Episodes

  • Billy Jeans | Hosted By Debbie Nakakande | S2 E3
    Jun 30 2025

    Billy Jeans is a British motorsport engineer currently serving as a Trackside Power Unit Engineer at Red Bull Racing.


    He joined the team in 2024, just after the summer shutdown, and quickly became an integral part of their championship-winning season. With only two days to prepare before his first race, Billy embraced the challenges of Formula 1, contributing to Red Bull’s success.


    Before his tenure at Red Bull, Billy gained valuable experience at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains. He began with a 12-month placement in 2015, working on the Energy Recovery System (ERS) build, and later returned as an Electronics Engineering Graduate after completing his MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Brunel University. At Mercedes, he was involved in the development of control electronics for their Formula E program


    Billy’s journey from student engineer to a key player in top-tier motorsport showcases his dedication and adaptability in the high-pressure world of Formula 1.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    41 mins
  • Amber Jones | Hosted by Nina-Jade Paul | S2 E2
    Jun 23 2025

    Amber Jones is a motorsport presenter, media trainer, and diversity advocate, returning as a guest after co-hosting Season 1 of the Driven By Us podcast.


    She’s presented for top motorsport platforms including WTF1, GT Cup Championship, Ferrari Challenge UK, and Daytona Motorsport, covering circuits like Silverstone and Brands Hatch.


    In 2024, she was part of the presenting team for the Ferrari HP Esports Series Grand Final in Abu Dhabi.


    Amber also leads media training workshops for young drivers, notably with the More than Equal program, helping female athletes build confidence and authentic self-representation in the paddock and beyond. Her mission: open the doors of motorsport to the next generation especially young women on and off the track.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    53 mins
  • George Imafidon MBE | Hosted by Nina-Jade Paul | S2 E1
    Jun 16 2025

    George Imafidon MBE is a humanitarian engineer, entrepreneur, and advocate for diversity in STEM. Raised in Peckham, South London, George co-founded and leads Motivez, an award-winning organisation that has empowered over 9,000 underserved young people in the UK to access STEM opportunities. His commitment to social impact earned him the Diana Award in 2019.


    In motorsport, George serves as a Race Engineer for X44 Vida Carbon Racing, the Extreme E team founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton. He also contributed to the Hamilton Commission, aiming to increase Black representation in UK motorsport. Recognised for his contributions, George was named the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2022 and received an MBE in 2023 for services to engineering, technology, and young people.


    In 2023, George became the Non-Executive Director of Driven By Us, a community interest company co-founded with James Dornor. Driven By Us aims to empower aspiring leaders from ethnic minorities and underserved groups within the automotive and motorsport industries. Under their leadership, the organisation has established the first recognised ethnic minority-led motorsport community within the UK, providing a transformative platform for inclusivity and representation.


    About Nina-Jade Paul:

    Nina-Jade Paul is a dynamic sports presenter and broadcaster, specializing in motorsport with a particular focus on Formula 1. Represented by Loudspeaker Talent Agency, she is recognised for her assured and energetic on-screen presence, and is considered an emerging talent in the field. Her career has seen her work closely with Ferrari, including serving as a pit lane reporter for the Ferrari Challenge series in the United States. In addition to motorsport, she has a background in football broadcasting, showcasing her versatility and ability to engage audiences across different sports

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    58 mins
  • Driven By Us - Season 2 Podcast Trailer
    Jun 15 2025

    Welcome to Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast, your backstage pass to the people powering motorsport and the stories that don’t make the headlines. Recorded in our brand new studio with an exciting new line-up of hosts, this season dives deeper into untold journeys, breakthrough moments and honest conversations from across the automotive and motorsport industries.


    We’re back because there’s more to learn and more stories to share. Season 1 revealed just how many inspiring stories are out there. Season 2 is our chance to amplify even more of them: real, raw and often emotional experiences from people challenging stereotypes and changing the pace of motorsport.



    What's New This Season?

    This season, we’re turning up the volume, literally and figuratively. Season 2 of the Driven By Us Podcast arrives with a refreshed format, elevated production quality, and a powerful new line-up of voices from across the motorsport spectrum. We’ve listened to our community and doubled down on what matters most: real stories, real people, and real conversations. Whether you’re a returning listener or tuning in for the first time, get ready for bold perspectives, honest insights, and the kind of energy that only comes from a team driven by purpose.



    🎥 New Studio, New Energy


    We’ve moved into a brand-new studio space, bringing upgraded visuals and professional sound design into the mix. With 4K camera setups and improved audio, every episode now feels more cinematic, so you can not only hear the stories but experience them in full.



    🎙️ New Hosts from the Community


    Meet our new voices: Nina-Jade Paul and Shanna Raj. They join returning hosts Debbie Nakakande and Savannah Thomas to form a vibrant, rotating crew of four presenters. Each brings their own background, expertise and personality. From presenting and media to motorsport and community advocacy. Their chemistry, curiosity and fresh perspectives keep every episode dynamic and inclusive.



    💬 Even More Authentic Voices


    This season, we’ve widened the lens to feature an even broader range of guests, engineers, apprentices, drivers, presenters, media creators and people working in unexpected corners of motorsport. What they all have in common? Passion, perseverance and a story worth hearing. Our guests are not defined by status, but by substance and their journeys are as inspiring as they are real.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    Less than 1 minute
  • Ella Podmore MBE | Hosted By Savannah Thomas | S1 E12
    Jan 27 2025

    Season Finale! Savannah Thomas, speaks to the phenomenal Ella Podmore MBE, a multi award winning engineer, a distinguished materials engineering manager and a passionate advocate for women in engineering. With over a decade of experience in the materials sector, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in managing complex projects and driving innovation in materials science. Her work has significantly contributed to advancing sustainable practices within the industry, ensuring that her team meets both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.


    In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Ella was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), a testament to her dedication to her profession and her community. Beyond her managerial role, she is deeply committed to promoting diversity in engineering. Ella actively mentors young women entering the field and participates in various initiatives aimed at increasing female representation in STEM careers. Through workshops, conferences, and outreach programs, she inspires the next generation of engineers to pursue their dreams and break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, in 2020 she won the IET's Young Woman Engineer of the Year!


    Ella's efforts have not only advanced her career but have also fostered a more inclusive and equitable environment within the engineering sector, making her a respected leader and role model for aspiring engineers everywhere.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    48 mins
  • Jennie Gow | Hosted By Savannah Thomas| S1 E11
    Jan 20 2025
    New host Savannah Thomas speaks to Jennie Gow is a distinguished radio, television presenter and journalist, renowned for her extensive work in motorsport broadcasting. She currently serves as BBC’s Formula 1 Presenter and Pit Lane Reporter Correspondent, contributing across television, radio, and online platforms, and is the presenter and pit lane reporter for BBC Radio 5 Live's Formula 1 coverage. Jennie career in broadcasting began in 1999 when she joined BBC Sport as a production secretary for "Sports Personality of the Century." Her passion for motorsports led her to present speedway and motocross events on various networks, including Channel 4 and Sky Sports. In 2010, Jennie became the presenter for BBC Sport's MotoGP coverage and in 2011, she joined BBC Radio 5 Live's Formula 1 team as a pit lane reporter and has been a prominent figure in F1 broadcasting since. Additionally, Jennie has presented ITV4's coverage of the FIA Formula E Championship and has been a co-commentator for the English-language world feed of Extreme E since 2021, the rise of Drive to Survive saw Jennie be a key figure and voice throughout seasons reviewing the drama in the world of Formula 1.
    In December 2022, Jennie suffered a significant health setback when she experienced a serious stroke that affected her speech and writing abilities. Her recovery journey was aided by a nurse who encouraged her to "get angry" to regain her speech. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Jennie returned to work part-time in July 2023 and resumed her full-time duties as a presenter and correspondent in 2024. During her recovery, Jennie authored a book titled "How to Read F1," which was released in November 2024. The writing process played a therapeutic role in her rehabilitation, helping her overcome lingering dyslexia resulting from the stroke.Jennie is a huge inclusion advocate and close friend of Driven By Us and we're proud to have her own the podcast! You can order her book via the linkOrder Here



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • Calum Nicholas | Hosted By Amber Jones| S1 E10
    Jan 13 2025

    Amber Jones speaks to an iconic figure in F1 - Calum Nicholas, a Senior Power Unit Assembly Technician at Red Bull Racing and a renowned pit stop crew member. He holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest tire change and gained fame through the Netflix series Drive to Survive.


    Beyond his technical role, Calum advocates for diversity in motorsports via his social media platforms. His contributions to the sport and his championship-winning team underscore his expertise and commitment to excellence in Formula 1.


    He shares insights about his journey in motorsport and his role within the team. Calum emphasises the thrill of working with high-performance cars and his passion for continuous learning in the fast-paced world of F1 racing.


    Pre Order Calum’s Book Here



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    43 mins
  • Lawrence Barretto| Hosted By Amber Jones | S1 E9
    Jan 6 2025

    Introducing another rising host part of the Driven By Us Community - Amber Jones speaks this week to Lawrence Barretto a prominent journalist and broadcaster, specialising in Formula 1 coverage. With over 15 years of experience in the field, he has become a key figure in motorsport media. His career took off when he became the lead live text commentator for BBC Sport, covering various sporting events, including the London 2012 Olympics.


    Since 2018, Barretto has been working with Formula 1 as a senior writer and editor, later becoming an F1 correspondent and presenter in 2022. He is known for his insightful analysis and engaging interviews with drivers and team members.


    His proudest moment is interviewing Michael Schumacher for the first time back in 2012, whilst he was at Mercedes and wasn’t having the best of times in his Formula 1 career. He was Lawrence' hero growing up, so it was a proud moment because he always wanted to meet him as a child.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    34 mins