PeopleFirst Podcast

About PeopleFirst Podcast

Entering the world of work can be scary; from facing imposter syndrome, to struggling with work life balance; it can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have it all figured out. But the PeopleFirst podcast is here to tell you something different. Brought to you by Brook Street, we digest the common issues that young people are facing in the world of work. From balancing remote work with wellbeing, to asking for a pay rise, to navigating painful career gaps, to neurodivergence at work - this is a space for open and honest conversations helping you to make positive changes. In each episode, host Jordan Spry will chat to incredible guests to break down the issue at hand and make you feel less alone. www.brookstreet.co.uk

Publisher

Brook Street

Category

business · education · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Mar 2023

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

69 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   A Career in Social Care: The New Story

   Are social care careers misunderstood as just care homes and removing children from their families? Or is the sector an overlooked opportunity filled with diverse roles, true purpose, and career progression? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Nana Yabbey-Hagan, a social worker and host of 'The Social Worker and The Mentor Podcast', alongside Teresa Wilson, Social Care Director at Brook Street. Jordan, Nana, and Teresa unpack the reality of working in health and social care. From navigating the intense pressures of high caseloads to highlighting the unsung heroes acting as support workers, they reflect on values-based recruitment, breaking down barriers with families and why having empathy matters. They discuss: Defining social care from birth to end-of-life and dispelling the negative myths and stigma surrounding the sector The reality of modern social work, including high caseloads, burnout, and navigating a lack of resources Breaking down professional barriers with families, such as the simple but powerful act of taking off a lanyard The vast variety of unexpected roles available, ranging from helping Grenfell survivors rebuild their lives to taking children to football grounds Practical routes into the industry, including university degrees and local authority apprenticeships Why authenticity, human empathy, and relationship-based practice are the most essential skills for a candidate You can follow 'The Social Worker and The Mentor Podcast' on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As always, if you are looking for a new job, why not visit the Brook Street website − there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

2. 

   21 Sept 2026

   The best apprenticeships you’ve never heard of

   Are apprenticeships facing an identity crisis? Or are young people missing out on the ultimate career launchpad? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Hugo Helms, carpenter by trade and founder of Toolkit Conduct. Jordan and Hugo unpack the reality of modern apprenticeships. From traditional trades to cutting-edge corporate schemes, they reflect on work ethic, handling workplace culture, and why finding happiness in hard work can matters. They discuss: ● The identity crisis and hidden diversity of modern apprenticeships ● University pressure vs practical career paths ● Navigating site banter, wWorkplace etiquette, and mid-apprenticeship crises ● What trade employers are actually looking for in a young hire ● Tackling the youth unemployment crisis and supporting NEETs ● Proactive steps young people can take to land an apprenticeship You can follow Toolkit Conduct on TikTok and Instagram @toolkitconduct or visit their website. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

3. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Why your pension matters in your 20s

   Are pensions just confusing, distant concepts that we can ignore until retirement? Or should we be taking active control of our financial futures right now? In this episode, Jordan is joined by Rotimi Merriman-Johnson to break down pensions in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you've never paid attention to your pension or just aren't sure where to start, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter money decisions now, so your future self can thank you later. Rotimi Merriman-Johnson, is a content creator and founder of the financial education platform, Mr MoneyJar. The pair discuss: What a pension actually is and where your money goes each month State pensions vs private and workplace pensions Auto-enrollment, Junior SIPPs, and the power of compound growth Taking control of your investments and choosing ethical or green pension plans How to find and consolidate lost pension pots using the Pension Tracing Service The hidden cost of opting out, self-employment challenges and the gender pension gap Maximising your pot with employer matching and generous workplace schemes Why young people should learn about wealth-building as early as consumption You can follow Mr MoneyJar across all social media platforms @mrmoneyjar and listen to The Mr MoneyJar Show wherever you get your podcasts. As always, if you are looking to change jobs or find a new one, why not visit the Brook Street website (https://www.brookstreet.co.uk/jobs) for our latest job postings - there may be a dream role just waiting for you!

Who has been a guest on PeopleFirst Podcast

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

• Janine Esbrand
• Shelly Larsen-McHugh
• Sinead Randall

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

334,735

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.2 / 5

10 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

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

Quality

30

Social presence

0

YouTube

82

Engagement

51

Contact PeopleFirst Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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

Questions about PeopleFirst Podcast