New podcast celebrates local voices across the borough

The We Are Walsall 2040 partnership’s new podcast has officially launched.

Walsall Voices was first introduced at a pre-launch event during Walsall College’s Freshers Week, where students, staff and community representatives celebrated the upcoming release.

The podcast produced by We Are Walsall 2040 with support from the college’s student enterprise, Future Flames Productions is hosted by Channel 4’s Married at First Sight star and We Are Walsall 2040 ambassador Sacha Jones, with Episode One featuring local wrestling warriors, Matt and Elise Powell now available to stream on Spotify and YouTube.

Each episode features conversations with residents of Walsall, highlighting the borough’s diversity and celebrating the voices that contribute to shaping Walsall’s identity and future.

The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms and new episodes will be released regularly, covering the topics that matter most to Walsall residents and with each episode highlighting the core values of the We Are Walsall 2040 vision.

Sacha Jones said: “I’m so proud to be part of something that brings Walsall’s communities together.

“The podcast is all about celebrating the authentic voices of Walsall, including the people who live, work and study here, and it will be a space for meaningful conversations, community connection and real stories that reflect the heart of the borough.”

Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council, said: “The Walsall Voices podcast is another exciting step in bringing our We Are Walsall 2040 long-term vision to life.

“By giving residents, a platform to share their stories, aspirations and experiences, this podcast strengthens the conversation about the kind of future we want to build together.

“It’s about making sure every voice in Walsall is heard as we work towards a place that everyone can be proud to call home.”

Melissa Tisdale, Lecturer and Programme Lead at Walsall College added: “We are proud to have supported the recording and editing of the Walsall Voices podcast through Future Flames Productions. This project has given students and staff the opportunity to help bring local voices to life, and to play a part in amplifying the stories and aspirations that will shape Walsall’s future.”

The launch of the podcast follows the success of the first We Are Walsall 2040 conference in June 2025 attended by more than 160 leaders, residents, and partners from across the borough. The podcast builds on this engagement by continuing the conversation and giving residents a platform to share their vision for the borough’s future.

Guests appearing on Walsall Voices along with panellists from the We are Walsall 2040 conference also attended a special reception hosted by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison in the Mayor’s Parlour at the Council House.

We Are Walsall 2040 is a collective vision, bringing residents, businesses, and organisations together to create a borough where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Partners include Walsall Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Walsall College, whg (Walsall Housing Group), One Walsall, Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, the University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Together, Walsall for All, and Walsall Football Club.