Raising a Resilient Generation Podcast

In this episode, Chantel Brooks speaks with Matthew Popo, founder of Wethnk and youth engagement specialist, about the importance of listening to young people and building communities that support them.Matthew shares his journey working with young people across the UK and explains why many young people feel disengaged from school and society.Together they explore how schools, families and communities can collaborate to empower young people and help them develop resilience, confidence and purpose.In this episode we discuss:• Why some young people disengage from education• The importance of giving young people a voice• The “village approach” to supporting youth development• How adults can better empower the next generationThis episode is essential listening for educators, parents, youth workers and community leaders.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

In this episode, Chantel Brooks speaks with Julian Hall, founder of Ultra Education CIC and a leading voice in entrepreneurship education.Julian shares his journey from becoming an entrepreneur at just 18 years old to building a national organisation helping young people develop entrepreneurial skills and confidence.The conversation explores how parents play a critical role in nurturing creativity, ambition and resilience in young people, and why enterprise education is becoming increasingly important in preparing young people for the future.In this episode we explore:• Why entrepreneurial thinking builds resilience• How parents can nurture creativity and innovation• The benefits of exposing young people to enterprise early• How young people develop confidence through problem-solving This episode is perfect for parents, educators and young people interested in entrepreneurship and future skills.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

In this episode, Chantel Brooks sits down with Janice Davis, COO of Eloquent Group, Parenting Coach and author, to discuss the realities of resilient parenting.Janice shares her personal journey as a single parent raising two children pursuing high-pressure passions in dance and football, while also building businesses and supporting others in their parenting journeys.This honest and encouraging conversation explores how parents can balance support, boundaries and belief while helping their children navigate setbacks and pursue their dreams.In this episode we discuss:• Parenting through rejection, setbacks and disappointment• Supporting children with big ambitions• Balancing encouragement with realistic expectations• How parents can stay resilient themselvesThis episode offers powerful insight for parents navigating the pressures of raising confident and resilient young people.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

In this powerful episode, Chantel Brooks speaks with Dr Gilroy Brown, a pioneering educator, leadership consultant and the first African Caribbean male primary school headteacher in Birmingham.With over 40 years of experience in education, Dr Brown shares the lessons he has learned from overcoming barriers, leading schools and mentoring future leaders.He introduces seven key steps to achieving long-term success, while discussing the role resilience plays in leadership, purpose and personal growth.In this episode we discuss:•The seven steps to achieving sustained success• Overcoming personal and systemic challenges• How leaders can model resilience• Inspiring young people to aim high and stay focusedThis episode is filled with wisdom for educators, leaders, parents and young people striving for success.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

In this episode, Chantel Brooks speaks with Dr Chanelle Dennis, Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Melanin Moods CIC, about the importance of mental health and emotional resilience for young people.Dr Dennis shares practical strategies to help young people recognise emotional challenges, regulate their feelings and cope with pressures such as exams, expectations and social stress.The conversation also explores how parents and educators can create safe environments where young people feel supported and heard.In this episode we explore:• How young people can manage stress and anxiety• Practical tools for emotional regulation• Recognising the early signs of mental health challenges• How parents can support positive mental wellbeingA powerful and important conversation for young people, parents, teachers and anyone supporting youth wellbeing.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

In this episode of Raising a Resilient Generation, Chantel Brooks speaks with Denise Myers, Founder of Evenfields and the Black Talent Awards, about resilience in career pathways and why young people must explore opportunities beyond traditional routes.Denise shares insights from over 20 years of experience championing diversity in employment and supporting young people into apprenticeships, work experience, and meaningful careers.Together, they discuss why apprenticeships are often misunderstood, how young people can stand out in applications, and how parents and educators can support young people in navigating the world of work with confidence and resilience.In this episode we explore:• Why apprenticeships are a powerful alternative pathway• How young people can position themselves competitively• The importance of career support services• How resilience helps young people navigate career uncertaintyThis conversation is essential listening for parents, educators, mentors and young people thinking about their future careers.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Renee Davis – Founder, Out the BoxWhat happens when young people enter workplaces where they don’t see themselves represented? Renee Davis shares her lived experience and offers honest advice on navigating challenging work environments, building confidence, and staying resilient.This episode is especially powerful for young people preparing for employment, as well as parents and educators supporting them into the world of work.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Dr Gilroy Brown – First Black Headteacher in the West MidlandsWhat does resilience look like when navigating systemic barriers in education? Dr Gilroy Brown shares his powerful journey — from a young Black man entering teaching to becoming the first Black headteacher in the West Midlands.This episode explores identity, perseverance, leadership, and overcoming obstacles, offering inspiration to educators, leaders, and young people who may not always see themselves represented.A must-listen for anyone passionate about equity, representation, and resilient leadership in education.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Denise Myers – Evenfields & Black Talent AwardsHow can we encourage young people to aspire, explore, and stay resilient in their career journeys? Denise Myers challenges traditional thinking around success and shares how exposure, encouragement, and belief shape career confidence.This episode invites parents, educators, and mentors to rethink how we guide young people towards fulfilling futures — including pathways beyond the “traditional” route.A valuable listen for parents, SEND professionals, and school leaders.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations supporting parents and schools to raise a resilient generation.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Nicola Bailey – Director of SEND & InclusionDescription:Navigating SEND can feel overwhelming for families. In this episode, Nicola Bailey offers clear, compassionate guidance for parents who suspect their child may have additional needs but aren’t sure where to start.We discuss early signs, working collaboratively with schools, advocating effectively, and ensuring children receive the support they deserve — all through a resilience-focused lens.A valuable listen for parents, SEND professionals, and school leaders.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations supporting parents and schools to raise a resilient generation.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Bishop Melvin Brooks – New Jerusalem Community ChurchHow can we encourage young people to aspire, explore, and stay resilient in their career journeys? Denise Myers challenges traditional thinking around success and shares how exposure, encouragement, and belief shape career confidence.This episode invites parents, educators, and mentors to rethink how we guide young people towards fulfilling futures — including pathways beyond the “traditional” route.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations supporting parents and schools to raise a resilient generation.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Antonio Henry – Founder, MADE Mentoring CICMentoring can change lives — when done well. Antonio Henry joins us to discuss how intentional mentoring builds resilience, confidence, and self-belief in young people.He shares practical mentoring strategies, lessons for parents, and how trusted relationships can support young people through challenge, transition, and uncertainty.This episode is ideal for parents, mentors, youth workers, and educators who want to better support young people beyond the classroom.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations supporting parents and schools to raise a resilient generation.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.

Guest: Sophia Haughton – Headteacher, Heartlands Academy (E‑ACT)How do schools genuinely engage parents — not just inform them? In this episode, we sit down with inner-city headteacher Sophia Haughton to explore practical strategies for building strong parent–school partnerships. Sophia shares what has worked in her school community, how trust is built over time, and the impact parent engagement has on student behaviour, attendance, and outcomes.This conversation is essential listening for parents, teachers, school leaders, and governors who want to strengthen relationships and create a culture where young people thrive.🎧 Subscribe for more conversations supporting parents and schools to raise a resilient generation.If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or leader who would benefit.Subscribe to the podcast for more honest conversations supporting parents, schools, and communities to raise resilient, confident young people.Follow the podcast and join us as we explore education, resilience, leadership, and opportunity — one conversation at a time.