University News Last updated 15 April
We're Dying to Tell You Something, a groundbreaking collaboration between St Giles Hospice and Birmingham City University (BCU), launches this May as part of Dying Matters Week with the aim of tackling one of society's biggest taboos head-on.
Created by BCU media students Maya Davis and Kyle Salmon, under the guidance of course tutor and Senior Lecturer Meera Darji, the four-part series is the result of months of careful planning, guest interviews and on-location recording at the Staffordshire hospice.
The powerful podcast invites listeners inside St Giles Hospice to explore the realities of hospice care, the challenges of funding vital services, and the deeply human stories behind conversations many of us avoid but all of us will face.
The series is launching during Dying Matters Week, which this year focuses on the theme 'Let's Talk About Death and Dying'.
Across the series, Maya and Kyle speak with a wide range of voices connected to St Giles, including Chief Executive Elinor Eustace and Director of Clinical Services Leon Ratcliffe.
“This podcast is an important step in breaking down the stigma surrounding conversations about death and dying,” said Chief Executive Elinor Eustace.
"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.”
The series will also feature people like Joan Fairley, who has volunteered for more than 16 years, and Rachel and Andy Barker, who met after both losing their spouses.
Listeners will also hear from James Lewis, an extreme fundraiser who ran 430 miles from Paris to Rugeley for St Giles, alongside members of the hospice's fundraising, retail and clinical teams, including Charlotte Mills, Lorraine Ward and Jack Rees, as well as family member Ann Freeman, who shares her personal experience of hospice care.
Meera Darji, Senior Lecturer in BA Media Production at BCU, said: “This project has given our students an invaluable opportunity to work on a real-world collaboration with genuine social impact.
“Documentary storytelling around sensitive subjects requires skill, professionalism and empathy - all qualities that Maya and Kyle have shown throughout.
“I'm incredibly proud of what they've achieved, and this podcast is a testament to their talent and dedication.”
The collaboration was first announced in May 2025 during Dying Matters Awareness Week.
Recording took place at St Giles Hospice in October 2025, with the podcast assembled by the students as part of their course.
Episodes will be released from May through to October 2026.
Natalie Lewis, Head of Marketing and Strategic Communications at St Giles Hospice, said: “We are 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 while shining a light on the vital role hospices play in our communities.”
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 each year delivering care, with less than a quarter funded by the government.
We're Dying to Tell You Something will be available on Spotify and all major streaming platforms.
Photo L-R: BCU Media Student Maya Davis, Leon Ratcliffe Director of Clinical Services, and CEO Elinor Eustace