Skilfully Speaking

About Skilfully Speaking

Welcome to Season THREE! Invaluable insight, life stories, experiences and more - Skilfully Speaking explores the skills and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, broadcasters, leaders and more... Acquiring new skills and seizing opportunities can unlock a whole new world. In Skilfully Speaking, well-known successful people from a wide range of backgrounds pass on the secrets to their success. Talking to skills expert and leading educationalist Jackie Grubb, they share experiences and advice aimed at inspiring others to embrace new skills and seize the opportunities in front of them. Hear from those who have had the confidence to ‘go for it’ – and take control of your future. Supported by Babcock International. From City College Plymouth (https://www.cityplym.ac.uk). www.cityplym.ac.uk (http://www.cityplym.ac.uk) Produced by Fresh Air Studios (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk), Podcast Studio in Devon (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/audio-podcasts). www.freshairstudios.co.uk (http://www.freshairstudios.co.uk) Podcast host Jackie Grubb The issues raised by the skills agenda in the South West, and nationally, have become increasingly important as businesses face up to the challenges and opportunities in front of them. Jackie Grubb has spent more than 30 years in a career underpinned by a passion for the development of skills, innovation and education. Recognised regionally and nationally as an expert in the skills arena, as Chief Executive of City College Plymouth Jackie has spearheaded a number of initiatives which have shone a spotlight on the skills issue in Plymouth and the wider South West. An active member, influencer and skills ambassador within the South West business community, she has led the transformation of the College to become the learning destination of choice.

Publisher

Skilfully Speaking

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Nov 2023

Latest episode

8 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

42 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jul 2026

   S3 Ep8: Colin MacLachlan

   Colin’s story is remarkable.   Leaving school with no qualifications, his military career, the SAS, persevering with further education as an adult, starring in the reality series SAS – Who Dares wins and now writing and touring the country as a motivational speaker.  The skills involved in his life have been many and varied.  Colin told his inspirational story to Jackie the morning after he appeared at the City College Plymouth student awards ceremony. From City College Plymouth (https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/), supported by Babcock (https://www.babcockinternational.com/) Produced by Fresh Air Studios (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/), Podcast (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/) and ADR Studios in Plymouth (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/devon-adr-studio-dubbing)

2. 

   17 Jun 2026

   S3 Ep7: Susie Dent – The Power of Words, the Art of Communication and Unlocking the English Language

   Known to millions as the face of Dictionary Corner in Countdown and its late night comedy counterpart, Eight Out of Ten Cats Does Countdown, Susie Dent has spent decades on our screens exploring how words shape the way we think, feel and connect.  Susie explains the skills behind not only being a lexicographer and broadcaster, but also writing her latest novel. From City College Plymouth (https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/), for everyone. Supported by Babcock (https://www.babcockinternational.com/). Produced by Fresh Air Studios (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/), Podcast Production Services (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/audio-podcasts)

3. 

   24 Apr 2026

   S3 Ep6: Tom Malone Jr on Resilience, Life After Gogglebox & Autism Advocacy

   Everyone recognises Tom from his appearances alongside his family (and dogs!) on Gogglebox, but Tom is also a world-class professional dancer, a dance teacher and he is a proud advocate for autism. Tom talks about how he juggled his dancing with his TV appearances and how his autism diagnosis changed his life. Brought to you by City College Plymouth (https://www.cityplym.ac.uk/), supported by Babcock (https://www.babcockinternational.com/) Produced by Fresh Air Studios (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/), Video podcast studios in Devon (https://www.freshairstudios.co.uk/video-podcasts)

Who has been a guest on Skilfully Speaking

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

• Beth Mead MBE
• Rob Rinder
• James Mackenzie-Blackman
• Dan Fitzpatrick
• Ben Towers

Reach and audience

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

YouTube views

524

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100

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

Quality

21

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

51

Contact Skilfully Speaking

Guest appearances

Books guests

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