🎙️ Episode 7 – Social Media: Too Much, Too Soon?

Failing Forwards is a bold, unfiltered podcast that amplifies the real voices of young people facing challenges. No sugarcoating—just raw, honest conversations about navigating education, life struggles, and the fight to be heard.

In this episode, the group dives deep into a hot topic: social media and its impact on young people. From the pressure to perform online to the blurred lines between reality and filtered perfection, they hold nothing back.

What's especially striking? Their shared view that access to social media should be capped at 16. With so much exposure at such a young age, they question whether the current age limits really protect anyone—and whether platforms are doing enough.

This conversation is real, reflective, and sometimes uncomfortable—but it’s needed. Because understanding the risks is the first step to changing the game.

📱💬 Too Much, Too Soon? Let’s talk about it.

This podcast is proudly supported by Havering Council and MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime)—empowering young voices and creating space for real change.

🎧 From Struggles to Success, One Story at a Time.

Episode 6: Mental Health & Moving Forward

In this powerful episode, we dive into the realities of mental health and the day-to-day experiences of young people in alternative education. With a heartfelt conversation between a young person and an elder, we explore generational perspectives, resilience, and the importance of being truly seen and supported.

This is their space to speak their truth, challenge stereotypes, and reshape their narratives—because setbacks aren’t the end, they’re the start of something greater.

Listen now and be part of the change.

This podcast is proudly supported by Havering Council and MOPAC (Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime)—empowering young voices and sparking positive change in our communities.

In this thought-provoking episode of FAILING FORWARDS, we dive into a raw and unfiltered conversation about the power of music, how it shapes mindsets, influences behaviour, and reflects the realities of young people’s lives. Two young voices explore the deep connection between lyrics, lifestyle, and the choices people make, breaking down the messages behind the music they listen to.

Their discussion unfolds into:

• The impact of music on mindset—how certain lyrics glorify fast money, violence, and drug use, and why that resonates with young people.
• Music as a double-edged sword, how artists influence both positive and negative choices, and the responsibility that comes with their platform.
• The power of conscious rap and storytelling, why some artists are using their music to uplift, educate, and inspire change.
• Escaping the cycle, how young people can shift their mindset and make informed choices despite the heavy influence of their environment.

This episode is more than just a conversation about music, it’s a deep dive into culture, influence, and the choices young people face today. With honesty and lived experience, these young voices question the narratives they’ve grown up with and challenge the next generation to think differently.

🎙 Tune in for a real and honest discussion about music, influence, and the mindset shift happening in youth culture today.

In this powerful episode of FAILING FORWARDS, the young men engage in a deep and unfiltered conversation about the long-term impact of “bad” parenting and how childhood experiences can shape the rest of your life. From absent fathers to toxic environments, they discuss the struggles of growing up without the right support and the emotional scars that linger into adulthood.

Their conversation expands beyond personal experiences, touching on:

• The ripple effect of negative parenting, how trauma, neglect, and broken homes shape young people’s futures.
• Music as an escape and a voice, how lyrics and beats provide comfort, understanding, and a way to process emotions.
• The silent struggles of young refugees, the untold stories of children from war-torn countries who carry PTSD into their new lives.
• The connection between past pain and present choices, how childhood experiences influence behaviour, mental health, and life paths.

This raw and eye-opening discussion challenges listeners to think beyond stereotypes and understand the deeper struggles many young people face. It’s a reminder that every behaviour has a backstory, and behind every troubled young person is an untold narrative of survival, resilience, and the hope for something better.

🎙 Tune in for a conversation that is as real as it gets, because some stories need to be heard.

In this episode of Voices from the PRU, we dive into the world of alternative education, exploring the challenges, rewards, and realities of teaching in a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU). Our young interviewers sit down with a dedicated teacher who has chosen to work with some of the most resilient and misunderstood young people in education.

With honesty and passion, our guest shares their journey, reflecting on:

• Why they chose to teach in a PRU rather than a mainstream school.
• The challenges that come with working in this environment, from behavioural struggles to systemic barriers.
• The rewards of the job—the small wins, breakthrough moments, and the impact that extends beyond the classroom.
• Misconceptions about PRUs and why young people in these settings deserve a second chance.
• The importance of relationships, how trust, patience, and understanding can shape a young person’s future.

Through this conversation, we gain a deeper understanding of the power of alternative education and the crucial role teachers play in re-engaging students who have often been written off by the system. This episode challenges stereotypes, highlights the resilience of both staff and students, and reminds us of the transformative power of education when delivered with compassion.

Join us as we amplify the voices of those working on the frontline of education, proving that every young person—no matter their background or struggles—deserves to be heard, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

🎙 Listen now to hear the untold stories of teaching in a PRU.

Our first episode of Failing Forwards is here! 🚀 This raw and honest podcast brings together a group of young people from Romford, sharing their real-life experiences, struggles, and triumphs. From navigating challenges to finding their way forward, this is an unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like growing up in our community.

No scripts, no filters—just real talk. Because failing isn’t the end—it’s part of moving forward.

✅ Real stories from young voices

✅ The highs and lows of life in Romford

✅ Honest discussions about challenges, growth, and resilience

Life isn’t always a straight path—sometimes, we stumble, learn, and grow. That’s exactly why we started Failing Forwards. This podcast is a space for young people to have honest, unfiltered conversations about their realities, struggles, and successes.

We’re here to:

🔹 Give young people a voice – Their experiences matter, and their stories deserve to be heard.

🔹 Break the stigma around failure – Every setback is a stepping stone to growth.

🔹 Highlight real challenges – From mental health to opportunities (or lack of), we talk about what’s really happening.

🔹 Inspire and empower – By sharing experiences, we show that no one is alone in their journey.

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. It’s about learning from our experiences, supporting each other, and proving that failing is just part of moving forward.

🎧 Join us as we dive deep into the realities of youth life, one conversation at a time.