About JustSaying - real stories about everyday life and social change
JustSaying is about people, stories, and the conversations that matter.
Hosted by Margaret, each episode explores real-life experiences, community voices, and social topics-from culture and tradition to modern challenges and everyday life.
Whether it’s a local story, a personal journey, or a bigger conversation about society, this podcast is simply about listening, sharing, and understanding each other a little better.
Please get in touch: justsayingpodcast@outlook.com.
Publisher
Margaret
Category
society & culture · society & culture · society & culture
Helping Every Child Become a Confident Reader | Charlotte's Early Literacy Insights
Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to help every child become a confident reader? Charlotte is a passionate advocate for early reading – with over two decades working alongside teachers and schools to support her end goal with is to develop a love of literacy. Alongside creating hundreds of diverse and engaging books for young readers, she has worked nationally as an early reading expert, advising on best practice and supporting schools to improve outcomes for children. Ju...
4 Sept 2026
The Living Spirit of Fair and Field - The Findon Sheep Fair
Send us Fan Mail In this third episode of the Findon Sheep Fair Podcast, we bring together two of the traditions that make the fair so special. We begin with Robert Harris of Harris's Old Tyme Amusements, whose family has been bringing the sights, sounds and excitement of the traditional fairground to communities like Findon for generations. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into a world of heritage, craftsmanship and a way of life that has changed remarkably little over the years. Then ...
16 Aug 2026
From Auction Block to Village Treasure - How the Findon Community Saved Its Village Store & Post Office
Send us Fan Mail We’re in Findon, where back in 2017 the Community, at remarkable speed, pulled together, when overnight their village shop could have disappeared… They raised the money, bought it back, and reopened it, not just as a shop, but as a community-owned hub. Today, it’s powered largely by a brilliantly committed group of volunteers. The place hums with life and warmth and yes, there’s milk and bread, but there’s also conversation, connection, and a real sense of belonging. Most peo...
26 Jul 2026
#2 – Finding Meaning in Hearing Voices
Send us Fan Mail Hearing voices or seeing things others don’t is something many people misunderstand. In this episode, we explore a different view-that these experiences can be meaningful, and often make sense in the context of someone’s life. We talk about how extreme mental states can be a human response to difficult or overwhelming situations, and how people can learn to live with and even grow from these experiences. Trevor joins us with years of experience in social psychiatry. He’s work...
30 Jun 2026
Supporting Social Work in Malawi
Through its SSWIM (Supporting Social Work in Malawi) project, Children and Families International Foundation (CFIF) works alongside social work practitioners and academics to share experience in practice, teaching and research with colleagues in Malawi. All involvement is guided by the priorities identified by Malawian social workers themselves and rooted in partnership, mutual respect and shared learning. The work values local knowledge, culture and leadership, while remaining mindful of his...
17 Jun 2026
Our William: A Personal Story of Love, Family and Connection
Who are the people who shape our lives — and the stories we carry with them? In this episode, Margaret shares a deeply personal and heartfelt conversation with Jo, about William. someone clearly loved and valued. Through this story, we explore family, connection, and the moments that stay with us. It’s a reflection on what matters most, told with honesty, warmth, and care, living life one step at a time and how loving William has reshaped Jo's heart, broadened her world, and led her, grateful...
27 May 2026
It takes a Village (and a clipboard) - What keeps community events alive behind the scenes?
In this episode, Margaret shines a light on the volunteers who make local events possible. Through real stories and experiences, we hear why people give their time, what they gain in return, and how volunteering helps build stronger connections within communities. From small roles to big responsibilities, this conversation celebrates the people who quietly keep things running. 👉 A reminder of the power of community and the importance of getting involved. In our last episode, “Flock to Festiva...
4 May 2026
Cricket #2 : What does true inclusion in sport look like?
Margaret sits down with Richard Hill MBE to explore the growth of disability cricket in the UK and the opportunities it is creating for players across the country. From grassroots teams to elite competitions, this conversation highlights how cricket is becoming more accessible and inclusive, offering not just sport, but confidence, purpose, and belonging. Disability cricket is still relatively unknown and yet tens of thousands of people now take part across the UK, with the Disability Premier...
30 Mar 2026
From Flock to Festival - How do communities keep traditions alive in a changing world?
In this episode, Margaret explores the story behind the Findon Sheep Fair, a village tradition that has evolved into a thriving community festival. From its origins in livestock trading to the modern-day celebration of local culture, this conversation highlights the people, history, and spirit that continue to bring the community together. 👉 A warm and engaging look at how local traditions survive and why they still matter. Sheep have been ambling into Findon for more than 300 years, and th...
3 Mar 2026
#1 You’re Not Alone - Exploring the Reality of Hearing Voices
What does it really mean when someone hears voices or experiences things others don’t? In this episode, Margaret speaks with Trevor Eyles, who shares insight into a topic that is often misunderstood but more common than many people realise. Together, they explore what it feels like to hear or see things others don’t, the impact this can have on daily life, and why greater understanding and openness are so important. 👉 A thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone curious about mental he...
9 Jan 2026
Turning Memories into Art: Creativity and Storytelling Through Sculpture
How does art capture memory, imagination, and emotion? In this episode, Margaret speaks with artist and illustrator Jim Pilston about his creative process and the journey of bringing ideas to life through sculpture and design. With a background in theatre design and illustration, Jim shares how his work often begins with a simple idea before evolving into something unexpected — sometimes an angel, a figure, or something entirely abstract. Together, they explore creativity, storytelling, and t...
11 Dec 2025
Cricket #1: Is sport about more than just winning?
In this episode, Margaret speaks with Cameron Cooper about his journey through cricket and the determination that has taken him beyond expectations. From personal challenges to academic success and leadership on the field, this conversation explores resilience, ambition, and the role sport can play in shaping confidence and opportunity. 👉 An inspiring story about pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. Cameron had a successful season captaining Yorkshire’s D40 Quest Team in the Nat...
15 Nov 2025
Learning to Spell or Spelling to Learn?
In this episode, I'm joined by Andy Salmon, aka Sir Linkalot, who says that we need to put an end to expressions like 'Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check', 'Rote learning', 'Pyramid writing' and 'Just learn it!'. Sir Linkalot is an award-winning app that helps children of all ages and abilities learn any fact, cross-curricular, by using the extremely powerful yet underused technique, a mnemonic. Or, as Andy likes to call it, a link. Having presented to over 150,000 children and 30,000 teach...
15 Oct 2025
Can play connect generations in an increasingly digital world?
Margaret speaks with Anita Frost , author and founder of Green Bean Studios® about the importance of play in early childhood and beyond. Together, they explore how play supports development, creativity, and family connection — and why it remains essential even as technology becomes more embedded in our lives. 👉 A thoughtful conversation about childhood, learning, and the role of play in bringing people together. Green Bean located in Manchester. have won several awards including Anita...
17 Sept 2025
Technology and Early Learning: Supporting Children in a Digital World
How should we use technology with young children — and what impact does it really have on learning? In this episode, Margaret speaks with Max Wainewright, an experienced educator and creator of award-winning educational software, about the role of technology in early years settings. Drawing on years of experience developing tools for children and teachers, Max shares how technology can support creativity, engagement, and learning when used in the right way. Together, they explore how digital ...
31 Aug 2025
Should children have smartphones — and what impact are they really having?
In this episode, Margaret speaks with Chloe, an educator and founder of Cole Collective, about the growing conversation around digital wellbeing and young people. Drawing on years of experience working with students and families, Chloe shares practical insights into screen time, online habits, and how technology is shaping childhood today. Together, they explore the challenges parents face, the risks of early smartphone use, and how families can build healthier digital boundaries. 👉 A thought...
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