Speak Up Sunderland

Feels like it's been AGES since Betty & Stevie properly caught up. It must be, because apparently Betty "misses Stevie's face". Yeah, right! Betty & Stevie share their experience of receiving the "little prick" - erm, vaccine, and what they're looking forward to as the lockdown lifts. And we want to hear from you - have you received your little prick?  What was your experience like?  Leave a voicemail message with us on the Speak Up Sunderland website! --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. This episode was hosted by Betty Ball and Stevie B, and produced by Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on our Facebook and YouTube!

How can you capture the mood of a country at war in a documentary? With a uniquely poetical, musical filmmaking style, artist and filmmaker Prof. Esther Johnson was commissioned by 14-18 Now to create "Asunder" - a uniquely moving and vibrant documentary which interweaves narratives from conflict overseas with characters in the North East. "Asunder tells the story of what happened to an English town during the First World War, with almost all of its men abroad fighting and its women and children left behind. The North East was in the front line, thanks to its shipyards and munitions factories." Our host Betty Ball meets Esther to hear all about the process of creating Asunder - poring over a hundred sources of archive material, working with renowned presenters Kate Adie and Alun Armstrong, and the composition of original music which makes Asunder such a distinctive WW1 documentary. Featuring original music from the soundtrack composed by Sunderland’s Mercury-nominated Field Music and Newcastle’s Warm Digits, performed with the Royal Northern Sinfonia and The Cornshed Sisters. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. This episode was hosted by Betty Ball, and produced by Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on our Facebook and YouTube!

This is Len Gibson, BEM. He’s reading from his collection of poetry, which he’s compiled over the past hundred years of his life.  You heard that right, Len Gibson turned 100 years old on the third of January this year. Len’s regarded as not only a hero to Sunderland, but also a national hero.  During the second world war, Len was a member of the 125 Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery. Between 1942, and 1945, Len was held as a Far East Prisoner of War - he was forced by the Japanese Empire to work on a railway which stretches between Thailand and Burma - the “Death Railway”, as it’s come to be known.  Len was one of an estimated 180,000 - 250,000 prisoners of war who were subjected to forced labour on the railway. Len’s a well-known figure here in Sunderland.  Usually, Len would be delivering a reading at our city’s Remembrance Parade.  It’s one of the biggest parades in the UK, the biggest outside of London. This year, because of the ongoing lockdown, the Remembrance Parade it’s moving online.  Sunderland City Council are creating a series of short films alongside the day. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. This episode features recordings of the Sunderland Remembrance Parade by Mike Walker Camera, and additional music by Andy G. Cohen. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on our Facebook and YouTube!

"Oh my God. OH MY GOD! It's Betty and Stevie!! [Unintelligible.]" From across the pond, living in Traverse City, Michigan, meet Mark Whitley - the self-proclaimed number one fan of Speak Up Sunderland. He's listened to every episode of Speak Up Sunderland. No, but for real, every. Single. Episode. We wanted to surprise him with a video chat.  (In fact, everyone was surprised.  Betty was still in her dressing gown, bless!) We reflected on some of our “favorite” moments throughout the series, and just why Mark loves podcasts! --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on our Facebook and YouTube!

Meet "Wor Vera", a.k.a. singer Deborah Taylor-Smith, who's donating her time and her voice by performing songs from throughout the decades outside care home residents across the North East. As care homes across the country are losing lives to COVID-19, Deb, who's studying BA Performing Arts at the University of Sunderland, is lifting spirits for residents when they're in need of positivity more than ever. "I have to hold back tears. A lot of the places I go to, the care homes, people are living with dementia. They can't remember that they've just had food before the show, they don't remember what happened five minutes ago. "But as soon as I start singing these songs, they light up, they wave flags, they're dancing. It's overwhelming." Join us as hosts Betty Ball & Stevie B meet Deborah back at the last Speak Up Sunderland Live before the COVID-19 outbreak began, at the Fire Station in Sunderland. Hear about her journey; from gaining confidence and realising her talent, to beginning singing in public, booking gigs, and making a successful living from singing. Featuring Abbie Bianchi, and Angie Cumerford. --- --- --- We want to be your platform if you have anything to share with us - how you're feeling, how you've been affected, or your family, your business, your wellbeing - absolutely anything. Please send us a voice recording as a private message on our Facebook - we'll be using content in our upcoming episodes. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music (heavily butchered this episode!) was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B get together for a call after a really intense week. Now with his job as a deep cleaner classifying him as a "key worker", Stevie B shares his experience of deep cleaning tower blocks of COVD-19. It's not all doom and gloom - Betty gets sloshed in the bath, and we learn the etiquette of proper underwear. --- --- --- We want to be your platform if you have anything to share with us - how you're feeling, how you've been affected, or your family, your business, your wellbeing - absolutely anything. Please send us a voice recording as a private message on our Facebook - we'll be using content in our upcoming episodes. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music (heavily butchered this episode!) was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Happy New Year from Betty and Stevie at Speak Up Sunderland! Together we chat festive memories, play a stupid game, and tell you all about a couple of new projects we're launching next year: A special first listen to a supercut of our first "Ball's Deep" - where we put Betty through her paces - challenging her with intense experiences & awkward situations in the area.  Whether that's with hard-as nails-fitness instructors, getting her art on & drawing naked people, or whatever you can think of. "An Elephant Never Forgets" - a new series documenting aural histories of the Frank Caws Elephant Tea Rooms building in Sunderland.  It's a project we're working on in partnership with Living History North East, and the Sunderland Libraries. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music (heavily butchered this episode!) was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Meet two of the volunteers who take the calls that help save lives, and hear what it's like on the other end of the phone line at the Sunderland Samaritans. Sandy Shearer and Katie Mitchell share why they're driven to support this important charity, and a bit of behind-the-scenes gossip into the perhaps unexpected humorous phone calls. The Sunderland Samaritans are turning 50 next year, so they’re looking to recruit more and more volunteers, with their “50 for 50” campaign.  Head to samaritans.org/volunteer if you fancy joining them, or call 116 123. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music (heavily butchered this episode!) was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Red Riding Blood.  Witches put to trial.  The monsters behind the screen.  This is the Speak Up Sunderland Halloween Special. Spooky stories for Halloween, read by 6 members of Spectral Visions Press, a publishing house based at the University of Sunderland who focus on the gothic, horror, and macabre. Joining us live to share stories at the Fire Station in Sunderland were Spectral Visions' two founders: Dr. Alison Younger - Programme Leader, MA English Studies Colin Younger - Senior Lecturer, English and Creative Writing "Gothic is sexy, gothic is everything. Our students loved it, so we set Spectral Visions up so they had somewhere to publish it. It's not just students - we encourage anyone from Sunderland to submit work." "When students leave university, they don't just leave with a degree, but they leave with work experience from a publishing house, and with published writing. So it's a good first step on the ladder." And with poetry / creative writing readings from: Carolyn Thomas Rubin Blue Lizzy Hergraves Anthony Anderson --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music (heavily butchered this episode!) was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Work on a £11million new music venue in Sunderland's city centre has just begun, alongside the redeveloped Fire Station. When it opens in 2021, the "Auditorium" promises to be Sunderland's answer to mid-size venues - a 450-seater venue with music and theatre performances around the year. It's part of the MAC Trust's continued plans to develop a cultural quarter in Sunderland. Rebecca Ball, Creative Director of Sunderland Culture, joins hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B to share the latest developments in Sunderland. Click here for a full transcript of this episode. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Vinicio. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

40 days at sea.  6 metre waves.  A diet of 10,000 calories a day.  And four men in a rowing boat, battling all kinds of waves, wind and weather to cross the Atlantic. Meet John Adams - he's taking on a fierce competition called the "Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge". Along with three other crew mates, Derek Spence, John Ford, and Colin Corfield, John will be testing his endurance and his limits. It's all in aid of raising money for the Scots Guards Charity, supporting serving and retired soldiers, and their families.  Find more about their campaign Row 4 Heroes, including how you can help support the charity. Hear Betty probe John about how he's going to go to the bathroom, how long dairy products are going to last, and so much more. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Our music was created by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding by Jorge Rodrigues. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

Cut the cake, put on a "cheap and nasty tat" foam hat, and celebrate our first birthday with us! ONE YEAR OLD, BABY! Betty, Stevie, and a gathering of local listeners at the Fire Station in Sunderland, reflect back on the first season of the podcast. We share some of the first season highlights, some success stories that have emerged from bringing Sunderland residents together, and our hosts' recent trip across the Atlantic to New York. Speak Up Sunderland is a finalist in the New York Festivals Radio Awards 2019 - Best Podcast: Arts & Culture. We are endlessly grateful to financial support from Sunderland City Council. It's because of you that Betty and Stevie were able to visit New York to collect their certificate. We are so proud of this city, and we're thrilled to have represented you in New York! --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a podcast proudly produced in Sunderland, for Sunderland. Our hosts Betty Ball and Stevie B, and our producer is Jay Sykes. With music by Timecrawler 82, and our new logo and branding is made by Jorge Rodrigues. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

"Every patient is a person, an individual, a human being. And we've got to make sure, no matter what age and how far on they are in their dementia, that they have that dignity right up to the end." June Ainsley works full time with autistic and special needs children.  But due to the help she received from a dementia charity here in Sunderland when her mother was admitted to hospital, she now spends her free time organising fundraising campaigns. Whether it's dressing as Elvis and visiting the guests, organising fundraising events such as the upcoming sponsored 'bed push' along the seafront, or organising collections for objects like hairdryers, pyjamas, underwear, toiletries, stationary and shampoo, which people would otherwise go without. The Dementia Outreach Team (or DOT) at Sunderland General Hospital have nominated June for this month's Stars of Sunderland - and we couldn't agree more! Stars of Sunderland, created by journalist James Barker, showcases people in Sunderland who have done amazing things in their community - and gives a little back to the people who go out of their way to do so much. But before we begin today, we have some really good news to share... --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

"We've done something that the BBC have noticed. That's a pretty big statement, isn't it?" - Stevie B "I'm proud to be getting out of this car, and being the voice of Sunderland. Big love to everyone who has been a part." - Betty Ball On Wednesday last week, at 8pm, our friends Betty and Stevie joined The Evening Show on BBC Newcastle. Host Tamsin Robson asked Betty & Stevie about their adventures - what it's been like to create podcasts about Sunderland. This podcast was recorded literally "on the road to BBC Newcastle" - as our friends Betty & Stevie reflect back on their journey, and some of their key episodes / memories on the way. The full show is still available on BBC Sounds, if you fancy listening. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

This episode of the Speak Up Sunderland podcast carries a trigger warning:  Our guests talk about attempted suicide, depression, panic attacks, and lived mental health experiences. Another bumper episode, recorded at our last Speak Up Sunderland LIVE event at The Peacock in April; in collaboration of Katie Baggott, founder of the 'S.O.S. Sunderland Opinion and Stories' website. This episode features: Claire Coulthard, the founder of peer support group Red Balloons, who shared about the importance of looking after both your mental and physical health, and how the two are entwined. Incredible live poetry from Sunderland-based poets Hester Dowling and Adam O'Wellen.  Both have written gripping poetry from perspectives of poor mental health, and had the room entranced. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.com Twitter - @SpeakUpSun Instagram - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook!

This episode of the Speak Up Sunderland podcast carries a trigger warning:  We talk about attempted suicide, post traumatic stress, substance abuse, and mental health issues - with people who have lived mental health experience. Local inspiration 18-year-old Paige was commended by the Northumbria Police for her project called 'Notes on the Wear', where she single-handedly attached 40 different messages to Sunderland's Wearmouth bridge last year. The idea; that if she could save even one person from attempting suicide, the project would have been more than worth it. To date, Paige has received 19 messages to thank her for changing their lives. The Stars of Sunderland series is produced by journalist James Barker.  It's all about highlighting the work of exceptional individuals or organisations in Sunderland that go above and beyond for the community. Paige Hunter joined us at our fourth Speak Up Sunderland Live event at The Peacock, alongside Katie Baggott, founder of the 'S.O.S. Sunderland Opinion and Stories' website, launching in May 2019. 'S.O.S.' is a website focused on mental health stigma and awareness, and it’s launching in May 2019. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.comTwitter - @SpeakUpSunInstagram - @SpeakUpSunderlandor join us on Facebook!

Meet the Sunderland woman who's working to put herself out of a job... Alreeet! We're proud to launch a new project as part of Speak Up Sunderland...  It's called "Stars of Sunderland". It's all about highlighting the work of exceptional individuals or organisations in Sunderland that go above and beyond for the community. In this first episode, journalist James Barker who's heading up our "Stars of Sunderland" project introduces the idea at our first LIVE event, and our Betty nominated the first recipient... Kate Townsend is the Coordinator of the Sunderland Foodbank Network.  Kate works tirelessly to organise donations across several foodbanks around Sunderland, and make sure that people don't go without food and other essentials. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Join us on our journey: Our website - SpeakUpSunderland.comTwitter - @SpeakUpSunInstagram - @SpeakUpSunderlandor join us on Facebook!

Alreet! We're back, live from the Peacock in Sunderland city centre on Wednesday, with Sunderland-based singer & songwriter Marty Longstaff (a.k.a. The Lake Poets). You may know Marty's song "Shipyards" as the title track on the Netflix documentary series "Sunderland 'Til I Die", detailing a difficult season for the SAFC (Sunderland Association Football Club), produced by Fulwell 73... But tonight, in front of a live audience, Marty shared the origins of this beautiful, heart-wrenching song, and led a conversation about Sunderland's shipbuilding history, the value of arts in education, and the importance of supporting local music. Huge thanks to everyone who joined us live at the Peacock, but especially to everyone who joined the discussion with Marty: Victoria Armstrong, a Dancer & Choreographer based in Sunderland Andrea Bell, a property agent who's planning to open a soup kitchen in Sunderland Ken Devine, artist & owner of the Frederick Street Gallery in Sunniside Lesley Etherington, who was actually Stevie's form tutor for 5 years back when he was at Thornhill School Jacob Kirkbride, an MA Radio student at the University of Sunderland Lee Milburn, who's devoted 27 years to working at Nissan Adam O'Wellen, foundation student at the University of Sunderland, whose incredible poetry we featured on the previous episode of Speak Up Sunderland Stephanie Smith, a Sunderland-based visual artist recently featured in "Drawing in the Dark" on BBC Radio 4 Barrie West, a visual artist who runs the Sunderland INDIE artist collective --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is proudly made in Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun, on Instagram - @SpeakUpSunderland, or join us on Facebook!

Alreeeet! Welcome to our very first Speak Up Sunderland Live podcast!  This is part one. We're so thrilled to have recorded in front of a live audience - huge thanks to our friends at the Peacock in Sunderland city centre. Kate Townsend, the Coordinator of the Sunderland Foodbank Network joined us to share about the hugely important service they provide to at-need residents of Sunderland, and the future plans of their food collections. And a surprise guest to the mic, University of Sunderland student Adam O'Wellen, who shared his experience with using a food bank, his opinions on the community in Sunderland, and on social isolation, in the form of incredible original poetry. Next week, join us for another instalment of our first live event: Featuring the Head of the Sunderland City Council, Graeme Miller, and more surprise original poetry by local poet & artist Hester Dowling. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a weekly podcast, proudly made in Sunderland and about Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun, on Instagram - @SpeakUpSunderland, or join us on Facebook!

Alreet! A bit of a hard-hitting episode from the outset this week. Craig Hilton, the Manager of the Salvation Army's Swan Lodge Lifehouse in Sunderland, and Deb Fozzard, Director of the Sunderland Connect Network, joined us in the studio to talk addiction and homelessness in Sunderland. --- --- --- Speak Up Sunderland is a weekly podcast, proudly made in Sunderland and about Sunderland! Our hosts are Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and our producer is Jay Sykes. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun, on Instagram - @SpeakUpSunderland, or join us on Facebook! Or, come meet us in person! We're live at the Peacock for our debut public recording, on Wednesday 16th January 2019, 7pm - 10pm. Have a drink, a natter, meet other listeners, and share your stories about Sunderland. --- --- --- If you, or a loved one, are in need of any of the public resources & support services discussed in this episode, please follow the links below; Swan Lodge Lifehouse (Salvation Army) Wear Recovery Sunderland City Council Oasis Community Housing Sunderland Foodbank  

Happy Holidays from us at Speak Up Sunderland! As a present for you, we've made an extra-special, bumped stuffed selection box of an episode, for you to enjoy with your "nog negg".  Erm... "egg nog"! With special thanks to Sharon Appleby and Natalie Dellow of the Sunderland Bid, for making this episode possible, and for championing businesses in Sunderland. Today, meet the young people's choir from Sunderland College, and Nicola Gallagher who's their Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. Get lost in the soothing voice of Jan Eskildsen, the owner of the Sunderland Winter Ice Rink in Keel Square, and join us as Betty and Stevie scream their way onto the ice. And find out what's on in the Hadrian's Tipi that's set up tentpoles in Keel Square, with Kate Thompson and Jennifer Shepherd. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun, on Instagram - @SpeakUpSunderland, or join us on Facebook! Speak Up Sunderland is presented by Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and is produced by Jay Sykes.

We might be biased.  We think Sunderland is the best place to live in the UK.  But, apparently, we're not alone. According to a recent survey by finance firm OneFamily, Sunderland has been voted the best city to live in the UK if you're under 30 - based on affordability of living, property prices, commuting costs, and satisfaction and "happiness" levels. Not everyone agrees.  Talk Radio presenter Mike Graham called our city "ghastly" - despite never being himself.  Apparently he couldn't find anyone to defend the city.  Looks like he didn't ask the right people! So, we asked four young Sunderland business owners, based at the Hope Street Xchange building, what they think about the city. With thanks to: Jonathan Chambers, Jonarc Creative Fern Snailham, Uneek Staffing Abbie Burgess & Ethan Lowerson-Marshall, Into It Media Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook! Speak Up Sunderland is presented by Betty Ball and Stevie B, with music by Timecrawler 82, and is produced by Jay Sykes.

Today, we bring you the "Cash 4 Calendars" campaign! Speak Up Sunderland host Betty Ball teamed up with Kate Townsend, the Sunderland Foodbank Coordinator, to raise £500 - enough to buy an advent calendar for every kid in Sunderland who depends on the food banks, and would otherwise miss out on the countdown to Christmas. But they smashed the target!  At the moment, the total stands at over £1,600, including over 500 advent calendars, for children in Sunderland. As Betty's a Breakfast presenter on Spark in Sunderland, she called on the help of many of the community radio stations' volunteers - including the Sunderland-based 14-year old singer / songwriter Tom 'Mouse' Smith, who presents Spark's Local Music Show, and performed live at independent to raise money - and Drive Time presenter Jonny Beattie, who had his chest and armpits waxed to raise money!  Youch! A great big thank you from Betty to the local & national businesses & partners who helped raise money for the Cash 4 Calendars campaign. Alan Patchett, Asiana Fusion Restaurant, Independent, Laura Hartland Adams, Lofthouse & Partners, Marks & Spencer, Martin & Co. Sunderland, Nanny G's Cafe, Pop Recs, Richard Reed Solicitors, the Sunderland Bid, ramarketing, Tequila Tequila, The Church Door, Tombola, T.U.S. Hair Design, the University of Sunderland, and Wilko. Click here if you want to get involved in helping the Sunderland Foodbank. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun or join us on Facebook! This episode of Speak Up Sunderland features music by Tom 'Mouse' Smith, and our theme tune is by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Today, we meet the eccentrically down-to-earth Jo Howell - artist behind the #WeArExperimenting project. This Arts Council England project brings experimental photography to Sunderland - a series of workshops about creating photography using household objects such as tin cans and dustbins. #WeArExperimenting finishes with an exhibition - which you can go see (and create some photos in) at Mackie's Corner in Sunderland until December 1st. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Ever heard a guy get laser tattoo removal surgery on a podcast?  Didn't think so. (We don't like to play it safe here on Speak Up Sunderland!) Oh yeah.  On this week's episode, Betty Ball challenges Stevie B to go under the laser, and get the tattoo of his ex-wife's name removed. This episode is proudly made in partnership with brothers Will and Dan, of 'Supafly Wills Tattooz' in Hetton-Le-Hole.  Thanks to their support! And YOU get to vote on what we scar him with for life!  Listen to find out how... Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! Today, our hosts meet Robyn & Eddie from the band Picnic - based in Sunderland, they're a seven piece jazz / alternative / pop ensemble, and their music is going from strength to strength. Join us as we chat origins, passions, industry realities, the Sunderland vs. Newcastle scene, and what's ahead for these rising stars on Sunderland's music scene. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! Today, Stevie learns to "SUCK IT IN", shows off his brick, and Betty gets a little too wet in the fountains. Why?  Our friends met with Ryan Booth, an emerging photographer based in Sunderland, and travelled to three of the locations we put in Betty's hat last week.   Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Jay...  I mean Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! Join us, and let us "envelop" you in the "warm, moist" sounds of this episode as our friends pick 5 locations each in Sunderland, to have their photos taken. This is the first of a two-part episode; next week we'll be meeting with Sunderland-based photographer Ryan Booth, and racing around the city with Ryan's lens. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! A few weeks back, writer Glenda Young got in touch with us over Twitter.  She's recently signed a three-book deal with Headline Publishing, and is due to release her debut fiction novel "Belle of the Back Streets' in November. The books are based in Ryhope, where she was born, so Glenda offered to take us on a tour of her village.  How could we not jump at the chance? Find out about the vicar who promoted physical violence, what happened to Ryhope's long-lost train stations, and what makes Ryhope such an interesting place to set a series of 3 novels. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Produced by Jay Sykes.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! Last week, we visited the opening of the Northern Spire bridge; connecting the two areas of Pallion & Castletown together across the river Wear. After just over three years of construction over the past three years, the bridge was opened to pedestrians on Tuesday August 28th.  We met with visitors to the bridge, and two counsellors behind the scenes: Cllr. Graeme Miller, Leader of the Sunderland Council Chief Operating Officer for Economy and Place Les Clark Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! This is our first "Q&A" style episode.  Questions about the show, and about our hosts.  You asked - and betty & Stevie answered. You also helped suggest some general Sunderland knowledge questions, to test how much they really know the city. Thanks to our contributors; Abi Fullerton, Vin Todd, Ryan Booth, Marge Surtees, Miranda Ashitey & Stephanie Smith. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! Last week, for the first time ever in its history, the Roker Pier and Lighthouse opened to the public. Originally built between 1885 and 1903, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair, until restoration work began just six years ago, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Sunderland City Council. Eager to find out more, we spoke to volunteers & visitors alike - including the grandson of one of the lighthouse keepers! Phil Tweddle - Chair of Roker Heritage Group Claire Purvis - Pier Project Coordinator Anne Hoik & Peter Connor - Tour Guides Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this weekly podcast, proudly made both in and about Sunderland! This week, Betty & Steve enjoy a free glass blowing demonstration at the National Glass Centre, based here in Sunderland.  Featuring interviews with; Laura Reed - Marketing Communications Coordinator Ian Spence - Glass Artist / Glass Blowing Demonstrator Ray Stannes - Glass Artist / Glass Blowing Demonstrator Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Alreeeet! Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this new weekly podcast - proudly made in, and about, Sunderland! This Sunday (12th August) it's National Mackem Day - why aye!  To celebrate, Betty & Steve hit the streets of Sunderland with the Mackem Dictionary - to hear how many phrases the people of Sunderland know. Featuring the author of the Mackem Dictionary, Paul Swinney. And the voices of Joan and George, Daisy and Callum, Pat and Margaret, and our honorary Geordie guest Jess. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Alreeeet!  Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this new weekly podcast - proudly made in Sunderland! Today, Betty & Stevie meet City Hearts - a Sunderland-based charity who offer support for survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery; and make a new friend in "Joey", one of City Heart's clients originally from Vietnam. Get your tissues on standby, as you might this episode affecting. Featuring: Abigail Harding, Senior Caseworker for City Hearts in the North East. Angela Lang, from City Hearts' Intervention Support Programme. "Joey", who's named himself after the food-loving ladies' character in Friends. Follow our journey on Twitter - @SpeakUpSun. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82. Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.

Areeeet!  Welcome to Speak Up Sunderland! Join Betty Ball & Stevie B for this new weekly podcast- proudly made in Sunderland! In this very first episode, Betty & Stevie hoy themselves into Stevie's car (via KFC) to visit the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum in Sunderland, in search of a WW2 plane recreated by a bunch of youths. What does the Sunderland International Airshow mean to the area?  Will Steve be able to fit into the airplane?  And will Betty get over her Skittles addiction? Follow our journey on Twitter. Featuring: John Stelling, the North East Land Sea and Air Museums. Flight Lieutenant Brian Adgar, Officer Commanding of the RAF Air Cadets. Jane Gulliford Lowes, Seaburn-based historical writer. Cadet Ewan Todd, Cadet Lewis Dinsdale, & Cadet Corporal Cotrina Maddison from the RAF Air Cadets. Featuring music by Timecrawler 82 - "Psalms and Seagulls". Edited by Jay Sykes.  A Jammy Audio production.