The wempower’s Podcast

Redefining Narratives: the case of Podium.me. An interview with Camilla Byk

As we wrap up our special series of the Wempower Podcast, dedicated to shedding light on the invisible stories of the women behind the news, we couldn't have asked for a better finale.

We had the privilege of hosting Camilla Byk, the dynamic co-founder of Podium.me. 

Since its inception in 2012, Camilla's vision has been unwavering: championing young voices to be heard and respected within the media.

 

- About Podium.me: It's more than just an audio platform—it's a movement. Catering to young minds aged 16-25, Podium.me empowers them with the tools and opportunities to create impactful podcasts and dramas echoing their real-life experiences. With a grassroots ethos, they've garnered both accolades and admiration.

 

- About Camilla: From studying Italian and French at Siena and Oxford to associating with titans like the BBC, educational charities, and top-tier news organizations—Camilla's journey is inspiring. A Fellow and former Trustee of The Radio Academy, she was lauded with an MBE in 2022, recognizing her invaluable contributions to the youth and world of broadcast journalism.

Leap of Faith: From Full-Time to Freelance Journalism

Dive into the transformative journey of Dhruti Shah, who dared to venture out from the esteemed corridors of BBC to chart her own path as a freelance journalist, right in the midst of a global pandemic!

A leap of faith into the freelance world, where Dhruti is redefining journalism and storytelling in her own unique way.

Tune in to hear how she's embracing this new chapter of her life and career, exploring innovative ways to share stories that matter. 

English: A Privilege or a Barrier? Navigating the journalism industry as a second-language English journalist

In this interview we will talk about language, and the barriers that non-native English speakers journalists might face when entering the journalism industry in the UK, or any other English-speaking country. 

Barbara Serra is an award-winning journalist, TV presenter, documentary-maker and author. From 2006 to 2022 she presented Al Jazeera English’s flagship NewsHour programme from the channel’s European headquarters in London. She was previously a reporter and presenter at Sky News, BBC and Channel 5, where she became the first non-native English speaker to present a prime-time news programme on British television.

In 2020 she produced and presented the documentary Fascism in the Family for Al Jazeera, looking at the story of her grandfather, fascist mayor of the town of Carbonia, and the influence that Fascism continues to exert in Italy. 

In 2019 she was awarded the Knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy by the President of the Italian Republic for her journalism. She is currently writing a book and has a Substack Newsletter called News with a Foreign Accent.

Unleashing Potential: Hannah Ajala’s Impactful Mission for Diversity and Empowerment in Journalism

Hannah Ajala, international journalist and presenter, currently specialising in podcasts for organisations like the BBC and CBC and founder of We are Black Journos is the guest of this new episode of "Behind the Headlines, the missing narratives of women journalists".

Hannah joined Wempower Podcast to discuss diversity, mentorship, and the importance of inclusion in the media industry. She shares her journey, from childhood aspirations of becoming an actress to discovering her passion for journalism.

Hannah emphasizes the value of trying different things and going after what you want. She offers tips on writing, pitching, and creating compelling stories that challenge stereotypes and leave the audience hungry for more.

Hannah highlights the need for representation and unity among women in journalism, stressing the impact of seeing someone who looks like you achieve success. She advocates for sponsorship as a powerful tool for career advancement and discusses the underrepresentation of black journalists in the industry.

Hannah addresses the lack of diversity in the media industry and the importance of inclusive narratives. She calls for change at the top to foster new perspectives and ideas.

In conclusion, Hannah expresses hope for the future of women in journalism, where talented journalists can thrive without facing unnecessary barriers.

 

 

Women in the news: missing perspectives or opportunity for change?

Interview with Luba Kassova, co-founder and director of the international audience strategy consultancy AKAS and an award-winning evidence-based storyteller and TEDx speaker.

In this interview we talk about gender equality, representation and diversity in the news and the newsrooms, analyzing Luba's latest report "FROM OUTRAGE TO OPPORTUNITY. How to Include the Missing Perspectives of Women of All Colors in News Leadership and Coverage". 

Luba investigates the connection between statistics, journalism and how it relates to diversity in the news industry.

Together we will also look at and highlight nine trailblazing organisations that are actively pushing for diversity in the media.

This is "Behind the Headlines, the missing narratives of women journalists", a new series of Wempower Podcast.

You can watch the episode here

Don't forget to follow Wempower on all social media platforms @wempoweruk

Behind the Headlines, the missing narratives of women journalists - INTRO

The reason why I decided to create this new podcast series is because we don’t talk enough about the stories of women journalists. We often forget that behind a headline there are the lived experiences, the challenges, the achievements and the dreams of a person.

In the world of journalism, where the power to shape narratives and influence public opinion resides, the underrepresentation of women journalists and their stories is a pressing concern.

 Despite significant progress in gender equality over the years, the news agenda continues to overlook the diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise of women reporters.

 This podcast series delves into the reasons behind this absence, its implications for society, and the importance of actively promoting and supporting women journalists to create a more inclusive media landscape.

 

This new series is composed of 5 episodes, and my guests are:

 

Barbara Serra Italian-born British-based broadcast journalist and TV newsreader, with experience at Al Jazeera, Sky News and BBC; Hannah Ajala journalist specialising in podcast for the BBC and CBC and founder of We Are Black Journos , Luba Kassova , co-founder and director of the international audience strategy consultancy AKAS and an award-winning evidence-based storyteller and TEDx speaker; Dhruti Shah , an award-winning journalist specializing in verification, user-generated content, investigative journalism and creative storytelling; Camilla Byk, a journalist and co-founder of podium.me an award-winning audio platform for the voices of the under 25s.

 

WalkSafe: the app that is making women’s commutes safer

Emma Kay is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of WalkSafe. 

WalkSafe is the #1 downloaded personal safety app in the UK, with the mission to put knowledge and information in the hands of its users so they can plan safer routes and feel empowered. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Emma at Ideas Fest last year and I have been truly impressed by her story and the incredible work done with WalkSafe. Her passion about personal safety and about improving safety outcomes for men and women across the UK and worldwide is truly inspirational. 

"Initially, we had 5,000 downloads, - said Emma. But, after the death of Sarah Everard, who went missing in Clapham in March 2021, we saw a spike in demand, and the number of users rocketed to half a million. It’s bittersweet as we wish this app didn’t have to exist. But as long as there’s a need, we’ll strive to make women feel as safe as possible".

 

 

 

Diversify to make a change - Sisterhood, allyship and diversity in the newsroom

An Interview with Genelle Aldred journalist, author and deputy chair for Women in Journalism UK. 

Hello and welcome to a new series of Wempower Podcast. 

If you have been following us from the beginning you know that Wempower aims at changing the narrative on women rights and gender issues, by sharing more inspiring, diverse, inclusive and powerful stories of ordinary, but extraordinary women that are changing the world. 

With this new series of podcasts, released on the occasion of the International Women's Day, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the stories of women journalists that are an inspiration for us. 

Let me share with you that missing narrative and perspective, let’s dive deep into their lives and experiences to discover what motivates them, why they became journalists in the first place, and what are they doing to help and support more journalists to progress, develop, learn and grow.

In this episode we discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in the newsroom, and the role of sisterhood and allyship with Genelle Aldred.

Genelle Aldred is a regular contributor to conversations about media, politics and justice. A former newsreader and journalist for BBC, ITN and ITV.  In 2021 she published her first book “Communicate for change” and today she runs a communications consultancy helping people, brands and organisations. She is the Deputy Chair for Women in Journalism UK. 

 

Trauma Reporting - Telling the stories that matter, better

An interview with Jo Healey, journalist and founder of trauma work.

 

Welcome to a new series of Wempower Podcast. 

If you have been following us from the beginning you know that Wempower aims at changing the narrative on women rights and gender issues, by sharing more inspiring, diverse, inclusive and powerful stories of ordinary, but extraordinary women that are changing the world. 

With this new series of podcasts, released on the occasion of the International Women's Day, we want to celebrate and acknowledge the stories of women journalists that are an inspiration for us. 

Let me share with you that missing narrative and perspective, let’s dive deep into their lives and experiences to discover what motivates them, why they became journalists in the first place, and what are they doing to help and support more journalists to progress, develop, learn and grow. 

Trauma-informed journalism is a relatively new term, even though covering trauma — ranging from storms and fires to sexual assaults and homicides to mass shootings and wars — has always been a part of journalists’ work.

Trauma-informed journalism means understanding trauma, understanding what a trauma survivor is experiencing before you show up at their door, and understanding how your actions [as a journalist] will impact them after you pack up and leave.

To investigate this further I have invited Jo Healey senior news journalist and founder of Trauma Reporting. Jo has worked for radio and TV covering hundred of people’s sensitive stories. 

She devised Trauma Reporting training for BBC News and Current Affairs and factual programming. She is the author of "Trauma Reporting, A Journalist’s Guide to Covering Sensitive Stories".

She authored UNESCO’s document "Safety of Journalists Covering Trauma and Distress: Do No Harm" which has been translated into seven languages.

She delivers training, lectures and keynotes worldwide.

No topic is a taboo

Interview with Kelly Newton Founder of NIXI BODY on everything about incontinence and menopause

 

Taboos are social customs restricting discussion on specific topics. They create a culture of silence, it limits access to knowledge and care, and taboos can harm an individual's health, an individual's mental health and their well-being.

Taboos perpetuate discrimination, they perpetuate negative stereotypes, they can be isolating and they can contribute to inequities. 

Menopause and incontinence are two of the biggest taboos. At work, at home, and even within your female friend circles. We are scared to ask for help, we are scared to be judged, and we find ourselves struggling with simple tasks (like exercise for example) and feeling really uncomfortable in our own bodies. 

This is why I have invited Kelly Newton to share her personal experience with menopause and incontinence, how affected her daily life, and how she decided she wanted to do something so that other women could feel confident in their bodies...always! 

Kelly is a mum of six who designed her first pair of leak-proof knickers after struggling with menopause and little bladder leaks when playing hockey.

NIXI BODY was born in 2020 and it's a comfortable, breathable, and wearable period & incontinence underwear brand, designed for women by women. 

I hope you will enjoy this new episode (the first of 2023) and if you want to connect with Kelly you can do it here.