Skilfully Speaking

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.

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of being authentic, mental health, resilience and building a business.  The guests featured are cosmetics legend, Liz Earle, entrepreneur, Ben Towers, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, former MP, Robert Halfon, TV presenter turned life coach, Anna Williamson and AI educator, Dan Fitzgerald.

Supported by Babcock, and produced in Devon by Fresh Air Studios Podcast Production Services.

Yes, you read that title correctly!  This episode is the grand finale of Season 1 of Skilfully Speaking, so the tables are turned, and Jackie Grubb is the guest and is being interviewed by Paul Philpott.
Paul finds out about Jackie’s skills journey – from childhood ambitions to be a Blue Peter presenter and a make-up artist, to becoming a teacher.  We find out what Jackie has learned from her Skilfully Speaking guests and … don’t panic!  There will be a Season 2.
Jackie reveals who some of her future guests will be…

Supported by Babcock and brought to you by City College Plymouth.
Produced by Fresh Air Studios, the UK's Podcast Production Agency.

The team at Skilfully Speaking and City College Plymouth has a great relationship with Babcock International Group.  So, it’s great that Babcock’s CEO, David Lockwood has been chatting to Jackie about what it’s like running a global organisation, the essential skills that Babcock looks for in new recruits, the importance of having the right aspirations and just how good David is … at table tennis!

Brought to you by City College Plymouth
Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production Services