Skilfully Speaking

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Apr 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Season THREE! Invaluable insight, life stories, experiences and more - Skilfully Speaking explores the skills and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, broadcasters, leaders and more... Acquiring new skills and seizing opportunities can unlock a whole new world. In Skilfully Speaking, well-known successful people from a wide range of backgrounds pass on the secrets to their success. Talking to skills expert and leading educationalist Jackie Grubb, they share experiences and advice aimed at inspiring others to embrace new skills and seize the opportunities in front of them. Hear from those who have had the confidence to ‘go for it’ – and take control of your future. Supported by Babcock International. From City College Plymouth . www.cityplym.ac.uk Produced by Fresh Air Studios , Podcast Studio in Devon . www.freshairstudios.co.uk Podcast host Jackie Grubb The issues raised by the skills agenda in the South West, and nationally, have become increasingly important as businesses face up to the challenges and opportunities in front of them. Jackie Grubb has spent more than 30 years in a career underpinned by a passion for the development of skills, innovation and education. Recognised regionally and nationally as an expert in the skills arena, as Chief Executive of City College Plymouth Jackie has spearheaded a number of initiatives which have shone a spotlight on the skills issue in Plymouth and the wider South West. An active member, influencer and skills ambassador within the South West business community, she has led the transformation of the College to become the learning destination of choice.

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28 recent

April 24, 2026Episode 645 min

S3 Ep6: Tom Malone Jr on Resilience, Life After Gogglebox & Autism Advocacy

Everyone recognises Tom from his appearances alongside his family (and dogs!) on Gogglebox, but Tom is also a world-class professional dancer, a dance teacher and he is a proud advocate for autism. Tom talks about how he juggled his dancing with his TV appearances and how his autism diagnosis changed his life.Brought to you by City College Plymouth, supported by BabcockProduced by Fresh Air Studios, Video podcast studios in Devon

March 4, 2026Episode 542 min

S3 Ep5: Deliciously Ella – Selling Her Multi-Million-Pound Brand and Lessons in Start-Up Resilience

Deliciously Ella began as a personal blog during a period of serious ill health and has now grown into a hugely influential plant-based brand, spanning books, food and digital platforms. Ella not only had to learn new skills, but had to do so under pressure! Jackie finds out how she did this and what her advice is for coping with the stress of modern life.Brought to you by City College Plymouth, and kindly supported by Babcock.Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Business Podcast Production Services.

February 5, 2026Episode 449 min

S3 Ep4: Dani Harmer – Growing Up in the Spotlight , Life After Tracy Beaker and Navigating Premenopause

Best known as Tracy Beaker, Dani has been on stage and screen for over two decades. She has starred in theatre, appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, directs TV and she mentors young performers through her academy. She discusses the skills involved in moving from one role to another, as well as mental health issues, the impact of social media and becoming a spokesperson for women’s health.Brought to you by City College Plymouth, supported by BabcockProduced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production Experts

January 15, 2026Episode 337 min

S3 Ep3: How to Bounce Back After Trauma: Ben McBean on Recovery, Resilience and Redefining Life

Ben McBean takes Jackie through his incredible story, from joining the Royal Marines at 16 and surviving life changing injuries in Afghanistan, to running marathons and becoming an inspirational motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion and disability awareness. This episode includes graphic descriptions of injuries, battlefield trauma and loss of life. It may be difficult or overwhelming for some listeners, so discretion is advised. The aim is to inform, but some details are unfiltered. Brought to you by City College Plymouth, supported by BabcockProduced by Fresh Air Studios, Video podcast studios in Devon

December 16, 2025Episode 235 min

S3 Ep2: Women in Defence: Leadership, Motherhood and Breaking Barriers - with Angela Owen OBE

In this episode, Jackie is joined by former Army officer and champion for women in the defence sector, Angela Owen OBE, who founded Women in Defence UK, focusing on mentoring, policy and cultural change. Jackie discovers the skills behind Angela’s incredible journey and why she is one of the fastest women on Earth… for her age!From City College Plymouth, supported by BabcockProduced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR Studios in Plymouth

October 29, 2025Episode 121 min

S3 Ep1: V Levels Explained: Baroness Jacqui Smith on the Government’s New Skills Initiative

What better way to launch a new season of Skilfully Speaking, than with the current Skills Minister, Baroness Jacqui Smith? Covering everything from what’s in the latest white paper to her time on Strictly Come Dancing, this is essential listening for anyone with an interest in skills and education.From City College Plymouth, for everyone.Supported by Babcock.Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production Services

August 14, 2025Episode 939 min

S2 Ep9: Dame Ruth Cairnie: Becoming the First Female Chair in Babcock’s 130-Year History, Women in Leadership, and the Power of Clear Communication

As the first ever female chair of Babcock International Group, Dame Ruth is an inspiration to many. She talks Jackie through her impressive career which started with studying black holes and then took her through various businesses over nearly 40 years. But what skills does it take to chair a board and lead a major international business through a period of massive change…?Kindly supported by Babcock, brought to you by City College Plymouth.Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR Studios for Devon & Cornwall.

July 24, 2025Episode 835 min

S2 Ep8: Melissa Johns - Auditions, Adversity & Advocacy: Melissa Johns on Making It in Media

Melissa is a familiar face from the likes of Coronation Street, Grantchester and the much talked-about Adolescence. Recorded the morning after she presented the City College Plymouth student awards, Mellissa discusses the skills and strategy used to overcome negative attitudes in the industry about her disability, and how she’s now helping young aspiring actors to develop their creative skills. Supported by BabcockBrought to you by City College PlymouthProduced by Fresh Air Studios - Podcast and ADR Studios for Devon and Cornwall

July 2, 2025Episode 728 min

S2 Ep7: Beth Mead MBE: Lessons from a Lioness – From Women's Euros Triumph to Teamwork and Tenacity

Beth’s journey started with her playing football as the only girl in a boys’ team to winning the Golden Boot at the Euros. We find out the skills required to become one of the most famous and successful sportswomen in the country. Essential listening as the Women’s Euros get underway in Switzerland.Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth.Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and ADR studios in Devon.

June 17, 2025Episode 658 min

S2 Ep6: Judge Rob Rinder: Law, Media and the Power of Telling the Truth

Rob Rinder sprang to fame on our TV screens as “Judge Rinder”. Since then, he has gone on to present numerous TV shows and has fronted many documentary series covering law, travel and art history. Jackie met up with Rob during his panto run in Plymouth and found out the skills required to become a barrister, how he continues to inspire young people going into law and how communication plays a vital part in fighting for justice and equality.Supported by Babcock, and brought to you by City College Plymouth.Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Branded Podcast Production