Daring to be Different | Samantha Grierson

I am delighted to be joined today by Samantha Lee Howe, bestselling author, screenwriter and survivor ambassador for IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services), which is based in Yorkshire. Samantha’s novel “The Stranger in our Bed '' became a number one hit In the US Today book charts. Samantha adapted the book and turned it into her first screenplay. it is now a successful film starring Samantha Bond available on streaming services. Samantha, welcome to this special edition of “Daring to be Different”. We discuss writing, growing up in Manchester, being “discovered”, surviving Domestic Abuse, charity work with the Independent Domestic Abuse Services, asking for help and standing up for yourself. Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change. Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different… Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests. Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to ADHD Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, mental health issues, eating disorders, suicide, sexual abuse, assault, violence, trauma, Domestic Abuse, LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different I chat with the brilliant poet Clare Shaw, who is a keen advocate for writing as a tool of social and personal change.  As the Project Lead for the Royal Literary Fund, they were responsible for setting up writing projects in workplaces across the UK. Clare was the resident poet for Lancashire Wildlife Trust in 2021 and they continue to use poetry to engage communities with wildlife and ecology. In collaboration with the novelist Winnie M Li, Clare was the recipient of a Royal Society of Literature Literature Matters Award in 2019, creating workshops and a free online resource for survivors of trauma.

We chat about the importance of poetry, trauma expressed through poetry, the cost of speaking out, the influence of parenting on art, love and the importance of touch, and being a queer artist. Clare reads from her latest poetry collection, as we go on a journey with "monkey"...

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to ADHD Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, mental health issues, eating disorders, suicide, sexual abuse, assault, violence, trauma,  LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Susannah Laing actor, writer, singer/songwriter, poet, athlete and ADHD advocate. She gave a Tedx Talk in 2020 on “what bulimia taught me”. She has represented Scotland in both Hockey and Golf, playing professional golf in the US and is currently learning aerials and dance trapeze, paintings of which are featured in Greer Ralstons “Into the Light” exhibition in Perth.

We chat about the gender politics of Professional Sport, playing queer/straight roles, addiction, eating disorders, ADHD, coming out as queer, Megan Black, Greer Ralston, Val McDermid and why waiting for the rainbows matters.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to ADHD Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, mental health issues, eating disorders, suicide, LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different with Steven Smith, Celebrity Hairdresser, Author of “It shouldn’t happen to a hairdresser”, Chat show host, Journalist, Radio presenter and Diversity Role model.

We talk about coming out in the 1970’s, his experiences of being a young gay man, gay social history, Kenny Everett, tales of styling the stars and charity work for Anna Kennedy Online a charity which raises awareness of Autism.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, Hate Crime, Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Suicide, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism, Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different with Giuliana Wheater, an author & multi award winning therapist working with autism, SEN and mental health. She is the founder of Therapies For Special Needs and Rainbow Kids Touch Therapy . She is the Wellbeing Ambassador for the international Autism charity Anna Kennedy Online. Her work has been recognised by the Children’s University as a Learning Destination. Her proudest achievement is being Mum to 4 neurodiverse children.

We chat about the challenges of autism diagnosis in childhood, tips on navigating schools with autistic children, activism, therapies for children with special needs, The Anna Kennedy charity and finding your yellow.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different, I chat with the remarkable Merryn Johns, Editor in Chief of Queer Forty Online Magazine. Journalist & Broadcaster, who previously held roles as Editor in Chief at Curve Magazine, Group Editor of OUT Voices and Editor at News Corp & Bound Magazine.

We discuss queer media in Australia, the UK and the US, the move from paper to digital, the importance of social media to drive content, why age matters, coming out and what the future trends are within the LGBTQ+ publishing space.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different, I chat with Hannah Bardell, a Scottish politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Livingston since 2015. She is a member of the Scottish National Party and was the spokesperson for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In addition to all of this Hannah is one of at least 45 out LGBT+ MPs in the House of Commons… identifying on Instagram as a Lesbian / Feminist.

We discuss playing football in the House of Commons, Surfing, Coming Out, Banning Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ people & Scottish Independence.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism, LGBTQ Conversion Therapy. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different - I am joined by Sally Nilsson, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, Neurodiversity Advocate, Podcaster and Author of “The Man who sank Titanic. The Troubled Life Of Quartermaster Robert Hichens”.

We discuss the Titanic and her book about her Great Grandfather Robert Hitchens and her theories about his neurodivergence, her own later life diagnosis of Autism and ADHD, Mental Health, being a Psychotherapist for Neurodivergent people and tips and thoughts on receiving a diagnosis.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different I chat with Claire Summerskill, a writer, comedian, a singer-song-writer and an academic. She performs one-woman comedy shows and tours internationally. Currently she is on tour with her latest show, ‘I’ve Been Clare Summerskill' She’s termed ’The Lesbian Victoria Wood’ by Radio 4 Woman’s Hour. Patron of several LGBTQ organisations including Kenric, London Gay Symphony Orchestra, The East London Out Project, MindOut, and Educate & Celebrate.

We discuss comedy legends Victoria Wood, Lilly Tomlin and Joyce Grenfell, challenges for LGBTQ assylum seekers, mental health, LGBTQ history and hear some of Clare's songs and ballads.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different, I chat with Victoria Broom an actor who has starred in ITVs Marcella and Cheaters for the BBC. Victoria won the Diversity in Media award for 'Rising star 2017' for her role in the LGBT series Different for Girls seasons 1 & 2. Victoria has performed on Stage in London for many years including Shakespeares Globe theatre.

We discuss coming out as an actor, Anna Friels character in Brookside and the importance of the first pre watershed lesbian kiss, casting queer characters, the upcoming Gateways Grind - a documentary film about The Gateways Club and a dream date with Fiona Shaw.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different - I chat with Leng Montgomery, Diversity and Inclusion leader, Trans specialist, Tedx Speaker and Masterchef contestant. We discuss Trans inclusion, casting for Trans characters in dramas, tips on how to suceed on Masterchef and Tedx Talks.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be different in celebration of Pride month, I chat with Linda Riley, a journalist and LGBT+ rights advocate. She is the publisher of the Diva magazine and founder of the very successful Lesbian Visibility Week. She was joint publisher of the magazines g3 and Out in the City, founded the Global Diversity List, European Diversity Awards, and the Pride Power List, and a former board director of GLAAD.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering & Editing by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

We start Season 2 chatting with Tess Eagle Swan, author of the new book “Incredible Kratu”. She is an Autism advocate, rescue dog ambassador and campaigner. Tess also supports the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Claire Brown

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Daring to be Different: In celebration of Lesbian Visibility week, I chat with LGBT Poet Laureate, Trudy Howson. We discuss lesbian visibility, poetry, the 23rd Anniversary of the homophobic hate bombing at The Admiral Duncan in Soho, coming out and Trudy reads some of her fantastic poems. Happy Lesbian Visibility Week.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

In this episode I chat with Entrepreneur and Co Founder of Walking Women, Ginny Lunn and Anne Scholefield, a retired teacher, world traveller and all round adventurer.

We discuss Walking with Women, the importance of safe spaces for women, adventures and travel, how the landscape has changed for LGBT+ women over the last 30 years.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

In this episode I chat with Claire Littley Singer, Song Writer and Producer, she previously sang the lead vocal on “Fly Me to The Moon”, for the anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion”, which amassed hundreds of millions of views on Social media.

We discuss her latest single "Change the Game", which provides the theme tune to this Podcast series, her music career, making it in the music world as an older female artist and being an "Out" gay artist. 

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

In this episode I chat with Megan Black Singer and Song Writer, she was a BBC Scotlands 2019 Singer/Songwriter Award nominee and is a self proclaimed “hippy-dippy drag queen”. We discuss her coming out as Bisexual, establishing herself as an artist and we review her upcoming album "Deadly is the Woman", which releases 1st April.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Podcast Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Biphobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

In this episode I chat with Greer Ralston, an artist who has won many awards across her distinguished career, including the Greenshields International Scholarship for figurative art and She has exhibited in the National Portrait Gallery.

We talk about being a female artist in Glasgow in the macho 1980s, contraversial queer art and the importance of making visible historical women in art.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia, Feminism. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Polly Shute a multi award winning Inclusion Specialist working with DIVA Media Group, Pride Sports, Women in Sport, Co Founder of Out and About LGBTQIA and was a former Board member of Pride in London.

We talk about LGBTQIA events, how the Diversity and Inclusion agenda has changed over the last 10 years, Corporate Sponsorship of Pride and "Rainbow" events, positive representation and coming out in later life. 

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with the legendary Horse, Singer and Songwriter. She has released 9 albums since 1990. She is the patron of Switchboard an LGBT+ helpline, An Ambassador for the Clutha Trust an arts and music charity and an Ambassador for Nordoff Robbins which provides music therapy.

We talk about growing up gay and being different, the amazing portrait by Roxanna Halls, the importance of Switchboard the LGBT+ helpline and her experiences of working with music therapy and Autistic people.

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change.

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests.

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues, Hate Crime, Homophobia. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Em Stroud, Creator, Clown, Podcaster, MC, Author and Entrepreneur. We discuss coming out, clowning, living life to the full, the importance of music and we meet Orange the clown who shows us why we all need to play...

Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change. 

Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…  

Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley, Graphics by Poke Marketing, Sound Engineering by Rose Hill, Photography by Karen Kodish Photography. www.socroc.co.uk 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests. 

Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to LGBT+ Coming out, LGBT+ themes, mental health issues & Clowns. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

Some dare to be different... Some change the game… In this episode I chat with Jane Asher actor, author and entrepreneur. Jane has also been the President of the National Autistic Society since 1997 after serving for many years as Vice President. Jane supports the charity in various fundraising and awareness activities.  *We discuss terminology around Autism and how our understanding has changed over the last 30 years. As we revisit this journey, we reflect on how much work we all still have to do. Welcome to the Sam Grierson interview series, chatting to change makers who have Dared to Be Different and stand up and speak out. We discuss social change that has occurred over the last 30 years, how language has evolved and is evolving and how we still have more work to do. I am interested to look at the role that the Arts play, to both inspire, provoke, educate and support social change. Actors, Singers, Members of Parliament, Artists, Authors, Activists, and Entrepreneurs who all dare… Sam Grierson interviews… Daring to be different…  Music “Change The Game” by Claire Littley Graphics by Poke Marketing Sound Engineering by Jack Townley at Low Post Ltd Photography by Karen Kodish Photography www.socroc.co.uk Disclaimer: This podcast is for private non-commercial use and the guests and their views do not necessarily reflect any agency or organisation or company that they work for and by no means represent absolute facts. Opinions expressed by the host and guests can change at any time. Listeners acknowledge that they are not being provided professional advice from this podcast or the guests. Trigger Warning: This podcast episode may, at times, cover sensitive topics including but not limited to Autism Diagnosis, treatment, Neurodivergent terminology, historical treatment for autism, mental health issues. You are advised to refrain from listening if you are likely to be offended or adversely impacted by any of these topics.

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Crocodile (Heather Peace) tells the story of a woman dealing with her recent Autism and ADHD diagnosis, the death of her dysfunctional mother and the start of a new relationship. The play provides stark flashbacks and insights from the 8-year-old Crocodile in Halifax, Yorkshire, set against the chaotic adult life Crocodile has in London. Crocodile is currently an Audio Play on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music & Google Podcasts staring Heather Peace, Sherise Blackman and Gurkiran Kaur.

#Autism #Identity #Love #Loss

Follow us on facebook.com/socrocodile

Crocodile is fast talking, fast acting and does whatever occurs to her. Her best mate Beau tries to keep her on track and her irreverent sense of humour goes someway to curb her behaviour, enter Syd a decorator with a love of ice cream and looking for something more…. exit Crocodile who is always looking for something different... until she isn’t. A bitter sweet play that navigates identity, neurodiversity, loss, love and mushrooms. Fasten your seatbelt... #autism #crocodile #love #loss #identity

Crocodile - Heather Peace

Beau - Sherise Blackman

Syd - Gurkiran Kaur

Crocodile, aged 8 - Mia Wray

Casting of Crocodile aged 8 by Matt Zina, The Yorkshire School of Acting

Music Heather Peace

Sound Production Sade Giliberti

Photography Rosie Powell

Stunt Coordinator Julie Wilson

Executive Producer Elise Grierson Schwarz

Producers Sade Giliberti and Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Written and Directed by Samantha Grierson Schwarz

Samantha Grierson Media Production Ltd

Drax has a dilemma, Hen is strutting her stuff on the scene and Ella takes on a new role... but what does that mean for their future?

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella Heather Peace as Drax

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited: https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women: https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up" https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti Legal: Elise Schwarz Recording Studios: Sound House Studios https://www.thesoundhousestudios.co.uk/

Drax, Ella and Hen go ghost hunting in Hebden Bridge on the hunt for the ghost of Silvia Plath.

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Heather Peace as Drax

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale

Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited:

https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women:

https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up"

https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti

Legal: Elise Schwarz Recording Studios: Sound House Studios https://www.thesoundhousestudios.co.uk/

Drax is sent to a Horse McDonald gig to be a roadie and is planning to tell her girlfriend she is autistic.

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella Heather Peace as Drax

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited: https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women: https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up" https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti Legal: Elise Schwarz Recording Studios: Sound House Studios https://www.thesoundhousestudios.co.uk/Rocking 

Drax, Ella and Hen launch their media empire “Whiplashes” by reluctantly writing erotic podcasts.

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella Heather Peace as Drax

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, neurodiversity, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited: https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women: https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up" https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti Legal: Elise Schwarz

The ladies tackle marmalade, IVF and lesbian serial killers in Whitby.

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella Heather Peace as Drax

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited: https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women: https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up" https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti Legal: Elise Schwarz Recording Studios: Sound House Studios https://www.thesoundhousestudios.co.uk/

The team write a scripted fake/ live phone in agony aunt show for Brighton’s Lez Radio show.

Written by Sam Grierson Schwarz: https://www.crabandbull.com Directed by Jacquie Lawrence

Starring: Alicya Eyo as Hen Patricia Potter as Ella Heather Peace as Drax

3 women set out to create a women’s “media empire” and in doing so realise that their very different lives may just be the key to their success. Navigating themes of motherhood and other hood, sexuality, difference, sex and friendship, Henpire is a fast paced, irreverent comedy podcast written by Samantha Grierson Schwarz, an autistic and gay writer.

Executive Producer: Pippa Dale Associate Producer: Susie Hanlon

Co-Produced by Jackdaw Media Limited: https://www.jackdaw.media Co-Produced by LBTQ Women: https://www.lbtqwomen.org

Music: Horse - "Don't give up" https://www.horsemcdonald.com

Sound Designer: Wilfredo Ascosta Post Production: Sade Giliberti Legal: Elise Schwarz Recording Studios: Sound House Studios https://www.thesoundhousestudios.co.uk/