Wonderly, Haymarket's in-house agency and producers of The Motability Lifestyle Pod, says the new podcast will be hosted by Samantha Renke, broadcaster and disability rights campaigner, and Sophie-Marie Odum, editor of Lifestyle magazine. They will explore what it means to live your best life while navigating a disabling world, and will be joined by guests from the disability community, discussing everything from accessible travel, dating with a disability and all things lifestyle. Lifestyle magazine’s drive editor, Matt Lizzimore, will also be sharing all the essential, need-to-know car chat too, added the producer.
The Lifestyle Pod, produced by Wonderly in conjunction with Rethink Audio will be available via video with captions and a British Sign Language (BSL) signer, continued the producer. Plus transcript will be available online too.
Speaking about her role, Samantha said: “At last a dream job with a dream team! I’m delighted to be co-hosting the new podcast from the powerhouse that is Motability scheme, bringing you all the latest disability fun and frolics with Lifestyle Pod.
“In a world that can often feel overwhelming and news forums that lean towards a negative bias narrative I’m so happy to bring some light and wholesome content with lots of laughter and of course plenty of Samantha sass. Known for my no bars held approach I will be bringing this in full force to The Motability Lifestyle Pod as we are all about amplifying the voices of the disability community.”
Sophie-Marie is responsible for delivering all the uplifting and entertaining stories in the magazine and will bring even more content to the podcast. She added: “Lifestyle will be able to reach out to customers and the broader disability community in a new and fun way. Working with Sam is great fun, she is a leading voice on inclusion and disability.”
Motability is embarking on this journey as part of its 45th Anniversary. Gail Rossiter, senior press and PR manager at Motability, the Charity, said: “When Wonderly recommended we do a podcast, it was a no-brainer. It’s a fantastic way to bring Lifestyle magazine to a wider audience, especially as we look to the future. And the fact that they have thought of all the ways to make it accessible is key. It has been a pleasure to work with Wonderly. They are such knowledgeable people and an absolute joy to work with.”
Ross Lannon, Lifestyle panel member, radio presenter, and lifestyle and disability blogger, had an exclusive preview of the pilot episode. He said: “It's about time we had some disability representation on the mic, and it's so great to see Motability branching out with this new project. Sam and Sophie provide the perfect balance of information and entertainment. Regardless of whether you're a petrolhead or not, Matt was a great addition with his car chat – providing some fun tips and advice.”
Wonderly says it is working with Red Bee Media to add BSL signing to the video podcast. “Red Bee Media are delighted to be providing BSL for Motability's podcasts,” says Alex Russell, bookings coordinator, at Red Bee. “Bringing Sign Language to podcasting is a great initiative that increases accessibility. It's organisations like Motability who are driving forward increasing accessibility across all media, not just television.”
Wonderly says the teaser is out now on all streaming platforms and the first episode is launching on Monday 31 July.
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