Wit + Grit
Episodes
Abi Edmunds: Your Child Isn't Just Scrolling.
16 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As our government moves towards restricting social media access for young people, the debate has shifted from whether there is a problem to what we do...
Reclaiming What It Means To Be Human with Workforce Futurist Stuart Evans
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with workplace futurist Stuart Evans to explore AI, robotics, the future of work and what it all means for young people.F...
The Work Experience Problem: The Future Needs a First Chance
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on Jess Dunn’s week of work experience with Wit + Grit, what it revealed about young people, confidence, opport...
Jessica Dunn: Give Young People a Chance
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
At 17, Jessica Dunn was trying to find work experience in media, marketing, journalism and radio. After around 10 rejections, she was almost left spen...
Ameesha Green: Everybody Should Name Their Teddies After Philosophers
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ameesha Green is the founder of The Book Shelf, a book shepherd, philosophy thinker, mentor and proudly neurodivergent entrepreneur.In this episode, w...
Hannah Bailey: The Cost of Always Saying “I’m Fine”
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former police officer Hannah Bailey spent years working in high-pressure frontline roles, telling everyone she was fine while quietly carrying trauma,...
Potential and Power Skills with Kristie Brookes & Olivia Roden
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The graduate job market has never been more competitive, with up to 150 applicants per role, but that doesn’t mean opportunity has disappeared.In th...
Lewis Matthews: Happiness Is a Choice (Even in Atlantic Storms)
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Lewis Matthews has pushed himself to extremes - from international water polo to Ironmans, ultramarathons and rowing the Atlantic for 38 days.But this...
Every Kid Is a Natural Red Teamer: Marcus Dimbleby on Critical Thinking and Leadership
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 32 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Marcus Dimbleby - former Royal Air Force aerospace battle manager turned leadership and critical thinkin...
James Cary Says: Pitch It Like You’ve Already Seen It
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Episode 31 of Wit + Grit, we are joined by BBC comedy writer James Cary - the man behind episodes of Miranda, Citizen Khan, My Family and Bluestone...
Children need Adults to be their Substitute Prefrontal Cortex, says Natalie Costa.
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when you’re trying to perform at work while also being a present, patient and emotionally available parent at home?In Episode 30, we si...
From Live Testing to the Real Thing
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After 28 episodes, a live event, and a growing Wit + Grit community, we sit down for a proper catch-up.This one is honest, reflective and full of the ...
How and Why Hannah Tyers Built the Platform She Needed
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Hannah Tyers is one of the world’s youngest female chartered surveyors - but her real story sits under the surface. At 21 years of age, Hannah lost ...
Daniel Wilsher's iOS Update: Shedding Identity + Rebuilding from Within
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Daniel Wilsher shares what he calls his “iOS update” - a shedding of identity.After years of buil...
Joel Blake: It’s Not Who You Know - It’s Who Knows You
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joel Blake is a private client solicitor at Wilkes, a Future Faces ambassador, and a Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year winner - but hi...
Everybody Needs a Gandalf Stick: Courage and Leadership with Lisa Butler
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Lisa Butler shares her inspiring journey from an 18-year military career to becoming a coach and advocate for courage and leader...
Chris Meah Asks: Will AI Kill Us All?
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Summary:In this episode Chris Meah, an AI expert and founder of Meah Labs and the School of Code, discusses the transformative power of AI, the import...
Luther Burrell: The Power of Honesty, Resilience, and Creating Positive Change
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, former England international rugby player Luther Burrell shares his journey from professional sports to philanthropy, discussi...
Press Go - Why Momentum Beats Perfection
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this reflective episode, PJ and Andy pause to mark a milestone: 21 episodes down.What started in June 2025 with a simple decision - “let’s just...
Siblings in Sync. Peg and Will: Poker and Mindfulness
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, siblings Peggy and Will Crawford discuss their unique career paths and shared experiences. Peggy, a data analyst and semi-pro ...
From 93p an Hour to 26 McDonald’s and a UK-First Kids Village - Doug Wright MBE DL
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Wit + Grit, we are joined by Doug Wright MBE DL - a man whose life reads like a masterclass in resilience and service.Doug shares h...
Small Habits, Big Confidence: Becca Horley on Becoming the Person You Want to Be
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this uplifting and deeply honest conversation, Becca Horley shares the journey behind her award-winning legal career and the personal transf...
Pursuing Passions and Fresh Perspectives from Young Entrepreneurs: Abbi Evans & Rhiannon Fry
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, two young entrepreneurs, Rhiannon Fry and Abbi Evans, share their journeys of building businesses in their teens. They discuss the ch...
Dig One Hole, Dig It Deep: The Man Commercial Protection Story
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, Iain McCallister, CEO of Man Commercial Protection, shares his journey of building a successful security business. He emphasis...
Catch Up Session: Lessons from Episodes 7 - 11
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
**Summary**In this episode, PJ and Andy reflect on episodes 7 through 11, discussing themes of resilience, opportunity, and self-belief. They highlig...
Beyond the Battlefield: Ben Williams on Life and Leadership
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ben Williams shares his journey from a Royal Marines commando to a resilience coach, discussing the importance of resilience, leaders...
The Best of Our First Five Guests: Key Takeaways with Andy and PJ
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we reflect on the insights and key themes from our first five guests. We discuss the importance of creating opportunities, resilience...
The Power of Making People Feel Seen. A Conversation with Jas Rohel
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are joined by Jas Rohel, the CEO and founder of Education Awards, who shares her journey from working in education to establishing an awards progra...
Navigating the Job Market: Insights from Emma Neale and Parth Patel.
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into a conversation with Parth, a third-year student at Aston University, and Emma Neale, a Senior Teaching Fellow at the same Uni. Discover Part...
Negotiating Life: Insights from a Counterterrorism Expert, Katey Martin
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Katey Martin, a seasoned counterterrorism negotiator and advocate for female empowerment. In this episode, ...
The Power of Music: Sharon Bell on Education and Inclusivity
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Wit and Grit, Sharon Bell, Chief Executive of Services for Education, shares her journey from an accountant to leading a charity fo...
Unlocking Opportunities: Richard Parker's Vision for the West Midlands
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we sit down with Richard Parker, the Mayor of the West Midlands, to explore his inspiring journey from a working-class upbringing to a lead...
Belief Meets Action: Inspiring Legal Journeys with Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journeys of Latoyah Thompson and Sam Dell. From humble beginnings in Birmingham to thriving careers in law, Lat...
If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough - Resilience, Confidence and Opportunity with Paul Faulkner.
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into the world of business and education with Paul Faulkner, co-founder of Element 45. We explore the evolving landscape of b...
Catch-up: Andy and PJ on Bookshops, Balance, and Being Real.
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we dive into a conversation about the realities of success, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. From personal an...
The Creative Equation: Andy Wilkinson on Technology and Imagination
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we discuss the evolution of communication and marketing over the past 25 years, highlighting the importance of personal connections in...
Opening Doors: Ad Davies' Journey from Coaching to Leadership
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Ad Davies, a cultural architect who transitioned from sports coaching to business leadership. ...
Mentorship and Innovation: Bridging Generations with Abbie Vlahakis
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Abbie Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point and Deputy Lieutenant, discusses her journey from the private sector to the charity sector, emphasising the im...
Empowering Youth: Tom Clarke-Forrest on Sport, Skills, and Social Change
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging conversation, Tom Clarke-Forrest, founder and CEO of Sport 4 Life UK, shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing yo...
Tech, Ethics, and Misogyny: Tracy Westall OBE on Building Better Futures
13 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this engaging conversation, Tracy Westall OBE shares her journey from a successful corporate career to a portfolio career, emphasising the importan...
A quick welcome to Wit + Grit.
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Andy Dawson and PJ Ellis explore the themes of wit and grit, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing future generati...