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
39 episodes
Alcohol As Social Glue Or Social Problem
Special Guest: Chelle LucasRoundtable Featuring: Abigail Chapman-Miller (Labour), Jacq Inwood, Maureen Jones, Aga Es and Mags Rahman. Host: Clive Hilton.Alcohol is woven into British life so tightly...
Smartphones, Freedom And 2026 Childhood
Special Guest: Chelle Lucas Roundtable Featuring: Abigail Chapman-Miller (Labour), Jacq Inwood, Maureen Jones, Aga Es and Mags Rahman. Host: Clive Hilton. Childhood has not just changed, it’s b...
Building Homes Without Roads Schools Or GPs
Planning is meant to turn housebuilding into liveable places, but across Sussex & Surrey it often feels like we are pouring concrete first and asking awkward questions later. We sit down with Abigail Chapman-Miller (Labour), Matt Brewin (Gr...
SPOT: Crawley Combat Academy
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back from the debate to Spotlight a social initiative, local event or charity. The Soapbox recently tackled knife crime with special guest Keith Collyer, Cra...
SEND Reform: Can Every Child Truly Thrive?
Special Guest: - Matt Brewin, Primary School Teacher in Haywards Heath and Chair of Mid Sussex Green Party - Paul Taylor-Burr, Community Volunteer and Parent of two children with ASD/ADHD Roundtable Featuring: Ab...
SPOT: St Catherine's Hospice Midnight Walk
SPOT: a slightly different format to the Roundtable discussions where we step back from the debate to Spotlight a social initiative, local event or charity. Saturday 6th June and it's the Midnight Walk 2026!Orange T-shi...
SPOT: Reigate Summer Festival
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 arts festival - Reigate Summer Festival with Tim Glynne-Jones. A ...
Knife Crime: Fear, Survival & The Ripple Effect
Special Guest: Keith Collyer, Crawley Combat Academy and Shariff Boolaky, Menshare Listening Group. Plus Roundtable Featuring: Maureen Jones, Micaela Leal, Abigail Chapman-Miller & Iqbal Khan. Host: Clive Hilton. <...
Clicks, Coffee & Community: The Future of the High Street
Special Guests: - Michelle Lucas, Only Dogs Ltd - an award winning Dog grooming business on Lingfield High Street.- Sami Ella Bristow, Blossoms Brunch & Coffee - a thriving community cafe in Godstone adept at...
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...
