Shows
Stories of the Fire Brigade06 - Chpts 8 10 Eng Dane Whiteley's Fire Liverpool FBDive into the gripping tales of bravery and heroism in Stories of the Fire Brigade, where real-life incidents from fire brigades in Great Britain and the United States come to life. This collection showcases the evolution of fire safety procedures, tracing back to ancient practices established by the Chinese, Greeks, and Romans, and includes insights into the early laws aimed at safeguarding lives and property from destructive flames. Each story not only highlights the perilous situations faced by firefighters but also celebrates their unwavering courage and resourcefulness as they risk everything to save others in moments of crisis. Originally penned...
2025-11-1122 min
2025-09-174h 30
The Cine-Files419 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Part 3On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha wrap up their exploration of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and welcome back WTF with Marc Maron producer Brendan McDonald for this final discussion on the film. This groundbreaking return of the Mad Max franchise from director George Miller was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and more! Starring Tom Hardy (replacing Mel Gibson), Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courtney Eaton. The guys go thru the movie breathtaking scene by breathtaking scene t...
2025-03-012h 08
The Cine-Files418 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Part 2On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha continue their exploration of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and welcome back WTF with Marc Maron producer Brendan McDonald for this discussion. This groundbreaking return of the Mad Max franchise from director George Miller that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and more! Starring Tom Hardy (replacing Mel Gibson), Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courtney Eaton. The guys go thru the movie breathtaking scene by breathtaking scene to break down the d...
2025-02-212h 06
The Cine-Files417 MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Part 1On this episode of The Cine-Files, Steve Morris and John Rocha welcome back WTF with Marc Maron producer Brendan McDonald to begin their breakneck exploration of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD. This groundbreaking return of the Mad Max franchise from director George Miller that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and more! Starring Tom Hardy (replacing Mel Gibson), Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Hugh Keays-Byrne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Zoë Kravitz, Riley Keough, Abbey Lee and Courtney Eaton. The guys go thru the movie breathtaking scene by breathtaking scene to break down the direction, acting, s...
2025-02-142h 00
Doughboys161: HTNC: #161 - The Origins of HomophobiaSteve Whiteley and John Peacock on the pod this week. Bit of bogan history. A deep dive on boner pills. Someone drove off a cliff in Newcastle and surprisingly it wasn't Ethan. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/how-to-not-comedy--6221683/support.
2024-06-111h 11
How To Not ComedyHTNC: #161 - The Origins of HomophobiaSteve Whiteley and John Peacock on the pod this week.
Bit of bogan history. A deep dive on boner pills. Someone drove off a cliff in Newcastle and surprisingly it wasn't Ethan.
Enjoy!
2024-06-111h 11
The Shrewsbury Biscuit PodcastThe Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast: Steve The Hungry GuySteve The Hungry GuyThis episode has been some months in the making I tell you. Me and Steve have been trying to make this work since Shrewsbury Food Festival 2023. What I can confirm is that this episode was worth waiting for because not only is The Hungry Guy everywhere, not only is he a nationally recognised food educator but he is pretty awesome on the mic.We discuss Steve's career as a product development designer and how that job was the last straw when it comes to educating about not wasting food. Also the...
2024-03-041h 05
The Shrewsbury Biscuit PodcastThe Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast: STFC Supporters Awards NightAlex Whiteley is at the Shrewsbury Town FC Supporters Awards Night at Montgomery Waters Meadow. It was an intimate event with only around 200 supporters and the whole Shrewsbury Town present who were up for awards nominated by the supporter groups attached to the club.The goal today is to investigate the connection between the supporters and the club, especially as a huge effort has been made by Steve Cotterill's side to build a strong, symbiotic relationship between one another.Alex speaks to event organisers Roger and Mike, Shrewsbury Town manager Steve Cotterill and club captain...
2023-04-2834 min
Obsessive Comic DisorderThe Flintstones with Sam WhiteleyGet your bowling ball and caveman cloth ready, because comedian Sam Whiteley and I discuss the 2016-2017 DC Limited Series and reinvention of The Flintstones written by Mark Russell and drawn by Steve Pugh.
Theme Song by Lydia Manning.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/obsessivecomicdisorder/support
2023-03-241h 06
Balancing ActsThe Lovely Boys on making feel good online comedy contentWill Robbins and Ben Cohen are the Lovely Boys, an online comedy sketch duo.Both of them are stand up comedians and together their sketches have amassed 45,000 followers on TikTok.Happy listening :)SteveSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
2022-05-311h 00Balancing ActsMatty Hutson on buddhism and musical comedyMatty Hutson is a musical comedian and improviser at the Free Association. He has reached the final of Musical Comedy Awards twice. During the pandemic he used his time wisely and began making online content, going viral numerous times on Twitter and Tiktok. He has also appeared on Sky Sports and Soccer AM performing comedy songs about football. Matty is currently writing his next Edinburgh Fringe show which he will be performing this Summer. Happy listening :)SteveSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.c...
2022-05-191h 39Balancing ActsZehavah Handler on how to cure insomniaZehavah Handler is a registered BACP psychotherapist and trained in CBT-i practitioner sleep councillor, a programme helping people suffering from chronic insomnia. Her training incorporates existential, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural modalities.Happy listening :)SteveSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
2022-03-0733 minBalancing ActsDarryl Edwards on the importance of movement and playDarryl Edwards is a movement coach and best selling author. He is the founder of the Primal Play Method and a physical activity, health and play researcher.He regularly presents as a keynote and motivational speaker and his April 2019 TED talk "Why working out isn't working out" has now been viewed over a million times. Darryl is author of the best-selling books "Animal Moves" which highlights why humans should move like the animals we are. In late 2020 he released a children’s picture book called “My First Animal Moves”. Darryl's work has been published in leading national and inter...
2022-02-231h 15Balancing ActsHenry Normal on his creative journey as a poet and co-founder of Babycow ProductionsHenry Normal is a writer, poet, TV and film producer and founder of the Manchester poetry festival (now literary festival).Co-founding Babycow Productions Ltd in 1999 with Steve Coogan, Henry exec produced and scripted edited many of the shows of its 17 and a half year output during his tenure as MD. Highlights of the Babycow output during this time include: Philomena, Gavin & Stacey, Moone Boy, Marion and Geoff, Nighty Night, The Mighty Boosh, Redd Dwarf and of course Alan Partridge. Since retiring in April 2016 Henry has written and performed 7 BBC Radio 4 shows, a normal family, a normal life...
2022-02-111h 10Balancing ActsWhat does the idea of balance mean to you or not? Pt.2We're back with part 2 of the compilation of answers to the final question I ask all guests on Balancing Acts.Featuring in order of appearance are:1) Bel and Clare (Ep.70) 2) Ethan Lawrence (Ep.65)3) Naomi Shragai (Ep.66)4) Simon London (Ep.68)5) Christine Rose (Ep.62) 6) Anirban Dasgupta (Ep.58)7) Dugan O'Neal (Ep.64)8) Rachel Stubbings (Ep.53)9) Will Robbins (Ep.38)10) Gytha Lodge (Ep.46)11) Neil Webster (Ep.56)...
2022-02-0416 minBalancing ActsWhat does the idea of balance mean to you or not? Pt.1In this weeks episode I've compiled some of my favourites answers to the question I ask every guest on Balancing Acts: What does the idea of balance mean to you or not? Featured in running order are the following:1) Athena Kugblenu (ep.55)2) Zuby (ep.54)3) Nat Luurtsema (ep.48)4) Adjani Salmon (ep.51)5) Rosie Holt (ep.39)6) Shane Todd (ep.52)7) Esther Manito (ep.36)8) Tom Houghton (ep.41)9)Heydon Prowse (ep.45)10) Barry Ferns (ep.35)
2022-01-2815 minBalancing ActsLiz Earle MBE on her entrepreneurial and wellness journeyLiz Earle MBE is a champion of women’s health, media influencer, author of 36 books, TV presenter, podcast host and charity-founder. For more than thirty years, Liz has remained a respected and award-winning authority in the world of beauty, natural nutrition, health and wellbeing. She is dedicated to sharing her knowledge as a broadcaster (having started her TV career on ITV's This Morning in 1989, she's still a contributor to the show), writer and trusted household name, as well as being a bestselling author with a range of lifestyle titles and a multi-brand founder.Liz’s entr...
2022-01-0457 minBalancing ActsRemi Nicole on balancing Motherhood with her music and filmmaking careerRemi Nicole is a writer, director and performer.A native of Holloway, North London, Remi grew up fired by a passion for story-telling, which she explored by endlessly writing music, fiction, plays and poetry. After training as an actress at the Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, she graduated in 2004 then swiftly landed a variety of stage roles including Two Step and Playboy of the West Indies before becoming a regular cast member in BBC TV series Hyperdrive alongside Miranda Hart plus appearances on ITV’s William and Mary, The Bill and Holby City (BBC). Known in Br...
2021-12-171h 01Balancing ActsAshley Gorman on going from being homeless to following his comedy dreamsAshley is a comedian and writer from North West London. He went from being homeless to winning the London Comedy Stores brutal King Gong competition, gigging at all the top comedy clubs up and down the country, hosting The Gormania Podcast and writing and directing his proof concept film Diamanté. Ashley also found time to launch and MC at the infamous South Kensington Comedy Club.To listen to this conversation please click here.Happy listening :)SteveSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.com...
2021-11-2649 minBalancing ActsBel Knight & Clare Hoey on becoming a successful writing partnershipBel Knight and Clare Hoey are a writing partnership working across TV, film and podcast projects.They wrote and starred in their debut play It's Not Cute Anymore, which ran at Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018. The play was optioned as a TV show and they now have six original TV shows and a podcast in development: Delilah Must Die, a black comedy drama in development with Big Talk that made the Brit List in 2021. Dody The First a mockumentary with Roughcut. Flutter, a romantic comedy with Sid Gentle. Heart Squad 5, a Y2K whodunnit with Firebird Pictu...
2021-11-171h 03Balancing ActsRyan Dalton on growing his podcast and going back to natureRyan Dalton is the host of the nature and wildlife podcast 'Into The Wild'.Ryan spent seven years as a comedian, performing all across London, Surrey and Berkshire, alongside the likes of Paul Foot, Sara Pascoe and Joel Dommet.He also ran his own nights, The Comedy Wire, based in Surbiton, Surrey and Bracknell, Berkshire, where he would often MC. At the start of the pandemic Ryan decided to leave stand up and solely focus on growing the already successful podcast.In each episode of 'Into The Wild', Ryan chats to experts in...
2021-11-0256 minBalancing ActsSimon London on the good, bad and ugly side of the BBC and TV industrySimon has a well-deserved reputation as a broadcast ‘all-rounder’. His television career started at the Daily Mirror as the paper’s youngest ever television critic. He then joined LIVE TV as a presenter fronting the daily show Live With London as well as the Breakfast Show alongside Claudia Winkleman. He was the roving reporter on the Saturday night National Lottery Show, before joining the BBC’s City Hospital presenting team. After presenting shows for several major broadcasters he joined the production team of the BAFTA award-winning So Graham Norton before producing V Graham Norton, which won a NTV Award...
2021-10-241h 09Balancing ActsStephen Tomlinson on using the breath to increase physical and mental performanceStephen is one of the few people in the UK who is fully trained in the Neuromuscular Activation technique known as Be Activated.Over the last thirteen years, he has trained in a wide range of advanced physical therapy, injury assessment, exercise rehabilitation and sports performance improvement techniques. Be Activated is a ground breaking and relatively new method used by elite sports teams and professionals to effectively treat injury and revolutionise performance. A former national medallist swimmer and a single figure handicap golfer himself, Stephen has Activated Olympians, Paralympians, Ladies & Mens European and PGA tour golfers, world r...
2021-10-1053 minBalancing ActsNaomi Shragai on how our past informs our working relationshipsNaomi is an author, freelance journalist, business consultant and psychotherapist.She has written for The Times and The Guardian and since 2008 has been a regular contributor to the Financial Times, where she writes predominantly about the psychological aspects of working life. Her first book, The Man Who Mistook his Job for his Life, was published by Penguin in August 2021.Happy listening :)Steve - @offkeysteve#financialtimes #worklifebalance #psychotherapy #balancingacts #podcast #stevewhiteley #naomishragaiSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts.
2021-10-0142 min
The Brand PodcastPodcaster Alex WhiteleyIn this episode, Pete chats with podcaster, Alex Whiteley. They discuss his journey into podcasting, mental health, the importance of building community, and giving to charities.Read The Brand Magazine and listen to the podcasts at https://thebrandmedia.uk/ Follow The Brand Media on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBrandPodcast On Twitter: @TheBrandPodcast Music provided by Steve Ferriday
2021-09-261h 06Balancing ActsEthan Lawrence on going from delivering pizzas to starring in After LifeEthan is an actor and comedian.He has starred in Bad Education both the TV series and feature film, starring Jack Whitehall. Ethan has also starred in Modern Horror Stories on Comedy Central and more recently as James in Ricky Gervais' After Life.Happy listening :)Steve - @offkeysteve#actor #acting #rickygervais #afterlife #jackwhitehall #stevewhiteley #ethanlawrence #balancingacts #apple #spotifySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out in...
2021-09-221h 13Balancing ActsDugan O'Neal on balancing Fatherhood and filmmakingDugan is a writer, director and actor.He has directed music videos for the likes of Duck Sauce, Haim and Temper Trap and lots of very funny commercials. He was a staff writer on the animated TV series Dream Corp LLC. Dugan also sits on the board of directors for non-profit group OMG Cameras Everywhere.Happy listening :)Steve - @offkeysteve#duganoneal #spikejonze #filmmaking #stevewhiteley #balancing acts #apple #spotify #podcastSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/ba...
2021-09-151h 12Balancing ActsOenone on balancing life as an influencer, podcaster and comedianOenone is an influencer, presenter, podcaster and comedian.Her podcast Adulting has been downloaded over 3 million times. Oenone creates content about fitness, feminism, books, jewellery, politics and everything in between.If you like this episode please do rate and review the podcast on Apple.Happy listening :)Steve - @offkeysteve#oenone #influencer #podcaster #instagram #balancingacts #stevewhiteley #apple #spotifySupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/balancing-acts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt...
2021-09-071h 05
Let's Talk Surgery: The RCSEd PodcastPerformance Project 1: Iya WhiteleyKen and Steve kick off their performance project series with Iya Whiteley, Director of Centre for Space Medicine, UCL.
2021-06-1857 minBalancing ActsChristine Rose on her accidental path into becoming one of the most sought after TV comedy writersChristine Rose is a TV comedy writer.Christine has written on shows including Graham Norton, Jonathan Ross Show, Chatty Man, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Would I Lie To You, Roast Battle, Horrible Histories and awards shows such as the BAFTAs, The Brits and The Royal Variety. As well as reality shows, dating shows, survival shows and loads more. Christine won the TV Best Comedy Writer in the 2020 Funny Women Awards.If you like this episode please do rate and review the podcast on Apple.Happy listening :)St...
2021-05-011h 14Balancing ActsJames Farmer on how he became one of the UK's most in demand gag writersJames Farmer is a comedian and writer.James has worked as a writer on some of the most successful UK TV shows. From pretty much all of Jimmy Carr shows, to the Last Leg, Romesh on the Ranganation and Frankie Boyle on his shows. As a stand up he has supported both Jimmy Carr and Patrick Kielty on tour. Jimmy Carr on several dates for his Funny Business tour. In 2015 he went on the road again to tour support for Patrick Kielty.If you like this episode please do rate and review the...
2021-04-0653 min
Keeping Athena Company33. Keeping Athena Company - Steve WhiteleyIn this episode writer, director, producer, performer and all round great dude Steve Whiteley joins me for a chat and we properly go round the houses. From surfing to consumerism to breastfeeding to tap water to pissing in public to the correct way to say 'tumeric'. It's safe to say we right all the wrongs of the world in this episode. Enjoy!
Follow Steve on Twitter: @OffKeySteve
Find out more about his work: www.offkeyworld.com
More about Steve:
Steve is a writer, director, producer and performer. His comedy sketches and p...
2021-03-2655 minBalancing ActsTony Kent on balancing being an author and criminal barristerTony Kent is an author and criminal barrister.Tony grew up on a council estate in west London, he came from an Irish family of builders some of whom, including his older brother, found themselves on the wrong side of the law. It was during one of his brother’s brushes with the law that Tony decided he wanted to be a barrister. Fast forward today and Tony runs one of the UK tops law firms representing some of the most notorious gangsters and criminals.Tony's first novel, Killer Intent, a political thriller, was one of...
2021-03-2553 minBalancing ActsShaun Pye on finding the balance between writing on panel and narrative showsShaun Pye is a writer and producer.Shaun has written for numerous TV shows including The 11 O'Clock Show, Have I Got News For You, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, They Think It's All Over, Armstrong and Miller, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Would I Lie to You?, Frankie Boyle's New World Order and The Reluctant Landlord. In addition Shaun co-created the BBC3 animated sketch comedy Monkey Dust. He also co-created The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret starring David Cross, Sharon Horgan, Blake Harrison, Will Arnett, Spike Jonze, Sara Pascoe and Amber Tamblyn. The series was broadcast on Chan...
2021-03-181h 21Balancing ActsAnirban Dasgupta on becoming India's rising comedy star and the fear of being arrested Anirban is a comedian and writer from India.Anirban Dasgupta gave up his sales job to pursue comedy. He was of the founders of Comedified, one of the first legit comedy groups of Kolkata, and was instrumental in establishing a comedy scene in the sleepy city. In 2018, Anirban released his Amazon Prime Special called 'Take It Easy'. His dark comedy series Afsos is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Anirban's stand up clips have accumulated millions of views on Youtube.If you like this episode please do rate and review the podcast on Apple.Ha...
2021-03-101h 00Balancing ActsKG Tha Comedian on his 10 year journey to successKG The Comedian is an actor, comedian and writer.KG is best known for a YouTube viral hit called Shadrack & The Mandem which culminated in millions of views, with fellow comedian Marston. As an actor he he starred in Famalam, King Gary, Ted Lasso, Sliced, Bloods, Time Wasters and Just A Couple. He also recently featured in Mo Gilligian’s documentary, ‘Black British and Funny. As a stand-up comedian, KG has performed at The Glee Club, O2 Indigo Arena, Catford Theatre and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.KG also co-hosts the podcast 'Undefeated' with Travis Jay....
2021-03-011h 22Balancing ActsNeil Webster on enjoying the creative process and finding Buddhism along the wayNeil is a writer, exec producer and co-founded the comedy drama production company Happy Tramp.Happy Tramp have produced a sitcom series for BBC1, a sketch show for BBC2 (Morgana Robinson’s The Agency), a BAFTA nominated short film for BBC3 and numerous half hour films for Sky Arts Urban Myths series, two of which (written by Neil) were nominated for an International EMMY.In 2017, Neil relocated to Scotland, where he established Happy Tramp North. The company have gone on to produce the highly acclaimed drama Guilt for BBC2/BBC Scotland, as well as the si...
2021-02-171h 16Balancing ActsAthena Kugblenu on the benefits of starting out in comedy in your 30'sAthena writes and performs comedy. She is a member of the BBC Comedy Room 2019/20 and was awarded the BBC Felix Dexter Bursary for BAME up-and-coming comedy writers in 2020. She’s also a nominee for the 99 Club Female Comedians’ Bursary and a former BBC New Comedy Award Finalist. She has written for Horrible Histories, the Russell Howard Hour, Radio 4’s The Lenny Henry Show, Dead Ringers, News Quiz, Newsjack, The Now Show and is a lead writer for Sketchtopia.She’s been a guest on Mock the Week and is a regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist. She’s also writte...
2021-02-091h 15Balancing ActsZuby on why he decided to become more outspoken on his opinions and beliefsZuby is an independent rapper, podcast host, author, public speaker and creative entrepreneur, with over 500,000 followers across social media. He was born in England, raised in Saudi Arabia and is a graduate of Oxford University. He has sold over 25,000 albums independently, performed in 8 countries and achieved over 10 million online video views. Zuby has featured on The Joe Rogan Experience, BBC, Fox News, Sky News, The Adam Carolla Show, The Rubin Report, The Candace Owens Show and The Ben Shapiro Show, and more.If you like this episode please do rate and review the podcast on Apple.Happy l...
2021-02-031h 37Balancing ActsRachel Stubbings on being a jack of all trades and how it's finally paying offIn this conversation I chat to actor/writer/director Rachel Stubbings (https://twitter.com/RachelStubbings).Rachel is a BAFTA nominated writer whose credits include The Athena (Sky), 8 Out Of 10 Cats (C4), Mock The Week (BBC2), The Last Leg (C4), Trollied (Sky) and Invasion Of The Book Readers (BBC). She is currently developing her short Good Grief as a feature film. As an actor Rachel has recently starred alongside Karl Pilkinton in Sick Of It (Sky), Julia Davis in Sally4Ever (Sky/HBO) and in the very funny Whenever You're Ready, written and directed by Craig Ainsley which is currently being d...
2021-01-261h 22Balancing ActsShane Todd on why he adopts a positive mindset and how he went viral after roasting the Ulster rugby teamIn this conversation I chat to comedian/actor/presenter Shane Todd (https://twitter.com/shanetodd). Shane began performing stand up at the age of 19 and then began posting videos on YouTube, as part of the Harlem Gun Club a Northern Irish based comedy collective. He has performed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Mandela Hall and Ulster Hall. Belfast Telegraph hailed Shane as “King of comedy”. In February 2019, Shane joined the cast of the BBC Northern Irish mockumentary sitcom Soft Border Control. He also presents the Shane Todd show on BBC Radio Ulster and hosts his own podc...
2021-01-191h 15Balancing ActsAdjani Salmon on creating an award winning web series and lessons learned along the wayIn this conversation I chat to writer/director Adjani Salmon (https://www.instagram.com/s.adjani).Adjani is an award winning writer and director from Jamaica. Before graduating from the Met Film School, he wrote and directed a 13-episode web series, which achieved over 40,000 views in 3 months. In 2013, Adjani moved to the UK to pursue his Masters in Directing Film. His graduation film, His Father’s Son, screened at numerous film festivals internationally, including Cannes, Blackstar and the Montreal World Film festival. He is the writer, producer and lead actor for Dreaming Whilst Black and co-founder of 4Quar...
2021-01-111h 17
The Discomfort PracticeEpisode #13: Steve Whiteley On Getting Laughs and being a Buddhist Comic Steve Whiteley is a writer, director, producer & comedian whom the British Comedy Guide recently called ‘One of the pioneers in the new wave of online comedy.’ Betsy & Steve talk about the role of discomfort in comedy & our ability as those in the audience to sit with discomfort, the benefit of mindfulness on creativity & how ego gets in the way. Steve talks about being a beginner with each new project - from his first standup shows to directing a tv pilot - & how his Buddhist practice centres him. You can find more of Steve’s work via his we...
2020-12-2644 minBalancing ActsTom Deacon on how he balances being a comedian and presenterIn this conversation I chat to comedian and presenter Tom Deacon (https://twitter.com/TomHDeacon).Tom has been performing live stand-up for the last 12 years and has notched up 4 Edinburgh solo shows. He has presented for the likes of BBC2, BBC Radio1, The Capital FM breakfast show and YouTube football channel Copa90. Tom has also made guest appearances on BBC2’s The Rob Brydon Show, Dave’s One Night Stand and ITV2’s Fake Reaction. He is currently the host of F1 Esports Pro Series.Tom explains how he got into performing stand up comedy and presen...
2020-12-171h 16Balancing ActsAndrew Gold on making HBO and BBC documentaries abroadIn this conversation I chat to documentary maker and journalist Andrew Gold (https://twitter.com/AndrewGold_ok).Andrew speaks 5 languages, has lived in 6 countries and produces award winning documentaries on bizarre and controversial subcultures. His documentary Exorcism The Battle For Young Minds was broadcast on BBC3 and was Sunday Times' Pick of the Week. He has also created documentaries for HBO and hosts his On the Edge with Andrew Gold Podcast, which was featured as an Apple New and Noteworthy show.Andrew explains why his life hasn’t changed much since the pandemic. We talk about ho...
2020-12-091h 22Balancing ActsNat Luurtsema on manifesting her dream careerIn this conversation I chat to writer, director and author Nat Luurtsema (https://twitter.com/natluurtsema).Nat has written for Mock The Week (BBC), 8 Out Of Ten Cats (Channel 4) and with her sketch group Jigsaw, Nat has had two Radio 4 series, and three sell-out Edinburgh runs. Her adult non-fiction title Cuckoo in the Nest was a Sunday Express Book Of The Year. Girl Out of Water, Nat’s debut children’s book was longlisted for the Waterstones' Children’s Book of the Year.Nat describes how she transitioned from radio presenting to performing stand up and sketch...
2020-12-021h 38Balancing ActsNathan Caton on collaborating with writers from different perspectivesIn this conversation I chat to comedian and writer Nathan Caton (https://twitter.com/NathanCaton)Nathan began performing stand up comedy at the age of 19 and since then he has been on Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Don’t Hate The Playaz, Comedy Gala, Russell Howard’s Good News and his own series Gran Jury. He also wrote and performed in his BBC Radio 4 sitcom, Can’t Tell Nathan Caton Nothing and starred in a pilot for Paramount Comedy (now Comedy Central) entitled The Nathan Caton Show. He has also written for the children's series Rastamo...
2020-11-2356 minBalancing ActsGytha Lodge on her 22 year journey to becoming a best selling authorIn this conversation I chat to author/playwright/screenwriter Gytha Lodge (https://twitter.com/thegyth).Gytha set up her own theatre company after graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and began to tour productions. Her one-act play Otherwise won a Fringe award in 2010 for best new play. After beginning the UEA Creative Writing MA in 2011, Gytha began writing for screen and in prose. She was shortlisted for the Yeovil Literary Prize and the Arts' Council England fiction awards, and developed a large online following for her young adult and children's writing, culminating in close to two million...
2020-11-151h 11Balancing ActsHeydon Prowse on making online political stunts and co-creating the BAFTA winning 'The Revolution Will Be Televised' In this conversation I chat to writer/director/performer/producer, Heydon Prowse (https://www.twitter.com/HeydonProwse).Heydon began his career creating hidden camera political stunts with the viral creative agency Don't Panic. Many of these videosgained international press coverage. This led to the BBC3 show 'The Revolution Will Be Televised,' which Heydon co-wrote and co-starred in with Jolyion Rubenstein. The show went on to win a BAFTA, a Rose d’Or and a Broadcast Award over three seasons. Other TV shows include Democracy Dealers on BBC3, Revolting on BBC2 and The Ministry of...
2020-11-041h 19Balancing ActsSteve Roe on running Hoopla Impro and learning the art of delegationIn this conversation I chat to the founder of Hoopla, Steve Roe (https://www.hooplaimpro.com).Steve co-founded Hoopla in 2006 with his friend Edgar Fernando and they started running improv classes and courses.Hoopla are the founders of the UK’s 1st improv comedy club. Recommended by The Guardian, The Independent, Time Out, The Evening Standard, The Daily Telegraph and more. Prior to covid, their theatre had shows performing 7 nights a week featuring people who have trained with Hoopla. Hoopla also provide corporate training for clients including Google, Facebook, Accenture, Apple, London Business School, Comedy Centra...
2020-10-261h 28Balancing ActsJacob Reed on directing Jimmy Kimmel LiveIn this conversation I chat to writer/director/improviser Jacob Reed (http://jacobreed.net).Jacob has directed for Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, Funny or Die, Nickelodeon and BuzzFeed. Over the past decade Jacob has also worked as a teacher and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. His two man improv group Tremendosaur has had multiple show runs at the UCB and been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, New York Magazine and The Wall Street Journal. As a creative director for BuzzFeed, Jacobs videos received hundreds of millions of views. Jacob was also the co-host of t...
2020-10-161h 25Balancing ActsJoe Jacobs on making his BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Hip-hop's Laughing Stock' In this conversation I chat to comedian and rapper Joe Jacobs (https://www.instagram.com/jesterjacobs).Joe Jacobs is a comedian, rapper and writer. He has shared bills with acts including Bill Burr and Stewart Lee. He has been seen/heard on Channel 4, BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music, Radio 1XTRA and gained millions of views online. In addition to stand up, as rapper Jester Jacobs, he’s put out music since his debut Mental Disorder in 2008. Joe has also performed two critically acclaimed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.We kick things off talking about our sh...
2020-10-071h 00Balancing ActsTom Houghton how he transitioned from performing as part of a group to becoming a solo stand up comedianIn this conversation I chat to comedian Tom Houghton (https://www.instagram.com/honourabletom).Tom has shared line-ups with the likes of Michael McIntyre, John Bishop, Jason Manford and Jack Whitehall and has supported Daniel Sloss, Justin Moorhouse and more recently Milton Jones on tour. Tom has performed 3 critically acclaimed solo Edinburgh Fringe shows and a sold out run at London’s Soho Theatre.Previously with The Noise Next Door he has appeared on BBC1, BBC3, ITV3, Channel 4 and has featured in‘The Jim Jeffries Show’ for Comedy Central and most recently filmed ‘Roast Battle’ also for Comedy Centr...
2020-09-2853 minBalancing ActsDaisy Squires, Lou Marillier & Sophia Seymour on collaborating to create the Guardian produced documentary 'Teranga 'In this conversation I chat to Daisy Squires, Lou Marillier and Sophia Seymour, the co-directors of the Guardian produced documentary 'Teranga' (https://www.terangathedocumentary.com).Teranga documents an Afrobeats migrant-run nightclub in Naples offering a safe space for the city’s asylum seekers. The film follows Fata and Yankuba, who fled dictatorship in Gambia, only to find themselves living in a politicised limbo, as they wait for a response to their asylum requests.The three film makers explain how they met, why they wanted to tell this story and how they struck up a friendship wit...
2020-09-2148 minBalancing ActsRose Holt on how she became a viral sensation on TwitterIn this conversation I chat to actor and comedian Rose Holt (https://twitter.com/RosieisaHolt).Rosie's recent hilarious and satirical videos on Twitter have gone viral. Her performances are so good, that same people think her character is a real person. Rosie explains why she decided to quit performing stand up comedy and how lockdown led her to start creating videos.If you like this episode please do rate and review the podcast on Apple.Happy listening :)Steve - @offkeysteve#rosieholt #s...
2020-09-101h 00Balancing ActsWill Robbins on the benefits of self-discipline and journaling everydayIn this conversation I chat to actor and comedian Will Robbins (https://www.instagram.com/willyrobbins).Will reached the final of the Brighton Komedia new comedian of 2020 competition. He recently starred in Comedy Centra's 'Transaction' and writes and acts in sketches on Instagram with his comedy partner in LOL's, Ben Cohen. Will kicks things off describing his creative partnership with Ben and how they started creating sketches together. We talk about the advantage of making content with a friend. Will describes how an hallucinogenic trip changed his view and approach on the world. We discuss our...
2020-08-181h 03Balancing ActsJoe Hobbs on his struggles with ADHDIn this conversation I chat to comedian Joe Hobbs (https://www.joehobbs.co.uk).Joe has been nominated for the BBC New Comedy Award in both 2018 & 2019. He was listed on the BBC's top jokes of the Fringe 2019 and was the Amused Moose National New Comic Award Breakthrough Comedian Winner 2018.We kick things off sharing our hoarding tendencies and discuss why clear outs are so cleansing. Joe tells his journey from growing up on a council estate in Northampton, to becoming a stand up comedian in London. He also describes his time living in South Korea f...
2020-08-091h 15Balancing ActsEsther Manito on following your passion and ignoring the judgement of othersIn this conversation I chat to comedian Esther Manito (https://www.esthermanito.co.uk).Esther is the first female comedian to perform at Dubai Opera House, she's an Arab woman of the Year nominee, an Asian Woman of the Year Finalist, a Funny Women Regional Finalist and a So You Think You’re Funny Finalist.Esther and I describe the most random gigs we have performed at, she talks about her Edinburgh Fringe experience and what it was like, to be the first female to perform at the Dubai Opera House. We also debate whether or...
2020-08-041h 23Balancing ActsBarry Ferns on the importance of meditationIn this conversation I chat to comedian, writer, director and co-founder of Angel Comedy, Barry Ferns (https://barryferns.com).Barry has as written for the BBC, Channel 4 and Radio 4. His short films have been selected for The LA Comedy Film festival, Raindance and North by Northwest and he has won the Malcom Hardee Award for Comedy, as well as the Mervyn Stutter Spirit of the Fringe award. And in addition, Barry has been nominated as one of the best MC’s in the UK.We kick things off, talking about the need to eat healthily, to...
2020-07-241h 14Balancing ActsMark Boutros on how to get past imposter syndromeIn this conversation I chat to screenwriter Mark Boutros (https://www.mark-boutros.com).Mark co-wrote the one-off comedy drama about Muhammad Ali, The Greatest Of All Time, which was broadcast on Sky Arts as part of their Emmy nominated ‘Urban Myths’ season. He has had script commissions from numerous established TV production companies and his original sitcom Broken Beth was a silver award winner at the 2016 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards in the TV Comedy Pilot category. He has recently developed a new live action series idea with CBBC, and written on Romesh Ranganathan’s The Reluctant Landlord Series...
2020-07-081h 18Balancing ActsAJ King on becoming a radio presenter and DJ on Kiss 100In this conversation I chat to radio presenter and DJ, AJ King (https://www.instagram.com/kingajking).AJ was the winner of the Kiss 100 'Chosen One' competition and has gone on to have an illustrious career both as a radio and TV presenter. And as a DJ he has played at some of the biggest and best clubs across the globe. AJ is also an ambassador for the Prince's Trust and works with numerous other charities.We kick things off talking about how we met and describe the experience of co-presenting a radio show together...
2020-06-291h 09Balancing ActsJosh Pieters on the importance of punching upIn this conversation I chat to YouTube star Josh Pieters (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpE5VksCvp6lk35MJYlRs5Q).Josh runs his YouTube channel with Archie Manners, together they have created elaborate stunts, social experiments and pranked the likes of Katie Hopkins and Tiger Kings Carole Baskin. Their channel has amassed over 141 million views and 1.43 million subscribers.We kick things off talking about his former life as a semi professional cricket player and how falling ill to glandular fever, forced Josh to pivot and become a Youtuber. Josh describes what he calls his YouTube...
2020-06-2257 minBalancing ActsJack Howard on finding his groove during lockdownIn this conversation I chat to Jack Howard, writer/director and actor (https://www.youtube.com/user/JackHoward).Jack has created numerous comedy sketches and short films for his YouTube channels, which have accumulated over 80 million views. He has also created two series for BBC iPlayer; and created, written, directed and starred in two seasons of sitcom 'Jack & Dean of All Trades’ co-starring the very talented Jessica Hynes. As an actor Jack has starred in 'Bulletproof' for Sky and appeared in a guest role in 'Drunk History’ for Comedy Central. In 2018, Jack was selected to be part of t...
2020-06-151h 18Balancing ActsCally Beaton on transitioning from TV exec to standup comedianIn this conversation I chat to Cally Beaton, a stand-up comedian, writer, public speaker and executive coach (http://callybeaton.com).Cally worked as a TV executive at MTV, UKTV and Viacom as a Senior Vice President, where she was responsible for shows including South Park. Cally is also a Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP*), and a fully qualified coach with a successful private coaching practice, Road Trip Media. She is a BAFTA voting member and holds a seat on the Development Board of MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation.While working at Comedy Central in 20...
2020-06-081h 11Balancing ActsKwame Kwaten on the importance of taking massive actionIn this conversation I chat to Kwame Kwaten (https://www.instagram.com/kwamekwaten), founder of Ferocious Talent and a co-founder of Cr8ing Vision.Kwame began his career in the music industry as a band member in D-Influence, who supported the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson and produced tracks for a number of prominent musicians including Jay-Z and Mick Jagger. He was also the founder of the biggest European Urban Music Seminar, which featured speakers such as Kanye West and Damon Dash. Kwame then transitioned to artist management and became a partner at ATC Management, home to Radi...
2020-05-311h 01Balancing ActsTibo Travers on the role of the producerIn this conversation I chat to Tibo Travers, producer and founder of Sweet Doh! (https://www.sweetdoh.com).The short films Tibo has produced have been funded by BFI, Creative England, been broadcast by Canal+ and RTE and distributed by NiTV and Shorts International. They have screened at festivals around the world. His most short film release 'Contractor 014352', features Jonny Flynn, star of Netflix’s 'Love Sick' and amassed over 35,000 views in a week.We kick things off talking about the Last Dance and debate whether MJ’s mentality is transferable to a creative career...
2020-05-241h 32Balancing ActsAra Bozadjian on growing a YouTube channel with over 270 million viewsIn this conversation I chat to Ara Bozadjian the co-founder of The Jump Off and So Incredible TV.Ara launched the Jump Off with his brother and business partner Harry. Within a short period of time it became the number one hip hop battle event in the UK and Europe, expanding to territories worldwide. Their YouTube channel Jump Off TV has over 500,000 subscribers and approximately 270 million views. Ara is also the co-founder (with Harry) of So Incredible TV, a global talent management company and marketing agency specialising in creative branded experiences, viral videos and influencer marketing.Ara a...
2020-05-151h 23Balancing ActsJen Wakefield on managing overwhelm and imposters syndromeIn this conversation I chat to actor, comedian, presenter and writer Jen Wakefield (https://www.jenwakefield.co.uk).Jen's debut solo Edinburgh Fringe Show ‘Girl in da Corner’ was transferred to Soho Theatre and she has performed stand-up on the BBC Asian Network comedy showcase. Jen starred in Channel 4's hidden camera show 'Riot Girl's' and BBC 3’s ‘Blindboy Understroys the World’. She has also presented on numerous radio stations and hosted BBC Radio 1's podcast series ‘The Comeback', interviewing comedians and personalities such as London Hughes, Jamali Maddix and Amelia Dimoldenberg.Jen explains how she went from b...
2020-05-101h 06Balancing ActsCarl Donnelly on his ayahuasca experienceIn this conversation I chat to comedian and podcaster Carl Donnelly (https://twitter.com/CarlDonnelly).Carl has twice been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award and has appeared on a selection of TV shows including Mock The Week, Russell Howard’s Good News and more. He's performed all over the world including at the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The New Zealand Comedy Festival and loads more. Carl also co-hosts Two Vegan Idiots with Julian Dean.Carl and I talk about how getting into meditation helped him become an al...
2020-05-011h 14Balancing ActsCraig Ainsley on developing your passion projects into paid workIn this conversation I chat to writer/director Craig Ainsley (https://twitter.com/CraigSomersault).Craig's debut short film 'Leslie' received a Vimeo staff pick and was an official selection in numerous short film festivals and premiered on Nowness.com. His second short 'Whenever You’re Ready' also received a Vimeo staff pick, was featured on Short Of The Week and was again an official selection at numerous BAFTA and Oscar qualifying festivals. Craig also directed '12 Days Of Christmas', an animated short featuring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. He has written for BBC Radio 4, Have I Got News For You an...
2020-04-241h 12Balancing ActsOlly Carter on how implementing the four pillars of wellness can help us get through lockdownIn this conversation I chat to life coach Olly Carter (https://www.boldliving.life).Through his company BOLD, Balanced Organic Lifestyle Design, Olly is encouraging people to become their authentic selves.This episode is a lockdown special, in which Olly gives some helpful tips and advice on how to get through this challenging period.He explains that even though we are faced with such uncertain times, he questions how much of our lives before the pandemic were certain anyway. And that now is an opportunity to develop adaptability and versatility and for us...
2020-04-1757 minBalancing ActsKelly Convey on the pressure of rapid progression in her stand up careerIn this conversation I chat to stand up comedian and writer Kelly Convey (https://www.instagram.com/kelly_convey).Kelly was voted by The Metro as ‘1 of 9 Hilarious Women to Look Out for in 2017’. She was a finalist in the South Coast Comedian of the Year and So You Think You’re Funny competitions and has supported Russell Kane, Alan Carr and most recently Adam Hills on tour.Kelly explains why no one needs to know her opinion on anything unless it’s funny and why it's career suicide to give your opinion at an early st...
2020-04-101h 14Balancing ActsDave Tozer on how he gets past creative blocksIn this conversation I chat to actor, writer and comedian Dave Tozer (https://www.youtube.com/user/Wallop).Dave went from having a corporate career in IT to jacking it all in and deciding to create a home recording studio and launch Wallop a comedy youtube channel. He explains what led him to that point and how he went on to perform in a sketch show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, late at night in a bar with no door, that played drum n base throughout. The following year Dave returned to Edinburgh Fringe, this time in...
2020-04-021h 24Balancing ActsKhyan Mansley on taking an analytical approach to his productivityIn this conversation I chat with actor, writer and director Khyan Mansley (https://www.youtube.com/Khyan).Khyan was one of the early YouTubers, launching his channel in 2009 and releasing sketches and vlogs. He soon built up a following and started to making bigger and more ambitious projects, which eventually led to him writing, directing and starring in his short film The Ministry, The short received a Vimeo Staff Pick and US network TBS (FYI I incorrectly said CBS in the intro) commissioned Khyan to write a script pilot based on The Ministry.Khyan talks...
2020-03-261h 16Balancing ActsSeán Burke on the importance of consistently releasing contentIn this conversation I chat with comedian, actor and writer Seán Burke (https://twitter.com/SeanBurkeShow).Seán starred in the Radio 1 comedy sketch show ‘What is Music Videos?’ on BBC iPlayer, he was the host of Channel 4’s ‘Hollywood Hijack’, an online comedy series based around celebrity interviews. He's also the the head writer/performer for ‘Dream Team FC’, a football comedy site with over 3 million followers and was a winner of the ‘Comedy Crowd TV's Chorts’ competition, for his character creation, ‘Danny K’, an idiotic, sell-out Youtuber.Sean discusses the benefits of sticking to a consistent...
2020-03-181h 20
The Shrewsbury Biscuit PodcastThe Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast: Shrewsbury Town in the Community - A Day of ActionAL got invited to take a look at what Shrewsbury Town in the Community are doing for the EFL's "Day of Action". Shrewsbury Town in the Community (STIC) already do a great deal to help out the community and as part of their Day of Action, they have partnered up with Shrewsbury Ark to give the homeless community, or those attached to the community, an opportunity to use the 4G pitches, to get out, spread their legs and have a bit of fun. As well as a good kick about, these guys will get use of the showers and...
2020-03-1337 minBalancing ActsAmir Khoshsokhan on why he's taken a step back from stand upIn this conversation I chat with comedian and writer Amir Khoshsokhan (https://twitter.com/amirk17).Amir is a BBC Comedy Award Nominee and has reached the finals of many stand up competitions including, So You Think You're Funny, Leicester Square New Comedian, English Comedian of the Year and wining the title of the Piccadilly Comedy Club’s New Comedian Award.He discusses his thought process of reaching a place in his stand up career where he felt it was time to take a step back. We get into why he arrived at this decision and ho...
2020-03-1150 minBalancing ActsTom Ward on becoming an award winning comedian and finding inner stillnessIn this conversation I chat with award winning comedian Tom Ward (https://www.instagram.com/tomwardcomedian). Tom won the Chortle Award for Best Newcomer in 2017. He has been seen on Comedy Central’s ‘Roast Battle’, ‘Stand up Central’ and ‘Live From The Comedy Store’. In 2018 he was Joe Lycett’s official tour support and recently supported Jack Whitehall on tour.We went real deep in this conversation and covered a lot of ground. Tom talks about his battles with depression and how he went from verging on suicidal to being in a place where he now feels grounded and pres...
2020-03-041h 07Balancing ActsEmily Seale-Jones on transitioning from acting to writer/directorIn this conversation I chat with the multi-hyphenate actor, writer and director Emily Seale-Jones (https://www.instagram.com/emilysealejones).Emily started acting from a young age, training at North London Performing Arts School from the age of 14, but it wasn’t long before she had the urge to direct. She talks about how a comment from a pesky boyfriend stoped her from pursuing becoming a writer/director. But when she did finally make the jump and started writing, things progressed very quickly. She describes how learning Meisner as an actor helped her connect with other performers both as...
2020-02-261h 06Balancing ActsZara Symes on the highs and lows of your script receiving industry interestIn this conversation I chat with the very lovely and talented actress and writer Zara Symes (@zarasymesfilm) on how she transitioned from being an actor to an actor/writer. She explains how she managed to hustle her way into a meeting with a TV network executive, which ultimately let her to getting representation as a writer. Zara discusses the reasons why she decided to write, which were partly down to the challenges she faced as an actor. She breaks down what a general meet is and how she felt she blew opportunities with the likes of C4 as she wasn...
2020-02-191h 21Balancing ActsMichael Orton-Toliver on the balance between allowing improv on set and sticking to the scriptIn this conversation I chat with the very funny Michael Orton-Toliver (https://twitter.com/michael_ot), who happens to be the co-creator and co-writer of Channel 5 and Netflix sitcom 'Borderline'.Michael talks about his early days performing improv and moving to amsterdam to perform as part of Chicago Boom. We talk about our shared horror for...horror films, my appreciation for Michael’s improv mind and his days performing improv shows on a cruise ship. He explains why LA isn’t the central hub of the entertainment industry it once was and why you don’t have to live the...
2020-02-121h 12Balancing ActsFlorence Keith-Roach on enjoying the creative processIn this conversation I chat with the multi-hyphenate actor, writer and director, Florence Keith Roach (https://www.instagram.com/florencekeithroach).Florence breaks down what she loves about each role and how her processes vary between acting, writing and directing.She offers a detailed overview from pre-production to the post of writing/directing her debut short 'A Family Affair'.We discuss Florence's writing process, from journaling every morning to what type of environment she enjoys writing in.Florence explains how to develop a mindset as an actor, that helps you feel comfortable...
2020-02-061h 14Balancing ActsIan Robertson on how he launched his career as a directorIn episode 12 I sit down for a really interesting conversation, with Ian Robertson (https://www.twitter.com/ianr0b), an award winning director of music videos, commercials and short films.Ian talks about his process as a director, particularly as he directs different forms of content, from music video’s, to commercials and short films. And he discusses how his approach varies in terms of the work process, going in deep on what goes on behind directing a music video. Ian also talks about his experiences of directing TV commercials and branded content and what the dynamics are li...
2020-01-301h 33Balancing ActsMark O' Sullivan on balancing being a creative whilst running a TV production companyIn episode 11 (Aka episode 1 of series 2) I talk with Mark O'Sullivan (https://twitter.com/immarkosullivan), a man of many talents. Mark is an actor, writer, director, producer and co-creator of the Channel 4 sitcom 'Lee and Dean'.In this conversation Mark talks about the challenges he faces having to wear so many hats. And how he manages to switch mindsets between the roles of doing the fun creative side of things, to co-running a production company (alongside Lee and Dean co-creator and co-star Miles Chapman) and the responsibilities that go with that. We talk about the impact it's...
2020-01-221h 13Balancing ActsAndrew Gentilli on the importance in staying present and groundedIn the final episode of the series I talk with actor and improviser Andrew Gentilli (@andrewgentilli).This conversation was recorded late at night after a few glasses of wine. Andrew recently starred in my BBC Radio 4 sitcom Wisebowm as Dennis the barber and Paul the journalist. In addition to being one of the most talented comedic actors and improvisers I know, Andrew is an amazing impersonator and shines a light on his process on how to create the perfect Pacino. And no it's not a coffee. Andrew is spiritually inclined and we discuss how remaining present as...
2019-12-251h 01Balancing ActsMaitreyabandhu on his life as an ordained Buddhist and poetIn this episode I talk with ordained Buddhist and award winning poet Maitreyabandhu (https://www.lbc.org.uk/).Maitreyabandhu lives in an all male Buddhist community above the London Buddhist Centre. We first met in 2016 when I moved into the community for six months. In this conversation Maitreyabandhu shares his journey from being raised in a traditional working class Northern family to becoming a 'full-time ordained Buddhist'. He discusses how his meditation practice has an effect on his poetry and vice versa. We discuss what it really means to be a Buddhist and what it's like to...
2019-12-1856 minBalancing ActsMaria Shehata on adopting a growth mindsetIn this episode I talk with US actress and comedian Maria Shehata (@mariashehata).Maria talks about the differences between the LA and London stand up scenes, across both stand up and improv and the pros and cons of both. Maria explains that comedy is now her teenager and as it's starting to take care of its self, she's ready to take on new hobbies such as learning the piano. We talk about how Maria adopts a growth mindset when taking on a new challenge. She discusses the challenges of being in a new relationship and how...
2019-12-1152 minBalancing ActsSelom Awadzi on strategies to shift your mental stateIn this episode I talk with the very funny actor and writer Selom Awadzi (@selomlom).Selom played Ryan in my short film 'Swiped' and we discuss the impact that being in the film has had on him. Selom talks about the death of his Dad and how that motivated him to succeed as an actor. We talk about Seloms battles with depression and the strategies he puts in place to move beyond it and shift his mindset. Selom also shines a light on his process for learning lines and how he calms himself before auditions. This is...
2019-12-0459 minBalancing ActsSamantha Baines on going with the creative flowIn this episode I talk to actress, comedian, children's author and host of Magic Mike Live, Samantha Baines (@samanthabaines).Samantha is a go getter, she makes things happen and it was inspiring to hear how she goes with the flow and things just seem to happen. There was no grand plan to be a comedian, Samantha just decided want to do it so she did. We talk about the positive effect stand up comedy has had on Samantha's acting career and how it's helped her find herself. Samantha is also the host of Channing Tatum's Magic Mike...
2019-11-271h 10Balancing ActsJosh Wilson on how to monetise your skillsetIn this episode I got to sit down with Josh Wilson (@joshbvwilson), founder and MD of TV production company Wilson Worldwide. Josh is a super inspiring guy and talks about the importance of developing a positive mindset, how not to self sabotage your own efforts and why we all need to find out what our skill sets are and how to monetise them. He emphasises the value he places on having down time to recharge, we talk about why he does intermittent fasting and the impact it has on him. He also talks about his role as an Executive...
2019-11-201h 39
microTalkGeezer Germs: Geriatric Bacteria with Steve FinkelWhat happens when a bacterium gets old? Continuous culture of bacteria without any added nutrients can reveal the dynamics of “old” bacteria. Dr. Steve Finkel is a Professor at University of Southern California who studies what happens beyond “stationary phase” in bacterial cultures. Finkel studies the Growth Advantage in Stationary Phase (GASP) phenotype, which dominates in “old” bacterial cultures, and which represents adaptive evolutionary change. Finkel talks about how studying old bacteria gives insight into aging in other organisms, whether bacteria can divide forever, how bacteria choose not to divide unless they are certain they can finish d...
2019-11-191h 03
The Shrewsbury Biscuit PodcastThe Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast: Steve PalmerLocal author joins AL and Shane this week on the Shrewsbury Biscuit. Steve has been writing for many years. He's had his highs and he's had his lows and we learn a bit about Steve's career. How a post-it note changed his career, how a last grasp throw of the dice gave him added determination and now how Steve is helping aspiring writers.
We love talking to creators on this show and Steve is one of the most determined creators that we've interviewed. He wanted to be a writer and by jove that's what he became. Join...
2019-11-1859 minBalancing ActsSarah Callaghan on living your life to its full potentialIn this conversation I talk with poet and comedian Sarah Callaghan (@scallaghan1). Sarah is a super inspiring person, she talks about how she shifted her mindset to become a more positive person, how important it is to go out and enjoy your life and try new experiences rather than sitting in front of a laptop forcing the inspiration to hit. She talks about how attending meditation and sound healing classes helped her overcome depression and heartbreak, which ultimately led her to performing poetry for the first time. We discuss her love for poetry and why it offers a different...
2019-11-131h 02Balancing ActsTravis Jay on balancing stand up comedy whilst being a young DadIn this episode I chat with Travis Jay (@travisjayent) an actor, comedian and writer. Travis talks about the importance of having family around you, why you need to develop tough skin in the entertainment industry, the challenges of being a single Dad and shines a light on his writing process. He also discusses about how important it is to protect your mental health, the ups and downs of acting auditions, why saying no to opportunities can a positive thing and how opening up to your friends can be like therapy.This is a great conversation for any...
2019-11-061h 05Balancing ActsCamilla Fågelborg on AMSR and other alternative forms of relaxingIn this episode I chat with Swedish comedian and producer Camilla Fågelborg (@fagelborg). Camilla and I met in LA on an improv course at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Half of this conversation was recorded outside in sunny LA under a lemon tree and then we moved indoors due to cries of a baby. Cries, it was more like laughter, the baby was clearly enjoying our conversation which was great and everything, I just wished it would have shut up for a minute. All jokes aside, this was a fun conversation. Camilla talked about strategies she puts in place wh...
2019-10-3055 min