COMING SOON! The Own My Life Podcast: Stories of Hope, Change and Courage

In February, we were delighted to receive funding from the Community Foundation North East to develop a six-episode Own My Life podcast. Today, our CEO, Natalie Collins, shares where the project is at and why it matters so much.

Where the idea began

The seed for an Own My Life podcast was planted by course facilitator and Podcast Producer Extraordinaire, Abi Thomas. Abi delivered an Own My Life course in Bradford as part of a community project, and she witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact it had for women.

She began wondering: What if this difference could ripple further? Beyond group courses, beyond community rooms, into homes, headphones, and hearts across the country.

And just like that… BOOM! The Own My Life podcast was born.

Voices from across the UK

Over the past few months, Abi has travelled the length of the UK — from Great Yarmouth all the way up to the north of Scotland — with her microphones in tow. Along the way, she’s met with women who now truly own their lives.

Each woman has shared her unique story: stories of courage, stories of change, stories filled with joy and hope. These stories also carry the weight of pain and loss — the deep impact that abusive men have on women and children. But what shines through is resilience. What shines through is life.

Recording in Sunderland

Natalie, Preston Flufflepuff and Abi

I'll be co hosting the podcast with Abi (Preston Flufflepuff, the dog is an honourary host) and this week she came to Sunderland to record our reflections on the powerful stories of the women she has spoken to. Sitting with each woman, I felt both privileged and deeply moved. To hear how they’ve transformed their lives (and for those who are mothers, how that transformation is shaping brighter futures for their children) was powerful beyond words.

In a world that can often feel overwhelming or hopeless, each woman reminds us that change is possible. They remind us that hope is not something abstract, but something we can be for ourselves and for others.

Onward to London

After wrapping up in Sunderland, I waved Abi off at the station as she journeyed down to London to record a special bonus episode. This one features women in the Metropolitan Police, who have been running the Own My Life course with female officers and staff (you can read more about that HERE).

We can’t wait for these conversations to reach listeners nationwide. We know the podcast will open ears and hearts; mostly through the joy and strength each woman brings, but also in helping more people understand the actions and motivations of abusers, as well as the lifelong impact these men have on women and children.

 Some photos from the day (yes, Natalie is wearing Percy Pig slippers, thank you for noticing!)

Why this podcast matters

The hope of this project lies not just in each woman who has already reclaimed their life, but also in every person who tunes in. Listeners will gain tools to support women they know, to stand beside friends, family, or colleagues who may need care and understanding.

And really, how beautiful is that?

✨ We’ll be sharing more soon about when and where you can listen to the Own My Life podcast. Stay tuned — we can’t wait for you to hear it.