If there’s anything that the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has proved it’s that an experience that happens to everyone, simultaneously, does not always mean it’s experienced in a universal way. People’s circumstances differ whether that’s in their home set up, mental or physical health, or what’s happening in the world around them.

This means an empathetic approach is vital for both individuals and businesses. Understanding the lived experience of each person has never been so key to forging meaningful connections. One way to do this is to listen to stories told by people who differ from us, whether in gender, ethnicity or sexuality. This is what the latest series in the Anthems podcast aims to do.

Anthems was launched as a collection of original manifestos, stories, poems and speeches written and voiced by exceptional people on what it means to be human. As it explains, the stories focus on, “our beauty, our failures, our rich heritage, our rage and our power.”

The podcast features brilliant people from all walks of life including award-winning author Bernadine Evaristo, chef Ruby Tandoh and Syrian poet and activist Lisa Luxx. Each episode captures and celebrates a different theme, ranging from Joy to Culture, Community and Complexity.  

The latest series is called Anthems: PRIDE, a celebration and recognition of Pride Month and the stories that the multifaceted pride movement is built upon. It will be made up of thirty podcasts across thirty days written and voiced by LGBTQIA+ contributors including Lotte Jeffs, Raven Smith, Lady Phyll and Asifa Lahore. The series was created, executive produced and sound designed by Hana Walker-Brown with producer Bea Duncan while the artwork is by Mars West.

Anthems was created by the production company Broccoli, which was founded “in direct response to the lack of opportunities for minority talent both in front of and behind the mic.” The production house is in turn encouraging other audio companies to pledge to bring the industry closer to equality, from paying interns to hiring minorities for projects that are not just about their identity. Signatories of Equality in Audio so far include Acast, BBC Radio and Audioboom.

Visit Broccoli’s website to find out more, sign the pledge or listen to the series.