The Happy Pod: Swimming against depression

Summary

Global News Podcast: "The Happy Pod: Swimming against depression" Summary

Release Date: November 30, 2024
Host: Maurizio Piri
Produced by: BBC World Service

---

1. Swimming Against Depression: A Refugee's Journey

Overview:
The episode opens with a poignant story of Svetlana Sakno, a young mother from Odessa, Ukraine, who has relocated to Ireland amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Diagnosed with depression, Svetlana embraces an unconventional therapy—cold water swimming in the Irish Sea—to cope with her mental health challenges.

Key Points:

• Mental Health Crisis Among Refugees: Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are displaced globally, with many facing depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• Cold Water Therapy: Recommended by her doctor, Svetlana adopts cold swimming as a routine to alleviate her depressive symptoms.

Notable Quotes:

• Svetlana Sakno (02:18): “Cold swimming in sea, it solves my problems. It’s really powerful, very brave to go to cold water.”
• Svetlana Sakno (03:45): “I feel brave, crazy. It helps me keep moving.”

Insights:

• Community Impact: Svetlana shares her experience on Instagram to inspire other refugees, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature.
• Personal Transformation: Despite initial fear, the routine swimming sessions have empowered her, providing both physical and emotional strength.

---

2. Transforming Sargassum Seaweed into Sustainable Fuel in Barbados

Overview:
Barbados faces an environmental crisis as massive amounts of sargassum seaweed wash up on its beaches, disrupting ecosystems and tourism. A team of environmentalists and scientists, including biologist Shamika Spencer and Dr. Lagina Henry, introduces an innovative solution by converting the invasive seaweed into sustainable fuel.

Key Points:

• Environmental Threats: Sargassum accumulation leads to the death of marine life, emits harmful gases like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, and degrades beach aesthetics.
• Innovative Solution: The project utilizes sargassum in biodigesters to produce biogas, which can fuel vehicles, generate electricity, and serve as fertilizer.

Notable Quotes:

• Shamika Spencer (06:04): “We conducted about 400 experiments varying ratios of sargassum and rum distillery wastewater to measure biogas production.”
• Dr. Lagina Henry (07:02): “On a bad day in Barbados, enough sargassum washes up to power all the energy needs of the country for one month.”

Insights:

• Sustainability: The project ensures that sargassum harvesting does not disrupt the ocean’s ecosystem, preserving the natural carbon-absorbing role of the seaweed.
• Positive Outcomes: Beyond energy production, the initiative mitigates health risks associated with decomposing sargassum and supports local economies by reducing landfill use.

---

3. Community Effort Saves Stranded Whales in New Zealand

Overview:
In New Zealand, the indigenous Maori community, particularly the group Patuharakiki Tiwi Trust, spearheads a rescue mission to save stranded pilot whales off Ruakaka Beach. The collective effort underscores the cultural significance of whales and showcases community solidarity.

Key Points:

• Cultural Importance: Whales are revered as descendants of the ocean god Tangaroa, holding sacred status in Maori traditions.
• Rescue Mission: Thousands of community members collaborate to guide over 30 pilot whales back to the ocean, utilizing innovative methods like transporting whales with sheets.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Milner (10:35): “It really bonded the community together.”
• Patuharakiki Representative (11:03): “We remained on the beach through the night to ensure no more whales were stranded.”

Insights:

• Community Unity: The rescue operation exemplifies how cultural values can drive collective action towards environmental conservation.
• Challenges: Despite successful rescues, the episode notes the ongoing struggle with whale strandings, emphasizing the need for continued community and scientific efforts.

---

4. Barbara Banda: Celebrating a Zambian Football Star

Overview:
Barbara Banda, a 24-year-old Zambian footballer, achieves international acclaim by winning the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024. Her remarkable performance in the Paris Olympics and the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League has propelled her into the spotlight.

Key Points:

• Achievements: Banda scored four goals at the Paris Olympics, becoming Africa’s leading Olympic goalscorer with ten goals overall. She also earned the MVP award in the U.S. league after joining Orlando Pride.
• Personal Journey: Overcoming societal challenges and familial obstacles, Banda’s dedication and consistency have been pivotal to her success.

Notable Quotes:

• Barbara Banda (13:07): “I'm still surprised and shocked to have this award, but I think at some other point I deserve it because I've been consistent.”
• Barbara Banda (15:18): “Everything that I do, I dedicate to my father because he supported me in all ways.”

Insights:

• Role Model: Banda emphasizes her responsibility to inspire young athletes in Zambia, particularly young girls facing similar societal barriers.
• Cultural Legacy: Acknowledging past icons like AC Sattler Shuarla, Banda positions herself within a legacy of African excellence in football.

---

5. Teaching Rats to Drive: A Study in Positive Emotions

Overview:
Dr. Kelly Lambert from the University of Richmond explores the intersection of animal behavior and positive psychology by training rats to drive miniature vehicles. This innovative research sheds light on the animals’ capacity for enjoyment and learning through complex tasks.

Key Points:

• Experimental Design: Rats were motivated using Froot Loop rewards to learn how to operate steering mechanisms and navigate arenas to reach a “fruit loop tree.”
• Findings: Some rats chose to drive rather than walk, indicating a preference and possible enjoyment of the activity.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Kelly Lambert (17:14): “We have to respect these other animal brains a little bit more.”
• Dr. Kelly Lambert (19:08): “This is the embodiment of a positive emotion. It makes us accountable for how we treat our brains.”

Insights:

• Neuroplasticity: The study emphasizes how experiences shape brain development, advocating for a greater focus on positive emotions in scientific research.
• Ethical Considerations: The research prompts a reevaluation of animal intelligence and emotional capacity, encouraging more humane and respectful treatment.

---

6. Rod Stewart: An Ageless Legend and Activist

Overview:
Rod Stewart breaks age barriers by headlining the Glastonbury Festival at 80, proving that musical prowess and activism know no age limit. His upcoming performance underscores his enduring influence and commitment to societal causes.

Key Points:

• Career Milestone: Stewart’s return to Glastonbury follows his iconic 2002 performance, reinforcing his status as a timeless artist.
• Activism: Beyond music, Stewart engages in community service, including repairing potholes in Essex and funding MRI scans to alleviate NHS waiting lists.

Notable Quotes:

• Rod Stewart (22:38): “I’m in a privileged position. I’ve earned my money and I want to help people.”
• Rod Stewart (23:17): “Thank you very, very much.”

Insights:

• Legacy and Influence: Stewart’s continued relevance highlights the impact of longevity and adaptability in the music industry.
• Community Engagement: His activism demonstrates how public figures can leverage their success to address and support essential societal needs.

---

7. News in Brief

Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens in Paris: After five and a half years of restoration following a devastating fire, Notre Dame Cathedral has been unveiled to the public. French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the restoration efforts, emphasizing the symbolic renewal of this historic landmark.

Great Indian Bustard Conservation Success: Wildlife officials in Rajasthan successfully hatched a great Indian bustard chick through artificial insemination, marking a significant milestone for this critically endangered species with only around 150 remaining.

Maria Rakita: The Unsung Hero of Shakespeare Road, London (25:09 - 27:52): Maria Rakita has taken it upon herself to maintain the cleanliness of Shakespeare Road in South London. Despite battling rheumatoid arthritis, her dedication ensures the neighborhood remains safe and pleasant. Her efforts have earned her community admiration, though she prefers to stay unrecognized by official channels.

Notable Quotes:

• Maria Rakita (26:31): “I do it because nobody’s sweeping. I like it when it’s clean.”
• Maria Rakita (27:00): “When it’s nice and clean, I’m happy every time.”

Insights:

• Community Spirit: Maria’s story exemplifies individual initiative’s profound impact on community well-being.
• Public Recognition: The segment calls for listeners to acknowledge and appreciate local heroes who contribute selflessly to their neighborhoods.

---

Conclusion

This episode of the Global News Podcast masterfully intertwines diverse human interest stories with broader societal issues. From personal battles with mental health and innovative environmental solutions to celebrating athletic excellence and scientific curiosity, the podcast offers a comprehensive and uplifting narrative. Notable quotes and firsthand accounts enrich each segment, providing depth and relatability to listeners. Whether highlighting the resilience of refugees, the ingenuity of scientists, or the unwavering spirit of community members, "The Happy Pod: Swimming against depression" delivers a rich tapestry of inspiration and hope.

---

For more stories and updates, visit globalpodcastbc.co.uk.

Transcript

[Alex Ritson]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk. Tolvera herbicide is all about flexibility with tank mix compatibility to combat weed resistance. A nine month plant back rotation to most major crops that helps boost profitability and an active ingredient new to the.

[Barbara Banda]

Cereals market, Tolvera herbicide can easily manage.

[Alex Ritson]

Hard to control broadleaf weeds and foxtails. Oh, now if it could only manage the traffic. For more flexible weed control, visit Corteva US Flex.

[Maurizio Piri]

Hello, I'm Maurizio Piri and when I wish to hear positive news, I'm listening to the Pipodo from the BBC World Service.

[Alex Ritson]

I'm Alex Ritson and in this edition.

[Maurizio Piri]

I feel brave, crazy and I feel, you know, excited inside. It's help.

[Alex Ritson]

The Ukrainian refugee using cold water swimming to tackle depression. Also turning an eyesore into a sustainable fuel.

[Maurizio Piri]

On a bad day in Barbados, enough sargassum washes up on the beach to power all the energy needs of the country for one month.

[Alex Ritson]

How a community came together to rescue a pod of whales.

[Maurizio Piri]

We've had really awesome response from the community. Thousands of people have come down to help.

[Alex Ritson]

It was great to see that unity and driving rats. Yes, rats can drive and they enjoy it. As the Russia Ukraine war continues, Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are now living abroad with many refugees seeking help for mental health issues like depression, anxiety and ptsd. Svetlana Sakno, a young mother from the city of Odessa, was diagnosed with depression in Ireland, where she now lives with her family. Her doctor recommended an unusual therapy, swimming in the cold Irish Sea. Now a convert, she wants to motivate other refugees to try it.

[Maurizio Piri]

Cold swimming in sea, it solves my problems. You know, it's not Finnish war or come back my friends or come back my home, but it's helped me keep moving, you know, help me keep moving. I'm Svetlana and I flew from war from Ukraine to Ireland to more safety place. I was in the city of Odessa when it started, you know, it was shock.

[Alex Ritson]

Loud explosions have been now heard in Ukraine in lots of different cities as the Russian assault happened has begun and.

[Maurizio Piri]

We decided to go to go abroad. I'm this small child and I breastfeed her all the time. We find some job for my husband in Ireland. I stay alone in this hotel room in tv. Always war in Ukraine. I keep going because my child, my doctor in Ireland, she prescribed me antidepressants and she recommended me swimming in cold water sea and I saw people do it. They always go out from water like heroes and it's like really powerful, very Brave to go to cold water. And we was one day on the beach and I just have swim in suit with me. I don't know why. And I just wear and go, oh, my God. It was like shock. I cannot believe I do it. And my husband, my daughter looked at me and shocked. I start September and then I decided to do every week. So, like routine. The coldest water I ever swim, it was 3 degrees Celsius. It was really freezing. And inside my body was like pain. And then it's warm, warm, warm, warm, warm. And I feel powerful and it even give me energy. I have some Instagram page to do some video. I just try to show people how I fight in this depression, try to keep moving. My parents, they didn't know. They see this video and they cannot believe it's me, you know, I feel brave, crazy. I do it for my body and I feel, you know, excited inside. It's help. I don't know how it's working, but it's working, you know?

[Alex Ritson]

Svetlana Saknow talking to Anya Dorodeyko. Now to a project that's turned an eyesore into an acid. Huge swathes of the invasive seaweed sargassum wash up on beaches across the Caribbean every year, posing a risk to people and animals like hawk's head turtles and damaging tourism. In Barbados, it's even been declared a national emergency. But now a group of environmentalists and scientists on the island have found a way to turn it into fuel for cars and generating electricity. I spoke to biologist Shamika Spencer and Dr. Lagina Henry, who founded the project.

[Maurizio Piri]

On a bad day in Barbados, more than 800 dump trucks of sargassum can wash up on shorelines and this affects the coastal ecosystems. We've had events of turtles dying, so.

[Alex Ritson]

It washes up, it spoils the beaches, and as I understand it, it stinks.

[Maurizio Piri]

Not only does it stink, but, Shamika, I guess you can speak about the health issues around the hydrogen sulfide. It releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia gases as it decomposes, and this has been linked to preeclampsia in mothers. It causes their blood pressure to be elevated during pregnancy, and it has also caused persons to be rushed to the emergency room because it has been linked to neurological and even respiratory issues.

[Alex Ritson]

Because, Shamika, you've been doing all sorts of experiments in the laboratory on this stuff. You're not impressed with it to begin with, but you've now found it might have its uses.

[Maurizio Piri]

So it was very heartwarming to see that. The research that I did in the lab to fuel a vehicle in real time. So I conducted, on the first go, about 400 experiments where I did varying ratios of sagas from seaweed and rum, distillery wastewater, measured the volumes of biogas that reproduce.

[Alex Ritson]

What do you think could be done with this?

[Maurizio Piri]

So it could be used to fuel vehicles, the digest, it could be used as fertilizer, even generate electricity, and the electricity could be used in houses and so on. The gas could be used to cook on as well. So there's a lot of different uses. On a bad day in Barbados, enough sargassum washes up on the beach to power all the energy needs of the country for one month. So there's definitely enough sargassum to generate significant amounts of the energy needs on this island.

[Alex Ritson]

And there's no downsides to this. I mean, we're sort of trying to move away from burning fuel. Are there climate change worries about this, or is it completely green?

[Maurizio Piri]

So we looked at it from a sustainability standpoint and I think we've kept that at the nexus of the solution. How do you approach it sustainably? And so we don't believe you have to harvest all the sargassum in the ocean. Sargassum is like a floating rainforest. There's a whole biological ecosystem around it, but also it does extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So it's great to suddenly have this offshore floating rainforest in the Caribbean Sea. Wonderful. But the problem is when some maps arrive on the coastline, and that's harmful. So what we want is divert the masts that are heading to the coastline and put those in our biodigester.

[Alex Ritson]

You both must be delighted with what you've done here.

[Maurizio Piri]

I was wondering, how could we actually solve this problem? I was wondering when the mats would stop arriving, but I realized maybe they would not stop coming. And also they were coming because of climate change and global warming events. So I was delighted to actually start working on this project and figuring out ways to even stop the mats from going to landfills where they're still releasing the gases and where it could be used in a sustainable solution. And I also love seeing my results being used in a practical way. So that's also very heartwarming for me. The exciting thing is when you think of all the problems that the solution is solving, it's like a win, win, win, win, win. As a scientist, it's great to see the work that you do result in outcomes that are positive in so many ways.

[Alex Ritson]

In New Zealand, some Maori tribes see whales as the descendants of the ocean God Tangaroa. But dozens of These beautiful creatures get stranded every single year, especially off the north island coastline. Last week a community from Whangarei banded together for a rescue mission off Ruakaka beach, guiding more than 30 pilot whales back to the sea. Lul Hasan reports they came out in their hundreds. Conservation workers using sheets to transport the whales back into the water in a rescue mission spearheaded by Patuharakiki, the area's local mori group. Members of the indigenous group remained on the beach through the night to make sure none of the whales were re stranded. Dave Milner is part of the Patuharakiki Tiwi Trust. He says it really bonded the community together.

[Maurizio Piri]

We've had, you know, a really awesome response from the community.

[Alex Ritson]

Thousands of people have come down to help and you know, it was great.

[Maurizio Piri]

To see their unity, you know, for the same purpose.

[Alex Ritson]

Whales getting stranded in New Zealand is nothing new. There were more than 80 incidents reported last year alone. Joel Lauterbach is from the country's Department of conservation. So these four are stranded yesterday afternoon between sort of 4:30 and 5:36 o'clock.

[Maurizio Piri]

And there was an amazing response from.

[Alex Ritson]

The community here and led by Patuharake. And that response led to, well, you.

[Maurizio Piri]

Know, obviously the sad outcome of these.

[Alex Ritson]

Four passing away on the beach.

[Maurizio Piri]

However, the rest of the pod actually was able to head back out to sea.

[Alex Ritson]

The indigenous Maori New Zealanders consider whales.

[Maurizio Piri]

A taunga, a sacred treasure of cultural.

[Alex Ritson]

Significance to their community. The group held a ceremony for the three adult whales and one calf that also died. Rescue teams remained vigilant and continued to monitor waters for any more whales that might be at risk. Not only are they mourning a tragic loss, but they are celebrating a beautiful.

[Maurizio Piri]

Creature that is as much a New.

[Alex Ritson]

Zealander as they are. Lul Hasan, the Zambian player Barbara Banda has won a public vote to be named as the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2024. The 24 year old scored four goals for her country at the Paris Olympics, becoming the leading African goalscorer in Olympic history with 10. She's also won the U.S. national Women's Soccer League's Most Valuable Player of the Year award. After joining Orlando Pride In March, the BBC's Maz Farouki went to the club to surprise her with the trophy. Barbara. Good morning everyone. Hello Barbara.

[Barbara Banda]

Sorry to interrupt your team meeting, everyone.

[Alex Ritson]

But Barbara, we just wanted to deliver a special award for you. You are the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2020. Congratulations guys.

[Maurizio Piri]

I think I'm just dedicating this award. Everyone of you guys who has Been there for me. I have nothing much to say. Just thank you so much. I appreciate your support. Thank you. Here she comes again. Banda. Swerve.

[Alex Ritson]

Shouts, tallies.

[Maurizio Piri]

A star is born in Orlando. I'm still surprised and shocked to have this award right by my side, but I think at some other point I deserve it because I've been consistent. I've been working so hard and people have been pushing me more. Especially, like I said here, the club has been pushing the teammates. They've been pushing so hard for me to be where I am right now and to have this trophy.

[Alex Ritson]

So in the 10 years since we launched the award, there's only ever been.

[Barbara Banda]

One other African winner.

[Alex Ritson]

That was AC Sattler Shuarla back in 2015. Now you are the winner in 2024. How does it feel to sort of be alongside someone who has been such an icon for African football?

[Maurizio Piri]

Well, I think it's great. I think Oshawara has won a couple of awards. I give much respect to her because she has done a lot that I haven't done. So for me winning this award at this moment, I think there's always time for everything. So I guess it's my time and I appreciate it.

[Alex Ritson]

Tell us a little bit more about Paris. What is it about Olympics at Barbara Bandit that is such a good fit.

[Maurizio Piri]

It was so important for me that I had to score another outrig in Paris. My aim always is to score because I love scoring. Marcy delivers this one to the back post.

[Alex Ritson]

He climbs in the middle.

[Maurizio Piri]

Banda scores.

[Alex Ritson]

Who can stop her?

[Maurizio Piri]

At the moment, I love Zambia and definitely I'm typical Zambian. So it's very important to represent my country at large. And just wearing on that T shirt means a lot to me, to mother Zambia and everyone. All those youngsters that are coming up, a lot of young girls and boys looking up to me. So it's very important for me even to show good character to them. Growing up in Zambia has never been easy, you know, more especially as a girl child. It's so difficult for us to get into sport like football. I was playing with young boys and my mom was not in support of it, but she came the time to understand, to say, when women's football started being recognized in Zambia, that's when she came to understand and just to let me do what I love doing most.

[Alex Ritson]

Your father was a huge positive influence on you.

[Maurizio Piri]

I really loved you playing football.

[Alex Ritson]

I know he passed away years ago, but you said recently I still remember him in everything I do, and I wonder what he would Think about this moment with us sitting here with you with that trait.

[Maurizio Piri]

Everything that I do, I dedicate everything to him because I'm sure if he was here he was going to be a proud father for me because he really supported me in all ways even like when my mom want to put up a fight over me because of football shoe, he will stand for me so whatever I'm getting, it's all up to him.

[Barbara Banda]

Orlando trying to get ahead here in the late moments Banda.

[Maurizio Piri]

The Banda Wagon.

[Barbara Banda]

Comes out to strike late.

[Maurizio Piri]

My message to the fans is to say thank you so much for the support that you've given unto me. Thank you so much and thank you for joining Banda Wagon.

[Alex Ritson]

Zambian football star Barbara Banda.

[Maurizio Piri]

Still to come when I retired now they might think it's good keep clean and tidy. When it's nice and clean, they make me happy.

[Alex Ritson]

How one woman is making her neighbourhood better for everyone. Many of us have animals that we like to teach tricks to. Often it's something like sit, stay, fetch. But scientists at the University of Richmond in Virginia have taken it a step further. They've taught rats how to drive and their research suggests that the animals actually enjoy it. Dr. Kelly Lambert is professor of Behavioural Neuroscience and spoke to the HappyPod's Rebecca Wood.

[Barbara Banda]

You need a treat, an incentive, something for the animals to work for and they love Froot Loop cereal pieces. They also have a nutritious diet in their cages. But so they're very motivated, they're very food motivated and then you start to shape their behavior, require them to approach the car and give them a reward and then get in the car and give them a reward and then approach the steering mechanism, dashboard, give them a reward and then activate the steering so you get and just require more of them as we're shaping and then eventually they'll jump in the car and drive down the arena to the fruit loop tree, as we call it.

[Alex Ritson]

Is it possible to be able to tell whether they enjoy driving?

[Barbara Banda]

So before the rats could only drive to this fruit loop tree, they were put in the car. They couldn't jump out and run to it, but we trained the animals so that they could walk on paw, on foot to the fruit loop tree and they could get their rewards then. So then the test, preliminary test with our driving animals was to put the animal in the middle of the arena where they could easily walk and get all the rewards they wanted or they could backtrack and jump in the car and drive. And so we had three of these trained animals and two turned around, saw the car walked very quickly, kind of like a little rat run, a little leap, and jumped in the car to drive. So they went out of their way to drive, which suggested that they preferred that method, that mode of transportation.

[Alex Ritson]

I have to say, I've had a little mouse who's taken up residence in my house in the last week. Just picturing himself speeding around a little vehicle makes me feel a little bit.

[Maurizio Piri]

Fonder of him than I was.

[Barbara Banda]

I know people are a little mixed about how they feel about the complex, complex abilities of these animals.

[Alex Ritson]

So what was it that you actually set out to achieve from this experiment?

[Barbara Banda]

My lab, we look at experience based neuroplasticity. And this is just simply how our brains change. As I tell my students, from the womb to the tomb, makes us all accountable for how we treat our brains. So the physical environment, the social environment, how we interact, our experiences with the environment and each other, all of that changes our brain and sculpts our brain so that we're ready for the next challenge. So this was a very complex challenge we thought would be fun, interesting and engaging to teach the rats. It was during the pandemic when I think most of us had kind of a low mood. We're socially isolated and the students had all gone home. So we were taking turns, a few of us going in to check the animals because we. When you have animals in your lab, that's. They need to be checked every day. So when I went in, these were the animals that had been trained to drive, but they weren't driving a lot because it was a pandemic. No one was doing what they wanted to do. But they approached the side of the cage. When I walked in, they were climbing up and down. Like my dog jumps up and down when I ask him if he wants to go for a walk. They were reaching out. They seemed excited to see me and, and I was excited to see them during the pandemic. And it made me think, goodness. This seems to certainly be the embodiment of a positive emotion. And I'd spent most of my career, as is the case for many of my colleagues in this field, we focus a lot on the negative emotions. Stress, trauma, fear, anxiety. And that's incredibly important to understand. But a lot less attention has been focused on these positive emotions. And I don't think we've. We think that there is important. They're kind of fluff or icing on the cake. But this is, at that point I wanted to shift and look more at positive emotions.

[Alex Ritson]

Do you think you could teach other animals to drive as well, or is it just rats for you?

[Barbara Banda]

If an animal is food motivated and you can create a vehicle that their bodies can respond to? Absolutely, absolutely. I think that we would be surprised at probably the mouse and your house could learn to drive a car. I don't know. I don't know of a frog, but, you know, if they're hungry enough, they could probably do this. I think we need to respect these other animal brains a little bit more.

[Alex Ritson]

Dr. Kelly Lambert. Music festivals may once have been dominated by younger people, but Rod Stewart is hoping to prove that you're never too old to be the headline act. The star will perform at one of the world's biggest festivals, Glastonbury in England next summer, taking the coveted legend slot at the age of 80. Here's our entertainment correspondent, Mark Savage. The last time Rod Stewart played at Glastonbury, it was 2002, and the Star won over the crowd with a set of ageless classics that included hits like Maggie Mae, Stay With Me and the first Cut Is the Deepest, as well as a spot of Football. It's Rod Stewart and Maggie May. Do you remember it? By that stage, Rod had already been performing for 40 years. To date, he sold more than 250 million albums and singles.

[Maurizio Piri]

Me and the boys thought we'd come through.

[Alex Ritson]

In recent years, he's become something of an activist, filling in potholes near his home in Essex and paying for MRI scans to help cut NHS waiting lists.

[Maurizio Piri]

I'm in a privileged position, you know, I've earned my money and I want to help people.

[Alex Ritson]

When he returns to Glastonbury next June, he will be 80 years old. The star recently announced plans to step back from large scale touring, but in a statement, he said he was ready and able to play the pyramid stage next summer.

[Maurizio Piri]

Thank you very, very much.

[Alex Ritson]

Time for some news in brief. Paris. Famous Notre Dame Cathedral has been revealed to the public for the first time since the devastating fire five and a half years ago. It's been completely repaired and renovated and years of soot were cleaned up, giving the space a brand new look. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, toured the Gothic cathedral live on tv. He praised workers for achieving the impossible. The planet was turned upside down on that famous day in April. The shock of the reopening will be, I believe, as strong as the shock of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope, and that's because of all the work that you've done. You did your alchemy here on this site to turn charred coals into art. The Fire of Notre Dame was a national wound and you were its remedy. And last month brought good news for the critically endangered bird, the great Indian bustard. For the first time, a chick bred through artificial insemination was hatched successfully. It was done by wildlife officials in the western state of Rajasthan, who say it opens up the possibility of creating a sperm bank for the species. Habitat loss, poaching and collisions with overhead power lines have reduced the number of great Indian bustards to around 150. In common with many cities around the world, London has a big problem with litter. At this time of the year, assorted rubbish swirls around in the wind with the fallen leaves of autumn, making otherwise pleasant neighbourhoods look unkempt and dishevelled. But Shakespeare Road in the south of the city is a notable exception, thanks to the tireless unpaid work of Maria Rakita and her trusty broom. I stopped by to ask her why.

[Maurizio Piri]

She does it because nobody's sweeping. I like it when it's clean. Early morning broken bottle can dog poo. People step melted. It's horrible. It's not nice. How different look that street people doesn't like sweep. Sometimes the nasty lady, she come past my gate. She put hands on the pocket tiny paper she prepared and she spread like this. What can you do on my front gate? Because she's too clean. I like it when it's clean. I live here 40 years when I working before I be executive chef in restaurant in Harrods. When I finish in Harrods, I go to Duckies South Kensington Polish restaurant, Ib chef restaurant. When I finish midnight, come back home when I retired. Now then, I think it's good keep clean and tidy. It's good exercise for my hands because I've got the rheumatoid arthritis. Over 20 few years. I can walk, can do nothing like this. And that is the not heavy job and make me happy when it's clean. And I think it's good for the people when they're walking. Not step for the dog pool and the broken bottle because it's very dangerous.

[Alex Ritson]

And there's a school on this street?

[Maurizio Piri]

Yes.

[Alex Ritson]

Do the kids see you doing this? Do they?

[Maurizio Piri]

Sometimes, yes, sometimes. The nice bunch of flowers. The one girl, she bring me one rose. This bunch is nice. And Maria, that is for you. Because always when I walk it's nice and clean.

[Alex Ritson]

Do you think the council should be paying you for this?

[Maurizio Piri]

No, I'm too free for them. The council not pay me. I do free.

[Alex Ritson]

What's your happiest day doing this?

[Maurizio Piri]

When it's nice and clean I'm happy every time yes when I just open my eyes go outside to my front street MC is dirty I start sweeping sometimes I'm sleeping a little bit too far when my daughter not see me because she tell mommy you can crazy you sweeping just your side and left the rest I tell when I left my rest the wind can blow again to me then always meter by meter, leaves by leaves I sometimes go a little bit too far when I feel tired don't take rest start again when the wind not blow it's okay when it is the wind you can sweeping when it's nice and clean they make be happy.

[Alex Ritson]

Maria Rokita and if you know any unsung heroes that make things better for people where you live, we'd love to hear from you. As ever, the address for emails or voice notes is globalpodcastbc.co.uk and that's all from the HappyPod for now. This edition was mixed by Craig Kingham and the producers were Holly Gibbs, Rachel Bulkley and Lul Hasan. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Alex Ritson. Until next time. Goodbye.