Skilfully Speaking is a pioneering podcast launched just 18 months ago as a collaboration between City College Plymouth and leading Plymouth-based production house Fresh Air Studios. It also receives valuable support from Babcock International Group.
Since its debut, the podcast has gone from strength to strength, recently hitting an incredible 150,000 listens – a remarkable achievement in such a short space of time.
Skilfully Speaking – counting listeners in over 70 countries, including just shy of 98,000 in the UK – puts the spotlight on some of the UK’s most well-known inspirational figures, and explores the real-life stories, challenges and skills that have shaped their success. The popular podcast is hosted by nationally renowned skills ambassador Jackie Grubb.
By sharing real stories and practical advice, the podcast empowers people to upskill, reskill, and shape their own careers – strengthening communities, tackling skills gaps and driving the UK’s future workforce – and contributes to Plymouth’s leading role in inspiring people to embrace new skills and take control of their future.
The recent episode featuring English footballer Beth Mead alone received over 10,000 listens over the last week or so.
Host Jackie Grubb, who is also Chief Executive of City College, said: “It’s hard to believe that what began as a conversation in a meeting in Plymouth around two years ago has ended up being listened to and helping people all around the world.
“It has clearly struck a chord with a global audience seeking not just motivation, but actionable insight on how to grow, adapt, and thrive in a world where change is constant.
“To reach 150,000 listens, including almost 98,000 in the UK, means that what is being said resonates with people and has an impact, which was very much our objective at the beginning. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring more inspirational stories, hints and advice that are engaging, accessible and informative.”
The idea for Skilfully Speaking was born out of a conversation between Jackie and Paul Philpott, the Managing Director of Fresh Air Studios, who share a determination to drive a wider conversation in the South West around the skills agenda and wanted to highlight the challenges and inspirational stories of individuals and organisations.
Collette McMullen, Babcock Skills Director, said, “Supporting initiatives like Skilfully Speaking with our partners at City College Plymouth, is part of our wider commitment to helping more people develop the skills they need to succeed in industries where they can really grow, thrive, and build exciting, long-term careers.
“As a partner of Growth Alliance Plymouth, together with Plymouth City Council and The Royal Navy, we are focused on tackling the city’s increasing skills needs and working towards inclusive, sustainable growth, and optimising opportunities through the Defence Dividend for our communities.”
Each episode goes deep into conversation with individual guests, covering subjects as diverse as health and wellbeing, role models, career pathways and how to develop essential skills. Listeners pick up a wealth of hints, tips and advice to motivate others to achieve their goals in life.
The wide range of past and future guests includes Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder, broadcaster and author Anna Williamson and England footballer and BBC Sports Personality of the Year Beth Mead MBE.
Paul Philpott, Managing Director of Fresh Air Studios added: “Though the ambitions we had for the podcast were quite modest, it quickly became obvious that a bold approach coupled with high quality production standards and some amazing guests was resonating strongly with our audience. The feedback we have received has been brilliant and we really feel we have been able to get under the skin of one of the most important issues facing our region.”
Amanda Lumley, Chief Executive of Destination Plymouth concluded: “Skilfully Speaking is a clear demonstration of Plymouth’s commitment to innovation and skills development. The podcast highlights how the city is actively working to support individuals with practical tools to thrive in a rapidly changing economy and reflects the real progress being made in workforce transformation – we are proud of Plymouth’s role as a leading force in shaping the future of skills and careers across the city and beyond.”
Skilfully Speaking is available on Spotify and Apple podcasts and other platforms, with new episodes dropping every month.
To listen to the podcast and for more information, head to Skilfully Speaking on Spotify and/or Skilfully Speaking on Apple
For more information about Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, visit the official website.
