Ladies of Liverpool

This week on the podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes at Brookside Close, where the cast and crew are hard at work recording a very special episode celebrating Hollyoaks’ 30th anniversary. We’ll be chatting with some familiar faces, hearing exclusive stories from set, and finding out what it’s like to bring this milestone moment to life. So grab a cuppa and join us as we step into the heart of Hollyoaks history.

This week on Ladies of Liverpool, we’re joined by three incredible women — Nikki Williams, Laura Shutt, and Kathryn Orr. They’re here to share their powerful stories, talk about the Fighting to be Heard charity, and discuss their inspiring new book.

Join us this week as Debbie Rogers and Terri Dwyer share the inspiring work being done at Sean’s Place and give us a glimpse into their upcoming Winter Glitter Ball fundraiser.

In this special episode, we’re joined by the incredible Suzanne Collins, ahead of her much anticipated appearance at the Hollyoaks celebration and the exciting Brookside comeback! Suzanne takes us on a heartfelt journey through her life in the spotlight from her early days as a beloved soap star to the impact fame had on her family and friendships. Expect candid reflections, emotional highs and lows, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as Suzanne shares stories you’ve never heard before. It’s an honest, warm, and nostalgic conversation that celebrates not only her career but also the resilience and humour that’s kept her shining through it all. Tune in for a mix of laughter, memories, and pure Scouse charm.   Seriously this is one episode fans won’t want to miss!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jess, the inspiring founder of The Martin Gallier Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention charity she launched in memory of her father, Martin, after losing him to suicide. Jess opens up about her personal journey through loss, the stigma surrounding suicide, and how she transformed her grief into a lifeline for others. We explore the life-saving work her organization does providing immediate, frontline support for people in suicidal crisis and working tirelessly to ensure that no one faces such despair alone. This conversation is raw, moving, and full of hope. Jess reminds us that from the most painful experiences, we can create change that saves lives. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support through your local crisis helpline.

What happens when the unthinkable happens and instead of just grieving, you build something beautiful from it? In this episode, we sit down with Hayley who turned the sudden loss of her mum into the spark that led her to open her very own funeral parlour. But don’t expect the usual stiff suits and hushed voices. Hayley is rewriting the rules. From heartfelt ceremonies for every age group to her brilliantly named “Fun-erals” (yes, full-on parties for those who know they’re on borrowed time), Hayley shows us that goodbyes don’t have to be grim. They can be deeply personal, funny, wild, tender and most of all, full of love. This conversation is raw, real, and surprisingly joyful. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably rethink everything you thought you knew about funerals. Together, we tackle the so-called taboo of death, and discover that when we talk about it openly, life itself feels richer. So grab a tissue, maybe a glass of bubbly, and join us for an unforgettable chat about celebrating life, even in its final chapter.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Joanne Colleran, a mum from Liverpool who has turned personal experience into powerful action. Joanne is the founder of The Bobby Colleran Trust, a charity set up in her son Bobby’s name to promote road safety and protect children on their journeys to and from school. What began as a local campaign has grown into a national movement. Through the Slow Down for Bobby campaign and educational programmes in schools, the trust is raising awareness, changing behaviours, and helping to save lives across the UK. In this episode, Joanne shares the story behind the trust, the vital work they’re doing in communities, and how Bobby’s legacy continues to make a real difference.

A short episode ahead of Friday’s full release, featuring Bobby’s mum reading the speech she prepared for the launch of the Bobby Colleran Trust’s powerful new school resource.

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Nicola Byrne, a mum from Knowsley Village who has dedicated the past 25 years to empowering young girls. What started as a chance business investment opening her first hair and beauty salon in Ormskirk has since grown into a lifelong passion. Guided by a gut feeling that she needed to do more, Nicola has turned her “side hustle” into something much bigger. She’s the creator of Scouse Girl Social, an inspiring event designed to help young girls build confidence, self-belief, and community. In this episode, Nicola shares her journey from salon owner to mentor, and the impact she’s making on the next generation.