Send Me A Text Message

In this episode of The Danifesto Podcast, I’m joined by Peter Oliver OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, and Sue Higginson OBE DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside.

We go behind the scenes of one of the oldest public roles in the country to explore what the Lord-Lieutenant actually does on a day-to-day basis, how Peter and Sue were appointed, and what it means to represent His Majesty The King across Merseyside.

We discuss the history of the Lieutenancy, royal visits, the King’s Honours system, OBEs, MBEs and BEMs, recognising ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and why volunteering is so important to local communities.

The conversation also explores Liverpool’s unique identity, what makes the people of Merseyside so special, the city’s sense of community, music, football, and why service to others sits at the heart of everything they do.

As always on The Danifesto Podcast, we also have an open conversation about neurodiversity, autism, ADHD, mental health, education and supporting young people. Peter and Sue share their thoughts on making schools and communities more inclusive, why understanding matters, and how organisations can better support neurodivergent people.

Finally, we talk about leadership, resilience, balancing voluntary roles with everyday life, the importance of recognising people for the difference they make, and why leaving the world a little better than you found it is something we should all strive for.

If you enjoy honest conversations about community, leadership, mental health, neurodiversity and the people making a real difference, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

How does a deaf musician actually work?

Most people think they know the answer… but they’re wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with Sean Chandler a musician, teacher, and presenter to talk about what life is really like, from school to communication to how he actually experiences music.

How do you play music, teach, and present… when you’re deaf?

We get into what people constantly misunderstand, the pressure to adapt, and what “inclusion” really looks like in real life.

This isn’t a polished interview it’s a real conversation.

And it might change how you see things.

Sean Chandler Instagram: @mrseanchandler

Also, Flare Audio sent me a pair of their headphones no payment, no script. I’ve been using them while editing and they’ve actually helped cut out a lot of background noise and keep me focused.

I’ll drop the link here:
https://www.flareaudio.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqY-mvo_e8Aj3NdsMjAgNB9iEs9q09Jxyr6f_L97yKUWObvKSgb

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

This is my full interview from Channel 5, where I sat down to talk about what ADHD and autism actually feel like - not the stereotype, the real experience.

I was diagnosed with autism at 4 and ADHD at 9, and nearly got excluded from school in my first week. Not because I was "bad", but because I couldn't sit still, I wanted to move, explore, and learn in a different way.

We get into what it's like growing up misunderstood, how school can get it wrong, and what's actually going on inside your head when you have ADHD.

This is the reason I started The Danifesto - because there are still people out there going through this with no support, no understanding, and no one explaining it properly.

If you've ever felt like you don't fit the system, this episode will make sense.

Big thanks to I'm ADHD, No You're Not, Channel 5 and Dan Walker for making this happen.

And Dr Mine Conkbayir MBE who made the whole thing happen!

(Interview originally aired on Channel 5)

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

In this episode of The Danifesto, I sit down with Daniel for a real conversation about where piano started for him, how his mind works, the pressure that comes with growth, and the way music has shaped his life.

We also get into the story of how Simon Squibb came into the picture, what that connection meant, and how moments like that can shift the way you see yourself and what’s possible.

It’s honest, personal, and reflective — and to close the episode, Daniel finishes by playing piano live, which makes the ending something special.

A proper conversation about music, focus, identity, and momentum.

Topics in this episode:
•Daniel’s early journey with piano
•Pressure, growth, and mindset
•ADHD, focus, and creativity
•Meeting Simon Squibb
•What he’s building now
•Live piano at the end

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

Last night I stayed up until 3:30am watching the Super Bowl and only got 4 hours of sleep… so I expected my ADHD to be worse than ever.

But the opposite happened.

My brain felt quieter. I could remember things. I stayed on track in lessons. I even remembered what question I was on when I turned the page — which NEVER happens.

For a few hours, it honestly felt like my ADHD had disappeared.

In this episode, I talk about what that “calm brain” feeling was actually like, why being overtired can sometimes feel like better focus, and why it’s a total trap if you try to chase it.

If you’ve ever had a random “good brain day” and thought

“Why can’t I be like this all the time?”

this episode is for you.

Real talk about ADHD, tired focus, brain noise, and learning to work with your brain instead of fighting it.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

This one is just me.

I talk about pitching on stage at a HelpBnk networking event in Liverpool, putting my name in the bucket, pushing through nerves, and somehow walking away with Best Pitch and £500 of support for The Danifesto. But this episode is not really about the money. It is about what happens when you start saying yes to scary opportunities and backing yourself even when your brain tells you not to.

I also share what I am working on with Changing Chances, the Doorbell of Dreams experience, the nerves no one sees, and the mindset shift that has made me realise opportunities do not just happen. You create them by showing up.

Link to Changing Chances: https://changingchanceslearningplatform.thinkific.com/

This is a chilled, real, sit with me type of episode. If you have ever doubted yourself, overthought things, or nearly talked yourself out of something big, this one is for you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

In this episode of The Danifesto, I’m joined by Swan Landscapes, a Liverpool based landscaping business known for clean, professional work and personalised garden designs to suit your unique style.

We talk all things business, hard work, starting from scratch, and what it’s really like running a landscaping company day to day.

If you’re into business, motivation, self employment or just love a good graft story, you’ll enjoy this one.

Liverpool based
Phone 07915 290694
Website https://www.swanlandscapes.co.uk

Follow Swan Landscapes
Instagram @Kieran .swanlandscapes
TikTok @swanlandscapes

Subscribe for more episodes of The Danifesto, real conversations with real people.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

In this episode of The Danifesto, I talk about what Liverpool feels like as Christmas approaches and how the city changes at this time of year.

I also share how I’m planning to cope with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, how I deal with presents and surprises, and how I want to keep the magic of Christmas alive for my little brother Jack. I talk honestly about adjusting to my big brother Paul coming back from uni, and how family dynamics can change over the holidays.

Finally, I share some simple tips and tricks that might help anyone who finds Christmas stressful or overwhelming, especially if you experience anxiety or sensory overload.

This is a calm, reflective episode designed to be listened to slowly, at your own pace.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

In this episode of The Danifesto, I talk about what the weeks before Christmas are actually like when you have an ADHD or autistic brain. I go into the excitement, the stress, the sensory overload, the pressure, and why December just feels like a lot. There is so much going on such as lights, music, busy shops, changes to routine, and people asking you to be in lots of different places, and I explain how all of that builds up and makes the whole month feel intense.

I also talk about the good parts too. The cosy moments, the things that feel special, the traditions that actually help, and the parts of Christmas that genuinely make me happy. It is not all overwhelming. There are definitely things that make it worth it and I explain how I try to focus on those.

I also share some simple tips and things that help me handle the season better, like managing sensory stuff, keeping routines where I can, and not putting too much pressure on myself to be perfect for the big day.

If you have ever felt like Christmas is amazing but also a bit too much sometimes, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.

Send Me A Text Message

In this episode it’s just me talking honestly about my life — my ADHD, growing up, mainstream school, moving to Turning Point Academy, and everything people never really saw.

I open up about how my brain works, the good and bad days, feeling misunderstood, and the moments that actually helped me become who I am now.

I also share what I wish teachers and adults knew about young people like me, and some advice for anyone who feels the same way.

Welcome to The Danifesto — real talk, no filters.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to The Danifesto. If this episode meant something to you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs that little push to back themselves. You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for behind the scenes clips and updates. If you want early episodes and bonus content, you can join The Danifesto Plus through my Buzzsprout page. Your support helps me keep growing this and bringing bigger conversations to the mic.