In this campfire  we explore the impact of hostile environments ️urging listeners to delve deeper into its effects on individuals and society. From systemic discrimination to personal attacks, hostile environments create spaces where individuals (victims) feel marginalised, oppressed, and unsafe.Recent discussions, like Vinicius Junior's experience at Real Madrid and Diana Abbott's struggle to be heard, shed light on the pervasive nature of hostility in professional sports and politics. These instances underscore the challenges faced by those navigating discriminatory spaces.Alarming statistics reveal the daily discrimination faced by black women, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address systemic injustices and foster inclusive environments where all individuals are valued.While the challenges are daunting, simple actions like promoting diversity, implementing anti-discrimination policies, and fostering open dialogue can help combat hostile environments. Together, we can dismantle structures that perpetuate injustice and create a society where everyone can thrive.As Donna Summer's iconic song "Enough is Enough" reminds us, it's time to stand up against injustice. Join us in this important conversation, follow us for updates on future campfires  and share your thoughts with friends and colleagues. Together, let's create a more inclusive and equitable world. Stay curious, and keep striving for positive change.

Patsy and Lydia take you through 2023 in summary format where they were missing from the cosy campfires of The Shelf but front and centre in all things called life. There were many highs and celebrations for them in 2023, but there were also some sad times. Pull up your favour tipple of choice, sit back and take a listen. You'll also get a glimpse of what's to come in 2024 Credits Produced by X Block Studios

Its a New Year, its a new day and we're feeling good......We look back at memories made in 2022 with mixed emotions.... happiness, pain and some apprehension of what's to come. We commit to ' moving & showing up differently' we take an 'honest' look at 'How' we looked...I'm thinking of my own Christmas/NY pics/selfies, especially so where I've not felt that great and its all captured within that 'stilled' memory for life, we've all been there, after all 'a pic/selfie tells a thousand words'. Maybe like the many you're thinking a wardrobe revamp would help as you're tired of struggling to find things you love and fit you like they did 'way back when'. If that's you and you're wanting to gift yourself a late NY 'treat' that's a guaranteed investment in YOU, take some time and explore the services of a Personal Stylist. Like Cinders your 'fairy clothes mother' will be there to 'hold your hand' and take away the noise, pain and drama of the mystery that is, ‘what to and what not to wear' to coach you so you’re more aware of YOUR ‘own’ personal style. A signature style just for YOU to make YOU feel and look amazing and ‘ready to do’ in any situation on any given day, week, month or year. Buzz words such as Style Personality & Style Recipe these 'phrases' will be revealed in this humorous but informative campfire. Joining 'The Shelf 'conversation today we have The lovely soul, Claire. A business owner, wife, mother of two sons and a dog. who I quote "loves living life to the full, with fun, fashion and style". Claire is everyday glam, just take a look at her website. Supporting her clients to invest in their own self-esteem and confidence - "Transformation of mind & style accessing power to become UNSTOPPABLE!' "The clothes you wear speak volumes about you - even before you say a word". I Got Style is an inclusive business empowering all genders and non-conforming genders through coaching & transformation of your mind and style. Taking you on a journey to explore you within a safe space, working from the inside out. Curious, Intrigued? Get your self 'Shelf ready, armed with your tipple of choice and The Shelf’s latest Campfire. Sit back, relax and join us as we discover how 'style therapy' saves YOU time, money and frustration, educates you about colours so you can become your own personal Stye Director. After all, "Fashions fade, style is eternal" - Yves saint laurent www.igotstyle.co.uk

“fly like a butterfly, sting like a bee metamorphosis day by day to become the best ME” Join us as we once again connect the generational dots as we like to do over a curious conversation full of laughs and ‘nuggets’ of wisdom left and right mingled with a ‘breath of freshairness’ - is that even a word! We gain ‘personal’ insight into a dynamic, focused young woman full of Mantra ‘gems’ one of my fav’s being “don’t tell us, show us” We talk all things: 1.’Prenurship’ - Selling ‘choc’s for change to Luxury Customs. 2. Education- mixing it up to get YOUR win/win 3.Spoken Word - What The Almighty first blessed & the church nurtured. 4.Modelling - Striking the balance and still being comfortably you. It’s an eclectic mix and very much worth the listen. We loved recording but listener opinion is encouraged and welcomed. If you’re a ‘new fan, first timer, the ‘occasional listener’ aka - ‘the toe dipper’ or hanging with us with us since ‘day’ - special thanks...this latest Campfire ‘drop’ is guaranteed to be an awesome guilty pleasure, a midweek discovery or just you taking 5 for a ‘Shelf’ break....whatever expression fits best. Let us know what you think Feedback is a gift and we’d love to hear yours. Until the next time Stay Curious Patsy & Lydia

Hey, Hey Welcome back Today we’re joined by the fabulous Katy O'Brien (@rollerskaty) who shares with us her love for roller skating, a hobby she discovered a couple of years ago.  We were amazed by how beneficial this hobby is for wellbeing (you know how important this is to us middle-young), the benefits are bountiful & endless, here are a few we touched on during the Campfire:  1. Easy on the joints 2. Great as a cross training exercise 3. Calorie burning  4. Good for your mood 5. Works both the arms and legs 6. Strengthens the heart 7. Improves endurance 8. Improves balance, agility and co-ordination 9. Great social activity 10. Can be done anywhere (which one of the host's will be trying out her skating boots in her house and what item of clothing will she wear?) This is a great, light-hearted, and fun campfire that will get you in the mood to at least ‘thinking’ about taking up the skates - whether in your house or at a skating park (there are many situated around the country). We hope you enjoy listening to this Campfire as much as we did recording it.  If you want to find out the specific event that got Katy skating, check out her Insta page @rollerskaty #wellbeingforall #middle-young #rollerskating  Thanks for all contributors bringing you another Campfire Patsy, Lydia, Margaret & Hellen #stay healthy #curious #blessed

For over 25 years, Equal Pay Day has helped draw attention to gender-based pay disparities by highlighting how far into a new year a woman must work, on average, to earn what a man did in the previous year. This year, Equal Pay Day fell in March 2022, the earliest date ever in the calendar to mark the occasion. This campfire see's the Shelf have a 'personal' conversation centred on The Who, the impact of Equal Pay Day and The Gender Pay Gap, The pledges and organisational commitments that can be considered to actively address the challenge. This is a campfire where Pay, Respect and Value takes centre stage and we 4 black women discuss where we place in the ranking. #equalpayday #thegenderpaygap #theshelf #bhm #moreofuseverywhere thefawcettesociety #righttoknow #endsalaryhistory

‘Time for change’. ‘Action not words’ is the theme for this year’s Black History Month and the Shelf are doing just that. Celebrating all that ‘We’ we’re are and will always be….black and uniquely beautiful. Join us across all our socials as we get Conscious and of course Curious. #theshelf31daybhmchallenge #fyp #blackhistorymonth #moreofuseverywhere #staycurious #patsyandlydia

noun. 1. Evolution is an ongoing process, defined as the growth and development or the theory that organisms have grown and developed from past organisms, its how we view the universe and how we think about ourselves in relation to the world around us. G.O.A.T - Serena Williams announced her intention to retire - "it's never easy to leave something you love madly. I love tennis, but its time to take a different direction.....Evolving away from tennis". Today's campfire explores just that. Join us as we 'unpack' what 'evolution into' really means. A levels 2022 - 'It is Time' - https://youtu.be/GVHnT2R72Q8 This Thursday witnessed a 2 year end of hustle. Our own 'shelfie' - Sofia, along with 18 year old's up and down the country received their A level results, we take a 'quick' look at the high and low 'take aways' for this cohort - Was 2022 a Tragedy, injustice or just “another brick” in an already existing wall? Big shout out to those awaiting GCSEs this Thursday........All the best Ammara https://anchor.fm/patsy-christian/episodes/S2---Campfire-1-Bonus---Black-History-Month-Wrap-up-with-Sofia-Cardoso-e19ifi9 Enjoy:-) Patsy & Lydia Host Credits: Margaret & Hellen Edit Credits: Che Cardoso #serenaw #evolution #GOAT #tennisGOAT #Alevel2002 #gcse2022 #education #pharmacology

Under The Shelf 2022 Vision - ‘More of us Everywhere’ we welcome a guest from ‘across the pond’. The Shelf is a lover of all things that positively and authentically promotes self-care, self-love and creating a sense of wellbeing (physically & mentally). Even better when we get to relate a subject to real life stories where individuals have realised their dream so much so that their hustle has switched to being the ‘bread & butter’. With that in mind who could resist the opportunity to share a space with the creator of straplines such as, G.L.A.M 😊 ‘Glow like a mother’ & the equally ‘intriguing’ statement ….” because mum life is complicated enough, and 5 minutes is really all you need” We invite you to get Curious, pull up a chair and your tipple of choice as we get ‘skin-terested’ in the congested and loud marketplace dedicated to ‘New Mum’s’ skincare. We learn some key concepts, that our guest has in their strategic toolkit from ‘overflowing cups’, a Win, Win, Win ideology encompassing social media generation & dedication to searching for opportunity yielding collaborations. This woman really isn’t Playing! Find out if The Shelf quartet Glowed G.L.A.M……You decide, whatever the outcome, whatever your generation remember to ‘love the skin you’re in, it’s the only one you’ve got’. Enjoy! Patsy & Lydia Host credits: Margaret & Hellen Edit credits: Che Cardoso #gender reveals #singlemompartnerships #fillyourcup #winwinwin #acrossthepond www.gorgeousconfidence.com/collections/shop

Extra, extra, hear all about two Young men paving their way over social media, gathering 1.2 million viewers on their way, #energizerpod, vocalising nuggets of wisdom to them and their tribes, what’s not to hail up and take to a campfire! Generation X - Gen Xers -  The first generation to grow up with personal computers and tech-savvy. Experiencing shaky economic times as children in the 1980s and '90s. Gen Xers are resourceful, independent, and keen on maintaining a work-life balance. Generation Z, or Gen Z. - The 'Z' in the name means "zoomer", as this is the first generation known to 'zoom' the internet. Gen Z is the smartest, best-educated generation, having an unlimited wealth of information at their fingertip, which as we'll hear has not gone to waste....yay! Hitting you with a fact - Did you know, most of those who are a part of Gen Z are the children of Generation X, the generation of 'The Shelf’. Like a Phoenix, out of the ashes of our labours and struggles we see a new generation that's carrying the torch and doing things their way in an 'always on' technology driven world. Today's Campfire sees Generation X -  'The Middle Young' explore what podcasting means to Gen Z - 'birthed' and raised by 'WE. These inspiring young men share their authentic journey, we discover the Energizer purpose and understand how they continue to navigate this new world ‘unashamedly’ brandishing their own ‘Trendsetter’ style, and convictions essentially paving the way for those already clipping at their heels - The Alpha Generation. We discover there's certainly a lot more that connects us than divides and throughout the campfire we listen and ‘drop in’ what we hope are pearls of wisdom…after all every generation should thrive and strive to be a 'better' reinvention of the last. So here’s a personal invitation to sit back, relax with your tipple of choice as we spend time ‘chasing the white rabbit’ through the Matrix of Life, to get Curiously Energized. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/energizer-pod/id1603866883 Stay Curious Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey Shelfies, thanks for staying curious We're back with Part 2 of our finance campfires, and we are re-joined by our Finance PT Bianca Williams, Certified Financial Planner (CFP).  You'll recall Bianca joined us in Season 2, Campfire 3 where we talked about relationships with money and Bianca asked if we commit time to review and look at our finances as we may do with other things in our lives. Bianca again gives us some great insightful information about things we can do if we are trying to align our finances in particular in this climate of increased inflation, high utility costs, and general cost of living.  We also talked about seeking support from family and friends and the value we place on the things we buy.  M&S sandwich v homemade?  We'd love to hear your thoughts on this.  Not sure about you, but it's actually causing us some real headspace in terms of thinking about what and how we spend our money these days...... The key take-aways for this Campfire are the Financial Planning Tabata - Stop (what can you stop doing to recoup some finances), Start (what should you start doing to add value to the things you are spending money on and what should you start doing to build on your finances), Continue (what's going well), and Reduce (OK, we don't need to stop this completely, but let's reduce it slightly). What great advice.  Simple and easy to implement. As always, share your comments and thoughts on this campfire on our social media pages. Thanks for staying curious Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey, Shelfies, thanks for staying curious. Today joining Patsy, Lydia, Hellen and Margaret are three young, professional black women all working to help our community and the service users of the criminal justice system. Sureya and Hazel are Paralegals working for the Crown Prosecution Service and Chelsea works for the National Probation Service.   If like me you are a fan of Suits, you'll know just how much solicitors rely on the paralegal, who are not yet officially qualified but know a vast amount of information as many, like Hazel are training to get to the next level.  All have very exciting and emotional stories to share - why they got into that specific line of work, how they cope with the cases they deal with on a daily basis and how they cope as black women in a profession and historical system which is dominated by white males - inside and outside of the courtroom. It's not all grim, listen to Chelsea share a good news story and how worthwhile the job is when justice is finally served.  And take a listen here  to Hezron Brown talk about the impact his Probation Officer had on his life when he was growing up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JlMGfHId7M Listen up, who says they feel like they are Angela Valdez (Power)?  Who in the group will be 'bossing it' soon? Take a listen and then let us know on our Insta page the answers to the above questions.  Don't be shy we really want to hear from you.  If you have or are a service user we'd love to hear from you after listening to this campfire. As always, we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording. Stay curious Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

We're back for another campfire “We live in a cynical world. A cynical world. And we work in a business of tough competitors.” Jerry Maguire, 1996.  Today Patsy & I host a ‘larger than life character’ from across the pond, John Sorzano.  John, gives us a snapshot into his glamourous world as a top ‘sports agent’. We discover, Jerry Maguire ‘show me the money’ is one of his favourite films and we use that to take a humorous look into that mysterious world where perceptions include ‘living your best life, mixing with celebrities, and having it all.  We get to understand the realities of what a sports agent says, does, and means behind the scenes. ‘It’s not just a 9-5, if a player or a club rings you at midnight you’re going to answer your phone’ John shows us what the creme de la creme of customer service looks like - ‘clients are more than just customers....they are family’.  With a few laughs along the way, we get to the heart of an occupation that’s shrouded in secrecy and offers as much ‘highlife’ as a compromise.  So get ready to enjoy John, a sports agent aficionado whose purpose isn’t to be ‘just another shark in a suit’, but someone who’s out there for his clients - up at dawn, hustling big with his head and his heart and after it’s all said and done, settling back down to ‘normal life’ antics - navigating the soft play etiquette!  As always, thanks for staying Curious Editing - Che Cardoso

Spending time in nature has major health benefits.  A study in 2019 found that spending 2 hours a week in nature is associated with an overall increase in wellbeing. COVID has taught us to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of the gift of the land.  We make room on the Shelf to welcome someone who lives quietly with curiousity and has shaken things up within her local community. Our talk is seriously O2 fuelled and outdoorsy.  We get to ask our guest to share their view on the loneliness and isolation debate as We unpack her thoughts-“When you’re in it you’re feeling it and when you’re out of it and meeting people it’s gone”.  This is an interesting conversational delve into someone who continues to shine a spotlight on ‘doing for themselves’ and their community whilst following her love for life and people.  So whether you’re a ‘hugger’ or not grab your tipple of choice and get listening to the purposeful journey of one amazing Sandra Allen.  Thanks for staying Curious.  Edits: Che Cardoso

Welcome back to Season 3, Campfire #2, we're glad you stayed curious. Today owning their space on The Shelf is Charlotte Francis, CEO & Founder of Biankha and Friends.  Charlotte and her daughter create and design for manufacturing black dolls and accessories. Charlotte says she wants to 'Empower little princesses to become Queens' and the company's mission is to educate and encourage young girls of colour to embrace their culture and heritage.  The dolls created allow girls to do just that.  Charlotte talks to us very candidly about why the business was created; the hurdles they have 'jumped' over and how she juggles work, raising a child and building a business at the same time. She also shares why Biankha is spelt the way it is and 'who is Biankha'. You're probably wondering if you can have it all - listen in to hear Charlotte tell you how.  She shares how her hard work, determination, and dealing with nay-sayers fuel her drive and passion to succeed. All the while, her daughter is at her side watching mummy do her thing and gaining lifelong experiences.  This is a great campfire, true inspiration.  Charlotte inspired us all. You can find more information and shop here https://www.biankhaandfriends.com/ Connect with Biankha on Insta here https://www.instagram.com/biankhaandfriends/?hl=en Thanks again for staying curious Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

What’s in a name? Do you know who penned this line? A name connects to an identity and individuality, ‘The Shelf’ is something Pasty & I hope does exactly that for you as we ‘drop’ kick Season 3. The usual suspects will know, we’ve slowed it down & taken some much needed time to recuperate, recharge and rejuvenate. Some have even managed to reach ‘home’ and let the sun soak their bones and fill their belly…literally, lucky them. But time waits for no ‘one’ and there have been many WTH shocking moments and some even bigger ‘you couldn’t make this sh*t up antics. Patsy & I along with our co-host and guests will bring ‘our authentic’ Curious Vibrations to amplify and stimulate those same conversations we’re sure your having within your own tribes. Season 3 aims to be a step up from the ‘rear view’ of Seasons 1&2. This campfire see’s us get curious with someone who will forever be considered a Shelf luminary, who without knowing so, inspired Pasty and & I on our purposeful journey, to get doing! It’s great to be back and if you’re a ‘usual suspect’ - ode to a fav movie! it’s time to sit back, enjoy, share and comment. If you’re a returning ‘toe dipper’ let’s us know what’s stopping you from committing and if you’ve just discovered us, a warm welcome to you…pull up the requisite chair and beverage of choice. It’s time to Get Curious. Thanks Patsy and Lydia Edits: Che Cardoso #theshelf #hellyacton #thecouple #staycurious #zipistream #imagineifmoments #listen #share #comment #toedipper #returner #usualsuspect #middleyoung #campfire #cantmakeitup #antics

Hey, hey Shelfies, thanks for staying Curious This was an on the spot recording, we had to pivot due to some last minute changes and we pulled this out of the bag.  Join this conversation about a recent Netflix show Tinder Swindler and our views on Valentines Day. Did you watch Tinder Swindler?  If not it's highly recommended.  Have you been caught up in a situation like this?  Do you consider yourself too 'smart' to be able to get yourself into any kind of situation.  Here on The Shelf we share our views and comments with no judgement and we are here to support in as well as sharing our views.  If you do find yourself in a situation like this speak to someone you can trust and report the incident to your local police.  So we wrapping up this season with a Valentines special where you'll hear Lydia, Patsy, Margaret, Hellen and special guest Rick give their views (as always) on Valentine's Day. This campfire takes on a different spin, we discuss two topics and we get a males' perspective.   Do you explicitly communicate your needs, wants and desires to your partner so there is no misunderstanding - either for Valentines Day or any other time?  Who says on the show 'don't expect a thing then you can't be disappointed'? Is Valentine's Day a thing for you?  Do you use the day to go all out for your partner or do you show your partner the attention they deserve 365 days of the year?  This discussion is a mixed bag.  Rick says the day is good to give a prompt to do something extra for your partner because life is so busy you may not always get a chance to at other times.  Do you agree? Or is this just another opportunity to get us spending more of our hard earned money, get us sucked into hype.  Let us know what you think. So Happy Valentines Day to those who celebrate it and for those who don't Happy Independence Day.  It's a great campfire so listen in Stay Curious  Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

Hey, hey Shelf listeners, it's that time again. WOW, two seasons 14 Campfires.....we are on a roll. So we are wrapping up Season 2 not for too long so don't go to far. We've enjoyed many a good discussion since we brought The Shelf to you in 2021 and we have many more to come. A big shout out to everyone who has and still listening, all the help from family and friends who has helped bring The Shelf to the 20 countries listening to us.  Yes you did hear correctly, 20 countries from Denmark to Australia and USA to Angola.  We got you and we'll be back soon. Listen out for our last Campfire on Valentines, that will be with you very soon. So you can keep up to date and also get to hear some bonus content sign up to our new platform https://zipistream.com/u/theshelfrenaissance where you can listen back, as well as get to hear a slightly different tone Under The Shelf - available ONLY IF YOU SUBSCRIBE. You know where to find us. Stay curious Patsy & Lydia

Hey Shelf Listeners, thanks for staying curious.  In this campfire we continue our series on education and owning their space on the shelf, in addition to Patsy & Lydia is four professional NHS workers who, with Patsy are part way through a Masters Degree.  Molly - Chief Clinical Physiologist;  Ann - Chief Pharmacist Technician;  Natalie - Obstetrician Gynaecologist Consultant and   SherBanu - Physiotherapist.   All who are juggling impressive careers, family and life. The masters workload is plentiful.  The paid job is busy and the demands on us all as either parents, siblings, partners or all is such that time has to be spend to work out how to fit everything in.  Are we mad?  A question Patsy asks many times however reflecting on why we are on this journey is something we all do. Ultimately many are on this journey to further careers and fulfill a long aspiration for self development.  Education at this level may not have been an opportunity at another time in life so a few grabbed it with both hands when offered.   Listen to the guests sharing the support they have received from each other, their families as well as the industries they work in.   They will also share some of the difficulties (some overcome and some still going).   You know you'll also get some jokes with us along the way.  Tune in to hear how they keep juggling life with assignments and submission dates.  Thanks for listening and stay curious and blessed Patsy & Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso

Thanks for staying curious. 2022 has reached and what better way to set time aside for your New Years transition into a more mentally balanced and fitter version of YOU. Our opening quote is by Oprah Winfrey, who said 'Self-esteem means knowing you're the dream' Join us as we discuss the reason for 'Middle Young' health & wellbeing as we shrug off the exhaustion and think about (our bodies, skin, health and age) The Good, The Scales and our own coping mechanism.  This Campfire is an honest account of how we Level Up. Tune in as we share our strategies on what we do to keep ‘Middle Young’ and how we do it.  You'll hear one of us share a story about supporting someone going to a health check-up only to come away with a list of defects themselves and another host wishing for the thigh gap to return.  Which hosts are we referring to? Has Covid had a negative impact on your health and wellbeing?  Are you feeling more aches and pains since working from home? Has there been a trigger in your life which has resulted in you proactively taking control of your physical, mental & spiritual wellbeing? Listen to Patsy, Lydia, Margaret and Hellen talk about some of the practical things they turned to help them  - netball, walking, running, fitness classes, roller skating, spas and facials.....we hope we've inspired you? Check out the places who are ‘trying’ to help us! Best facials in town - https://bareconfidence.book.app/ to book your Hydro facial https://tropicskincare.com/ https://www.davidlloyd.co.uk/clubs/ https://www.thegymgroup.com/ https://www.puregym.com/gyms/ https://elevate3sixty.co.uk/ Thanks for listening and stay curious Patsy and Lydia Edits by Che Cardoso