be done to fix social disconnection. We discuss what is needed to build a thriving community and some of the steps that we can all take to build bonds and live in a connected neighbourhood. I loved this conversation and felt very inspired by chatting to Seth, I hope you enjoy it too.

To find out more about Seth D Kaplan and his latest book, you can check out his website below:

Website: https://sethkaplan.org/

Podcast Host - Fenella Phoebe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellaphoebe

TikTok: @fenellaphoebe

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Kriss Munsya, a Congolese-born visual artist currently living in Rio de Janeiro, with experience in photography, graphic design, music and video production. Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, Munsya became aware of his differences early on. In his white-dominated surroundings, he became accustomed to experiences with normalised discrimination, oppression, and violence. He grew up in Brussels, Belgium in the ‘90s, and that era was very important for him. As a first- generation African immigrant, Munsya was consistently confronted with normalised and often violent racism from a young age. These experiences fed his vision of the world and himself within it. Art has been present in his life from an early age, but he decided to focus on photography five years ago because of his increasing involvement in social movements. He perceives photography to be an impactful medium that translates his experiences into open invitations to question the status quo.

On this conversation we discuss Kriss' latest project Killing Da Vinci where he has been travelling around the America's connecting with black and indigenous communities affected by environmental injustices. We delve into the ways in which living in different countries and cultures can change you, the disconnecting nature of the idea of perfection, what community means and the importance of helping others to reconnect and break cycles of loneliness and isolation. This was such an interesting and important conversation and I learnt a lot from Kriss and his experiences. I hope you enjoy listening.

To find out more about Kriss Munsya, his art and his latest projects and exhibitions you can check out the links below:

Website: https://www.krissmunsya.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krissmunsya/?hl=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptur-Nx_ZxI

Podcast Host - Fenella Phoebe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellaphoebe

TikTok: @fenellaphoebe

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Sammy McKay, professional boxer, boxing coach at Miguels Boxing Gym in Brixton and founder of Champs Within. Sammy started boxing in 2015, as part of the London Fire Brigade Lambeth Boxing Initiative. Having travelled the world training with champions, Sammy gained a number of title wins and turned pro in 2020. Sammy has trained regularly at Miguels since finding the sport, and is now one of the lead trainers at the gym. Set up in 2020, Champs within uses boxing as a tool to foster positive social interaction in a supportive and controlled environment, empowering one another to achieve goals, reach our full potential and be the best versions of ourselves. Champs Within aims to showcase how boxing not only supports a healthy lifestyle but also encourages consistency, discipline and resilience, whilst teaching kids transferable skills that can help forge a healthy approach to everyday life. 

On this conversation we discuss the impact of trauma on mental and physical health, the need for people to have a healthy outlet for the stresses and difficulties in life and how community, consistency and understanding is important in fostering personal and collective growth. I really enjoyed recording this conversation so hope you enjoy listening. We recorded at Miguels Boxing Gym so apologies as there are a few boxing noises in the background!

To find out more about Sammy McKay, Champs Within & Miguel's Boxing Gym you can check out the links below:

Website Champs Within: https://www.champswithin.com/

Website Miguels Boxing Gym: https://miguelsboxinggym.co.uk

Champs Within Instagram: @champswithin

Sammy McKay Instagram: @perfectimperfection101

Miguels Boxing Gym Instagram: @miguels_boxing_gym

Podcast Host - Fenella Phoebe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellaphoebe

TikTok: @fenellaphoebe

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Beatriz Acevedo. Beatriz Acevedo is an artist and educator, originally from Colombia, who has been living in the UK for 20 years. She is passionate about restoring our relationship with beauty, challenging the imposed ideas of what is pretty and discovering beauty around and inside us. She has been writing about beauty, aesthetics and ethics and is now finishing her first book on her experience of mental health and the healing powers of beauty.

On this episode we discuss the feelings of isolation that can come with leaving behind your home country and becoming an immigrant. We discuss the healing powers of beauty on mental health, how we can incorporate beauty into our everyday lives and the importance of making time for creative self expression. This was a beautiful conversation which we recorded in Beatriz' art studio. I hope you enjoy listening.

To find out more about Beatriz Acevedo, you can check out the links below:

Website: https://beatrizacevedoart.wordpress.com

Instagram: creatibeoracle

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksley

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode I am joined by Brendan Cox. Brendan Cox is a campaigner for more cohesive communities. He has co-founded multiple organisations that work to build more connected and cohesive communities, such as More in Common which works to build more inclusive communities in France, Germany, the UK and the US, Survivors Against Terror, the Jo Cox Foundation,(continuing the work of his late wife) and the Together Coalition. Brendan started work in the aftermath of the civil war in the former Yugoslavia, working with children who lost their parents in the war. This formative work gave him a long-standing passion for combatting ethnic and religious hatred. He went on to work on conflict and atrocity prevention around the world with Oxfam and later as Chief Executive of the international conflict and genocide prevention organization Crisis Action. He served as Special Advisor to the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown between 2008 and 2010 where he advised on international development, conflict and foreign policy. He has worked for and advised a number of organisations including Save the Children, the UN and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is the author of the best-selling book ‘More in Common’ and when not working he spends his time mountaineering, sailing and looking after his two children.

On this episode, we discuss the importance of community, how quickly communities can fall apart and how to spot warning signs. We delve into how social connection is the red thread that holds society together and how we need to make this a priority in our ever more disconnected modern lives. This was such an interesting and important conversation.

To find out more about Brendan Cox and the companies he has cofounded you can find the links below:

Together Coalition: Together - connecting communities, bridging divides

More in common: We are More in Common

Survivors Against Terror: Home - Survivors Against Terror

The Jo Cox Foundation: The Jo Cox Foundation

Twitter: Brendan Cox (@MrBrendanCox) / X (twitter.com)

Podcast Host - Fenella Hawksley

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fenellahwalker/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FenellaHawksley

Music - Composed, performed and produced by Athena Octavia

https://www.athenaoctavia.com

https://www.instagram.com/athenaoctavia/?hl=en

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.