The BBNI Podcast

Season 4: Episode 7: The Impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award**We had some technical issues with the audio recording this and we know its not great, but the content was too good to not release for you all to listen too.**In this episode, Bethany talks to James McClements and Mark Beattie from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. James is a BB leader and Mark grew up going to BB. Listen to find out more about the DofE Award and the impact it has on young people, in the context of BB

In this episode, Alan, and Karen from 24th Belfast BB join us to share their BB journey, including their highlights, lessons learnt, and memories made.

In this episode, Bethany is joined with Simon from 2nd Comber. They talked all things favourite foods, best BB experiences and impact of family in Boys' Brigade, discussing 'Raising Generations of Christ like men.' Listen to find out more.

When we are a part of something special and important it leaves a mark on our lives. We look back on these memories fondly and they shape who we are. Emily sits down to talk with Irene Lowry from 76th Belfast, David Johnston from 1st Ballygrainey and Kenneth Vennard from 7th Portadown as they reflect on their fond memories of their time as young people and leaders within the Boys' Brigade, the impact it has had on their life and faith and the importance of bringing up the next generation of leaders and young people in BB. This podcast has it all including a wee song from fondly remembered camp days. It's not one to be missed!

Join David Penney in this episode with Amy, Grace and Victoria, 3 young leaders from Ahoghill.  They will be chatting all things Anchors, Step Up, and what it means to serve God as young leader in BBNI.   

BBNI leaders have so many amazing stories to tell. They have the great privilege of being invited to be part of the lives of those who attend their BBNI company. Chatting to leaders is a wonderful encouragement and in this episode we hear from the captain Joe and the chaplain Rev Paul from 1st Irvinestown BB. Hear from Rev Paul about his experience of being in BB and the impact it has had and just a few stories from Joe, one of which involves the King and a hydrobike.

Join Lisa Keys (Chief Officer) and David Penney (Engagement & Training Manager) as they share in the seminar programme at the Rumble Men's Conference —"Regular Joes", held at Carnmoney Church in November 2024.

In this episode, Bethany is joined with David Smyth, Head of Evangelical Alliance. David shares the heart behind Evangelical Alliance and how as Christians, we can play a part in difficult issues. Throughout the episode, David shares about how personal encounters are hugely important and how organisations like BBNI fit into the bigger picture. Find out more about Evangelical Alliance: Northern Ireland - Evangelical Alliance 

BBNI Podcast Season 3 episode 9: Boys’ Brigade, Youth Work and Game Shows – The Simon Henry Story.Simon Henry, National Youth Officer for CIYD, sits down with Emily to catch up over a cup of tea and to discuss the ins and outs of Simon’s extensive experience as a youth worker, becoming a Christian as a teenager, inspirational role models, growing up in the Boys’ Brigade and how he has ended up where he is today and the importance of being spiritually healthy.  To get involved in all the fun at CIYD events please do check out their website for more details: https://ciyd.org/.

Season 3 of The BBNI Podcast continues with Danny Roberts from LMI. Danny leads the Youth and Schools department and shares about the work they are involved in and their recent trip to Kenya. 

In this episode Dave Linton chats to Lisa about how his personal experience inspired the formation of Madlug – ‘make a difference’ luggage. Dave shares some of the heart behind value and dignity, no matter of your background and his experience of giving away to receive a bigger gain.

Fathers are more important than you think Rob Fraser-Binns, from Legacy Fathers, joins David on the BBNI Podcast to discuss fatherhood and the importance of fatherhood.  He shares about the new partnership with BBNI, the Legacy Badge.  For more information about Legacy, including the Legacy Badge, their programmes, and ways to support their work, visit www.legacyfathers.org.

Season 3 continues with Lynsey Caqeua from LCC Community Trust chatting with Deborah about the work of the Trust, Lisburn Foodbank and their Social Supermarket. She chats about how BBNI Companies can support their local Foodbanks over the Christmas period, for the BBNI charity project of the year.

Alice McAlary, Chaplain at 1st Coleraine Boys’ Brigade and Youth and Children’s Worker, talks to Emily about her experience working with children and young people; from creating Alliance Youth Works to leading school assemblies and youth groups to encouraging leaders, there is nothing she hasn’t done, and she is still using her invaluable experience today as you’ll hear in this podcast. Alice is also involved with the Coleraine Street Pastors mission, and you can read more about the amazing work they do here: https://streetpastors.org/locations/coleraine/   

John Kee, Director at Summer Madness, talks to Bethany about the heart behind it. John shares his experience of youth work and highlights of the 37 years of Summer Madness. Summer Madness exists to enthuse, equip and engage the youth and young adults of Ireland in the Christian faith so that they may be real change makers in their churches and communities across the island: https://www.summermadness.co.uk/ 

Paul Gallucci, House Chaplain at The Big House, joins David on the BBNI Podcast to discuss his extensive experience in pastoral care, particularly with young people. With over 22 years of pastoral care experience, 12 of those specifically focused on youth, Paul offers valuable insights. The Big House Ireland's vision is for every young person to understand that they are created, known, loved, valued, and deserving of respect. For more information about The Big House, including their training events, retreats, programmes, and ways to support their work, visit www.thebighouse.org.uk.

Season 3 of The BBNI Podcast kicks off with our new President Mark Smyth. With a career spanning 31 years in the NI Fire and Rescue Service, Mark shares how his leadership has been influenced by his faith and his time in BB and his hopes for BBNI as he takes on his new role as President.

Andy Hickford has a wealth of ministry experience in youth ministry and Bible teaching that has inspired generations of young people and youth workers. In this episode Andy shares some of his story, gives some great advice and explains why we need to focus on being called to someone and not something.

Joining David on this episode is Josh Sanderson and Chris Allen who are two youth workers and BB leaders from 84th Belfast BB and 1st Ballymoney BB.    Join them as they talk all things youth ministry (including the food and games), faith and how BB plays a key role in their youth ministries and the lives of the young people they work with. 

In this episode Lisa talks to Professor Karise Hutchinson about how we can light up the long shadow of leadership. Karise shares some fascinating insights into leadership behaviours and challenges us to consider the benefits of asking the question ‘ what is it like on the other side of me?’

Daniel and Ben Nelson are two young leaders from 1st Lisburn BB with bright promising futures ahead of them in the world of professional hockey.    Faith has been a key part of their lives for many years, and they make sure to keep God at the forefront of everything they do.  Ben and Daniel were very open to talk about how they grew up in a sports family, being an influence for children and young people and pondering the big question of “did you know that preparing to play hockey is just like being a Christian?”

On this episode, Bethany talks with Lynn, Fundraising Manager in CHT and Chris who is a captain in 2nd Kilkeel. Lynn explains the work that Children’s Heartbeat Trust do to offer practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people living with heart disease and their families. Chris tells us more about how Children’s Heartbeat Trust has supported them as a family and how their faith has helped them through tough times.

MEET THE HOSTSWe’re kicking off series 2 by interviewing the hosts! Lisa, David, Bethany and Emily share a little more about their work and their faith and what excites them about working in an organisation whose purpose is to advance Christ’s kingdom.

Jamie Meaklim and the team from Made for More can be in BBs, schools and youth groups throughout Northern Ireland, helping reach a generation of young people. Listen to find out about the Made for More journey. From teacher to founder of Made for More, Jamie shares about his faith, his passion of equipping young people and shares a little about his journey.

With more that 66,000 pupils in Northern Ireland having some form of special educational needs, the work of Eden Consultancy provides vital support to equip adults with knowledge and strategies to aid engagement. We hear from founder Rebecca McCullough as she shares about the heart behind the business and provides some useful tips to aid our understanding of working with children and young people with autism.

Andy Lamberton, Director of Legacy a ministry of Exodus shares about his journey from farmer to disciple making youth ministry. Join us as we hear about the work of Legacy and think about how we raise and disciple boys to men. Andy is a speaker, writer, musician and mission worker devoted to helping young people follow Jesus. As part of this episode we are looking your feedback on the whole BBNI Podcast series. We what to hear you feedback from listening to all our episodes. Share a little of what you have enjoyed, how you have been challenged by the podcast and how it has helped you. Email us at [email protected]. The first ten emails received will receive a copy of Andy's book "Letter of Exiles". Check out Andy's book "Letters for Exiles"Through a series of letters, Andy imagines how a mentor might have encouraged Daniel to stand firm despite the pressure he faced. 10 of those - https://uk.10ofthose.com/product/9781914966453/letters-for-exiles-paperbackAmazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Letters-Exiles-Andy-Lamberton/dp/1914966457 Legacy - https://www.legacyfathers.org/ Exodus - https://www.exodusonline.org.uk/

Stee Halliday and Helen Lamb can be found most days in schools throughout Northern Ireland, sharing the good news of Jesus with children and young people. But what drives the passion and creativity that develops the youth and children's programmes in Crown Jesus Ministries? From living with dogs, rabbits, horses, donkeys, ponies and children to spending time in our glorious mountains, Stee and Helen share some thoughts about having confidence, being bold in your faith and having the courage to be yourself.

Sarah Coghlan, Youth Ministry Co-Ordinator at SUNI, shares a bit about her journey and how it led her to work with Scripture Union. In this episode, Sarah shares the heart behind SUNI, some practical tips for reading the Bible and explains how young people are responding to the Bible today.

David Blevins, outgoing President of the Boys' Brigade in NI shares a little of the man behind the microphone. He's interviewed Presidents, Prime Ministers and everyday people. He's led a charity through a pandemic and major governance structure. In his day job he's committed to 'redeeming reporting'. David is grounded by his family and his faith and shares a little of his journey.