People’s Podcast “Our Voices” Teams up with the RYA
“Through this association, we hope to spark an interest in the RYA, Royal Yachting Association, and drive those that are curious to want to know more about how we are keeping the sport real for everyone, in their communities, now and in future.’’
The podcast “Our Voices”, which provides a platform for individuals to share the stories that usually go unheard, is now sponsored by the RYA: the Royal Yachting Association. This is a partnership which has all the potential to be extremely beneficial for both podcast listeners and those who are yet to discover the joy of sailing.
“I am very excited to partner with RYA on the ‘Our Voices’ Podcast. I see a genuine opportunity to really encourage people from different backgrounds and different ethnicities into the RYA organisation as part of their EDI strategy. Our podcast is all about providing a platform for diversity: both diversity of background and diversity of experience. So, as we look to do future podcast series on the areas of celebrating women, raising awareness of disabilities, exploring role models and highlighting key aspects of safeguarding, I see huge potential for people of a diverse range of backgrounds to discover and enjoy the thrill of boating and sailing through our association.”
Alex Melia – Creator of the “Our Voices” podcast
More About “Our Voices”
“Our Voices” is a podcast series which has been operating for just over a year. Alex Melia is the podcast’s principle creator and interviewer but a team of 7 dedicated individuals help to put together each episode. Each series has a specific focus and is designed to shine a light on an important area of society. The podcast follows a range of culturally relevant topics such as people’s stories on the NHS, climate change, the impact of lockdown, the Olympics and the reality of racial prejudice.
One of the most popular episodes was Mike McCarthy’s story. Mick tragically lost his son during the first lockdown and he speaks passionately and inspiringly about how, as a society, we could be doing so much more to support men who struggle with mental health. One of the most recent episodes features Natasha Asghar: the Welsh Parliament’s first woman of colour. She talks about overcoming racial prejudice in both media and politics in order to achieve lifelong ambitions.
Future series will focus on celebrating women, raising awareness of disabilities, understanding the value of role models and learning about the vital role of safeguarding.
Our Voices is produced by Fascinate Productions.
About The Royal Yatching Association
RYA (Royal Yachting Association) was founded in Southampton in 1875 and is the national governing body for almost all forms of water sports in the United Kingdom, including but not limited to the dinghy, yacht and motor cruising, all forms of sail racing and windsurfing. It has around 25,000 instructors who operate in 58 countries. Each year they help 270,000 people become RYA-qualified.
‘’RYA is looking to reach new audiences and inspire more people to try boating, and maybe even fall in love with the activity they choose. Boating comes in many forms so there is something for everyone, no matter ability, location, and financial status. But sometimes people think it’s exclusive and expensive so not for them. We want to change that perception.
Helping us do that is a group of entrepreneurs who believe stories have the power to change minds and we’re excited to sponsor Our Voices – the only short story podcast that takes a snapshot of people’s lives. Through this association we hope to spark an interest in the RYA and drive those that are curious to want to know more about how we are keeping the sport real for everyone, in their communities, now and in future.’’
Mel Hide, Director of External Affairs, The Royal Yachting Association.
For access to all previous and future episodes of “Our Voices”, simply click here. For more information on how you could become involved with RYA, click here.
The podcast is produced by Fascinate Productions: www.fascinateproductions.co.uk
