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The post EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Alastair Campbell from The Rest Is Politics appeared first on POD BIBLE.
]]>As a current politics student with a keen interest in podcasting I was delighted to be given the opportunity to work with Pod Bible via an Arts Emergency work experience placement. When I learnt I had the opportunity to interview Alastair Campbell, a huge name in UK political history and co-host of the podcast The Rest Is Politics, I couldn’t have been more amped.
The Rest Is Politics is hosted by both Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, both from two different sides of the political spectrum. Having first-hand experience in the Houses of Parliament, they give an exclusive outlook into British politics as well as politics abroad. The podcast is regularly at the top of the charts so I was eager to speak to Alistair about the show and curious to hear his thoughts about politics in general.
What was it like behind the scenes recording your first podcast episode with Rory Stewart?
We do most episodes online from separate places so “behind the scenes” generally involves me watching Rory struggle to get his headphones to work properly. To be fair the process works really well. We did one pilot just to make sure there was a good flow to the way we talk to each other, and there was, and off we went. We are very different in so many ways but we get on and enjoy the “craic.”
Do you think the podcast has challenged you in any way – either technically or ideologically?
The only challenge really has been that as it has grown and developed it is probably eating into my diary more than I thought it would. We started off doing one discussion per week, and then added a q and a because we were getting so much positive feedback and questions. And now we do a weekly interview as well. I think it is fair to say the burden of pulling in the guests has fallen more to me! Added to which although we have good researchers and producers I like to do my own research on top. On the plus side it means that when I am reading and travelling and working on different things I can usually find an outlet within the podcast to talk about it all.
Are there any topics you refuse to discuss due to you and Rory’s differences in political opinion?
No. Nothing is off limits.
What do you think is the key to keeping young people engaged in politics? Are podcasts part of the answer?
I hope so. We have both been really encouraged by how many young people listen and also come to our events. When we did the Albert Hall last year over a third of the people who came were under 30. I think people have rarely been more interested in politics yet so disenchanted by what it is doing. So we are trying to show that it is possible for people to be interested, and passionate, and engage in debate without just shouting at each other. I was in a school the other day and listening to the students it struck me that all they have ever known is the politics of recent years which have been a disaster. Politics can be a force for good. We need to harness the passion and intelligence of young people to change the things they know are wrong in the world. I was already working on a book on this theme, But What Can I Do? when we started the podcast. The fact it was a No 1 bestseller at a time we were No 1 in the charts – as well as making me pleased – gave me real encouragement that people want to be engaged but need support in finding out how.
Young people’s mental health is a big topic, particularly as students return to school and university. Is that something you’d like to discuss on the podcast?
We do from time to time. One of our best received podcasts was about a year ago. I was in Edinburgh and in the middle of a depressive episode. I hadn’t been planning to talk about it. But right at the start Rory asked me “how are you?” In a very small talk kind of way and I found myself explaining I wasn’t feeling great and we ended up having a really good discussion about it. I also think politicians are behind the public on this one. Mental health is a massive issue with people yet still struggles to get onto the political agenda in the way it should.
In your sister show ‘Leading’ you speak to political figures – do you have a dream guest?
Well I have interviewed Prince William before – for GQ magazine. So I am going one higher up the royal ladder. King Charles! Rory knows him pretty well because he was a tutor to the boys when they were younger and recently told a very funny story about how he locked himself in a bathroom at Highgrove that doubled as an anti terrorism safety zone and Charles had to get help to get him out! I am not a big Monarchist and Rory is and I think Charles is really interesting figure. To get him talking freely and openly about things he cares about and the role he now plays would be fascinating.
I also have a bid in with Angela Merkel. She gives very few interviews. And I guess I would like to interview Putin to try to see how the mild mannered rather reticent character we dealt with 20 odd years became the figure he has become.
Actually thinking about it I would also love to interview the artist Banksy. Great mind. Great story.
Finally, what are your favourite podcasts to listen to away from the world of politics?
I listen to a lot of German podcasts because I am trying to get my German back to scratch. So I am going for two sports podcasts – Prasenmäher (Bild) which is longform interviews with German football legends, and Auf den Punkt, which is done by Süddeutsche Zeitung. I should also mention The Rest Is Football because Gary Lineker is the boss of the company which produces TRIP!
Probably my favourite foreign policy podcast is Acht Milliarden which is done by Der Spiegel magazine. I quite often cite them on the Rest Is Politics.
Listen to The Rest Is Politics on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>
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Arts Emergency is an award-winning mentoring charity and support network. Find out more about their work at arts-emergency.org
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]]>The post THE GOOD SAMARITAN // Russell Kane’s Man Baggage appeared first on POD BIBLE.
]]>Do men really talk? We’re currently facing a major mental health challenge in society with suicide being the biggest killer of men
under the age of 45, so what can we do to make sure we’re really airing our thoughts and fears?
Comedian Russell Kane hosts the podcast Man Baggage where he talks to celebrities and an array of people in efforts to tussle with the real problems that men face. So, how does Russell personally feel about male mental health and how does he like to handle the subject?
RK: Men’s mental health – it’s an iceberg problem. Most of it is hidden – and incredibly deadly. There is a space to use humour and banter to get a certain type of man to engage. That’s the area I’m interested in.
There’s a new episode each Tuesday where Russell leaves no topic off the table! The podcast was previously titled Boys Don’t Cry and this title also perfectly summarised many of the issues that the podcast is inherently about. At what point did Russell personally decide that he wanted to do more for men’s mental health?
RK: When I saw, finally, that the long needed conversation around men’s mental health was beginning – but that it was somewhat dominated by worthiness. There is nothing wrong with worthiness – but a certain type of working-class man is put off by the seriousness of it.
The Russell Kane’s Man Baggage podcast blurb rather wonderfully says it all:
“Russell and his guests explore all the uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing conversations that usually make men run for the door by doing what blokes do best – make daft jokes about them.
Are men biologically more reckless? Are women naturally more assertive than men? Should all men wear a watch? Thought provoking, insightful and laugh out loud funny, Man Baggage takes you to all the best places.”
As Russell points out, as the host he tries to make the conversations funny, accessible and engaging so that we can all partake in the themes. It’s often the case that men can avoid emotional baggage, hence the need for the podcast – what are his personal highlights?
RK: Easily – the episode about heights. I cannot believe what a divisive topic it is to men and women, to reflect on how tall they are, and how much insecurity and toxicity lies beneath it.
What more can we do – what advice would Russell personally give to make sure that we carry on these conversations?
The number one piece of advice I gave to all blokes is check in twice. Most men will tell you everything is okay, so you’re gonna need to be a little bit annoying when you’re checking in with a friend you’re worrying about. Don’t worry about being annoying, you might save his life.
Listen to Russell Kane’s Man Baggage now on Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts.
This article was first written in August 2021 and featured in Issue #016 of the Pod Bible Magazine. Subscribe to the magazine so you never miss an issue.
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]]>The post Pod Bible Podcast – Bottoming appeared first on POD BIBLE.
]]>Adam Richardson caught up with Brendan Geoghegan and Matthew Riley in January 2022 to discuss their LGBTQ+ podcast that explores mental health and dealing with your own rock bottom. The guys discuss the origins of the podcast, some of their favourite guests and the work that foes into producing an independent show.
Listen to Bottoming on Acast or Spotify.
Listen to the Pod Bible Podcast on Acast or Spotify.
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]]>The post INTERVIEW // Scroobius Pip on his Distraction Pieces Mental Health specials appeared first on POD BIBLE.
]]>With the easing of restrictions across the country seemingly going to plan, many of us are feeling optimism and excitement about what lays ahead. The ability to see friends and family again, to be able to venture further than your local park and to frequent the cinemas, pubs and restaurants that remained closed for so long. And while on a surface level that excitement makes sense, deep down many of us are dealing with varying levels of anxiety about the perceived return to ‘normality’. Scroobius Pip, host of the Distraction Pieces Podcast, understands those feelings all too well, so decided to put together a series of special episodes on the subject.
For the entire month of May, in a series called “Where’s your head at?” on my Distraction Pieces Podcast, I’m going to be taking to people about how the pandemic has impacted their mental health and how they feel as we start to come out the other end.#mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/W0aUyHcnIX
— Scroobius Pip (@Scroobiuspipyo) April 26, 2021
Titled “Where’s Your Head At?”, Pip has recorded conversations with a variety of guests focusing on just that – how have you coped over the past year or so and how are you feeling now? We caught up with Pip to find out more…
What’s the idea behind the “Wheres Your Head At?” episodes?
Basically I started getting kind of spun out by the fact all the dialogue in the U.K. seemed to be focused on the excitement of the pubs being open again… rather than the impact this past year has had on our mental health and the potential anxieties attached to the new reality going forward. So I wanted to have a series of short discussions showing a range of perspectives on it all.
Who can we expect to hear from?
So many people. Stephen Graham, Florence Pugh, Jamali Maddix, Simon Pegg, Lena Headey, Konnie Huq, Dane Baptiste, Gail Porter… so many! But there’s also chats with my mum and my god daughter. So it’s a real wide range of insights.
Are there any recurring themes you weren’t expecting?
I think I was ready for a lot of “I’ve actually quite enjoyed it”… because I’ve been in that conversation a lot myself too. But every time when we dug a little deeper there were always things that had caught us off guard. One of the nice surprises was the amount of people who have found things they want to continue with going forward.
How have you coped with the past year on a personal level?
I’ve actually quite enjoyed it… haha. Nah, I’ve had ups and downs. Something I heard a lot was the first lockdown being quite fun and novelty and the second/third being a lot tougher. That was interesting to hear as for the second/third I was in another country and really struggled in places… but assumed it was due to being so far from everyone. So it was interesting to hear that most people were struggling then too, regardless of location.
Which podcasts have helped you through the pandemic?
So many! At the end here I’ve got really into Chatabix. They’re short, rambling episodes out 5 days a week. It’s Joe Wilkinson and David Early just getting up on the morning and jumping on Zoom for a 25 minute chat that often goes no where but is always a joy as they crack each other up. The Taskmaster Podcast has also been a great new addition to my listening schedule.
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The first episode featuring Stephen Graham, Gail Porter, Paapa Essiedu and Jenny Meads (Pip’s Mum!) is out now with all other episodes being released across the rest of May.
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]]>The post The Waffle Shop // Taylor James podcasts to help with anxiety and PTSD appeared first on POD BIBLE.
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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?
My name’s Taylor James and I’m the host of The Waffle Shop Podcast, which was created to help myself open up about my mental health, coping mechanisms and those minor inconveniences that just wind me up. Don’t get me started on wasps, work of the Devil! It sounds quite selfish but I’ve learnt so much about myself by just listening to others waffle about their journey. I now have a bit of a platform that encourages others to open up and waffle about how they’re feeling and even made some lifelong friends in the process!
Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?
One of the first podcasts I ever listened to was Off the Beat & Track with Stu Whiffen, I genuinely fell in love with it, I’m a bit of a music nerd so to have the chance to have an insight to some iconic peoples record collection was a bit of a dream come true for me.
What was the first podcast you ever listened to?
The Waffle Shop actually started as part of my therapy for my anxiety and PTSD after nearly losing my mum to an operation gone wrong. I did the typical thing of bottling everything up and ended up in a very vulnerable position. With the help of my sister and best mate I reached out and got the help I needed….and then COVID hit!
Instead of running the risk of going backwards I decided to get out of my comfort zone and give it a go, its safe to say that it was the best decision I ever made as its completely turned my life around.
Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?
I’d again say Off the Beat & Track with Stu, I love the relaxed vibe and how it feels like I’m sat in the room having a beer with my mates talking about all things music and the impact it has. I think I’d also say Table Manners with Jessie Ware and her brilliant mum, I haven’t been able to see my mum for nearly a year due to restrictions so it has that ability to really feel like home. These two are definitely my biggest inspirations I love a light hearted chat where anything goes and hearing people’s stories and the basics like what food they eat and music they listen to.
Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?
My dream guest would have to be Adele. If I was able to have a waffle with the legend herself I think I could die a very happy man
I have a strong connection to her music and she was the last gig me and my mum went to together before everything happened.
I genuinely love everything about her and that laugh is just infectious, so I’m not closing The Waffle Shop until she’s joined me, just throwing out there into the universe….
What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far as a podcaster?
The biggest thing I’ve learnt is to not take myself too seriously, we’re living in a very serious world at the minute but The Waffle Shop has allowed me to really break down a lot of walls for me. Its allowed me to really express myself, my emotions and completely ripped me out of my comfort zone! If you had said a year ago I’d be hosting a top 10 podcast and hosting live episodes to over 4000 people I would have laughed straight in your face. It’s allowed me to learn so much about myself and my mental health as well as show me that it’s ok to not be ok. It’s basically free therapy! Who doesn’t love a freebie!
What episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?
I’d say the perfect introduction to The Waffle Shop would be my episode with the incredible Pandora, she’s a DJ on Heart FM with the most incredible story. We clicked straight away! We’ve both used a lot of pain and hardship and used it as motivation to just keep going. Hearing stories like Pandora’s really gives me that fire in my belly and gives that reassurance that yes life can be incredibly difficult at times but it doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of!
Where can Pod Bible readers find out more about you?
I’m a bit rubbish with keeping up with all the different forms of social media however I’m most active over on Instagram at @waffleshoppodcast! Always up for having a waffle so feel free to drop me a DM! I’m also available on all streaming platforms so grab your headphones and join me for some waffle with some of my favourite people!
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]]>The post THE GOOD SAMARITAN // Learning To Adult Slowly appeared first on POD BIBLE.
]]>Podcasts have become a hub for entertainment and amusement, or indeed a place of learning, but they’ve also taken on a role of outreach. There are certain challenges that we collectively face in today’s world, but podcasts are putting conversations on a global stage. We now have a whole sector with a social conscience in the podcast world. Pod Bible aims to shine a spotlight on these causes.
Learning To Adult Slowly is a podcast hosted by rap artist Professor Green and its aim is to address the many aspects faced by men today, such as body image, mental health, grief, and resilience. Produced by The Book of Man, a website that aims to open up the dialogue around mental health – and for which Professor Green is a columnist – the Learning to Adult Slowly podcast is a natural spin-off. So how did it all come about?
Martin Robinson, founder and editor of The Book of Man explains why he initially took such an interest in our collective mental health.
“I had the idea for it after losing my previous magazine job and finding myself at home, discovering the joys of being a stay at home Dad, but also quite isolated and bewildered and emotionally bruised. It occurred to me that there was nothing out there to really support men internally as well as externally – nothing genuinely dealing with the ‘masculinity crisis’, which wasn’t just a pop culture joke but a genuine result of a digital age shifting in social roles at home and work, exacerbated by recession and resulting in terrifying figures for male suicide, mental health issues, addiction, violence, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders.”
The figures speak for themselves. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is a support network for mental health and according to their website suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK. In 2015, 75% of all UK suicides were male. During a live recording of Learning to Adult Slowly, with guests consisting of Scroobius Pip, comedian Kelly Convey, and CALM CEO Simon Gunning, the panel were keen to point out that males under the age of 45 are statistically more likely to be at risk from dying due to self-harm than any other way, including road traffic deaths. What can we do to keep the conversation going?
Martin Robinson says:
“Having Professor Green as our columnist on Book of Man and also the host of the Learning to Adult Slowly podcast has been wonderful in exemplifying the kind of issues we want to deal with – the issues that aren’t better left unsaid. His writing about grief, meds, violence, fear, vulnerability, is remarkable and much needed. But bringing that into the podcast arena has given it another dimension, as well as a bigger repeat audience. Real conversations with people on these areas really makes them hit home. And you realise everyone has in some way been affected by such matters. The mere fact that you can listen to people talking about the most difficult moments in their life is remarkable. The reaction we had was immediate and positive”
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