We explore how racial and cultural barriers in music education impact children & young people's mental health & wellbeing, and examine the healing potential of inclusive singing practices. Baz and Celi are joined by Luqman Ali, co-founder and artistic director of Khayaal Theatre Company, the UK's first professional theatre company dedicated to Muslim literature and culture, and Natasha Hendry, a music psychologist whose research focuses on racial barriers in music education.

The conversation delves into the intersection of race and culture, the concept of "weathering" - the long-term health impacts of experiencing racism - and how singing can provide both immediate healing and contribute to broader social justice efforts. The guests share personal experiences of exclusion from formal music education, discuss the diversity within Muslim communities regarding music and singing, and offer practical guidance for educators wanting to create more inclusive musical environments.

In this episode of Inspiring Voices, hosts Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia welcome two guests who share both family ties and expertise in understanding music's impact on wellbeing. Dr Daisy Fancourt, Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at UCL, brings research on how singing and arts engagement affect mental health across all ages - from mothers with postnatal depression to young people on mental health waiting lists. Joining her is composer Howard Goodall CBE, the first National Ambassador for Singing and creator of TV and film scores, who shares insights into why singing should be part of school and community life. Together, they explore the role of collective music-making in building resilience, the decline of arts provision in schools, the effects of COVID on community singing, and why singing together remains an important tool for connection and healing.

"We have created the ideology of normal... and if we don't deconstruct that, we will 100% be traumatising our young people."

Join Celi and Baz for a deeply honest conversation with BAFTA award-winning broadcasters and MBE recipients Carrie and David Grant. Long-time Sing Up friends, they share their family's journey raising four neurodivergent children in a household where music has always been part of daily life.

In this thoughtful episode, discover:

• How they created a music-filled home where instruments were always accessible and creativity flourished
• Why a TV lighting technician had more autism training than any teacher their child ever encountered
• The importance of "sitting in the ruins" with young people and validating their experience
• Moving stories from their career, including how their TV show helped a parent whose non-speaking child found their voice
• Why music is "free medicine" - accessible to everyone regardless of singing ability

From their early days creating empowering songs to supporting families through their autism parent group, Carrie and David share insights about questioning "normal," fostering belonging, and demonstrating how music can be both refuge and voice for children facing challenges.

A valuable listen for: Parents, teachers, music educators, and anyone working with children and young people. This conversation offers profound insights into acceptance, creativity, and the healing power of truly being heard.

Content warning: Discusses mental health challenges including suicide ideation.