Check out this new podcast inspiring young people

When Jack Parsons struggled for motivation during lockdown, he decided to launch a podcast to help young people in a similar situation.

In its first season, My Duvet Flip saw politicians Rishi Sunak and Nadhim Zahawi interviewed, as well as business leaders sharing what they’ve learned throughout their careers.

It was only meant to be a single season, but Parsons has brought it back for a second after seeing its success.

My Duvet Flip has the aim of “motivating young people to flip the duvet in the morning and thrive”.

Parsons said: “I’m thrilled to be able to bring out a second series of My Duvet Flip and share the motivational and honest conversations I’ve been lucky enough to have with some of Britain’s most successful business leaders. For me, the podcast is all about supporting the millions of young people across the UK and helping them feel empowered to achieve their own goals.”

Parsons is a Big Issue ambassador and founded the Youth Group, which provides career opportunities and mentoring for young people.

Growing up in a single parent household in Romford, Essex, Parsons didn’t excel academically, but found a passion in judo. He took on a paper round to fund classes and got himself a black belt at the age of 14.

He left school with an apprenticeship, and then got a job at a recruitment company – but was told he was too young to be promoted despite winning awards for himself.

On Twitter, he’s been open about his experience, saying: “I never felt loved by my parents growing up. I was always an outsider, and I always felt lost and lonely. So I decided to focus on supporting young people who are, so they don’t go and experience the same thing.”

Alongside running the Youth Group, Parsons also advises governments on how they can support young people and is the UK’s chief youth officer

The new series of My Duvet Flip, supported by Aviva and EY, will have Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis and Ann Summers chair Jacqueline Gold opposite Parsons. It will be available on TikTok and YouTube.

Rob Acker, CEO of Salesforce.org, also appears on the new series. He said: “Jack is changing the world in a time when the world could use a little more thoughtfulness, kindness, & inspiration. An inspiration for today’s youth whose mission/message has no generational limits.”