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

In this special compilation we focus on the importance of education, career choices and technology.  The guests featured are former MP, Robert Halfon, Theatre Royal Plymouth CEO, James Mackenzie-Blackman, TV presenter turned life coach, Anna Williamson, Olympics legend, Dame Kelly Holmes, entrepreneur, Ben Towers and AI educator, Dan Fitzgerald.

Brought to you by City College Plymouth and supported by Babcock. Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production Company.

James is the CEO of Theatre Royal Plymouth. He was born in Plymouth and has worked all over the world developing skills, encouraging young people, raising millions of pounds for charity and teaming up with the likes of Sir Matthew Bourne to stage ground-breaking productions that have taught young people new skills that have changed their lives.

Jackie gets some remarkable insights into how James has taken what he’s learnt and is passing it onto the next generation.

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

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Business Podcasts and Content Production.

Dan is known as “The AI Educator” and has written extensively about AI, as well as having travelled the world educating everyone from students to businesses about AI. 

Jackie asks him all about what AI is and what it can do now, as well as how AI can help us with education in the future and what skills are required to work with it.

Supported by Babcock International

Brought to you by City College Plymouth, and produced by Fresh Air Studios business podcast productions.

Ben’s story is extraordinary and unique.  He started running businesses at the age of 11, is the founder of the employee engagement platform, Happl and has been described by Sir Richard Branson as “one of the UK’s most exciting entrepreneurs” and at the time of recording this episode, Ben is only 25 years old.  

So, how did he develop such impressive skills at such a young age?  What sort of support has he had?  And how do you handle the pressures of success before you’ve even left school?  

Supported by Babcock.

Brought to you by City College Plymouth.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Plymouth: Studio and Event Podcast Services.

As co-founder of the Liz Earle Beauty Company in 1995, Liz knows all about the skills required to succeed.  She’s also been busy as a TV presenter, writer and over the years has even launched a magazine and a range of jewellery.  Liz has all the knowledge and experience to give advice on the skills we all need to learn, to earn and to live a happier, healthier life.

Presented by Jackie Grubb,

From City College Plymouth,

Supported by Babcock International

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production in Plymouth.