This season marks a big change with your first on-the-road adventure in Scotland! What inspired you to take the podcast on tour, and why was Scotland the perfect destination for this journey?

Andi: Scotland was the logical place for us to start our journey because Miquita is half Scottish and she has in the last few years become close to her Scottish family, she wanted to show me and discover for herself a part of her that we have never really thought about very deeply before.

Miquita and Andi Oliver at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh. Photograph: Ebony-Louise Carrington @highestmediagroup

Miquita, you’re exploring your roots from your dad’s side of the family during this series. How has this personal exploration influenced the dynamic between you and Andi on the podcast?

Miquita: It opened up my mother and I’s relationship. Things that were stories became very real. I’ve been on a journey of my own getting to know all of my Scottish family. To have my mother join this adventure was something very unexpected for both of us. I truly believe my mother found out things about me on this trip that she might never have learnt otherwise. It’s made us closer in a way neither of us could have predicted.

Photograph: Ebony-Louise Carrington @highestmediagroup

As a food and culture-focused podcast, what unique Scottish culinary traditions or dishes are you most excited to dive into during your travels?

Andi: It was amazing to see how diverse Scottish food is! From seeing my old Great British menu alumna Roberta Hall at The Little Chartroom in Edinburgh to Mara with the wonderful Ross Cochrane in Aberdeen to gorgeous Julie Lin at Gaga in Glasgow, and foraging and having a picnic in the woods on the river Don in Alford with Leanne Townsend we experienced a full flavour explosion! It was so exciting, extraordinary food at every turn and of course everywhere we went the welcome, the hospitality was just beautiful, it’s embedded within the culture. The Scots know how to nice up the area!

What have been some of the most surprising or emotional moments you’ve experienced while uncovering your Scottish heritage?

A&M: Our time in the Highlands was extremely emotional. We had the joy of seeing seven or eight salmon swimming upstream at the Falls of Feugh. We made cider in the hills of Aberdeenshire, we fly fished on the River Dee and we sailed across the depths of Loch Ness. These are all things we never thought we’d get to experience together.

Miquita and her father, Robin. Photograph: Ebony-Louise Carrington @highestmediagroup

How do you think being on the road and visiting new locations changes the way you approach conversations with each other and with your guests?

Andi: This trip has been extraordinary for us we both learnt so much about Scottish culture and the innate ways that Miquita carries that culture within her. Interestingly it actually felt a bit like we had our metaphorical kitchen table with us! It’s intimate, it’s hilarious, it’s adventurous and it’s us, it’s human.

What can listeners expect from this series in terms of the themes and stories you’ll be covering? Will it be more focused on food, culture, or the personal family journey?

A&M: We think they’ll get a bit of all of that. It was so thrilling to get out and meet people working on exciting projects, the conversations that we had and people that we met really affirmed the things that we always hope to be true out in the world. Community is strong, creativity is explosive and people are essentially excellent and do their best to help and support each other. Our listeners can expect the Stirring It Up fun that we always have, the depth of emotional conversation, and we hope that they will learn along with us that Scotland is an incredible place. Vibrant, proud, passionate and thoughtful.

Photograph: Ebony-Louise Carrington @highestmediagroup

After this Scottish adventure, do you have plans to explore more family heritage or take Stirring It Up on the road again to other destinations?

A&M: Oh yes yes! we have PLANS yes we do! This is just the start of our next chapter, some of it will be about family heritage just not always our own family, we’ll be exploring culture, family, community, art in all its forms, heart and soul in some very surprising places. What comes next will be intriguing, illuminating, full of adventure and a whole load of fun along the way! What you can be sure of is that will be undeniably Stirring it up!

Listen to Stirring It Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular podcast apps >>

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Today with tonies is being made by award-winning podcast production and promotion company, Mags Creative, and is hosted by Sam Fletcher-Goodwin and Tim Warwood. It is aimed at children aged 4 to 7 with the hope that the informative and playful podcast will be able to keep children off their screens this summer!

Based on the award-winning daily exclusive show (only available to those with a ‘Toniebox’ – an audio player which plays songs and stories when a Tonie character is added to the top of it), Today with tonies is kicking off with 14 ten-minute long episodes packed full of fun, facts, challenges, and jokes.

The podcast covers subjects such as poetry, science, maths, and music and has been made with the support of an educational consultant, taking into account the KS1 and KS2 curriculum.

Polly Evans, Senior Audio Production Manager at tonies says, “Our ‘Today with tonies’ podcast is the ultimate choice for parents seeking enriching, screen-free fun for their kids. It’s a world of wholesome content that sparks curiosity, educates, and delivers endless giggles through engaging games and challenges.”

The podcast contains many interactive challenges such as asking children to find out how many times they can fold a piece of paper, teaching them to use a word from a different language, and playing the “wrong answers only” quiz.

Hannah Russell, Co-founder of Mags Creative, says of the podcast: “As a mother myself I’m so excited to work on a project that widens the pool of safe, secure and screen-free content for kids. And not only that – it’s entertaining too! Mags Creative is all about building communities through audio, and the phenomenal response we’ve had from parents and little listeners shows that this podcast is already doing just that, so we can’t wait to bring this podcast to even more ears.”

Listen to Today with tonies from 9th July on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. 

Article wording adapted from Today with tonies press release

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Laura Broderick and my day job is not at all podcast related – I’m a partnerships manager working with architecture and built environment companies. I’m also a mum to two young kids and my podcast, Mother of All Solutions, is all about careers and caring – conversations with parents about their work and family lives, as the juggle is real!

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

One of the first was definitely The Guilty Feminist – it was in 2018 and my friend recommended it. I still think friend recommendations are a great way to share and find out about podcasts.

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

I was on maternity leave with my second child and was having lots of conversations with other mums about the stresses of working around your kids – being kept in the loop, finding flexible roles, securing childcare etc. I felt it was important to record and share those stories – and luckily I had a friend who already had a podcast and said he would help me get started. That was 4 years ago.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

Well, I like lots of podcasts – comedy, news, culture, companion podcasts. But in terms of inspiration for my own I am really inspired by how the Doing It For The Kids podcast support parents and what they produce for their listeners. It’s a special community.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

That’s hard as I really like speaking to lots of people, including ordinary parents. I would love to do more mini series focusing on mothers who aren’t typically spotlighted, and have more time to get to know them and put their voices/experiences into something really special. But it would be pretty cool to interview Jacinda Ardern as a dream guest!

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

I have a new trailer that hopefully communicates what the podcast is about, so start with that. And if you would like to hear a range of voices and sounds – mums, dads, campaigners, an MP – try The March of the Mummies – I really enjoyed making that one in Newcastle. Or if you prefer a good old chat I just interviewed Vicki and Lauren from the TV show Sewing Bee!

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

I’m on Instagram and Twitter X as @SolutionsMother and I have a new website (still a work in progress) that’s motherofallsolutions.com and would love people’s ideas and feedback.

Listen to Mother of All Solutions now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Tell us who you are and what your podcast is about – give us you elevator pitch!

Bitter/Sweet, is a six part podcast series, which explores how food connects us to our deepest memories. I introduce each episode with a personal story of my own before inviting the guests to share a profound moment in their lives, involving an evocative meal and share why it was so meaningful for them. They take us on an intimate journey into the fusion of flavours and layers of aroma, taste and texture that embrace that memory and brings their story alive. In one episode, restaurateur Jeremy King talks about how the generosity of an unexpected meal in France over 40 years ago had a profound effect on his life. In another episode, creative director Anna Burns recalls how a spicy bowl of noodles helped her to gain control over her life when she was a lost teenager in Cambodia.

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

I was excited by the medium, how intimate and immersive it could be and was inspired to create a podcast because of that. I was meeting people that I wanted to interview and this seemed like the ideal format for those conversations. I was also drawn to the idea that it could enable me to create something that represented how I saw and experienced the world, something that was unique to me.

This such a personal project, did having a team around you help bring the podcast together or was is difficult to share the work because of the personal connection?

It was a balance of both, sometimes it was tense and other times joyful! I love learning and I was privileged to work with people who have taught me a great deal about the craft of audio storytelling. I didn’t start with the intention of producing the project, in fact I did not know what a producer was or what they did. I became more involved in the process because it felt right to understand and shape the stories that I was a guardian of. My guests had entrusted me with their stories, given me time and offering up their vulnerabilities, the very least I could do was treat them with care, attention and tenderness. In terms of my personal stories the driving force for me was creating a body of work that was authentic, an opportunity for me to speak my truth and share that in the hope that someone could connect to it, feel it!

Were there any podcasts that inspired you?

I listen to a lot of podcasts but I was pretty adamant about not listening to food podcasts and any personal memoir or grief centred podcasts to avoid being influenced by their style and approach. It was important to me that I could hear my voice and remain authentic throughout and be guided by my intuition. I wanted to discover my style and remain true to that. There was a Transom episode with Micha Euceph that impressed me because of its insights about personal story narration and the space that was created with Arwen Nicks.

The revered music podcast Song Exploder is an inspiration for the project because it is deeply interrogative, immersive and compelling.  It is also focused on a single narrative.

Who’s your dream listener for the show?

Someone who is thoughtful, reflective, interested in going deeper and experiences the nuances of each episode. Someone who just enjoys and feels the episodes, that can be anyone!

This is essentially a branded podcast, how did you balance the brand with the storytelling?

The brand is a distillation of the things that excite me; food, emotions and memories, now more so than ever! So I view this project as a continuation of the brand but perhaps a more personal and intimate expression of Miller Libertine.

Listen to Bitter/Sweet now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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WHY DO YOU LOVE PODCASTS?

So many reasons! Listening to a podcast, I definitely feel more connected to a world full of dissonance. We don’t all have to get along or agree but podcasts have opened me up to different perspectives and I realise we are not all that different. Ultimately though, I love the intimacy of listening to my favourite podcast. It always feels like you are wrapped up in a blanket talking to a friend about life.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST POD YOU EVER LISTENED TO?

The Moth. It was my introduction to podcasts and helped me realise what I prefer when listening to one. I loved how the personal stories were shared covering topics that were important to different people. I enjoy hearing people share their stories from their own point of view and in their own words. It helped me empathise as I heard more about the human experience and actually helped set me on the path I’m on today.

WHICH POD MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Jesus & Jollof. Its two successful Nigerian women talking about their life interjected with lots of humour and honesty. It feels like you are listening to your sister circle give you encouraging and inspiring words to do better and be great. I am able to relate to so much of their conversation as an African woman and aspire to be just as fiery, fabulous and funny!

WHICH PODCAST HAS EDUCATED YOU THE MOST?

My own podcast, Dear Daughter! In hosting and co-producing the podcast, I have learnt to have more grace with others and myself. Listening to other people share their stories and trying to understand their perspectives is a step closer to me being more patient, forgiving and gentle with myself. It has been so enlightening to discover how many people experience life in a similar way and I have discovered a virtual support system in listening to others share their stories, it has been cathartic and quite honestly a life-changer.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A SHOW OUR READERS MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YET?

Mantalk.ke. It’s a refreshing and candid take on the world around us. It’s hosted by two men so the commentary is from the male perspective but includes female guests to offer insight. They talk about everything from holding each other accountable to self-expression and I love the elevating conversation especially now that I am mother to a son.

Season Two of Dear Daughter is out now. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, BBC Sounds and other popular podcast apps >>

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Yoto Daily is a kids’ podcast that delivers a morsel of audio goodness every single day. It’s hosted by Jake Harris, a father and former primary school teacher whose sing-song voice reveals mind-boggling facts, cracks rib-tickling jokes and leads kids through games, drawalongs and other activities.

Now well beyond its 1,000th episode, Yoto Daily has until recently been available exclusively on Yoto – a screen-free audio platform that kids control. Yoto’s award-winning audio players, Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, let kids explore stories, music, educational activities and even meditation using physical cards. Kids around the world have enjoyed Yoto Daily by pressing a button on the audio players, which are also packed with free radio stations, audiobooks and sleep sounds like white noise. And as the podcast’s listenership has grown, Yoto has made it available more widely.

Each Yoto Daily episode is different, but they follow a familiar routine. On Mondays, they kickstart the week with Word of the Day—unpicking a little avenue of language with interactive activities. On Wednesdays, kids travel the world—exploring countries suggested by listeners through Five Fabulous Facts. At the end of the week, Jake hosts Friyay Jokes, showcasing kids around the world telling weird and wonderful jokes (try not to laugh). In-between these regular episodes, there’s a rotating roster of interactive games; Cheese or Chocolate, Alphabetter, Magic Ten, Draw-Along, and good old family quizzes. Each episode also features a handful of birthday shout-outs to kids around the world.

For the moment, Yoto Daily only publishes its Saturday and Sunday episodes to all major streaming platforms. But you can listen to the entire archive of episodes in the Yoto App, which is free to download for iOS and Android. There are other audio titles for kids aged 0-12+ in the app too, so it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to entertain your kids. Yoto Daily’s bite-sized episodes are perfect for families who want to kick-start their mornings with positivity and wonder, and for parents looking for a wholesome way to keep kids engaged. Discover the podcast wherever you listen – you can thank us later!

Listen to Yoto Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps. Find out more about Yoto at uk.yotoplay.com.

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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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Adam is here to walk you through the weeks podcast proceedings, with guests including the people behind Some Families, Touchline Fracas and Zombiemum!

THIS WEEKS GUESTS

Some Families • Acast • Spotify

Touchline Fracas • Acast • Spotify

Zombiemum • Apple Podcasts • Spotify

THIS WEEKS RECOMMENDATIONS

Disunomics • Soundcloud • Spotify

The Christmas Chronicles • Online • Spotify

Table Manners • Acast • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

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Every family has myths – the stories from older family members that are half-remembered, or half-told. Like many families, my own family stories range from the sublime (my Polish grandmother walking across continents as a refugee) to the ridiculous (Billy Bragg hitting on my mum at a gig). Arguably, every family’s myths are worthy of a podcast. But when you throw in Soviet Russia, the world-renowned Mariinsky Ballet school and a daring escape from a locked hospital, you have the makings of great investigative podcast.

This is the starting point of Finding Natasha, the newest podcast from Message Heard. The company has made other shows investigating geopolitics through personal stories – such as Conflicted, where Aimen Dean (a former jihadist turned British double agent inside Al Qaeda) talks openly about ‘The War on Terror’. But Finding Natasha is more than an investigative podcast – it is research into the producer’s family history.

The podcast focuses on Debbie Gayle, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, and one of Britain’s most promising young ballerinas in the 1970s. She is also lead producer Jake’s mum. In 1974, Debbie became the first Westerner to train with the world renowned Kirov (now the Mariinsky) in Russia. The first two episodes of this podcast looks at how this was both a dream come true for Debbie, and a great chance at cultural diplomacy for Britain and Russian.

But Debbie’s time is Russia was disastrous from the start. And after drinking contaminated water, Debbie was taken to an isolated room in a Soviet hospital, and left alone without treatment, and unable to escape. Natasha was the person who let Debbie out and helped her get back to England, and since then, Debbie has searched for Natasha. But she had little more than an Anglicised first name (the Russian would be Natalya) and a photo to go on.

I expected this search for Natasha to be the point of entry for highlighting aspects of a country and time in modern history that can seem impenetrable. And there were points that touched on this – the section that talked about Debbie preparing for the exchange sees a contrast between excitement, and foreboding warnings of the line to tread whilst over there. This was a time when there were dire consequences for simply owning Western currency whilst in Russia.

But rather than using Debbie’s personal story as the listener’s way into 1970s Russia, it plays out the other way around. Russia works as the backdrop to Debbie’s story, and the show doesn’t gloss over how close it is to the subject. Small things remind us that this is a real life family saga. Jake refers to Debbie as ‘Mum’ throughout (rather than using a more formal ‘my mother’) and Zoom recordings don’t edit out the despairing comments from Debbie about the state of her – and Jake’s – hair. It all adds to the realness of Debbie. And it makes the search for Natasha all the more important for both the show and the listener. This family myth is so grand, we feel like we need it to be corroborated. As Jake says at one point:

“As most of us with our parents, I only understood as much as [mum] had given away herself. Natasha was the only other person who was there.”

At five episodes long, Finding Natasha is about the right length. But it did leave me wanting to know more. I wanted to learn about Debbie, and I found myself Googling for images of her. I wanted to read the newspaper cuttings on the cover of the pod art (it would be great to have such resources released alongside the shownotes).

But more than that, Finding Natasha left me wanting to go away and learn more about my own family myths as well.

Finding Natasha launched on 18th May. Listen to the trailer and subscribe now on the Message Heard website, Spotify or your favourite podcast app.

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