BrightIAM – Details, episodes & analysis

In this heartwarming and candid episode, Lucy sits down with the ever-charismatic Dan Lustig - Gogglebox favourite, style icon, and passionate advocate for a deep dive into the personal, the powerful, and the philanthropic.

Backstory & Bond 

Lucy shares how her path first crossed with Dan’s over 15 years ago, revealing the story, shared values, and mutual admiration that sparked this conversation and adventure.

What’s New in Dan’s World 

From screen to summit, Dan’s life is anything but quiet. We explore his latest ventures, passions, and what’s lighting him up in 2026.

Kilimanjaro: Why Now? 

Dan opens up about his decision to take on Africa’s highest peak - what inspired the challenge, and why this moment matters.

Bullying & Personal Experience 

In a moving segment, Dan reflects on his own journey with bullying, sharing stories that shaped his resilience and advocacy.

Training Tales 

From sore calves to mental grit, Dan gives us the real scoop on how prep for Kilimanjaro is going and what’s keeping him motivated and strong for this climb of a lifetime.

Fundraising & Getting Involved 

Dan outlines his fundraising goals, creative plans, and how listeners can support or join the mission.

Concerns for the Trek Altitude, exhaustion, and the unknown

Dan gets real about what’s playing on his mind ahead of the climb.

2026 Diary Highlights Beyond Kilimanjaro

Dan teases other exciting projects, appearances, and personal milestones coming up next year.

Future Aspirations & Causes

From mental health to media impact, Dan shares his vision for the future and the causes closest to his heart.

Finally, The Roof of Africa Documentary Premiere 

Lucy asks the big question: will Dan be walking the red-carpet solo or is there a hot date in mind?

In this powerful episode of BrightIAM, we’re joined by two extraordinary Kidscape ambassadors - celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and Antarctic explorer Josh Braid for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about courage, connection, and the climb of a lifetime.

Together, we explore their personal journeys into advocacy, their deep-rooted commitment to anti-bullying, and the shared values that led them to stand with Kidscape. From childhood reflections to professional milestones, Andrew and Josh open up about why bullying matters, what needs to change, and how we can build a future rooted in kindness, resilience, and respect.

We spotlight their upcoming challenge in January 2026: a 10-day expedition to the summit of Kilimanjaro, which will raise over £100,000 for Kidscape. This climb is more than a physical feat - it’s a symbol of unity, purpose, and hope.

We also revisit the September “Ambassadors Stand United” London event, where our ambassadors came together to champion change, raise awareness and funds for this important cause. 

We will preview two exciting creative projects: 

🎬 The Roof of Africa documentary, capturing the climb and its impact 

🎥 Our Smiley Award film entry, co-created to celebrate Kidscape’s mission and amplify its reach.

This episode is a celebration of shared purpose, personal growth, and the power of standing up - for ourselves, for others, and for a better tomorrow.

Climbing for Courage - Kilimanjaro with Kidscape

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Luke and Craig from the Uncharted Summits expedition team to kick off an extraordinary journey: a 40-person trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in support of Kidscape, the anti-bullying charity championing young people’s confidence and safety.

Together, we explore the heart behind the climb - the stories, the solidarity, and the sheer scale of this life-changing challenge. Luke and Craig share what it takes to lead such a diverse group to Africa’s highest peak, what the trip entails and why this mission matters.

Then, we’re joined via online link by celebrity guest and fellow trekker Anthea Turner, who’s gearing up for the climb of a lifetime. In a candid conversation, Anthea reflects on:

• What inspired her to take on Kilimanjaro - and why now
• Whether she has personal ties to Tanzania or the region
• The training she’s been doing to prepare for the altitude, terrain, and team spirit
• And whether she thinks this trek will rival the intensity of SAS: Who Dares Wins

It’s a celebration of courage, community, and the power of purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or cheering from home, this episode will leave you uplifted, informed, and ready to follow the journey all the way to the summit.

In this high-energy episode, Lucy sits down with Josh Braid, Ollie Kuehne, and Sam Wood - the unstoppable trio behind the Sea-Summit challenge to unpack their Ironman-worthy journey from sea level to the summit of Kilimanjaro for Kidscape.

From coastal grit to mountain glory, this conversation dives deep into:

• The Challenge: A multi-discipline endurance feat combining swimming, cycling, and trekking across thousands of vertical metres.
• The Route: From the Indian Ocean to the Roof of Africa - tracing the team's path through Tanzania’s wild terrain, remote villages, and relentless climbs.
• The Tasks: Navigating logistics, altitude, and exhaustion while staying mission-focused and impact-driven.
• The Kilometres: Over 500km of physical and mental resilience, culminating in a summit push that tested every limit.
• The Inspiration: Why they are doing it, who for, and how this adventure is sparking new conversations around purpose, perseverance, and legacy.

Expect laughter, honesty, and a few goosebumps as Lucy draws out the heart behind the hustle and explores how extreme challenges can unlock extraordinary impact.

In this energising episode of BrightIAM, Lucy Black welcomes two powerhouse
voices from the fundraising sector - Erin Freeman and Leigh Wetherall from The
Charted Institute of Fundraising special interest group: ‘Insight in Fundraising’ for a dynamic conversation on innovation and opportunities within the sector.

Together, they unpack key insights from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s
September Conference, spotlight sector innovations, and explore the trends
reshaping how we connect, campaign, and catalyse change. From digital disruption to donor engagement, the trio shares practical takeaways and bold ideas for 2026 and beyond.

Listeners will also enjoy a celebratory look at the upcoming Insight in Fundraising
Awards 2026 with this year marking their 20th Anniversary. This will be a milestone moment to celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and impact of data-led
fundraising across the charity sector.

Erin and Leigh offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the CIoF’s evolving goals, its
role in championing fundraisers, and the importance of community, recognition, and resilience.

Challenges from capacity gaps to shifting donor behaviours are tackled head-on,
with a solution-focused lens and a spirit of optimism. Expect laughter, honesty, and a shared commitment to building a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable fundraising future.

In this energizing and insightful episode of BrightIAM, we sit down with Courtney Harrness - nonprofit leader, grant-writing expert, and community builder—to explore the transformative power of relationships and storytelling in the nonprofit world.

Courtney believes that while funding challenges and resource gaps are inevitable, the realsolution lies in connection. From grassroots organizations to global networks, he’s seen how trust, empathy, and belonging can turn reactive struggle into proactive impact.

This episode is a masterclass in relational leadership, featuring practical wisdom, personal reflections, and a roadmap for nonprofits ready to deepen their community ties.

Together, we explore:

• Why are relationships more powerful than resources in nonprofit success?
• What does it mean to shift from reactive to proactive - and how can storytelling help?
• How can nonprofits create clear, inclusive pathways for community engagement?
• What does internal storytelling look like - and why is it often overlooked?
• How can LinkedIn and other platforms be used to build meaningful relationships, not just visibility?
• What role does empathy play in nonprofit leadership - and how can it be cultivated?
• For smaller organizations, what does “relationship-first” strategy look like in practice?
• What stories have shaped Courtney’s own journey and how do we invite an encourage others to share theirs?

This episode is a call to action for nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and changemakers: build trust, tell your story, and invite people in. Because when relationships lead, transformation follows.

In this episode, “Why Fundraising Feels So Gross (And It Doesn’t Have To),” Mark Dobosz and Lucy Black unpack the messy, all-too-familiar dynamics that make fundraising feel like a transaction instead of a connection.

Over 40 minutes, they dig into real donor horror stories, the reasons fundraisers feel stuck, and what it takes to break out of the vending-machine mindset. Expect plenty of “you know what I mean?” moments, some insightful tips, and overall, a reset on what fundraising could be.

With warmth, humour, and sharp insight, Mark and Lucy explore a better way forward, one where giving feels like belonging. As Mark puts it: “The best fundraising doesn’t feel like fundraising at all. It feels like being part of something bigger than yourself.”

“New Beginnings.  In Legacy of Trevor Sorbie MBE”

In this profoundly heartfelt episode of BrightIAM, we sit down with Carole Sorbie - wife of the late Trevor Sorbie MBE as she reflects on love, loss, and the climb of a lifetime.

One year after Trevor’s passing, Carole is preparing to summit Kilimanjaro in his memory. Trevor, a world-renowned hairdresser and creative visionary, carried the hidden wounds of childhood bullying throughout his life. Now, Carole climbs not only for him but for every person whose story was never fully told.

This episode explores the power of legacy, grief, and courage. Carole shares how she came to join the Kidscape Kilimanjaro trek, what the journey has meant to her, and how it’s helped her process the pain of losing Trevor. With grace and candour, she opens up about their life together, the impact of bullying on Trevor’s early years, and the healing she’s found in walking this path for him.

Together, we explore:

• How did Carole get involved in this epic adventure?
• What does climbing Kilimanjaro mean to her personally - and to Trevor’s legacy?
• What were Trevor’s experiences of bullying, and how did they shape his life?
• What has the training journey been like – from the countryside treks to emotional milestones?
• What has this climb done for you personally?
• Fundraising goals and events
• What message Carole has for people in a period of change looking at taking on a challenge adventure of a lifetime? 
• And finally…the Roof of Africa documentary premiere.

This episode is a tribute to love, resilience, and remembrance. It’s about honouring those we’ve lost by continuing their fight and finding new strength in a community climb to a summit.

Tune in, be moved, and join us in celebrating Trevor’s legacy through Carole’s extraordinary journey.

In this soul-stirring episode, Lucy welcomes BrightIAM’s newest recruit, Jocelyn Crouch, whose story begins with a poster in a train station coffee shop and leads to a sign-up within just three days. But this isn’t just about a spontaneous decision. It’s about the power of attraction, the courage to say yes, and the ripple effect of purpose-driven adventure.

Together, they explore:

• The Spark: How a single poster stirred something deeper and why Jocelyn couldn’t look away.
• The Random meeting: How Lucy and Jo first met.
• The Mountain: The awe, the fear, and the questions - what does Kilimanjaro represent, and how do we prepare for it physically, mentally, and emotionally?
• The Training: From gear to grit - Jocelyn shares her evolving plan, the support of friends, and the unexpected ways her life is shifting
• The Ripple Effect: How her story is inspiring others to step forward, ask questions, and imagine themselves in the frame.
• The Outlook: What this journey is teaching her about life, legacy, and the kind of impact she wants to make.
• The Attraction: Why this mission and trip resonate – what does bullying mean to Jo and how can clarity, authenticity, and shared purpose continue to draw people in.

This episode is a celebration of serendipity, courage, and connection. It’s about how one moment can change everything and how we keep that energy growing.

In this deeply moving episode of BrightIAM, we sit down with two extraordinary women - Cerri McDonald and Rosee Elliot - whose personal journeys through life and inspirational spirit would lift that mountain off of the ground. We talk bullying, exclusion, and self-discovery, looking at how empowerment, change and challenge has shaped their lives.

Cerri, a creative force and advocate for change, inspired to climb by her daughter’s experience and recent life changes and Rosee, a passionate voice for inclusion, healing and fashion, at 75 Rosee jumps from planes and climbs mountains – an inspiration to all. They open up about the moments that defined them – looking at playground cruelty to workplace discrimination, they share how bullying leaves scars and how those scars can become fuel for transformation.

Together, we explore:

• How did Cerri and Rosee first get involved with Kidscape Kilimanjaro?
• What experiences of bullying shaped their sense of identity and purpose?
• What has been their hardest moments - and what helped them through?
• What training or preparation are they doing for the mountain?
• What creative, spiritual, or community tools have helped them along the way?
• What do they want young people, parents, and educators to understand about bullying today?

This episode is a raw, honest, and ultimately hopeful conversation about resilience, legacy, and the power of standing united. Whether you’ve faced bullying yourself or want to be part of the solution, Cerri and Rosee’s stories will stay with you.

Tune in, be inspired, and join the movement to rewrite the narrative.