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 125
2 February 2026: Changing Lives Through Sport, A Running Pierogi & February Almanac
We chat with Tokeer about his love and passion for sport and how he’s working hard to create opportunities for other blind and partially sighted people to try sport in the Greater Manchester area. Amelia is back with more sounds, history, and facts as she looks at the month of February with her latest Almanac. Plus, we look at the social-media trending year 2016 for Down the Memory Lane and our Funny News Story features a running food-themed mascot.
26 January 2026: Menopause Support at Work & Hypotony Clinic
On the Happy Hour this week we’re chatting menopause and how workplaces could better support women going through it. Plus, we hear about the world-first dedicated clinic for people living with the rare eye condition hypotony. And as always, Claire and Paulina take a look at this week’s funny news story and check out some upcoming food-themed national days for next month.
19 January 2026: Challenging Health Stigma & Give Golf a Go
This week on the Happy Hour, we talk cardiovascular disease and new research by British Heart Foundation which reveals that half of people living with it feel judged or embarrassed about their condition, negatively impacting their mental health and wellbeing. Plus, we learn about a new charity, encouraging people with disabilities to try golf.
12 January 2026: Inclusive Dance Classes & A Magical Book Review
We’re going to hear about seated online dance classes with Step Change Studios and how they provide a sense of fun and community for participants from across the UK as we speak with Zoe Elliott. Plus, Luci joins us for a review of a very magical and unique audiobook.
5 January 2026: Shout About Sex Event & What To Keep, Add, and Remove From 2026?
We’re back refreshed for the new year with a funny news story and some funny animal facts. Plus, Sam Pritchard from Exeter Pride tells us about their upcoming Shout About Sex event, and yoga teacher Dawn Blezard joins us to explain why it’s important to reflect on what to Keep, Add, and Remove in 2026.
1 January 2026: 2026 Happiness Guide
Claire and Paulina help to welcome in the New Year with some helpful wellbeing tips, silly chat, and great party songs. Hear how you can set realistic New Year’s resolutions with RNIB’s Amanda Hawkins, and join Paulina on a relaxing winter’s walk. Plus, Amelia will find out how people around the world welcome the New Year and explain which red animals we can spot in January with her latest Almanac.
28 December 2025: End Of Year Reset
We continue our festive Happy Hour shows as we look back at quirky facts from 2025, share our funniest news story, and learn how to reflect on the year with Amanda Hawkins from RNIB. Plus, VI Chef Kim Jaye returns with an easy and healthy recipe, and yoga teacher Dawn Blezard guides us through a routine to help soothe our tummies after all the festivities.
22 December 2025: Merry & Mindful Special
We have lots of festive goodies for you, including a delicious recipe for a Bavarian pork pie with visually impaired chef Kim Jaye, and a perfect Christmassy audiobook recommendation from Luci. Plus, everyone’s favourite Christmas songs, some funny animal facts but with a festive spin, and finally, Adrian from RSPB will teach us about the birds featured in the 12 Days of Christmas song.
15 December 2025: Sight Support West of England, Digital Media & Wellbeing
This week we learn about the work of charity Sight Support West of England. We’ll also hear about an interesting piece of research which explored how making videos, podcasts or blogs could enhance blind and partially sighted people’s sense of wellbeing and help improve their connection with others.
8 December 2025: A Naked Calendar for Charity & Hello My Name is Campaign
We speak with Josephine Boulter who came up with a fun and quirky idea to raise funds for her charity whilst also raising awareness of what it's like to live with sight loss. Plus, we'll learn how radiographers are working to shorten diagnostic journeys and improve patient experience as we hear from Richard Evans OBE, CEO of Society & College of Radiographers and their President, Katie Thompson.