Alone Together has been with you since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Amongst all the fear, doom and gloom that has surrounded Covid-19, we’ve been here to bring you the positive stories of our local heroes doing their bit to help keep our communities going.We have also brought you fact-filled interviews with experts offering tips, advice and answers to your FAQs about the pandemic.The podcast continues to follow the coronavirus story closely, as we learn to adapt to a ‘new normal’ in life after lockdown.Join Matt, Morven, and Dan as they speak to inspirational and educational figures across the UK, finding the positive, community stories coming out of a dark time.Stay safe, stay positive, stay informed and stay tuned to the Alone Together podcast.Alone Together is a Laudable production from the newsrooms of Birmingham Live, the Edinburgh Evening News, and the Manchester Evening News. It is presented and produced by Morven McIntyre, Dan McLaughlin, and Matt Millard, and it is edited by Matt Millard.
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In this special episode of the Alone Together podcast, we will be celebrating the amazing work done by local heroes in their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Matt Millard speaks to the Clifton Cake Fairy, an anonymous local hero, who has been secretly delivering cakes to the front doors of those nominated by family, friends and colleagues for their good deeds. And while it may have been a lonely time for many, in particular those in care homes, Sheila Callaghan has been raising their sp...
The Alone Together podcast has been with you since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Amongst all the fear, doom and gloom that has surrounded Covid-19, we’ve been here to bring you the positive stories of our local heroes, as well as sharing fact-filled interviews with experts offering tips, advice and answers to your FAQs about the pandemic. Hosts Matt Millard, Dan McLaughlin and Morven McIntyre look back over the past two series of Alone Together and share their favourite moments. Alone T...
On this episode we take a look at the return to universities for students. What are their concerns about the new academic year? What will lectures look like under social distancing? And what do they feel needs to be done to support them? Matt Millard speaks with Joshua Williams, a postgraduate student at the University of Birmingham and ex-president of the students union, to get a deeper perspective on the challenges that students are facing. Dan McLaughlin speaks with Dr Carole O’Reilly, senior...
The episode contains promotional content. It introduces Nordstrom Rack's new fall arrivals, emphasizing up to 60% off popular brands and the perks of the Nordiclub for exclusive discounts. Additionally, it showcases Abercrombie's denim, promoting its comfort and perfect fit, particularly their game-changing Curve Love denim designed to eliminate waist gap.
The lockdown has seen the UK population's drinking levels soar. This episode tackles the subject of our relationship with alcohol and how this has changed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dan McLaughlin speaks to DrinkAware’s Jennifer Walters about the increase in 'high-risk' drinkers, offering tips and support for those who are struggling with alcohol. Matt Millard speaks to former journalist and business owner Richard Beech about his turbulent relationship with alcohol, which led him to go sober ...
In this episode we explore the ways we have had to adapt to coronavirus in order to stay safe, and if these changes have helped or hindered our progress to live more sustainably. Are we still on track in the UK for a carbon neutral future? Join us, as we speak to the experts to find out just that! Morven McIntyre speaks to Beth Gardiner, an environmental journalist and author of bestselling book ‘Choked: The Age of Air Pollution and the Fight for a Cleaner Future’, about the lessons that can be ...
The music industry, like many other industries, is under threat due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Live music supports 200,000 jobs in the UK - but 60% of those are now under threat. On this episode of Alone Together, Dan McLaughlin and Matt Millard look at the challenges that music is facing - and what can be done to resolve them. London-based singer-songwriter and recording artist Aymee Weir chats to Matt about her experiences as a musician in lockdown - and what her plans are for the future. Micha...
Face masks are on the mind - and on your faces (we hope) - on today's episode of Alone Together. Morven McIntyre speaks to Dr Simon Kolstoe from the University of Portsmouth about the importance of wearing face masks. The academic explains the research behind coverings and discusses the communication about their effectiveness. And in our Local Heroes segment, Dan McLaughlin speaks to Anna Simmons, associate assistant headteacher at Buile Hill Academy in Salford, about the support and food packag...
The arts and entertainment industries are in the spotlight on this episode of Alone Together after they were forced to switch off their spotlights under the coronavirus restrictions. Theatres, arts centres, comedy clubs, music venues, and other places of entertainment had to shut their doors in March – and for many, they have remained shut; and for some, they may sadly never open again. Last month, when announcing the £1.57 billion rescue package, prime minister Boris Johnson called the arts the...
Many parents have had to juggle the responsibilities of work with home-schooling during the Covid-19 pandemic. With lockdown restrictions easing, the pressure could soon be taken off them. Some schools have seen some children return already, whilst the majority of kids are expected to attend from September. On this episode, we get different parenting perspectives of children returning to school after the summer holidays. Lemon-Aid newsletter founder Lynda Moyo and WorkingMamas.com co-founder She...
The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a shift in communication moving online with technology playing a big role in staying connected with one another. And in this episode, the Alone Together team looks at its role during the lockdown - for good and for bad. Will Guyatt, LBC's tech correspondent, chats to Morven McIntyre about the latest tech trends - and what's here to stay after the pandemic. Psychotherapist and counsellor Maya Tomse discusses the impact of technology on our mental health, especially ...
The Alone Together podcast is back for a second series, and in this bumper opening episode, Matt Millard and Dan McLaughlin explore the world of dating and relationships during the Covid-19 pandemic. Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at eHarmony, chats to Dan about how the lockdown has affected the way we date - and why you should keep persevering to find love through online dating. Relate's Dee Holmes discusses the findings of the 'Relationships in Lockdown' report – published by the counselli...
In this new series of Alone Together, hosts Morven McIntyre, Dan McLaughlin and Matt Millard will be following the Coronavirus story closely, as we learn to adapt to a ‘new normal’ and slowly come out of the lockdown we’ve been in for these past few months. As businesses reopen their doors for the first time, schools welcome back our children and we return to the workplace, what will our new post-lockdown lives look like? Join us in this new series of Alone Together, to find out just that. Do yo...
As the coronavirus restrictions start to ease, more people are returning to work - but for many, going back to the office can be a daunting prospect. The latest episode of Alone Together - A Coronavirus Podcast looks ahead to life after lockdown, and how we can stay protected in the workplace. Alone Together’s Dan McLaughlin speaks to Professor Martie van Tongeren from the University of Manchester about the importance of occupational health and how employers should “redesign their work” to prote...
The coronavirus has caused disruption in many parts of our lives and sleep is no exception. Many of us are now struggling to fall asleep, have disrupted sleeping patterns or have experienced lucid dreaming. On this week’s episode, we discuss the topic of sleep - and how we can improve it. Dan McLaughlin speaks to Professor Mark Blagrove from Swansea University’s Sleep Laboratory about why we may be experiencing vivid dreams in the lockdown. He discusses his research into dreaming, and explains w...
The lockdown is a difficult time for us all, but it is particularly tough for the vulnerable in our communities. The latest episode of Alone Together - A Coronavirus Podcast looks at the organisations that are helping those who require extra support in isolation. Age Concern, a Lancashire-based charity that specialises in dementia services, is “going above and beyond” to look after the elderly in the lockdown. Alone Together’s Matt Millard speaks to Abby Waylett from the charity about the help t...
In the latest episode of Alone Together - A Coronavirus Podcast, you’ll hear about how religious communities are staying connected during lockdown, through embracing technology. Join Laudable podcast producers Matt Millard and Morven McIntyre as they learn more about both the practising of Christain and Muslim faiths during the lockdown and how they’ve adapted now that they can no longer visit their place of worship. Alone Together’s Dan McLaughlin, speaks to Reverend Andy Salmon from Salford wh...
This week's episode is about how we are adapting to what is now known as the 'new normal.' More specifically, we take a look at the local businesses who thought fast, adapted quickly to our current situation and are now thriving as a result, whilst also providing vital services to the public and helping those in their local communities. Alone Together's, Matt Millard speaks to James from Wild Bx who adapted his business quickly and efficiently when lockdown restrictions were put in place, introd...
Other than leaving home for food, medicine, exercise or in some cases, work, we are largely stuck indoors during this lockdown. This latest episode of Alone Together - A Coronavirus Podcast offers advice on how to fill that extra time spent at home with your families. For those experimenting in the kitchen, Morven McIntyre speaks to Edinburgh-based chef Barry Bryson about resourceful ways to shop for food – and how to rustle up a dish using staple cupboard supplies. The lockdown also allows time...
This episode is dedicated to pet owners' during the lockdown Alone Together’s, Dan McLaughlin and Matt Millard discuss missing companionship from furry friends during the lockdown. Dog trainer and dog behavior specialist, Trish Mahon speaks to Matt providing tips on topics from dog stress and anxiety to the best ways to train and socialise a puppy during a lockdown. Alone Together’s, Morven McIntyre speaks to vet of 30 years, Charles Williams who specialises in small animals. Charles provides re...
In the latest episode of Alone Together - A Coronavirus Podcast, you’ll hear from experts who share their essential self care-tips. Join Laudable podcast producers Morven McIntyre and Dan McLaughlin as they learn more about keeping up your mental and physical resilience during the lockdown. Hygiene expert Derek Watson is on the podcast to discuss his research into handwashing - and how to implement proper and thorough washing and drying into your daily routines. And for those coping on their own...
In ordinary times, it is already a busy and stressful environment for health workers - but the added pressure of the coronavirus crisis is stretching their resources and resolve. In the latest episode of Alone Together, join Laudable's Matt Millard, and Morven McIntyre, podcast producer at the Edinburgh Evening News, as they pay tribute to the doctors, nurses, porters, radiologists, and all NHS workers who have shown immense dedication and courage in the face of the pandemic. Morven gets the Wel...
The coronavirus lockdown meant that things, more or less, changed overnight: parents became teachers, classrooms turned virtual, and homes transformed into schools. On this week’s episode of Alone Together, our guests offer advice for parents who need to both entertain and educate their children during the lockdown. Join Dan McLaughlin, podcast producer at the Manchester Evening News, and Morven McIntyre, podcast producer at the Edinburgh Evening News, as they help answer some of your questions:...
This week we are here to share some positive stories in an episode filled with kindness. Dan McLauglin, podcast producer at Manchester Evening News and Matt Millard, podcast producer at Birmingham Live discuss Boris Johnson’s medical status after he was taken into intensive care. Sam Mcbride, the Northern Ireland Political editor for the i paper and the political editor of the Newsletter, also provides a government briefing. Matt chats to Ben George joint owner of Redbrick Property in Birmingham...
This episode of Alone Together aims to give you some tips and ideas on how to keep both physically and mentally well during lockdown. Morven McIntyre, podcast producer at the Edinburgh Evening News and Matt Millard, podcast producer at Birmingham Live discuss how they are keeping active with dog walks and runs. To ease some of the public's anxiety concerns, Dan McLaughlin podcast producer at the Manchester Evening News, chats to Joshua Fletcher, psychotherapist, author and podcaster. Joshua shar...
Presenters Dan and Matt discuss the possibility of being in lockdown for 6 months after the government hinted that the current restrictions in the UK could last for months, rather than weeks. In this episode, we answer some of the public's most pressing financial concerns. Employment lawyer at Wilkin Chapman, Oliver Tasker, informs on the government furlough scheme and how businesses can forward plan if it doesn’t extend past 3 months. Oliver also provides advice for the self employed and how th...
Morven and Dan give the lowdown on the government lockdown. New measures mean the public leaving the house for two main reasons: one piece of exercise per day or going to the shops for essential supplies. On the second episode, Matt interviews Mazzy Snape, a music creative, who has created a platform called ‘Lockdown Brum’ where creatives in Birmingham such as comedians, actors, musicians and many others can submit content for people to watch online. Dr Rachel Sutherland, an Edinburgh based doct...
On the first episode of Alone Together, presenters Dan and Matt discuss their first virtual mother’s day and how they have adjusted to podcasting from home. To dive into your coronavirus FAQs, this week our expert is Edinburgh based pharmacist, Yaseen Yousaf of Paton and Finlay, who answers your pressing medical questions. We also chat to local hero Mathew Quinn, managing director of Future Sales, who is offering free deliveries of essential supplies within 50 miles of his home on his motorbike....
As the Coronavirus continues to spread across the world, so is the spread of false information, panic, fear, doom and gloom. It is a worrying time for us all. But in this podcast we’ll hear from the amazing people who are doing their bit to keep our local communities going, sharing their positive and inspiring stories during this time of unrest. We’ll also be answering your questions about the virus, hopefully putting minds at ease and shedding some light on the truths of the pandemic. Experts a...
