
Here's Hoping with Jayda G
Here’s Hoping, hosted by Grammy nominate music producer and DJ Jayda G is a podcast that explores the theme of hope, when we need it, how we find it and why we still have reasons to feel it. We explore guests’ personal journeys with hope, how they’ve formed and navigated the three pillars of having hope - goals, agency and pathway. An environmental toxicologist scientist as well, Jayda recently released her first documentary Blue Carbon on CNN and identified the need to dive further into the theme of hope, with this podcast coming at a time when it is needed most. In the series, Jayda will be speaking to a range of amazing guests, from sustainable fashion pioneers, Ocean conservation scientists, community-focused Grime artists, to people living on the frontlines of climate change, her own family and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Mar 21, 2025 • 18min
BONUS: Here's Thinking x Gianmarco Soresi
In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible stand-up comedian, actor, and creator, Gianmarco Soresi - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramGianmarco SoresiJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 55min
Child of Divorce, Immigrant Humor, Working Crowds & Writing Jokes with Gianmarco Soresi
A huge comedy fan, Jayda is thrilled to meet New York-based comedian and actor Gianmarco Soresi in this episode. Where they discuss the vital role humour plays in survival, especially within immigrant and minority experiences, and how laughter can foster hope and resilience. Gianmarco shares his journey from being a theatre kid to a stand-up comedian, the impact of his upbringing and being a child of divorce on his comedic style, and the unique challenges of performing comedy across different venues and formats. He also delves into the nuances of crafting jokes about sensitive topics without causing harm, how to write an inoffensive Trans joke and how comedy intertwines with identity. Listen in to hear a funny and insightful conversation about the art of comedy, the importance of staying adaptable and how it connects to hope for Jayda and Gianmarco.Follow Gianmarco SoresiFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Listen The DownsideFollow The Downside PodGianmarco Soresi is a New York-based stand-up comedian, actor, and creator known for his sharp societal observation and spry, energetic stage presence, which has garnered him critical acclaim from NPR, Esquire, The Atlantic, Buzzfeed, ABC News, and many more. He’s performed stand-up on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Comedy Central, Don’t Tell, The Real Housewives of New York, and was selected as a JFL New Face in 2022. He was also featured on Netflix’s recent multi-comic stand-up series “Verified Stand-Up”. Gianmarco has also acted in Billy Crystal's Here Today, Netflix’s Bonding, Hustlers, The Last OG, and is the host of the popular podcast “The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi.” Gianmarco is currently on his “The Leaning In” Tour throughout North America, taking the tour internationally this summer and just recently released his own Netflix special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 2025 • 17min
BONUS: Here's Thinking x Charlie Dark
In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible DH, founder of Run Dem Crew, Yoga teacher and health and wellness advocate - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramCharlie Dark Jayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2025 • 57min
Running for Mental Health, Making Wellness Inclusive for People of Colour & Being Authentic in the Music Industry with Charlie Dark
In this fascinating conversation, Charlie shares his profound journey through music and mental health with Jayda. Talking about the incredible highs he’s experienced as a DJ, but also the often unspoken harder parts of the industry, including the loneliness and depression he experienced. Diving deeper into his mental health, Charlie talks with Jayda about he was struggling the hardest at some of the most pivotal moments in his career, and how discovering running and yoga transformed his mental health. Jayda hears how the significant impact running had for Charlie, led him to found the urban running collective Run Dem Crew, to encourage more inner city Londoners to take up running. They talk about how running, movement and community are pillars of hope for them, internally and socially, as well as why Charlie works with disadvantaged communities, including in prisons, to share the practice of yoga with them, to help give hope and inner strength to those he feels needs it most. Charlie also expands on why yoga classes and wellness spaces must diversify, so people of all backgrounds can see themselves in the spaces and feel a sense of belonging and connection with wellness practice too. Follow Charlie DarkFollow Jayda GFollow Heres HopingMore on our guestRun Dem CrewHailing from South London, growing up on pirate radio and warehouses parties, Charlie Dark is a stalwart of the underground UK music scene, spinning records and igniting dance floors since the early eighties. From his time on Mo Wax records with Attica Blues in the 90’s, a major label deal on Sony Records and the plethora of remixes and productions, DJing and bringing people together has been at the heart of everything he’s gone onto achieve. If you ever caught his Blacktronica Parties, sets at the legendary Plastic People or listened to his Worldwide FM or NTS radio shows then you’ll know that 'All forms of music in one room the way it used to be’ has always been his motto and his record crates run deep. Charlie is also the founder of the urban run collective Run Dem Crew, a Yoga teacher and advocate for mental health and wellness within the music industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 7, 2025 • 9min
BONUS: Here's Thinking x Liv Little
In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible writer and creative, Liv Little - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramLiv LittleJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2025 • 49min
Ending Projects, New Chapters & Writing for Yourself with Liv Little
In this episode Jayda welcomes Liv Little, writer and founder of iconic POC magazine gal-dem. Liv shares her journey from founding gal-dem,to navigating its ending and her experience of closing chapters and beginning new ones. She shares the impact caring for her father when he was sick had on her life and career choice thereafter, and the process of writing her first book, Rosewater, whilst her father was battling terminal illness, and the importance of creating a space that just existed for herself. Expanding on her writing, Liv discussed not only learnt about herself through the creative process but also the importance of representation in film & TV and the ability to connect with characters and how she is trying to create more queer POC stories and characters on screen specifically in main roles. This is a conversation about following your intuition, creating personal creative spaces and building a community that you see yourself in.Follow Liv LittleFollow Jayda GFollow Heres HopingMore on our guestRose Water by Liv LittleLiv Little is a writer and creative working across journalism, literature, film, and TV. A leading voice in contemporary UK media, having founded gal-dem magazine. Liv has gone on to release her debut novel, Rosewater, last year and she wrote and directed BBC Film BUMPED (BBC Film), and is currently developing projects with Left Bank, BBC/Parkville, and Emenata Studios. Liv has contributed to numerous major publications and hosted the ‘Why I…Move’ podcast with Nike and Elle, and led campaigns for brands like Google and MAC. A BBC Writer in Residence (2021), she was featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized as a top speaker by The Dots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 2025 • 11min
BONUS: Here's Thinking x Molly McCann-Pearson
In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the iconic mixed martial arts champion, Molly McCann Pearson - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramMolly McCann PearsonJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
Recovery After Injury, Emotional Resilience, Gratitude Practice & Coming Out with Molly McCann-Pearson
This week Jayda is thrilled to welcome mixed martial arts champion Molly McCann Pearson. Molly reflects on her journey of first falling in love with martial arts, to playing football for Liverpool to then becoming an MMA champion. Jayda digs deep into Molly’s relationship with resilience, perseverance, and finding hope after injury. Molly explores how being from Liverpool and her family, especially her grandmother, shaped her life and how she has navigated the trials and tribulations of her career. Jayda asks how she first got into fighting and why being accepted into the gym was so important to her as a young girl. Molly also delves into her personal experience of coming out as gay and the support she received from her family and the UFC. She reflects on dealing with public scrutiny, the mental and physical challenges of her career, and the importance of mental health and therapy, especially when hitting rock bottom like she did after breaking her leg. As well as how her lifelong gratitude practice and her profound love of music has helped her through life.Follow Molly McCann PearsonFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Molly McCann-Pearson aka Meatball Molly is the iconic mixed martial arts champion! Molly is a former Cage Warriors Flyweight Champion and currently competes in the women's Straweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Growing up in Liverpool, UK, Molly started off playing professional football for Liverpool for 5 years before an injury initiated her retirement from football. After which Molly started training again in MMA - Mixed Martial Arts, which kickstarted her iconic MMA career and the numerous titles she amassed and won me over as a massive fan! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
BONUS: Here's Thinking x Venetia La Manna
In Here's Thinking, Jayda and her producer Mia discuss this week's episode! We share our thoughts on our episode with the incredible fair fashion campaignerand co-founder of Remember Who Made Them, Venetia La Manna - what we loved, what we learnt and what we’re taking away from her guest for hope.If you haven’t listened to the latest episode, make sure you go do that first! Then come back and debrief with us…Follow us on InstagramVenetia La MannaJayda GMia Zur-SzpiroHere's Hoping Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 2025 • 57min
Ethical Fashion, Garment-Makers Rights & Holistic Lifestyle Change with Venetia La Manna
Jayda is joined by renowned fair fashion campaigner ,Venetia La Manna, to discuss sustainable fashion, climate justice, and ethical consumption. Venetia shares her journey from television production to social media activism, emphasising the need to dismantle oppressive systems within the fashion industry. They explore the misleading nature of 'sustainable fashion,' the concept of slow fashion, and the impact of social media on consumption habits. Venetia highlights her campaign 'Speak Volumes' and organisation 'Remember Who Made Them,' focusing on garment workers' rights and advocating for systemic change. Venetia also does an amazing job of breaking down the impact of patriarchy and sexism on consumerism and why for women, it can be particularly hard to break away from fast fashion, and her advice on holistic well-being and self-worth practices are at the heart of improving your relationship with fashion. Follow Venetia La MannaFollow Jayda GFollow Here's Hoping PodcastMore on our guest Remember Who Made Them Venetia La Manna (she/her) is a fair fashion campaigner. Through her social media platforms, Venetia challenges fashion brands who are costing the earth and calls out corporations on their unethical practices. A co-founder of Remember Who Made Them, which aims to energise a new solidarity economy in fashion; seeking to uplift the voices and demands of garment makers. In 2023, she presented a documentary called The Fast Furniture Fix for BBC Radio 4. She is featured in the Channel 4 documentary Inside Shein. Venetia has written for atmos and The Independent and in 2024 she was a judge for the inaugural Women's Prize for Non-Fiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.