Here's Hoping with Jayda G

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the amazing Queer, British-Ghanaian inclusion and wellbeing consultant, Benjy Kusi - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from our guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramBenjy KusiJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with DJ, producer, vocalist, and radio host, Anna Lunoe - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from our guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramAnna LunoeJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast

In this episode which as joyful and entertaining as it is thought provoking. Benji shares insights into his British-Ghanaian heritage, his journey of self-acceptance as a queer individual, and how the tension between his different identities led him to challenge the status quo. Jayda and Benjy discuss the debilitating effects of shame and how overcoming it can lead to living one's best life. Benjy shares the journey of writing his debut book 'Hope This Helps’ and his core message of differentiating between the difference of kindness over niceness, how to sit with the discomfort of acknowledging one’s biases and privileges, and he also shares practical steps to foster hope, for you individually and in community.Follow Benjy KusiFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Hope This Helps by Benjy Kusi Benjy Kusi is a Queer, British-Ghanaian inclusion and wellbeing consultant, based in London. He helps organisations and individuals across the UK and the world create spaces where everyone can thrive and be their best selves. He's also built a community of 240,000+ people on social media, where he produces helpful educational content on topics such as anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and self-care. Additionally, Benjy is the author of "Hope this Helps: How to be Kinder to Yourself and Others" a practical guide to the practice of self-care, empathy, and conscious inclusion that was published in February 2023. His overall mission is to equip and empower people to make a positive difference - in their lives, and the lives of others.

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with award-winning speaker, writer, and producer, Nova Reid - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from our guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramNova ReidJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast

In this episode Nova and Jayda dive into the emotional complexities of shame, racism, healing, and hope. Nova shares how her early experiences with racism in the UK combined with her role in mental health to manifest in her significant work within racial justice. The conversation explores the importance of seeing activists as whole people, the emotional toll of this work, and the role of self care in sustaining change. Nova reflects on writing her bestselling book The Good Ally and shares the impact of her anti racism courses, offering stories of transformation that inspire hope. She unpacks how shame, often hidden beneath behaviors like passive aggression, addiction, or burnout, can block connection and offers ways to work through it with compassion. She also introduces Hidden Histories, her podcast honoring overlooked Black British women whose legacies deserve to be known. This is a heartfelt and insightful episode about resilience, connection, and the power of healing as a foundation for lasting allyship.Follow Nova ReidFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Hidden Histories with Nova ReidThe Good Ally by Nova ReidLinktreeNova Reid is an award-winning speaker, writer, and producer known for her transformative work on anti racism and healing. A TED speaker and author of the bestselling book The Good Ally, she blends her mental health background with activism to drive meaningful change. Nova has written for major publications, worked with global organisations, and created Hidden Histories with Nova Reid, amplifying untold stories of Black British women through courageous conversation.

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the former premier league player to now life coach and mentor to young Fulham FC academy players, Matthew Briggs - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from our guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramMatthew Briggs Jayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast

Jayda sits down with former professional footballer Matthew Briggs, famously known as the youngest ever Premier League player. Matthew reveals both the extraordinary highs and crushing lows of his career, including injuries, struggles with alcoholism, and mental health battles. He shares his journey from early success to hitting rock bottom, attempting suicide and finding himself working on a construction site. To how he lifted himself out of these depths, how he had the strength to ask for support, reconnect with the simple joy of playing and he found his way back to his sense of self through mentorship and mental health advocacy. Matthew offers an unfiltered look into the world of elite sports, the pressures athletes face, and the importance of mental resilience. Listen to his story of rebuilding his identity, finding new passions, and helping the next generation of footballers navigate their own challenges. Matthew's honest narrative about vulnerability and the power of talking openly about one's struggles makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, mental health, and personal redemption.Follow Matthew BriggsFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Matthew Briggs is a former professional footballer, who made history as the youngest-ever Premier League player when he debuted for Fulham at just 16 years old. However, he went for being speculated as a future England captain to being benched, battling career altering injuries, and spiralling into depression and alcoholism. Matthew went through an unbelievable journey of self, training as a life coach and now mentors young players at Fulham FC’s academy and is a public advocate for mental health in sports.

In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the award-winning environmental justice technologist, Author, Speaker and Educator, Jocelyn Longdon - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramJocelyn LongdonJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast

In this episode Jayda and Jocelyn explore the intricate intersections of climate science, social justice, and technology, with Jocelyn offering really interesting perspectives on finding hope for the climate. Joycelyn shares her journey from an unconventional background in astrophysics and journalism to her groundbreaking work in conservation technology. Delving into her platform, Climate in Colour, and her PhD research in bioacoustics, Joycelyn discusses the importance of centring indigenous knowledge and addressing environmental racism. She also unpacks how our perceptions of success are deeply impacted by colonialism and the need to shift towards more inclusive, just frameworks. This episode tackles the nuanced concept of hope within the climate movement, emphasising that hope is a discipline involving stamina and long-term commitment rather than immediate wins. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that offers new perspectives on building a just and hopeful future through community and innovation.Follow Jocelyn LongdonFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guestJocelyn Longdon's websiteJoycelyn is an award-winning environmental justice technologist, communicator, and PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge. She researches conservation tech with forest communities in Ghana, using bioacoustics—like Shazam for nature.She founded Climate in Colour, an inclusive climate education platform, and has worked with the UN, Channel 4, and the Wellcome Collection. A TEDx speaker, she won the 2022 Emerging Designer Medal at the London Design Festival, was featured in British Vogue’s ‘Forces for Change’ issue, and named a 2024 Climate Creator to Watch. Her debut book, Natural Connection, What Indigenous Wisdom and Marginalised People Teach Us About Environmental Action, was published in April 2025.