The Happy Hour
An hour of happiness and wellbeing.
Listen every Monday from 1pm, repeated Thursdays at 6pm and Sundays at 10am.
The Happy Hour is a weekly mix of great music, chat, and happiness and wellbeing hosted by disability advocate Claire Sisk and Paulina Kuchorew. You'll hear experts share advice on looking after our wellbeing, catch candid conversations about sight loss and mental health, and enjoy some music therapy!
Episodes
Showing episodes 1 to 10 of 162
19 October 2026: Bonfire Night Accessibility & Blind Baseball in Greater Manchester
On the Happy Hour this week we're going to learn about the Greater Manchester Gladiators Blind Baseball club as we speak with their club secretary Shoaib Nazir. Emmy from Emmy's VIP Life is back to share some of her tips for making Bonfire Night feel more inclusive and Claire and Paulina chat their Halloween plans.
12 October 2026: Future Dreams Breast Cancer Charity & October Book Spotlight
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so on the Happy Hour this week we speak with Sam Jacobs, CEO of breast cancer charity Future Dreams. It’s also a new month, so time for a new book spotlight and this time Paulina checks out The Opposite of Happiness: how bad feelings make and break us by George Loewenstein.
5 October 2026: Barriers To Mindfulness & What Wellbeing Support Is Available?
World Mental Health Day takes place on the 10th of October. On the show this week we speak with Amanda Hawkins RNIB’s Head of Mental Health and Counselling about the resources available for blind and partially sighted people to support their wellbeing. Plus, Amelia speaks with Dr Beverly Deguid about barriers to mindfulness and wellbeing and how support could be made more inclusive.
28 September 2026: Strong Muscles For Strong Heart Health & October Almanac
October is Menopause Awareness Month and on the Happy Hour we’re going to focus on the link between strong muscles and heart health. Paulina will speak with Professor Michelle Williams to learn why building strong muscles matter as we age. Plus, national days for October and time for more facts from nature, history and folklore with Amelia and the latest Almanac.
21 September 2026: Never Lose Sight With Angela Ricketts
Funny animal facts are back with Claire trying to guess the mystery animal sound. Letter this month is W. We’re also going to hear from Angela Rickets, who’ll share her story and tell us what inspired her to launch Sight Stones and how they help fund important research in USA. Plus, Angela will share how she hopes her new book can help others get through tough times.
14 September 2026: Kim's Carrot Cake Recipe & Blind Baseball With Saima Ashraf MBE
This week on the Happy Hour chef Kim Jaye shares her favourite recipe for a scrumptious carrot cake. And we’re talking with Saima Ashraf MBE, who will share how she got involved in blind baseball and the difference the sport can make on your health and wellbeing.
7 September 2026: How Community and Yoga Gives You Strength, & 8 Million Ways to Happiness
This week on the show, a book recommendation from the self-help shelves takes us on a reflective journey through Japan in search of Eight Million Ways to Happiness. And we catch up with yoga teacher Dawn Blezard to chat community, yoga, and taking on big challenges in support of others.
31 August 2026: New Parents Struggling With Mental Health & September Almanac
On the show this week, we chat about the reality of new parenthood and how to support your own wellbeing at a time that can be a big adjustment. Sharing her advice is British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) registered therapist and parenting mental health expert, Sarah Wheatley. Plus, we have the latest Almanac with facts from history, nature and folklore as Amelia tells us more about the month of September and what we can look out for as we finally enter the cosy season.
24 August 2026: In Conversation With Musician Neil Billinness
This week we share another personal story. Musician Neil Billinness will chat to us about losing his sight after a stroke, and turning to music for comfort in hard times following the death of his partner and his dad’s brain cancer diagnosis. We’ll also dig deep into his musical style and inspirations. Plus, funny animal facts are back for this month, and we have a cute animal-themed funny news story for you.
17 August 2026: Playlist for Life & Making Work Placements Accessible
This week we speak with Emmy about her recent work placement with a local theatre and how it is being adapted for her needs. Plus, we learn how music can help memory and support with dementia as Amelia speaks with Pam from charity Playlist For Life.