Money Made Human Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 9 of the Money Made Human podcast takes us into the world of professional football with guest Fraser Wishart, Chief Executive of PFA Scotland, the independent trade union for professional footballers across the country. The union has become a strong and respected voice for players in Scotland, working to protect their rights, improve welfare support and promote better standards across the game.

Before moving into leadership, Fraser enjoyed a successful playing career, starting in the '80s. He began with Motherwell and St Mirren before moving to Rangers, where he was part of the squad that won domestic honours. He later played for Hearts and Clydebank, earning recognition for his consistency and professionalism throughout his time in the game. His experience as a player gave him first-hand understanding of the challenges professionals face both on and off the pitch.

That insight now supports his work at PFA Scotland and FIFPRO, where Fraser sits on the Division Europe and Global Board. He has been instrumental in building partnerships that provide players with mental health support, education, and career development opportunities. Through his leadership, PFA Scotland continues to strengthen its influence and ensure that the voices of players remain at the heart of decisions that affect the game in Scotland.

In this episode, Fraser and host Gayle Adnyana explore:

• Fraser’s journey into professional football
• How his parents’ trade union background shaped his path into PFA Scotland
• What PFA Scotland does day-to-day to support players’ rights and welfare
• The growing importance of player wellbeing and how finances, social media and modern pressures influence it
• The need for money awareness in football and helping players prepare for life after the game
• How attitudes toward mental health in football have changed since Fraser’s playing days

Join us for a thoughtful and candid look at the realities behind the game and the support structures players rely on throughout their careers.

The latest episode of the Money Made Human podcast features Caroline Darnbrook, Chief Client Officer at StepChange, the UK’s leading debt advice charity. StepChange provides free, impartial advice and support to help people manage money worries, deal with debt, and build long-term financial resilience.

Caroline leads the charity’s marketing strategy, external affairs, communications, policy, campaigning, and digital teams, as well as developing products and services to meet changing client needs. She shares insights into StepChange's mission, the stigma around debt, and how we can work together to remove barriers to seeking help.

The conversation also explores the common ground between StepChange and credit unions, the importance of saving and financial inclusion, and the support available for those affected by illegal money lending. Caroline reflects on the values that drive her work and her hopes for the future of StepChange and its impact across the UK.

Key topics in this episode include:

 • The history and mission of StepChange

 • Tackling the stigma surrounding debt

 • How StepChange supports individuals on their journey to financial stability

 • The role of credit unions in promoting savings and financial resilience

 • Connections with the Illegal Money Lending Units across the UK

 • Caroline’s personal values, motivations, and hopes for the future

Join us for an open and compassionate discussion about debt, financial wellbeing, and the power of support networks to change lives.

For more information and free, confidential support for anyone struggling with debt, visit the StepChange website, which provides guidance, tools, and access to professional debt advisers: https://www.stepchange.org

In this episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana is joined by Professor Sharon Collard, Research Director of the Personal Finance Research Centre at the University of Bristol. Established in 1998, the Centre focuses on personal and household finances with financial inclusion at its heart. Credit unions have long played a central role in its research, often collaborating with organisations like the Swoboda Research Centre and other mutuals.

Professor Collard discusses the links between health, financial wellbeing, and the effects of gambling harm. She shares her perspective on how credit unions can support members in a changing economic landscape and the importance of engaging young people in the sector’s growth. Along the way, she reflects on her own journey in personal finance research and the values that guide her work.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins and mission of the Personal Finance Research Centre
• Research on financial inclusion and the role of credit unions
• The government’s manifesto on doubling the credit union industry and engaging young people
• Findings on the financial impact of gambling and how to support affected individuals 
• Advice on how credit unions can prepare for economic change and support members
• Professor Collard’s own journey, values, and inspirations

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about financial inclusion, the role of credit unions, and the research shaping the future of personal finance.

For more information and free, confidential support for problem gambling in your region, visit the NHS website, which lists various charities and support services available: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/

Nick Money, co-founder and a director of the Swoboda Research Centre, joins host Gayle Adnyana on the Money Made Human podcast. Swoboda provides credit unions across the UK and Ireland with the research, ideas, and networks they need to grow, innovate, and better serve their members. 

Founded in 2017 by Nick, Dr Paul A. Jones, and the late Ralph Swoboda, the centre fills a unique gap in the sector, helping credit unions plan for the future and strengthen their impact.

Nick shares his personal journey from the Co-operative Bank in the mid-1990s to his passion for social change and organisational purpose. He reflects on the differences between UK and Irish credit unions, the importance of collaboration, and how research and strategic thinking can help expand and enhance the sector’s influence.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins and mission of the Swoboda Research Centre
• How the centre supports credit unions in the UK and Ireland
• Nick’s personal journey, values, and inspirations
• Ideas for growing and strengthening the credit union sector
• The importance of research, networks, and collaboration
• Why credit unions matter to society

Join us for a conversation about innovation, collaboration, and the future of the credit union movement.

In this episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana welcomes Brandee Bickle, Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Executive Projects at Georgia’s Own Credit Union, one of 1st Class Credit Union’s international partners. A lifelong Georgia resident, Brandee brings warmth, insight, and a touch of Southern charm to the conversation!

Brandee shares her journey from growing up in a community banking family to becoming a key leader at Georgia’s Own. She talks about her work in governmental affairs, the importance of agility in a changing financial landscape, and how the credit union’s mission of “Banking on Purpose” guides everything they do.

Together, Gayle and Brandee explore how credit unions in the United States compare to those in the United Kingdom and why embracing the cooperative message is more important than ever.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Brandee’s 25-year journey in Georgia’s credit union industry
• What life and community are like in Atlanta, Georgia
• Insights into governmental affairs and advocacy in the United States
• Differences between credit union usage in the United States and the United Kingdom
• The importance of embracing the cooperative message
• Hopes for the future of Georgia’s Own Credit Union

Join us for an engaging conversation that spans continents, celebrating shared values, community connection, and the global spirit of people helping people.

The Money Made Human podcast was inspired in part by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) and Ireland’s deep-rooted credit union culture. Host Gayle Adnyana is joined by ILCU leaders — President Brendan Jenkins, CEO David Malone, Treasurer Dave McCauley (CEO of Donore Credit Union, the oldest credit union in Ireland), and Director Paul Hume, nephew of Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume.

Together, they explore the ethos of the ILCU — putting members first above all else — and how Ireland’s spirit of community, collegiality, and comradeship has shaped the credit union movement both at home and abroad. The conversation delves into personal values, the importance of collaboration, and hopes for the future of Irish credit unions.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The ILCU's ethos of putting members first and the “human-ness” of the model
• Ireland’s culture of community and the role of credit unions as local hubs
• John Hume’s legacy in both peacebuilding and the credit union movement
• Insights from Dave McCauley on leading the oldest credit union in Ireland
• The importance of collaboration across the credit union sector
• Reflections and hopes for the future of the ILCU

Join us for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the values that make credit unions a vital force in Irish communities and beyond.

This episode is dedicated to Brendan’s mother, Maura, and Paul’s father, Paddy, and to all parents and grandparents who have shaped our lives.

The Money Made Human podcast continues with a heartfelt conversation with Andy Wright, founding member and former CEO of 1st Class Credit Union. In this episode, the current CEO sits down with Andy for a symbolic “passing of the baton” — celebrating the past, present, and future of the credit union movement.

Andy shares stories from his upbringing, including the influence of his father’s trade union activism and his decades-long career at Royal Mail. He recounts how 1st Class Credit Union began life as the “Glasgow Postal Workers Credit Union,” and how it grew into the thriving organisation it is today.

Beyond his professional journey, Andy reflects on the transition into retirement, finding identity outside of work, and the values that have always guided him. With honesty and humour, he offers encouragement for anyone considering stepping into the world of credit unions: get involved — now is your time.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins of 1st Class Credit Union and its growth over the years
• How Andy’s father and his trade union roots shaped his outlook
• Andy’s 25-year career with Royal Mail
• The importance of credit unions as communities of mutual support
• Reflections on retirement and rediscovering self beyond work
• Andy’s advice on tackling imposter syndrome and what he’d tell his younger self

Join us for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and why credit unions remain a vital force for people helping people.

In this special episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana is joined by Cath Wohlers from Stop Loan Sharks England, John Pollock from the Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit, and Ryan Evans from Stop Loan Sharks Wales. Together, they uncover the hidden world of loan sharking in the UK and highlight the crucial work being done to protect vulnerable borrowers.

The conversation explores what a loan shark is, who might fall victim in today’s society, and how social media and technology have transformed illegal lending. Cath, John, and Ryan discuss the two main challenges of borrowing from a loan shark—financial hardship and the personal toll it takes—and share practical guidance on the pathways out.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The scale of loan sharking across the UK
• Individual-centred support offered by the illegal money lending units
• Advice for credit unions on opening conversations about safe borrowing
• Legal consequences for loan sharks and the importance of awareness
• The personal values and inspiration driving these frontline professionals
• Reassurance for borrowers that they are not alone

Join us for a thoughtful and human-centred discussion on tackling loan sharking and supporting those caught in cycles of predatory lending.

For more information and free, confidential support in your region, visit:

• Stop Loan Sharks (England): https://www.stoploansharks.co.uk/
• Stop Loan Sharks (Wales): https://www.stoploansharkswales.co.uk/
• Scottish Illegal Money Lending Unit: https://stopillegallending.co.uk/
• Northern Ireland PSNI Illegal Money Lending Advice: https://www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-and-information/illegal-money-lending

Thank you for tuning in to the very first episode of the Money Made Human podcast! Your host, Gayle Adnyana, welcomes Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of the Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) and Chair of the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU), the global peak body representing the credit union movement.

Michael shares insights from his extensive 40-year career in the financial sector, including a stint in Glasgow, the home of 1st Class Credit Union, and discusses his current role in leading the global credit union movement. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion in leadership, and explains the enduring value of mutuality—people helping people.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Michael’s role within the World Council of Credit Unions and his hopes for making a lasting impact
• The global credit union movement and growth in the sector
• Upcoming events, including the next World Council Forum in Sydney, Australia, in 2026, and reflections on the 2024 WOCCU conference
• The role of credit unions in Australia’s housing market and home lending
• The pathway ahead for credit unions, including advocacy with international standard-setting bodies
• A fun “Would You Rather: Australian edition” segment

Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how credit unions are shaping the future of banking while remaining true to the principle of 'people helping people'.

Watch the video Gayle shared with Michael during the interview: https://youtube.com/shorts/KbO-vfkgI3E?feature=shared

On the 10th episode of the Money Made Human podcast, host Gayle Adnyana is joined by Dr Jenn Glinski, Economic Abuse Specialist and National Policy Lead for Economic Abuse at Scottish Women’s Aid, and Judy Ferguson, National Trainer at Scottish Women’s Aid. Established in 1976, Scottish Women’s Aid is the leading organisation in Scotland working to prevent domestic abuse and improve responses and support for survivors across the country.

Jenn and Judy discuss the evolving landscape of domestic abuse, including the impact of social media and digital platforms, and the importance of recognising financial abuse within the broader context of economic abuse. They share practical insights on how individuals, organisations, and financial institutions can support survivors, and the role of education and specialist training in creating safer communities.

Key topics in this episode include:

• The origins and mission of Scottish Women’s Aid
• The UN Women's 16 Days of Activism campaign and tackling digital violence
• Understanding financial and economic abuse
• How credit unions and financial institutions can support victims
• The importance of education and specialist training
• Jenn and Judy’s personal journeys, values, and passion for this work

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about preventing abuse, supporting survivors, and the role financial institutions can play in creating safer communities.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, you can find information on services and how to reach out through the Women’s Aid website in your region:

• Scotland: https://womensaid.scot/
• England: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
• Wales: https://www.welshwomensaid.org.uk/
• Northern Ireland: https://www.womensaidni.org

Helplines:

• 24 Hour Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline for anyone in Scotland: 0800 027 1234
• 24 Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for Women: 0808 2000 247
• Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010 327
• LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428