In this punchy episode, DJ Paulette (Paulette Constable) speaks with Sophie Sveinsson about facing racism in the church, finding freedom and acceptance on the dancefloor, and how queer club culture led her back to music — while opening up about being made to stop clubbing during her marriage, and why she’s still judged today as a woman behind the decks.

In this episode, Sophie speaks with musician and composer Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses and Simply Red)  about growing up in Longsight, discovering the rich, multicultural life of South Manchester, and the sounds that brought people together across faiths and backgrounds. Aziz reflects on choosing music in the face of community expectation, and the judgement that can come with stepping beyond prescribed paths.

A conversation about community, identity, and the rhythms that bind us.

In this episode, artist and DJ Stan Chow sits down with host Sophie Sveinsson to talk about how he found his tribe in the hallways of art school and carried that creative spark into Manchester’s underground. Stan shares how a need to make something—to carve out a space where art, music, and identity could collide—led to the creation of a genuine community in the club. From late-night experiments to shaping a scene, he reflects with Sophie on the people, places, and impulses that helped him find belonging.

In this episode we meet Rachel McFarlane, the founder of Ampliied Voices CIC.

The Forever Mancunians Podcast shares the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring.

In this episode we chat with Esther Whittaker, CEO of Down's Syndrome Manchester. DS Manchester is an inclusive, member-led charity for individuals with Down’s syndrome, their parents, caregivers and professionals that provides support from childhood through to adulthood.

Esther shares her passion for charity life and the development experiences that led her to fronting one of Manchester's most passionate little charities. Boasting a membership of over 300 and counting, DS M/cr provides access to life-long friendships, connection to other families, professional advice, support and lot's of fun! 

Forever Mancunians shares the stories of featured guests whosevision, commitment and determination in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communites is often interesting and inspiring. 

In this Forever Mancunians episode we chat to the founder of Manchester based Colibri Mexican Folk Dance company, Magali Flores. Hailing from Mexico, a country steeped in rich music and dance heritage, Magaly studied ballet, folklore and traditional contemporary dance to become a graduate teacher of Arts Education before moving to England in 1989.

As a widely traveled researcher, choreographer and educationalist, with a clear understanding of the responsibilities in sharing her culture and traditions through dance, Magali regularly attends symposiums to share her vast knowledge and learn more of the traditions of indigenous dance cultures and the many local communities in Mexico that look after them.

Today, Magaly continues to choreograph beautiful dances for Colibri here in Manchester whilst maintaining and showcasing respect for traditional genres of a homeland country boasting a rich diversity of dances and traditions where culture continues to be deeply rooted within its society.

“I feel comfortable when I’m combining a touch of class with a touch of craziness, you should try wearing chicken slippers”

“When life is tough, and you don’t want to get out of bed”

In this episode, we meet the founders of Headspace Bolton, Stehpen Pilling and Ginny Allende.

Ginny explains ““When life is tough and you don’t want to get out of bed, it’s those passions that drive us forward, that make us tick, and make us smile”

Headspace Bolton run high quality creative workshops that look towards breaking the stigma of mental health and what is portrayed and perceived via the creation of performances, competitions, productions and exhibitions." Activities extend to improvised and stand-up comedy, creative music sessions, film-making, animation and script writing activities that reflect the interests and passions for those wishing to explore creative options while generating an exciting forum for people with Mental Health issues.

Forever Mancunians aims to introduce and tell the stories of featured guests whose vision, commitment, and dedication in making a difference to the lives of others in our local communities is both interesting and inspiring.

In Part 2 of this two part (Episode 016), we meet Lesley fisher, the founder of Dancing with Dementia, who says being a hairdresser helped her acquire some of the patience and understanding assets needed to deal with dementia.