What better way to launch a new season of Skilfully Speaking, than with the current Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith? Covering everything from what’s in the latest white paper to her time on Strictly Come Dancing, this is essential listening for anyone with an interest in skills and education.

From City College Plymouth, for everyone.

Supported by Babcock.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production Services 

As the first ever female chair of Babcock International Group, Dame Ruth is an inspiration to many. She talks Jackie through her impressive career which started with studying black holes and then took her through various businesses over nearly 40 years. But what skills does it take to chair a board and lead a major international business through a period of massive change…?

Kindly supported by Babcock, brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR Studios for Devon & Cornwall.

Melissa is a familiar face from the likes of Coronation Street, Grantchester and the much talked-about Adolescence.  Recorded the morning after she presented the City College Plymouth student awards, Mellissa discusses the skills and strategy used to overcome negative attitudes in the industry about her disability, and how she’s now helping young aspiring actors to develop their creative skills. 

Supported by Babcock

Brought to you by City College Plymouth

Produced by Fresh Air Studios - Podcast and ADR Studios for Devon and Cornwall

Beth’s journey started with her playing football as the only girl in a boys’ team to winning the Golden Boot at the Euros.  We find out the skills required to become one of the most famous and successful sportswomen in the country.  Essential listening as the Women’s Euros get underway in Switzerland.

Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR studios in Devon.

Rob Rinder sprang to fame on our TV screens as “Judge Rinder”.  Since then, he has gone on to present numerous TV shows and has fronted many documentary series covering law, travel and art history.  Jackie met up with Rob during his panto run in Plymouth and found out the skills required to become a barrister, how he continues to inspire young people going into law and how communication plays a vital part in fighting for justice and equality.

Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Branded Podcast Production

Robin is the UK Executive Lead for Jisc’s further education and skills policy. Jackie discovers how Robin’s journey took him from working in shops to managing a band, before a career in teaching came calling. So, what skills are behind being at the forefront of digital innovation in education? How will using tech such as AI and blockchain transform learning? Jackie finds out!

Kindly supported by Babcock. Brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production in Devon.

Recorded in the week leading up to the 2025 TCS London Marathon, Dave is setting out to break a record!  Dave has already been a triple Paralympian and is an inspirational athlete.  But this will be his biggest challenge yet, breaking the record for completing the London Marathon on crutches.  Jackie explores Dave’s story and finds out the skills involved in overcoming the challenges he’s faced throughout his life and career.

Supported by Babcock, brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, podcast producers.

Marcus is also known on social media as “The Hull Boy”, where you’ll find him undertaking a wide variety of running challenges.  In this episode, Jackie explores what skills are involved in raising money for charity, managing a huge social media presence and keeping mental and physical health in check, just as Marcus is about to take on his biggest challenge yet…!

Supported by Babcock, brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, podcast production services.

The morning after being guest speaker at the Apprenticeship Awards, former Olympic swimmer and six-times world champion, Mark Foster sat down with Jackie to explore his journey from being the fastest 11-year-old in the world to competing on the world stage.  The skills he acquired, the people he surrounded himself with and the lessons he’s learned have brought him to new loves such as dancing, golf and wild swimming.  He might just change the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning!

Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by and recorded at Fresh Air Studios, with 7 Podcast Studios in Devon.

Celebrating International Women's Day with an essential conversation!

In this episode of Skilfully Speaking, we’re shining a light on women’s health with journalist and author Kate Muir. Kate is a passionate advocate for women, breaking stigmas around menopause and empowering others with knowledge.

Join us as we explore the skills behind Kate’s impactful work and share vital advice that every woman needs to hear.

Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth. Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Devon Podcast Studios and Productions.