Podcast
‘A Slice of Bread and Butter’ tells the stories of the people that make TBBT what it is and about life in our communities.
Giving voice to some of The Bread and Butter Thing’s members and volunteers, these are the everyday stories about the impact of Bread and Butter’s work and why people join our affordable food scheme.
Navigating the digital divide with self-confessed technophobe Gill
As everyday life becomes more entwined with AI, Alex and Mark catch up with Gill (and her little dog Jesse), about the feeling of being left behind in an increasingly online world. Not one to let these things get her down, Gill shares how she overcame cancer with the help of healthy food, her batch-cooking top tips and how much she looks forward to hub day.
Culture shock, corner sofas and giant sausages
Twenty years ago, single mum Aga made the brave move to relocate from Poland to the UK in search of a better life. Join Mark and Vic as they chat to Aga about the challenges of a new culture and dealing with grief in a new country. But don't worry, there's a very happy ending!
When essentials become a luxury
Imagine managing a family's food shop on a razor-thin budget as food and energy prices continue to soar. Join Mark and Vic as they chat to Claire (featuring baby Cassidy!) as she opens up about navigating maternity leave on a limited budget and how shopping habits evolve when essentials become luxuries.
Paws for thought with our dedicated volunteer Steve
Steve is one of our own. He volunteers with us five days a week and is a big part of the Bread and Butter family. With never-ending health issues and the loss of his beloved dog Charlie. Steve needed to escape his empty house. Join Alex and Mark as they chat to Steve about why volunteering is so important to him and navigating grief.
Christmas, community and turning trauma into triumph with Sarah
Welcome to our Christmas edition. If you’re feeling the festive pinch, you’re not alone. Sarah is a single mum of four who is choosing to look on the bright side of Christmas despite a tough year.
Julcine's journey: Tackling life with toddler twins and a smile
Meet Julcine, a young mum excited for their first Christmas somewhere she and her two year old twins feel well-fed, safe and warm. She's working hard to turn hardship into hope with a big smile on her face and even bigger dreams for her little family's future.
Nzara's journey to joy via Manchester, music and food
From Florida to Manchester, join Alex and Mark as they chat to Nzara about how music and food have become her therapy. She arrived in the UK with only enough money to see her through two weeks and has since built up a community from scratch through cooking.
Holly's story of resilience, food and family
Meet Holly, an inspiring mother of four who volunteers at her local hub every Friday, while managing her household on a tight budget. From bulk buying to finding the best deals, Holly is a whizz at keeping her family well-fed on very little. You may want to take notes!
The realities of self employment and modern family life
What happens when you suddenly lose your main source of income as a working parent? Join Mark and Alex as they catch up with self-employed Niamh, as she shares her story of keeping her head above water whilst balancing high nursery fees and rising mortgage rates.
Talking life and luxuries with Braith and James
Join Mark and Vic as they chat with father and son duo, James and Braith, about the trials and tribulations of being a young disabled person in Trafford, Hannah the wonder dog and how its little things that play a big part in their happiness.
Transforming Homes and Lives with Ellen and Katie
The Bread and Butter Thing has become so much more than just food since it's launch in 2016. So much so, that our hubs have become the perfect space for other like-minded organisations to reach our members. Join Mark and Becca as they chat to Ellen and Katie from Your Home Better as they share how simple home improvements can help stretch budgets and improve health.
Making Ends Meet: Kim's Journey Through Pensioner Life
Have you ever wondered how pensioners manage to make ends meet on limited income as living costs continue to rise? Join Mark and Alex as they chat to Kim, a resilient grandmother who should have retired but continues to work as a nanny aged 68. Kim opens up about navigating life and financial hurdles on a tight budget.
From City Lights to Country Life: Meet Community Queen, Sue
As one of the first female chicken farmers in the country, Sue doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Join us as she discusses the loss art of communication and the importance of taking the time to chat and remembering people's names.
CDDO Jenny gets to the heart of Bread and Butter life
Our Slice of Bread and Butter podcast returns with Mark and a new voice, Alex the Marketing Manager. Join them for well deserved sit down with one of our long-standing CDDOs Jenny, to talk about making a difference, the importance of humour and spring onion juice.
Connecting with Confidence with Gemma
Why is a food charity concerned with digital exclusion? Join Mark and Fiona for a chat about TBBT's Connecting with Confidence project and find out why getting online has transformed TBBT member Gemma's life.
Critical Friends and Therapy Dogs
In the grand finale of TBBT's National Volunteers' Week, Mark and Fiona chat to some of the volunteers responsible for keeping the charity on the straight and narrow - its Trustees. Food guru Graeme reveals the geeky appeal of a warehouse, Frances talks about the joys of a owning a therapy dog, Inga revels in asking the tricky questions, and Geoffroy has a call to action - the time is now!
On Tour with Andrew from Manchester
In the third National Volunteers' Week special, Mark and Fiona go behind the scenes and into the depths of the Trafford warehouse to meet Andrew, one of TBBT's most long-standing volunteers. The former teacher turned tour-guide recalls life at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, the occasional need to chase a van and some top tips for a visit to Manchester.
Fen-life and Friends at Old Leake
Mark and Fiona meet the team at Old Leake in Lincolnshire - one of TBBT's newest hubs. Hub Leader Lisa, volunteers Fiona and Graham and TBBT's Head of Region for the East Midlands, Rachael, all contribute to this second National Volunteers' Week special chatting about what makes Old Leake a special place to be.
Over Hill and Dales with Marie
It's National Volunteers' Week and Mark and Fiona kick off TBBT's celebrations with Marie from County Durham, one of TBBT's brilliant volunteer drivers. Together they chat about the joys of being behind the wheel, why volunteering is good for you and getting a degree as a grandma.
Climb Every Mountain
Join Mark and Fiona for the final of the pod's Impact Report specials. This week's guest is Joan from County Durham talking about her work in the community as a volunteer carer, working with street kids in India and her mountainous hobby.