Skilfully Speaking

By Skilfully Speaking

Welcome to Season THREE! Invaluable insight, life stories, experiences and more - Skilfully Speaking explores the skills and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, broadcasters, leaders ... more

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FAQs about Skilfully Speaking:

How many episodes does Skilfully Speaking have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Skilfully Speaking episodes:

January 15, 2026 S3 Ep3: How to Bounce Back After Trauma: Ben McBean on Recovery, Resilience and Redefining Life
Ben McBean takes Jackie through his incredible story, from joining the Royal Marines at 16 and surviving life changing injuries in Afghanistan, to running marathons and becoming an inspirational motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion and disability awareness. This episode includes graphic descriptions of injuries, battlefield trauma and loss of life. It may be difficult or overwhelming for some listeners, so discretion is advised. The aim is to inform, but some details are unfiltered.
Brought to you by City College Plymouth, supported by Babcock
Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Video podcast studios in Devon
...more
38min
December 16, 2025 S3 Ep2: Women in Defence: Leadership, Motherhood and Breaking Barriers - with Angela Owen OBE
In this episode, Jackie is joined by former Army officer and champion for women in the defence sector, Angela Owen OBE, who founded Women in Defence UK, focusing on mentoring, policy and cultural change. Jackie discovers the skills behind Angela’s incredible journey and why she is one of the fastest women on Earth… for her age!

From City College Plymouth, supported by Babcock
Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR Studios in Plymouth

...more
36min
October 29, 2025 S3 Ep1: V Levels Explained: Baroness Jacqui Smith on the Government’s New Skills Initiative
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
...more
22min
August 14, 2025 S2 Ep9: Dame Ruth Cairnie: Becoming the First Female Chair in Babcock’s 130-Year History, Women in Leadership, and the Power of Clear Communication
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.

...more
40min
July 24, 2025 S2 Ep8: Melissa Johns - Auditions, Adversity & Advocacy: Melissa Johns on Making It in Media
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
...more
36min
July 02, 2025 S2 Ep7: Beth Mead MBE: Lessons from a Lioness – From Women's Euros Triumph to Teamwork and Tenacity
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.
...more
29min
June 17, 2025 S2 Ep6: Judge Rob Rinder: Law, Media and the Power of Telling the Truth
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
...more
59min
May 13, 2025 S2 Ep5: Unlocking the Power of Digital Education: Robin Ghurbhurun on AI, Tech & Transformation
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.
...more
44min
April 24, 2025 S2 Ep4: How to Keep Running When You Want to Quit: David Wetherill on His Marathon World Record Attempt at the 2025 TCS London Marathon
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.
...more
44min
March 26, 2025 S2 Ep3: The Hull Boy on Running the Length of the UK and Facing His Mental Health Head-On
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.
...more
42min

FAQs about Skilfully Speaking:

How many episodes does Skilfully Speaking have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.