Pod Bible Issue #028 - Closet Confessions

#028 // AUG 2023 FREE

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PODCASTS FEATURING CANDICE BRATHWAITE & COCO SAREL FROM CLOSET CONFESSIONS, 3 SHOTS OF TEQUILA AND A VARIETY OF PODCAST REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS!

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POD BIBLE // #028 // AUG 2023

WELCOME TO THE NEW ISSUE!

IN THIS ISSUE EDITOR'S NOTE THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO //

Closet Confessions............................................02

THE NEW TESTAMENT //

Recent episode recommendations..............06

THE HOLY GRAIL //

An Audible Original Podcast round-up.........08

PODCAST DISCIPLE //

3 Shots of Tequila on their love for podcasts..10

THE SCRIPTURES //

Podcasts that always deliver...........................12

BREAKING BREAD //

A regular column from Stak............................14

AUDDY SPOTLIGHT //

Shows worth knowing about............................17

TALKSPORT FAN NETWORK //

Podcasts made by the fans, for the fans.........18

THE OLD TESTAMENT //

Classic podcast recommendations..............22

A NEW PODCAST FROM MUNDIAL //

Reminding You Why You Love Football.........24

THE GOOD SAMARITAN //

Podcasts with a social conscience...............27

OH.MY.POD //

Independent podcasts.....................................29

@podbible PODBIBLEMAG.COM GUEST EDITOR // Francesca Turauskis francesca@podbiblemag.com // @FranticT COVER ART // Dan Evans idrawforfood.co.uk / @dan_draws WRITERS //

Francesca Turauskis, Tom Nicholson, Adam Richardson & Jason Reed

Welcome to Issue #028 of Pod Bible, which marks a momentous moment for the magazine… I’ve been Digital Editor of podbiblemag.com for a while. Now I’m taking over as the first official Guest Editor!

For our lead interview, we have Candice Brathwaite and Coco Sarel from Closet Confessions - a duo we were thrilled to speak to for the website back in May. Their interview is on-brand in their honesty and focus on connections. Speaking of, I must thank Takudzwa Mudiwa for connecting us to them, and our cover artist Dan Evans for capturing their sisterhood so well.

Elsewhere in the issue we have an interview with Marvin, Tazer and Keith from 3 Shots of Tequila, and Becky Jacobs from Prison Radio Association tells us more about the awardwinning Life After Prison. Plus our regular columns from Audible, Stak, Auddy and the new column from Mundial will get your summer listening sorted.

There’s plenty of celebration of indie podcasts too, with TalkSport highlighting the grassroots of football podcasting, and an Oh My Pod section very close to my heart.

A MASSIVE thank-you to Adam, Stu and Scroobius Pip for trusting me with the Bible of podcasts. Their support for podcasts and podcasters too often goes unsung.

The magazine is back in October, but until then - keep an eye on the website, an ear out for podcasts, and keep spreading the word of pod… info@podbiblemag.com // @podbible FRANCESCA TURAUSKIS francesca@podbiblemag.com // @FranticT francescaturauskis.co.uk

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO... CLOSET CONFESSIONS //

“WE ARE JUST THE VESSELS BEING USED TO DELIVER THE MESSAGE” IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THEIR SHOW HAS NOT EVEN REACHED ITS FIRST BIRTHDAY, BECAUSE CANDICE BRATHWAITE AND COCO SAREL HAVE ALREADY SECURED THEIR CULT PODCASTER STATUS WITH THEIR CLOSET CONFESSIONS… WE JOINED THE PAIR IN THE CLOSET TO DISCUSS THE VALUE OF SISTERHOOD, WHICH OF THEIR CONFESSIONS HAVE BEEN MOST LIBERATING, AND THE PODCASTS THAT MAKE THEM CACKLE… PB: TELL US ALL ABOUT CLOSET CONFESSIONS! WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH? Candice: Closet Confessions is recorded in an actual working closet (so we're surrounded by a lot of pretty shoes). Myself and Sarel kick off with a confession each, then we take a pop culture moment and expand on it like a spider diagram. And the last segment, we call the Closet Cousins, we go to a listener's confession, chop it up, and try to help.

It's sisterhood and community based. It's extremely funny. Someone said ‘spiritual’.

WHY PODCASTING? WHAT WAS 02 //

IT ABOUT THE PODCAST FORMAT THAT APPEALED TO YOU??

Sarel: Ultimately we just wanted a place where we could talk, and have long form conversations between two women who are in, seemingly, two different parts of their lives.

We could create a sisterhood around that and a space for people to join the conversation, without judgement, in a safe, secure space.

On Closet Confessions journalist, Candice Brathwaite, and actress and online personality, Coco Sarel, are inviting you into their closet of confession to drop their truths, and yours…

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C: It felt like one of the safest platforms.

People have to make a really firm decision about engaging with you in a podcast. It feels like we're able to really push it to the limit in terms of conversation and debate, when we don't feel like we can take that liberty in other social areas.

it. We were like, “yeah, we'll give it a bash”.

YOU BOTH HAD A FOLLOWING BEFORE STARTING THE SHOW, BUT DO YOU THINK YOU’VE REACHED NEW FANS AND COMMUNITY WITH THE PODCAST?

S: And there's something really beautiful C: Absolutely. I think we're speaking to people about the fact that we're in people's houses who, for whatever reason, don't follow us on and we're part of their experience. social media. And the age span is insane - I know for sure having literally looked at C: I also think that we just didn't over-think the real-life audience at Soho Theatre, it's // 03

a granddaughter coming with her mum and her grandma, which is really awesome. We already had really firm audiences who we were able to pull along on this journey. But it's definitely gone beyond that for sure.

WHICH CONFESSIONS HAVE BEEN THE MOST LIBERATING TO SHARE? S: When we came back for season two, and basically I was having a life moment. Candice sat me down and was like, “this is the Saturn return”. And we picked apart everything that could happen between the ages of 28 and 30-something. The response from that was so amazing and I felt liberated. Not only have I said it out loud, but I'm not the only one going through it. I had sisters who had been through that. It felt like a hug. I was being hugged by everyone.

C: I think my most liberating confession was “my ass is really hurting”.

S: [Laughs] C: That’s where I’ve landed. BECAUSE I'd recently had a colonoscopy because I was having symptoms that people would associate with bowel cancer, so it ended up being this tremendously serious episode.

That’s very Closet Confessions. It always starts with humour, but it’s normally really big issues.

HOW HAS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH OTHER CHANGED SINCE STARTING THE PODCAST? S: So, okay - I've known Candice ever since she's been on the internet. I was literally a 04 //

little fan girl. And we're both under the same management and they were like “we would love for you guys to meet up”. On that first initial meeting, I was like, “okay, this is my person”. I have never had that first initial meeting with somebody where it felt just so easy.

I think my relationship with Candice has changed in the sense that I viewed her like a mentor, like “oh my God, Candice!”. And now… she definitely still is my mentor. But I would say Candice is one of my friends. She actually gets access to a lot of my very raw things and we genuinely work it through on the podcast and figure it out during that.

“IT ALWAYS STARTS WITH HUMOUR, BUT IT’S NORMALLY REALLY BIG ISSUES.” C: In the early days, because we didn't know each other very well, it felt more professional than friendly. Now it's just a total sisterhood.

And what's so funny is that people listening to the podcast think we've been friends forever.

But also, for years, separately, our audiences have been bugging us to have podcasts. And I kept saying to my audience, “I've not met that person. I'm not saying they don't exist, but I've not met a co-host that I can trust implicitly.”

Not only someone you can have a kiki with, but someone that's going to nudge you.

And we've said this on the pod before, but surviving as a black woman in the UK, in media - it's tough as shit. We are presented with this massive table and there's only ever one seat for us, so it becomes very much “I

POD BIBLE // #028 // AUG 2023

can't work with her.” None of that exists here.

And our audience knows it.

S: No one has an ego, there's no competition.

It's just meshes.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF MAKING THE SHOW SO FAR? S: Our audience is a large range, but creating a space for, specifically, black women who have never felt like they have somewhere where they can be 100% themselves. You always feel like you have to put some sort of facade up. And I think with Closet Confessions, what we're saying is “come and confess, whatever it is, no judgement, safe space.” If we have advice, we will help you. If we don't, we will listen and hold it. That, to me, is a legacy.

C: I'm going to be completely selfish and say it's actually just having somewhere to download. It's always just me, Sarel and our Producer Charlie in that closet. So much is not recorded, so much doesn't make the final cut. There's elements where we're taking a break and it’s allowed me to work through some big life things. Yes, our community is getting the gift of that too. But I would say selfishly I get that first, I get that edifying experience first where I'm like, “girls, this is a big problem”. Basically, it's like having two agony aunts in my house.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED MOST FROM THE PODCAST? C: Your podcast is only as strong as your community. There's only so much Sarel and I can do, and the way our community have picked up Closet Confessions and taken

it over various finish lines, we're not so ego-dripped that we don't get that. It's the cousin's podcast and we're like the vessel.

S: And without us planning, without us talking, without us discussing, we sit down and after the first two, three episodes of a season we’re like “this is the theme, this is the word of the season, this is what needs to come out for the cousins.” There's something in the air that the cousins are pulling and we are just the vessels being used to deliver the message.

“WE'RE SPEAKING TO PEOPLE WHO DON'T FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA.” FINALLY, WHICH PODCASTS ARE YOU ENJOYING AT THE MOMENT? C: I listen to one called HC Pod. Whenever I tell people I listen to that podcast, they burst out laughing because it's so not for me. It's a very Lads Lads podcast. But I cackle. A bit like Closet Confessions, it's interesting to hear black men speak when they feel safe.

S: At the moment, NearlyWeds with Jamie Laing and Sophie Habboo. It was funny, and I was seeing a new side to Jamie Laing, who I had seen on Made In Chelsea.

C: I do want to shout out to the podcast that put me on podcasts. If there is a king of podcasts in terms of production value and almost listening to a movie, it's Have You Heard George’s Podcast? It is stunning, stunning, stunning. candicebrathwaite / cocosarel

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THE NEW TESTAMENT //

RECENT EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS WRITE ME DIRTY

COMEDY 34m

SOPHIE DUKER & OLGA KOCH // JULY 2023

A new weekly show featuring two celebrity friends reading home-written erotica to each other. Need we say more? In this episode, comedians Sophie Duker and Olga Koch, conjure dramatically different scenarios that successfully lead to lip biting and wincing in equal measure. With additional 'adult' chat surrounding the stories and an eclectic mix of guests so far, we're left with the perfect podcast to fill (ooh-er) the void left by My Dad Wrote A Porno.

HOW DO YOU COPE?

S4 // STRESSED ELIS AND SOBER JOHN // JUN 2023

MENTAL HEALTH 1h 11m

How Do You Cope? features comedians turned respected broadcasters, Elis James & John Robins, discussing life's challenges and, most importantly, how they cope. This episode touches on a calamity filled house move for Elis before John opens up on his difficult relationship with alcohol and his recent decision to start the 12 step recovery programme.

A remarkably honest conversation that struck a chord with many and lead to BBC 5 Live being inundated with listener correspondence.

BLUM

EPISODE 1 // THE MESSAGE // JUN 2023

FICTION 23m

The original Spanish language version has been hoovering up awards quicker than you can say “Wow! Qué buen podcast.” Now it’s been remade in English, and it’s going to be big. Five years after history student Clara Torres went missing while researching the mid-20th century avant garde painter Ursula Blum, journalist Emma Clark journeys to Switzerland to work out what happened to her. What sets this thriller apart is that it’s so carefully rooted in real life you can do your own research at home.

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IMAGINARY WORLDS

WARHAMMER - THE HEAVY METAL OF BOARD GAMES // JUN 2023

ARTS 35m

Boasting a famous fan in Henry Cavill (The Witcher) Warhammer is just teetering on the edge of pop-culture. As the franchise reaches its 40th year, Ian Molinsky heads to a tournament to learn how a small company from Nottingham created a role-playing game that pulls in hundreds-ofmillions of dollars in revenue. It turns out there is a lot of backstory - and also beauty - to the game, with unexpected links to grimdark, Margaret Thatcher and heavy metal references turned up to eleven.

STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE

THE UNFINISHED PRINCE // JUL 2023

HISTORY 46m

If there’s one thing the British Empire was particularly good at, it was nicking things and carting it off to museums at home to be ignored by schoolkids on end of term trips. Aussie journalist Marc Fennell, whose pod It Burns investigated the world of competitive chilli-eating, fronts this hit history show which tells those artefacts’ stories. This time it’s the remains of the Ethiopian prince Prince Alamayu, a favourite of Queen Victoria who was buried in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

GET BIRDING

WORDS & BIRDS // JUL 2023

SCIENCE 31m

Back for a third series, this approachable, fun, resolutely non-gatekeeping show introduces fledgling bird enthusiasts to what they can see right outside their door, without needing binoculars, hides, or those gigantic hairy suits which make you look like a sasquatch. This time Alison Steadman (Pam from Gavin & Stacey, among many other things) chats to Jonathan Franzen about birds and creativity, and host Kwesia – AKA City Girl in Nature – does some bird-inspired spoken word. Lovely, soft, soul-feeding stuff.

OPEN TO CRITICISM

CATHY REAY: FILM'S INABILITY TO DO DISABILITY // MAR 2023

FILM 33m

Film critic Wendy Lloyd’s film pod is a very different kind of film pod. It’s a kind of film criticism-criticism; the idea is that because critics play such an important role in shepherding audiences toward or away from movies, they should reflect on what values they’re bringing to their reviews. Lloyd talks with film writers and makers about films which show marginalised groups can be represented on screen, and here Cathy Reay champions the film Champions and its casting of actors with learning disabilities. // 07

THE HOLY GRAIL // IN ASSOCIATION WITH

DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT...

EACH ISSUE WE BRING YOU A ROUND-UP OF THE AUDIBLE ORIGINAL PODCASTS OUR MEMBERS ARE LOVING AND PRESS ARE BUZZING ABOUT TOO. WITHOUT FURTHER ADO HERE’S OUR MEMBERS ON THEIR FAVOURITE LISTENS… SLEEP SOUNDS WITH MAYA JAMA The smash-hit sleep aid podcast, Sleep Sound is back again! This time it’s narrated by international broadcaster Maya Jama (Glow Up, Love Island) who will guide all across the world via stunning immersive soundscapes, helping you travel on your journey to a deep sleep. Maya’s incredible voice puts the listener in a deep state of relaxation, while the soundscape plays out and fades away. So take a deep breath, relax, and join Audible, as we help you to Sleep Sound.

“Maya is amazing in this” Amazon User

“Brilliant” Anon

EDUCATING DAISY Six celebrities face their biggest challenge yet: to convince Daisy May Cooper to read a book. Daisy May Cooper (This Country, Witchfinder) is one of Britain’s busiest writers – but definitely not one of its keenest readers. She says she’d love to read more – but it’s hard to find the time.

Daisy’s invited six celebrity friends to try to covert her to books by telling her all about their favourite classic. She promises she’ll definitely read one of them by the end of the series. Maybe. It’s not going to be easy…

“Just great chat with funny people” Anon

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“Great listen” Mr Mawhinney

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DARA Ó BRIAIN'S TIMEWASTERS Dara Ó Briain invites comedians to compete with their best stories of when their lives and time have been most wasted. From relationships that were never going anywhere, hours spent on call waiting, pointless DIY projects, strap in for a joyfully (and occasionally painfully) relatable celebration of our completely misspent lives.

“Time wasting comedy at it's best” Kindle user

“A fun listen” Mr Perry

LITTLE BABY BUM: TIME TO DREAM What shall we dream of tonight...? Join Twinkle Star in Little Baby Bum: Time to Dream where beloved nursery rhymes inspire beautiful, original, dream-like journeys. Created for young listeners aged 1-3 years, soothing narrators gently welcome little ones into the magical world of dreams to drift into soporific soundscapes with calming scores and lulling ambient sounds designed to encourage sleep.

“Ideal for bedtime and naps” Amazon user

“Delightful” Ms Duffy

IF YOU LIKE THE SOUND OF THESE WHY NOT TRY THIS AUDIBLE ORIGINAL...

MORE ME WITH YOU Will is in Bristol for a brand-new start. He’s got his outrageous flatmate, Emma, his job at the bookshop and he’s totally infatuated with Gus. A French Bulldog. An actual relationship with an actual man seems about as real as the science fiction novels Will stacks on shelves all day long.

And then into his life walks Ben. What starts as unfriendly rivalry grows into friendship and then into something more… Will feels like he can open up to Ben in a way he never has before. Except…there’s one truth Will doesn’t know how to share. How will Ben react if he knows? It’s time for Will to come out with it, even if it changes everything…because the most important person he needs to be true to is himself.

“Great listen and representation” Ms Wallis

“Incredible” Amazon user

LISTEN NOW. SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED. SEE AUDIBLE.CO.UK FOR TERMS.

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PODCAST DISCIPLE //

3 SHOTS OF TEQUILA IN EVERY ISSUE WE ASK A PODCAST DISCIPLE FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR LOVE OF PODCASTS AND PODCASTING. FOR THIS ISSUE WE’RE JOINED BY KEITH, MARVIN & TAZER, FROM 3 SHOTS OF TEQUILA! WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS? Marvin Abbey: I like doing a podcast because I can be me and discuss any and everything under the Sun. It’s also a form of therapy. I like listening to podcasts because you hear different views, hear from different characters and you either laugh, learn or get mad.

Tazer Black: I love podcasts because people tend to be themselves and I learn a lot from that.

Keith Dube: It’s a great way to keep me entertained & educated while I’m working.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO? TB: Probably The Joe Budden Podcast when it was called I'll Name This Podcast Later.

KD: I’ve been podcasting for almost 8 years and the first podcast I listened to properly was The Joe Budden Podcast this year.

MA: One of those Radio 4 story time podcasts with the natural element sound effects.

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WHICH PODCASTER MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST? MA: Specz, PK Humble and Savage Dan from Filthy Fellas TB: It’s between Savage Dan from Filthy Fellas, and Margs from both New Behaviour and The Day After TNB. KD: Young Spray from the RTM Podcast.

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST? MA: The Jordan. B. Peterson Podcast is so interesting because it’s like a university lecture. It makes you learn, think and question. He not only explains theories but gives you background on the origins of these theories and how they related within society, religion etc, then and now.

TB: The Diary Of a CEO. Steven Bartlett manages to secure guests who have reached a point in their life where they are open to being transparent and vulnerable, which leads to a better conversation in my opinion.

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CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET? MA: The Day After TNB TB: The Conviction Of Max B KD: Disunomics. A really cool economics pod. thisis3shots

3shotsoftequila_

The 3 Shots of Tequila podcast is a testament to the power of friendship, humour, boundless enthusiasm and undeniable talent. On Saturday 19th August 2023, Keith, Marvin and Tazer bring their unique blend of humour, intellect, and charisma with their groundbreaking podcast live show to the world famous o2 Greenwich. Tickets and more info can be found at linktr.ee/3shotsoftequila

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THE SCRIPTURES //

PODCASTS WITH BACK CATALOGUES THAT ARE ALL KILLER, NO FILLER SOME PODS YOU DIP IN AND OUT OF, OTHERS YOU LISTEN TO RELIGIOUSLY. HERE’S OUR LATEST SELECTION OF PODCASTS THAT ARE WELL WORTH YOUR SUBSCRIPTION. WHO SHAT ON THE FLOOR AT MY WEDDING

COMEDY

A shocking crime. A guilty conscience. A detective who will stop at nothing to get to the truth. And, at the centre of it all: a poo. When a mystery dumper leaves an unwelcome wedding present on the floor outside the ladies’ toilets at Helen and Karen’s wedding, their mate Lauren turns Colombo to find the culprit – the smoking bum, if you will. It’s riotously daft but its smart use of all those tropes you’ve heard in every thriller podcast means it is genuinely gripping too.

FINDING NATASHA

DOCUMENTARY Every family has stories that are half-remembered, or half-told.

Arguably, all are worthy of a podcast. But when you throw in Soviet Russia, the Mariinsky Ballet school, a daring escape from a hospital and a missing friend, you have a great investigation. The main subject, Debbie Gayle, is also the Lead Producer’s mum so aspects of cultural diplomacy between Britain and Soviet Russia in the 1970s work as the backdrop to Debbie’s story, which is placed firmly centre-stage.

QUEER ROOTS AND ROUTES SOCIETY & CULTURE From the production team behind The Log Books, Queer Roots and Routes shares stories of queer migrants and people descended from migrants. Made in partnership with the not-for-profit The Love Tank, the use of audio is refreshingly creative and fun, and each episode has a different host and a different set of voices, exploring themes such as belonging, flipping the narrative, and whether all men really are trash…

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BLOSSOM TREES AND BURNT OUT CARS SCIENCE A product of the BBC Sounds AudioLab, this show explores who does and doesn’t have access to nature. Host Talia Randall approaches the idea on a philosophical level, often exploring what ‘nature’ even is. Talia has platformed voices and stories we could be hearing more in nature commentary. The title refers to the street where Talia grew up, once called “the road with the most burnt out cars in London” but she remembers as filled with blossom trees in Spring.

BITTER / SWEET

FOOD & DRINK A podcast that explores the connection between food and memories is not unique and this one asks guests to share a profound moment in their lives involving a meal. But alongside the guests’ answers, we get to hear memories from the creator Natasha Miller. Bitter/Sweet is the perfect name for these mini-memoirs – the first episode hits you in your gut as she talks about her mother and Sunday lunch. This series does a lot and fits it into episodes of less than twenty minutes.

ATLANTIC: A SCOTTISH STORY

FICTION An 8-part series based on the fascinating true history of St Kilda, an archipelago 64 kilometres off the coast of mainland Scotland. It’s 1897 and Evie and Quinn are two young islanders faced with a choice: to stay on their isolated island home, or set out to find a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. With a cast that includes Richard Rankin (of Outlander fame) and original music by Scott Gilmour and Claire McKenzie, this podcast is comparable to the grandest stage musical.

THE HIDDEN DJINN

HISTORY Ancient, powerful, and hidden from the human eye, the djinn are an entire race of creatures. Djinn lore spans continents, cultures and centuries. The Hidden Djinn is a mix of mythology and journalism uncovering tales, tradition and beliefs surrounding these creatures.

The topic is in good hands with host Rabia Chaudry - attorney and writer of Adnan’s Story: The Search for Truth and Justice After Serial and it will make you question the lines between reality and superstition.

MISSING PAGES

ARTS An investigative podcast with a difference: these are literary cold cases. From fake authors to embezzlement and copy-cat books, this show gives listeners an insight to the often-glamourised world of literature and publishing. Bethanne Patrick is the perfect host for this show: as a book critic she’s written for NPR, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and more. Her knowledge as a literary insider makes her a trusted source for these sometimes unbelievable stories. // 13

BREAKING BREAD // WITH

MY SEVEN WONDERS LIVE RETURNS! FROM LONDON TO THE FRINGE, CLIVE ANDERSON IS BACK WITH HIS MUCH-LOVED LIVE SHOW PODCAST. My Seven Wonders with Clive Anderson is back and better than ever! Clive, the renowned host of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Loose Ends, and a BBC Radio legend, is bringing his hilarious podcast to the stage for a series of entertaining live shows. But don't worry if you can't attend in person because each show will be recorded and released as a special live podcast for everyone to enjoy on their favourite audio platforms.

Known for his quick wit and engaging conversations, Clive has mastered the art of entertaining an audience.

After years of broadcasting, there was no doubt that his podcast would be exactly the same delightful patter, welcoming a whole host of eccentric guests. However, last year started a new era of My Seven Wonders, bringing together Clive’s much-loved podcast format to the live stage, combining Clive’s masterful wit with the infectious reaction of a theatre audience. Previous guests have included John Bishop, Stephen Fry, and Dara Ó Briain amongst others!

give an even better live show experience through the podcast. They plan to introduce even more interesting celebrity guests and delve into their chosen weirdest and wildest wonders of the world.

The journey begins at the Leicester Square Theatre, where exclusive episodes from Clive's spring shows were recorded. Clive was joined by special guests, satirical comedian and actor Rosie Holt, and British comedian Terry Alderton, to delve into their outlandish seven wonders of the world as well as their current career conquests. These shows originated from the success of Clive's 2022 Edinburgh Fringe run, with audiences in London eager to witness the magic of Clive's podcast on the live stage.

Then we go all the way up to the bustling Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where Clive is hosting 13 greatly anticipated live shows filled with a fascinating guest every night.

However, Clive is no stranger to the This year, Clive, along with his award-winning Edinburgh Fringe stage. Not only did he producing partner Stak, is determined to bring his My Seven Wonders podcast there 14 //

POD BIBLE // #028 // AUG 2023

last year, but he first started performing there in 1981 whilst he was still practising criminal law! Who knew he would still be performing there 23 years later.

Previous episodes of the podcast have featured captivating guests like German comedian Henning Wehn, who revealed his past life in marketing a professional football club. The infamous pub landlord Al Murray joined Clive to share why France is one of his wonders of the world. Additionally, the brilliant Scottish comedian Larry Dean provided a hilarious take on his seven wonders, recounting his decision to step away from a life of crime and pursue a career in comedy.

and entertained as this... a perfectly judged show," while The Telegraph hails it as "a complete delight!" Now, with new live podcast episodes released every week, no one has to miss out on the action.

So, whether you're sitting in the audience, listening on your favourite audio platform, or catching up on the live podcasts, My Seven Wonders with Clive Anderson promises an evening of laughter and fascinating conversations with some of the biggest celebrity names. Prepare to be entertained as Clive's quick-witted banter and his guests' peculiar wonders of the world take centre stage.

My Seven Wonders LIVE! was first released The shows have received rave reviews on Thursday 3rd August with new shows from critics. The Scotsman describes it as coming in every week. Listen wherever you "a pleasure to be in an audience as relaxed get your podcasts. lnk.to/mysevenwonders stakpod

stakpod

Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows - boasting a combined 4 million monthly listens and over 45 years of podcasting experience.

Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London studio, we specialise in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london!

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BREAKING BREAD // WITH

A SUMMER OF POP CULTURE DRAMA! POP OFF IS HERE TO KEEP YOU UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST SUMMER SCANDALS! Summer 2023 is in full swing, and there's no shortage of excitement in the world of pop culture. The Taylor Swift ticket frenzy has subsided, a Kardashian is pregnant, and Love Island has wrapped up its latest season. So what now?...Fear not, because Pop Off, hosted by internet sensations Lewys Ball and Isla Loba, is here to keep you in the pop culture loop. Prepare yourself for the most scandalous topics, shockingly honest hot takes, and never miss a captivating moment.

Lewys Ball is a charismatic YouTuber, presenter, and social media personality boasting over 700k devoted followers, particularly adored by the Gen Z generation. Isla Loba, on the other hand, is a successful TikToker and model, widely recognised for her appearance on the popular reality TV show, Peckham's Finest. Together, their undeniable chemistry creates an electric atmosphere.

Whether they're discussing the latest fashion hits and misses, disastrous brand deals, or jaw-dropping celebrity relationship revelations, their vivacious energy will undoubtedly captivate you.

However, Lewys and Isla aren't limited to covering just the latest trends. They provide their listeners with an intimate glimpse into their lives as influencers. From sharing insider scoops on brand deals and revealing the truth behind influencer trips, to recounting embarrassing moments from nights out, Pop 16 //

Off feels like an inclusive group chat you'll want to be a part of.

This summer, Lewys and Isla have been on top of all the crucial pop culture moments, and you can’t talk about pop culture without Love Island. The duo invited some of the most intriguing ex-Islanders to their studio for an exclusive interview, providing a behind-thescenes look at life in the villa. Rest assured, they asked all the juicy questions! Former Islanders Mal and Mehdi delved into the hidden aspects of the show, shedding light on the fights that never made it to the screen and the producers eavesdropping on every conversation. This extraordinary episode made waves on the internet and serves as just a taste of the exciting guests to come on Pop Off. So, if you're already experiencing post-Love Island blues, Pop Off is here to provide your weekly dose of celebrity drama dissection, reality TV scoops, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an influencer.

As the new season of Pop Off unfolds, it promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With juicy scandals inevitably surfacing later in the year, Lewys and Isla will be there to provide their honest takes on all of it. You do not want to miss it.

Tune into Pop Off with Lewys and Isla every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts. lnk.to/popoffpodcast

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TALKSPORT FAN NETWORK // ADVERTORIAL FROM

PREMIER LEAGUE INTRODUCING THE TALKSPORT FAN NETWORK! A COLLECTION OF PODCASTS MADE BY THE FANS, FOR THE FANS! If you are a loyal supporter of your football club then we’ve got you covered. All of our passionate hosts can provide informed analysis, lively debate and an inside look into your club. With the talkSPORT Fan Network, you’ll be up-to-date with the latest news,

match previews, post-match analyses and transfer rumours.

Search talkSPORT Fan Network to find out more. The ultimate destination for true sports fanatics!

ARSENAL //

THE GOONER TALK ASTON VILLA //

MY OLD MAN SAID BRENTFORD //

BEESOTTED BRENTFORD CRYSTAL PALACE //

BACK OF THE NEST FULHAM //

COTTAGE TALK BOURNEMOUTH //

UTCIAD (UP THE CHERRIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS) BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION //

SEAGULLS SOCIAL 18 //

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BURNLEY //

NO NAY NEVER LUTON TOWN //

OAK ROAD HATTER MANCHESTER UNITED //

TALKING DEVILS NEWCASTLE UNITED //

TALK OF THE TOON NOTTINGHAM FOREST //

RED SIDE OF THE TRENT TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR //

SPURS CHAT WEST HAM //

THE WEST HAM WAY WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS//

ALWAYS WOLVES Listen to these podcasts on your favourite podcast platform or to find out more search talkSPORT Fan Network. If you are a podcast creator and want to get involved with the Network then please contact james.rowe@talksport.co.uk // 19

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THE OLD TESTAMENT //

CLASSIC EPISODES FROM THE PODCAST ARCHIVES 13 MINUTES TO THE MOON SAVING 1968 // JUN 2019

HISTORY 47m

The first series of Kevin Fong’s history of space exploration joined the Apollo 11 crew and explored humanity’s most mind-boggling achievement. This episode sets the Apollo mission in its context. Down on Earth, things were rather less serene than they might have looked from the command module window. With Vietnam raging, riots kicking off, and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King dead. It all serves to make the mission’s success feel all the more miraculous.

CAMP MONSTERS

THE JERSEY DEVIL // OCT 2019

FICTION 37m

Gather round the campfire for some stories of creatures that live just beyond the edge of the firelight. This episode has all you could want from a campfire story - a cursed child, a lost lone camper, and a winged beast hiding in the pine trees. The simplicity of this show makes it all-the-more compelling. Beyond the Stranger Things vibes of the opening music, the narration is accompanied only by crackling flames and the subtlest of drones. Perhaps don’t listen if you are heading out camping this summer.

HISTORY BECOMES HER

SOCIETY & CULTURE WINDRUSH WOMEN & BRITAIN’S BLACK POWER MOVEMENT // APR 2020 36m With this year marking the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in Britain, it’s a perfect time to revisit this episode. Leah Cowan and Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff from gal-dem discuss their book "I Will Not be Erased": Our Stories about Growing Up as People of Colour, as well as their personal experiences of erasure. They pay tribute to the women they find most inspiring before exploring the forgotten women of the Windrush generation and women's role in Britain's Black Power movement.

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MURMURS

THE QUEUE // FEB 2020

FICTION 32m

Audio drama can be tricky to do, but there’s a streak of mischievous, almost Black Mirror-ish horror thrumming along underneath the surface of this BBC effort. The twisted tales bleed in and out of each other, sucking the life force from one another and leaving the listener unsettled. This one is about a huge queue which snakes across the Yorkshire Dales. But what’s everyone lining up for? What could be so important you’d stand still for years at a time? A little old lady, answering questions in a cottage.

FOREST 404

T7 // WOULD YOU VOTE FOR AN AI GOVERNMENT // MAY 2019

SCIENCE 8m

Forest 404 was an innovative environmental drama set a few centuries from now. When Pan (voiced by Pearl Mackie from Doctor Who) finds a 21st-century recording of a rainforest, she has no idea what it is…

Alongside the storyline, Forest 404 also has short talks from experts about the themes of Pan’s story. This episode was prescient of the conversations surrounding AI right now. And given the government dramas we’ve seen in recent years, we must wonder what this episode would sound like today…

POPPY HILLSTEAD HAS ENTERED THE CHAT EPISODE 4 // SONGS WITH STRANGERS // AUG 2021

COMEDY 21m

Poppy Hillstead's show features equal amounts of smut and insight to human behaviour - which probably tells us a lot about human behaviour.

Each episode she reenacts real-life conversations from themed chatrooms, which inevitably devolve into depravity. The result is hilarious, and the accompanying soundtrack is beautifully atmospheric. This episode features some hot fishing talk - from the pro-fishing chatroom and Poppy making up songs with unsuspecting strangers.

UNEARTHED

ROBERT KIRK, FAIRY MINISTER OF ABERFOYLE // JUL 2020

HISTORY 1h

Do you believe in fairies? At the end of the 17th Century, Robert Kirk devoted himself to this question. And when Kirk’s body was found at the top of a sacred hill in Scotland, rumours spread that he had actually been taken to the fairy realm. Ryan Latto, a journalist and tour guide, unearths these rumours with a lot of openness, and a certain amount of fondness.

The episode opens a doorway to the past and - regardless of your stance - how belief can be relevant in modern Scotland. // 23

A NEW FOOTBALL PODCAST // ADVERTORIAL FROM MUNDIAL

REMINDING YOU WHY YOU LOVE FOOTBALL REMINDING YOU WHY YOU LOVE FOOTBALL IS A POSITIVE, INCLUSIVE AND TIMELESS NEW WEEKLY FOOTBALL PODCAST FROM MUNDIAL THAT DROPS ITS SHOULDER PAST THE 1% OF THE GAME THAT DOMINATES THE NEWS CYCLE, AND INSTEAD DISAPPEARS BETWEEN THE CRACKS TO TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THAT REALLY MATTER…OLD KITS, CULT HEROES, TERRIFIC HAIRCUTS, NON-LEAGUE WEIRDNESS, INCREDIBLE VOLLEYS, AND SOMEHOW SO MUCH MORE. Owen Blackhurst, the host of the new podcast, is ably supported by MUNDIAL colleagues Seb White and James Bird, with Tommy Stewart as co-producer and quizmaster. Each episode takes strands used previously in the magazine or social media, and we spoke to co-producer and regular guest Seb White to tell us more about a football podcast that is very much in love with The Beautiful Game.

WE SUPPORT THESE NOW Each episode opens with ‘We Support These Now’, a long-running tagline we've used on social media for years. It’s pretty simple: we pick someone or something we support that day or week for something they’ve done that has made us laugh, cry, punch the air, celebrate or think others should get behind.

The best example was in Episode 8, where we discussed our admiration for lovely Jude 24 //

Bellingham after his much-deserved move to Real Madrid.

Further listening - Those Midfield Men in Their Flying Machines

ADVENTURES IN CLUBLAND A regular feature in the magazine, this is all about Indian summers, loans, lastchance saloons, homecomings, and unusual spells in a player’s career. This segment gives us the chance to unpick stories from careers that haven’t been told yet, and have perhaps been dwarfed by more wellknown spells. In Episode 10, we reminisced about Brazilian legend Rivaldo and his brief time at Deportivo de La Coruña before he went to Barcelona and won all the trophies and the Ballon d’Or. It was a brilliant deep dive, and it also let us talk about a truly golden age of La Liga in the nineties.

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Further listening - Juan Sebastián Verón & and we’re now reinvigorating for the The Freedom Fighters podcast. Born of the love of the type of stuff that only football can deliver, really, the kind VOLLEYWOOD of tat we’ve all had at some point in our lives, from rattles to world cup-shaped wine bottles Another idea we’ve taken from the magazine, to cigarette cards—all sorts. James brought Volleywood is where we discuss and analyse in his Palace x adidas Tango ball from 2019 an incredible volley we’ve seen to see for Episode 7, which we’ve drooled over and if it makes it into the hallowed MUNDIAL have not stopped thinking about since.

Volleywood Hall of Fame. There’s plenty of material from the usual suspects, such as Further Listening - The Complete Footballer your Veróns, Batistutas, and Chiesas, but we Appreciation Society cast our net far and wide. In Episode 9, we chatted about a particularly special volley INS AND OUTS scored on a dusty pitch that had gone viral, a Like many have done previously, we’ve rabona cross to set up a rabona goal, which nabbed this from the iconic Liverpool-based was just as mental as it sounds. fanzine The End, edited by The Farm’s Peter Hooton in the early 80s. As you’d suspect, Further listening - Maradona’s Law it allows us to end the episode with a look at all manner of things, not COLLECTIBLE FOOTBALL SHITE humorous just in football but the wider world, that we Sometimes off eBay, sometimes not, do or don’t like. It is, however, our notoriously sometimes collectable, sometimes not, It’s harsh host Owen’s final decision whether or something we used to do in the magazine, not it gets approved. mundialmag MUNDIAL launched as a one-off magazine in 2014 but has recently released its 26th issue and has been churning out football adjacent content for nearly ten years now. Their first foray into audio was with the award-winning documentary series GIANT, a Spotify original that won the Best Sports Podcast at the 2021 British Podcast Awards.

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THE GOOD SAMARITAN //

PODCASTS WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE JASON REED FROM LEAP UK & THE STOP AND SEARCH PODCAST SPEAKS TO THE PEOPLE BEHIND PODCASTS FROM THE CHARITY AND CAUSES SECTOR It’s one of the aspects of society that we all may fear, but Life After Prison is a podcast that aims to shed some light on the reality of life behind bars, both for those who may have first-hand experience, but also for the families who’ve also been impacted. Becky Jacobs, Head of Podcasts at Prison Radio Association explains more: Our extraordinary presenters, Zak and Jules, were recruited from a raft of people with lived experience of prison who applied for the role.

They got the job while they were both still completing their licence on probation.

It was essential to us that the podcast had a presenter who had experienced being locked up and separated from their friends and families, and knew what it was like to come out and deal with the complex feelings and issues that come with being released from prison. Zak and Jules are central to all our podcast planning and research, and alongside them we work with a panel of 8 people with experience of the 27 //

Criminal Justice System. This panel helps inform and shape our content.

How did it all begin?

Life After Prison was created in October 2022.

It was created by The Prison Radio Association who also run National Prison Radio the world’s first national radio station for prisoners, and funded by The Lottery’s Community Fund. Since the podcast was launched, we have received loads of brilliant coverage, from The Observer newspaper to BBC London TV News. Our proudest moment so far has been Zak and Jules winning Best New Presenters at the ARIAs in May. It’s the first podcast designed to support and inspire people who had spent time in prison and are now building their lives back up again on the outside.

With no shortage of topics to be explored, what can we expect to hear from the current episodes - and what is the podcast aiming to achieve through these honest conversations?

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In the last few months Zak and Jules have explored topics such as disclosing your conviction and finding work post release. They have also had deep and revealing discussions with many fascinating people including The CEO of The Prison and Probation Service, Amy Rees, and Zak’s own mum, Hilda in a very moving episode about family. Guests talk to Zak and Jules in a way that they wouldn’t with interviewers who had not been through the prison system, and we know from our feedback loops on social media that our audience trusts them too.

We were hoping that Life After Prison would reach the ears of people who had been to prison but also the family members and friends of people who had. The reach has

actually gone far further. We know that people working in the CJS have also found the podcast really helpful in their practice, but beyond that these are just really interesting, moving and inspiring human stories and if you love podcasts for that reason then you’ll love these. We’ve had some incredible feedback, including this: “Jules, Zak you’re an inspiration to me, you give me great hope and I’ll never forget, thank you.”

With a mix of live panel discussions, celebrity guests, policy experts and general inquisitiveness, STOP AND SEARCH discusses drugs, addiction, mental health and the media. Available on Spotify, Acast and all other platforms.

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OH MY POD //

INDEPENDENT PODCASTS FOR THIS ISSUE, THE OH MY POD SECTION IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OUTDOORS PODCAST CLUB FROM TREMULA NETWORK. EACH PODCAST IN THIS LIST HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY A MEMBER OF THE CLUB, MADE UP OF KATHI KAMLEITNER (WILD FOR SCOTLAND), NICKI BASS (EVERYDAY ADVENTURE PODCAST), AOIFE GLASS (SPINDRIFT), DAWN YOUNG (SCOTTISH DIGEST), ROB DARFI (THE OUTDOORS ADVENTURE PODCAST), ANESU MATANDA-MAMBINGO (BLACK EARTH), FRANCESCA TURAUSKIS (ON THE OUTSIDE) AND ISABELLA MCDONNELL (XENO).

ALPACA MY BAGS

A travel podcast with a twist, Alpaca My Bags explores what truly makes travel and tourism responsible. Erin Hynes and Kattie Laur share thoughtprovoking conversations with guests about over-tourism, passportprivilege and systemic changes needed in the tourism industry.

LOOKING SIDEWAYS

A podcast for people who love action sports, but it’s so much more than that. I love the fact that Matt isn’t afraid to delve into broader and more political issues around diversity, inclusion, access, sustainability and human rights - he also puts so much effort into creating a community.

DOWNTIME - THE MOUNTAIN BIKING PODCAST

In the bike world Downtime has some great chats. It delves into the MTB world, talking to athletes, trainers, mechanics, brands and helps you ride your bike faster, have more fun, and find out more about the characters behind the sport that I love!

REAL

Real is a true crime podcast hosted by award winning producer, Naomi Channel. Each episode is an audio documentary, telling a crime story that is almost unbelievable. Naomi’s storytelling style and deep dive research make this podcast extremely engaging, eye opening and very Real.

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SUMMIT TO TALK ABOUT

A UK based interview podcast for all things great outdoors. With 46 episodes, the interesting array of guests and topics means you’ll never be short of a listen. Ryan, the host, is engaging and runs events alongside the podcast, which brings a sense of community to it.

SHADO-LITE

A new one that I've been listening to is shado-lite. It’s by shado magazine, which is a lived-experience led community of artists, activists and journalists united in the fight for social justice. I think they provide such a fresh and interesting perspective on such needed conversations!

PROMPTED BY NATURE

This is a series of interviews, but punctuated by meditations and writing prompts inspired by each conversation. Guests include Environmentalists, Nature Writers, Outdoor/Wilderness Guides, Climate Change Activists and so much more. It’s a really great boost to creativity with an outdoorsy twist!

The Outdoors Podcast Club is a club with monthly events designed to help outdoors podcasters create engaging shows, promote in the right places and grow together. It's a club especially for UK-based podcasters who are focused on the outdoors, nature or adventure + action sports. It teaches the tips and techniques of audio production, shares insights to podcasting as an industry, and how podcasting can fit within the outdoors sector. We have an emphasis on Tremula Network's core values of diversifying the stories that get told within this sector. // 30