Bristol: City of Activism is a series of audio interviews with people taking action for causes they care about – from marrying trees to building comedy clubs. Each episode offers an invigorating glimpse into the many ways we can work to make things better for our communities.

The six episodes were each produced by a student on the 2022 Masters programme in Audio Journalism at the University of the West of England. Students researched, interviewed, recorded, and edited their 15-minute story around a topic of their choice.

Empathy Museum have been supporting students in the development and production of their projects, and we’re proud to present the whole series below.

Have a listen!

Neurodiver-CITY

Produced by Kieran Becker

The university experience – loud sounds and flashing lights in nightclubs, tortuous deadlines, and the constant pressures of organised healthy living – is neurologically not for everyone. To understand how experiences can differ when your brain is “wired” differently, we hear from Jake Brackstone, founder and president of the UWE Neurodiversity Society. Brackstone discusses how his own experiences at university led him to form a group that supports and raises awareness for neurodiversity.

Neurodiversity campaigners such as Brackstone argue that the “traditional” university experience causes a lot of isolation among young people, and that we need alternative cultural models. 30-40% of people in the UK are thought to be neurodivergent. Seeing that scientific models, medical explanations, and tried and tested remedies are failing, neurodiversity advocates argue that we need to focus elsewhere in order to enable people to thrive in a society not built for them.

A Comedy of Charity

Produced by David Echevarría

David Echevarría talks to Mark Olver, David Hoare, and others involved with Belly Laughs, a series of charity stand-up comedy events that occur throughout Bristol every January. We learn about how it came into being, the difficulties of lockdown, the communities and charities it supports, the ins and outs of setting up such a grand scheme, and what the future holds for the group of hard-working comedians striving to help those in need.

Sing Like A Girl

Produced by Riham Moussa

Across Bristol, lighthouses are being illuminated for every woman who wants a career in the music industry. In this episode we hear from three inspiring women of colour, each reflecting on the music scene and their thriving careers – despite all the obstacles.

Bride and Branch

Produced by Petra Jones

In September 2021, 70 women gathered at Bristol’s harbourside in their bridal gowns and said “I do” – each taking a tree as their spouse. There are currently 74 mature trees under threat at the harbour-side’s only green space (the Baltic Wharf Caravan Club site), due to building plans for 166 new apartments.

In this episode we hear from the ceremony’s organiser, Siobhan Kierans, who believes that “trees are our partners for life”. She’s an activist who’s been campaigning and protesting in Bristol for many years, and whose core passion is saving the city’s trees.

Unpacking Gender

Produced by Alastair Salmon

Computer programmer Aya Stead discusses her experience as a trans woman in the tech industry, and how she’s using her skills to help make transition easier for her gender non-conforming peers.

Vehicular Solutions

Produced by Sam Walsh

The housing crisis in Bristol is out of control, and some people are looking for alternatives. Sam Walsh speaks to a variety of different vehicle-dwellers about their lifestyle and how new legislation is threatening it.