What inspired you to start Premiere Podcast Studios, and what sets it apart from other podcast studios?

The Podcast Studio in London, actually sits on the site of my previous music studios, which itself had a great history as Andrew Weatherall’s Scrutton Street Studios in Shoreditch. The space had long been known for its music production, and taking over the site in 2016 I continued that legacy with another fantastic few years as an electronic music studio. However, at the start of Covid the lease ended and the landlord refurbished the whole building, which meant the music studios were no more at this stage. Fast forward through lockdown, and I saw the opportunity to rebuild – this time as a podcast recording studio, keeping that creative energy alive but evolving it into a new proposition.

What really sets us apart is the attention to service. We support clients from arrival to recording to final edit, with in-house engineers and a full studio team on hand throughout the session. It’s a complete experience, not just a hire space and we pride ourselves on the personal touch. This enables hosts and their guests to fully concentrate on their performance and subject matter.

If you are hosting multiple sessions on one day we can handle meet and greet and staging of the interviewees to make sure the experience between recordings is seamless. Many clients bring a whole team of producers and brand managers. We have a production area specifically for this, with a live feed from the studio which also has a talkback facility for producers and hosts in the room. There are also a host of on-site facilities most of which are provided free of charge. We also offer wheelchair access.

Lastly, its location, location, location. Our proximity to London transport hubs means you can attract a wider (sometimes global) pool of guests with minimal travel hassle:

• 5 Minutes walk from Old Street, Liverpool St & Moorgate which boast direct connections to Stansted & Heathrow and airports through the Elizabeth Line and Overground rail.

Can you walk us through the facilities and services your studio offers to podcasters?

We offer multiple set-ups with various fireside options plus 2–4 people in a cross-desk format. We also have a production area with live feed and seating working area for producers and brand managers to utilise without disrupting the recordings.

We only offer engineer-managed sessions, we are not a self-service studio. The prices often advertised by our competitors frequently have a lower “from” price, we try to avoid too many “add-ons” with our pricing to keep things transparent.

Our core services: as would be expected with any podcast studio, cover multi-cam recording in HD – 4k, with live editing options, recording, mixing and mastering of Audiobooks and audio productions such as digital radio shows, plus the full gamut of podcast editing options including trailers and thumbnail creation and social cuts.

The studio itself was custom built with external sound isolation in mind using the traditional room-within-a-room design. Built with extra high-grade materials such as Fermacell boards (instead of plasterboard) and higher density 100kg/m3 rockwool layers rather than standard RW3 which has a rating of 60kg/m3. All designed to give the best possible recording environment for customers.

The wider building space has modern facilities with a large reception area for hosts and guests to meet and prepare for their recordings, a large kitchen area and private meeting rooms for hire should clients want privacy or hair and makeup services, it can all be provided to assist. Ultimately, if you’re looking to rent a podcast studio in London, it should have amenities to cater for all types of guests. We also have wheelchair accessibility.

Something which also sets us apart is our ability to provide Digital expertise through my agency Fused Seven. Over the last 14 years I have worked with a lot of businesses in a range of sectors driving Digital Awareness, Global SEO strategies and ROI-focussed customer acquisition activity. This expertise is utilised for clients who are looking to scale their podcast, especially in an algorithm-driven social media world, where, depending on your sector or podcast niche, finding your right audience can require a more precise strategic approach than just blanket coverage through social advertising.

Finally, the behemoth AI. There’s so much ongoing noise around AI tools and its usage, it’s impossible to ignore the use cases for it across our business and the client’s final product. However, the quality of AI output is much more advanced within the creative sphere, than pre- / post-production. We take a very considered approach to AI deployment, utilising it where appropriate to add value to the production and recording process (like Riverside remote recordings), but we also offer hybrid solutions, utilising AI to offer cost benefit whilst keeping the human element needed for premium quality control.

What are some of the biggest challenges podcasters face when recording, and how does your studio help overcome them?

There are 4 main areas:

1. Recording
2. Hands on Support
3. Attention to Detail
4. Vision / Quality of Final Product

In regard to the recording process, it’s the environment, and being able to control the macro factors that might affect the recording. We’re always running back up feeds which means we’ve never (yet) encountered any lost recordings (which is never a good look). We do everything we can to mitigate technology failures. They obviously can happen, and the purpose of having engineers monitoring for issues as soon as they happen is the peace of mind using a studio setting provides.

Hands-on support is something some studios lack and clients are left to figure it out themselves. We only work on a managed session basis, we stay with you throughout, making sure every detail is handled so you can focus entirely on the conversation.

Where possible, laser focussed attention to detail will enable you to put the best version of your production out into the world. Measure twice, cut once if you like. You don’t want to be watching back footage and realise there is incorrect framing or some visual / audible noise affecting the quality. Of course, if relaxed and loose is the nature of the podcast, then it’s less of an issue but, s#*t can always go wrong regardless.

Lastly, it’s just about striving for quality regardless of your aesthetic / brand. Having a clear idea of how a professional podcast should look and flow are factors that we as a studio will work with the hosts to achieve the desired final product. That guidance helps hosts stay in the zone while we handle everything behind the scenes.

Have you worked on any standout podcasts that you’re particularly proud of?

Some of the guests and hosts that come through the door are definitely surreal moments.

We recently hosted a 2-day recording with Maisie Williams (of Game of Thrones fame) through Cup and Nuzzle productions for the Famously… Winona Podcast.

We’ve also hosted a range of high-profile guests from Riz Ahmed to Rob Delaney, and recently recorded a number of episodes for HRH Queen Camilla’s – The Queens Reading Room. These are just a few of the names people might be aware of.

What advice would you give to someone starting their first podcast in a professional studio?

Preparation is everything. Make sure you have done your research and understand that you’re investing in your choices, just like you would a new car or something high value. If you’re serious about the podcast and are in it for the long run, then it pays to take things seriously from the get-go and evolve from there.

Using a studio such as ours allows you to focus on your performance, making sure the message you’re getting across with your podcast is the stand-out, instead of worrying about technical issues or scrambling for support and trying to fix problems in post-production, especially when recording with an elusive guest, you may only get one chance with them!

How do you see the podcasting industry evolving, and what role do professional studios like yours play in that growth?

I feel there’s already been an interesting divergence, the growth in B2B podcasting is really interesting, it presents a real opportunity across the board. It’s easy to look at the higher profile entertainment podcasts and assume the medium of podcasting is all about that. Increasingly that’s just not the case. Really niching down (from a B2B perspective) drives highly targeted and engaged audiences which can deliver valuable return on investment for businesses. At Premiere we not only have the production expertise but we also have the strategic experience from a media perspective to be able to facilitate the amplification of the product.

What’s next for Premiere Podcast Studios – any exciting plans or expansions on the horizon?

More locations and a broader range of set-ups. We’ve got a huge proof of concept project in the pipeline but, unfortunately, I can’t say any more at this stage!

How can Pod Bible readers find out more about the studio?

Find out more on our website, email us at bookings@premierepodcaststudios.com or give us a call on +44 7916 250090.

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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Cool Air, Hot Takes isn’t your average HVAC industry podcast, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a passion project built on decades of experience and a friendship that goes back just as long.

In a space often dominated by dry delivery and jargon-heavy dialogue, this HVAC-focused show (that’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, for those of us unfamiliar with the term) stands out by doing something deceptively simple: making expert insights genuinely enjoyable to listen to.

Hosted by Trane Technologies veterans Charlie Jelen and Dan Gentry, the show brings over 30 years of combined experience to audiences with a laid-back, often witty (and laugh-out-loud funny) tone that makes even the most technical topics feel relatable.

The result? A show that informs without lecturing, entertains without losing substance, and manages to strike the rare balance between being deeply niche and widely appealing.

In this interview, the duo opens up about their decades-long friendship, the spark behind Cool Air, Hot Takes, and what keeps them inspired. So, whether you’re in the field or just HVAC-curious, Cool Air, Hot Takes keeps things cool, literally and figuratively.

Listen to Cool Air, Hot Takes >>

You both have incredible chemistry on the mic. Can you share the story behind your friendship and how it enhances your podcasting dynamic?

Dan Gentry: It’s kind of a long story, but we go back a long way, to like middle school times. We played football together. We’ve snowboarded together, we’ve run in the same and crossed friend groups for all that long time.”

We’ve got kids, they’re the same ages, they’re all friends, we do family trips and hang out a bunch.

Charlie Jelen: I think what comes through on the show is just that we’re friends and it’s easy. This is what we talk about when we’re not in front of a microphone.

Dan and Charlie as kids

With over 30 years of combined experience in the HVAC industry, what inspired you both to start a podcast? What were you hoping to bring to the industry through Cool Air, Hot Takes?

Charlie Jelen: It started at a bar, and our wives not being impressed with our conversations on dates. We were hanging out and I don’t know who said we should start a podcast, [but] we took it very seriously.

Dan Gentry: We would do road trips, we would just have hours behind the wheel and we’d talk about this kind of stuff. It’s like, “we should record these conversations!”

I think the interesting and the fun thing is showing the audience how huge, vast, wide, and diverse the whole HVAC built environment is. I mean with the few interviews we’ve done so far, there’s such different topics and we get people saying that the interviews are interesting.

Charlie Jelen: I think trying to keep our community up to speed on what’s going on, it gets really easy to get siloed into the work that you’re doing, especially in technical fields. So having a 30 minute podcast that covers the headlines from recent updates and then interviews with people that are outside your specific occupation, and seeing how these different sectors interact, but doing it in a way that’s enjoyable that people can actually listen to, without it feeling like it’s a deep education.

You often mix in stories from your own experiences in the industry. What’s been one of the most memorable (or funny) moments you’ve encountered on the job that you’re willing to share with our readers?

Charlie Jelen: I was presenting to a group of 200-plus people and shortly after I started presenting, a dude in the front row was giving me some hand signals and I had no idea what he was trying to gesture towards. So I continued the presentation.

Afterwards he came up to me and he said, “ah, dude, your fly’s been down the entire presentation.” That’s what he was trying to gesture towards me. So now I absolutely have a pre-presentation ritual of checking.

Dan Gentry: … the barn door.

Charlie Jelen: Check the barn door.

… and what about the show? What has been most memorable so far?

Charlie Jelen: The first guest that we had on, his name was Jon Horne. He’s Managing Director at the Idea Fund. He came on and his hot take was that the HVAC industry has largely been undisrupted for hundreds of years. The hot take was the HVAC industry will change more in the next five to 10 years than it has in the past 100.

Four interviews later, we had Jean-Simon on; founder of BrainBox AI. His hot take was that in the next five to 10 years the HVAC industry will become a data business instead of a product business.

Jon didn’t have the answers. He’s looking at it from a macro perspective, seeing that this industry is ripe for disruption and then one of the potential things that could disrupt it. Then, somebody that founded a company around it was saying that same timeframe – the industry is going to change into a data business. So I thought that was just like this crossroads of industries, that was very memorable for me.

What has been one of the most surprising things you’ve learned from your guests or from each other while recording the podcast?

Charlie Jelen: Tanks. Dan loves tanks.

Dan Gentry: You know, my biggest surprise is that your wife doesn’t like pop-in culture.

Charlie Jelen: Oh, that surprises you?

Dan Gentry: I didn’t know that. I figured she’d be a pop-in gal. I was like, “wow”. I was very surprised.

Charlie Jelen: After that episode aired, I came home and she was like, “it’s not that I don’t like people coming over – it’s the popping in unannounced.”

Dan Gentry: I mean, that was the biggest thing I learned.

[Editor’s note – you can listen to RefrigeRANTS: The Good, The Bad, and the Banned to hear the full story]

… Lol. Okay, so what about your guests?

Dan Gentry: I’m really fascinated generally by most of our interviews. ‘Cause it’s interesting. I’m not involved in those fields, those specialties, those things that our guests have been in. I’ve heard of some of this stuff, but I think those interviews are, for me, they’re generally interesting ’cause it’s very adjacent and relevant to what we do.

I’m learning with the guest or with the audience as well.

What’s next for Cool Air, Hot Takes? Are there any future episodes or exciting topics on the horizon that listeners should look out for?

Dan Gentry: My short answer is yes, stay subscribed and find out.

Charlie Jelen: More cool air, more hot takes!

I would say, we’ve gotten a lot of good feedback on the format and the types of guests we’re having. So we’re going to continue that into season two. We’re going to do some deep technical areas. We’re going to go macro trend and then we’re going to dig down into some details as well.

Dan Gentry: and get a service tech in too.

Charlie Jelen: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

Dan Gentry: What do service techs do? What do they struggle with? What do you know? What do they see?

Charlie Jelen: Yeah!

Dan Gentry: I think that I’m excited about that.

Charlie Jelen: Yeah, that’s going to be good.

Dan Gentry: But still subscribe.

Season Two of Cool Air, Hot Takes is out 26th June 2025.

…You heard Dan, As Cool Air, Hot Takes gears up for its second season this June, there’s never been a better time to tune in. Whether you’re an HVAC veteran or simply curious about the industry’s next big shifts, Charlie and Dan deliver expert insights with the ease of old friends chatting over a cold beer.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favourite platform.

Cool Air, Hot Takes explores the big questions and emerging trends in HVAC, from AI and energy efficiency to refrigerants, compressor tech, and nuclear-powered data centers, blending real-world stories with expert insights for engineers, contractors, and industry pros.

Trane Commercial, part of Trane Technologies, is a leading provider of innovative climate control solutions and energy services tailored for commercial environments.

Listen to Cool Air, Hot Takes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

This article was provided by Lower Street as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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Congratulations on reaching 500 episodes! How does it feel to hit this milestone?

Chris: It’s absolutely mental! When we started, we never thought we’d get to 50, let alone 500! We just loved chatting nonsense and making lists, and here we are, still going strong.

Stu: Yeah, it’s surreal. We started this as a bit of fun, but the support we’ve had from listeners has been incredible. We owe it all to the amazing community that’s grown around the show.

Hardcore Listing hosts Stu and Chris

For those who might not be familiar, tell us how Hardcore Listing came to be.

Stu: Chris and I always had these ridiculous, in-depth discussions about random topics, and we thought, why not make a show out of it? We love a good list, and before we knew it, Hardcore Listing was born.

Chris: The idea was simple: each episode, a guest brings a top five list on any subject they fancy, and we dive into it. It’s led to some of the funniest, weirdest, and most insightful chats we’ve ever had.

Speaking of guests, you’ve had some cracking ones. Any standout moments?

Chris: Too many to mention! We’ve had everyone from comedians to musicians, actors, and even our mates. The best part is, you never know where an episode will go. One minute you’re discussing top five crisps, the next it’s the most life-changing moments.

Stu: A definite highlight was Brett Goldstein talking about his top five weird moments doing stand-up – absolute gold! And then having the lads from Dirty Sanchez in our studio to chat about their top five hellraising moments… well, let’s just say that was absolute chaos in the best possible way!

The show is known for its mix of humour and genuine conversation. How do you strike that balance?

Chris: I think it’s just who we are. We love to take the piss, but we also love a deep chat. The guests set the tone – sometimes it’s pure comedy, sometimes it’s really personal. That’s what makes it work.

Stu: Yeah, we never force anything. We just let the conversations flow naturally. If it’s funny, great. If it’s heartfelt, that’s great too. The most important thing is that it’s real.

After 500 episodes, what keeps you motivated?

Stu: The listeners, 100%. The messages we get from people saying the show has helped them through tough times or just given them a laugh – that’s what keeps us going.

Chris: And the fact that we’re still having fun. If it ever stopped being fun, we’d call it a day. But right now, we’re still loving every minute.

What’s next for Hardcore Listing?

Stu: More of the same madness! We’ve got some brilliant guests lined up, more live shows, and we’re always thinking about new ways to shake things up.

Chris: And who knows? Maybe another 500 episodes! We’ll see how long our livers hold out.

Thanks for chatting with us! Here’s to the next 500!

Chris & Stu: Cheers! And massive thanks to everyone who’s supported us along the way. We couldn’t do it without you!

Listen to Hardcore Listing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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What inspired you to create This Album Podcast, and how did the concept come together?

It came together quickly! I appeared on two music podcasts within the space of 2 weeks (22 Grand Pod and the Oasis Podcast) and it confirmed something I always secretly suspected…. “I’d be quite good at this and I could add some value here….”

Within 24 hours of saying to myself that I’m going to do it, I had the concept, the artwork, the first few guests booked, microphones purchased, and theme music written.

It took a further 48 hours for my mates to stop laughing and taking the piss out of me though!

In my day job, I’ve always worked in proactive sales, so I’ve developed the skill set of being a good communicator and listener (…or so I’d like to think!) inevitable that I’d be getting into podcasting really…

This Album… host, William Hann

Your show invites guests to talk about albums that are special to them – what makes an album worthy of discussion in your eyes?

What I really love is the personal attachments that people have to an album. So where most podcasts can be quite clinical or scientific in discussing music, I’m more interested in how badly my guests were dressed when they discovered an album, who broke their heart, all the mad memories they made while listening to the album. That kind of thing.

But I guess if an album was recorded or released in a unique way, that’s always going to be of interest.

The first episode I recorded (yet to be released that episode though) was on Another Side of Bob Dylan and that album was recorded within 4 hours! I didn’t know you could just do that! So straight away you have a conversation topic.

Has there been an album choice that completely surprised you or changed the way you think about a particular artist?

Almost every episode!

It’s really proven that if you listen to an album and give it a few goes with an open heart and mind, the reward is significant! There must be a life lesson in that somewhere….

The album I’ve covered that’s furthest away from what I normally listen to is 100 Gecs second album, 10,000 Gecs. I’m not sure if you’ve listened to much Hyper pop… but bloody hell! It is a lot!

And yet, by my third listen of the album, I started connecting with it and finding joy in it and respecting them a lot more as artists.

Having said that, I’ve got an upcoming episode on Soundgarden. I’m really trying man… but I’m not connecting with that at all yet! Let’s see if a couple more listens changes that.

Who has been your dream guest so far, and is there anyone you’d love to have on the show in the future?

Stu Whiffen, of course!

Also, getting to spend an hour chatting to Russell from Bloc Party was a dream come true for a little indie boy like me.

But Matt Crosby from Radio X was the perfect guest. I’ve been listening to his Radio X show with Ed Gamble for 5 years and his episode was the exact amount of in-depth album discussion and silliness I’d always hoped the show would have. PLENTY of silliness on that one.

It was also the funniest I’ve ever been! I thought I’d shrivel next to a proper comedian, but man, I was on fire that day! Podcast gold!

William Hann (right) in conversation with Russell Lissack (left), Bloc Party lead guitarist, on episode 7

Music can be deeply personal – have there been any particularly emotional or memorable moments on the podcast?

I’ve been lucky that all my guests so far have been very vulnerable and open.

I guess the episode with Matt Crosby had a real unexpected gear change when he revealed that the silliest song on the album we were discussing had hidden depth about “radical acceptance” and the difficulties that come with being a trans person in Trump’s America.

I thought Frog On the Floor by 100 Gecs was just a silly song about a frog coming to a party!

As a host, how do you approach guiding conversations to balance personal anecdotes with music analysis?

The podcast is very conversational and I think making sure that it’s entertaining and funny is of far higher importance than accurately describing the brand of hi hat the drummer used.

But I always have a small scripted section which I spend quite a lot of time preparing. That allows me to get the analytical bit out of the way, then start asking the important questions like “which member of Interpol still wore a full suit to soundcheck despite it being the hottest day ever recorded in London.” (It was guitarist Daniel Kessler)

But really, I love a deviation and the guest’s album of choice is just a vehicle for us to share anecdotes and chat shit.

What’s next for This Album Podcast? Any exciting plans or changes coming up?

I was recently asked to host a series of Q and A’s on stage at The M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, that was absolutely class! I think I did a really good job of it and I’d love to do more on stage interviews at festivals this summer.

I’ll definitely be announcing a live show in London soon too.

But what I really want is the podcast to just continue being of a real high quality and I reckon it’s only going to get better as time goes on.

I don’t know what the next 12 months will bring, but I promise it won’t be boring.

Listen to This Album…with William Hann on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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1. What inspired you to create Streamline Studios, and how does it address the biggest challenges podcasters face?

The idea for Streamline Studios came from my own experience as a podcaster. When I launched my first show, I quickly realised how overwhelming the process was, finding a studio, setting up equipment, editing the footage, and then figuring out how to actually publish it.

I kept seeing people with amazing podcast ideas never even get started because they were stuck asking:

• Which studio do I choose?
• How do I edit each episode?
• How do I get it on Spotify?

The process was fragmented, complicated, and expensive especially when you have to hire a separate editor. Streamline Studios was built to eliminate those barriers.

We provide a fully all-in-one podcast experience, you walk in, record, and leave with a fully edited episode in hand. No stress, no delays, no hidden extras. Podcasting, streamlined.

2. Can you walk us through the process for a podcaster using the studio – how does it work from start to finish?

The process is designed to be fast, simple, and seamless:

1. Walk In & Get Set Up

• Arrive at the studio and choose your set style & backdrop
• Everything is pre-set – mics, cameras, and lighting ready to go
• Our engineer gets you prepped and comfortable

2. Record Your Podcast

• Hit record and focus on the conversation
• Our engineer edits in real time as you speak
• Multiple camera angles + crystal-clear audio

3. Leave With a Fully Edited Episode

• No waiting for post-production
• Files exported instantly to your USB or hard drive
• Ready to upload and publish

No extra costs for editing, no sending files back and forth. It’s all done before you even leave the studio.

You can also have the raw files if you want them of course – they are yours to have! However we are more than confident that the live edit is going to blow your socks off.

3. What makes Streamline Studios different from other podcasting spaces in London?

Most podcast studios just rent you the space, you get the mics, cameras, and a nice setup, but you’re left to figure out everything else on your own.

The edit is the biggest headache. Other studios offer this as an additional extra or an add on, but these can quickly add up.

With Streamline Studios, you’re not just renting a studio – you’re getting a full production service built into the price (and with speed!).

• Live, real-time editing – Your podcast is fully edited as you record, so you don’t have to wait for post-production saving you time (potentially days or weeks).
• Instant file delivery – You walk out with your finished episodes, ready to publish
• Flexible setups – Choose between multiple set designs and backdrops to match your brand
• No hidden extras – The live edit is included, as standard

We take the stress, confusion, and delays out of podcasting, so all you have to do is show up and talk.

4. How does the real-time editing process work, and what are the benefits of this approach for creators?

Instead of editing after the session, we do it as you record. Our on-site professional podcast producer follows the conversation in real-time, cutting between camera angles and managing the audio as you speak.

The benefits of real-time editing:

• Saves time – Your episode is finished the moment you stop recording
• Saves money – No need to pay for post-production editing (which can be very pricey as we found out first-hand running our own podcast)
• Better flow – You can focus on talking, not editing
• Instant delivery – Files are exported before you even leave the studio

No more waiting weeks for an editor. No more back-and-forth revisions. No extra editing bills. It’s all done live.

5. What kind of equipment and technology have you invested in to ensure high-quality recordings?

At Streamline Studios, we’ve invested in top-tier audio and video equipment to ensure every podcast recorded here is broadcast-quality from the moment you hit record.

Audio:

Rode PodMic microphones – Crystal-clear sound with studio-grade clarity

Roland professional headphones – Precision monitoring for flawless audio

Visual:

Panasonic Lumix S5 cameras paired with Lumix lenses – High-definition, cinematic-quality visuals

Multi-camera setup – Professionally shot, dynamic angles for an engaging video podcast

Best-in-class lighting rig – Perfectly balanced lighting for a premium visual aesthetic

Purposefully Designed Studio Space:

Everything in Streamline Studios has been designed from the ground up to create the ultimate podcast & content creation environment:

• Flexible set designs & backdrops – Switch between brick wall, black curtain, red curtain, or green screen
• A selection of traditional table format or relaxed sofa vibe
• 12-metre soundproof curtain – Separates the recording space from the work/chill area

Chill/work area – Ideal for teams, featuring:

• TV & lounge area for relaxation or creative brainstorming
• Functioning kitchenette – Free soft drinks & beers for all clients
• PlayStation – Fire up COD or FIFA while waiting for a session

This isn’t just a studio. It’s a fully immersive content creation space. We’ve thought of everything to make podcasting as seamless, professional, and enjoyable as possible.

If you’re looking for the coolest and most complete podcast studio in London, Streamline Studios is where it’s at.

6. Who is Streamline Studios designed for – are there specific types of podcasters or content creators who would benefit most?

Streamline Studios is designed for ANYONE who wants to create high-quality podcasts without the hassle.

New Podcasters – If you’ve been putting off starting your podcast because the process seems overwhelming, we make it easy.

Experienced Podcasters – If you’re tired of messing with tech, struggling with and sick of paying for edits, or waiting for turnaround times, we speed up your workflow.

YouTubers & Creators – Our multi-camera setup makes it perfect for video podcasts that can be repurposed for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube.

Brands & Businesses – Professional podcasts, without needing an in-house production team.

Anyone who wants high-quality, studio-produced content, without the learning curve or extra costs, will love Streamline Studios.

7. Now that the studio is open, what’s next for Streamline Studios, and do you have any future plans for expansion or new features?

We’ve already had an amazing response since opening our first studio in Deptford, London, and we’re just getting started.

Expansion Plans:

We’ve secured investment to launch more locations across London (and discussions have begun for the first site to open in Ibiza, Spain).

The goal is to make Streamline Studios a go-to for podcasters everywhere.

New Features Coming Soon:

Full-service publishing – In the future, we want podcasters to record, edit, AND publish directly through us; this is something we are in the process of offering.

More set designs & customisation – We’re adding even more backdrop & setup options to suit different podcast styles.

Our goal is to remove every barrier to podcasting, so that ANYONE with an idea can walk in and instantly create high-quality content.

Find out more about Streamline Studios now by heading to their website, or take a look at their accounts on Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok.

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com.

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name’s Marnie and I’m a trainee podcast producer at Transmission Roundhouse. We’re a socially engaged podcast platform located in London’s iconic Roundhouse venue, championing the voices of underrepresented young creatives.

The Hole Truth is a three-part documentary series about how the US fell for conspiracy theories. Through the lens of personal stories, it explores how misinformation has trickled down from the nation’s highest offices, through local politics, to a nationwide network of Americans living in different realities.

What made you decide to create this podcast?

In the lead up to the US Election, I was gripped by the battle for facts, decency, and democracy that played out on our social media feeds. Online campaigns were steeped in conspiracy; politics dominated by disinformation, and truth seemed to become a rarity.

I wanted to find out more about how misinformation became mainstream and the term “conspiracy theorist” became a badge of honour. I decided to start talking to real people whose lives had been affected by “falling down the rabbit hole”.

Your podcast launched on 6th January 2025, the fourth anniversary of the January 6 United States capitol attack, and on 20th January, after taking office for his second term, President Trump granted clemency to all January 6 rioters – can you tell us what impact that had on the podcast – did you have to make last-minute changes?

Yes. Earlier in the series, I explore how the story of January 6 was rewritten – how the rioters were made into martyrs and utilised by Trump for political gain. In granting them clemency, he cemented this narrative and it felt important to respond.

In episode three I speak to Pam Hemphill, AKA the former “MAGA granny” who was one of the only people to reject Trump’s pardon. It’s a sad story about the power of misinformation but also of her redemption and ability to escape the “rabbit hole”. I hope it can offer a glimmer of hope in these dark times.

What do you hope listeners will gain from listening to The Hole Truth?

I hope the podcast offers an alternative point of view. I’m not trying to judge the eccentricity of conspiracies but instead understand how they gain a foothold in your mind.

If you could go back to just before you recorded the first episode of your podcast and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t try and predict where the conversation is going. Let it happen and see where it takes you.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

This American Life!

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Before podcasting I worked in live radio. I loved it but found the fast pace frustrating at times. I wanted to delve deeper into stories, be more investigative, and find a slower approach to news.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I’m always interested in stories about online mistruths, those who peddle them and those who believe them. I listened to a lot of Marianna Spring’s Why Do You Hate Me? USA while making this.

What are your plans moving forward? Will you do a second series of The Hole Truth? Or do you have any other podcast ideas in mind? (If there’s any you can share!)

I’m working on a new project about the criminal justice system… more details to come!

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

https://marnieduke.wixsite.com/marnie-duke-portfo-1

Listen to The Hole Truth on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Co-hosted by Hans Hageman, a longtime advocate for justice, mental health, and community leadership, the podcast shines a light on the mental health crisis in agriculture. With a background that spans law, education, and social entrepreneurship, Hans has spent his career helping people navigate systemic barriers and build stronger, more sustainable futures. Now, through Cultivating Resilience, he’s turning his focus to the people who keep our food systems running, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.

In this interview, Hans shares what inspired him to launch the podcast, the unique struggles farmers face, and why open conversations about mental health are essential for the future of agriculture.

Cultivating Resilience co-host Hans Hageman

What inspired you to start the Cultivating Resilience podcast, and how did your own journey influence its creation?

The Cultivating Resilience podcast emerged from my commitment to addressing the mental health challenges prevalent among US farmers. My background in social entrepreneurship and community development, particularly in underserved areas, highlighted the critical need for mental health support in agricultural communities. This realisation propelled me to co-create a platform where farmers could openly discuss their experiences and access essential resources.

My journey has been deeply intertwined with community empowerment and resilience-building. Working in various capacities, from founding educational institutions in East Harlem and India to leading community centres and civil rights programs in the Mississippi Delta, I’ve consistently encountered the profound impact of mental health on individuals and communities. Recognising similar challenges within the farming sector, I was inspired to co-host Cultivating Resilience to provide a space for farmers to share their stories and find support.

Why is it important to bring attention to the mental health challenges that farmers in the US face, and what do you hope listeners take away from the podcast?

Farmers face unique stressors, including financial pressures, rural isolation, and the unpredictability of weather and markets. These factors contribute to elevated stress levels and mental health issues within the agricultural community. By bringing attention to these challenges, the podcast aims to destigmatise mental health discussions and encourage farmers to seek help, fostering a culture where mental well-being is prioritised.

What is your favourite episode from the podcast so far and why?

I learned so much from every episode, but I think my favourite was the one I recorded with TemuAsyr Bey Martin. He discussed combining grassroots activism and federal lobbying, and brought a lot of energy and hope to the discussion.

In what ways do you hope this podcast can spark change or offer support within the farming community?

Through the podcast, we aim to normalise discussions around mental health in the farming community. By sharing real-life experiences and resources, we hope to empower farmers to seek support and implement strategies that enhance their well-being.

Can you discuss the importance of building community among farmers and how the podcast contributes to that sense of connection?

The podcast contributes to building a sense of community among farmers by creating a shared space where they can connect over common experiences, fostering solidarity and mutual support.

How do you see the podcast evolving in the future to further address the challenges faced by farmers and rural communities?

Looking ahead, we envision the podcast evolving to address emerging challenges faced by farmers and rural communities, such as climate change impacts and technological advancements in agriculture. By staying attuned to these issues, we can continue to provide relevant content that supports our audience.

What message do you hope to send to listeners who might not be part of the farming community but tune in to learn and empathise?

To listeners outside the farming community, we hope to convey the interconnectedness of agriculture and society. Understanding the challenges farmers face fosters empathy and highlights the importance of supporting those who sustain our food systems.

As someone whose career has focused on nurturing resilience and creativity, what does the concept of resilience mean to you, especially in the context of this podcast?

Resilience, to me, means the capacity to adapt and thrive amidst adversity. In the context of this podcast, it reflects the strength of farmers who navigate numerous challenges daily and underscores the importance of providing them with tools and support to maintain their mental health.

By addressing these aspects, the Cultivating Resilience podcast aims to be a beacon of support and a catalyst for positive change within the farming community.

Listen to Cultivating Resilience on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

This article was produced as part of a paid advertising package. To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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What inspired you to start Made For Us, and what message do you hope to share with your audience?

Made For Us explores design and innovation from the perspective of people who may not fit the mould of the “average” consumer. The premise is that we all experience products differently depending on our gender, age, ability, race, whether we’re left or right-handed, etc. and I wanted to shine a light on the entrepreneurs and designers who are intentionally creating products that can be used by a wider spectrum of people.

The initial inspiration was my own personal experience of encountering products that weren’t designed with people like me in mind (for example, finding “nude” tights used to be a challenge if you’re darker skinned like me). But as I researched the topic, I realised that I wasn’t alone and this feeling of exclusion is a common one.

Ultimately, I wanted the podcast to focus on people solving the problem and on the impact they’d had on users. I also wanted to create something that would leave my audience feeling hopeful. It’s easy to feel powerless when we read about big problems in the world that have been with us for a long time. But this is an area where there’s tangible progress and I wanted to celebrate that, while acknowledging the challenges that remain.

How do you choose your guests, and what qualities make someone a great fit for your podcast?

The guests on Made For Us are really diverse. I’d say one thing that connects them is that they’re often challenging the status quo in their industry, and sometimes they’re outsiders. For example, I interviewed a makeup artist who created a line of accessible makeup tools after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a Canadian entrepreneur who designed a bicycle helmet for Sikh kids who wear the patka and a male plus size model. I’ve also interviewed a few authors. As well as having an impact in their domain, I look for people who are great communicators and have a clear and unique point of view.

What has been the most impactful or surprising conversation you’ve had on the show so far?

This is really tough as I’ve enjoyed all my conversations and each one has left me with a new insight or a story that’s stayed with me. If I had to choose one from Season 2, it would be the first episode with the TV presenter Lucy Edwards who talks about how she coped with losing her sight at the age of 17 and how she’s now helping brands design more accessible products, Barbie dolls being one example.

How has hosting this podcast changed your perspective on the topics you discuss?

It’s made me realise that inclusive design is a huge topic. There’s so much to learn and so many angles to explore. Obviously, this is a good thing as it means I won’t run out of ideas for the podcast anytime soon!

What challenges have you faced in growing Made For Us, and how have you overcome them?

Building an audience is hard and takes time, especially with a topic that many people consider niche. As someone once said to me, design is already a niche topic even without the inclusivity angle! But what I try to do is make the subject relatable and I think once people listen to an episode or two they realise that the themes are actually universal.

I was lucky to have won the Bronze medal at the 2024 Signal Awards and that has helped with visibility. Made For Us was also shortlisted for the International Women’s Podcast Awards so it was a really exciting first year for the podcast and I now need to build on that momentum.

Are there any future topics or guests you’re especially excited about?

One of the major themes this season is AI. Given the podcast’s focus, I wanted to explore how well-designed AI can really improve lives, but also look at the potential harm and bias that can arise when diverse needs aren’t considered. So we’ll be tackling a lot of big questions, but always with real-life stories at the forefront.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own podcast and build a meaningful community?

The first thing is to acknowledge that growth will take time and only do it if you’re comfortable with not seeing an immediate payoff. I wrote a LinkedIn post recently about some research from PodMatch looking at what it takes to be in the top 5% of indie podcasters. Apparently, you need to stick with it for about two years and release 100 episodes. But most podcasters quit much earlier. With that knowledge, hopefully you won’t be one of them!

The second piece of advice is don’t just launch and see what happens. Think about your marketing plan from the beginning. I attended a workshop last year by Golda Arthur, host of Overlooked, who said it best: “You’re not competing with another podcast for attention. You’re competing with TikTok. Have a marketing plan for how you’re going to take eyeballs away from TikTok.”

Finally, it would be amazing if every podcaster starting out thought about making their podcast accessible from the start. That means, for example, creating transcripts for each episode and including alt text and captions on social posts. It’s great to see a lot of podcasters already doing this and it really is worth the extra effort to make sure many more people can enjoy your content.

If  you want to find out more about Made For Us you can take a look at the Instagram and LinkedIn accounts for the podcast and also sign up to the newsletter. Tosin Sulaiman can be found on LinkedIn.

Listen to Made For Us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name is J.Nichole Smith, but you can call me Nic. I’m an author, artist, brand architect, and colour + design psychology expert. The Joy First podcast is for founders, workaholics, perfectionists, and parents who would love to experience more joy in their home and work lives, but feel like they never seem to have time. Many of our cultures programme us to believe that joy is “extra” and must be earned. In the podcast I make the case for why joy is a birthright and an essential part of our well-being, as well as provide simple, actionable ways to find, choose, and share more joy each day… without it being just another thing added to the never-ending “to-do” list.

How did the idea for Joy First come about?

At work: Over the past 20 years as a brand architect I’ve specialized in building luxury and “happy” brands that centre “the good life”, so I’ve become an expert using joy and desire to sell (instead of the feelings of fear and unworthiness that most businesses use to drive purchase). It’s important to me that any project I work on is “joy first” – leaving people feeling better about themselves, not worse.

In life: I started my business in my early twenties and burnt out before I was 25. I had to navigate some really huge obstacles early-on, and so by 30 I had really internalized the importance of putting happiness over hustle. I mean, what’s the point of having a successful business if it ruins your health and relationships? I’ve supported hundreds if not thousands of entrepreneurs to do the same: ride the wild rollercoaster of running your own business by embracing the fear and learning to put joy first in life and work.

Applied Colour Psychology is mentioned a lot in the podcast – could you give our readers a brief explanation of what this is please?

In my work and life I’ve had two intertwined obsessions: as humans what is it that really makes us happy? For brands, what’s the straightest-line to making our impact more predictable?

I studied positive psychology, poured through all the self-help protocols, and personality profiles and completed a Masters in Marketing at one of London’s top business schools in search of answers. It wasn’t until I discovered Applied Colour Psychology that I had a huge breakthrough in both. Applied Colour Psychology is the crossover between Colour Physics (how colour works), Colour Psychology (how colour impacts us as humans), and Jungian Personality Analysis. The most basic colours can be divided into one of 4 groups, and so can all people. Research shows each group of people has a strong preference for each group of colour – and not only that – but these colours tend to be the most flattering for them aesthetically as well. Wild right?

It’s similar to the idea of having a “season” of colour that looks best on you, but importantly this analysis is based more on personality than skin tone… for me it’s so much more about carving out the space for more authentic self-expression, colour harmony, and joy – than it is about getting your exact shade of lipstick “right”. Want to find your “type” and colour group? Pop over and take the quiz on our website.

Can you remember which podcast was the first you ever listened to?

I believe the first ever podcast I listened to was Desert Island Discs. I’ve been obsessed for well over a decade (in fact we even had a Desert Island Discs themed wedding! I even was lucky enough to get Kristy Young to record an intro for the CD of ‘Desert Island Tracks’ that was our wedding favour for guests – it was a surprise for my husband – he didn’t know until we played it for him at our reception – super geeky cool!)

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I love sensory-rich, investigative podcasts like Serial – I’m looking forward to expanding into higher production and richer storytelling like this as we grow. I also love shows where the hosts’ voice is totally enveloping – there was a show called Wellpreneur, which became Alchemy & Action that I just adored because I could listen to the host, Amanda Cook, for hours and hours (to be fair that’s probably why I got into Desert Island Discs – Kirsty Young’s voice is like velvet!)

Recently I’ve really got into the Autistic Culture podcast – I love a co-host show and I love how instead of focusing on the medical side of Autism, the hosts are sharing the shared culture of “Autistica” – it’s fascinating! The Martha Stewart episode totally sucked me in.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

Right now, my dream guest would be Michelle Obama. I’d love to have a deep conversation with her about the joy crisis we’re facing now – and how to hold onto hope and focus on joy and impact in our little circles of influence when the world feels dark and out of control.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Maybe it’s boring, but the ‘why does joy matter’ episode (S1, E1) is the perfect place to start with Joy First – the first season takes a whirlwind tour through my favourite entry into joy first living and working: colour. How to understand your personality type and begin the journey of using your colours as tools for being more intentional about the way you want to be, be seen, and “do life”.

What are your plans for the podcast moving forward?

Season 2, coming up in March, is all about “joy first ways of working” – and we’ve got loads of interviews with mostly female founders, sharing what “joy first” work looks like at this stage of life and business. What they had to embrace, learn, let go of, and build in order to define and create lives and businesses that are successful and joyful.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can find us at joyfirstworld.com (podcast is here) find me on instagram @jnicholesmith or LinkedIn.

Listen to Joy First on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Stu, thanks for joining us! Can you tell us how Off The Beat & Track came to be?

Absolutely! I’ve always been passionate about music and the impact it has on our lives. As a musician and DJ, I’ve had so many amazing conversations about how music shapes people’s experiences. I wanted to create a space where artists, actors, and creatives could share their personal journeys through music. That’s how Off The Beat & Track was born.

Stu Whiffen with Julian Marley (ep.42), Clara Amfo (ep.100), and Rob Da Bank (ep.43)

What makes your podcast stand out from other music-focused shows?

I think it’s the personal element. Rather than just discussing an artist’s latest project, we dive deep into the tracks that have shaped their lives. Music is a powerful storyteller, and each guest brings a unique perspective. It’s intimate, nostalgic, and often full of surprises.

You’ve had some incredible guests. Any standout moments?

Oh, there have been so many! Having people like Fatboy Slim and Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett on the show was a real pinch-me moment. But what I love is that every guest, no matter how famous, brings something special. Hearing their personal music memories – whether it’s the first record they bought or a song that reminds them of a major life event – makes for some really moving conversations.

How do you keep your listeners engaged episode after episode?

Consistency is key, but so is variety. I mix up the guests, from music legends to rising stars, actors, and comedians. The format of discussing life through music keeps it fresh, and I make sure the conversations are relaxed and natural. Listeners feel like they’re eavesdropping on an intimate chat between friends, which keeps them coming back.

Stu Whiffen with Kate Thornton (ep.55) and James Buckley (ep.28)

What advice would you give to aspiring podcasters?

Just start! Don’t overthink it. If you’re passionate about your topic, that enthusiasm will shine through. Invest in decent audio quality, be consistent, and most importantly, be authentic. The best podcasts feel like genuine conversations, not scripted interviews.

What’s next for Off The Beat & Track?

There’s so much in the pipeline! More incredible guests, some live event recordings, and I’m even exploring the idea of a book based on the podcast. I just want to keep sharing amazing stories through music and growing the community of listeners who love these conversations as much as I do.

That sounds exciting! Thanks for chatting with us, Stu.

Thanks for having me! And to all the Pod Bible readers – keep listening and keep discovering amazing music

Listen to Off The Beat & Track on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name is Rob Pope, although a lot of people know me as “that Forrest Gump guy”, after I ran over 25,000 kilometres, over 422 days recreating the run Tom Hanks made famous in the movie…On the way I picked up a lot of great stories and also lessons that I’m now able to pass on to anyone who wants to listen. My podcast How to Be Superhuman in collaboration with Red Bull is a platform for adventure and endurance athletes from a hugely diverse set of backgrounds to bring their incredible stories to a global audience, whether they’re looking for inspiration or just to be entertained and “wowed”. It’s got a unique and immersive storytelling format that brings you straight into the heart of absolutely mind-boggling adventures. Trust me – listen to these stories and you can’t fail to be amazed. You never know, we might just show a few people the key to the door to becoming Superhuman – we’ve all got magic in us somewhere.

Rob Pope, host of How to Be Superhuman

How did the idea for How to Be Superhuman come about?

Red Bull have always been at the forefront of adventure, and podcasts lend themselves so well to the headspace of people off doing wild things, so it was a natural progression from the incredible video content they’re famed for.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

I feel like I’ve been listening to podcasts for so long, they just kind of filtered into my orbit. Coming from Liverpool, I often found myself listening to Andy Grant’s amazing LEG IT podcast which tells the story of people from a real variety of backgrounds and the Blood Red pod from the Liverpool Echo, so probably one of those.

Ryan Sandes – trail runner

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

There’s so many great ones out there, I usually go down a wormhole of whoever is interviewing me next, or ones that have recently featured a Superhuman guest. I do like the variety of guests you get on Chris Williamson and Rich Roll’s podcasts and have recently got into Happy Hour too. Chris has had me on, so I’ve got those two to tick off!

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

We’ve had a lot of them on already, you lucky lot! As a runner, I’d love to chat to Courtney Dauwalter – she’s a force of nature and seems a heap of fun. Climbing terrifies me and inspires me in equal measure so I’d love to rope up with Janja Garnbret or Alex Honnold and with Red Bull being synonymous with motorsport, Sam Sunderland or Max Verstappen would be brilliant, though they’d have hugely different stories. Maybe most of all though – Felix Baumgartner. Jumping to earth from SPACE? Check. Wait…actually? Yes. That’ll do for me.

Do you have a favourite episode of the podcast, or one you are proudest of?

I guess the first one I ever recorded, as a complete novice, was an adventure in itself. I interviewed Mollie Hughes, the British mountaineer who became the youngest woman to climb both sides of Everest and it was wonderful to follow up this year with Cathy O’Dowd, the first woman ever to achieve the feat. Interviewing Mark Beaumont was a real privilege as his was the first ever adventure book I read – his story about riding around the world in 80 days is so impressive. Phileas Fogg with quads for days…

Cathy O’Dowd – the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both the south and north sides

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Dougie Lampkin’s story about wheelieing around the TT course of the Isle of Man. I was a bit sceptical initially as though I knew of Dougie and how amazing he was, it seemed more like a novelty than a superhuman feat. The thing is – this episode taught me two things: “Superhuman” comes in many forms and that this podcast series has a ton of surprises in store for the audience. If you want to hold fire till the opening of series 3 – Abdullah Zeinab, the Australian endurance cyclist and adventurer is a perfect start. His story is WILD.

As you look back on your podcasting journey, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to keep the show growing?

When I started, I had no idea on how everything worked, but the incredible crews at Samizdat and Red Bull have been phenomenal, and while I’ve always been a great storyteller in a social situation, I’m pretty confident in saying now that I’m keeping my head above water in the more refined air of broadcasting. We have tried to keep our guests varied, unearthing stories from now, but also deeper back. There is a deep seam of adventure gold that we will continue to mine in the coming years to keep you all on the edge of your seat.

Can you tell us more about what to expect from the new series of How to Be Superhuman?

Well the guest list is stellar, from my area of expertise, we have two incredible ultrarunners, Tara Dower and Ryan Sandes, one of the greatest climbers in the world, Jesse Dutton, who just happens to be blind, as well as Brette Harrington, whose story is as emotionally charged as it is impressive. We’ve got Martin Strel – the Big River man – possibly the greatest endurance swimmer in the world and is brilliantly bonkers. Andrew Cotton, the mega wave surfer whose comeback from adversity rivals that of another of my favourite guests from series one, the triathlete Tim Don – make sure you check that out, as well as the series two slot with Lael Wilcox – before you check out her latest globe spanning feat on season three. We have death defying (literally) kayaker Nouria Newman. You want high – we go as high as we can probably get as Tom de Dorlodot paraglides around the biggest peaks in the world. He could have waved at Cathy! However, we start the series with the insane feats of Abdullah Zeinab and his descent into madness in the Namibian desert. Just listening will make you thirsty, before we get a lot more “chill” at the South Pole with “Polar” Preet Chandi! Like I said, if you can’t get inspired by that lot, you must have done something beyond compare – maybe we could get you on the show – get in touch!

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

There’s a great article on the Red Bull site that you can check out.

If anyone wants to say hi, or chat more about adventure, they can message me on my website – www.goingthedistancerun.com or follow me on social media at @runroblarun. I reply to all messages myself – I may present the greatest adventure pod on the planet, but I’m still who I’ve always been and love chatting to people with big ideas and bigger smiles.

Listen to How to Be Superhuman on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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The documentary became a piece of work titled “In Pieces”, produced under Reduced Listening, which aired on BBC Radio 4’s Illuminated on Sunday 12th January, and is now available as an episode of the Illuminated podcast. The Illuminated series showcases unique and unexpected one-off audio documentaries featuring innovative sound design and captivating storytelling to shine a light on hidden worlds.

We spoke to Hana to find out more about “In Pieces”, the challenges of creating this work, as well as her use of sound design in telling her story…

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your Illuminated episode, ‘In Pieces’?

I’m Hana… I guess the topline is that i’m a purpose driven, multi-award-winning storyteller, sound artist, and speaker. I’ve spent over a decade developing ideas and concepts, establishing (and fucking with) formats and finding brave and beautiful ways to tell stories for multiple mediums across radio and podcasting, documentary film, narrative non-fiction, and events. Lead by an insatiable curiosity, my work centres on helping us understand ourselves and each other, to take the big world stuff and make it human and include everyone in the conversation. Underpinning all of my work across all mediums has always been the drive to tell stories that empower. “In Pieces” does that in a very intimate and tender way. It’s a sound rich one-off documentary and one-off podcast about what it means to put yourself back together when everything has fallen apart.

Hana Walker-Brown – Photograph: Liz Seabrook

“In Pieces” is a very personal piece of work, what made you decide to turn your experience with burnout into this one-off documentary? What challenges did you face when creating it?

The intention was to try and alchemise the pain and trauma of the psychological impact of burnout into something useful, beautiful, and ultimately human and to do that, bravely confront the shame that so often tells us to hide so that other people who might feel this way could feel seen and heard and hopefully cultivate the courage to speak out. Stories are often how we create shape from the mess, how we make sense of the world, and often how we survive it. Giving us the power to hold what feels unholdable. I think burnout is still very misunderstood – certainly its severity on a psychological level and how intensely shameful it feels. Shame and stigma are so isolating but I think whenever we share our stories we encourage others to do the same.

The response so far has been utterly overwhelming – the amount of people that have reached out and said, “I thought I was the only person that felt like this,” which meant they had convinced themselves they were somehow failing. I think that’s such a defining factor in whether you feel deserving of help or not. But we all deserve help and support, we really can’t do it all by ourselves. I think it’s increasingly important in the times that we’re living in for us to find ways to show up for each other in any way we can and that was a huge motivator for me in making this. To provide a kind of peer support, the commissioner at the BBC called it “public service journalism” which feels right to me.

I think there are always challenges when you’re making anything creative and putting it out in the world – that’s an insanely vulnerable thing to do but when it’s about you it’s like a piece of your soul has been cut out and put on display (it’s giving Voldemort’s horcruxes for the millennials amongst us) but making this was an essential part of my recovery too – it feels like an exorcism, in a good way. An act of creative sublimination. It’s nice to be out the other side!

Credit to my incredibly kind exec Anishka Sharma at Reduced Listening here too – her guidance and grace were hugely important in getting it over the line.

It’s a masterful production and your sound design plays a large role in the storytelling; can you tell us about your decision to use sound in this way?

This is interesting on two levels because the real kicker with the burnout, the cruel twist I suppose but also the thing that made me finally accept something might be up, was that I lost the ability to edit and sound design. It was as if that part of my brain had been scrubbed out or like my entire software system had been changed into a foreign language I didn’t understand. Initially, I put that down to not sleeping but it all unravelled because of that and then I was signed off. I know now after extensive conversations with psychotherapists for the podcast, and privately, that this was my brains way of getting me to finally pay attention to what was happening because I was ignoring everything else. Clever, huh?! But more importantly, I think that sometimes when we go through these big psychological experiences we often don’t have the words to describe what’s happening but I have always known how to express myself in sound – it’s strange, maybe it’s my neurodivergence, maybe it’s the musician part of me, maybe it’s a bit wanky – probably a combination of all of those things – but I just know how to translate feeling into sound intuitively so it was important in not just telling the story but also in me figuring it all out myself. I have quite a distinct sonic signature that runs through all of my work and I usually build soundscapes before I do anything else. That was certainly the case here, I had all of these moments of sound, these little explorations of emotion literally in pieces, that I then started to weave together.

You mention CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) in your podcast episode, are there any other organizations you would recommend for people who suspect they may have burnout?

I think a medical professional – be it GP or therapist – is always an essential port of call if someone is struggling although access to both can be limited for some people. One thing that I realised through this experience is that there are so many free helplines in this country which means there are so many people who are on the other end of the phone whose sole purpose is to help you, to listen to you. So even if you think there is no one you can turn to (friends/family etc.) there is! I think there’s something powerful in being listened to – in saying our struggles out loud too – but really listened to and held without judgement by someone who can validate what you’re feeling and help you find gentle ways to take steps to move forward.

Samaritans: 24/7 emotional support at 116 123

Shout: 24/7 confidential support at 85258

Rethink Mental Illness: Advice and information on therapy and medication at 0300 5000 927

Mind infoline: Information on mental health problems and where to get help at 0300 123 3393

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An interview like this isn’t comprehensive enough to delve into the complicated journey of recovering from burnout, but is there any advice you feel you could offer someone who is burnt out, or feels they are approaching burnout, as a first step along the path to recovery?

I’m not an expert and certainly not a psychotherapist but from my experience I would say the most important thing you can do is to be very honest about what’s happening, to acknowledge how you’re feeling and tell somebody that can support you and then to borrow the words of my friend Gabby, “to be aggressively kind to yourself.” That was something I didn’t do in the beginning out of fear and shame and well, you can hear how that worked out initially in the podcast!

Some readers will know you from your work with Broccoli Productions, especially the “Anthems” collections and We Were Always Here as well as Audible’s The Beautiful Brain which became your debut book “A Delicate Game”, but could you tell us more about your route into podcasting? What attracted you to podcasting in the first place?

It wasn’t a deliberate route to be honest, it was just a very natural evolution from working in radio and sound design. I wanted to tell compelling stories in sound, and it didn’t really matter to me how that was labelled – radio/feature/podcast – just that I could do it. I did an MA in Radio at Goldsmiths where I now teach and was working for Falling Tree Productions and Radio Wolfgang for a while and then freelancing around until I was headhunted by Audible to come on as an executive producer, and later Broccoli Productions. The industry looks very different now and the barriers to entry are much higher and harder to break down, especially with the loss of places like Broccoli whose whole mission was really to advocate for and platform those who were being left behind. I think it can go from hopeful to hopeless real quick but we all have a responsibility to ensure that we’re doing whatever we can to leave the doors that we have unlocked opened for others. I think it’s also important to be creative in how we adapt and evolve. I work in many different mediums, but I still find sound the most powerful – how you can take someone out of their everyday and into other worlds just through their ears! I think it’s rare and precious to establish that kind of intimacy in the world we live in, especially with strangers, to provide solace, comfort, and connection in ways other mediums simply can’t.

Hana Walker-Brown – getting back to nature at Hamstead Heath – Photograph: Liz Seabrook

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

It was Serial! It had just launched, and I was working for Falling Tree Productions at the time and Alan (Hall) and I were flying to Chicago for the Third Coast Audio Festival. I listened to it the whole flight, I was first struck by the theme tune – I thought that was iconic – how it had such a defined identity just from the music alone but more vividly I remember being at the festival and this very visceral collective feeling that everything had changed now, that this was a new era. I don’t personally listen to true crime, I find the fetishisation of dead women and the ethics of consent in this genre very, very murky but I think Serial was and remains the most defining moment for audio journalism/podcasting not least because it was finally being regarded on a global scale.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

The late, forever great, Short Cuts. It was an incredibly generous space for creativity and adventurous audio and a pleasure to hear how producers (new and experienced) from around the world were interpreting sound storytelling, meeting, and responding to the world while often finding their own voice within it. That’s a gift – to be allowed into those worlds and be invited to just get lost for a while. Thirteen years is a hell of a run for a show and even though it’s lost its home on the BBC, I know that the spirit of all of that will long continue in whatever Eleanor (McDowall – series creator) and the team tends to next.

Which one podcast episode that you have worked on means the most to you?

It was an episode of Anthems Home by Anton Ferrie. During the pandemic we knew a lot of people were out of work and totally isolated, so we (Broccoli) launched Anthems Home inviting people from all over the world to pitch to us and participate in Anthems in a way we hadn’t done with the previous series we’d made. It also felt like a good way to document that utterly mad moment in time where we were all just at home. I remember getting this email from a student in Glasgow who was living with his Grannie on a council estate at the time, and it just absolutely floored me. Anton’s writing was so eloquent and emotive and authentic, just a naturally gifted storyteller. I couldn’t believe he’d never done anything like it before so we gave him a commission and it remains to this day my favourite Anthems episode. It really struck a chord with so many people and it made the Bello 100 Best Podcast Episodes list that year.

What’s one podcast you’re really enjoying right now?

Miss Me with Miquita Oliver and Lily Allen. As a woman, it really feels like the collective breath we’ve all been holding. Protect them at all costs! Also, the theme music slaps.

Can you tell us anything about your plans for 2025? Do you have any other podcast series or one-offs in the pipeline?

I’m constantly exploring how I can use storytelling as a force for good, not just in the work I create but through the talks I give and the workshops I teach most notably in young adult prisons, using creative tools to help participants regain confidence and agency. I’m leading on two brilliant projects within Women’s Prisons for the Prison Radio Association – that include co-facilitating workshops with the formidable Lady Unchained. Some of the work that’s coming out of the projects, especially from the women themselves is incredible although everything we make will only be heard within prison. I’m also writing another book. I guess in the way The Beautiful Brain podcast evolved into my debut book “A Delicate Game”, “In Pieces”, or certainly the themes of it, will be expanded upon and explored in my second although that’s as much as I can say right now! For anything else… watch this space…

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

I’m only (and sporadically) on Instagram now and my website.

Listen to “In Pieces” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

My name is Sneha Jain Kirloskar (SJK) and I am also the Founder & Trustee of an educational non-profit in India. I have also worked in my own energy metre company seeing its initiation, expansion, and strategic sale. In spite of having worked in social entrepreneurship and the energy business, my secret obsession, which is now out in the open, is “human energy”. I believe we have immense power within and this internal energy needs to be tapped into, as it shapes the way everything pans out in our lives.

I did my undergraduate in Economics & Finance from Leonard N. Stern School of Business, NYU & completed a Masters in Energy Policy from the University of Sussex, UK. I play the piano and write inspirational and empowering songs on human potential and energy. I recently released two singles called “Universe Within” and “Misaligning My Destiny” under ‘Lyrics by SJK’. I live in London with my husband and love being in the countryside.

My podcast, On the Journey with SJK, is an on-the go spiritual self-help podcast which deep dives, in a simplified manner, into how individual thoughts, words and actions are creative forces that shape our lives & outcomes. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, seeking to improve your business or relationships, looking to overcome challenges in your life, or just hoping to create a better version of yourself, this podcast is for you. On the Journey is a compilation of different spiritual modalities, mixing it up with metaphysics thinking, the Law of Attraction and teachings from various spiritual gurus and manifestation experts.

Sneha Jain Kirloskar

Why did you decide to start On the Journey with SJK?

For years, I’ve pondered over life – is everything just a random event or are we shaping our lives and destinies? How powerful are we as creators? I studied a lot of Nichiren Buddhist principles, heard from some of the biggest life coaches and had certain experiences in my own life which led me to realise the power that we carry within. I started making my notes from different sources and I wanted to share that with the world, which is why I decided to make a podcast. I think being able to focus on spirituality is a big luxury and everyone may not have the time to get into it so deeply. Nevertheless, getting some basic principles right is important for us humans. Through On The Journey with SJK I want to provide my listeners with different techniques and tools that can help us shift our lives in meaningful and practical ways, and harness the energy source within.

What do you hope listeners will gain from listening to your podcast?

I want my listeners to gain practical tools they can use to improve their daily lives. Often people are overwhelmed by their circumstances and the thought of solving big problems can be intimidating. We often brush some of our bigger challenges under the carpet because we don’t feel like we have the tools to deal with the issue at hand. Through my podcast, I want to equip my listeners with some practical techniques and tools that helped me sort many situations in life. I want my listeners to really harness the power that they have within, and realise that often this energy comes not from some big change overnight, but from small incremental steady changes in thoughts, words and actions, that can be life-changing!

What sets your podcast apart from others in the same niche?

My podcast is a compilation from modern day and ancient spiritual philosophies (Hinduism and Nichiren Buddhism), spiritual gurus, life coaches, and manifestation experts. Over the years, I’ve studied different spiritual schools of thoughts and made notes of myself. My podcast is a way of sharing everything that I’ve learned, through reading and personal life lessons and experiences. It’s a compilation of different modalities but I’ve tried to create a podcast that can appeal to people of all ages, nationalities, cultures, and professions. By virtue of running a business and a social foundation, as well as having passions such as music and spirituality in my life, I believe I can connect with listeners from all kinds of backgrounds. Growing up in a big family in India, having studied in New York and Italy, and now living in London, I’ve interacted with so many personality types, which has enriched my understanding of people.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

To be honest, I was someone who always listened to speakers on YouTube such as Joe Dispenza, Louise Hay, Sister Shivani, Tony Robbins etc., but the first podcast I heard was Mel Robbins, I think.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee, Buddhability, etc.

As you look back on creating season one of On the Journey with SJK, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to keep the show growing?

This is my first season & to be honest, there was no big challenge because I felt that the content had been created by me for a very long time – it was just sitting in my notebooks and emails. But I guess compiling it all together in a way that would appeal to people at different stages of their lives was something that had to be kept in mind. I want to create content that people really benefit from, can relate to, and actually apply in their lives.

Which one podcast episode of your own means the most to you?

They are all very special to me. But in Episode 4 of my first season, I make the listeners do an easy exercise examining all aspects of their lives. This really puts life into perspective and gives us a tool to see where we operate with respect to everything. It is from this place of awareness, that we can actually start making positive changes.

Which one podcast episode (not of your own) has had the biggest impact/influence on you?

BK Sister Shivani’s episode on “How to Reprogram your Subconscious Mind”. She talks about how we consciously need to choose the thoughts that we record in our minds, and how that influences our energy and vibration.

What are your plans for the podcast moving forward?

I would now like to invite on my show, thought-leaders from different parts of the world to speak on spirituality, energy, manifestation, power of the mind, neuroscience etc.

I want On the Journey with SJK to be the go-to platform when someone wants a burst of positive energy and is looking for answers or practical tips on how to improve their lives.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you/the podcast?

I share a lot of positive quotes on Instagram so I would love to be followed on that. I also encourage my listeners to reach out to me by email and am happy to have a discussion with them if they are facing any kind of challenges or blocks and want a new way to think through things. In addition, I write inspirational lyrics on life and destiny and I’d like my listeners to hear my songs for a burst of positive energy!

Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onthejourneywithsjk/

Website: www.onthejourneywithsjk.com

Email: info@onthejourneywithsjk.com

Songs:

Misaligning My Destiny: 

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/misaligning-my-destiny/1771502830?i=1771502978

Universe Within:

https://music.apple.com/gb/album/universe-within/1767222410?i=1767222419

Listen to On the Journey with SJK on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

Lee: I started out as a football translator – a bit like José Mourinho but without the coaching ability – and moved into podcasting after I left the UK for Vienna, Austria, where I’ve lived since 2014. But I still work as an interpreter and translator for football clubs in the German Bundesliga too. The Sweeper is a podcast about football across the world – we talk about all 211 countries in FIFA and sometimes non-FIFA places too, such as Greenland. In fact, it was Greenlandic football that brought Paul and I together in the first place.

Paul: I started off as a journalist for Football Italia but refused to give up on my very unrealistic dream of playing international football, so a mate of mine and I decided to find the world’s lowest ranked national team and naturalise to play for them! That ended up changing to the slightly more realistic goal of coaching and I coached the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia for 18 months. When I came back to the UK I wanted to get back into journalism but focusing on the less travelled places, so I wrote a piece on Greenland’s national championship, which only lasts a week, for Four Four Two, and Lee happened to read that and got in touch. I’d followed his work for some time and we had a shared love for the less obvious places in world football, so we joined forces!

Lee & Paul podcasting in London

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

Lee: I had already started another podcast called “The Other Bundesliga” all about football in Austria. It was a way to get to know the country I was living in better and I was amazed to see how much interest there was in a country not regarded as a major footballing nation. I thought: If there is this much interest in Austria, imagine how much there could be in a podcast encompassing every nation around the world. And so The Sweeper was born.

Paul: I’d been appearing on other people’s podcasts as a guest for some time and still do get a semi-regular slot on Guardian Football Weekly, which I love, but I wanted somewhere I could go into more depth on the stories that interested me. When Lee and I decided to relaunch The Sweeper podcast, that was the chance to do exactly that.

Lee: Yes, I initially founded The Sweeper in 2021 with one of our now editors Tom Middler but the show wasn’t running anymore and we were only operating as a Twitter page for a while. Paul getting on board in January 2023 was the perfect opportunity to bring it back!

Can you tell us about your collaboration with FIFA+?

Lee: We’ve had podcast sponsorships and collaborations before and we know from experience it always feels much more natural and authentic when you use the product you’re talking about yourself. Paul and I have been using FIFA+, which is FIFA’s free platform showing live football all over the world, to watch matches for some time. We knew our audience would love it too and so when FIFA+ got in contact, it just seemed the perfect fit!

Paul: We’re very picky in that we don’t want to promote things we don’t believe in. So when FIFA+ approached it was a great chance for us because we genuinely do use it to watch many of the remote games we talk about. And our audience loves it too. They are often telling us about the games they’ve been watching – from Bolivia to Bhutan!

Lee at Stadio Druso, Bolzano, Italy

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

Lee: Oh, that’s a good question. That will have been years ago, I think it must have been Guardian Football Weekly actually. I used to listen to it as a teenager. I never thought back then I’d be speaking on a podcast of my own one day.

Paul: I think it was also Guardian Football Weekly! When I was first asked to be a guest I was really star-struck!

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Lee: Well, Guardian Football Weekly would fall into that category. I think I like it because it is done by journalists rather than ex-players, who tend to dominate the football punditry scene, and gets the balance just right between informative and fun. That’s a balance we try to have with The Sweeper now. I also like The Rest Is… series from the Goalhanger network because their hosts have such good rapport and bounce off each other so well. And finally, I also love Wondery shows such as British Scandal and The Spy Who. They master the art of storytelling so well and the presenters are great.

Paul: I find the Football Ramble pretty inspirational. The fact that pod started out being recorded in a bedroom and is now this huge phenomenon with a whole stable of podcasts attached to it.

Who would be your dream guest for the podcast?

Lee: That’s a tough one. We tell so many different stories on the podcast that we have mentioned every country in the world at least once on our 70-odd episodes to date. So it’s not like we are talking about the same people often. But given our love for the underdog, maybe San Marino coach Roberto Cevoli would be a good one to have. We would love to find out the inside story of how the world’s lowest ranked nation has turned its fortunes around so dramatically.

Paul: I’m a huge fan of James Montague and I’d love to get him on – he’s written some of the best books about football that exist in my opinion and touched on some nations and places that we cover. I’d like to get the Andorran legend Ildefons Lima on someday, after 26 years of playing for a minnow nation like Andorra you must have a few stories! Lee and I don’t tend to have so many guests but journalist Daniel Storey joined us to tell us about his trip to the Faroe Islands and blogger Matthew Eide told about his trip to Bhutan. That was great!

Paul in Pohnpei, Micronesia for the 2023 Futsal Tournament

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Lee: We would like to think new listeners could join at any point and enjoy our shows right away. They are fortnightly round-ups of football all over the world and so it’s not like you need to have listened to the previous episode to understand the latest one. But the one entitled ‘A SAN MARINO PROMOTION, Hispaniola at the Gold Cup & Coupe de France controversy’ is probably a good one. It includes some of our favourite topics: we have been tracking San Marino’s 20-year winless run for some time and the French Cup provides some great away days. The episode also includes a bit of history, geography and geopolitics, as well as a good few laughs too, so it’s quite representative of what we’re about.

Paul: What is nice is that although we are responding to current events with our pods they stay pretty timeless, so if there’s a place in one that piques your interest you can still go back and listen to old episodes. I feel like our recent episode ‘Bhutanese monk ultras, a golden era for micro-states & the Southgate of the Solomons’ was a great example of how global the pod is but also telling stories you just won’t hear anywhere else. Where else would you learn about Bhutanese football fan, culture!

Do you have a favourite episode of the podcast, or one you are proudest of?

Lee: I’d say I am proud of ‘Switalian adventures, Welsh routes into Europe & the Vatican on tour’. I had just gotten home from a trip watching football in Switzerland and Italy, having spent two days on trains, and was so tired. Paul was ill. And the episode ended up being our second most popular ever.

Paul: It sounds like a cop-out but I do feel that the pod keeps improving. We’ve been doing this now for getting on for two years and I think now we know very well how the other works and how we can bounce off that. We’ve also learned better how to pack in lots of great stories but also have the freedom to just enjoy the chat rather than moving on too quickly.

As you look back on your podcasting journey, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them to keep the show growing?

Lee: I would say that to do a research-intensive pod like ours well without earning any money from it at the start is a big challenge. It’s almost like having two full-time jobs and we definitely underestimated the difficulty of that. It’s also hard as an independent podcaster to get the word out there and grow. That has been tough but we’ve tried to appear on as many other shows as possible and we now have a growing community that we’re really proud of.

Paul: I do think people maybe don’t see how much work goes into the pod, but I suppose that maybe goes for all podcasts and you sort of don’t want the audience to just feel like it all comes together naturally and easily! I would say we have been very lucky to find superb editors in Tom Middler and Ralph Foster – they have done incredible work and without them we just wouldn’t have the pod we have.

Lee, Paul, and listeners celebrate San Marino’s first win in 20 years!

Football fans tend to be a devoted and loyal bunch – have you found that to be the case with The Sweeper listeners too? How important is audience interaction to the podcast?

Lee: They are but because we tell a lot of underdog stories and talk a lot about countries and leagues the listeners don’t really know so well, it’s not tribal at all. It’s just a really nice bunch of people who are interested in football across the wider world rather than just their Premier League team. But because we have followed San Marino so closely, most of our listeners have started to support them too. We try to interact with our listeners at every possible opportunity: some have joined us at matches, some talk to us on Discord. And we recently found out we had a nine-year-old listener called Albert and designed a quiz specifically for him. We wouldn’t be doing what we do without our audience so we try to show them how important they are to us whenever we can.

Paul: Our following is amazing and to have found this community of like-minded people is one of the great joys of The Sweeper. Sometimes you take a step back and look at the number of people who listen to your voice each episode and it’s hard to even imagine it.

What are your future plans for the podcast? Do you have any exciting projects or collaborations in the works?

Paul: We’ve been able to partner with some great content producers already, such as Copa 90, Away Days and The Tim Traveller, and we have some more collaborations in the pipeline. We’re also exploring live events we can do, whether that’s online or in person.

Lee: We also want to do more trips. For example, the Vatican has several football competitions but because it’s the world’s smallest sovereign state, there is no room for a pitch and they play in Rome instead. That would be a great story we’d love to tell. Mostly though, we want to grow the podcast to the point where we can dedicate ourselves to it fully without having to divide our time. Then we think we can make the Sweeper even better. And we already have an average rating of 5 stars from 700+ reviews on Apple and Spotify.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

Lee: We’re on basically every social media platform under the same handle: @sweeperpod. We post a lot of world football updates on Twitter and BlueSky but we are also active on Instagram and Facebook with plenty of content from our travels. You can also search for ‘The Sweeper – A World Football Podcast’ on your podcast platform of choice. We’re on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all the other usual places.

Paul: We release a main podcast every fortnight on a Wednesday and our Patreon subscribers get a bonus pod to fill the off weeks, plus they get a newsletter each week packed with additional exclusive stories, some of which aren’t featured on any of our pods. We also have a Discord chat community, run some great football shirt giveaways, release bonus blogs and give our patrons a sneak preview of our podcast agenda.

Listen to The Sweeper Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what is your podcast about?

My name is Sanam Naraghi Anderlini. I’m Iranian by birth, British by education, Italian by former marriage, American by migration, and global in my work and vocation. I’m the Founder and CEO of the International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN), adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Richard von Weizsacker Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy. I am also mother to identical twin girls, aged 23, and come from a close-knit global family.

For nearly 30 years, I’ve worked at the frontlines of a field of practice known as “women peace and security”. It took me to New York and the UN, chasing diplomats and writing the draft of UN Security Council resolution 1325 that with much editing – got passed – and has been among the most radical, potentially transformative developments for peace, of the past decades. Because I was there when it all got started, I’ve had the chance to explore and discover, create, advocate, and practice what I was preaching.

I did research in 15 countries and wrote a book called Women Building Peace: What They Do, Why It Matters, The UN asked me back to train staff and lead more research – this time on men and what makes them vulnerable to becoming violent or joining militant groups. All this led me to study the rise of identity-based extremism from Jihadis to white supremacists and identify effective ways of preventing and offering alternatives.

Since I believed in and was inspired by the women I met, I started ICAN out of an old wing-backed armchair in my living room. It was an idea that has become reality: a small organization leading a global network – like the league of extraordinary women. We have over 90 partners in 43 countries, set up a fund and disbursed $11M and counting in over 30 countries, and continue to influence government policies, and trying to bring peace actors to peace negotiations. I was stunned to receive an MBE in 2020 for my work on “International peacebuilding and women’s rights”.

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini

It took me to all manner of places; a gala dinner in Johannesburg where I got to kiss (and be kissed) by Nelson Mandela, tea with the Maoists in Nepal, comparing parenting notes and fears of death with gangsters in Jamaica, debating manhood and masculinity with guerillas in Liberia, a brush with the law and the revolutionary courts in Iran, talking Security sector reform with the paramount chiefs in Fiji, backroom meetings with Muslim women who neighboured the men who blew themselves up and killed hundreds of people on an Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka’s chicest hotels. It also meant that in 2021 when the Taliban took over Afghanistan, at ICAN, I decided we would try to live up to our name and do what we could to help our partners. We were able to help 1100 people – mainly women peacebuilders and their families to safety in Germany, the US, Canada, and the UK. We are still channelling money to women’s organizations active across the country.

It’s all part of the ongoing 45-year odyssey of an 11-year Persian girl who danced to the tune of Boney M on the balmy summer nights of ’78 when the military curfews cracked their guns and the “Allah o Akbars” ricocheted off building blocks in north Tehran. She went on a 10-day vacation with a suitcase full of schoolbooks and ski clothes, and never returned to that life. I’m a girl who lost her home and land, a young woman who felt compelled to help others avoid the same fate, a working mom, and an immigrant who calls the world home.

The podcast series focuses on global challenges and issues of our times, with emphasis on solutions, possibilities, and hope. It counters the trend of issues being polarized by politicians, sensationalized by the media, and oversimplified on social media, by creating the space for complexity, nuance, and actionable solutions. With a pivot away from the usual pundits, I put the spotlight on the frontline, roll-up-their-sleeves “do-ers”. From extreme capitalism to nature conservation, the future of feminism and peace in the Middle East, each podcast is an informal but in-depth conversation with the imaginers, and innovators focusing on their work and solutions, and what else could be done if they were in charge.

The format allows for a wide range of topics and solutions, big and small. Importantly, the podcast bridges the gap between specialist knowledge and general audiences. By demystifying the issues, If You Were in Charge also aims to educate, empower, and inspire listeners to imagine what they too could do, about the issues they care about.

Why did you decide to start If You Were In Charge?

I started If You Were in Charge, with the aim of amplifying the work and perspectives of people who have dedicated their lives to tackling some of the world’s most complex problems. In my line of work and community of practice I meet so many wonderful people doing extraordinary work. Many of us have innovative and practical solutions that could have transformative impact, but too often the daily work of “doing” means there is little time left for the writing and sharing of ideas. This is particularly true for women. Despite all the progress on equality, most of us are juggling our family and professional responsibilities. Having the brain space to write and publish becomes a luxury that few have.

The simple premise of If You Were in Charge is to give the “do-ers” the space, and enable them to share their solutions, if they had the power and the resources to do so, and hopefully inform, inspire, and energize audiences.

I was also motivated by my frustration with the armchair pundits that offer erudite critiques of all that is going wrong, but rarely offer solutions. I find the prevailing sense of pessimism disturbing, because ultimately to be pessimistic about the future is a privilege of the privileged. I also get exhausted listening to the “what’s wrongs” and the problems. It is demoralizing and often sucks the energy out of the room. I think audiences are also fatigued generally, so people switch off. But I’ve also found that when I ask experts what their solutions are, or what they’d do if they were in charge, their entire demeanour changes.

The framing allows for extraordinary breadth in terms of the topics we could select.

Sanam Naraghi Anderlini

What do you hope listeners will take away from your podcast?

New insights into issues they often hear about but have become background noise “problems”.

Inspiration, hope and respect for my guests and their work and insights.

A “can-do” sense about big issues and positive momentum.

A sense of the “ordinariness” of these extraordinary people with whom I talk. So often activists and advocates are seen as unidimensional and distant. I want to show how approachable people are, and how relatable they are. It’s a way of showing that each of us has the capacity to have an impact if we care enough, if we are committed enough, and have the courage and imagination.

You have a section at the beginning of the podcast where you talk to your daughter Soleh (and occasionally her twin sister Lydia) about the guest and/or theme of that week’s episode. What made you decide to include your daughters on the podcast?

My kids, all the kids around us, are the future. We are handing them a world full of problems. It’s unfair because we as GenX, or earlier generations, especially the post-war and the boomers have had the very best of the world. Yet we have squandered all that was given to us – be it in terms of the environment, peace and stability, human rights, or socio-economic opportunities.

We owe our children some light and hope in this increasingly tough environment. I have enormous respect for GenZ as they are attuned to many of the critical challenges we face in the world. They know from first-hand experience what gun violence in the US means, and how climate change affects them and the future. They are savvy about social media and political manipulation. They are also irreverent and funny.

But I worry also that sometimes knowledge leads to inertia and pessimism. That’s also unfair to the younger generation. We need to share with them how things are done, what is still possible and how important it is to imagine solutions and create new approaches.

I wanted to have a chance to hear from them, have them inform my discussions with the various guests, and for them to hear about the solutions that exist.

It’s also a nice way to spend time with my girls now that they’re both living their own lives. I have fun when they poke fun at me. I hope that their generation will listen in and relate to them, even if they find me old and stodgy.

Sanam with her twin daughters

What role do you think podcasts can play in sharing ideas and getting information to a wider audience?

I think podcasts are the antidote to social media. They provide a space to delve into issues with more nuance. They have rekindled the art of conversation and discussion.

The fact that I can provide a platform for people who rarely make it into the mainstream news yet are working on issues that are constantly in the news, is important to me. Traditional media likes to talk to the big names and celebrities. It’s bite-size quotes and problem oriented – often sensationalized. Or it’s a “gotcha” mentality, trying to catch people out.

On a podcast, you can have a diversity of guests from all walks of life, to share their perspectives and experiences – to show that you don’t have to be a president or billionaire to make an impact.

In fact, the self-empowerment of citizens is one of the repeated common themes across all the discussions from peace-making and advocacy against police violence to nature conservation and justice. With their own communities and families at risk, or because they have a love of nature or a passion for justice, people are taking matters in their own hands.

While money matters to their work, it is not sufficient. What really makes the difference is the quality of the cohorts of people who care enough to act. When they do, they inspire others through sharing their own courage and enthusiasm and imagination. While the actions may seem minuscule compared to the scale of the problem, every small win has an effect. It shows that change is possible.

We’re going to turn your lead question back on you now – if you were in charge, what would you change?

That’s easy and difficult.

1. I would change the entire way we think about war and peace. I would focus on ending the 56 major wars we have in the world. They are entirely human-made problems, so it means they can be entirely resolved by human beings, if we had the political will and interest.

So, I would put the prevention and resolution of wars as the singular priority of our time – because wars are a driver of destruction, refugee flows, environmental damage, and deep trauma. But we can control and stop them, because while conflict is natural, violence is a choice, and it is not inevitable.

I’d invest in radical diplomacy that, by definition, would be inclusive of the people affected by wars, and the local peacebuilders who are the agents of change. It’s putting peace actors at the tables of negotiations, so that violence is not the only ticket to the table and armed actors aren’t swapping military fatigues for fancy suits in a shift to “power sharing”.

I write and talk about these issues in detail and ad-nauseum, so I won’t go on, but suffice it to say, that our models of war and peace diplomacy are too archaic to be effective for contemporary complex wars. The good news is that we have models that can be effective. We know from experience that two factors are needed for sustainable peacemaking: political will and inclusivity. If we focus on the inclusivity, we can muster up the political will more effectively.

People often say, “peace is possible”. I prefer to say that “without peace everything else is impossible”, so we need to stop taking it for granted, and invest in it, foster it, value, and appreciate it.

2. I’d also change the narrative and tell the untold stories of peace heroism. Hobbes was wrong. Humanity is not de facto violent. In fact, our natural state is peaceful and seeking to co-exist. Violence is an aberration which serves a minority of humanity. The vast majority of men and especially women are not prone to violence as a primary act. War is also not good for business. It is bad for most businesses and only good for the weapons industry. So, we need to change the narratives, pull back the curtain and expose the sham of “national security expertise” and the minority who benefit from increasing militarization and perpetual war.

3. We can democratize security debates by engaging and enabling people to feel confident about talking about “what security means to them” – and in this way rethink our priorities to link human and national security together and allocate resources accordingly. I’d reduce defence spending and invest in education, health, environmental issues. I’m not naïve, I get that we may need deterrence, but whether we have 40 or 50 nuclear bombs or 1000 is almost irrelevant. Much of this weaponry is only useful if it stays entirely useless.

Episode one’s guest is Abigail Disney, grand niece of Walt Disney, and a philanthropist and social activist. Photograph: By U.S. Institute of Peace – Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Can you remember what the first podcast you ever listened to was?

Empire – with William Dalrymple and Anita Anand.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from? And which podcasts have impacted you the most?

Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! – from NPR is always great. I like the humour.

My kids have shared episodes of You’re Wrong About which are fascinating – in part because I lived through some of the incidents in real time.

Legal ones like 5-4 are interesting – to get a perspective I don’t often hear and generally I like the discussions/podcasts where people who are practitioners and experts in their field, look under the hood, discuss, and analyse and make issues accessible.

It reminds me of Einstein’s quote (or attributed to him) that if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t know the topic well enough.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

Episode 1 with Abigail Disney is a great introduction. Not only does she talk about the challenges and dangers of extreme capitalism to society, and offer her solutions, but she also discusses the links to other issues that come up in future episodes.

Episode 2 with Kelly Ghaisar is another great example – as it’s the story of a family, and a woman who was a professional interior designer, suddenly having her life ripped apart, being lurched into the universe of police violence and impunity, and deciding to take charge. Her convictions and integrity are so strong, that they give her inordinate courage and power. It’s very moving.

I could go on because every episode has its unique quality and topic.

Could you tell us more about the guests you have coming up on this first season of If You Were In Charge?

So far, I’ve had Abigail Disney, Kelly Ghaisar, Dame EJ Milner-Gulland, Kavita Nandini Ramdas.

I have had Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger on November 12th discussing the issue of Jewish settlers/settlements in the Occupied West Bank, and Mohammad Darwashe on educating for peace and equal coexistence in Israel on November 18th.

Meredith Whittaker who is CEO of the Signal Foundation (Signal app) joined me to discuss AI, cyber security and surveillance issues, and Professor Stephen Walt of Harvard’s Kennedy School joined me to talk about hypocrisy in US Foreign policy, academic freedom, and the price you pay for speaking truth to power.

Episode eight’s guest is Meredith Whittaker, President of Signal, seen here on the Future Societies stage of the Web Summit 2022, Portugal. Photo by Sam Barnes/Web Summit via Sportsfile

Who would be your dream guest for the podcast?

Funny thing is so far I’ve had my dream guests.

I would love to invite:

• Dr. Hanan Ashrawi – CEO of Miftah & Former spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority
• Steve Balmer -Ex-CEO of Microsoft and now head of Usafacts
• Kamala Harris now that she’s lost the elections, to discuss how she’d do things differently.

If I could reach up to the heavens, I’d invite Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana. People forget that at just aged 36 when she passed away, she had already made a profound impact on public attitudes regarding HIV/AIDs and on the Campaign to Ban Landmines. Imagine if she had survived and continued her advocacy for critical causes.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you/the podcast?

You can find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and everywhere else you get your podcasts. For more about my work and organization please check out Icanpeacework.org

Twitter/X I often comment (still) at my handle @sanambna & @Whatthewomensay

Instagram @Albaloo2910 and @whatthewomensay

LinkedIn @sanam Naraghi Anderlini and @International Civil Society Action Network.

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