Champions of Happy

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Champions of Happy, hosted by James interviewing friends on what makes them happy, what uplifts their spirits and what puts a smile on their face. Sharing their joyful stories and spreading kindness. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

James Raynard


    • Mar 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 40 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Champions of Happy

    Ep 39 - Author Nick Coveney

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2025 59:47


    I am joined by Nick Coveney as we talk about his debut Queer YA novel 'Everything Not Saved' combining the power of video games, and the potential of young love with magic, horror and the supernatural. Think Stranger Things meets Sex Education, by way of Buffy and Ready Player One. The book has been funded via kick starter. I talk to Nick about the process of the book, what inspired him to write it and the future of the project.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/vens-adams/rise-of-the-hero Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 38 - The Uncanny Experience with Dylan Warpath.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 66:52


    @warpath_dylan Co-host of @houseofxpodcast, Co-founder of @theuncannyexpjoins me to talk all this X-Men, Cosplay and the upcoming event The Uncanny Experience. Such a sweetheart who has brought together fans of the franchise together online and now working towards a X-Men styled event experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 37- Halloween Special - The babdook with Jason!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 52:37


    Celebrating the halloween season with a bit of a twist to the Champions of Happy Podcast. I will be watching scary movies I have never seen before with a past guest! On this episode I am joined by Jason!Jason has chosen the film The babdook. We cover what we like, what we didn't like and what gave us the creeps! Happy Halloween! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 36- Halloween Special - Insidious with Dane!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2022 63:57


    Celebrating the halloween season with a bit of a twist to the Champions of Happy Podcast. I will be watching scary movies I have never seen before with a past guest! On this episode I am joined by Dane! Dane has chosen the film Insidious. We cover what we like, what we didn't like and what gave us the creeps! Happy Halloween! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 35- Halloween Special - Candyman with Sam!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 49:51


    Celebrating the halloween season with a bit of a twist to the Champions of Happy Podcast. I will be watching scary movies I have never seen before with a past guest! On this episode I am joined by Sam. Sam has chosen the film Candyman, we cover both the 2021 reboot and the original 1992 film. We cover what we like, what we didn't like and what gave us the creeps! Happy Halloween! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Ep 34 - Comedian Dane Buckley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 66:19


    I am joined by comedian Dane Buckley "The worlds only left-handed, Irish, Indian, gay comedian" we talk about his entry in to the comedy world, how he got started, the comedy contests he's won and how his journey is going. A truly lovely episode with a lot of laughs! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 33 - The Naked Bartrender - Daniel Ludevig

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 52:06


    On this episode of the podcast I talk to Daniel Ludevig AKA The Naked Bartender. a professionally certified life-coach and bartender, Daniel founded his startup to help all people use life to thrive, not just survive. Daniel works as a consultant, facilitator and coach for CEOs and organizations under the brand name of Move Leadership. He realised, hat self-help carries some stigma and coaching is expensive, making it unattractive to most people. As part of his mission to make positive mindset mainstream, he created “the naked Bartender” to expose a wider audience to the benefits of coaching and self-development. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 32 - Naked Nutrition - Daniel O'Shaughnessy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 41:24


    I am joined by Daniel O'Shaughnessy award-Winning Functional Medicine Nutritionist and now author to his book Naked NutrItion: An LGBTQ+ Guide to Diet & Lifestyle. We talk all about where the book came from and the real need for information on nutrition within the LGBTQ+ community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 31 - Parker Puppetry, Jess Parker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 75:10


    We start off 2022 with a new episode with Jess parker founder and director of Parker Puppetry we talk about how her work on the UK Tour of ‘AVENUE Q and her how Parker Puppetry teachers people online and in real life the skills of puppetry. A really fun episode where we geek out about all thing, muppets, puppets and James gives a go at showing off his muppet impersonations (you have been warned). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 30 - Drag Queen, Miss Terri Boxx

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 53:03


    On episode 30 of the Champions Of Happy I am joined by Drag Queen Miss Terri Box! We talk about their alternative style of drag, scary films and all things halloween!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 29 - Singer Songwriter TIN

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2021 37:24


    On this episode of Champions Of Happy I am joined by singer, song writer TIN. We talk about his past work , his latest single 'Stung' and his upcoming performances. Looking back at where he had performed and how he got in to Drag for the first time for this latest music video! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 28- The Queen's English - Chloe O. Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 44:24


    I am joined by Chloe O. Davis, the author of The Queens' English, The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases. The book celebrates the etymological diversity of over eight hundred terms used to describe our collective gay and queer experience. It is an epic journey of understanding identity, sexuality, gender, equality, humor, community and PRIDE. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 27 - Scott in Italy, Puglia

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2021 47:57


    Grab your passport and ticket, we're off to Italy, Puglia! On this episode I am joined by Scott. Scott made the big move from London to Italy, leaving his job, home and entire life for a fresh start! Leaving his lawyer life style behind and getting involved within the LGBTQ+ community and leaving his mark with his own podcast, website and blog. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 26 - Once Upon A Scream - Ben & Mikey

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 67:41


    Celebrating the 1st Birthday of the Champions Of Happy with podcasts Host Ben and Mikey! They host their own podcast Once Upon A Scream we talk about their love of Disney and horror, the pod cast community and their friendship. Thank you to everyone for listening to the Champions Of Happy, it's been a pleasure talking to all my guests! Happy Birthday to us and bring on the next year! Sound effects from Zapsplat See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 25 - Lynsey Shaw - Impossible Things!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 61:31


    Talking to the OH SO LOVELY Lynsey Shaw, Singer, Songwriter, Film Maker, Truth Seeker. We talk about her past working in LA, performing in a Girl back, Girls @ Play. Plus her work with Impossible Things and future plans for performances! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 24 - Boylesque with Sebastian Angelique

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 45:41


    I am joined by Sebastian Angelique Boylesque performer and member of House of Rouge we talk about his work burlesque work, how he started, what it's like, all the costumes, every rhinestone and body positivity! This episode is so full of love be sure to check out Seb's page and check out all his upcoming shows!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 23 - Psychologist CosPlayer - Pink.Hero Adam

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 46:48


    Today I joined by Adam aka @pink.hero all round lovely person! Cosplayer, Psychologist, Personal Trainer and super fan of the Pink Power Ranger! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 22 - X-men with X-Reads Podcast: An X-Men Experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 51:45


    I am so excited to be joined by Chris and Chandler from @xreadspodcast the XMen Podcast recapping back-issues with & zing. We talk all things XMen Comics! What a super (hero) delight!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 21 - Photography with Mark

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2021 55:58


    On this episode I talk to Mark @mwordsphotography about his passion for photography, his past projects and the future! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 20 - Spinder with Rich

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 59:52


    We made it to episode 20! On this episode I am joined by my guest, the founder of Spinder, Rich! We talk all about his fitness community, Spinder the LGBTQ+ feel-good, all-levels workout group! How he moved from the gym to online during lockdown, his journey as a personal trainer and his love of pop music! You can check Rich and Spinder out on website https://www.wearespinder.com/ and Insta https://www.instagram.com/wearespinder/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 19 - Gaymers iNC. with Adam and Yusif

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2021 69:35


    I'm talking to Adam and Yusif about their group Gaymers iNC. a community of more than 3,800+ LGBTQ London gaymers and geeks who share one mission: to play video games, make lasting friendships and geek-out. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 18 - Public Speaking and MasterTalk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 41:35


    I am joined by Brenden, speaking coach, communication expert and founder of MasterTalk. We talk about his work in the public speaking sector and how I as a guest can best work on my er's and ahh's that and much more including what are Brenden's favourite karaoke songs! https://www.mastertalk.ca/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    RECAP OF 2020 EPISODES!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 60:19


    We take a look back at the episodes recorded in 2020. I am joined by the ever so lovely Jason from episode 1. We look back at all the guests who have been on the show this year and remember all the stories they have shared! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep - 17 Pantomime with Eleanor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 47:42


    Talking all things Pantomime and Christmas with Eleanor! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 16 - Christmas Movies with Sam

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2020 66:01


    This week I'm talking to Sam about all things Christmas! Our family Christmas traditions and how Christmas will be a little different this year, we cover our favourite Christmas films and end on a game! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 15 - Real Clear Fetish with Ralf

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 62:42


    On this episode I talk Ralf to about his group Real Clear Fetish, the group for people who love fetish and kink but want to enjoy it in a sober safe space. We talk about how won the title of Mr leather Denmark 2008 & Mr leather Europe 2008 and we explore his past struggles with drug addiction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 14 - Cosplay with Kevin aka Kjeezy87

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 45:44


    On this weeks episode I talk to actor, singer, model cosplayer all round loveable dork Kevin @kjeezy87. We talk about his cosplaying experiences, his time at convention and his love of the tv show Charmed! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 13 - All thinks Geek with Reg

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2020 62:21


    In this episode I talk with my guest Reg @regsooks about his love of all things superheroes, comics, tv and film as well at looking as his past work in the toy industry. We look at his future as he becomes a policeman and we talk about dating during lockdown! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 12 - Dancing with Raheem

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2020 59:59


    On this weeks episode I talk with Raheem about his love of dancing, fashion and the songs we would sing if we were contestants on the X-Factor! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 11 - Chatting with DeAndré

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2020 64:28


    This week I am talking to the man who does it all DeAndré @heyitsdeandre . A Big & Tall model, co-host of the entertainment news show @thereeldallas, and a lifestyle, fitness and wellness influencer. He lost 150 lbs through diet and exercise in 2016, and had surgery in 2019 to remove 20 pounds of skin! On the episode we talk about his work, how the lock down has effected his life and we touch on Ru Pauls Drag Race. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 10 - Dungeons and Dragons

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 65:41


    We made it to the 10th episode! On this special episode I have not one, not two but three guests! Talking about their love of Dungeons and Dragons, how they got in to the game, what they love about it and how they have managed to play the game during Covid19! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 9 - Running and social distancing fun with Michelle Lewis!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 42:32


    On this episode of Champions Of Happy I talk to Michelle Lewis, runner, park run leader and leader of her own running group. We talk about her work supporting her local community with her running groups as part of Park Run and her own group Step forward with Lewis! We talk about the fun dancing (Social Distant) street disco's she's been leading and her very own pod cast Running Tales. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 8 - Music with Venn Smyth

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2020 39:36


    On this episode I talk to singer and song writer Venn Smyth about his new singles and what it's been like creating and producing music on lockdown. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 7 - Martin, From Performer to Key worker

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2020 49:31


    Talking to Martin on his work as a performer working on Priscilla Queen Of The Desert, how Covid19 has affected the world of theatre and his new job as a carer, being a key worker! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep - 6 Family and Cooking with Zubair

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2020 41:39


    On the 6th episode of Champions of Happy Podcast I talk to my friend and former college Zubair, I talk to him about spending lock down with his family, working from home and his love of food and cooking, plus his new job in the skin care industry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 5 - Personal Fitness with Kage

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 37:31


    Ep 5 of the Champions of happy Podcast. In this episode I talk to my friend Kage about his work as a actor, dancer and life model as well as his personal training. He's been working hard doing live work outs on insta live and as lock down starts to ease down he talks to us about his out door training sessions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 4 - Inclusive theatre and life with Sammy.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 50:56


    Talking with my long time friend Sammy about her great work at the inclusive theatre CottonShed, what it's been like living on lock down with a family and younger children and her unusual new pets in the garden. http://www.cottonshed.co.uk/ https://www.facebook.com/CottonShed See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 3 - Drag with Wayne Carter AKA Lia Bella

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2020 51:45


    Talking about the London Drag Queen Scene with Aussie cabaret comedian radio presenter and all round drag shambles @1waynecarter @theonlyliabelle - host of @drivingyouhomo See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Ep 2 - Comics with Joe Glass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 48:35


    Today I am talking with Comic book writer Joe Glass. His love of comics and all things geek. We talk about his passion for writing and look at his new comic kick starter project Glitter Vipers: A Queer Grindhouse Graphic Novel. A drag queen and their LGBTQ+ friends hit the streets to fight homophobia in this queer grindhouse, glitter noir revenge fantasy. You can find Joe on twitter @JosephGlass ands Instagram @Joeglass See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Pilot Episode with Jason - Testing testing, One - Two - three?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 36:43


    Welcome to the first episode of Champions of Happy podcast! In this episode I talk to my friend Jason, I've not seen Jason in months due to Covid19, we have a catch up and we talk about his love of board games! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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