Finding Our Voice: The Me Time Podcast Journey
- Jolene Sheehan
- Jun 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 19
What happens when adults with learning disabilities are given the tools, space, and encouragement to lead their own conversations? Something powerful.
The Me Time Podcast is created by a group of adults with learning disabilities who attend Me Time Denton, a Mencap-supported group. With training hosted at ALL FM 96.9 and co-delivered by myself (Jolene from Joy Ethic CIC) and broadcaster Craig Howlett, this podcast is all about flipping the script: people with lived experience of learning disability are not just featured in these conversations; they’re leading them.
It all started with an eight-session podcast training course, funded and supported by ALL FM. We focused on making the sessions feel safe, calm, and fun, using clear steps, humour, music, movement, and space to build trust. Each session was supported by Me Time’s brilliant facilitators, and our group agreements helped everyone feel confident, included, and heard.
Feedback from the group said it all:
“I feel at home here.”“I think I’m getting really good at this—maybe podcasting is my thing.”“You help us feel calm and confident by not rushing us and making it fun.”
Participants led the way in choosing episode themes like Mencap, friendship, community gardening, disability inclusion, and mental health. They took on all kinds of roles—interviewers, hosts, follow-up questioners, and even supported with editing decisions. Some began the course feeling unsure or quiet. By the end, they were leading interviews with confidence and flair. As one participant put it:
“I feel like people are listening to me properly for the first time.”
The podcasts are hosted on ALL FM’s Podbean channel, regularly featured on The Joy Ethic Show, and shared through Me Time’s own networks. In other words, these stories are being heard far beyond the rooms where they’re recorded, and rightly so!
This project drew on all corners of my own experience—over two decades in SEN secondary education, and my current work in wellbeing and community facilitation. Craig brought his expertise as a neurodivergent broadcaster, his warm heart and advocacy for disability inclusion. And ALL FM brought their long-standing commitment to meaningful community-led radio.
Together, we created a course that was paced, accessible, joyful—and full of possibility.
The Me Time Podcast isn’t just a course outcome. It’s an ongoing platform that grows with the people behind it. Participants continue to shape future episodes, help each other with interviews, and share ideas with real ownership and pride.
It’s hard to overstate how important this kind of project is. It’s not just about podcasting. It’s about belonging, confidence, creativity, and being heard—on your own terms.
We continue to make this podcast with the group and ALL FM once a month and cannot wait to find out what's next on the Me Time Menu!
To listen or find out more:
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