In My Own Words

In our final episode, we wanted to spend some time with just our host Pia, and discuss what she's learnt on this journey of conversations. We want to know from her perspective what can the rest of the country learn from Manchester and how it has dealt with tragedy?

This episode is a debate that looks into the role that religion plays in British identity. The country is often described as a Christian so how much can it still be considered a "christian" country now that notable people from other faiths have played a part in this country. Is it even a positive thing to be seen as a "christian" country?

How do you deal with a friend who is showing early signs of harbouring hate that may lead to action. The way we handle friendships with those around us can be the difference between someone being hateful towards someone else, or learning how other people feel.

Colonialism, statues, songs, and how we celebrate historic events have a huge impact on different groups, especially those of the BAME community. This episode is all about discussing what our Flag mean to diverse communities?

There is a complex relationship people have with our flag. What can be done about it? Should it even be that way?

Freedom of speech is a something that we all believe we have the right to. But sometimes, people's views and freedom to say their mind can lead to hurting other people's feelings. This episode is all about discussing the difference between saying your mind and hurting someone with your comments?

Is there actually a healthy way to channel patriotic sentiments? In this episode, we consider what it means to have national pride in the UK without being labelled part of a hateful group. How can we make the British Identity feel positive so that all people can feel proud to be British?

Sometimes it's easy to see life from only your perspective, this can lead to huge segregation in society. This episode is all about exploring the part that the media plays in driving divisive narratives and whether this is down to the profit motive. 

"Home is where the heart is", that is what they say, but how do we choose where we call home? How do we all choose where we belong- especially those in hateful groups?

In this episode we explore what make hateful groups so attractive? Is it the sense of belonging? How do we spot some of these things before its too late

"That's not very British of you...". A phrase that many may have heard but what does that even mean? Is there actually such a thing as being "British". In this episode, we want to start combating far right extremism and narratives about what is British. Who does Britain belong too and who can call here home?

How can we disagree but not be disagreeable? Most hateful extremism begins with an emotion which leads to a feeling which then leads to action.

 In this episode we want to explore how to disagree with someone and leave it there. How do be more tolerant of different views, lived experiences and perspectives

What’s the difference between doing life with people who look and sound like you. Do you truly understand how dangerous it is living in an echo chamber. This episode is all about establishing when a safe space becomes an echo chamber where everyone is thinking the same way.

In May 2017 there was the iconic Manchester bombings. In this episode we wanted to talk about how did Manchester change after the arena bombings? We consider the impact hateful extremism on communities helping people learn the true impact of the decisions they take.

In this episode we want to discuss the position that the media has to play in the narrative of Muslims in the UK. Through this conversation we can directly challenge some of the narratives in the mainstream media and how they may actually be making things worse. So we talk to Hajra Tahir to ask about her personal experience and perspective to see what can change and how it affects people's lives.

In this episode, we wanted to face the problem head on by asking the question what does it really mean to be extreme? How far is actually too far?Do we realise that we all hold problematic beliefs that we don’t share with others? When does a belief or thought become problematic?

In this episode, we talk to Mike Omoniyi to talk about some of the dangers of living in an echo chamber culture? Why do people find it so hard to interact with people who have a different opinion to them. Echo chamber culture is a big component that can lead to radicalisation and extremist views. This episode explores the benefit of surrounding yourself with people that don't just think like you.

Have you ever thought about how it feel to be judged before you have had a chance to show people who you are? In this episode we explore ‘self-fulfilling prophesies ’ – how does it feel to navigate a world where people have already judged you before you have had a chance to show them who you are. We talk to Aramide to see what’s it like growing up in the UK as a black woman, how the media portrays black women and her culture.

In this episode, Pia explores the kind of life experiences that can drive someone into looking for belonging in groups. We sit down with Manchester local- Daniel, and discuss at the family dynamics, pain, suffering and how it can lead people down a dangerous path. This episode, is all about challenging narratives by showcasing how someone who lived an extremely tough life growing up was able to go against all stereotypes and rewrite his own story.

In this episode of In My Own Words, the topic of discussion is all about IDENTITY. We speak to a young person in Manchester to discuss his perspective on his identity and how the groups he belongs to shape the way that he views himself.

We dive in and explore especially how religion plays a part in how people think about themselves.

Welcome to the podcast In My Own Words!  
This podcast is all about discussing narratives in the mainstream media about terrorism and extremism. We look to have conversations with all kinds of guests primarily from Manchester UK, to talk about how these narratives make them feel. 

In this episode you meet our host Pia, who will be bringing you on the journey for the next few weeks.