Sussex & Surrey Soapbox
The 'Sussex & Surrey Soapbox' Podcast is a local roundtable plus special guests, exploring the issues that matter most. We tackle the topics that spark debate, challenge perspectives, and shape our communities — always with balance, openness, and respect.
Our panel brings together a diverse range of voices to unpack complex and sometimes emotive subjects, offering thoughtful discussion, differing viewpoints, and factual insight. While we don’t shy away from the tough conversations, we believe they’re best had with curiosity, good humour, and a focus on what truly matters.
Search 'Sussex & Surrey Soapbox' & join our Facebook group - a 'Village Hall' vibe with a community discussing topics from different perspectives and always with respect... keyboard warriors not welcome!
You can catch soundbites from the latest episode on local community radio (SUSY 103.4, Meridian FM) - a shorter, accessible version of the podcast.
The latest episode with the full conversation is available here and across all major platforms. We love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, come join us in our Facebook group, or leave a comment & subscribe via Spotify etc....
Thank you for your interest, Clive Hilton.
Episodes
30 episodes
SPOT: Find A Local Business (FALB)
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back from the debate to Spotlight a Charity or in this case a local social initiative FALB (Find A Local Business) helping local independent businesses t...
Mental Health Awareness Week: When Staying Quiet Hurts
Special Guest: Shariff Boolaky, Menshare Listening Group & BRING YOUR SH*T host. Plus Roundtable Featuring: Maureen Jones, Micaela Leal, Abigail Chapman-Miller, James Tidy & Iqbal Khan. Host: Clive Hilton.&nbs...
SPOT: Creative Crawley - Art, Play & Reimagining Our Community
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back from the debate to Spotlight a Social Initiative or in this case a Charity making a huge difference in our local community.Crawley doesn’t need to b...
Social Media Rewards Conflict More Than Community
Roundtable Featuring: Michelle Lucas (Special Guest), Maureen Jones, Micaela Leal, Georgie Lucas, Aga Es, Abigail Chapman-Miller, James Tidy & Magdalena Rahman. Host: Clive Hilton. Social media can make grown...
SPOT: CCYS Adopt Ifield Station
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back to Spotlight a Charity or in this case a Social Initiative making a positive difference in the local community.Amanda Foster, Youth Worker In...
SPOT: Crawley Muslim Network Community Spirit
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back to Spotlight a Charity or in this case a Social Initiative making a positive difference in the local community.We’re joined by Hamzah Khan, a...
Homelessness (Part 2): Breaking the Cycle - Real Paths Out
In this Homelessness Part 2 episode, we continue the conversation with Ian Wilkins, Crawley Open House and Michelle Harfield, Turning Tides to explore what truly helps people move beyond homelessness—and why simply offering a roof...
SPOT: Ensemble Reza
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we Spotlight a Charity or in this case a Social Initiative making a positive difference in the local community.Sheet music can be a comfort blanket, but it can a...
Homelessness (Part 1): How People Actually Become Homeless
In this first episode of two parts, we sit down with special guests Michelle Harfield, Turning Tides and Ian Wilkins, Crawley Open House for a candid, eye-opening conversation about the real causes of homelessness in Sussex...
Debate or Division? 'Stop the Boats' - 'Support the Vulnerable'
We explore how divided are we as a society? and hear from a number of voices with soundbites from:- Maz, ex Anti Nazi League Member, supporting the Gaza march 22Feb- 'G', a local patriot Dad who has had enough of the 'hote...
Is Sussex & Surrey Becoming Too Expensive to Live In?
We talk frankly about why life in Sussex & Surrey seems to get more expensive every month — from energy and water bills to rent, trains and the weekly shop. We share the everyday frustrations people are feeling and the practical ways...
Spot: Poppy’s Double Marathon - From Rock Bottom to Race Day for St Catherine's Hospice
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we Spotlight a Charity, Social Initiative or in this case an inspiration in the community.It's Easter Monday. A lively teenager Poppy May feels a sudden p...
Spot: Holding Someone Through Cancer, Sean Orr
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we Spotlight a very personal story from Sean Orr.Cancer doesn’t just happen to the person with the diagnosis. It happens to the partner making the calls, the sp...
Mental Health: Are You Okay? The Question That Saves Lives
One in four adults will face a mental health problem each year, but numbers don’t capture the quiet part: the loneliness, the slow slide, and the moment someone realises they’re not coping. From the Red Lion & Cellar Room in Betchwor...
Why Don’t We Vote? The Local Politics Reality Check
Sussex & Surrey Soapbox – SPECIAL: Local Elections Roundtable, Featuring: Cllr Richard Biggs (Conservative) - Leader of Reigate and Banstead BC, Councillor for Horley West and Sidlow.James Tidy
Spot: Iqbal's Tess’s Kitchen & The Hidden Hunger In Crawley
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we Spotlight Iqbal Khan 'Q' and the volunteers behind Tess’s Kitchen in Crawley, from its “Spag Bowl Sunday” beginnings to serving around 40 hot meals thre...
Mother’s Day Reflections & Iqbal’s Charm
This is not a typical episode - sharing a brief soundbite of a Roundtable discussion which aired on Mother’s Day... **jump to the last 90 seconds where Iqbal shares a heartfelt message to his sister, partner and mum! We discuss upco...
The 2026 Classroom: A Teacher’s Reality Check
What does teaching really look like in a modern secondary school?In this episode, Amanda, a passionate teacher from Surrey, shares an honest look at life inside today’s classrooms. From 30+ student classes and rising SEND needs, t...
IWD 'Give to Gain': Equality at Work, The Mental Load at Home & The Role of Partners
On International Women’s Day 2026, this roundtable with special guest Maggie Chen (Founder of GIC, www.girlsincharge.co.uk) goes far beyond celebration. Under this years IWD theme “Give to Gain,” the panel explores what equality r...
Are Weekend Trains a Rip-Off? A Train Driver Tells the Truth
Are weekend trains in Sussex and Surrey actually fit for purpose—or are passengers being short-changed? In this lively roundtable, a train driver pulls back the curtain on why weekend rail travel feels so broken.10 key aspects we tack...
The Student Loan Injustice & When Higher Education Isn’t Higher!
We challenge the UK student loan model, from £66k thresholds to RPI-linked interest, and ask whether mass university still delivers value. We compare degrees to trades, examine apprenticeships and graduate schemes, and explore fixes that align ...
The Godstone Sinkhole with Claire Coutinho MP & Henry Smith ex-MP on the West Sussex potholes
This episode is in two parts, first Neil Munday and Clive Hilton speak to Claire Coutinho MP for East Surrey since 2019 (and Shadow Minister for Equalities since 2024) - It’s been a year since the infamous Godstone Sinkhole suddenly opened up o...
Fireside chat: Henry Smith (Reform) & Stephen Pritchard (Labour)
Fireside Chat: Henry Smith and Stephen Pritchard - Local Elections are back on!People, Politics & PowerWhat really drives a politician to switch parties? Do local elections still matter to the communities they’re...
Is Flag Flying Patriotic? or a Message to Others?
Is Flag Flying Patriotic — or a Message to Others?The diverse roundtable take on the meaning of flag flying today — pride, patriotism, and the mixed signals it can send the wider community. Is it a celebration of identity, or does it...
Spot: St Catherine's Hospice New Flagship Superstore
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we Spotlight St Catherine's Hospice.On Thursday 12th February, St Catherine’s Hospice celebrated the official launch of its new flagship superstore in Crawley t...
