Spare a Thought

The Welsh Language Part 1

In today's episode, Tom and Ben Kitchener look past the St David's Day celebrations to explore the real mechanics and politics of the Welsh language - Cymraeg. This is Part 1 of 2.
With an ambitious target of a million Welsh speakers on the horizon, this episode gets into the gap between policy and reality - specifically the "usage gap": the difference between having the ability to speak Welsh and actually choosing to use it in daily life.
Tom speaks with Ben Kitchener, whose Substack Sais Cymreig explores Welsh language and culture through the eyes of an English speaker learning the language.
In Part 1, Tom and Ben discuss the "Million Speakers" goal and what it would actually take to get there; the financial and political pressures of devolution and how Cardiff navigates its relationship with Westminster when it comes to funding cultural ambitions; and the brain drain - why keeping young Welsh speakers in Wales is one of the defining challenges facing the language today.
In Part 2, which follows next week, Tom and Ben step back from modern policy and into history - exploring the Blue Books and the Welsh Not, the psychological legacy those policies left behind, and some practical Welsh phrases to help anyone start using the language in everyday life.
This episode was recorded live on Substack.
Follow Ben's work on Substack: https://substack.com/@saiscymreig?r=4ks8qu&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile
Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/
Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change Media Network or its partners.

Monumental Welsh Women Part 2

In today's episode, Tom and Emily Merry conclude their two-part exploration of monumental Welsh women whose contributions to history are finally being recognised in bronze.
From Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who fought tirelessly for the rights of miners' wives, to Cranogwen, the extraordinary master mariner, poet and preacher who declared "gender difference is nothing in the world," this episode celebrates two remarkable women who refused to be defined by the expectations of their time.
In Part 2, Tom speaks again with Helen Molyneux, co-founder of Monumental Welsh Women, about the final steps in a mission to create five statues of five Welsh women in five years and what comes next for the project.
Together, Emily and Tom discuss Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who organised and agitated for the women behind the miners; and Cranogwen, the seafarer and scholar who broke every boundary placed before her.
With the finish line in sight, this episode reflects on what it means to finally see these women take their rightful place in the public landscape of Wales.
Find out more about the Monumental Welsh Women project and support the completion of Elizabeth Andrews' statue: https://monumentalwelshwomen.com/
Support the petition for a statue of Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd on the Senedd's petition website.
Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Monumental Welsh Women Part 1

In today's episode, Tom and Emily Merry explore the lives of several monumental Welsh women whose contributions to history are finally being recognised in bronze. This is part 1 of 2. 
From Princess Gwenllian, the 12th century warrior princess, to the modern-day campaign to commemorate her, this episode explores why representation in public spaces matters and how the Monumental Welsh Women project is changing the landscape of Wales.
Tom speaks with Helen Molyneux, a key organiser for the Monumental Welsh Women, about the journey to create five statues of five Welsh women in five years. 
In Part 1, Emily and Tom discuss Betty Campbell, Wales' first Black headteacher; Lady Rhondda, the militant suffragette and businesswoman and Elaine Morgan, the screenwriter who challenged evolutionary theory. 
In Part 2, which follows later this week, Tom and Emily will discuss Elizabeth Andrews, the socialist activist who fought for miners' wives; and Cranogwen, the master mariner, poet and preacher who declared "gender difference is nothing in the world."
With only one statue left to complete the original mission, this episode celebrates the women who educated, agitated, organised, and changed Wales forever.
Find out more about the Monumental Welsh Women project and support the completion of Elizabeth Andrews' statue: https://monumentalwelshwomen.com/
Support the petition for a statue of Princess Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd on the Senedd's petition website.
Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

St David's Day

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to celebrate St David's Day on 1st March with conversations focused on Wales and Welsh identity.
In this episode, you'll hear from four guests recorded in Spring 2025:
Gwern Gwynfil, Director of New Wales and former CEO of Yes Cymru, discusses how St David's Day traditions have evolved, the changing attitudes towards the Welsh language, Wales' hidden historical achievements, and the inadequate devolution settlement that leaves Wales as an "afterthought" to Westminster.
Will Hayward, Wales-based journalist, former WalesOnline writer, and host of the For Wales, See Wales podcast, explores the Welsh media landscape, public understanding of the Senedd, and the challenges of reporting on Welsh politics when baseline knowledge is so low.
Professor Laura McAllister, Vice President of UEFA, Professor at Cardiff University, and former Wales Women's Football Captain, alongside Lowri Roberts, sports consultant and interim CEO of Bristol City Women's FC, discuss the historic fifty-year ban on women's football (1921-1971), the strategic investment that led to Wales Women qualifying for their first major tournament, and the transformative impact of big tournaments like the Euros on Welsh sport.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick listener survey by 4th March and you'll be entered to win 1 of 3 £50 gift cards to a business of your choice. Your feedback helps us grow. Survey link: https://shorturl.at/kXABW 
Next week, Tom returns with the first of three brand new episodes in a Wales-focused mini-series, continuing the St David's Day celebration well into March.
You can follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  
Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/   
You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/ 
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

The Rewind: Paternity Leave

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to return to the show’s most downloaded episode Paternity Leave, released on 18th November 2025 to celebrate International Men’s Day. 
In this episode, Tom profiles the work of The Dad Shift and its co-founder George Gabriel. 
The UK has the worst paternity leave in the UK, the Daft Shift is looking to change that. A not-for-profit, the Dad Shift is a group of men, dads and other parents campaigning for better paternity leave in the UK. 
Co-founder of the organisation, George, details how he got into activism, how The Dad Shift got started, the aims of the not-for-profit and what you can do to support. 
You can find out more about The Dad Shift by heading to: https://dadshift.org.uk/ you can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tiktok
You can follow Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/  
Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/  
You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/ 
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

The Rewind: A Matricentric Future

Tom delves into the Spare a Thought archives for the Rewind to return to an episode from 23rd September 2025, A Matricentric Future.
Tom interviews friend and founder of Womb CIC, Sinnead Ali. Sinnead opened a new studio space in Cardiff last summer. The conversation covers Sinnead's journey from working at Cardiff Students' Union with Tom to traveling and becoming a yoga teacher. They discuss the inspiration behind Womb CIC, including Sinnead's personal experience with health issues, her work in Singapore hosting women's circles, and her training in pre-and post-natal yoga.
Sinnead explains the term "matricentric" and how it influences the studio's holistic approach to wellness. Together Tom and Sinnead talk about how a matricentric future would centre the needs of mothers, leading to a ripple effect that benefits all of society. The conversation also highlights the Womb Festival, which focused on "bringing back the village" and supporting people during the fourth trimester. Sinnead shares how the festival's location in Grangetown, the most ethnically diverse ward in Cardiff, was chosen to be a welcoming and safe space for the community.
Tom and Sinnead also discuss the challenges of the asylum system in the UK, the work of charities like Asylum Justice, and the importance of community-based services to support parents.
To follow the latest news and events from Womb CIC head over to https://www.instagram.com/womb.sanctuary/ 
You can book sessions at the studio via https://www.wombcic.co.uk/ 
Sinnead’s yoga studio Womb on 99 Woodville Road, Cathays, CF24 4DY
Follow Spare a Thought on Instagram: @spareathoughtmedia. 
You can listen to all previous episodes of the show wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/.
Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production. 
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

The Radical Act of Writing

In today’s episode, Tom speaks to five members of the Friday Writers Club run by Briony Goffin at Cardiff Writers Studio. Together they discuss the radical act of writing. Writing as an act of defiance, in dark times, in dark months. 
In a world where AI can generate text instantly, what does it mean to sit down and put your own words on the page? What drives us to create? And how do we keep going when that voice in our head tells us we're not good enough?
Tom has interviewed Briony Goffin previously. Check out Episode 8, Spare a Thought for Creativity: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/the-rewind-creativity/
He also interviewed the Director of the Be the Change. Media network, Lily Mott on the subject of Living a Creative Life: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/living-a-creative-life/
This is the last episode of Season 4. Spare a Thought will be back for a special 50th episode in the spring. Until then 'Rewind' episodes will be released on a regular rhymth, allowing listeners to dive into the Spare a Thought archive. 
You can find out more about the Cardiff Writers Studio here: https://www.cardiffwritersstudio.co.uk/ 
Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

The Rewind: Spare a Thought for Creativity

In this rewind episode, Tom revisits a conversation about creativity with Briony Goffin, originally released on New Year's Day 2025. As we continue to navigate creative expression in 2026, this episode offers timeless wisdom on where ideas come from and how to sustain a creative practice.
Briony Goffin is a writer, tutor, and mentor who teaches creative writing at Cardiff University and specialises in facilitating creative writing experiences in community and healthcare settings. Tom has been attending Briony's classes for close to 10 years, and their conversation explores the foundations of creative work.
Together they discuss where ideas originate, the process of getting back into writing after a break, and what it means to facilitate creative workshops in diverse settings. Briony shares insights from her years of experience helping people find their creative voice, whether they're university students, community groups, or individuals in healthcare environments.
This episode perfectly tees up next week's conversation, The Radical Act of Writing, exploring how creative expression can be both personally transformative and politically meaningful.
If you're considering taking up writing or another creative pursuit in 2026, this conversation offers inspiration and practical wisdom to help you begin.
Learn more about Briony Goffin and the Cardiff Writers Studio here: https://www.cardiffwritersstudio.co.uk/
You can follow the Cardiff Writers Studio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardiff_writers_studio/ 
Keep up to date with Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ 
Read Tom's LinkedIn newsletter: https://shorturl.at/ZRNAU 
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/ 
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts from or head to: https://spareathought.podbean.com/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.

Curly's War Episode 5 - A Life Well Lived

This is the final episode of Curly's War, a mini series of the Spare a Thought podcast based on the self-published book by Tom's grandfather, Walter George Blaza.
In this concluding episode, Tom is joined by his brother Matt and cousin Alex to share their personal memories of Walter - the grandfather they knew. They discuss the war memorabilia cabinet that fascinated them as children, Grandad's resourcefulness and self-sufficiency, and the contrast between his adventurous wartime years and the quiet, sheltered life he led in the Leicestershire countryside. The conversation explores how reading Walter's own words gave them new insight into his bravery, his moral compass, and why a farm boy from Shackstone was the perfect candidate to become a commando.
In the second half, Tom and co-host Emily Merry reflect on the process of making this series - what they've learned about war, storytelling, and the importance of preserving family histories. They discuss the value of first-hand accounts versus academic histories, and why it matters to seek out and share these stories before they're lost.
Links to previous episodes of Curly’s War:
Introduction: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-introduction/
Episode 1: The Interwar Years: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-1/
Episode 2: Joining the Royal Marines: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-2/
Episode 3: From D-Day to the Winter War: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-3/
Episode 4: War’s End:https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-4/ 
You can follow Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Curly's War Episode 4 - War's End

This is Episode 4 of Curly's War, a mini series of the Spare a Thought podcast based on the self-published book by Tom’s grandfather, Walter George Blaza.
In this episode, Tom and Emily cover the final months of the conflict, from the brutal raids at Waspik through to the liberation of occupied Germany. Walter details the harrowing reality of winter warfare along the Maas, including high-stakes prisoner raids and hazardous listening patrols. The story then shifts to a period of respite in the town of Goes, where Walter and his friend Jack experience Dutch hospitality, complete with strict rules about wooden clogs, and witness the local administration of justice following the occupation.
The episode concludes with what Tom considers to be the most profound moments of the book: Walter's life in the ruins of occupied Germany. They discuss an extraordinary evening in Hanover where former enemies compare battle scars over drinks, the unexpected tailoring services provided by prisoners of war, and a poignant love story with a young woman named Anneliese that made the eventual order to return to England a moment of sorrow rather than just joy.
Note: This series has been extended! A fifth bonus episode reflecting on Walter’s post-war life and the man he became, the quiet, reserved gardener who held these incredible stories, will be released soon. 
Links to previous episodes:
Curly’s War Introduction: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-introduction/
Curly’s War Episode 1: The Interwar Years: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-1/
Curly’s War Episode 2: Joining the Royal Marines: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-2/
Curly’s War Episode 3: From D-Day to the Winter War: https://spareathought.podbean.com/e/curlys-war-episode-3/
You can follow Tom's work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/ Keep up to date with Spare a Thought via Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
Spare a Thought is a Be the change. Media Network production. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.