Multi Story

Three stories of people who have found themselves giving or receiving care. Including 26-year-old Hannah who was recently diagnosed with FND, in conversation with her mum Alison - about the wide-ranging impact of the disorder on relationships, work and hobbies. And the importance of celebrating the small wins. And Nina from Essex, who last year volunteered at a care home in order to see her dad Roger during the first national lockdown, and shared their journey with dementia with an online community. Plus radio producer Bob, on returning to university in his mid-40s to train as a nurse, during a global pandemic. Multi Story is presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With thanks to BBC Essex and BBC Radio Solent.

Marianne and Chris Fisher swapped their five-bedroom family house in Shropshire for Trudy the camper van back in 2018. This is not a holiday, but a complete change in lifestyle - the married couple are aiming to step foot in every country in the world. But plans have been somewhat altered by a global pandemic. Multi Story is presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With thanks to BBC Radio Shropshire. You can follow Chris and Marianne's adventures at treadtheglobe.com

Two singers share how personal experience has shaped their song lyrics - from escaping a bad relationship, to long night shifts. Jackie thought she'd found the man of her dreams, but his behaviour soon became suffocating - and even when they split, he wouldn't leave her alone. She now hopes her music will help empower other women in the same situation. Spencer Flay has used the isolation of his crane cabin - 30 metres above sea level - to hone his song writing and ukulele playing skills. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers - with additional production from Shivani Dave. With thanks to BBC Radio Bristol and Juno Women's Aid. You can find details of organisations who can provide information and support in relation to domestic abuse at bbc.co.uk/actionline Find out how to share your music through BBC Upload (bbc.co.uk/upload) and BBC Introducing (bbc.co.uk/introducing).

Team GB athlete Jake Wightman and his actor brother Sam, talk identical twin rivalry and companionship, on and off the track. Plus former Olympic runners, Angela and Susan reflect on the pros and cons of being known as "The Tooby Twins". Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With thanks to British Athletics for commentary from the Muller British Athletics Championships 2021.

Two stories of people making and continuing legacies - from making space in the equestrian world, to sharing the spiritual teachings of yoga. Freedom found a passion for horse riding as a teenager, when his parents moved the family from Leicester, to the Caribbean island of Antigua. Returning to the UK five years later, he was struck by how much he stood out in the equestrian world, as a young black man from the inner city. He now dedicates his time to ensuring kids from all backgrounds have the opportunity to share his passion. Kids like Kanane, one of The Urban Equestrian Academy's biggest success stories to date. Jal grew up in Preston, thinking yoga was just something grannies did in the temple and resisting suggestions she gave it a go herself. It wasn't until her husband Richard suggested a spontaneous year-long adventure in India that she truly connected to the spiritual practise - a life-changing experience. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with additional production from Versha Nayee at BBC Radio Lancashire.

Three stories of people adapting to new and changing situations. Including Ewan, who lost his hearing following a surfing accident and channelled his energy into his passion for tennis; playing the game at the top level, representing Team GB in deaf tennis. Until another change in his hearing forced him to step away. And Emilie, who was volunteering for a children's charity in Uganda when she met five day old Adam - and formed an emotional bond she couldn't shake. Plus 19-year-old Wiki reflects on her changing relationship with food and her recovery from anorexia. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with additional production from Shivani Dave. With thanks to Sue Kinnear from BBC Radio Wiltshire, Toni McDonald from BBC Hereford and Worcester, and Jo Loosemore from BBC Radio Devon. You can find details of organisations who can provide information and support in relation to eating disorders at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Three stories of the way technology can help us form connections and feel less alone. Including Jo from Liverpool and Martin from Skelmersdale, single strangers who weren't looking for love - until they met in a virtual pub. Plus Sheila and her daughter Lynn from Rotherham, who have both found comfort in a very low maintenance cat, called Willow. And Dean, a retired psychiatric nurse from Ipswich who has found happiness in a hobby, which involves "love" dolls as artistic collaborators. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with additional production from Shivani Dave. With thanks to Peggy Walker and Grace Stead at BBC Radio Sheffield, Christine Willis at BBC Radio Merseyside, Jane Downs at BBC Radio Newcastle and Graham Tempest. You can listen and subscribe to the Dementia and Me podcast on BBC Sounds here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07fsqj9 - and on Twitter @BBCdementiapod

Three personal stories reflecting on how we interpret and respond to the rules. Including 81-year old Patricia, who has finally found her birth family after a 30 year search - right in the middle of a global pandemic. She's desperate to be reunited with her birth mum on her 100th birthday – but equally determined not to break national lockdown rules. And Wayne, who lives in Oxford with his husband, reflects on the rules that impact him because of his identity as a sexually active gay man - from blood donations to safari holidays. Plus the Nottinghamshire biology teacher living a double-life as a pirate radio show host... until the BBC came knocking. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with additional production from Shivani Dave. With thanks to Justin Dealey at BBC Three Counties Radio, Clodagh Stenson at BBC Radio Oxford, and Dean Jackson and Kenny Burton at BBC Radio Nottingham. You can find out more about BBC Introducing here: bbc.co.uk/introducing And blood donation in the UK here: blood.co.uk/who-can-give-blood

After a year-long hiatus, Multi Story is back for a fourth series! On 1st January 2020, we released "New Start" - a hopeful episode of the podcast, sharing positive stories of change as we looked forward to a fresh year, full of promise: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07yhrh0 And then the global coronavirus pandemic hit, and suddenly we all had to alter our expectations and plans. Including Claire (aka "Becca's mum"), whose retirement story we revisit in this taster episode. Plus a taster of what to come in the new series, launching on 12th May 2021. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with additional production from Shivani Dave.

How a spontaneous duet between two strangers at a London railway station sparked a viral video and a valued friendship, bringing joy to uncertain times. Last spring, Denis Robinson was playing one of the pianos at St Pancras International, when he was approached by passing musical theatre actor Ceili O'Connor. A video of their performance of Somewhere Over The Rainbow has been shared across the world. But what happened next? The fourth series of Multi Story has been postponed, while the team focus on making a new podcast sharing stories of good people, doing good deeds during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more and listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p087sdc4/episodes/downloads Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With contributions from Jim Davis at BBC Radio London

To welcome in the new decade, stories of life-changing moments and new directions. Including Kate, a Lancashire mum who has taken control of her alcohol addiction, and is now helping others do the same. Plus boxer Tom Hill shares the impact, and the silver lining of losing his job at the Redcar steelworks. And meet Mark Winkless - a huge Leicester City supporter who has gone from being a bad guy, to simply acting one on screen. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. Executive producer: James Stewart With contributions from: Garry Scott at BBC Radio Lancashire Matty Jones at BBC Tees Harris Millar at BBC Radio Leicester With thanks to Andrew Fewster

Getting in the mood for Christmas - a selection of festive audio treats from across England. Featuring the pub serving turkey and mince pies in August; the teen mum preparing for her baby's first Christmas in their new home; and a hospice chaplain and volunteer reflect on bringing festivities to their patients and families. Plus a Victorian Christmas card collector explains why his hobby is so important - and presenter Becca speaks to BBC Radio Leicester's Martin Ballard about his 30 years of switching a microphone for stage make-up in panto. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With contributions from: Laura Clemson at BBC Hereford and Worcester Philippa Goymer at BBC Tees and the Pregnant Teens podcast Emily Jeffrey at BBC Sussex and The Listening Project Caroline Adams at BBC Radio Devon Martin Ballard/Widow Twanky from BBC Radio Leicester Listen to the Pregnant Teens podcast here: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07r63bk

Four stories reflecting on what makes us who we are. Including Ash, aka Maria - a drag queen from Stoke, who mixes heavy metal and pop music. Mike from Bristol shares the impact of being part of the Windrush generation, and his hopes to gain official UK citizenship. Plus a Carlisle councillor and street artist swap thoughts on the place of graffiti in their city. And poet Jodie Langford, explains why she's proud to call Hull her home. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With contributions from: Perry Spiller and Liz Ellis at BBC Radio Stoke Tom Bigwood and Michael Jenkins at BBC Inside Out West Andrew Carter at BBC Radio Cumbria Ian McMillan and Kathryn Morrison (for the National Poetry Day and Local Radio programme from BBC Radio Humberside)

Four stories drawn from across England, celebrating the power of words. Featuring the World War II letters sent to Gilbert, from his lover - the mysterious "G". Ninety-seven-year-old Maurice Rutherford is gaining an online following, with his poems reflecting on love and older age (among other things!) Plus, Mansfield's former town crier explains the importance of the role in medieval times. And poet Hollie McNish reflects on the confusion and embarrassment that can come from a difference in regional dialect. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers. With contributions from: Genevieve Tudor and Allan Price at BBC Radio Shropshire Dominic King at BBC Radio Kent Pip Watts at BBC Radio Nottingham

Four surprising tales of changing body modifications. Featuring Jayne, who has a prosthetic nose for every occasion (including when she's had a few drinks!). Rising kayaking star, Helena explains why she made the huge decision to have her leg amputated at 22 years old. And Lucy, a Bradford tattooist explains how and why she's created specialist 3D nipple designs. Plus radio presenter Claira Hermet explains the tough journey she went through, to finally love her body. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers With contributions from: Claira Hermet and Jim Davis at BBC Radio London Charlotte Broadbent and Lauren Clemson at BBC Hereford and Worcester Beth Parsons at BBC Radio Leeds

Reflections on what it means to be in a relationship, or single. Featuring Charlie, Nick and Sydney sharing the emotions and logistics of their polyamorous romance. Plus, nuns Sisters Anne-Marie, Aelred and Gabriel explain why they don't fully consider themselves to be single. And childhood friends, David and Christine on the joy of finding love later in life. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers With contributions from: Letitia George at BBC Coventry & Warwickshire Emily Jeffery at BBC Radio Sussex Melvyn Prior at BBC Radio Lincolnshire

Three stories exploring the power of tuning in - from the buzzing of bees, to the shared thoughts of our friends. Featuring the Kent man who has cycled around the UK collecting unique sounds and voices as he goes, in order to make a special piece of music. The Listening Project brings two friends together in Scarborough, for an unexpected conversation about food and body image. Plus the Devon doctor who learnt to lip read to treat his patients, after losing his hearing as a young man - and how a cochlear implant has made things a little easier all round. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers With contributions from: Nathan Moore and Bek Homer from BBC Radio York Michael Chequer from BBC Radio Devon Find out more about The Big Record UK here: https://www.thebigrecord.com Hear more excellent conversations from The Listening Project: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01cqx3b

Three secret, untold or unexpected personal stories. Featuring the Wiltshire woman who had no idea her husband was a spy, until three years after his death. Plus childhood memories of a Fenland village once home to elephants, lions and zebras; and the British engineer who has left his mark on the 1969 moon landing. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers With contributions from: Graham Seaman at BBC Wiltshire Hannah Saunders and Heather Noble at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Steve Harris from BBC Radio Solent's Dorset breakfast show And with thanks to tour guide Lynne Dyer, plus Margaret Thirwell and John Mellors from Beaumanor Hall

Liam has served over 50 convictions, but is hoping this will be his last time in prison. BBC Tees producer Lee Johnson visited him at the Therapeutic Community Wing at Holme House prison in Stockton-on-Tees. This is an extract from the full length documentary House Block 6; part of the England Unwrapped series on BBC Sounds. Multi Story is presented and produced by Becca Bryers.

Warwickshire firefighter Tony Dumbleton helped save the life of American police officer Andrew Dahring, after he was injured during a mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017. A year on, the pair were reunited over the phone.This is a chance to revisit a story from the first series of Multi Story - with an update, and an insight into the work that went into making the reunion a reality. Presented and produced by Becca Bryers, with contributions from Marian McNamee from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.