The Community Pioneers Podcast Chris Smith

Ann Porter of Fuel for Innovation has spent most of her working life making change happen. Innovation has been a constant theme. In this podcast, Ann talks through her journey from factory floor to her current interest which centres on the earnings and wealth gap for mothers. Ann is a passionate advocate of the practical application of innovation and is a whirlwind of ideas as you will hear. It's also worth checking out the Fuel for Innovation website for more details. 

Everyone seems to know something about Dundee. It's full of art, design, games and those award winning tourist attractions. But as our guest, Joyce Reid of Transition Dundee, says - there's a whole other side of sustainability going on too. Joyce talks about her involvement with fashion, recycling, upcycling and building skills. Her own journey reflects her interest in making the planet a better place. And, naturally enough, she shares some advice garnered from the front line.  It's a real celebration of community and the power of workshops.
For more details about the Wardrobe, the Community Fridge and those workshops - check out their website and socials.

This is a very special Community Pioneers Podcast  entitled " The Power of the Eigg Story, Yesterday and Today' . Moderated by Calum MacDonald with Camille Dressler of Comunn Eachdraidh Eige (Eigg history Society) handling the Q&A ; this event featured three Iconic Scottish Writers, Lesley Riddoch, Alastair McIntosh and Andy Wightman. As you will hear, they all played a part in the Eigg community buyout. Their stories and memories provide a fascinating glimpse to what happened 25 years ago and outline some lessons for the future.
 Organised by Communn Eachdrtaidh Eige as part of their "voices of the Eigg Community buyout" programme funded by Scotland's Year of Stories 2022, this is a unique audio insight. 

I met Debz at an open art event in Dundee We started to chat about art, working with people in creative settings and puppets. Our 5 minute chat convinced me there was a story to tell and here is the evidence.
Debz has had a long journey through personal experience of bullying, mental health and art to get to where she is now. In this conversation she explains how safe spaces can be made to happen and how change can occur in artistic settings. It's a very personal story and Debz is a gifted art befriender to so many.
If you would like to see more details - do check out How It Felt.

Kevin’s story starts literally with him flat on his back. And how Kevin came to set up the Big Disability Group is an inspiring journey. From his own experience of disability, Kevin has set about building a group which provides a service to a wide range of clients with varying needs. It all started with a simple thought and a Facebook page. He talks honestly and openly about his own challenges; physical and mental,  along the way. The successes have been remarkable, from Open Days to martial arts; it’s a great story to encourage everyone.
You can check The Big Disability Group on their website and all the social media avenues.

Sandy Greene is a  founder and MD of ScrapAntics. ScrapAntics is a creative recycling social justice enterprise who run Dundee's only ScrapStore. We had a great conversation in which Sandy talked a whole series of topics; from an unique early journey, working with different groups through to what motivates her as MD. Sandy has some strong opinions about the role of a social justice enterprise, the challenges of being a ‘people sustainable business’ and how much creativity we all need in our lives. We only touched the surface so feel free to explore more at ScrapAntics