The Shelf

In this campfire  we explore the impact of hostile environments ️urging listeners to delve deeper into its effects on individuals and society. From systemic discrimination to personal attacks, hostile environments create spaces where individuals (victims) feel marginalised, oppressed, and unsafe.
Recent discussions, like Vinicius Junior's experience at Real Madrid and Diana Abbott's struggle to be heard, shed light on the pervasive nature of hostility in professional sports and politics. These instances underscore the challenges faced by those navigating discriminatory spaces.
Alarming statistics reveal the daily discrimination faced by black women, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address systemic injustices and foster inclusive environments where all individuals are valued.
While the challenges are daunting, simple actions like promoting diversity, implementing anti-discrimination policies, and fostering open dialogue can help combat hostile environments. Together, we can dismantle structures that perpetuate injustice and create a society where everyone can thrive.
As Donna Summer's iconic song "Enough is Enough" reminds us, it's time to stand up against injustice. Join us in this important conversation, follow us for updates on future campfires  and share your thoughts with friends and colleagues. Together, let's create a more inclusive and equitable world. Stay curious, and keep striving for positive change.

Patsy and Lydia take you through 2023 in summary format where they were missing from the cosy campfires of The Shelf but front and centre in all things called life. There were many highs and celebrations for them in 2023, but there were also some sad times. Pull up your favour tipple of choice, sit back and take a listen. You'll also get a glimpse of what's to come in 2024
Credits

Produced by X Block Studios

Hey, hey Shelfies, thanks for staying curious

We're back with Part 2 of our finance campfires, and we are re-joined by our Finance PT Bianca Williams, Certified Financial Planner (CFP).  You'll recall Bianca joined us in Season 2, Campfire 3 where we talked about relationships with money and Bianca asked if we commit time to review and look at our finances as we may do with other things in our lives.

Bianca again gives us some great insightful information about things we can do if we are trying to align our finances in particular in this climate of increased inflation, high utility costs, and general cost of living.  We also talked about seeking support from family and friends and the value we place on the things we buy.  M&S sandwich v homemade?  We'd love to hear your thoughts on this. 

Not sure about you, but it's actually causing us some real headspace in terms of thinking about what and how we spend our money these days......

The key take-aways for this Campfire are the Financial Planning Tabata - Stop (what can you stop doing to recoup some finances), Start (what should you start doing to add value to the things you are spending money on and what should you start doing to build on your finances), Continue (what's going well), and Reduce (OK, we don't need to stop this completely, but let's reduce it slightly).

What great advice.  Simple and easy to implement.

As always, share your comments and thoughts on this campfire on our social media pages.

Thanks for staying curious

Patsy & Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey, Shelfies, thanks for staying curious.

Today joining Patsy, Lydia, Hellen and Margaret are three young, professional black women all working to help our community and the service users of the criminal justice system.

Sureya and Hazel are Paralegals working for the Crown Prosecution Service and Chelsea works for the National Probation Service.  

If like me you are a fan of Suits, you'll know just how much solicitors rely on the paralegal, who are not yet officially qualified but know a vast amount of information as many, like Hazel are training to get to the next level. 

All have very exciting and emotional stories to share - why they got into that specific line of work, how they cope with the cases they deal with on a daily basis and how they cope as black women in a profession and historical system which is dominated by white males - inside and outside of the courtroom.

It's not all grim, listen to Chelsea share a good news story and how worthwhile the job is when justice is finally served.  And take a listen here  to Hezron Brown talk about the impact his Probation Officer had on his life when he was growing up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JlMGfHId7M

Listen up, who says they feel like they are Angela Valdez (Power)?  Who in the group will be 'bossing it' soon? Take a listen and then let us know on our Insta page the answers to the above questions.  Don't be shy we really want to hear from you. 

If you have or are a service user we'd love to hear from you after listening to this campfire.

As always, we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording.

Stay curious

Patsy & Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

We're back for another campfire

“We live in a cynical world. A cynical world. And we work in a business of tough competitors.” Jerry Maguire, 1996. 

Today Patsy & I host a ‘larger than life character’ from across the pond, John Sorzano. 

John, gives us a snapshot into his glamourous world as a top ‘sports agent’. We discover, Jerry Maguire ‘show me the money’ is one of his favourite films and we use that to take a humorous look into that mysterious world where perceptions include ‘living your best life, mixing with celebrities, and having it all. 

We get to understand the realities of what a sports agent says, does, and means behind the scenes.

‘It’s not just a 9-5, if a player or a club rings you at midnight you’re going to answer your phone’ John shows us what the creme de la creme of customer service looks like - ‘clients are more than just customers....they are family’. 

With a few laughs along the way, we get to the heart of an occupation that’s shrouded in secrecy and offers as much ‘highlife’ as a compromise. 

So get ready to enjoy John, a sports agent aficionado whose purpose isn’t to be ‘just another shark in a suit’, but someone who’s out there for his clients - up at dawn, hustling big with his head and his heart and after it’s all said and done, settling back down to ‘normal life’ antics - navigating the soft play etiquette! 

As always, thanks for staying Curious

Editing - Che Cardoso

Spending time in nature has major health benefits. 

A study in 2019 found that spending 2 hours a week in nature is associated with an overall increase in wellbeing. COVID has taught us to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the gift of the land. 

We make room on the Shelf to welcome someone who lives quietly with curiousity and has shaken things up within her local community. Our talk is seriously O2 fuelled and outdoorsy. 

We get to ask our guest to share their view on the loneliness and isolation debate as We unpack her thoughts-“When you’re in it you’re feeling it and when you’re out of it and meeting people it’s gone”. 

This is an interesting conversational delve into someone who continues to shine a spotlight on ‘doing for themselves’ and their community whilst following her love for life and people. 

So whether you’re a ‘hugger’ or not grab your tipple of choice and get listening to the purposeful journey of one amazing Sandra Allen. 

Thanks for staying Curious. 

Edits: Che Cardoso

Welcome back to Season 3, Campfire #2, we're glad you stayed curious.

Today owning their space on The Shelf is Charlotte Francis, CEO & Founder of Biankha and Friends. 

Charlotte and her daughter create and design for manufacturing black dolls and accessories.

Charlotte says she wants to 'Empower little princesses to become Queens' and the company's mission is to educate and encourage young girls of colour to embrace their culture and heritage.  The dolls created allow girls to do just that. 

Charlotte talks to us very candidly about why the business was created; the hurdles they have 'jumped' over and how she juggles work, raising a child and building a business at the same time. She also shares why Biankha is spelt the way it is and 'who is Biankha'.

You're probably wondering if you can have it all - listen in to hear Charlotte tell you how.  She shares how her hard work, determination, and dealing with nay-sayers fuel her drive and passion to succeed. All the while, her daughter is at her side watching mummy do her thing and gaining lifelong experiences. 

This is a great campfire, true inspiration.  Charlotte inspired us all.

You can find more information and shop here https://www.biankhaandfriends.com/

Connect with Biankha on Insta here https://www.instagram.com/biankhaandfriends/?hl=en

Patsy & Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey Shelfies, thanks for staying Curious

This was an on the spot recording, we had to pivot due to some last minute changes and we pulled this out of the bag. 

Join this conversation about a recent Netflix show Tinder Swindler and our views on Valentines Day.

Did you watch Tinder Swindler?  If not it's highly recommended.  Have you been caught up in a situation like this?  Do you consider yourself too 'smart' to be able to get yourself into any kind of situation. 

Here on The Shelf we share our views and comments with no judgement and we are here to support in as well as sharing our views.  If you do find yourself in a situation like this speak to someone you can trust and report the incident to your local police. 

So we wrapping up this season with a Valentines special where you'll hear Lydia, Patsy, Margaret, Hellen and special guest Rick give their views (as always) on Valentine's Day. This campfire takes on a different spin, we discuss two topics and we get a males' perspective.  

Do you explicitly communicate your needs, wants and desires to your partner so there is no misunderstanding - either for Valentines Day or any other time?  Who says on the show 'don't expect a thing then you can't be disappointed'?

Is Valentine's Day a thing for you?  Do you use the day to go all out for your partner or do you show your partner the attention they deserve 365 days of the year? 

This discussion is a mixed bag.  Rick says the day is good to give a prompt to do something extra for your partner because life is so busy you may not always get a chance to at other times.  Do you agree?

Or is this just another opportunity to get us spending more of our hard earned money, get us sucked into hype.  Let us know what you think.

So Happy Valentines Day to those who celebrate it and for those who don't Happy Independence Day.  It's a great campfire so listen in

Stay Curious 

Patsy & Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey Shelf listeners, it's that time again.

WOW, two seasons 14 Campfires.....we are on a roll. So we are wrapping up Season 2 not for too long so don't go to far.

We've enjoyed many a good discussion since we brought The Shelf to you in 2021 and we have many more to come.

A big shout out to everyone who has and still listening, all the help from family and friends who has helped bring The Shelf to the 20 countries listening to us.  Yes you did hear correctly, 20 countries from Denmark to Australia and USA to Angola.  We got you and we'll be back soon.

Listen out for our last Campfire on Valentines, that will be with you very soon.

So you can keep up to date and also get to hear some bonus content sign up to our new platform https://zipistream.com/u/theshelfrenaissance

where you can listen back, as well as get to hear a slightly different tone Under The Shelf - available ONLY IF YOU SUBSCRIBE.

You know where to find us.

Stay curious

Patsy & Lydia

Hey Shelf Listeners, thanks for staying curious. 

In this campfire we continue our series on education and owning their space on the shelf, in addition to Patsy & Lydia is four professional NHS workers who, with Patsy are part way through a Masters Degree. 

Molly - Chief Clinical Physiologist; 

Ann - Chief Pharmacist Technician; 

Natalie - Obstetrician Gynaecologist Consultant and  

SherBanu - Physiotherapist.  

All who are juggling impressive careers, family and life. The masters workload is plentiful.  The paid job is busy and the demands on us all as either parents, siblings, partners or all is such that time has to be spend to work out how to fit everything in. 

Are we mad?  A question Patsy asks many times however reflecting on why we are on this journey is something we all do.

Ultimately many are on this journey to further careers and fulfill a long aspiration for self development. 

Education at this level may not have been an opportunity at another time in life so a few grabbed it with both hands when offered.   Listen to the guests sharing the support they have received from each other, their families as well as the industries they work in.  

They will also share some of the difficulties (some overcome and some still going).   You know you'll also get some jokes with us along the way.  Tune in to hear how they keep juggling life with assignments and submission dates. 

Thanks for listening and stay curious and blessed Patsy & Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

Welcome to S2, Campfire #5

Jackie Moody-McNamara came into the lives of Patsy and Lydia a few years ago.  Patsy at a speed mentoring event pre-Covid and Lydia at one of Jackie's' virtual event during Covid.  Jackie has since been a great supporter of The Shelf.

Jackie is a business coach, who specialises in facilitating accelerated strategic growth in business. However Jackie's passion is the support of women (and men) helping them navigate career challenges whilst also supporting a number of other organisations in the form of mentoring, being an Ambassador and advisor.

Founder and Chair of BRILLIANT Women, a successful self-directive learning group and tailored career pathway for professional women.

Listen to Jackie talk about her career to date, her upbringing and how her recognised privilege helped steer her career to what it is today.

Lydia shares with Jackie one of the lasting nuggets of inspiration Lydia gained from attending one of Jackie's events.  It relates to the windscreen and the rear view mirror.......listen in to this campfire to hear the full analogy.

Jackie mentions some of the great books she has read with stand-out lines and quotes, we also recall a few from Nanny McPhee. Do you know the line in Nanny McPhee we refer to?  Listen in and then drop us a line to let us know what you thought of it.

This is another great Campfire if we do say so ourselves so please do us the honour of listening in, share and like.

Stay curious

Patsy and Lydia

Edits by Che Cardoso

This campfire is dedicated to the memory of Herma Richards who was gifted her wings in November 2021.  Rest in Peace x 

"Every Breath I Take, Every Move I Make, Every Single Day, Every time I Pray I'll be Missing You.

Thinking of The Day, When you went Away, What a bond To Break, What a life To Take, I'll be Missing You.

Somebody tell Me Why?

One Black morning when this life is over, I know I'll see Your Face".

This campfire is the first of a series The Shelf will be featuring women and men raising children on their own. The challenges, the highs, lows and the every day struggles.  This campfire we hear from a child of a single parent.

In this Campfire we are privileged to have Stewart Griffiths 'Own his space on The Shelf', the first male to do so.

Stewart talks passionately about being raised by his mum Herma, Granny Louisa and Aunties.

At a young age, Herma made the brave decision not to marry Stewart's father as she "didn't love him". Instead with the support of Granny Louisa Stewart's fathers mother) and her daughters as well as Herma's own sisters, Herma raised a really lovely man all whilst forging her own work career and dedicating her spare time to body building, a sport she loved. 

Stewart recalls many happy memories growing up as a young boy in a house with strong black women.  One of the things he recalls most vividly were the words of his mother "Only one rule in this house, don't let me see you walking the street with those boys".  

Who has heard these very same words when you were growing up?

Patsy and Stewart have known each other for many years.  Stewart has been a great advocate of The Shelf since inception.  So much so, there was no-where else he wanted to share his story.

We recorded this campfire some months ago, and it is with sadness that Herma has since passed away.  We have permission from Stewart to continue to share this campfire with our listeners.

Thank you Stewart for sharing your story with us and our listeners. And listeners, can you name the track being played?

Stay curious and tune in to this Campfire

Patsy & Lydia

Episode edited by Lydia 

We end this Black History Month with a poem by one of our Shefies - Sofia Cardoso, eldest daugther of Lydia sharing what she is Proud To Be.  However you have celebrated Black History this year, let's make it a 365 day celebration and not just 31 days of the years.

The Shelf is Proud to Be.......able to share great content with you, laughs and jokes and we are excited we are keeping you curious.

We are excited to launch Season Two today along with featuring on Thames Valley Radio also today.

Don't forget to follow, follow, follow and share, share, share.

Subscribe and be the first to hear when the next Campfire is being published.

Stay Curious

Patsy, Lydia and Sofia 

Can you believe we are at the end of our first season?  We can't....... but we are proud of what we have achieved thus far.

We decided on 7 Campfires, do you know why?  

So, Season One Wrap Up....It's been a journey.  We have achieved the things we set out to achieve and now we are on the road to greater achievements with the help of you who have been listening to us and not forgetting those who have taken their space on The Shelf...we thank you.

It doesn't stop here...we have so much more great content coming in Season Two.......only a few weeks to go so make sure you keep listening, you can see all our available platforms here https://linktr.ee/theshelfrenaissance

Like and follow us on @_theshelfrenaissance (Instagram & Facebook)

Listen, like and subscribe on You Tube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+shelf+renaissance

Visit our website www.theshelfrenaissance.com

Or contact Lydia and Patsy directly, you know us. 

Stay Curious

Patsy & Lydia

Thank you for joining us on The Shelf.  In this campfire we are joined by our resident tribe members Margaret and Hellen and we dissect the wonders of being a women.  Aunty Flo descends on us from an early age, we start paying a monthly direct debit of £10.24 which equates to over £5,000 in our lifetime only to travel towards the hot flushes, memory loss and weight gain.  Yes, you've guessed it......we're discussing the menopause.

Tune in as we share our thoughts on menopause at home and in the workplace, what support is or isn't out there and how we should be educating our young men and partners.

As always we have a wealth of information to share below from websites to blogs and do follow us on Insta, Facebook and check out our website www.theshelfrenaissance.com

Stay Curious 

Patsy & Lydia

www.overthebloodymoon.com - Taking Charge of your Menopause

www.nudawndiary.wordpress.com/2021/06/26/reality-check-1-cheque-2-check-me - Blog post - Reality Check 1, Cheque 2, Check Me!

@menopausewhilstblack

@nudawnnewday

www.menopausematters.co.uk

www.local.gov.uk/our-support/workforce-and-hr-support/wellbeing/menopause/menopause-factfile

www.talkingmenopause.co.uk/resources

Editing by Che Cardoso

Have you ever been in a relationship where you know something isn't quite right but you can't put your finger on it.  Lis felt the same until Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 created a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship.  "I realised straight away what type of relationship I was in"

Coercive control is one of the many forms of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse cases increased exponentially during the pandemic and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone.

According to www.thedashcharity.org.uk 100,000+ people in the UK are at high and imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse and 62% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by witnessing the abuse of others. Two women a week are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales alone

Lis Hoyte joins us on The Shelf takes us through some of the 18 years she spent in a coercive control relationship and how she broke free. 

Lis is a mother of two, an author, a life coach, survivor with a background in teaching. 

This is one you don't want to miss.  Take your space on the shelf and listen in.

You can reach out to Lis here www.lisreallywhat.com

Stay Curious

Patsy & Lydia

Editing by Che Cardoso

Did you know in 1995 the worlds first online dating website was launched in the form of www.match.com?

Did you also know 25% of married couples meet online and 10% of affairs also begin online? 

Lydia and Patsy are joined On The Shelf by their tribe Margaret and Hellen where we dissect the highs, lows and side ways movements of online dating.  Is it for you? 

As always, we'll furnish you with some stats (as above and below), some jokes but always keeping it real.

Do you swipe left, right or no swipe at all?

Check out www.stylight.co.uk - Love at First Swipe for more statistics

Stay curious

Edited by Che Cardoso

Today on The Shelf we are joined by Natasha Henry.  Natasha is a freelance journalist, host and broadcaster.  You may have seen her on Sky News, Channel 4 and read her articles in The Voice Newspaper, The Mirror to name a few.

Natasha was the first one in her family to go to university, and then she left to pursue her passion.  If you are from a Caribbean background you will know how this went down....or not!

Natasha talks to us about her journey, her passion for all things football and more recently Formula E. Natasha shares her struggles of being one of only three black women in the industry at the time and we dip into that thing about following your passion over what the family wants you to do.  

We share below Natasha's contact details along with some organisations to help those of you who may be thinking a similar career journey 

You can connect with Natasha here - missnshenry@gmail.com / @natashashenry

Organisations to help you on your way

The Black Collective of Media in Sport - BCOMS - https://www.bcoms.co/

Journalism Diversity Fund (for help with training fees) https://www.journalismdiversityfund.com/

Kick It Out - https://www.kickitout.org/

Women in Football https://www.womeninfootball.co.uk/

National Council for Training of Journalist https://www.nctj.com/

The Voice - https://www.voice-online.co.uk/

Stay Curious, Patsy & Lydia

Episode edited by Che Cardoso

Welcome to Campfire #2 of The Shelf

Today we have been joined by a constant in our lives, Dawn Williams (aka Berkshire's very own Carrie Bradshaw), without the sex.  Tune in and you'll hear what we mean. 

Dawn, like many of us has gone through some really heavy shit, health and family stuff but all the while keeping it real.  If not for herself for her girls.

Dawn is an active blogger and has recently launched her online card business www.nudawnnuday.co.uk.  Listen in to Campfire #2 to hear Dawn's story.

As is normal on The Shelf, we touch on a few other topics, namely the Euros for those fans who are listening.  You'll hear the hosts give their experienced(Lydia) and not so experienced(Patsy) views of the England v Scotland match.  Listen carefully as you'll not want to miss the words of Graeme Souness,"Football ain't coming home". 

Stay Curious, Patsy & Lydia

Episode edited by Che Cardoso

Welcome to the first Campfire of The Shelf, we're so glad you found us and want to own your space on The Shelf.  Thanks for being curious.

Our first campfire is about Father's Day.  It's raw, almost uncut.  We hope the background noise doesn't distract, we're learning what not to do and hope you'll join us for Campfire #2.

Stay Curious, Patsy & Lydia 

Episode edited by Che Cardoso