The Joy Ethic Show: Stories, Services & Connection

I started The Joy Ethic Show back in late 2021 after training at ALL FM, with the simple idea of sharing as many stories and services as I could; stories that inspire, services that support, and voices that don’t always get heard. Since then, it’s grown into over 40 monthly episodes and has become such a special part of my life.

At its heart, the show is about helping people feel more connected. Connected to themselves, to their community, and to the things that bring them joy. Each month I pick a theme or maybe a collection of themes, play some uplifting music, and hear from leaders who are making a change to their own and other's wellbeing, real people sharing stories about how they navigate life. We’ve covered everything from walking for wellbeing, creativity and resilience to boundaries, joy, and friendship.

I have met so many fantastic people because of this show and been honoured to hear some of what motivates and shapes them. Some of the many stories that have stayed with me include Nina, who lost her sight and walked 100 miles to raise money for Esme’s Umbrella; Joy France, who became a poet and battle rapper in her fifties; and the Mencap Me Time team, who created their own podcast and developed so much confidence and skill as interviews because of, not despite their learning disabilities. I’ve spoken with so many diverse and facisnating people, who have all found home through community, and heard how a variety of tools like gardening, sound baths and dance have helped people care for their mental health. Every guest has brought something meaningful and brave.

Over time the show’s also become a kind of archive — a living collection of stories and organisations that make Greater Manchester feel like home. And it’s created connections between guests, listeners and the wider community that I couldn’t have imagined when I started.

If you’d like to listen, you can catch the show live on 96.9 ALL FM on the third Friday of every month, or anytime on Spotify or Mixcloud — all the links are here: linktr.ee/joyethic.

And if you’ve got a story or service in Greater Manchester you’d like to share — or even just an idea for a theme — please do get in touch. You can comment below or email me at jolene.joyethic@gmail.com.

Oh, and if you’re reading this thinking I’d love to create a show like that, you can! ALL FM offers training and I help with that now too — just drop an email to ed@allfm.org to find out more.

Thanks so much to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far. You make it what it is.

Jolene

Jolene leading a discussion about podcast skills at ALL FM