In the heart of New York, there lies a portal to another world. The iconic Lincoln Center is home to one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies – the New York City Ballet.

Cut to the other side of the world. In her family home in Galway, Ireland, journalist Nicky Anderson sits beside her mother, reminiscing about her younger years – twirling around in a frilly tutu, her five-year-old feet carrying only one dream: to be a ballerina.

For Nicky, a childhood love for ballet has become a lifelong fascination. But behind the beauty of the New York City Ballet lies a more complicated truth…

Dancing with Shadows, investigates the complicated history and culture of the New York City Ballet from behind the curtain. Throughout its 76-year history, the company has faced allegations of misuse of power, a major lawsuit, and an investigation into sexual, physical, and verbal assault by a former Ballet Master in Chief – scandals that have cast long shadows over its legacy.

This seven-part series is an insider account featuring firsthand stories from some of the most celebrated American dancers of all time, including Allegra Kent, Edward Villella, and an exclusive interview with former principal dancer, Chase Finlay. Their testimonies unveil what it truly takes to perform at the highest level – both on and off the stage.

We caught up with journalist and producer of the series Nicky Anderson, to get a deeper look into the making of the podcast and the incredible story behind it.

Nicky Anderson – journalist and producer of Dancing with Shadows

Hi Nicky! So firstly, what inspired you to explore this story of the New York City Ballet?

Having danced from a young age, I was always fascinated by how ballet companies operated and what life inside them was like. As I grew older and read more about New York City Ballet, I realised that many people’s experiences were vastly different from what I had imagined as a child. This contrast deepened my curiosity and made me want to explore this remarkable and complex institution further.

And why do you believe this story is particularly relevant today?

Unfortunately, we’re in a time where the misuse of power is always relevant. Ballet, too, remains deeply underreported. As athletes performing an art form, dancers exist in a space where coverage often blurs the lines, leaving many of their stories untold.

Can you share a favourite moment from the podcast-making process?

I think my favourite moment was meeting the legendary dancers Allegra Kent and Edward Villella – listening to them reminisce about each other while surrounded by photos of their younger selves. It was truly special.

As a longtime ballet lover, this podcast is deeply personal to you. How has working on this project shaped your perspective on ballet, and what changes or developments do you hope to see in its future?

After writing the final episode of this podcast, I returned to my first ballet class in seven years. It brought back so many memories and deepened my appreciation for the art form. More importantly, it reinforced how these conversations can drive meaningful change in the industry.

As a journalist, having the opportunity to share something I love with a wider audience – while holding power to account and pushing for progress – has been the journey of a lifetime.

Stak asked New York City Ballet for the right to reply, detailing the allegations that have arisen throughout the documentary. The response can be found here.

Subscribe to Legacy for new episodes dropping every Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts – and don’t forget to leave a review!

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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2024 was a HUGE year for Abroad In Japan – the show turned six years old, Chris and Pete were reunited in Tokyo for the first time since the pandemic, and Chris became a Sunday Times best-selling author! With bi-weekly appearances on YouTube and a global community of listeners, the podcast has never been more popular – and neither has Japan!

Thanks to a sleepy yen and some compelling offers from airlines, there’s never been a better time to visit – so whether you’re planning a short layover, or a 21-day mega-break in Tokyo, Japan could be a top contender for your 2025 travel itinerary. And who better to guide you through every noodle-slinging, temple-trekking, capsule-hotel-crashing moment than award-winning filmmaker Chris Broad and England’s top Japan enthusiast, Pete Donaldson?

The podcast inbox is always bursting with questions like, “Where should I stay?”, “What’s the best ramen spot?”, and “Where can I find that weird fish-flake rice thing Chris keeps talking about?” Well, we’ve got you covered. We caught up with Pete to give you some essential tips to jump-start your Japan plans:

How To Fly

If time is short, the only airport worth floating into is Haneda – it’s a mere twenty minutes away from central Tokyo by car. It was built on a reclaimed chunk of the Tokyo bay and is so much closer than its smaller brother Narita, which means you get chopsticks deep into some gorgeous ramen even sooner!

How To Eat

If you’re wanting the best pork ramen – or financially ambitious sushi – you can usually find an excellent spot on most street corners or even inside most train stations in Tokyo. But why consume the sort of dish you can easily find at home? Mia Nagamatsu’s Katsuo Shokudo in Uguisudanicho gives you the chance to eat some incredible shaved dried fish on rice (katsuo-boshi). And with a queue that forms every morning at 8:30, it’s a pretty popular institution. If you fancy something a little less adventurous, then how about a ham and seafood okonomiyaki fried pancake in Sakura-tei in Harajuku?

Where To Stay

There’ll be those of us who want to experience Tokyo at full pelt – Capsule Hotels, Love Hotels, dozing off in a karaoke booth after the last train – and true, they’ll have a great (if sleepless) time of things. But somewhere between the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi and a Shibuya Centre Gai flower bed lies the salary man’s business hotel – brands like APA and Sotetsu Fresa provide small yet perfectly formed hotel rooms at more affordable prices than their larger cousins. Brands such as Dormy Inn provide a minimalist approximation of a relaxing onsen too (perfect for that jet lag!).

Where To Stray

Speaking of jet lag – or “time stupidity” as the Japanese call it – if you’re up at 5am, why not turn this to your advantage and get on an early train to somewhere a bit more peaceful? There are your usual suspects, Kyoto or Nara – but if you’ve brought your hiking boots, why not catch a bullet train North into the mountains of Nikko? The national park provides wild monkeys, hot springs and – in a country famed for its temples – Toshogu Shrine is one of the best you’ll see here!

If that’s left you scrambling to book the next available flight to Tokyo or if you just want to hear more about all things Japan, listen and subscribe to the Abroad in Japan podcast. New episodes are released every Monday and Thursday!

Listen and subscribe to Abroad in Japan wherever you get your podcasts.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

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A lot has happened in 2024. From re-elections and the Paris Olympics to Barbenheimer, Brat Summer, the Euros, and even Oasis reuniting, the world didn’t stop – and neither did Stak! Through award-winning storytelling, sell-out live shows, and reaching millions of fans across the world, Stak have continued to redefine the connection between sports and storytelling, keeping listeners entertained, educated, and up-to-date with independent voices.

It’s been a hell of a year for Football Ramble, which celebrated 17 years of entertaining, totally unserious football broadcasting. From Euros watchalongs that brought fans together to a sold-out Palladium show, Football Ramble: Time Tunnel, celebrating football through the decades, it’s been a season of unforgettable moments. Across the leagues, Second Tier continued to celebrate Championship football, cementing long-term partnerships with Jameson and SBK and delivering a true matchday experience with their pitch-side episodes. With even more twists and turns on the way across the football season, we cannot wait to see what’s to come in the new year!

P1 with Matt and Tommy have been unstoppable this year, surpassing a staggering 20 million downloads, selling out their debut US tour, and now prepping for their next tour which kicks off in the UK this December. The energy of the P1 community is unmatched! With Matt and Tommy bringing the podcast to new heights every single year, P1 has remained the destination for F1 fans – watch out for 2025!

But 2024 wasn’t just about live shows and downloads – it was a stellar year for stories that really resonated – and Stak was at the forefront for a lot of them! The World’s Hardest Puzzle soared to No. 1 in the documentary charts, with celebrated cycling documentary Ghost in the Machine following as a listener favourite! Stak also officially launched their sports narrative feed, Legacy, which is now home to award-winning series Inside the Qatar World Cup and new, chart-topping documentary The English Disease. With the world hungry for more gripping stories, Stak is perfectly placed to continue to bring vital sporting stories to the masses. We’re excited to hear what is cooking for the new year!

Awards season also kept us busy, with Upfront getting their flowers at the Women’s International Podcast Awards and Stak winning silver for Best Network at the Audio Production Awards. But the real highlight was connecting with our listeners. From sold-out live events to collaborations with YouTube, we’ve worked to bring the podcasts you love to life, in fresh and exciting ways.

And for us, it’s not just about delivering great content – it’s about shaping the industry. Sharing ideas and conversations at events like the Broadcast Sports Summit and The Podcast Show has been a reminder of why we’re in this space: to push the boundaries of what podcasts can be and do.

So as the year wraps up, we’re looking back with pride and forward with excitement. Here’s to finding the next great story, connecting to listeners across the world, and keeping podcasting fun. See you in 2025!

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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With over 380 episodes, interviewing some of the most recognisable names in show business, White Wine Question Time is a hive of fascinating conversations with a huge range of star-studded guests. From insights with TV legends like Joe Lycett and Bruno Tonioli, to esteemed actors like Sam Neil and Steve Pemberton and even conversations with royalty such as HRH Princess Eugenie, Kate brings out a new side of guests we know and love, blending warmth with her quick wit to reveal stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

To help you explore the White Wine Question Time universe – whether you’re after hidden gems, unheard stories, or simply the perfect chat to wind down your evening – we spoke with producers Charlie Morgan and Tayler Owen. Here are their top episode picks to guide you through some of the best moments yet. Take it away, Charlie and Tayler!

Charlie Recommends:

Sarah Parish on acting adventures, her worst jobs, and overcoming unthinkable tragedy

If White Wine Question Time is about spending time in the amazing company of some fascinating people, Sarah Parish is as good a guest as you could hope for. She’s whip-smart, fun, and hugely affable – I could’ve spent all day listening to her! She was also incredibly open and vulnerable about the realities of losing a child, and to hear about her charitable work to help those going through the tragic situation her family went through was both moving and inspiring.

Michel Roux Jr. on why selling La Gavroche was never an option, leaving Masterchef and what’s next

Kate is a fantastic interviewer and I think the show’s at its absolute best when she’s sharing the airwaves with a guest with a fascinating story. Michel Roux joined us just as he was closing his legendary restaurant Le Gavroche, so we caught him in a period of deep reflection and gratitude. To hear about what the restaurant had meant to his family, some of the hilarious and at times unbelievable stories from its hallowed halls and to dig into his life away from the stovetop was an absolute pleasure.

Tayler Recommends:

Sam Neill on the importance of friendship, discovering acting at 30, and life beyond Hollywood

Kate’s chat with Hollywood legend Sam Neill simply feels like a warm hug. Diving into his extraordinary life, Sam shares how he found acting at 30, his passion for producing world-class Pinot Noir, and how he balances life away from Hollywood on his peaceful New Zealand Vineyard. He also opens up about his battle with cancer – and how that inadvertently led him to writing his much-loved memoir – as well as his commitment to “not letting the old man in” as he celebrates his 77th birthday. This episode is as heartwarming as it is charming!

Lynda La Plante on a remarkable life in showbiz, a career in crime fiction, and parenthood in later life

This episode is one of our juiciest listens! Here, Kate sits down with the incredible no-holds-barred writer Lynda La Plante who takes a deep dive into her storied 60-year career, opening up about her storytelling brilliance, embracing motherhood later in life, and the shocking end to her marriage. Her life behind the scenes is just as enthralling as her writing. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to grab a glass of wine for this one!

To listen and subscribe to Charlie and Tayler’s suggested episodes, check out White Wine Question Time wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday and Friday!

This article was provided by Stak as part of a paid advertising package. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

To enquire about advertising with Pod Bible email info@podbiblemag.com

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Sixty years ago, academics considered football hooligans as Marxist freedom fighters. Forty years ago, they were Britain’s folk devil. Twenty years ago, we were told they were gone. But in 2024, we realised they never went anywhere. The media has portrayed football hooligans as some of the most deviant and dangerous characters in British society – but what can we find out if we dig a little deeper beyond the stereotypes and tabloid headlines?

The English Disease is the latest podcast from Stak, and the second documentary series on their new narrative feed, Legacy. This gripping series traces a remarkable movement through British culture, dissecting the legacy of ‘hooliganism’ through fashion, music, football, politics, and policy. From football’s dark old days in the 1980s to the increasing prevalence of the Far Right across football and wider society, the movement has morphed and transformed, but never vanished. This new 6-part series will take listeners straight to the centre of these dark spaces.

Written and presented by football writer Sam Diss, this documentary shares open conversations with former hooligans, some who say they were ‘the best days of their lives’. Others openly voice their regret, including a 21-year-old man who writes from prison charged with manslaughter after being involved in football-related disorder. Sam will take listeners inside some of the biggest online football fan groups, as well as speaking to the leading experts who have devoted their lives to understanding this complex yet primal instinct to fight for something beyond yourself.

The English Disease shines a light on football and British society. Embedded in the UK’s national sport, this is a story of class consciousness, rebellion and adventure turning to embittered violence, tribalism and greed. It is a story of what happens when society disenfranchises its people, dismantles social structures and a void is left – and what fills that void.

We caught up with Sam Diss to talk about the creation of The English Disease and dig a bit deeper into what ‘hooliganism’ means to him.

Hi Sam! So firstly, what made you want to make The English Disease?

I felt there was a gap in how people understood football hooliganism. It’s often portrayed as ‘mindless violence’, which never rang true to me. Growing up on a council estate in the East End, I spent years observing how young men found identity and belonging in places society ignored.

Now, I wanted to explore the story of why these subcultures existed, what they provided, and what they’ve turned into.

Has the media portrayal of football hooliganism evolved at all?

Not enough. You still see the same headlines: lobotomised monsters beyond redemption. Years ago, academics saw hooligans as ‘Marxist freedom fighters,’ but now they’re the soldiers of far-right agitators. The media dismissed that evolution because they were too busy pretending it all went away.

What was your most memorable moment making the podcast?

Seeing just how raw our impulse to connect is. Take Riaz Khan: a second-generation Pakistani-Afghani lad growing up in National Front-era Leicester, who found his way through football violence. He told me he was a respectful Asian boy at home but became a football casual as soon as he stepped out the door. Slowly, the mask started to eat the face. The most fascinating part: He told me he hated the National Front, but at least they stood for something.

What do you hope listeners take away from The English Disease?

I hope people walk away with some empathy. I want this to be a show that doesn’t go for easy routes: I wanted to ask awkward questions and hear uncomfortable answers, in a way that hopefully speaks to people across the political spectrum.

Listen and subscribe to The English Disease wherever you get your podcasts. Episode one and two were released on October 1st.

Listen to The English Disease 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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Have you ever laid in bed, and just before drifting off to sleep, found yourself imagining how you would break out of prison or pull off the greatest diamond heist in history? Well, Harry Clark and Paul Gorton have.

The two biggest breakout stars of The Traitors 2024, Harry and Paul are back to plot even more dastardly schemes in their new show Harry & Paul Are…Devious. From the creators of Football Ramble and Abroad in Japan, this new podcast series sees the duo poring over some of the most infamous botched crimes in history and plotting their own play to help them get away with it.

From penguin theft to someone revealing their hiding location on Snapchat Maps, the boys have to decide whose new Devious plan is better. Sending heads into hands and the pair into hysterics, this show brings an entertaining and lighthearted warmth to the True Crime genre.

Now, Harry and Paul have decided to become the agony uncles you didn’t know you needed in an extra episode called ‘Devious Dilemmas’. Each week, listeners will send in their dilemmas for Harry and Paul to decipher on the show. Combating crazy friendship stories or finding hidden meanings in inexplicable dreams, Harry and Paul are balancing out their mischievous ways by bringing solutions to the listeners’ daily dramas.

So, as a sneak peek into the outrageous, wicked, but wholly hilarious minds of Harry and Paul, we asked them to interview each other, diving a little bit deeper into their devious dreams.

HC: Hi Paul. We’ll start strong…We mentioned this in the first episode: do you think you would rather carry out loads of little heists or one big one?

PG: I’d do lots of smaller ones, I know full well that if I did one I’d get addicted and have to do another. Lots of small ones keep me entertained and wealthy, possibly less likely to be caught too as I can plan multiple attempts rather than hope that just one goes off without a hitch.

PG:⁠ What about…⁠⁠If you could get away with one crime what would it be?

HC: It’s got to be robbing a bank – the biggest in history so then I can live the rest of my life sitting on a beach sipping cocktails!

PG: That is the dream. What do you think is the best time to commit a crime?

HC: ⁠Definitely dependent on the crime, for example under the cover of darkness, carrying out a bank heist would be a perfect opportunity as everyone is in bed. However, sometimes committing crimes in the daytime to fit in with the general public is a great idea, like nicking an apple from a fruit stand! Actually, bit harsh, maybe not.

HC:⁠ Yeah, agreed. ⁠⁠If you had to choose a team of 5 celebrities to help you carry out a heist who would it be and why?

PG:

1. ⁠Margot Robbie – ultimate distraction
⁠⁠2. Harry Winkle (AKA Harry Clark) – criminal mastermind, charm an insider
3. Beyoncé – sing us a song whilst heisting
4. Stephen Fry – genius, trustworthy, no one will suspect
⁠⁠5. Lewis Hamilton – getaway driver

HC: A solid heist squad there. And what would be your go-to disguise to use when carrying out a heist?

PG: Shave hair and beard off, wear a prosthetic mask and blue contact lenses. And a Scottish accent, of course.

Listen and subscribe to Harry And Paul Are…Devious with new episodes released twice a week, and make sure to DM your Devious Dilemmas to the show’s Instagram account @Harryandpaulpod.

Listen and subscribe to Harry & Paul Are…Devious wherever you get your podcasts.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

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

The post Are You A Faithful? Or Are You…Devious? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

“Tomorrow, if we have a case of cheating with a motor in the bike, [I’m] sorry but it will destroy our sport.” – head of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), David Lappartient.

Cycling fever is heating up with the Tour de France just around the corner, but under the building excitement for the sport is a hidden air of scandal…

Ghost in the Machine is the investigative documentary uncovering the rise of motor-doping within professional cycling, with host Chris Marshall-Bell travelling all over Europe to discover how detrimental this could be for the sport. Now, with its final episode being released on June 28th, Chris rounds off his investigation with interviews from two of cycling’s most powerful men – as well as being driven through the perilously snowy outskirts of Budapest by an engineer who crafted futuristic motors for the sport.

Throughout the investigation, ex-professional riders have given their testimony admitting that they have always had their suspicions about motors being used in some of the world’s biggest races. Chris’ journey began with some bad, budget airlines’ coffee, as he headed for the Belgium city of Aalst to speak to Femke van den Driessche, the only competitor ever banned from the sport after being caught with a hidden motor inside her bike at a world championships in 2016. She’d turned her life around, isolating herself away from the sport, but pointed Chris in the direction of the man who’d installed the motor inside the frame, one Nico van Muylder – who said after the discovery he’d received several calls claiming to be from interested pro-cycling teams.

Since the investigation began, Chris has uncovered a redoubling of efforts to stamp out motor-doping from cycling’s governing body, the UCI. Several major figures in the organisation even admitted to enjoying the podcast – purely off the record, of course!

But, there’s a new sheriff in town: ex-FIFA and UEFA match fixing and corruption expert Nicholas Raudenski, who’s been tasked with identifying how motor detection processing can be improved in the sport. It’s clear that there is still a lot to do when it comes to stamping out cheats in an already compromised sport, but with journalists like Chris, and investigations such as Ghost in the Machine, the flame underneath these authorities has truly been lit.

Tune in for the final episode of Ghost in the Machine to be released on Friday 28th June, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen and subscribe at the link below:

lnk.to/ghostinthemachine

And if you have any further information about motor-doping that you wish to share with us, we’re all ears! Just give us an email at: motordoping@gmail.com.

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

The post Ghost In The Machine: Could professional cycling be over for good? appeared first on POD BIBLE.

The video game industry is going through a tough time at the minute. It’s seen huge layoffs across the world, renowned studios are being closed at the drop of a hat, and games are getting so expensive to make that you might not see GTA 7 until you’ve reached your golden years.

At such a crucial time, VGC: The Video Game Podcast is here to tell you exactly what is going on in the video game industry. With razor-sharp takes and a good helping of laughs to lighten the mood, it isn’t constant fanboy wars or gratuitous overhype. It’s some of the UK’s most knowledgeable journalists – Jordan Middler, Andy Robinson and Chris Scullion – keeping you up to date on exactly what’s going on and what you should be playing.

From honest reviews of the latest releases, to deep dives into the newest consoles, the podcast covers a plethora of topics. Is the PS5 slowly dying? What is the impact of AI on gaming? What is the new future of gaming? Plus, there’s always time for weekly energy drink reviews, stories about the old days of working on gaming magazines, and references to 90s wrestling – what more could you want?! The balance of gaming expertise and hilarious chemistry between the hosts is what makes VGC completely unique in the industry.

And it’s not just commentary; you can trust that VGC is always at the centre of exclusive gaming news. Because more often than not, they’re the ones who break these stories. This year alone, they were the first to report on the much – anticipated refresh of the Nintendo System, cementing their status as a trusted source for gaming enthusiasts. If you want the scoop hot of the press – go to VGC.

Every episode is a unique listening experience with loads of new guests being welcomed onto the show! They’ve had special guests such as; journalist Jeff Gertsmann, Kinda Funny’s Blessing Adeoye Jr, GameSpot’s Lucy James, and The Guardian’s Keza MacDonald – just to name a few! So, with an always rotating third chair on VGC, there is a constant variety of insight from all over the gaming globe.

If you want a video game show for grown – ups that will distil a week’s worth of gaming madness into an hour, VGC: The Video Game Podcast is the place. Extra points if you’re interested in energy drinks and Scottish football!

Listen now to VGC: The Video Games Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Thursday.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post VGC: The Video Game Podcast – Player 1 is Loading… appeared first on POD BIBLE.

Previous guests include Tom Allen, Raye, Hannah Waddingham, Craig Doyle, HRH Princess Eugenie, Jam es Acaster & Ed Gamble and loads more. Kate  consistently brings her warm, thoughtful and deeply researched questions to every guest, from all corners of the entertainment industry, whether that be food, sport, music, or comedy. Every conversation allows listeners to connect with the guest and the intimacies of their story. “The show has given me a chance to share in pivotal moments in a guest’s life, like when we had Hannah Waddingham on just as Ted Lasso was gaining momentum. Hannah had been a friend of mine for some years by then and we recorded her episode at my house over a curry just as the world was waking up to her talents. It was really special to help tell her story over a couple of glasses of wine as she came into full bloom professionally.”

Even the most famous guests bring plenty of stories you’ll have never heard before. “I’ve been lucky enough to carry on working as a journalist and interviewer for 30 years now and the format of the show gives me a chance to really dive into all I’ve learnt across those years. If a guest says “that’s a really hard question” or “I’ve never been asked that before” it feels like a win – it means we’re exploring new territory!”. It’s like settling in for a chat with an old friend – the show is charming, ferociously funny and often deeply heartfelt. “The general rule of thumb we apply is if a guest is booked onto the show then it’s because they’ve done enough extraordinary things in their life to warrant you lending us your ears for an hour. They are all “best in class” from whatever field they’re in, be it acting, singing, food, sport, politics or entertainment” says Kate.

Every Friday, listeners can hear brand new interviews with various well-known names, as well as a deep dive into the show’s cellar every Tuesday, where Kate will take us back down memory lane with some of the most interesting guests from previous episodes. “We have
some gems lined up over the next few months – there’s a real life living legend in the form of the first British astronaut to ever walk in space and a member of probably the most famous family on the planet…but I can’t say any more on that for now!”

Listen and subscribe to White Wine Question Time wherever you get your podcasts with new episodes releasing every Tuesday & Friday.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post White Wine Question Time: Kate Thornton is back! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

In January 2012, a message appeared on 4Chan, the anarchic online messaging board which had become a playground for hackers and conspiracy theorists alike:

“Hello. We are looking for highly intelligent individuals. To find them, we have devised a test. Good Luck, 3301.”

Accompanying the text was a cryptic image – a black-and-white cicada. What users didn’t know at the time was that this post marked the first step in one of the most complex puzzles to rock the internet age – later known as Cicada 3301.

The murky origins of the story led Nicky Anderson and Tommie Trelawny down a digital rabbit hole, which led to a year-long investigation into where these puzzles came from and who was behind them. Following on from their first investigative series The Interruption, The World’s Hardest Puzzle is the second investigation in Stak’s Archive saga.

From riddles to impenetrable codes and US military conspiracies, one thing became clear: Cicada 3301 was no ordinary puzzle. It was an intellectual minefield shrouded in mystery. Speaking to those who found themselves at the heart of the mystery, Nicky & Tommie trek through the winding, often murky history of the internet, uncovering the admirable integrity some corners of the internet still hold, as well as the sometimes sinister consequences of revealing too much of our lives online.

At the helm, delivering her on-mic debut as well as producing the series was Stak’s Nicky Anderson. We caught up with Nicky to see how she felt about being a primary voice of the podcast and the process in telling such an intricate story.

Hi Nicky! So, how was it going from the producer role, to stepping onto the mic for the first time?

At the beginning, it was seriously nerve-wrecking but I knew it was something I wanted to do so I really just had to throw myself into it. Of course there were times where I doubted myself but I’m so glad I’ve added another string to my bow, it was a fantastic experience. I already can’t wait for the next!

And how did you find the Cicada story? What made you think it was worth making a podcast about?

Tommie told me about it one day and I just couldn’t get it out of my head after that! It had everything a brilliant mystery needs: puzzles, clues, dedicated followers, real world locations and more. It was something refreshing, interesting and a bit bizarre that I wanted more people to know about!

When delving into something as complex as Cicada 3301, what was your process in trying to make it sound clear for the listener whilst trying to understand it yourself?

It was a very humbling experience! The amount of behind the scenes research that went into the pre-production felt like it never really ended. But no one says research can’t be content itself – if you’re making a documentary about a topic and you’re having a meeting about it with your production team, stick on your mic and start recording. All this tape will not only help you when it comes to scripting later on as you’ll be able to re-listen to your conversation, but it can also be used as ‘real life’ investigation tape.

Lastly, what do you think are the main differences between working with Tommie as a producer and now also a co-narrator?

Naturally there were challenges, there were times where each of us would end up slipping back into the producer / host dynamic. It took some time to get used to and I did have to keep reminding myself that this time round we were co-creators. I was very fortunate to go through this experience and change with Tommie. I think we make a good team no matter what the dynamic.

Listen and subscribe to Archive: The World’s Hardest Puzzle by searching for the show wherever you get your podcast, or by clicking this link.

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This article was created in partnership with Stak.

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January 2016. It’s the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Belgium and 19-year-old cyclist Femke Van den Driessche is waiting at the starting line of the Under 23 Women’s race. As the tension starts to mount, with the sound of the crowds all around her and bicycle chains wiring, the tannoy calls two minutes until the starting bell. Femke is set to be the golden girl of cycling for her home country… Little did she know that this would be her final competition.

Race officials were called to inspect her spare bike and, as they removed the seat, spools of wires cascaded out from within. They revealed a motor, hidden in the seat post. Femke is the first and only person to be banned by The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for having a motor in her bike. Since that fateful race in 2016, Femke has faded out of the limelight. No more cycling, no press, no explanation.

Now, investigative journalist Chris Marshall-Bell sets off to uncover this new scandal of cycling and the truth behind Femke’s story. He speaks to people who were at the centre of the saga in 2016, including exclusive interviews with Femke Van den Driessche, and her family friend embroiled in the case, Nico van Muylder. But, is Femke really the only person to have used a motor in her bike? Or, as many claim, is this only the beginning? Do gross examples of cheating pervade even the highest levels of cycling?

Through interviews with former race winners, Chris examines how this has affected the reputation of the sport and what more can be done to stop it. Moreover, current and ex-riders reveal their suspicions around the use of motors to aid various racing victories, providing unique insight into the underbelly of cycling.

But there is so much more to this story. From peculiar tales of pigeon doping to canary theft, bankruptcy sagas, and even a carnival cat costume, the podcast explores the quirky and bizarre aspects of human nature and what individuals are willing to do to come out on top.

From the acclaimed makers of Football Ramble, Inside the Qatar World Cup and P1 with Matt and Tommy, Stak proudly presents Ghost in the Machine, a limited series releasing new episodes every Monday. You can catch up on episodes one and two and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.

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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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The Christmas lights are up, the turkey is in the oven, everyone is wearing flimsy paper crowns, and your two favourite uncles are standing in the corner having a weird conversation about batteries… Welcome to The Luke & Pete Show!

The festive season is upon us, and Luke and Pete are bringing you all the world’s stunningly strange stories. From intergalactic conspiracy theories to Elon Musk’s latest attempts to be cool, and lots of questions about Hulk Hogan, all your party conversation starters are covered! … Maybe.

To celebrate we’ve asked Luke and Pete to predict the other co-host’s dream Christmas – what could possibly go wrong?

So, where do you think they are waking up on Christmas morning?

Pete: In his house – rubbing his eyes as he trudges downstairs for a morning of present opening in the bosom of his young family, pausing only to part the Venetians to see if the lady over the road has illegally put her cones out on this special day.

Luke: Pete will be woken up on Christmas morning in his workshop/shed down the bottom of the garden by one of his dogs. He will rapidly come to the realisation he’s bought hardly any presents, and the ones he’s bought he can’t find. The ones he can find he has no idea who they’re for.

What gift would they be most excited for opening?

Pete: One of those bags of 10 quid jamon crisps he keeps talking about, or a book about UFOs. A book as big as an Alsatian about Eisenhower’s continuance of the New Deal, 1956-57.

Luke: Anything tech. Anything that can be construed as some kind of superfluous gadget; an electric tin opener, some thermal paste perhaps.

What would be the one thing that would ruin Christmas for them?

Pete: Me turning up. God, should I?

Luke: I could see the toilet being blocked and he will insist on trying to fix it rather than leaving it alone. For some reason I have an image of him looking confused holding a plunger in a marigolded hand

How does their dream Christmas end?

Pete: Snoozing in front of Only Fools and Horses. Luke’s Dad rocks up with a newly reconditioned park bench and he stretches out on it. Closing his eyes and dreaming of being probed by ALF or something.

Luke: I think of him falling asleep in an easy chair with a glass of something nice on the go, wearing a Christmas hat at a jaunty angle, his glasses falling slightly down his nose and his mouth slightly upturned in satisfaction.

For all your festive frivolities this holiday season, head over to The Luke & Pete Show wherever you get your podcasts.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post Luke & Pete’s dream Christmas! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

It might be getting cold outside, but the Championship season is hotting up! And that’s not just because West Brom’s mascot is a man dressed as a boiler. From top to bottom, there is narrative, drama and more narrative!

The Second Tier podcast keeps you in the know all year round. Every Thursday and Sunday, hosts and self-confessed Championship obsessives Ryan Dilks and Justin Peach bring you match reactions and tackle all the topics that fans really care about. It’s all the best storylines, with less of the xG!

So forget the Radio Times’ Christmas TV guide. We’ve got you covered with all the games you need to watch this Christmas from the most entertaining football
league in the world!

IPSWICH TOWN vs NORWICH CITY
12:30 Saturday December 16th

Justin: The East Anglian derby hasn’t been contested in almost four years which means the bitter rivals have plenty to catch up on. That day, Ipswich were beaten 3-0.

But fast forward to 2023 and Ipswich have been cruising this season under Kieran McKenna. Norwich, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency in the midst of lots of changes upstairs, meaning that Ipswich have the upper hand in this fixture for the first time since 2010 – when Norwich were a third-tier side. There will be more than bragging rights on offer in this fixture at Portman Road.

BIRMINGHAM CITY vs LEICESTER CITY
20:00 Monday December 18th

Ryan: Did someone say Wagatha Christie: Part 2?! This fixture sees Birmingham boss Wayne Rooney reunited with Leicester striker Jamie Vardy for another round in the ring –
except this time it probably won’t involve phones ending up in the sea.

Birmingham City wanted “no fear football” when Rooney was appointed – but it’ll be hard to stand up to Leicester’s Maresca-ball, which has seen them take 36 points from their opening 13 games.

The sub-plot to this is just too juicy to ignore and my fingers are firmly crossed that Vardy lets his impulsive thoughts win if he scores in this one.

IPSWICH TOWN vs LEICESTER CITY
19:45 Tuesday 26th December

RD: The best Christmas present of all. These two sides both had the best starts to a season in Championship history, and Boxing Day will be the first time they clash.

The big difference between the two is Leicester have been freshly-relegated from the Premier League with a massive budget, while Ipswich are newly-promoted from League One. It’s a mouth-watering fixture with so much at stake, including getting one over their chief rival to win the whole division.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY vs HULL CITY
17:15 Monday 1st January

JP: What better way to kickstart a season than a win on New Year’s Day? Sheffield Wednesday will be looking to grab three points after a disastrous return to the Championship following League One promotion last season.

Expectations are completely different on Humberside though, with the ambitious Club President, Acun Ilicali, funding a promotion challenge for Hull City.

An emphatic Ozan Tufan hat trick was the difference in the reverse fixture in August when optimism was still in the air at Hillsborough. However, three points will be vital if the club are going to steer clear of a drop back into League One. Expect a supercharged atmosphere at Hillsborough.

As the Championship kicks into high gear this festive season, Second Tier is your ticket to the real action. Join hosts Ryan Dilks and Justin Peach every Thursday and Sunday for match reactions and discussions on the hottest Championship topics. From the East Anglian derby’s revival to the intriguing clash between Ipswich Town and Leicester City on Boxing Day, the Championship promises unforgettable moments. Don’t miss out on the real blockbuster stories; tune in to Second Tier: The Championship Podcast, where every match is a story in itself. The football festivities begin here!

You don’t want to miss new episodes of Second Tier which you can find wherever you get your podcasts.

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post A very Championship Christmas with Second Tier! appeared first on POD BIBLE.

On The Continent is the one-stop shop for all the European football knowledge you need. From the makers of Football Ramble, On The Continent dissects the latest football headlines from across Europe and delivers a deep dive into all aspects of the game. The podcast is led by broadcasting legends Andy Brassell (The Guardian, talkSPORT & Sky Sports) and Dotun Adebayo (BBC 5live) who welcome a range of European football experts onto the pod every Thursday.

And, with each new season comes a new show! Every Friday, the team answers your questions on ‘Ask OTC’. So, if you want to know more about the next generation of superstars or if you’re planning a European football adventure and need travel tips, they’ve got you covered!

So to get a taste of all that and to celebrate the end of qualifiers for Euro 2024, in Issue #029 we thought we’d ask Andy Brassell what he thinks about the tournament next summer. Over to you Andy!

HI ANDY! SO WHO HAS IMPRESSED YOU MOST IN QUALIFYING THIS YEAR?

It has to be Scotland. The less a team qualifies the harder it becomes to qualify with the seeding system, so for the Scots to win their first five matches in a group containing Spain and Norway is extraordinary.

WHO IS GOING TO BE THE DARK HORSE?

I’ve had my share of stick from listeners (and fellow hosts too!) by flagging that Turkey had the players to do well in Euro 2020 (they didn’t), so I’m not going down that road again! Hungary have greatly improved in recent years and in Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai, they have a bona fide superstar in their midst.

WHO IS THE ONE PLAYER READERS MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF WHO COULD LIGHT UP THE TOURNAMENT?

Maybe Benjamin Šeško of Slovenia. He’s a big centre-forward who Manchester United were very interested in before he opted to go to RB Leipzig instead.

WHICH TEAMS SHOULD ENGLAND BE MOST WORRIED ABOUT?

France, obviously. Not only do they have Kylian Mbappé but they have great strength in depth as they showed at the World Cup.

AND LASTLY… WHY SHOULD PEOPLE SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW OTC FEED TO FOLLOW THE EUROS?!

As well as covering the big names and big games, here at OTC we pride ourselves on really getting under the skin of subjects and taking the chat in interesting and entertaining directions. Dotun Adebayo and I have such a great range of voices with expertise from all over Europe joining us, so you’ll be covered whichever way
the tournament twists and turns. You’ll have a wide palette of original takes to pass off as your own in the pub!

Go and listen to On The Continent now – bigger and better than ever on its brand new feed! Search On The Continent in your podcast app to subscribe and listen now!

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This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post Continental football flavours from On The Continent appeared first on POD BIBLE.

‘Tis the season to be SPOOKY – and while you’re deciding what costume you’re going to half-heartedly wear to your mate’s Halloween party, Clash of the Titles are dedicating the whole of October to the scariest corners of cinema. Every week Alex Zane, Chris Tilly, and Vicky Crompton will put two scary movies head-to-head and see which one pulls the other limb from limb as they dive into all their cobwebbed nooks and crannies. It’s a test of terror between two frightening films, and only one can be crowned victorious!

Clash of the Titles have celebrated Shock-tober since its inception over four years ago. From an epic battle between Stephen King’s masterpieces The Shining vs. Doctor Sleep, to zombie showdowns like Shaun of the Dead vs. Zombieland, the gang don’t shy away from the epic scope of the horror genre.

And this year is no different! But, even if you normally hide behind the sofa when any creepy soundtrack comes on, Clash has got you covered. They’ll let you know what to expect and always bring a hilariously infectious energy to every movie match-up. To celebrate the Halloween season, we put the
Clash gang through a scary head-to-head, full cinema classics and Halloween horrors. Let’s see how they do!

SO, FIRST OFF: DRACULA VS FRANKENSTEIN?

Vicky Crompton: Can you dine-and-paso-doble with Frankenstein? Probably. But Dracula would pay for dinner – so, Dracula.

Alex Zane: Dracula – I’ve never really got Frankenstein. But right from The Count on Sesame Street to Christopher Lee’s Hammer films to Gary Oldman’s accent,  I’ve enjoyed Dracula.

Chris Tilly: Dracula. Because he’s bloody Dracula!

CUTE, SCARY OR FUNNY COSTUME?

VC: The last time I dressed up I was a prawn cocktail so I think my feelings are clear.

CT: Scary Costume. I dressed as ‘The Birds’ once and it didn’t scare anyone. But at least I tried.

AZ: Impossible to answer. I went as Zombie Cher from the movie Clueless last year. Zombies are scary but Cher from Clueless is funny… I guess Zombies are scarier than Cher is funny, though… so Scary.

STEPHEN KING VS MARY SHELLEY?

AZ: Stephen King – One word. Two letters: IT. That book delivered one of cinema’s best ever horror villains in Tim Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise. (Although Bill Skargard is great in the new ones too).

VC: I love Stephen King but he did not bone Percy Shelley in a graveyard, and Mary Shelley did.

CT: Stephen King. Frankenstein is a masterpiece, but Stephen King is my favourite author, so no contest.

CREEPY ROCKING CHAIR VS SPOOKY NURSERY RHYME?

VC: This is a scary grandma vs scary children question and children are swift, fundamentally unpredictable and in possession of powerfully dark natures. Nursery Rhyme!

AZ: Nursery Rhyme… I point you in the direction of Nightmare on Elm Street. “One, Two, Freddy’s coming for you. Three, Four, better lock your door…”

CT: Spooky Nursery Rhyme. Exactly what Alex said!

PENNYWISE VS THE BOOGEYMAN?

VC: I honestly saw the friendliest looking man on the tube the other morning with a very realistic Pennywise tattoo on the back of his hand and then I was a bit upset for the rest of the day… Pennywise by a mile!

AZ: Pennywise. As outlined above. He’s the GOAT of horror villains. ‘They all float down here…’

CT: Pennywise. Not sure who the BoogeyMan is, but definitely know who Pennywise is.

HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN VS HALLOWEEN NIGHT OUT?

VC: Both! Out trick-or-treating, then in to slyly remove 25% of the sweets from the children’s haul and have for myself.

CT: Halloween night out. Though people have stopped inviting me to Halloween parties, so if anyone’s got space…

Don’t miss Clash of the Titles’ Spooky Season this Shock-tober! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts >>

This column was created with Stak. Stak produces podcasts that entertain and inform, including some of the UK’s biggest and most popular shows – boasting a combined 4 million monthly listen and over 45 years of podcasting experience. Whether recording remotely or in our broadcast-grade London  studio, we special in every stage of the podcasting process. To find out more or get in touch, visit our website at stak.london.

The post Catch-up with Clash Of The Titles Shock-tober! appeared first on POD BIBLE.