The Rewind: A Matricentric Future

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to return to an episode from 23rd September 2025, A Matricentric Future. Tom interviews friend and founder of Womb CIC, Sinnead Ali. Sinnead opened a new studio space in Cardiff last summer. The conversation covers Sinnead's journey from working at Cardiff Students' Union with Tom to traveling and becoming a yoga teacher. They discuss the inspiration behind Womb CIC, including Sinnead's personal experience with health issues, her work in Singapore hosting women's circles, and her training in pre-and post-natal yoga. Sinnead explains the term "matricentric" and how it influences the studio's holistic approach to wellness. Together Tom and Sinnead talk about how a matricentric future would centre the needs of mothers, leading to a ripple effect that benefits all of society. The conversation also highlights the Womb Festival, which focused on "bringing back the village" and supporting people during the fourth trimester. Sinnead shares how the festival's location in Grangetown, the most ethnically diverse ward in Cardiff, was chosen to be a welcoming and safe space for the community. Tom and Sinnead also discuss the challenges of the asylum system in the UK, the work of charities like Asylum Justice, and the importance of community-based services to support parents. To follow the latest news and events from Womb CIC head over to https://www.instagram.com/womb.sanctuary/ You can book sessions at the studio via https://www.wombcic.co.uk/ Sinnead’s yoga studio Womb on 99 Woodville Road, Cathays, CF24 4DY Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia. You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/. Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.