Charity industry trade publication Third Sector has launched a new podcast series covering the vital work that small charities and non-profit organisations do to prevent knife crime.
The Diff is starting with a three-episode pilot series, hosted by film critic and radio presenter Rhianna Dhillon, who also presents the weekly PodPod podcast. The pilot series is set to run from today until 17 November, and will feature Dhillon in conversation with representatives from various charities working to address the UK’s current “knife crime epidemic”.
This includes Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and The Safety Box CIC founder Nathaniel Peat on the origin of knife crime in the UK, StreetDoctors chief executive Lucie Russel on equipping young people with first-aid skills, and the Synergy Theatre Project artistic director Esther Baker on how creativity and the dramatic arts can facilitate long-term rehabilitation of offenders and ex-offenders.
“I'm really enjoying hosting The Diff - it's such a departure from what I've done in the past so I'm very grateful for the opportunity to speak to so many fascinating, passionate people who have dedicated their lives to helping others,” Dhillon told PodPod. “I've already learned a lot about different areas in the charity sector, and I hope it inspires listeners to reflect on how they can help, depending on their skill set.”
Third Sector is owned by PodPod’s parent company Haymarket Media Group. In addition to The Diff, the Third Sector Podcast has been running weekly since 2019, and features regular co-hosts like senior multimedia reporter Lucinda Rouse and news editor Andy Ricketts speaking to key players in the charity sector that have transformed people’s lives for the better.
“Recording this pilot series of The Diff has been an immensely eye-opening and rewarding experience, and I hope it will prove an engaging and valuable listen for our audience – and beyond,” said Third Sector editor Emily Burt. “We have taken a different approach to showcasing the vital work of charities with this project, and I hope the powerful stories of our guests speak for themselves.
“Thank you to all of our guests who joined us for the pilot, and to the talented team of young producers who put the project together.”
Roger Gowdy, director of podcast production and consultancy agency Castmastery, said that branded charity podcasts are “a match made in heaven” in a previous guest column for PodPod, as their long-form format allows them to tell stories that can create deeper connections with their audiences. Low barriers to entry also allow cash-poor charities to explore the medium without requiring significant investment.
“Times are tough for charities right now with funding instability, but that’s all the more reason to make sure that any time and money spent on marketing and spreading awareness is effective and actually provides a return,” said Gowdy. “While podcasting may not necessarily deliver quick wins, with a strong medium to long-term strategy, for many charities it might just become their secret weapon.”
