In this episode, Tom turns his attention to the student loan system in the UK, asking whether it is fit for purpose. You'll hear from seven Plan 2 graduates: Josh, Tom, Emily, Alex, Oli, Brie and Bee, who share their experiences of a debt that keeps growing. Tom also speaks with Ollie from Rethink Repayment, a campaign pushing the UK government to fundamentally reform the system.

Tom draws on a decade working in Higher Education, his own student loans, and field recordings from the Educate, Empower, Employ march he attended in November 2012 to tell the story of how we got here, and what needs to change.

If you have UK student loan, you can share your experience with the UK Treasury Committee via the link below. Contributions close on Tuesday 14th April. Share your student loan experience with the Treasury Committee: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nt3mHDeziEC-Xo277ASzSugWXtlS9G1OpuyhNtc2h8lURjBYV1pUQ0FKWEUzTEpUSkdCQktYRzRPUCQlQCN0PWcu

To find out more about Rethink Repayment, sign the petition, or email your MP, head to: https://www.rethinkrepayment.com/

Sign the Rethink Repayment petition: https://www.rethinkrepayment.com/sign-the-petition

If you'd like to hear more about the financial pressures facing universities, listen to Tom's previous episode on cuts at Cardiff University: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/cuts-at-cardiff-university/

The title track for this show is "Young Shall Grow", with thanks to Afro Cluster, Magugu, and Asha Jane.

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change. Media Network or its partners.

There is no episode of Spare a Thought this week, but I do need your help.

I am currently developing an in-depth feature regarding the necessity of a fairer student loan repayment system in the United Kingdom. In collaboration with Rethink Repayment, this upcoming episode aims to highlight the financial realities faced by those under the Plan 2 repayment structure.

We are seeking formal contributions from individuals who meet the following criteria:

Student Status: English or Welsh undergraduate students.

Academic Timeline: Individuals who commenced their degree between September 1, 2012, and July 31, 2023.

If you fall within this 11-year window, please submit a voice note to [email protected] by Sunday, April 12th. To ensure a comprehensive case study, please include:

Personal Identification: Your full name.

Academic Background: Your university, degree subject, and years of study.

Financial Data: Your initial debt balance upon graduation versus your current outstanding balance.

Contextual Reflection: If possible, record your immediate thoughts while viewing your live balance on screen to help us articulate the specific challenges of this system.

While we finalize this report, we encourage listeners to explore our recent series on Welsh cultural history:

Monumental Welsh Women: A two-part study with Emily Mary.

The Welsh Language: An exploration of linguistic heritage with Ben Kitchener.

The Arthurian Legend: Filmmaker Dan Freeman discusses the Welsh origins of King Arthur and the legend's influence on Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and the Star Wars mythos.

Submission Email: [email protected]

Deadline: Sunday, April 12th

In this episode, Tom sits down with filmmaker Dan Freeman to ask the question: Was King Arthur Welsh? Dan is currently in production on Excalibur, an epic fantasy film set in Wales, centred on King Arthur and his knights.

Tom and Dan explore the origins of the King Arthur myth and its relevance today, the innovative funding model behind the film, and how listeners can follow the production as it develops.

This is the final episode in Tom's mini series on Wales. Find previous episodes on Monumental Welsh Women and the Welsh Language wherever you get your podcasts from.

Filming on Excalibur is scheduled to begin in 2027. Head to www.excaliburfilm.com for more information, to sign up for behind-the-scenes content, and to take part in interactive sessions linked to the film.

The title track for this show is "Young Shall Grow", with thanks to Afro Cluster, Magugu, and Asha Jane.

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

In today's episode, Tom and Ben Kitchener step back from modern policy and into the history that still shapes the Welsh language today. This is Part 2 of 2.

From the Blue Books to the Welsh Not, this episode explores the policies that explicitly tried to stigmatise Welsh and shame its speakers — and the psychological weight that legacy still carries today. To close this two-parter, Ben also shares some practical Welsh phrases to help anyone start using the language in everyday life, from greetings to pub etiquette.

If you missed Part 1, Tom and Ben explored the "Million Speakers" goal, the "usage gap," and the financial and political pressures of devolution — available now wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode was recorded live on Substack.

Follow Ben's work on Substack: https://substack.com/@saiscymreig?r=4ks8qu&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

In today's episode, Tom tries something different. Instead of a guest interview, this is the first in a series of short essays, just Tom, in his own words, reflecting on issues that matter.

Essay #1 marks Long Covid Awareness Day 2026. Six years after lockdown began, an estimated two million people in the UK are still living with Long Covid, and most of us have moved on as if the pandemic is over. Tom argues it isn't.

Drawing on his own experiences of the pandemic and conversations with Long Covid sufferers from previous episodes, Tom reflects on the heroes we celebrated and then forgot, the chasm the pandemic widened between the privileged and the vulnerable, and what we can all do at a personal and political level to support those still suffering.

This essay references Tom's three Long Covid episodes from 2025, and one focused on young people whose education was impacted by the wider pandemic. You can find them here:

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

In today's episode, Tom and Ben Kitchener look past the St David's Day celebrations to explore the real mechanics and politics of the Welsh language - Cymraeg. This is Part 1 of 2.

With an ambitious target of a million Welsh speakers on the horizon, this episode gets into the gap between policy and reality - specifically the "usage gap": the difference between having the ability to speak Welsh and actually choosing to use it in daily life.

Tom speaks with Ben Kitchener, whose Substack Sais Cymreig explores Welsh language and culture through the eyes of an English speaker learning the language.

In Part 1, Tom and Ben discuss the "Million Speakers" goal and what it would actually take to get there; the financial and political pressures of devolution and how Cardiff navigates its relationship with Westminster when it comes to funding cultural ambitions; and the brain drain - why keeping young Welsh speakers in Wales is one of the defining challenges facing the language today.

In Part 2, which follows next week, Tom and Ben step back from modern policy and into history - exploring the Blue Books and the Welsh Not, the psychological legacy those policies left behind, and some practical Welsh phrases to help anyone start using the language in everyday life.

This episode was recorded live on Substack.

Follow Ben's work on Substack: https://substack.com/@saiscymreig?r=4ks8qu&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

In today's episode, Tom and Emily Merry conclude their two-part exploration of monumental Welsh women whose contributions to history are finally being recognised in bronze.

From Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who fought tirelessly for the rights of miners' wives, to Cranogwen, the extraordinary master mariner, poet and preacher who declared "gender difference is nothing in the world," this episode celebrates two remarkable women who refused to be defined by the expectations of their time.

In Part 2, Tom speaks again with Helen Molyneux, co-founder of Monumental Welsh Women, about the final steps in a mission to create five statues of five Welsh women in five years and what comes next for the project.

Together, Emily and Tom discuss Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who organised and agitated for the women behind the miners; and Cranogwen, the seafarer and scholar who broke every boundary placed before her.

With the finish line in sight, this episode reflects on what it means to finally see these women take their rightful place in the public landscape of Wales.

Find out more about the Monumental Welsh Women project and support the completion of Elizabeth Andrews' statue: https://monumentalwelshwomen.com/

Support the petition for a statue of Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd on the Senedd's petition website.

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

In today's episode, Tom and Emily Merry explore the lives of several monumental Welsh women whose contributions to history are finally being recognised in bronze. This is part 1 of 2. 

From Princess Gwenllian, the 12th century warrior princess, to the modern-day campaign to commemorate her, this episode explores why representation in public spaces matters and how the Monumental Welsh Women project is changing the landscape of Wales.

Tom speaks with Helen Molyneux, a key organiser for the Monumental Welsh Women, about the journey to create five statues of five Welsh women in five years. 

In Part 1, Emily and Tom discuss Betty Campbell, Wales' first Black headteacher; Lady Rhondda, the militant suffragette and businesswoman and Elaine Morgan, the screenwriter who challenged evolutionary theory. 

In Part 2, which follows later this week, Tom and Emily will discuss Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who fought for miners' wives; and Cranogwen, the master mariner, poet and preacher who declared "gender difference is nothing in the world."

With only one statue left to complete the original mission, this episode celebrates the women who educated, agitated, organised, and changed Wales forever.

Find out more about the Monumental Welsh Women project and support the completion of Elizabeth Andrews' statue: https://monumentalwelshwomen.com/

Support the petition for a statue of Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd on the Senedd's petition website.

Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/

Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/

You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/

Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to celebrate St David's Day on 1st March with conversations focused on Wales and Welsh identity.

In this episode, you'll hear from four guests recorded in Spring 2025:

Gwern Gwynfil, Director of New Wales and former CEO of Yes Cymru, discusses how St David's Day traditions have evolved, the changing attitudes towards the Welsh language, Wales' hidden historical achievements, and the inadequate devolution settlement that leaves Wales as an "afterthought" to Westminster.

Will Hayward, Wales-based journalist, former WalesOnline writer, and host of the For Wales, See Wales podcast, explores the Welsh media landscape, public understanding of the Senedd, and the challenges of reporting on Welsh politics when baseline knowledge is so low.

Professor Laura McAllister, Vice President of UEFA, Professor at Cardiff University, and former Wales Women's Football Captain, alongside Lowri Roberts, sports consultant and interim CEO of Bristol City Women's FC, discuss the historic fifty-year ban on women's football (1921-1971), the strategic investment that led to Wales Women qualifying for their first major tournament, and the transformative impact of big tournaments like the Euros on Welsh sport.

We want to hear from you! Take our quick listener survey by 4th March and you'll be entered to win 1 of 3 £50 gift cards to a business of your choice. Your feedback helps us grow. Survey link: https://shorturl.at/kXABW 

Next week, Tom returns with the first of three brand new episodes in a Wales-focused mini-series, continuing the St David's Day celebration well into March.

You can follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  

Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/   

You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/ 

Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to return to the show’s most downloaded episode Paternity Leave, released on 18th November 2025 to celebrate International Men’s Day. 

In this episode, Tom profiles the work of The Dad Shift and its co-founder George Gabriel. 

The UK has the worst paternity leave in the UK, the Daft Shift is looking to change that. A not-for-profit, the Dad Shift is a group of men, dads and other parents campaigning for better paternity leave in the UK. 

Co-founder of the organisation, George, details how he got into activism, how The Dad Shift got started, the aims of the not-for-profit and what you can do to support. 

You can find out more about The Dad Shift by heading to: https://dadshift.org.uk/ you can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tiktok

You can follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  

Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/  

You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/ 

Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.

The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.