Kincraig Cares

About Kincraig Cares

The podcast all about the colourful characters and community of Kincraig Village in the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands. It's a tribute to, and celebration of, the people and places on our doorsteps and an exploration of the power of community spirit and why it's more important than ever today.

Publisher

Suzy Bashford Haworth

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Oct 2024

Latest episode

8 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Mar 2026

   Meet bereavement manager Louise Mainland: how she’s taken her own grief and uses it to support others with theirs and, ultimately, live (and die) better

   Life has been busy lately so I haven’t had time to do my wee community podcast Kincraig Cares. But I was recently reminded at my friend Helen Ekerot’s funeral in January how important it is we make time for the things, and people, that matter in our lives. I know Helena’s passing hit a lot of people in our community hard because her death seemed so untimely and so unfair. I’ve thought about her a lot since saying goodbye at the beginning of January - about her grace, her calmness, her serenity and the way she loved and embraced life with her sunshine smile and bright colours. I wanted to do something to honour her memory and to also help our community move forward after difficult deaths like Helena’s. And how we, as a community, can best support those most affected. How we can - as the minister said at her funeral - take the essence of what we loved about a person and allow it to live on, flourish even, in us. I had the privilege having this amazing, life affirming, rollercoaster of a conversation with another brilliant local lady - Louise Mainland. Someone who I’ve actually wanted to sit down with for ages for a proper meaty chat as I’ve admired the way she lives, and thinks, from afar for years. Lou is bereavement services manager at Highland Hospice (amongst many other things!); a role she was drawn to after her personal experience of tragic baby loss. I’m really grateful to Lou for her time, her words really helped me, and I hope they help any of you struggling with grief and/or also wanting to remember Helena. Also very grateful that Lou was so open and honest - the conversation does get teary at points and we don’t shy away from difficult feelings or topics. But, ultimately, this is a joyful, uplifting conversation which I helps others in our community (and outwith) go forward from loss. We also discuss loss in many different forms. Lou also mentions many different local resources: Highland Hospice (https://highlandhospice.org/) Simba (baby loss charity) (https://simbacharity.org.uk/) Held in our hearts (baby loss charity) (https://heldinourhearts.org.uk/) Cruse (bereavement support) (https://www.cruse.org.uk/) Grief brief animation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXnWqAnlBA) Please listen and share with anyone else that may benefit from this conversation. 00:00 Welcome to Kincraig Cares 00:52 Meet Louise Mainland 02:44 Why This Conversation Matters 04:13 Louise’s Loss Story1 1:07 From Grief to Purpose1 3:08 Talking About Death 18:05 Processing Emotions 20:06 Adults and Playful Healing 26:13 Support Services Available 28:17 Guilt and Grief Hierarchies 34:35 Funerals and Saying Goodbye 36:55 Rituals and Enduring Bonds 39:55 Permission and Planning Ahead 42:23 Planning a Fun Funeral 44:39 Wills and Family Conflict 47:38 Journaling and AI for Grief 50:16 Energy and Afterlife Beliefs 53:05 Rituals and Collective Mourning 58:53 Everyday Connection Matters 01:04:18 How to Support the Bereaved 01:06:02 Estrangement and Living Loss 01:14:14 Medicalized Death and Longevity 01:18:29 Happiness Values and Legacy 01:20:27 Final Takeaways and Goodbye Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

2. 

   14 Jul 2025

   Meet 28 year old community chief Alice Fogg: why she believes solving the world's problems is best done at grassroots level, and we can all play our positive part

   Chief Officer Alice Fogg discusses her passion for grassroots change and community involvement, highlighting how local efforts create significant impact and personal fulfillment in this interview.

3. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Meet Nicol Sinclair: the chainsaw wielding philsopher

   Nicol Sinclair shares his well-considered opinions on a variety of subjects, including life, love, community, and technology, drawing from his experiences in forestry and childhood memories in this interview.

4. 

   19 Jun 2025

   Meet hill-loving, dream-chasing Lorna Bray: on the beauty & struggle of building a new life in the Highlands

   Host interviews Lorna Bray, Education Scotland Comms expert, who shares her experiences of moving to the Scottish Highlands, building a new life after divorce, and finding community in Kincraig.

5. 

   10 Jun 2025

   Meet Colin: the man behind the Badenoch Men's Shed, on a mission for better men's health

   Colin discusses the Badenoch Men's Shed and its mission to improve men's health within the community, focusing on supporting local men and fostering positive male role models in this interview episode.

6. 

   1 Jun 2025

   Special ep! Supporting people with cancer in our communities better

   Host interviews Rachel Westwood, a pharmacist and cancer survivor, who shares her experiences and insights on how communities can better support individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

7. 

   24 Apr 2025

   Why local group Women Support Women is more important than ever in today's CRAZY world

   I (Suzy!) co-run a group called Women Support Women locally - at our last hike I was asked about the idea behind the group, and why I feel so strongly about putting my time and energy into it. I answered that SO BADLY. In fact I went off on a rant about the brilliant polymath nun Hildegard von Bingen and female orgasms (they are, actually related... she was basically the Beyonce of the Middle Ages and wrote the first recorded account.... but that's for another podcast, eh!). Because I left more local women confused than clear about the group (some thought they had joined some kind of X rated club on arrival!), I thought I'd do a podcast episode about it, for anyone in the Strath potentially interested in the group. This episode covers why (I think) it's so important to bring women together in supportive environments in this CRAZY time we're living in :). It also covers a few myths about me, as a person, about why I do it. So, if you'd be interested in meeting new people in our wonderful homeland, have just moved here, have a business you'd like help championing, a hobby/talent you'd like to share or would like a supportive environment to grow your skills/ confidence/ personal development... please listen to this and see if anything resonates :) Similarly, if you know anyone who might benefit from a local group like this PLEASE pass it on. Loneliness is a huge issue today, as are mental health problems and associated lack of confidence... all of which I've experienced, and one reason why I believe in this group. Maybe you have a mum, sister, friend, neighbour.... who might appreciate a group like this - please pass it on! And for any men thinking it's unfair to focus on the fairer sex like this.... I've read about the Men's Shed recently, which sounds like a great local initiative AND we do have some plans at Women Support Women to do some events also including men. Watch this space! In the meantime, encourage your wife / daughter / sister along! I hope the origins, ethos and purpose of Women Support Women are now clearer now! And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

8. 

   6 Apr 2025

   Meet Tamasina Cassidy: how this gutsy, globe trotting gal travelled the world but chose the Cairngorms & the Rowan Tree Hotel & Restaurant to call home

   Today’s guest is the gutsy, globe trotting Tamasina Cassidy, who runs the Rowan Tree Hotel and Restaurant with her husband Jonny. In this episode, she tells us why she downed tools in London – after 9 ski seasons and with 2 kids in tow – and headed for the hills. Specifically the Cairngorm Mountains to take over the Rowan Tree, which is situated just outside Kincraig between here and Aviemore and next to the gorgeous loch Alvie. It's abundantly apparent that her ability to reframe situations into positives and her tendency to get stuck in have stood her in very good stead. She talks about why she loves this area so much and how she believes that collaboration could raise the bar for the area even more. She also shares some of her hobbies, and the joy they give her, from beekeeping to table dancing! Hope you enjoyed meeting Tamasina – do say hello if you see her out and about in Kincraig or, even better, why not drop into the Rowan Tree for a drink or dinner, I can thoroughly recommend ! And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

9. 

   20 Mar 2025

   Meet indestructible 88 year old Gertie Hera: on how, ultimately, life is all about love & connection

   Today’s guest is no ordinary 88 year old. It’s the formidable Gertie Hera Barton, whose name appropriately translates as ‘indestructible strength’. Here she talks about her rich, varied and (sometimes) going-against-convention life. We cover so many topics in this episode: Losing friends and what you learn about yourself from this How to find joy, gratitude and beauty all around you Anger and social injustice How nature is her church How life is really all about love and connection Can Gertie be a modern day influencer when not even on Instagram?! I had tears in my eyes, and she a frog in her throat, when she spoke so touchingly of the story behind adopting her two boys. We talk about infertility and the grief around this, and compare different paths to motherhood; creating your own kids versus loving other people’s that desperately need your love. Gertie’s is a story of love winning out and one that we can all, especially with the current discourse around ‘toxic masculinity’, learn from. Talking to Gertie again hit home to me the importance of listening to older voices and stories, which society often dismisses, sidelines or, even, mocks. Older is certainly not always wiser but I think, in Gertie’s case, it is. Hope you enjoy meeting Gertie. Do say hello to her, around Kincraig, particularly the Old Post Office Cafe on a Thursday morning… or even better show her how to get on Instagram so she can get her voice out there. And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

10. 

    21 Feb 2025

    Meet community superhero Ian Ash aka the Ashmeister: on life, loves and how old he really is…

    Well, the moment is finally here - the one the villagers of Kincraig have been asking for - community stalwart Ian Ash is on the pod! He’s been nominated by practically every guest before him. So integral to the running of the village is Ian that some people even believe he’s actually our Mayor. This is because wherever there is a community event, Ian is there, popping up with a smile like a (nice) whack a mole or teleporting ninja. You’ll find him on Cairngorm Mountain, in the Old Post Office Cafe Gallery, organising Kincraig Funday, on the community council… And that’s just for starters! But, as some of you have told me, while villagers feel they know him they don’t really know much about him. So, for this episode, I’ve also taken a few anonymous questions from the audience and, by the end, you’ll definitely know him better. This is a wide ranging chat (which you’ll hear surprises him at times!) covering all manner of subjects including his childhood influences, what he loves about working with young people, his many hobbies and how to work through conflict in relationships. And, of course, what he loves about Kincraig and where he gets his relentless community spirit from. Do say hello to Ian if you see him out and about (which, if you ever venture out into Kincraig, you definitely will). And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

11. 

    6 Feb 2025

    Meet army vet Tony Brown of Forces Manor: abandoned at birth, forgotten in care but saved by the care of Kincraig

    Today’s guest is Tony Brown, an army veteran who runs the not for profit self catering facility in Kincraig Forces Manor - called as such because it’s primarily aimed at those who have been in the Forces, though anyone is welcome to stay there. This majestic building in the centre of the village was formerly the celebrity and royalty attracting Hotel and Restaurant of its day, The Ossian. His backstory, of how Kincraig Village changed/saved his life from the moment he came to visit as a 13 year old kid in care on holiday from Croyden, is heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure. Though, despite being abandoned by his mother as a 7 month old baby in hospital, he went on to excel in the army and then set up Forces Manor. It’s here he welcomes other vets to Kincraig to reconnect, reminisce and find peace over food, a few beers and plenty of laughter. What I loved about this conversation is how it really gave me a window into someone else’s adverse experiences but how he didn’t let them define, or drag him down. We cover many topics: - 4 mins: his first life changing trip to Kincraig & contrast to Croyden care home - 6 mins 30: living with a sense of abandonment - 11 mins: meeting the woman who first showed him affection, Marion Ramage - 13.30 mins: the former glory of The Ossian Hotel & Restaurant - 17 mins 40: Christmas in care - 18 mins 30: ‘stealing’ the Kincraig postcode to get into the army - 26 mins 30: where he gets his natural resilience to his adverse childhood experiences from - 28 mins: using his care compensation money to fund The Ossian - 35 mins: when death of loved ones makes him feel alone again - 43 mins: the drive behind Forces Manor - 50 mins 30: what he’s learnt about fostering community - 1 hour 3 mins: the role of creativity in processing his experiences - 1 hour 15 mins: why how long you’ve lived in a community doesn’t matter, it’s what you put into it that does Hope you enjoy meeting Tony. Do say hello to him, or even better stay at Forces Manor, or encourage your friends to! For more information and to book see: https://forcesmanor.com/ (https://forcesmanor.com/) or find them on Facebook. Look out for Tony’s book and accompanying song, too - Brown Eyes - due to publish this year. And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

12. 

    3 Jan 2025

    Meet 'MacYoda' Heather Hadden: on everything from empaths to anxiety to raunchy reads & turning Kincraig tribal!

    *Please note this episode contains adult themes so it’s not for little ears (or big ears that get offended easily!)* I only have one house next to mine in my wee Scottish Highland village of Kincraig and today’s guest, Heather Hadden, has the mixed blessing of living in it. As an empath who loves people and caring for them, but also gets exhausted by them, Heather has taught me a lot about how difficult this can be in our always-on, noisy, extrovert world. She’s helped me understand how extroverts (like me) can sometimes misinterpret ways of being in the world that don’t match our own. She’s also taught me about the importance - even for extroverts - of protecting our energy and being intentional with our time. Because Heather is wise beyond her years, I affectionately call her ‘MacYoda’. This podcast is a perfect pick-me-up and I found it incredibly hard to edit as loads of it made me chuckle, and because we are constantly going off on random, often hilarious (well, I think so!) tangents. Some of which are a wee bit racy, from her raunchy reading to wild hot tub parties… But please don’t let the length of this podcast put you off - I’ve time-stamped this one, so you can identify if there are any topics in particular you want to tune into…. Which also gives you an idea of the eclectic mix of this conversation! Timings in minutes: 06:30: the profound impact of her grannies on her perspectives 08.00: maternal instinct 10.00: love of learning, but not at school 12.00 love of living in a village 13.00 being an empath 18:00 when I turned up on her doorstep having a panic attack/anxiety 21.00 where she gets her acerbic sense of humour (reading her whatsapps) 28.15 why we were less anxious in lockdown 29.30 true crime 31.00 the judgmental world of parenting 36.00 how most people mask how they really feel 43.00 I apologise for taking Heather’s behaviour the wrong way once 49.00 why she wants to live in an Amazonian tribe 51.00 how we can bring the tribe vibe to Kincraig 53.30 the 5 love languages and community 1 hour: stepping away from the supermarkets 1.05.30 sparking joy - jammies or g-strings? 1.10.00 hot tub parties 1.16.00 Heather makes her trademark cow sound 1.20.00 odd socks & tupperware lids 01:21:30 romantic raunchy fiction 01.24.30 our plans to go the Maldives in our 80s Do say hello to Heather if you see her out and about (afterall, there is surely some common ground you can find from the list above?!). And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

13. 

    15 Dec 2024

    Meet author Merryn Glover: how creativity builds connection & community

    Today’s guest is Merryn Glover, who is an award-winning writer, a poet, a creative teacher, the cocreator of Kincraig's open mic 'Storylands Sessions' (https://badenochstorylands.com/storylands-sessions/) and - most importantly, of course - my lovely neighbour! This podcast is for anyone who loves to think deeply about life and what hurtling through space on a rock all means. Also brilliant for any creatives for her thoughts on how we create works of art that really resonate with others. What I love about Merryn most is her magnetic intensity and capacity for connection - and how she embraces these things in me. She has truly helped me become more comfortable with this side of my personality; it helps she has such a beautiful way with words and there is so much WISDOM in this podcast. She could even start a t-shirt line of quotes. We cover so many topics - and that's AFTER I've edited it down significantly, such as: - how in her writing she is seeking to be truthful and connect - the importance of honesty and being able to listen to views that don't necessarily align with our own - other people's perceptions of us, and how we're not in control of them - the importance of face to face connection as the world gets more virtual and lonely - the ego and the dangers of self absorption - how we are both hidden hedonists as well as serious types sometimes!! Hope you enjoy meeting Merryn. Do say hello to her, or even better go meet her face to face at Storylands! (https://badenochstorylands.com/storylands-sessions/) For more about her, and to buy her books, see: https://merrynglover.com And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

14. 

    28 Nov 2024

    Meet supergran Ali Crompton: and how to NOT grow older grumpily

    Today’s guest is Ali Crompton, who I really wanted on the podcast to ask her how she has so much energy, as well as patience (especially with kids), and to get inspiration on how NOT to grow older grumpily. She’s my next door neighbour and I refer to her affectionately as ‘Supergran’ as I can see how loved she is by the many kids she has in her life - her own grandchildren as well as others she entertains, such as at Kincraig Friday Fun and various other voluntary roles. In this wide ranging chat we talk about: *her experience of going to a rough school (when she lived on ‘Snob Hill’!) *her 40 years in teaching and what she learnt about life, and kids, from working in a rough school (the same one she went to!) *her love story of meeting Jim (ahem - she was actually after a millionaire when she met him!) who she has been married to for nearly 50 years *her views on modern parenting and modern life styles *the importance of making time for people, especially face to face, and in community Hope you enjoy meeting Ali. Do say hello to her, or even better go meet her face to face at: Community Cafe, Community Hall, Friday mornings 10am - 12 noon Kincraig Friday Fun for P1-P7, the Church Hall, 3.30pm - 4.30pm Messy Christmas, the Church Hall, Saturday 7th December, 2pm - 4pm Carols in Kincraig, Insh Church, 22nd December And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

15. 

    16 Nov 2024

    Meet unsung community hero Shula: and how adventure, spirituality & compassion shape who she is

    Shula Bayton will hate the title of this podcast and being described as a 'hero' because she's deeply uncomfortable with people making a fuss of her (you will be able to feel her discomfort after the intro!!). However, as discussed in this podcast, I am like exposure therapy to emotions for her, and she is like the best grounding sheet in the world for me. And I am determined - regardless of how uncomfortable she feels - to sing her praises because she makes life better for so many people around her. They say, after all, that surrounding yourself by good people is the best way to improve your life. And, in my opinion, people don't come more good or well-meaning than this human (again, Shula will be currently cringing... but we will press on!). I loved this wide ranging chat in which we cover: her upbringing in Zambia, boarding school in Edinburgh, purpose-led work, moving to the Scottish Highlands, the power of community when dealing with challenges like her son's illness, parenting, spirituality and nature. By the end, I think she's enjoying herself and says she likes my challenging questions, what do you think?! Hope you enjoy meeting Shula. Do say hello to her if you ever bump into her in Kincraig. And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠ (mailto:suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk) Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

16. 

    7 Nov 2024

    Meet Fiona & Phil Hawkins: and why knitting, dipping, parties and flapjacks are key to community

    Today's guests are the dynamo duo Phil and Fiona Hawkins who are the people behind local legendary initiatives such as the iconic Kincraig 'Post Box Topper' and 'Flapjack Fridays' at Loch Insh. This episode is recorded in their 'posh room' while we are all knitting post dinner. We cover all manner of topics, like where they get their desire to not only get involved in community get togethers, but actually lead them. Phil shares his wisdom on life which has helped me, such as how not to care what others think and be more comfortable in your own skin. And they both share their thoughts on cultivating a happy marriage, and what they're most proud of in life. Hope you enjoy meeting Phil and Fiona. Do say hello to them if you ever bump into them in Kincraig. Or if you're local, come along to Loch Insh Dippers group - don't be put off by Fiona manically waving her pad at you asking for your name; she is doing it because she loves keeping track of everyone for safety, and for her swimming diary! And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠⁠⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠⁠⁠ (mailto:suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk) Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

17. 

    1 Nov 2024

    Meet No.1 nurturer Lenka: and why communities benefit so much from teachers like her

    Today's guest is Lenka Nagle. Lenka is Faculty Head of the Mathematics, Numeracy and Computing department at Kingussie High School, as well as being a good friend and my son's maths teacher. Some people hate the idea of a small community where everyone knows everyone - and I wasn't sure how I'd feel. But I've found a real comfort in this. Especially in knowing that there are teachers seeing my kids day in day out who know them, and know me, and our situation, so pick up on any changes or concerns. This has been invaluable over the past year when there's been some really tricky moments that I've worried have impacted the kids. Having Lenka has been a huge comfort. From knowing her personally, I know how much she genuinely cares about the kids she teaches and wants the best for them. I've seen this in action. In this chat I loved hearing about where this community altruism comes from and we cover: how she ended up in Kincraig after her dad moved from Czechslovakia her childhood growing up locally and going to Kincraig's local school Alvie How she's lived all over the world but always missed home How and why she's raising aspirations of our local kids Her success creating two teams that won a national competition for girls about investment banking Her dedication to being a mum How she deals with stress Hope you enjoy meeting Lenka. Do say hello to her if you ever bump into her in Kincraig. And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on ⁠suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk⁠ (mailto:suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk) Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

18. 

    24 Oct 2024

    Meet sparkly singer Sarah: and why every community needs a character like her

    My guest today is Sarah Wylie. One of the many things I love about Sarah is that her ethos in life is to treat every interaction as an opportunity to brighten and bring joy to someone else’s day. And she has certainly done that for me, making me smile on even my darkest days. She has that rare mix of light and dark, which makes her so good at connecting with her fellow humans however they are feeling. In this chat, she shares her thinking behind this approach to life. As well as sprinkling her sparkles on someone else’s day, she is also an enthusiastic champion and cheerleader of others, whether it’s in a CrossFit class or a creative inspiration group. She is one of the people who encouraged me to get back into podcasting so it seemed only fitting that she should be one of my first interviewees. In this episode we talk about: How she sprinkles joy in Kincraig (and how it gives her joy) Her creative career (and - spoiler alert! - you’ll hear her sing) The importance of intergenerational connections Having dreams, and having to give up on them too The initial culture shock of Kincraig after Manchester Wonder-full walking & living in a beautiful, natural place Fear & faith Hope enjoy meeting Sarah. Do say hello to her if you ever bump into her in Kincraig. Your day will be improved, I promise! And if you have any other suggestions of characters in Kincraig to interview on this podcast, please email me on suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk (mailto:suzy@bigjuicycreative.co.uk) Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

19. 

    21 Oct 2024

    How community saved me (and why it's good for your health)

    This episode explains why I set up this podcast about my wee village in the Scottish Highlands, Kincraig, and why I'm going to be interviewing various community characters in forthcoming episodes. It tells the story of how my neighbours helped, and continue to help, me through a really, really tricky time. It does this with honesty and a desire to break down stigmas around taboo topics like mental health, relationship breakdowns and loneliness. It covers why community is so important and health-enhancing in this digital age we live in, where more people die in selfie-related deaths than shark attacks... Yet, I don't think we celebrate the kind of love and care you find in a community nearly as much as we should, with such a focus on finding romantic love; this podcast aims to address that lack. Kincraig Cares podcast is being made on a shoe string out of love, so is very grateful for free resources which make this possible, like the intro and out music which is called 'Holiday Ukulele' by MaxKoMusic, promoted by www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ and part of the Creative Commons Attributions-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Who has been a guest on Kincraig Cares

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Alice Fogg
• Nicol Sinclair
• Lorna Bray
• Colin
• Rachel Westwood

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

41

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Kincraig Cares

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.