Spring is here(!) and we begin our new season with global phenomenon Marian Keyes. Marian is one of Ireland’s most prolific and successful writers of all time with her books having sold over 35 million copies worldwide. Marian has won multiple awards and is an expert in honest storytelling. She writes characters you’ll love with imperfections you’ll recognise and her wisdom is felt in every story she tells.  In this refreshing, funny and unfiltered conversation, Marian discusses her upbringing in Ireland and how this affected her aspirations in life, her experience of addiction in her 20s, the monumental change of becoming sober, especially when it comes to love and self acceptance, being 60, a woman’s right to enjoy sex and and ultimately why she refuses to hide or lie about anything (hello botox).  How lucky we are to have Marian Keyes in the world!  Marian’s new book ‘My Favourite Mistake’ is available to buy now. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316031/my-favourite-mistake-by-keyes-marian/9780241441145 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Changes Focus we are zooming in on parenting. Whether you are a parent yourself or not, we have all been parented in some way and many of us spend time around people who are parents. We therefore all have experience of parenting and the huge effect it has on our lives. It is no surprise that many of our guests on Changes choose becoming a parent as the biggest change of their adult life.  In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, author Zadie Smith gives her profound thoughts about why having children has changed her outlook on freedom, Annie’s husband Toddla T talks about his ADHD and how this affects his parenting, comedian Jen Brister gets into the difficulties of talking about porn with kids and comedian and host of the ‘Parenting Hell’ podcast, Josh Widdicombe, remembers his misguided thoughts about labour and gets real about the reality of being a father.  Has parenting changed you? Let us know at changespod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Changes Focus! where we zoom in on one popular Changes theme and bring you multiple takes from different guests.  In this episode the focus is Education. Our younger educational years can really define us, so much change and growth can happen. Many of our amazing guests have cited their school or university years as experiences that shaped their lives drastically. Their stories explore the highs and lows of education such as bullying, fitting in, integrating into new schools and young love. In this reflective episode, you will hear from writer Dolly Alderton who looks back at the difficulties she faced as a teenager at an all girls school, comedian Rosie Jones on the life defining change of going to a mainstream school as a child with cerebral palsy, broadcaster Louis Theroux and actor Idris Elba who both discuss their experiences of changing schools at a young age and the impact that had and, finally, actor Michael Sheen recounts some of his early experiences of romance during his school years in Wales. What Changes did you experience in education? Let us know at changespod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viva la season finale! Where we welcome a total trailblazer and change maker, the iconic sports broadcast Gabby Logan. In her almost 30 year career, Gabby has been at the centre of phenomenal change in a predominantly male dominated industry. She has presented many of the country's biggest sporting events including the Olympics, the Commonwealth games, the World Cup and the 2022 Euros which changed the face of women's football in Britain when the Lionesses won. Gabby has paved the way for other women and played a vital role in the promotion of women’s sport. On top of all this, Gabby has received an MBE, is the host of two hit podcasts; ‘The MidPoint’ and, the brand new, ‘The Sports Agents’ which she co-hosts with fellow broadcaster Mark Chapman, and has even found the time to write her memoir ‘The First Half’. In this inspiring episode, Annie and Gabby discuss the slow but important changes in sports and broadcasting for women, the parallels in their careers - navigating being the token woman and bringing others through, how her upbringing in a sporty family with a footballer father helped shape her career, and how a tragic death of her brother in her teens taught her about dealing with grief and making the most of life.  Gabby’s podcast The Sports Agents is available now https://www.globalplayer.com/podcasts/42Kx2B/ GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The day after St Patrick’s day, we welcome an astonishing Irish woman who epitomises change; Katriona O’Sullivan’s incredible no.1 bestselling memoir ‘Poor’ has dominated Irish bestseller lists for 10 months. The book documents her life - from living in poverty raised by parents who were heroin addicts, becoming pregnant and homeless at 15 to changing everything and completing a PHD at Trinity College in Dublin after a life changing encounter. Today Katriona is a psychologist and award winning lecturer at Maynooth University challenging barriers to education for working class and disadvantaged children. As Barry Keoghan of Saltburn says, ‘Katriona is a legend’.  Even now ‘Poor’ is at number one in the Irish Non Fiction bestseller charts and won Biography of the Year and  the Listeners' Choice Award, at the Irish Book Awards 2023.  In this unforgettable episode, the now “Dr.” Katriona O’Sullivan, talks about her life in poverty, including her relationship with her parents, myths and privilege, how she changed her life and the people who were fundamental to that happening, who she thinks holds the keys to change and ultimately why we must help children to flourish, have hope and opportunities. Poor by Katriona O’Sullivan is out in paperback 18th April and is published by Penguin. You can pre order it here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/452168/poor-by-osullivan-katriona/9780241996768 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Loach is one of the greatest film directors of all time and a true British icon. He is known for his powerful, socially engaged films including ‘I Daniel Blake’, which won him a BAFTA for outstanding British film. At 87 years old, Ken’s career spans nearly six decades and his long list of awards includes the first ever British Independent Film Award and the Palme d'Or at the Cannes film festival, which he has won twice. His films shine a light on real human stories and the social injustices of working class lives. From Kes about a bullied and abused working class boy who trains his kestrel, to The Wind That Shakes The Barley which stars Cillian Murphy fighting for Irish independence, to his most recent film, The Old Oak set in an old mining community in the north east of england, where syrian refugees are being homed. In the 60s and 70s some of his work was considered controversial and added to conversations around homelessness, abortion, poverty and much more. In the 80s some of his work was banned.  In this illuminating episode, as well as sharing his biggest life changes, Ken discusses whether films can create change, his early life, starting out as a director at the BBC “rattling a few cages”, the social issues highlighted in his films, struggling to retire and what you can do to help change the world. Prepare to be charmed.  GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the week of International Women’s Day we speak to the Guilty Feminist herself, Deborah Frances White. Host of the hugely successful, award winning podcast ‘The Guilty Feminist’, Deborah is also a bestselling author, screenwriter and comedian.  Growing up in Australia as part of a restrictive Jehova's Witness community, Deborah describes her teenage years as “being controlled by a male cult”. This experience steered her towards comedy and feminism and ultimately led her to establish the Guilty Feminist - a community of women fighting for change. In this episode, Deborah discusses how feminism has evolved since starting the Guilty Feminist, how being part of a “cult” changed her, the revelations she had from using psychedelics - an experience which changed her life and, ultimately, why she never wants to stop changing. You can find out about the Guilty Feminist including live shows and buy the book here: https://guiltyfeminist.com/ GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fourteen months after starting a relationship online, Anna discovered that she was a victim of romance fraud. ‘Antony’ wasn’t in fact who he said he was. Now, Anna is using her story to fight for change and is considered an expert in this field.  Catfishing, romance fraud and scams are more prevalent than ever. Last year alone the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau in the UK received 8,036 reports of romance fraud resulting in a loss of more than £92m. But how does this happen? How do you find yourself in a relationship with someone who is using a fake identity? Do you think it would never happen to you? In this gripping episode, Anna shares her story and speaks to Annie about the work she’s doing now to change the stigma around romance scams with her website Catch the Catfish and organisation LoveSaid. This includes speaking at the House of Commons with the fraud select committee, campaigning for the police to take these cases more seriously and for legislation to change around the creation of fake identities on dating sites.  You can get help and support and find out more about Anna and her work here: https://catchthecatfish.com/ https://www.lovesaid.org/ @catchthecatfish123 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Ray Hinton spent 30 years on death row for a murder he did not commit. There was no evidence against him, he was charged because he is black. During his time on death row, he made some unlikely friends and never lost hope. Anthony’s incredible story is one of unimaginable injustice but also of resilience and forgiveness.  During his incarceration, Anthony watched 54 inmates walk to their deaths on the electric chair. The same death penalty that sentenced Anthony in Alabama has been in the news recently due to an offender being put to death using pure nitrogen gas - the first death row inmate to be executed using this method anywhere in the world. Whether the death penalty should be used is being increasingly debated. Anthony himself is advocating for change and, here, as well as sharing his own story, tells us why.  Anthony’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. This episode will grip you, enrage you and stay with you. It may even change your views on redemption and the death penalty.  Content Warning: Racism, murder and witnessing executions Buy  a copy of Antony’s book ‘The Sun Does Shine’ here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/437647/the-sun-does-shine-by-anthony-ray-hinton/9781846045745 Recent articles on the death penalty  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68097008 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-45835584 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Valentine’s week we’re celebrating romance with an unlikely agony uncle - the legendary punk poet, also known as the bard of Salford, John Cooper Clarke. A self-confessed romantic, John’s iconic love poem ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ has become one of the most popular poems to be performed at weddings in Britain and was famously used by the Arctic Monkeys in their song of the same name. John first began performing his poetry amidst the punk scene of the 1970s sharing stages with the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks and the Clash. His trademark style and Mancunian delivery has made him one of Britain’s most recognisable poets. In this Valentine’s Day special, John talks about his early life growing up in Salford and his rise to fame as a performance poet. He also gives you an exclusive performance of ‘I Wanna be Yours’ and answers some romance dilemmas. Can John Cooper Clarke help change your love life?! Let’s find out. Pre-order a copy of John’s new book of poems WHAT here. Book to see John Cooper Clarke on tour here: https://johncooperclarke.com/gigs/ GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2020, Scottish comedian Fern Brady was diagnosed with autism. Her award-winning Sunday Times Bestselling book ‘Strong Female Character’ is an incredibly honest and hilarious account of Fern’s life as an autistic girl and woman.  Fern regularly appears on comedy panel shows like 8 Out of 10 Cats and Taskmaster as well as touring her own shows all over the world. In this episode, she discusses her catholic upbringing in Scotland and when she realised that she was different to other people, the “unrelenting chaos” prior to her diagnosis (including her time working at a student newspaper and lap dancing at the same time) and how her autism diagnosis as an adult has changed her. There’s no holding back.  Fern is currently preparing for her worldwide 2024 stand up tour ‘I Gave you Milk to Drink’. Tickets are on sale now. https://fernbradycomedian.com/ Buy a copy of Strong Female Character here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/strong-female-character-fern-brady/6460207?ean=9781914240447 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Deptford to the Amazon - For the final episode in our Joy January mini-series we’re joined by a very inspiring guest. Kwesia, also known as City Girl in Nature, grew up on an estate in South East London and struggled with violence and trauma from an early age but after a life-changing expedition to the Amazon she connected with nature in a way that sparked joy and transformed her perspective on life.  Kwesia is now the award-winning host of the birdwatching podcast ‘Get Birding’. Through this and her initiative ‘City Girl in Nature’ she encourages inner-city kids to connect with nature through local adventures. In this episode, Kwesia explains how her trip to the Amazon helped her realise her capabilities, how nature can be a source of strength and happiness, especially in times of darkness and why she's now on a mission to inspire others to find joy in unexpected places. This is a gorgeous episode to end Joy January. You will immediately want to embrace some element of nature near you! You can subscribe to Kweisa's You Tube channel City Girl In Nature and find more about her story here: https://youtu.be/4P0UQ50yKHc?si=rJsI-dcTTTBfN4ql Her original Rainforest Adventure video is here: https://youtu.be/-bpw5yinOMU?si=E82zy41RGfJxTNUp Kwesia is now an ambassador for the British Exploring Society https://www.britishexploring.org/welcoming-our-new-explorer-ambassador/  Content warning: references knife crime, murder and shootings. GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you find joy in the aftermath of tragedy or immense adversity? Celebrated poet, author, professor and broadcaster, Michael Rosen has had to learn to do just that after his son passed away suddenly from meningitis aged 18. Michael himself also came close to losing his own life twice, the second time to Covid in 2020. Despite this, in 2023, he was awarded the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize for his ‘ability to address the most serious matters of life in a spirit of joy, humour, and hope.’  Michael has been involved in writing over 140 books, including the beloved, award winning children’s classic ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’. His latest book is ‘Getting Better: Life lessons on going under, getting over it, and getting through it.’  For Joy Month on Changes, Michael discusses how play, absurdity and curiosity all play a part in finding joy, the duality of joy and grief and shares why he thinks everyone can use writing to help them have a more joyful existence. It’s a beautiful episode and an important reflection on joy.  The paperback for ‘Getting Better’ is out on 8th Feb. You can pre order it here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/447363/getting-better-by-rosen-michael/9781529148909 GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What small changes can you make to your daily life to cultivate more joy? As we continue Joy Month, we welcome to Changes one of the most influential experts in Happiness globally, Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen is a bestselling author who has written six books on the topic of happiness (all of which have become New York Times Best Sellers), including the widely acclaimed ‘The Happiness Project’. She is host of the hit podcast “Happier with Gretchen”, has been interviewed by Oprah and has walked arm in arm with the Dalai Lama! In this remarkably practical episode, Annie and Gretchen discuss joy and happiness and how you can get more of both without having to make monumental changes to your life, new year's resolutions and why knowing your tendencies can help with happiness. Don’t miss it! Take the happiness quizzes discussed by Gretchen here: https://gretchenrubin.com/quiz/ You can buy Gretchen’s books here: https://gretchenrubin.com/books/ GET IN TOUCH Contact us at changespod@gmail.com with your emails and voice notes. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to JOY January - a mini series! The aim is for you to finish these episodes with more joy to start your 2024. Who better to lead us than the most joy filled musician around - the incredibly talented bandleader and drummer of the award-winning jazz group Ezra Collective, Femi Koleoso. When Femi hits the drums, the world listens. He is on a mission to bring joy to all through music. His career has seen him play all across the world including with Gorillaz and Jorja Smith, and last year Ezra Collective became the first ever jazz act to win the prestigious Mercury Prize. Femi’s heartfelt acceptance speech highlighting the importance of London’s youth clubs went viral.  This episode is the perfect antidote to that post Christmas slump. Annie and Femi discuss the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of music, how his upbringing in a Nigerian Christian household shaped his mindset, faith and joy, the importance of gratitude and most importantly, how you can bring more joy to your own lives through small changes. Here’s to a joyous 2024!  Find Femi on instagram and twitter @femiondrums Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we get ready to bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to retrace the highs and lows of the year as we bring you our annual Changes End of Year Special! Annie is joined by comedian, tv presenter and co-host of the new political podcast Pod Save the UK, Nish Kumar. Together they dive into some of the year's biggest political, cultural and societal changes, offering their perspectives on the moments that defined 2023; a year of war and conflict, AI becoming more powerful (can it replace Nish?), Prince Harry’s memoir, Barbenheimer, the Women’s World Cup, Russell Brand being exposed, the Beckham documentary and so much more.  You can listen to Pod Save The UK here or whereve you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pod-save-the-uk/id1683411536 Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Addressing loneliness is a public health issue as important as tobacco or obesity”. In a world that is more interconnected than ever via technology and social media, why do so many of us feel lonely? And how can we change that? Dr. Vivek Murthy, the 21st Surgeon General of the United States is the man putting loneliness at the top of the public health agenda. Nominated by Barack Obama and Joe Biden as ‘the Nation’s Doctor’, his ground-breaking work on the physical and mental impact of social disconnection is changing the narrative around loneliness and shifting much of the shame and stigma that exist around this topic. In this significant conversation Dr. Murthy and Annie discuss what loneliness actually looks like, their own personal stories of loneliness and tips for how you can address loneliness in your own life. To find out more: Twitter: @Surgeon_General  Instagram: @u.s.surgeongeneral  Facebook: @U.S. Surgeon General  For all of Dr. Murthy’s priority issue areas, please visit surgeongeneral.gov/priorities You can buy a copy of Dr. Murthy’s book ‘ Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World here: https://www.vivekmurthy.com/together-book Dr. Murthy also hosts his own podcast called House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy, you can find it anywhere you listen to podcasts or at surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls Loneliness charities: https://www.samaritans.org/ and https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/ Annie’s article about loneliness: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/09/dj-annie-macmanus-it-was-a-shock-to-realise-i-was-lonely Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘I am a woman but a different kind’. The double Olympic gold medalist and three time World Championship winner Caster Semenya has spent her entire adult life trying to change people’s minds on the definition of womanhood.  One of the most recognisable intersex women in the world with a condition called DSD (differences in sex development), Caster’s has an elevated level of testosterone, which according to World Athletics, must be reduced by taking hormones in order for her to be allowed to compete professionally in women’s races. She took those hormones for six years but now refuses and is no longer able to run. Instead, she is fighting for change. Most recently, Caster took her case to the European Court of Human Rights where she won a discrimination case against World Athletics, but it doesn’t change her right to compete.  Following the release of her brilliant new book The Race To Be Myself,Caster speaks to Annie about her upbringing, the moment when her gender was first questioned on the world stage, differences and discrimination, why sport will never be fair, being a mother to two girls and her ultimate purpose. You can buy a copy of The Race To Be Myself here. Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can we alter the course of climate change? One woman who can answer with authority is the internationally recognised leader on global climate change, Christiana Figueres. An absolutely remarkable woman, Ms Figueres was formerly the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Demonstrating immense diplomacy, resilience and determination, she successfully orchestrated negotiations with 196 countries to reach the historical Paris Agreement of 2015. Now hugely decorated, she is the co-founder of an organisation called Global Optimism, co-host of the podcast “Outrage & Optimism” and the co-author of the recently published book, “The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis". As the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) approaches next week, Ms. Figueres sits down with Annie to explain where the world is right now - what has been agreed, what needs to be done and importantly, what YOU can do. As well as discussing climate change, she explores her own changes, reveals her greatest obstacles and shares the influence of her father in making her the woman she is today; one who, with stubborn optimism makes the impossible possible. This is an important episode for anyone who wants a better future for our planet. You can buy a copy of The Future We Choose here: https://www.globaloptimism.com/the-future-we-choose Find out more about Christiana Figueres here: https://christianafigueres.com/#/ Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charlotte Church is full of surprises. An opera singer turned alt-pop star and political activist who’s now turned to nature and sound healing. Famous at 11 with a no 1 album in the classical charts at 12. She celebrated her 15th birthday at the Grammys, sang for the pope, the queen and presidents including at George Bush’s inauguration and even sat a GCSE exam at the White House. She has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide. Her fame was stratospheric but she always remained true to her roots. Since then, she has changed a lot, experimenting with music, hosting her own chat show on channel 4 and her famous club night Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon as well as being a political activist, always under the scrutiny of the press and the public eye. Today, Charlotte and her family live in rural Wales where she is very connected to nature and runs a new wellness retreat called The Dreaming. She is as outgoing and fun as ever with an infectious laugh. Here, she talks to Annie about her ‘hardcore childhood,’ her passion for activism and improving people’s lives, why criticism is fuel, staying normal and how she learnt to cry again. You can book The Dreaming here: https://www.thedreaming.co.uk/ Changes is a deaf friendly podcast, transcripts can be accessed here: https://www.anniemacmanus.com/changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.