Life Changing

Tier Blundell was never a bad kid. He was bright and curious, but also disruptive. Growing up sandwiched between two cultures, he felt excluded from society. Those feelings were amplified when aged 11, Tier was informed by his school that he would not be welcome back following the summer holidays – instead being sent to a Pupil Referral Unit. He left there with no qualifications and a sense of shame, until the day he put on a suit, turned up for an unscheduled meeting and demanded another go at learning — the results of which are staggering.Tier tells Dr Sian Williams his story, and why he demanded a reckoning with the education system.

Su Chantry was adopted as a baby and grew up fantasising that she was the daughter of a French princess who would one day return for her. As an adult with her own family, Su received an unexpected and life-changing phone call. Su tells Dr Sian Williams how she rushed to meet her mother, and they would spend just one day together – her mum’s last.

Dan Simmonds, a former oil trader turned zookeeper, shares his transformative journey from the high-stakes world of finance to caring for animals at London Zoo. He reflects on the intense pressures of trading, and how a chance encounter during a jog ignited his desire for a more fulfilling life. Dan describes the joy and challenges of working with gorillas, emphasizing the deep connections formed with these intelligent creatures. His story is an inspiring testament to the importance of passion and personal fulfillment in one’s career.

Agnes Nisbett, a trailblazing nurse and midwife from the Windrush generation, reflects on her journey to transform maternity care following her own heartbreaking loss. She shares her experiences from the Caribbean to the UK, emphasizing the systemic racism she faced and how it shaped her resilience. Agnes opens up about the impact of stillbirth on families and advocates for compassionate care, reminding us of the profound need for empathy. Her legacy lives on in initiatives like the Agnes Nisbett room, honoring those who have experienced loss.

Georgia Gabriel-Hooper, a courageous 20-year-old, transforms her traumatic past as a witness to her mother’s murder into a powerful advocacy against domestic abuse. She reflects on her childhood and the emotional chaos that followed a volatile marriage. Georgia shares her journey through grief and justice, revealing the importance of storytelling in honoring her mother's legacy. She discusses reclaiming her power and finding peace while emphasizing the support available for those affected by domestic violence. Her insights inspire hope and resilience.

Harriet Ware-Austin, who tragically lost her two sisters in a 1972 plane crash, shares her profound journey of grief and resilience. She reflects on the immediate emotional turmoil following the disaster and how it shaped her family. Harriet recounts her childhood joys in Ethiopia and the connections formed through shared loss. The conversation also explores the importance of memorializing loved ones and the transformative nature of storytelling, emphasizing how communal experiences of grief can lead to healing and renewed perspectives on life.

Connor Allen, a young man from Newport, opens up about his turbulent journey of grappling with his mixed-race identity and the anger that led to violence against his mother. He candidly shares the painful moment when police were involved and the crossroads that followed. The conversation explores themes of community, identity, and the emotional chaos of adolescence, illustrated through the compelling 'bottle' analogy. Connor's story is one of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of finding one's voice amid adversity.

Discover the heartwarming tale of Alan and Irene, who forged a lifelong bond in a children's home despite strict rules. They reminisce about traumatic childhood losses and the joy of shared secrets on Bunny Hill. After a separation of four decades, their emotional reunion emphasizes the enduring power of connection. Moments of independence and loneliness are explored as they navigate adulthood. Ultimately, their story celebrates friendship, nostalgia, and the beauty of rekindled relationships, inspiring listeners to explore their own tales.

In this powerful discussion, Teresa Clark shares her transformative journey following a tragic car accident in 2006 that claimed the lives of three friends. She reflects on the deep guilt and shame that initially overwhelmed her and how she rebuilt her life in the years since. Teresa discusses her time in prison, the lack of mental health support she faced, and how these experiences fueled her commitment to advocate for mental health. Now working in well-being, she embodies the vow to honor her friends' memories through positivity and change.

Clodagh Dunlop, a resilient police officer from Northern Ireland, shares her extraordinary journey after suffering a brain stem stroke that led to locked-in syndrome. She recounts her terrifying experience of being trapped in her body, fully aware yet unable to communicate. Clodagh discusses her determination to overcome family doubts and physical challenges while serving in the police force. With heartwarming stories of recovery, she highlights the importance of setting goals and celebrates milestones, transforming her struggles into a newfound appreciation for life's simplest tasks.