Press & Testimonials — Halina Rifai

Music Keeps Me Going - MHF Live (Mental Health Foundation)

Dealing With Anxiety At Festivals - BBC The Social

Kathryn Welch (CULTURE COLLECTIVE LEAD)

“Halina was the most awesome Producer for the Future Culture podcast series. As podcast newbies, she guided us through the whole process, from commissioning music and stings, to scripting, accessibility and interviews. She is phenomenally organised, and able to create really high quality content on unfathomably tight timescales. Her interviews with artists were wide-ranging, intelligent and supportive, and resulted in the creation of a thought-provoking and illuminating podcast series. Halina kept us involved at every stage of the process - always happy to take on feedback and suggestions. We couldn’t be happier with the end result, and would recommend Halina without reservation. We’re already looking out for opportunities to work with her again.”

EMMA LYNCH (CURATED EXPERIENCE LEAD, ISS)

“We worked with Halina and Podcart to produce a number a podcasts for our virtual campaign for our client Barclays. Halina was great to work with, really professional and really creative took our brief and developed the idea. The work was fantastic over, above what we expected. We’d love to work with Halina again.”

Rob Dickie (Festival Officer, Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival)

“Halina has delivered several workshops providing training in podcasting and journalism for volunteers engaged with the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Mental Health Foundation. She is always dependable, immaculately prepared, and happy to adapt her approach according to the needs of individuals and groups. She is a great communicator, and is open, encouraging and supportive in order to help people achieve their goals.”

JOhn williamson (Lecturer, Glasgow University)

“Halina is an excellent workshop leader. Besides her experience and technical skills as a podcaster, she brings wide-ranging music industry know-how and a friendly and engaging style. Students left the sessions inspired, motivated and better able to produce their own podcasts. I would highly recommend her for any work in and around music, writing and broadcasting as well as in PR and communication and education more generally. She is great at all of them.”

Graham Stephen (PHD Researcher, Aberdeen University)

“Halina delivered a masterclass in podcasting to our fellow SGSHA funded PhD researchers at Stirling University. Her knowledge of the genre was exemplary and her infectious enthusiasm inspired everyone in the workshop, including the organisers. All our feedback was unanimous in its praise of her methods and content and we are aware that many of the participants have gone on to use the skills she shared to create their own podcasts, which is precisely what the workshop was designed to achieve. I would have no hesitation in engaging her for future workshops and have recommended her services to several others.”

Charlotte Lauder (PhD researcher, University of Strathclyde)

“Halina delivered an informative, inclusive and engaging presentation on the practicalities of podcasts as part of our podcasting workshop for PhD students. She spoke with warmth and expertise and was generous with her answers to students’ questions. She offered personal advice as well as an introduction to essential skills and was genuine and down-to-earth with her guidance. Halina is organised and always prompt with her communication and email correspondence. I wholeheartedly recommend Halina to any workshop, seminar or conference that explores how podcasts and digital audio can be used to widen access to education and research.”

Blue Kirkhope (Scottish Music Industry Association)

“I cannot recommend Halina enough. The workshop she delivered on behalf of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) regarding all things mental health was extremely useful to our members during such a crucial time, and was executed to a high standard. Her commitment to her work shines through and we very much look forward to working with her again.”

Sharon Stephen (The personal development coach)

“I have worked with Halina on numerous projects and businesses over the last 5 years, her hard work, drive and diligence makes her an invaluable team player but independently her ambition, drive, passion and creative flair sees her make a success of any new project she puts her mind to.”

Lindsay Gillies (BBC Radio Scotland Producer)

“Halina is a regular contributor to Vic Galloway’s Show on BBC Radio Scotland. Halina has a highly focussed musical knowledge which she consistently shares with confidence, clarity and humour. Halina is always prepared and able to explain her opinions on-air whether broadcasting alone and within a larger discussion group.”

HILARY BROOKS (founder - SCOTTISH WOMEN INVENTING MUSIC)

“I have known Halina for just over three years. She has made a huge difference to the volunteer network which I founded - Scottish Women Inventing Music (SWIM), which promotes gender equality in the music industry. Eighteen months ago SWIM gained charitable status. Halina was one of the core contributors and developers of the charity from the early days, helping to guide us through each stage of our development with her experience in PR and Marketing in the music industry. Keeping us on message, at every turn. Halina has been Team Leader of the SWIM PR Working Group since its inception, leading on Social Media content and website design.She has an impressive contacts list and the vital powers of persuasion necessary to get people involved in the launch of a project, an idea, a venture or a company. Halina successfully spearheaded our first major project, GIRL POOL. From small details to big picture thinking, Halina has demonstrated versatility and an extraordinary commitment. She has brought professionalism, in-depth knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm to our charity and its aims, which has proved invaluable as we look forward to embedding SWIM throughout Scotland. One to one Halina is personable, approachable and friendly. She is a good listener and leads her team effectively and efficiently. I have no hesitation in recommending her as a colleague, peer or as a consultant. “

AARTI JOSHI (Board - Scottish Women INventing Music / Head of Communications - DF Concerts)

“Halina is a truly multi-skilled, multi hyphenate professional – someone I really enjoy collaborating with due to her can-do approach, creativity and flawless attention to detail. As a PR and Marketing professional, her vast skillset is second to none and she delivers over and above, consistently. From the perspective of a client, she manages expectations extremely well and is always friendly and professional in her approach. Personally, I really enjoy working with her – in particular because of the great ideas she brings to the creative process, her love for collaboration and skill in bringing the right people together, but also because she is a joy to work with and I have always been impressed with every iota of her work”.

Lauren Davis (Glasgow Zine Library)

“Working with Halina in my capacity as the Director for a small community arts organization has been such a joy. She is a pleasure to devise programming with, and she truly cares about who she’s reaching. Her workshops go above and beyond the usual free offerings, and have allowed so many women to get into the male-dominated field of podcasting. They address not just bigger picture ideas, but the real nuts and bolts of what it takes to execute a project successfully. Her mentoring sessions delivered as part of Glasgow Zine Fest were one of our most lauded events in the history of the festival; we had follow-up emails for weeks from participants telling us how much they learned and how inspired they were. Halina is always happy to share resources and information, and in doing so is never patronizing.”

Clare McBrien (YCSA)

“Halina's core believes in lifting up other woman, fighting for a more equal society and sharing her skills with others was clear when she worked with me at YCSA. She didn't just teach a group of young female asylum seekers how to make podcasts. She supported the creation of a community of young woman who continue to thrive. She was dedicated, passionate and knowledgeable and really inspirational to work with.”

Carrie Marshall (WRITER AND BROADCASTER)

“I’ve been lucky to work with Halina in a variety of roles over the years. We’ve appeared on the same radio programmes, we’ve worked with the same charity and Halina has produced and edited podcasts I co-present. I’m always impressed by her knowledge, her enthusiasm and her incredible work ethic. Halina is the person who Gets Things Done.”