The KidsKast podcast is a beneficiary-led project that CELLS created for the children and young people who are mentored to engage with rehabilitated ex-offenders, victims of crime and Merseyside influencers. The main aim of KidsKast is for the children to engage with guests through asking questions, having fun, learning new information and most importantly learning about the guests personal success stories through lived experience and how they have changed their negative experiences and mistakes into positive influences and informed choices.
Episodes
Ashleigh Nugent
Ex-rapper, Poet, and Author of his first book LOCKS, inspired by his life story, Ashleigh joins the podcast to discuss with the kids how he used various creative outlets to turn his life around.
Daisy Gill
After appearing on ‘The Voice’, singer-songwriter Daisy Gill takes to the podcast to discuss her journey through struggles and perseverance that lead her to where she is today.
Philip McGuinness
Known for his roles in G’wed, The Responder and more, Phil joins our kids to discuss where his love for acting came from, some stories from being on-set, and imparts some wisdom on following your dreams.
Priority Youth Project
We join some kids from Priority Youth Project to get their opinions on crime and how it effects young people like themselves. This leads them to discuss many related topics such as life aspirations and growing up in Liverpool.
KidsKast Debate – Film
In this special episode, we gather a group of film enthusiastic kids to debate topics such as ‘how do you define a film’, ‘what makes a great film’, and ‘what is the best and worst movies of all time’.
The Sway
Ryan and Aiden of local band, The Sway, join the podcast to tell some stories from their time as musicians, their days as school boys and give some useful advice to aspiring musicians.
Callum Thompson
Up-and-coming professional boxer, and local Tower Hill lad, Callum comes on the podcast to talk everything from boxing, growing up in Tower Hill and dream jobs with some of our local youths.
Lizzie Acker
Most known for her appearance on ‘The Great British Bake Off’, professional baker Lizzie sits down to discuss her time on the show, some of her top tips for wannabe bakers and he struggles with being neurodiverse.
Paige Tomlinson
On the rise DJ, Paige, joins us for a special episode where she talks about her crazy experiences in the DJ world, how she got her start, her next ventures in music and some advice she has for one of our own talented DJs.
Denis “The Menace” Frimpong
On this episode, the kids chat with professional MMA fighter, Denis Frimpong, on his love for martial arts, where he got his nickname from, things that he’s grateful for in life, and many more.
Jamie Clarke
Personal trainer, online coach, and podcaster of his own, Jamie Clarke, takes time to sit and discuss with the kids some struggles he had growing up, as well as some of their own, and how he continues to overcome them throughout his life.
John Culshaw
Local mural artist, John, tells his story of how he became embraced the art life, some of his inspirations, as well as how his art led him to meet up with World Champion Boxer, Tyson Fury.
Maria Hoogendyk & Rachel Wilson
Chief Inspector Maria and Detective Superintendent Rachel give opportunity for some local kids to ask any questions they’ve ever had on crime in Liverpool, the stigma of the police, and some of the hard work the police do for their community.
Charlotte Powell
Local up-and-coming boxer, Charlotte, joins the podcast to discuss all things boxing, life as a kid and what drives her to do better every day.
Jay Wheeler
Former soldier turned street artist, Jay, discusses his time spent in the military, struggles with mental health, and how he found his calling in street art and the message he hopes to spread with his creativity.
Andy Grant
Royal Marine Commando, Jay, discusses his time in the army, becoming an amputee and how he used those experiences to become a motivational speaker and host his own podcast ‘The Leg It Podcast’.
Shem Rock
MMA superstar, Shem Rock, sits with some of the CELLS youths to talk about the sport, favourite fighters, and the importance of having a purpose in life.
Natasha Jonas
Local Liverpool boxing legend, Natasha, takes time out to discuss what it takes to be a World Champion, what it meant to her to represent the UK in the Olympics, and the importance of mentoring the youth of today.
Tori White
Personal Trainer, Tori, tells the inspiring story of how she battled depression through an addition to food, how she was able to shed 8 stone in 9 months, and the importance of a healthy mindset.
Gareth Edwards
Former criminal, Gareth, talks about his time spent behind bars, his battles with drug addiction, as well as de-glamourizing the criminal lifestyle.
Kayleigh Gibson
CELLS team member, Kayleigh, sits down with her former mentor as well as two mentees to all things school related, including behaviours in school, how the setting has changed over the years, and how it has supported them.
Ben MacFarlane
In this episode, Liverpool local, Ben, reflects open and honestly about his struggles through his time spent in prison, sleeping rough on the streets, and the negative outlook surrounding young men.
Darryl Laycock
Former gang member, Darryl, sits down with the podcast to discuss his time spent as a criminal, his involvement with drugs and how fatherhood has enabled him to turn his life around.
