Sparks Unboxed Sun, 08 Mar 2026 20:53:21 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237217 en-gb © 2026 Sparks Unboxed yes 831d2555-0e3b-5340-bcc5-2d49553bf8f4 Monju Meah episodic false The podcast sharing stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Join me for a deep dive conversation with entrepreneurs, philanthropists, industry professionals and other inspiring people, and find out what sparked their success.]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Monju Meah https://storage.buzzsprout.com/nsdszzhipe5dx3hev1u0sknirskw?.jpg Sparks Unboxed A Child’s Story of War: Smajo Beso (Genocide Survivor to OBE) A Child’s Story of War: Smajo Beso (Genocide Survivor to OBE) Smajo Beso shares his journey as a survivor of the Bosnian genocide and his experience as a refugee in the UK. He highlights the impact of war on his childhood and the misconceptions and Islamophobia surrounding the conflict. Smajo emphasizes the importance of education and understanding the truth about what happened in Bosnia. 

He also discusses the role of religion in the conflict and the need for consistency in identifying perpetrators based on their religious affiliation. Smajo Beso shares his personal experiences of the Bosnian genocide and the importance of personalizing history. 

He emphasizes the power of personal stories in humanizing and understanding the impact of genocide. Smajo discusses the creation of the Bosnia Genocide Educational Trust and its mission to record and share stories, educate about prejudice and discrimination, and promote peace. He reflects on the significance of receiving an OBE for his work and the support he received from the community. Smajo encourages individuals to get involved and make a difference by organizing events, inviting speakers, and utilizing educational resources. 

The conversation with Smajo covers the work of the Bosnian Genocide Education Trust in commemorating and researching the Bosnian community in the North East of England. It also discusses the challenges of interviewing community members and the importance of archiving their stories. The trust relies on donations and fundraising to support its activities. The personal account shared by Smajo Beso is both harrowing and inspiring, highlighting the impact of sharing personal stories and taking action.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Smajo Beso shares his journey as a survivor of the Bosnian genocide and his experience as a refugee in the UK. He highlights the impact of war on his childhood and the misconceptions and Islamophobia surrounding the conflict. Smajo emphasizes the importance of education and understanding the truth about what happened in Bosnia. 

He also discusses the role of religion in the conflict and the need for consistency in identifying perpetrators based on their religious affiliation. Smajo Beso shares his personal experiences of the Bosnian genocide and the importance of personalizing history. 

He emphasizes the power of personal stories in humanizing and understanding the impact of genocide. Smajo discusses the creation of the Bosnia Genocide Educational Trust and its mission to record and share stories, educate about prejudice and discrimination, and promote peace. He reflects on the significance of receiving an OBE for his work and the support he received from the community. Smajo encourages individuals to get involved and make a difference by organizing events, inviting speakers, and utilizing educational resources. 

The conversation with Smajo covers the work of the Bosnian Genocide Education Trust in commemorating and researching the Bosnian community in the North East of England. It also discusses the challenges of interviewing community members and the importance of archiving their stories. The trust relies on donations and fundraising to support its activities. The personal account shared by Smajo Beso is both harrowing and inspiring, highlighting the impact of sharing personal stories and taking action.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-14301839 Sat, 13 Jan 2024 08:00:00 +0000 6001 2 1 full false A City United: The Story of NUFC Fans' Foodbank Fighting Hunger A City United: The Story of NUFC Fans' Foodbank Fighting Hunger Summary
In this conversation, Colin Whittle and Bill Cochran, founders of NFC Fans Food Bank, discuss the origins and growth of the food bank. They explain how the initiative started in 2016 after being inspired by similar projects in Liverpool and Everton. The founders highlight the importance of community and the support they have received from Newcastle United fans and the wider community. They also discuss the normalization of food banks and the need for society to address the underlying issues that lead to food poverty. Despite the ongoing need for food banks, the founders remain hopeful and emphasize the power of unity and collective action. This conversation highlights the importance of oversight and compliance in running a successful food bank. The founders discuss the challenges they faced in obtaining a permit and how they used their influence to resolve the issue. They also emphasize the role of infrastructure and accountability in ensuring the smooth operation of the food bank. The real heroes of the food bank are recognised as the volunteers who provide food and support to those in need. The power of football in bringing communities together is discussed, along with the need for a better profile for both the football club and the city. The conversation concludes with advice and encouragement for individuals looking to make a difference in their own communities.
Takeaways

The NUFC Fans Food Bank was inspired by similar initiatives in Liverpool and Everton, and it has grown significantly since its establishment in 2016.

The support from Newcastle United fans and the wider community has been crucial to the success of the food bank.

The founders emphasise the importance of community and the positive impact that football fans can have in addressing social issues.

While the normalisation of food banks is concerning, it highlights the need for society to address the underlying causes of food poverty. Oversight and compliance are crucial in running a successful food bank.

Challenges in obtaining permits can be overcome with determination and influence.

Infrastructure and accountability are essential for the smooth operation of a food bank.

Volunteers are the real heroes of the food bank, providing support to those in need.

Football has the power to bring communities together and create a sense of unity.

Individuals can make a difference in their communities by taking action and finding like-minded individuals.

Teams and collaboration are key to solving societal issues.

Addressing poverty requires a collective effort and a commitment to creating a better society.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:38 - Origins and Setting Up NFC Fans Food Bank
07:49 - The Impact and Growth of the Food Bank
21:51 - The Normalization of Food Banks
26:20 - Generosity and Support from Fans
28:40 - The Power of Community
33:57 - Football Fans as a Force for Good
39:59 - The Future and the Importance of Unity
48:03 - Oversight and Compliance
48:36 - Permit and Challenges
49:30 - Threatening Action
50:28 - Infrastructure and Accountability
52:57 - The Real Heroes
51:27 - The Power of Football
52:37 - Deserving a Better Profile
52:46 - Sense of Community
53:12 - Impact on Individuals
53:39 - Inspiration and Encouragement
55:40 - Taking Action in the Community
57:38 - Positive Attitude and Teamwork
58:49 - The Power of Teams
60:20 - Addressing Poverty
01:01:07 - The Placebo Effect on Community
01:02:38 - Creating a Better Society
01:03:48 - Football as a Unifying Force

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Summary
In this conversation, Colin Whittle and Bill Cochran, founders of NFC Fans Food Bank, discuss the origins and growth of the food bank. They explain how the initiative started in 2016 after being inspired by similar projects in Liverpool and Everton. The founders highlight the importance of community and the support they have received from Newcastle United fans and the wider community. They also discuss the normalization of food banks and the need for society to address the underlying issues that lead to food poverty. Despite the ongoing need for food banks, the founders remain hopeful and emphasize the power of unity and collective action. This conversation highlights the importance of oversight and compliance in running a successful food bank. The founders discuss the challenges they faced in obtaining a permit and how they used their influence to resolve the issue. They also emphasize the role of infrastructure and accountability in ensuring the smooth operation of the food bank. The real heroes of the food bank are recognised as the volunteers who provide food and support to those in need. The power of football in bringing communities together is discussed, along with the need for a better profile for both the football club and the city. The conversation concludes with advice and encouragement for individuals looking to make a difference in their own communities.
Takeaways

The NUFC Fans Food Bank was inspired by similar initiatives in Liverpool and Everton, and it has grown significantly since its establishment in 2016.

The support from Newcastle United fans and the wider community has been crucial to the success of the food bank.

The founders emphasise the importance of community and the positive impact that football fans can have in addressing social issues.

While the normalisation of food banks is concerning, it highlights the need for society to address the underlying causes of food poverty. Oversight and compliance are crucial in running a successful food bank.

Challenges in obtaining permits can be overcome with determination and influence.

Infrastructure and accountability are essential for the smooth operation of a food bank.

Volunteers are the real heroes of the food bank, providing support to those in need.

Football has the power to bring communities together and create a sense of unity.

Individuals can make a difference in their communities by taking action and finding like-minded individuals.

Teams and collaboration are key to solving societal issues.

Addressing poverty requires a collective effort and a commitment to creating a better society.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:38 - Origins and Setting Up NFC Fans Food Bank
07:49 - The Impact and Growth of the Food Bank
21:51 - The Normalization of Food Banks
26:20 - Generosity and Support from Fans
28:40 - The Power of Community
33:57 - Football Fans as a Force for Good
39:59 - The Future and the Importance of Unity
48:03 - Oversight and Compliance
48:36 - Permit and Challenges
49:30 - Threatening Action
50:28 - Infrastructure and Accountability
52:57 - The Real Heroes
51:27 - The Power of Football
52:37 - Deserving a Better Profile
52:46 - Sense of Community
53:12 - Impact on Individuals
53:39 - Inspiration and Encouragement
55:40 - Taking Action in the Community
57:38 - Positive Attitude and Teamwork
58:49 - The Power of Teams
60:20 - Addressing Poverty
01:01:07 - The Placebo Effect on Community
01:02:38 - Creating a Better Society
01:03:48 - Football as a Unifying Force

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-14156967 Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000 3779 1 7 full false Master New Skills by Changing Lives: A Powerful Transformational Approach - Andy Saffo Master New Skills by Changing Lives: A Powerful Transformational Approach - Andy Saffo Andy Saffo has helped lift people up and changed their lives. I talked with Andy about his volunteering to support refugees and people facing various challenges. What it has meant for him and its impact on him personally and professionally.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Andy Saffo has helped lift people up and changed their lives. I talked with Andy about his volunteering to support refugees and people facing various challenges. What it has meant for him and its impact on him personally and professionally.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-14035726 Sun, 26 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000 3310 1 6 full false Tahmina Ali - Ink and Echoes: Finding My Voice Through Writing and Spoken Word Poetry Tahmina Ali - Ink and Echoes: Finding My Voice Through Writing and Spoken Word Poetry Poet. Spoken Word. Mother.

For episode 5 of the first season of Sparks Unboxed, I spoke with the rather unique Tahmina Ali about how she started writing, spoken word poetry and other creative pursuits.

How it is part of her identity, and unbeknownst to her until recent years is part of her family history!

It was a fantastic conversation about pursuing your passions. About being your authentic self and not settling for the status quo. Self-discovery through creative expression.

As a fellow British Bangladeshi Geordie (how diverse is that?!) I could relate to the challenges and stories Tahmina shared.

Who is Tahmina?

Tahmina is a British Bangladeshi, Newcastle-upon-Tyne based spoken word poet, creative freelancer and young mother. Poetry has been a significant tool in Tahmina's life, it gave her a voice at a time where she felt voiceless. Now through her workshops Tahmina aims to pass on those very tools to others.

Tahmina has performed at various events, poetry nights across the country and selected for the prestigious BBC Words First programme. Also presented her poetry radio show on Fast FM for two years running, hosts her own Open Mic poetry night called Strictly Spoken and has been awarded the ‘ABC Arts and Culture Award’ for 2018 and 2019. Tahmina uses her poetry as a means to encourage positive change, her writing is generally influenced by identity, culture, social events and life as a young mother.

Find out more and support Tahmina on the following links:
https://tahminaali.co.uk/
https://tahminaali.co.uk/merch
https://youtu.be/ioc3XcST3ls?si=eqUuI7OMpIbw4XPA
https://youtu.be/07vq68URqi8?si=UqZKbaJniModHxmZ
https://youtu.be/wLhRZ1od2nw?si=lV0e37anZYeN36z0

#Poetry #identity #creative #selfbelief #authenticity #authenticitymatters 

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Poet. Spoken Word. Mother.

For episode 5 of the first season of Sparks Unboxed, I spoke with the rather unique Tahmina Ali about how she started writing, spoken word poetry and other creative pursuits.

How it is part of her identity, and unbeknownst to her until recent years is part of her family history!

It was a fantastic conversation about pursuing your passions. About being your authentic self and not settling for the status quo. Self-discovery through creative expression.

As a fellow British Bangladeshi Geordie (how diverse is that?!) I could relate to the challenges and stories Tahmina shared.

Who is Tahmina?

Tahmina is a British Bangladeshi, Newcastle-upon-Tyne based spoken word poet, creative freelancer and young mother. Poetry has been a significant tool in Tahmina's life, it gave her a voice at a time where she felt voiceless. Now through her workshops Tahmina aims to pass on those very tools to others.

Tahmina has performed at various events, poetry nights across the country and selected for the prestigious BBC Words First programme. Also presented her poetry radio show on Fast FM for two years running, hosts her own Open Mic poetry night called Strictly Spoken and has been awarded the ‘ABC Arts and Culture Award’ for 2018 and 2019. Tahmina uses her poetry as a means to encourage positive change, her writing is generally influenced by identity, culture, social events and life as a young mother.

Find out more and support Tahmina on the following links:
https://tahminaali.co.uk/
https://tahminaali.co.uk/merch
https://youtu.be/ioc3XcST3ls?si=eqUuI7OMpIbw4XPA
https://youtu.be/07vq68URqi8?si=UqZKbaJniModHxmZ
https://youtu.be/wLhRZ1od2nw?si=lV0e37anZYeN36z0

#Poetry #identity #creative #selfbelief #authenticity #authenticitymatters 

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-13953852 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000 3941 1 5 full false Bringing Smiles To Children In War-Time Ukraine: Angie Sutcliffe Bringing Smiles To Children In War-Time Ukraine: Angie Sutcliffe I spoke with incredibly brave and selfless Angela Sutcliffe . Angie has been going to Ukraine since the outset of the conflict to support with aid, and humanitarian assistance and bringing smiles to children.

Angie was awarded a British Citizen Award for services to overseas volunteering in summer 2023. 

This was a truly emotional episode and the stories they shared were very harrowing.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> I spoke with incredibly brave and selfless Angela Sutcliffe . Angie has been going to Ukraine since the outset of the conflict to support with aid, and humanitarian assistance and bringing smiles to children.

Angie was awarded a British Citizen Award for services to overseas volunteering in summer 2023. 

This was a truly emotional episode and the stories they shared were very harrowing.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-13819991 Sat, 21 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0100 4682 1 4 full false Legacy Beyond Wealth: Ram Gupta's Approach to Success Legacy Beyond Wealth: Ram Gupta's Approach to Success Meet Ram Gupta BCAe. Entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Blackburn who was awarded a British Citizen Award for services to the community and a British Chamber of Commerce Award.

This is the story of 1 Individual starting a business with the customer AND community at its heart. And bringing together people for a collective effort to do more.

I spoke with Ram on the importance of businesses giving back to their communities, supporting those in need and in fact, helping to make the business sustainable.

His IT and software company Nybble.co.uk Ltd which started in 1998, did just that training up and employing young homeless. Raising their aspirations and the means to support themselves and grow.

In addition, Ram donated around 2000 laptops during the pandemic to children learning at home through his business. And rallied local businesses to donate the same amount.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Meet Ram Gupta BCAe. Entrepreneur and philanthropist based in Blackburn who was awarded a British Citizen Award for services to the community and a British Chamber of Commerce Award.

This is the story of 1 Individual starting a business with the customer AND community at its heart. And bringing together people for a collective effort to do more.

I spoke with Ram on the importance of businesses giving back to their communities, supporting those in need and in fact, helping to make the business sustainable.

His IT and software company Nybble.co.uk Ltd which started in 1998, did just that training up and employing young homeless. Raising their aspirations and the means to support themselves and grow.

In addition, Ram donated around 2000 laptops during the pandemic to children learning at home through his business. And rallied local businesses to donate the same amount.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-13777262 Sat, 14 Oct 2023 20:00:00 +0100 5496 1 3 full false From Diagnosis to Difference-Maker: The Exceptional Story of Chris Lewis and SimPal From Diagnosis to Difference-Maker: The Exceptional Story of Chris Lewis and SimPal I had an inspiring and humbling chat with Chris Lewis, the COO of a charity called SimPal. His charity supports people with cancer and anyone in need in 'almost all hospitals across the UK' by providing devices and data. It is the only charity in the world doing what it does.

Chris shared his journey over the past 16 years since being diagnosed with cancer himself, and his drive to support others in need across the UK ever since. I heard impactful stories about the difference Chris and his charity make every day.

Please visit: https://www.yoursimpal.com/

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> I had an inspiring and humbling chat with Chris Lewis, the COO of a charity called SimPal. His charity supports people with cancer and anyone in need in 'almost all hospitals across the UK' by providing devices and data. It is the only charity in the world doing what it does.

Chris shared his journey over the past 16 years since being diagnosed with cancer himself, and his drive to support others in need across the UK ever since. I heard impactful stories about the difference Chris and his charity make every day.

Please visit: https://www.yoursimpal.com/

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-13645385 Sat, 23 Sep 2023 22:00:00 +0100 6115 1 3 full false Youth Worker To The First Asian Lord Mayor of Newcastle in 800 years! Youth Worker To The First Asian Lord Mayor of Newcastle in 800 years! I had the great pleasure of chatting with Habib Rahman today for the first episode of season 1 of my new podcast Sparks Unboxed! (Season 1 Episode 1).

We had a very quick hour chat on some of Habib’s key moments in his quite remarkable journey from youth worker to the first BAME and Muslim Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in its 800+ year history.

It’s a really touching account, super inspiring and great insight into how he started. Habib is an incredible role model and has paved the way for many, in many different ways.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> I had the great pleasure of chatting with Habib Rahman today for the first episode of season 1 of my new podcast Sparks Unboxed! (Season 1 Episode 1).

We had a very quick hour chat on some of Habib’s key moments in his quite remarkable journey from youth worker to the first BAME and Muslim Lord Mayor of Newcastle upon Tyne in its 800+ year history.

It’s a really touching account, super inspiring and great insight into how he started. Habib is an incredible role model and has paved the way for many, in many different ways.

Check out the video version on the YouTube Channel here:
https://youtube.com/@SparksUnboxedPodcast

]]> Monju Meah Buzzsprout-13511230 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0100 3774 1 full false