Here's Hoping with Jayda G

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the amazing DJ & Radio presenter Jeremiah Asiamah - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

Follow us on Instagram

Jeremiah Asiamah

Jayda G

Mia Zur-Szpiro

Here's Hoping Podcast

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

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Jeremiah opens up about his incredible journey—from being told he'd never amount to anything to becoming a respected figure in the music world. Along the way, he shares how radio became a lifeline during a time of intense isolation, his near loss of a brother, and the profound role his faith has played throughout his life. Jeremiah reflects on his early years, the influence of his family, and how music—alongside the unwavering support of his church—helped him rise above bullying and self-doubt to become a Radio 1 primetime DJ. With remarkable honesty and generosity, he offers stories that not only inspire, but remind us of the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose. This episode is a testament to how finding something you love can not only lift you from despair, but also become a beacon of hope for others.

Follow Jeremiah Asiamah

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

Follow We Are Friends

Listen Radio 1's Soundsystem Party

DJ and radio presenter Jeremiah Asiamah, is known for his vibrant, carnival-inspired shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra. From local clubs to global stages like Glastonbury, Wireless, and Notting Hill Carnival, Jeremiah’s talent for getting people dancing has taken him far. In 2023, he made history as the first DJ to perform at the FA Cup Final. He also runs WE ARE FRIENDS, a music event series focused on community and diversity, and supports young talent through his initiative, The Journey. 

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

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible creative director and founder of creative agency, and Flock Together, Ollie Olanipekun - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

Follow us on Instagram

Ollie Olanipekun

Jayda G

Mia Zur-Szpiro

Here's Hoping Podcast

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

In this joyful episode of Here's Hoping, Jayda sits down with Ollie Olanipekun to discuss what led him to founding the POC birdwatching collective Flock Together. They delve into how Flock Together addresses the underrepresentation of diverse communities in nature and the ways in which connecting to the outdoors can transform lives. Ollie shares his personal journey from a high-paced career in advertising to founding a community that inspires people of color to embrace birdwatching, with recognition of the power of nature in fostering patience, better mental health, and a deeper connection with the world around us. Ollie shares some beautiful stories of how the community has impacted members and Jayda also learns about the philosophy behind New Nature, Ollie’s initiative to merge culture and nature, and how you too can find hope and transformation through the natural world. This episode is filled with heartfelt testimonies, reflections on the magic of communal nature experiences, and a call to reimagine our relationship with the outdoors.

Follow Ollie Olanipekun

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

Flock Together World

Open Area

Ollie Olanipekun is a creative director and founder of award-winning creative agency Superimpose / Futurimpose, as well as the co-founder of Flock Together, the UK's first birdwatching collective for people of colour. Flock Together is all about creating a supportive and inclusive space for Black, Brown, and people of colour to connect with the outdoors, and exemplifies his work to address the underrepresentation of communities in nature, alongside his next venture New Nature, an open-source concept that challenges traditional perceptions of nature and culture. Through his platforms, Ollie calls for a more inclusive, balanced relationship with the environment, encouraging people from all walks of life to find their unique, personal connection to the natural world.

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

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible writer and podcaster, Natalie Lue - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

Follow us on Instagram

Natalie Lue

Jayda G

Mia Zur-Szpiro

Here's Hoping Podcast

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

Speaking to relationship coach OG, Nat Lue, Jayda hears about Nat’s own personal journey of overcoming emotionally unavailable relationships, and how everything changed when Nat realised she was part of the problem and the pattern! Nat also shares her insights on what makes people compatible in relationships and the significance of core values in relationships and how to spot them. Nat also talks to the interplay of anxiety and people-pleasing, and why setting boudnaries and doing personal work can give you the strength and hope to break out of unfulfilling dating patterns. Natalie offers practical advice and deeply personal insights that can help us feel inspired and hopeful when it comes to dating and relating to oneself.

Follow Natalie Lue

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

The Baggage Reclaim

The Baggage Reclaim Sessions Podcast

Writer and podcaster, Nat Lue is the acclaimed the creator of Baggage Reclaim, a platform and podcast that has empowered over 300,000 people to reclaim their self-worth, set healthy boundaries, and embrace the power of saying ‘no.’ The Baggage Reclaim Podcast platforms Nat’s brand of straight talking and personally-informed advice on self-love, relationships, and personal growth; how break free from emotional baggage and build healthier connections with themselves and others. Nat is also the author of bestsellers like The Baggage Reclaim Guide to Self-Love and The Art of Saying No. 

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

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible actress, writer, activist, pole dancer and teacher, Kelechi Okafor - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

Follow us on Instagram

Kelechi Okafor

Jayda G

Mia Zur-Szpiro

Here's Hoping Podcast

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

Kelechi discusses her multifaceted career and how she balances her diverse passions, by appreciating that interests have different seasons, and how through human design she has learnt to appreciate she has different sources of energy for different things. Jayda and Kelechi discuss how they both find power in their authenticity, the power of pole dancing and physical strength and their relationship with strength as black women. Kelechi also sheds light on her upcoming novel, ‘Awakened,’ which explores the mysterious disappearances of young black British people and the complexities of AI in politics and how she uses writing to give a voice to important issues, as well as why she wrote the children’s book ‘Strong Like Me’, and how supporting children to love themselves connects to hope for her and the collective reimagining of our societal norms. Emphasising why we are getting closer to saying enough to social changes and why we need stop adapting. 

Follow Kelechi Okafor

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

Awakened by Kelechi Okafor

Kelechi Okafor is an actress, writer, activist, pole dancer and teacher, and the voice behind the Say Your Mind podcast, where she dives into topics like mental health, social justice, and pop culture. She’s also the author of Edge of Reason, a collection of essays that explores identity and personal growth and is about to release her debut novel, Awakened. Kelechi has been featured on countless news channels to share her important view on politics, race, female empowerment, and movement, she is truly one of the most powerful voices online and in our ears today.

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

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and environmental advocate Ziya Tong - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.

If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…

Follow us on Instagram

Ziya Tong - Plastic People Doc

Jayda G

Mia Zur-Szpiro

Here's Hoping Podcast

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

In this episode of Here's Hoping, host Jada G. sits down with award-winning broadcaster, journalist, and environmental advocate Ziya Tong to explore the intersection of hope, science, and environmental activism. They trace Ziya’s journey from discovering a love for nature through David Attenborough documentaries to becoming a leading voice in climate science. The conversation spotlights her film Plastic People, which investigates the microplastics crisis, and her bestselling book The Reality Bubble, which reveals our environmental blind spots. Ziya shares inspiring stories—from meeting Jane Goodall to swimming with belugas—and offers thoughtful reflections on turning despair into action, using beauty to fuel resistance, and the power of community in driving change. Listen for an uplifting and urgent conversation on joyful resistance, collective action, and finding real hope in the face of environmental crisis.

Follow Plastic People Doc

Follow Jayda G

Follow Here's Hoping Podcast

More on our guest

Ziya Tong is an award-winning broadcaster best known for hosting Daily Planet on Discovery Channel. Her bestselling book The Reality Bubble was shortlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize and won the Lane Anderson Prize for science writing. She has also hosted shows on CBC and PBS, including ZeD, Wired Science, and NOVA scienceNOW with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Her latest documentary, Plastic People, premiered at SXSW, earning critical acclaim from The New York Times and Variety, which called it one of the best documentaries of 2024.

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