30th September 2026 marks International Podcast Day and we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than turning the spotlight onto the voices of Northern women who inspire us!

Podcasts don't just give people the opportunity to share their experiences in their own words, they allow people to open up about the challenges, decisions, setbacks and successes that have shaped them along the way.

For years, the We Are PoWEr Podcast has been creating that space for leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and aspiring changemakers across the North and beyond. So, this International Podcast Day, we wanted to look back at how the podcast has evolved and share some of the stories we have heard along the way.

Creating a space to be heard

The We Are PoWEr Podcast has been something that has grown alongside our community and it all started with a simple idea - give brilliant people a platform and let them tell their stories.

• A job title doesn't tell you what someone had to overcome to get there. 
• An award doesn't tell you about the years of work behind it. 
• And a successful business doesn't always reveal the risks its founder took before anyone else believed in the idea.

And that's what the We Are PoWEr Podcast aims to share.

From leadership and entrepreneurship to inclusion, advocacy and personal growth, our conversations explore what achievement really looks like and what happens behind the scenes.

It is a chance to hear directly from people who are doing incredible things and to discover that there is rarely one straightforward route.

How the conversations have evolved

Looking back at some of our earlier episodes, you can see just how much the podcast has grown. Our conversations with female founders have shown that entrepreneurship rarely follows a perfect plan.

Catherine Millan, who joined us in 2025, spoke about ADHD, being a young carer and becoming an award-winning CEO.

Her story demonstrates how personal experiences can shape professional purpose. Through her work, Catherine focuses on psychologically safe workplaces and active bystander training, turning her own experiences and expertise into positive change for others.

This is just one example of how you don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Sometimes you simply see a problem, believe something could be better and decide to do something about it.

Listen to Catherine Millan on the We Are PoWEr Podcast

In 2025, we also spoke to Jo Milne, founder of Cure Usher Syndrome, about turning personal experience into advocacy.

After discovering at 29 that she was living with Usher syndrome, Jo used her experience as a catalyst for action, campaigning to raise awareness, support research and amplify the voices of others affected by the condition. 

Her story reminds us that leadership doesn't always come with a job title. Sometimes it starts with recognising that something needs to change - and finding the courage to use your voice to make that change happen.

Listen to Jo Milne on the We Are PoWEr Podcast

The voices of 2026

Fast forward to 2026 and those conversations continue to evolve. This year, we have heard from those working across sport, advocacy, policing, business and beyond.

Figen Murray OBE is one of those voices. Following the Manchester Arena attack, Figen dedicated herself to campaigning for greater security at public venues and became a leading voice behind Martyn's Law.

Her story is a powerful example of what advocacy can achieve. One person's determination to create change can become a national conversation and ultimately influence legislation.

Listen to Figen Murray OBE on the We Are PoWEr Podcast

We have also heard from Natasha Jonas MBE, whose extraordinary boxing career has made her a role model far beyond the ring.

Our conversation explored boxing, motherhood and community, reminding us that success can evolve as our lives and priorities change.

Natasha's story also demonstrates the importance of representation. Seeing women succeeding at the highest level can help the next generation imagine themselves doing the same.

Listen to Natasha Jonas MBE on the We Are PoWEr Podcast

What comes next?

Looking back at the podcast's evolution makes us excited about what comes next.

Across the North, there are countless people building businesses, leading organisations, creating change in their communities, challenging barriers and making an impact every day. 

Some are established leaders. Others are only just beginning. Some have won awards. Others may not yet realise that their work deserves recognition and we want to keep finding these people.

The future of the We Are PoWEr Podcast is about continuing to create a platform for those voices. Exploring new industries, new perspectives and new definitions of success.

There is something powerful about hearing someone tell their story in their own words. 

A podcast can introduce you to a new role model, challenge the way you think or simply make you feel less alone in your own experiences and sometimes, hearing someone else's story is enough to make you think: “If they can do it, maybe I can too.” That is the power of giving people a platform.

So, this International Podcast Day, take some time to listen. Discover a new voice, hear a different perspective and share an episode with someone who might need to hear it.

And if you are looking for stories from inspiring Northern women, leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers, the We Are PoWEr Podcast is a great place to start.

Explore the We Are PoWEr Podcast →