Spare a Thought
Spare a Thought
Podcast Description
Welcome to Spare a Thought, the podcast that shines a light on the people and organisations tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. Join host Tom Spare for thought-provoking conversations with engaging guests whose work and lives are often overlooked or misrepresented in the media.
Whether you’re navigating the morning commute, taking a Sunday stroll or looking for a lunchtime listen - take time out of your day to Spare a Thought.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a spectrum of themes including creativity, volunteerism, international education challenges, and humanitarian issues. For example, episodes highlight the significance of creative writing in community settings, delve into the work of the RNLI, and explore the experiences of international students in UK universities. Specific focus areas include societal contributions and personal narratives that challenge mainstream narratives.
Welcome to Spare a Thought. The podcast for curious minds, exploring creativity, culture and stories from the margins.
Join host Tom Spare for conversations that go to unexpected places, from Welsh culture and Japanese architecture, to media ownership and paternity leave.
Whether you’re on the morning commute, taking a Sunday stroll or looking for a lunchtime listen, take time out of your day to Spare a Thought.
Join host Tom Spare for an episode of milestones. The 70th edition of the podcast, 2 years since Spare a Thought launched, featuring the first ever interview conducted for the show.
Tom focuses on the Iris Prize LGBTQ+ film festival. The Iris Prize is the world’s largest short film prize. 2026 marks the Iris Prize’s 20th birthday. He gives an overview of the festival’s opening night and then shares his interview with Iris Festival Director Berwyn Rowlands from October 2024.
The Iris Film Festival runs from 12th – 18th October 2026. You can find more here: https://irisprize.org/
One of the films featured on opening night centred around Cranogwen, the seafarer and scholar who broke every boundary placed before her. In March 2026, Tom and his guest co-host Emily Merry created a two-part series on Monumental Women, a project aiming to get more statues installed of notable women across Wales. You can listen to that episode exploring Cranogwen’s past here.
You can listen to all previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts or head to https://spareathought.podbean.com/.
Keep up to date with Tom’s work via his Substack: https://tomspare.substack.com/
Get the latest news on the podcast via the Spare a Thought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spareathoughtmedia/
Spare a Thought is a Be the Change. Media Network production.
Themoney tips and financial advice in this episode are personal opinion, not professional guidance. If money is tight, contact your university’s money advice service as early as possible.
The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the Change. Media Network or its partners.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.