Hits Radio Pride brings you a brand new podcast - Tough Talks
Subscribe to the new podcast
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
Tough Talks is the latest podcast from the Hits Radio Pride team, featuring intimate and revealing conversations from people in the LGBTQ+ community. This series centres around the very real, difficult discussions that occur or are often forced on people who simply want to be themselves. Listen to the trailer below.
What topics are covered in Tough Talks?
The topics covered include gender and sexuality to identity, and are intimate talks between two people as they relive and reflect on a tough talk from their past.
Speaking to the original person that they had the conversation with, you’ll hear a new guest each week share the moments that led up to the chat, reveal what happened immediately following, as well as the weeks and years afterwards.
How can I listen to Tough Talks?
The first three episodes of Tough Talks have been released and you can listen to them below. We'll be releasing more episodes every Monday, so make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss out. It is available from Apple podcasts, Spotify, this website and all mainstream podcast providers.
Tough Talks Episode 1
Episode 1 is about Rachel who is a transgender woman from Manchester. She chats with her 83-year-old mum, Norah. They reflect on the moment Rachel told her mum about her true identity and how they moved forward from that conversation.
Tough Talks Episode 2
Alfie, a transmasculine person, features in Episode 2. Alfie chats with Roo their partner of eight years, Rachael and they reflect on the moment Alfie told her they were questioning their identity, and how it changed their relationship.
Tough Talks Episode 3
In Episode 3 OneDa, a rapper from Manchester, talks with her childhood best friend Kyle. They look back on the moment she told him she was a lesbian woman and how religion had stopped her from coming out earlier.
Tough Talks Episode 4
Episode 4 sees Anick, an intersex activist, and Tatum reflect on an early conversation in their friendship, in which a shared bond helped Anick to tell her about being an intersex person.
Tough Talks Episode 5
In Episode 5 Hussain, who is a queer Muslim man, and his Dad Asif reflect on the moment he came out to him and the impact it had on his family's community.
Tough Talks Episode 6
Nathaniel who is a theatre maker and HIV activist, chats with his older brother Alex about the moment he told him about his diagnosis.
Tough Talks Episode 7
In Episode 7 we meet Simon who is an actor from Oxfordshire. He and his best friend Lydia reflect on the moment a misunderstanding led to his coming out to her.
Tough Talks Episode 8
Fae and her wife Carson reflect on a make or break conversation in their relationship.
Tough Talks Episode 9
Maria and her friend Natalie reflect on the conversation that almost destroyed their 20 year friendship.
Tough Talks Episode 10:
Jordan, a gay man from Glasgow, and his friend Liam, reflect on the conversation that led to their unlikely friendship.
Tough Talks Episode 11:
Shash is an Indian trans woman who chats with her partner Keira about a tough talk they had early on in their relationship.
Tough Talks Episode 12:
Emi, an asexual activist, chats with her friend Joe about the conversation that almost broke their friendship.
Tough Talks Episode 13:
Dian who is a trans man from New York, chats with his childhood best friend Jackie about their unspoken tough talk.
Tough Talks Episode 14
Paula and her girlfriend Mae reflect on a difficult conversation which led to cancelled plans and the creation of the Black Queer Travel Guide.
Tough Talks Episode 15
Husbands Michael and Wes look back on a conversation they had after the birth of their second child.
Tough Talks Episode 16
Martin, a comedian from the travelling community, and his best friend Chris reflect on Martin's difficult decision to come out publicly.
Tough Talks Episode 17
Kimwei, a non-binary trans activist from Exeter, and his partner Emily, reflect on a painful conversation they had when their relationship progressed from friends to more.
Tough Talks Episode 18
Verity, a trans rugby player, and his coach Steve, look back on the moment he came out publicly in the women's league.
Tough Talks Episode 19
Oscar, a trans man from Manchester, and his Dad Pat, discuss the day he told his family about his transition.
Tough Talks Episode 20
Ben, a non-binary writer, and their friend Spencer, reflect on the tough talks they continue to share.
Hits Radio Pride aims to educate and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and encourage inclusion and tolerance. In partnership with The Co-operative Bank and working with LGBTQ+ helpline Switchboard, the station will ensure listeners can get access to the right support and advice.
How to listen to Hits Radio Pride
The station is available on DAB in Bradford, Stoke, Swansea, Liverpool, Humberside, North Yorkshire and Northern Ireland, as well as on DAB+ in London and Norwich. It is also available online, on smart speakers, just say "Alexa, Play Hits Radio Pride" and through the Hits Radio app nationally.