A Journey from curiosity

#SoWhoCaresAnyway 

Taking listeners on a journey from curiosity to deeper understanding, and action 

 So as I hit 1,000 downloads—what have I learned? 

🎙️ How to podcast! 

I had no idea if I could do it—from the practicalities to the deeper skills of listening, engaging with guests, crafting show notes, and reflecting on key themes. But podcasting has given me a powerful platform for change, where conversations shape a narrative arc guided by my diverse, thought-provoking guests. 

📊 Engagement varies in unexpected ways. 

I always knew Adam Lent’s episode would resonate, but I never expected two student Learning Disability Nurses, Aaron Tebano and Rachel Healy, to take second place in listener engagement. People contacted me directly to thank me for that episode—proof that sometimes the most powerful voices come from the least expected places. 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 My parents are my most avid (and critical) listeners. 

They are my benchmark—if they understand the episode and find it meaningful, then I know others will too. #SoWhoCaresAnyway isn't just for those in health and care; it’s for everyone striving to make a difference in their communities. 

 The Narrative Arc of #SoWhoCaresAnyway 

At its heart, change happens through listening, leadership, and grassroots action. 

 1️⃣ Listening – The Spark of Transformation 

When Dr Mark Spencer was ready to leave general practice, he realised he couldn’t abandon his community. Instead, he gathered people together and asked one question: 

🗣️ "What matters to you?" 

The answer? Litter. 

It wasn’t about policy reform or grand strategies—it was about the small, tangible things that impacted people’s daily lives. That simple act of listening led to litter-picking groups, fostering a cohesive community, embracing a DoWith approach, and ultimately creating HOPE. 

🎯 Nuance point: Listening isn’t just hearing words—it’s understanding the deeper needs beneath them. 

 2️⃣ Leadership – Expanding Beyond Institutions 

Leadership isn’t just about organisations—it’s about culture, networks, and shared learning. 

Heidi Edmunds exemplifies collaborative leadership, creating networks of shared learning to drive systemic change. However, health and care environments are often stressful and emotionally demanding. Dr Rebecca Myers highlights the invisible emotional labour of care work; without structured support, burnout is inevitable. To address this, Grace Cook advocates for Resilience-Based Clinical Supervision, ensuring professionals have space to reflect, sustain their well-being, and foster innovation, reminding us that “done to people will do to others.”

But leadership shouldn’t stop at healthcare institutions—it must extend to communities and their assets. For example, Phil Ward leverages heritage to improve health outcomes while James Metcalfe leads nature-based initiatives, proving that the countryside is a force for well-being.

🎯 Nuance point: Leadership is relational—it's about trust, collaboration, and shared learning.

 3️⃣ Grassroots Action – Change Begins Where People Are

To be truly impactful, listening and leadership must happen at the grassroots level. 

Cormac Russell’s Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) challenges us to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong and move from languishing to flourishing. To achieve this Paul Stepczak shares his tool for co-production, to ensure that all voices are heard, included, and empowered. 

🎯 Nuance point: Change isn’t something "done to" communities; it must be driven by the people themselves. 

Final Reflection: What’s Next? 

Hitting 1,000 downloads is just the beginning. As So Who Cares Anyway continues to grow, the conversation deepens, moving from ideas to actionable change. 

📢 What resonated with you most? 

💬 Where have you seen listening, leadership, or grassroots action create real change? 

🔗 Let’s continue the conversation—contact me, follow me on LinkedIn or listen to an episode and leave your thoughts in the comments.