Amanda shares her story on the 'Mum Means Business' Podcast
- Lauren Stockton
- Aug 1, 2025
- 3 min read
Live the Beat founder Amanda Wrigley is the latest guest on the Mum Means Business podcast, opening up about the journey from primary school teacher to award-winning social entrepreneur, and how one simple idea has grown into a movement connecting generations through the power of music.
Hosted by Victoria Phipps, the episode explores Amanda's career, the inspiration behind Live the Beat and the life-changing impact that intergenerational music sessions are having on children, older people and communities across the UK.
From the classroom to creating change
Before founding Live the Beat, Amanda was an Assistant Headteacher who had always dreamed of becoming a teacher. However, becoming a mum changed her perspective.
While on maternity leave, Amanda realised she wanted to create a career that would allow her to spend more time with her family while still making a meaningful difference. Inspired by her daughter's love of music and recognising there were no local music classes in her community, she began running early years music sessions.
What started as a small local class soon developed into something much bigger. Drawing on her years of educational experience and her passion for child development, Amanda created music sessions that support children's communication, confidence, language, emotional wellbeing and learning through carefully planned musical experiences.
Discovering the power of intergenerational music
A pivotal moment came when Amanda was introduced to the innovative Nursery in Belong care village in Chester through the charity Ready Generations.
The concept was simple but powerful: bringing young children and older adults together to share everyday experiences through music, play and conversation.
Working alongside researchers from the University of Central Lancashire, Amanda documented the impact these sessions had on everyone involved. The experience cemented her belief that music provides a shared language that transcends age, creating genuine friendships, improving wellbeing and reducing loneliness.
As Amanda explains during the podcast, intergenerational practice isn't a new idea, it's something society has naturally done for generations. Live the Beat is helping to reintroduce those meaningful connections in today's communities.
More than music
Throughout the conversation, Amanda shares how extensive research into music and early childhood development has shaped Live the Beat's approach.
She explains how music stimulates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, supporting children's learning, communication and emotional development in ways few other activities can.
That same power continues throughout life, helping older adults reconnect with memories, emotions and one another while creating joyful shared experiences with younger generations.
Today, Live the Beat delivers music programmes in nurseries, schools, SEND settings, care homes and community venues, with every session designed to build confidence, connection and belonging.
A moment to remember
One of the highlights of the podcast is Amanda reflecting on the unforgettable experience of leading the Live the Beat Intergenerational Choir at Together at Christmas at Westminster Abbey after receiving an invitation from HRH The Princess of Wales.
Members of the choir, aged from just two years old to over 90, performed together in a moment that celebrated the very heart of Live the Beat's mission.
For Amanda, the invitation represented far more than a prestigious performance.
It was recognition that bringing generations together matters.
Speaking on the podcast, Amanda explains that seeing children and older adults share the stage at Westminster Abbey validated years of work demonstrating the value of intergenerational practice and inspired even more people to explore the benefits within their own communities.
Leading with purpose
Amanda also speaks openly about the challenges of running a purpose-led organisation, balancing business sustainability with social impact and overcoming imposter syndrome along the way.
Her advice is refreshingly honest: trust yourself, embrace opportunities and remember that you don't need to be anyone else.
One of her favourite reflections from the episode is:
"It's enough to be the person you are and just keep smiling."
Listen now
This podcast is a wonderful opportunity to hear the story behind Live the Beat, Amanda's journey as a founder, and the vision that continues to drive our work every day.
You can listen to the full episode of the Mum Means Business podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or by visiting the podcast website. It is an inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about education, music, community and making a positive difference.
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