Interview // Babatúndé Aléshé

Are you looking for a podcast to entertain and – if possible – educate your kids over the summer holidays? We recently spoke to comedian and writer Babatúndé Aléshé about a new children’s podcast from Puffin books, Mission Imagination.

Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Babatunde Aléshé, and I’m a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. I’m currently starring in the BAFTA nominated Celebrity Gogglebox.

This summer, I’m hosting the Mission Imagination podcast, which is the brand new series of the Puffin Podcast. I’ll be joined alongside two young Puffineers, and the idea is that there’ll be a new adventure for each week of the summer holidays.

Each episode will whoosh children away to a different magical world created by a fantastic Puffin author – think lands where sweets really do grow on trees, where puffins are rulers of the land, and where you can swim in a sea of chocolate. Every episode, there are rules for stepping foot in these dreamlands – and when rules are broken, danger follows . . . What Danger? Well, you’ll have to tune in to find out!

What’s the first podcast you ever listened to?

The first podcast I ever listened to was the Joe Rogan podcast, and it’s still one of my favourites to this day!

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

For me, it was the concept of the show. Puffin’s Mission Imagination podcast champions the work, and voices of incredibly talented authors, with particular focus on those from underrepresented backgrounds. This really sparked my interest.

I’m so proud to partner with the brilliant team at Puffin to help spread some much needed joy and positivity for children over the summer holidays through the Mission Imagination podcast.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I would say I’m most inspired by the Joe Rogan Podcast, Half Calf Podcast, and Comedy Gold Minds with Kevin Hart. They are all equally great shows that produce such brilliant content.

If you could feature your dream author on the podcast, who would they be?

I would love to speak with Seth Godin, who has taught millions of people and left his mark on our creative culture. He’s the author of 19 international bestsellers that have been translated into more than 35 languages, and I really admire his work! Growing up, one of my favourite authors was Roald Dahl and I absolutely loved A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far as a podcaster?

The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is patience! Working with kids is a different vibe to the usual jobs I do, but I love it!

If you could be a guest on your podcast, what world would you take us to?

It would be a world made of delicious doughnuts with rivers made of strawberry jam!

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

I’m on Instagram @BabatundeComedian, and on Twitter @BabatundeComedy. Mission Imagination can be found on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.