Rachel Shenton's Groundbreaking Deaf Video Podcast

British actress Rachel Shenton has unveiled a deaf video podcast titled Shaping Tomorrow. This four-part series highlights the beauty of diversity and presents motivational tales from the deaf community on an entirely accessible platform. Viewers can enjoy fully accessible episodes featuring subtitles and British Sign Language (BSL) translations, making it easier for everyone to engage with the content.

Engaging conversation to change perception

In the very first episode of the podcast, deaf architect Christopher Laing speaks with designer and entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway. Subsequent episodes continue the theme of engaging dialogues, including a chat with renowned make-up artists Caroline Barnes and Nicky Weir, who is also deaf. Shenton aims to present these narratives to a broader audience, breaking down barriers and fostering understanding between the hearing and deaf communities. 
The essence of Shaping Tomorrow is to challenge societal misconceptions about deafness. Shenton highlights how these tales may celebrate diversity and provide a bridge across communities. Through promoting candid discussions about sign language and deaf culture, the podcast seeks to educate the hearing audience. 

A series of impactful podcasts

Shaping Tomorrow is a big step for Shenton's advocacy, but it's not her first attempt at making compelling media. Following her Oscar win for The Silent Child, she has also created a scripted podcast series called Gladstone Girls, where she stars alongside other notable actors. 
Her diverse projects reflect her dedication to storytelling that resonates with real-life experiences, whether through the lens of the deaf community or her personal heritage.

What’s next?

The podcast seems to be an interesting voyage, especially with notable guests like actress Maxine Peake and explorer James Aiken scheduled for upcoming episodes. The first episode of "Shaping Tomorrow" premiered on Hear Art’s YouTube channel, with subsequent episodes released biweekly. Listeners can also find the interviews on Spotify, Audible, and Apple Podcasts.