North and South Podcasts

What does trauma actually mean, and how much of it is yours versus something inherited? Former teacher Tim Short takes a walk through Bootle, just north of Liverpool, to unpack trauma from every angle: adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), generational trauma, the Buddhist story of the two arrows, and how our environment, community and society shape our mental health.

It’s a walk about the hard stuff, but also about getting outside, finding joy in nature, and taking small, meaningful steps forward.

If anything in this episode brings up difficult fe...

@northandsouthpodcasts7461 - A new series of real conversations with people about life, community and politics.Bobby's Books can be found on Amazon under the name Robert J. Brennan. They are highly recommended.Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. https://timothyshort.substack.com/Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.socialCheck out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this pagePlease support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_emai...

​ @northandsouthpodcasts7461 - A new series of real conversations with people about life, community and politics.Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. https://timothyshort.substack.com/Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.socialCheck out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this pagePlease support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2

@northandsouthpodcasts7461 - A new series of real conversations with people about life, community and politics.Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. https://timothyshort.substack.com/Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.socialCheck out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this pagePlease support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2

Today I speak to friend of the podcast Kevin Donnellon about the death in early 2026 of our good friend Ralph James. Ralph was a political animal, a superb intellect, a lovely guy, and a community activist. We chat about our memories of him, his lifetime of campaigning, his legacy, and the current and future condition of the Political Left, of which Ralph was a champion. We also discuss Ralph’s unique quirks and eccentricities and recite a few funny stories! Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel no...

​ @northandsouthpodcasts7461  - A new series of real conversations with people about life, community and politics.Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. https://timothyshort.substack.com/Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.socialCheck out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this pagePlease support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Michael Woodsfrom Plaza Community Cinema in Crosby. The cinema was saved from closure and kept for local people. Today staff and volunteers deliver quality films for the whole community at a reasonable cost and provide inclusive community supportand activities. They also support filmmakers and creatives in their work. A fantastic community asset! Please support them!

Please check out their website - www.plazacinema.org.uk

Instagram – plazacinema

Facebook – Plaza Community Cinema

Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel –https://www.yout...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Amy Wright of Pritchard’s Independent Bookshop in Crosby, Sefton! We chat about books and reading and the importance of independent bookshops! Amy speaks well and her passion shines through! 

You can support Pritchard’s via this link - http://libro.fm/switch?bookshop=pritchardsbookshop – Libro is a platform for audio books that helps local independent bookstores!!! 

We cover: - 

-              The importance of reading. 

-              World Book Day.

-              Book Clubs at Pritchard’s.

-              Children and the benefits of reading. 

-       ...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Chris Lewis from Merseyside Expanding Horizons and The Big Onion about helping people into business and enterprise and helping people in Sefton with skill development and employment. We also chat about community and connection. Chris is an inspirational figure. 

-Visit the Big Onion in Bootle Strand. New venue opening on Lord Street in Southport. Also expanding into Prescot! – 

Big Onion Website - https://thebigonion.co.uk/ 

-Merseyside Expanding Horizons Website - https://www.expandinghorizons.co.uk/

We cover: - 

-            The Northern...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we do an in-house talk with Lara about her experiences as a Green Councillor in Warwickshire and draw comparisons with Sefton. Lara has a lot of insight. We also chat about other general political themes. 

We cover: - 

-              Being ill over Xmas! 
-              The weather in David’s absence! 
-              Being a councillor in Warwickshire.
-              The different levels to councils in different areas.
-              What councils are responsible for. 
-              Labour changes to local government.
-              Workload issues in local government.
-              How councillors form Polit...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Sammin of the Liberal Democrats. He is the newly elected councillor for Cambridge Ward in Southport. Mike speaks with passion and vision about politics and his role as Lib Dem Councillor.

We chat about: - 

-            Why it is important to be an opposition councillor in a council controlled by one party. 

-            Why Mike is a Liberal Democrat. 

-            Balancing Freedom and Society. 

-            Regeneration at Bootle Strand and South Sefton. 

-            Whether the Council buying Bootle Strand was the right option. 

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to friend of the podcast Bobby Brennan, former Labour Councillor and Mayor of Sefton, about the structure of local council government. This is particularly important given the lack of local media and even online coverage of basic council policies and structures. Bobby is tremendously insightful and critical. We also chat about his new book about Christmas and his upcoming book ‘Love on the Dole.’ Check out Robert J Brennan on Amazon. 

We chat about: - 

-              Writing and new books. 

-              The seemingly complicated ward system of Sefton Council. 

Warning – This episode contains talk of rape, harassment and violence.

See this website for help with Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in Sefton. Do not suffer alone. https://www.sefton.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/how-to-get-help/

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we explore Violence Against Women and Girls globally, nationally and locally. We hear of shocking experiences that really brings home how devastating this issue can be on people’s lives. 

We chat about: - 

-              The terrifying impact of stalking. 

-              The impact of the Culture Wars.

-              Experi...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Prendergast, the leader of the Conservative Group in Sefton Council. Mike is a councillor in the Dukes Ward of Birkdale and Southport. Mike speaks very well about holding the Labour Council to account and gives insight into both local and national politics!

We chat about: - 

-              Why Mike is a Conservative.

-              Mike’s approach to opposition locally. 

-              How the national picture shapes local politics. 

-              The importance of scrutiny and of holding to account - particularly when there is a dominant party locally...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Annie Spiers, who is the Creative Director at In Another Place, an inclusive and faith-based organisation that brings community theatre to people in Sefton. They are located at Bootle Strand. If you want to get involved or check out any of their amazing events in the run up to Christmas and beyond, please check out their website.

https://inanotherplace.com/

Annie is a positive and inspirational figure. 

We also get interrupted by David’s dog! 

 We chat about: - 

-              The weather!
<...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we introduce a new member to the team! Welcome Lara! We chat about free speech in light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and look at how local parties in Sefton are doing at council level, and contrast with the national political picture. This is a new type of podcast we are running that looks at international, national and local themes. 

We chat about: - 

-              The weather!

-              Free Speech in the UK and the USA.

-              Voltaire’s view on Free Speech.

-              Gary Nevil...

Warning – This podcast contains references to child abuse. 

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Jack Colbert, a resident of Seaforth in South Sefton, local activist, and ex-Liberal Democrat Councillor. Jack is a member of the Green Party and may stand in future council elections. He speaks about local issues, including air pollution. 

We chat about: - 

-              Labour dominance of local politics. 

-              The Green Party as a genuine left alternative and the influence of Green Councillor Neil Doolin. 

-              Growing up in Seaforth and being introduced to Labour and the Trade Unio...

Warning – In this podcast we will be talking about suicide and suicide attempts. 

Welcome to the first edition of Unbeaten – Men’s Stories with Dean and Tim. Dean Daniel is a mental health advocate and an ambassador for an amazing organisation called Tough To Talk. He tells us about his unbelievable story of overcoming terrible physical and mental pain and anguish and committing his life to helping others.  He also introduces his organisation and brand – Unbeaten. We want to talk about mental health and wellbeing for everyone, but with a focus on the male perspective. Together we are all strong...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Abi Whistance, Editor and Reporter at the independent online newspaper The Liverpool Post. Local news has been decimated, and Abi talks superbly about the importance of investigative journalism and what the Post does! She also covers some of the big issues in Sefton and how they fit into the wider regional context. This is essential listening! 

Here is the website. https://www.livpost.co.uk/ - Please support them! You can subscribe here too to receive regular emails and newsletters. 

You can contact the Post at abi@li...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Neil Doolin, Green Party Councillor for Waterloo and Seaforth Ward in South Sefton. We talk about local politics, green politics, and concerns Neil has about Sefton moving forward. Neil is an excellent councillor with so much to tell. 

https://greenparty.org.uk/

https://sefton.greenparty.org.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/greenpartysefton

We chat about : - 

-              Neil becoming an elected Councillor.

-              The history of the Green Party in Sefton. 

-              Unhappiness with the traditional parties locally and nationally. ...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Mike Brennan of Bootle Action Group. BAG is a Community Interest Company aimed at ‘greening up Bootle’ by looking after green spaces, clearing alleyways and rubbish, and raising awareness around the community of all of these issues. Bootle is a relatively deprived town in the south of Sefton Borough. 

Bootle Action Group can be found on Facebook. This link hopefully will work – please join them and get involved!!! - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554473551532716

We chat about : - 

-              The no doubt soon to be departed fine w...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Janis Blackburn of Southport Friends of Palestine. We look at the terrible situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and how international issues link in with local issues. 

You can find out about the group here - https://www.southportfriendsofpalestine.co.uk/

They are also on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/southportfriendsofpalestine

Here is a link to the book – A Gathering for Palestine - https://www.southportfriendsofpalestine.co.uk/a-gathering-for-palestine

We chat about : - 

-              The origins of the group.
-       ...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, David and Tim talk about the ideas and philosophy behind the podcast series. We want to be a news and interview platform that encourages transparency and accountability across the Borough. We are concerned about the rise of extremism especially with the decline of local newspapers and news deserts. 

We talk about : - 
-              The importance of factual news and diversity of opinion of ideas.

-              The importance of speaking to a range of local people – politicians, community groups, local business, charities and voluntary groups, and media.  

-              Encouraging people to get...

Today in our first ever episode of Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Sean Halsall – Independent Councillor for Kew Woods, Southport. Sean is a member of Southport Community Independents 

Southport Community Independents is a new party founded to give a voice to Southport. https://southport-independents.co.uk/ - This contains details of the Community Assemblies we discussed.

The group are also on Facebook -   / 61566818510626 

Merch available for SCI at https://www.redbubble.com/people/Sout... 

We chat about : - 

Leaving the Labour Party. 

Workers rights being eroded. 

T...

Today at Building a Better Sefton, we speak to Bobby Brennan – Former Mayor of Sefton and former Labour Councillor for Orrell and Netherton, Bootle. Bobby now works for Sefton Community and Voluntary Service and is about to publish his fourth book – A Time of Peace and War – a historical novel about the years of the Second World War from the perspective of Bootle. 

Here is the Amazon link. His other books – which are excellent – are also available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Peace-War-Robert-Brennan/dp/1918038457/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DILJWMV443PD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZDp6ZZTPM1fEHh45qCtMDQ.y-A7...

Building a Better Sefton Channel - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BuildingaBetterSefton

First episode with Sean Halsall, talking about independent politics in Southport, including Community Assemblies! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d53ZMbz-V4o&t=16s

We are also on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/695280703082811 - Building a Better Sefton

Substack - Building A Better Sefton | TIMOTHY SHORT | Substack 

Today I talk about the heat, keeping cool and climate change. 

Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

https://timothyshort.substack.com/

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page

Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2    

Music from ‘ZapSplat’ – check them out!

I am back. Today I talk about the personal, the local and the political. How self-development links to local community, and the dangers of Populism and Reform in the UK context and more globally. 

Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

https://timothyshort.substack.com/

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund...

Today I take a walk through the Azzies (which I now know is named after Aspinall’s Field) and into Bootle Cemetery. I speak to a member of the public, visit the Blitz and War Graves, and point out other key parts and sections.  

Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

https://timothyshort.substack.com/

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk...

This week I speak to Dan Procter, local historian and teacher trainer, about Environmental History. Dan is a former History Teacher. This is a fascinating and relevant topic. 

Link to resources - http://sites.google.com/view/ks3environmentalhistory

We chat about:- 

-              Appreciations of Nature.

-              Definitions of Environmental History.

-              The central importance of Environmental History.

-              The increase in environmental awareness. 

-              Links between environment and wellbeing.

-              Environmental impact going back to Roman Times. 

-              The ease and effectiveness of the integration of environment i...

This week as part of Bootle and Beyond – (answering set questions where we also go off-piste) - I speak to Paul Garrigan - a Men’s Health Coach, who runs Men’s Inner Mastery Academy programmes. This involves different modalities that focus on issues affecting men. Paul helps men to find their place in the world and to reach their full potential. He has been on the podcast before and is an excellent and inspirational speaker. You can check out the previous episode here: - 

You Tube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSRIYvT8Ywo&t=2549s

...

This week I speak to Michael Brennan of Bootle Action Group - a community group aiming to improve the lived environment in Bootle - as part of the Bootle and Beyond series. This particular focus is on people in Bootle who will be asked similar questions about the personal and the political and with the scope to go off on a tangent if needed!!! Michael is a real community leader. 

Bootle Action Group Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554473551532716

We chat about 

-              Seasonal Affective Disorder.
-              Life stuff.
-              Mike’s long time in Boo...

Apologies for fuzzy microphone!

Check out our YouTube Channel -   / @northandsouthpodcasts7461  - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics.

Substack - https://timothyshort.substack.com/

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsout...

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page

Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?...    

This week I speak to Jude Lennon and Ali Harwood - who are - like myself – former classroom teachers! We talk about our lives post-teaching, the reasons why we left, what we are concerned about in schools today, what we loved about the job, and how we think schools could be better. 

You can check out Jude’s work at…. Www.littlelambpublishing.co.uk  www.facebook.com/JudeLennonAuthor  www.facebook.com/LittleLambTales  www.instagram.com/JudeLennonBooks

Ali can be found at… @aliharinsta on Instagram

We chat about 

-              What Ali and Jude are up to now in the...

This week I speak to Colin McCormick, local historian, about a book he has recently co-edited about Liverpool and its links to Transatlantic Slavery. Colin is a teacher of 25 years and has a real passion for history including local history. 

The book is called – Transatlantic Slavery – Impact and Legacy – Case Study of Liverpool. It will be released in 2025. 

We chat about 
-            Why the book was written. 
-            Who wrote it.
-            Liverpool’s central role in British Transatlantic Slavery.
-            The Book being aimed at community, teachers and schools alike. 
-            The Edward Colston statu...

Apologies for poor sound in places. Bear with me! Here I take a walk down Upper Fernhill Road, do some history in the Klondyke Estate, and finish on Springwell. Plus a bit round the corner!

Check out our YouTube Channel -   / @northandsouthpodcasts7461  - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics.

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsout...

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page

Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?...   

https://timothyshort.substack.com

Today I do a mic check on the street in snowy and frosty Bootle under a beautiful blue sky. Get out there! 

Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page
 
Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2

Substack - Tim...

Today I speak to former Labour Councillor and Sefton Mayor Bobby Brennan about his new book – ‘A Glittering Malice’, which covers his life, his experiences, and his understanding of issues in the community. Bobby says his book is like a cross between the classic social realist book/film Kes and the US coming-of-age film Stand By Me. We have a great chat. 

We discuss: -
-            Where the idea for the book came from. 
-            His tough and impoverished upbringing.
-            Kes-like paper rounds!
-            ‘Egg-collecting.’
-            The ‘threat’ of ’working-class’ kids in ‘middle-class’ areas!
-            The rise of foo...

Today, I reflect on mindfully eating, eating better, and share a life hack involving a carrot!  

 Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

Substack - https://timothyshort.substack.com/

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page

Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2    

Today, I reflect on managing emotions and why we need to mindful in all we do, including when using social media. 

Check out our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1dQzS8KBgeT9iA7MAqhQpA - The channel now includes playlists about associated topics. 

Follow us on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/northandsouth.bsky.social

Check out the CIC website – www.northandsoutheducationcic.co.uk – You can fund the charity through this page

Please support the Podcast at https://ko-fi.com/northsouthpodcasts?ref=onboarding_email_share2    

Substack - https://t...