In this episode of the Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, Marilyn Barber sits down with Sir Christopher Chope MBE, MP for Christchurch, to reflect on a remarkable political career spanning decades in Parliament.

Sir Christopher shares insights from his time serving as a minister under Margaret Thatcher and John Major, offering personal stories and behind-the-scenes reflections on leadership, decision-making, and how government has changed over time.

The conversation covers:

🔹 What a typical week looks like for an MP

This wide-ranging discussion offers a rare perspective from one of Parliament’s most experienced MPs, grounded in local representation and national politics.

🎧 Watch the full episode now on Your Voice | Dorset Podcast

In this episode of the Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, Luke sits down with Chris and Gary from Bournemouth Pastors — a volunteer team dedicated to keeping people safe during the town’s busy nightlife. Founded in 2017, Bournemouth Pastors patrol every Saturday night (and monthly pay-day Fridays), supporting anyone who needs help — from vulnerable or lost individuals to those suffering the effects of alcohol, drugs, emotional distress, or separation from friends.

They share:

🔹 What a typical night of patrolling Bournemouth looks like

This episode highlights the unseen, compassionate work that helps keep Bournemouth's nightlife safe — one person at a time.

In this episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, host Luke Graham sits down with Tom Hayes, Labour MP for Bournemouth East, as he reflects on his first year in office and the drive behind his mission to improve lives across the community.

From campaigning for better housing and reforming leaseholder rights, to improving playgrounds and tackling dangerous parking, Tom has been busy making change happen.

Growing up in Salford caring for two disabled parents, Tom shares how that early experience of injustice and resilience shaped his passion for public service — and why he believes Bournemouth deserves better.

🗳️ Hear about his journey from charity leader and local councillor to turning a long-held Conservative seat Labour for the first time since 1974 — and what comes next for the people he represents.

#TomHayes #Bournemouth #YourVoiceDorset #Politics #LabourMP #CommunityLeadership #Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, we sit down with Will Behenna, founder of Inclusive Paddleboarding and The Beach Access Project.

After being paralysed from the waist down, Will discovered the joy of paddleboarding and is now dedicated to helping other disabled people experience the freedom of being out on the water.

But there’s a challenge: Dorset’s beaches, like many across the UK, aren’t fully accessible for wheelchair users. Will shares his mission to change that by collecting data, raising awareness, and pioneering Dorset as a blue space for everyone.

🌊 From breaking barriers in paddleboarding to fighting for better beach access, Will’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and community spirit.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support accessibility for all!

#InclusivePaddleboarding #BeachAccessProject #YourVoiceDorset

Emma Burke, founder of Laceeze and Defiance, joins us to share her incredible journey from a simple idea to pitching on Dragons’ Den — and securing a deal with investor Touker Suleyman.

In this episode, Emma talks about:

⚽ How the Laceeze bands were invented to stop children’s laces coming undone

📈 Her growth aspirations for Laceeze & Defiance

🎤 What it was really like to face the Dragons in the Den

💡 Lessons from building a business from scratch

Emma’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and ambition — a must-watch for entrepreneurs and sports lovers alike.

Meet Jamie Riding – pantomime dame, Punch and Judy enthusiast, and full-time bringer of joy. Diagnosed with Asperger’s at a young age, Jamie talks openly about growing up, finding comfort in performance, and turning his love of theatre into a lifelong passion. From working with stage legends to performing magic tricks for fun and entertainment, this episode is bursting with laughs, honesty, and theatrical flair.

Whether you're into comedy, community theatre, or just love a good story, this one will have you grinning from start to finish.

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In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Grant-Braham — a man with one of the most diverse CVs in Dorset. From photographing high-octane races and leading Bournemouth University's Motorsport Research Group to serving as the Mayor of Poole and supporting the Poole Sea Cadets, Bruce shares stories from his life in service, sport, and community. Another brilliant conversation that captures the spirit of Dorset — dedicated, passionate, and full of surprises.

In this powerful episode of Your Voice | Dorset, we meet Magic by Alfie — a local magician whose career has taken him from Dorset weddings to the prestigious Magic Circle, and even a win at The Wedding Industry Awards.

But behind the applause is a deeper story.

Alfie opens up about his battle with depression and anxiety, and how magic became more than a performance — it became a lifeline. We talk about the healing power of creativity, the reality behind the illusions, and how personal challenges can sometimes be the driving force behind success.

🎩✨ A must-listen for anyone who loves magic — or just needs a reminder that transformation is always possible.

🎧 Hosted by Jecs Davies

In this episode of Your Voice | Dorset, we sit down with Vikki Slade, MP for North Dorset, for an open and wide-ranging conversation.

From her journey into politics to deeply personal reflections, Vikki shares what drives her — and why local issues matter so much. We discuss the growing wildfire risks in Dorset, the controversial topic of banning disposable BBQs, and how community engagement plays a vital role in shaping policy.

Whether you’re into politics or just care about your local green spaces, this is an episode worth tuning into.

🎧 Hosted by Luke Graham

In this compelling episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, host Luke Graham sits down with Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for North Dorset, for an in-depth conversation about his years serving in Parliament.

Simon shares candid insights about his experiences as an MP, the challenges of political life, and his honest views on major global issues. From his thoughts on Donald Trump's presidency ("I don't think I'm on his Christmas card list") to the complex situation in the Middle East, this is a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Dorset's key political figures.

Whether you're interested in local politics or want to understand how global events affect our community, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from someone at the heart of Westminster politics.