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
17 episodes
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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48:27
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
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:15:45
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...
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Season 1
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9:44
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...
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Season 1
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15:26
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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32:15
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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44:34
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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30:23
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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21:36
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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13:07
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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31:31
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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11:56
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...
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Season 1
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5:54
Spot: Crawley Museum Celebrating BCal Exhibition
The Crawley Museum Is Celebrating British Caledonian Airways (BCal)The Crawley Museum is delighted to celebrate the story of British Caledonian Airways (BCal), one of the most recognisable names in British aviation and an airline ...
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Season 1
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5:26
Gentle Parenting: Are We Raising Resilient Kids?
Gentle Parenting: Are We Raising Resilient Kids?A lively, honest debate on gentle parenting — what it gets right, where it falls short, and how to balance empathy with boundaries. The panel tackles discipline, the evolving role of pa...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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12:35
Spot: Handcross Repair Cafe
A brilliant community initiative for people to meet, chat and enjoy refreshments whilst getting their household items fixed and working again! It’s completely FREE and run by volunteers every 3rd Saturday of the month at Handcross Hardware and ...
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Season 1
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12:02
Isolation, Valentines and Immigration
Our roundtable explores two big topics for Sussex and Surrey - Isolation in the community followed by immigration (a starter for ten, with more to come next week), plus some ideas for next Saturdays Valentine’s Day! Featuring: Georg...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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46:54
Pothole Pain, The Mega Godstone Sinkhole & Future Topics
Thank you for checking out this first episode with Georgie, Stephen, Aga & James.We reflect on January and some of the topics that matter across Sussex & Surrey.As it's our first group discussion we picked an easier topic ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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13:55
