St Giles Hospice and Birmingham City University launch podcast series breaking taboos around death and dying
We’re Dying to Tell You Something set to launch in May as part of Dying Matters Week with episodes releasing through to October 2026
A groundbreaking new podcast series tackling society’s biggest taboos – death and dying – is set to launch in May 2026 as part of Dying Matters Week, following a collaboration between St Giles Hospice and Birmingham City University (BCU).
We’re Dying to Tell You Something has been created by talented BCU media students Maya Davis and Kyle Salmon under the guidance of course tutor and Lecturer in Media Production, Meera Darji, following months of planning, lining up guests and recording at the Staffordshire hospice.
The four-episode series, which will be released from May through to October 2026, takes listeners inside St Giles Hospice to explore hospice care, funding challenges and the often-avoided conversations around death that affect us all.
Launching during Dying Matters Week, which this year focuses on the theme ‘Let’s Talk About Death and Dying’, the podcast series could not be more timely.
Guests include St Giles CEO Elinor Eustace and Director of Clinical Services Leon Ratcliffe in the opening episode, followed by volunteers including Joan Fairley, who has volunteered for over 16 years and was invited to the Princess of Wales’ Christmas carol service, and Rachel and Andy Barker, who met at a Bereavement Help Point after both losing their spouses.
The series also features extreme fundraiser James Lewis, who ran 430 miles from Paris to Rugeley, Charlotte Mills, Community and Events Officer in St Giles’ fundraising team, retail manager Lorraine Ward, community nurse Jack Rees and family member Ann Freeman.
Elinor Eustace, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said: “This podcast series is an important step in breaking down the stigma surrounding conversations about death and dying. By working with talented students from Birmingham City University, we’re able to share the real stories behind hospice care – the challenges we face, the incredible people who support us, and the compassionate care we provide to local families at the most difficult time of their lives.”
Natalie Lewis, Head of Marketing and Strategic Communications at St Giles Hospice, added: “We’re so proud of this collaboration and the powerful content the BCU students have created. We’re Dying to Tell You Something doesn’t shy away from difficult topics – instead, it approaches them with empathy, honesty and warmth. These are stories that need to be heard, and we hope the podcast will reach new audiences whilst showcasing the vital role hospices play in our communities.”
Meera Darji, Senior Lecturer in BA Media Production at BCU, said: “This collaboration has offered our students an invaluable opportunity to work on a meaningful project with real-world impact. Documentary storytelling about sensitive topics requires skill, empathy and professionalism – all qualities our students have demonstrated throughout this process. I’m incredibly proud of what Maya and Kyle have achieved, and the podcast is a testament to their dedication and talent.”
The collaboration was announced in May 2025 during Dying Matters Awareness Week. The podcast was recorded in October 2025 and was assembled by the BCU students as part of their course.
St Giles Hospice provides specialist palliative and end of life care, free of charge, for people living with terminal illnesses across Staffordshire, North Birmingham and surrounding areas. The hospice spends close to £10 million a year providing care, with less than a quarter funded by the government, relying heavily on community support.
We’re Dying to Tell You Something will launch in May 2026 as part of Dying Matters Week with episodes releasing through to October on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
