That Great Manc Pod

Brilliant to chat with Reece about his acting career, which started as a child actor on Waterloo Road (at the time one of the biggest shows on TV) and his business career as the Founder of Social Plug®.Reece talks openly and very honestly to us about the issues with both careers that have impacted his mental health.  In doing so, along with open and transparent posts on his social platforms (specifically LinkedIn) Reece hopes to encourage others to reach out and talk with someone if they feel they need support with their mental health.

Great to have James Walton back on That Great Manc Pod.. Writer, Filmmaker, Poet and..new Dad.James has just released his new novella, "Every Neet o' Week, published by Bent Key Publishing. It's  written in the local Wigan dialect, something which James has become known for and focuses on protagonist and local darts maverick Jimmy Stott, exploring his journey from chip shop server to potential world champion.We talked with James about the book, the background to writing it and how he has stayed creative.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Lee Ward - Lee tells us about his 24 year career in the Army, a great story explaining how he used his time wisely learning from the experienced older soldiers, then planning his career progression through an extensive career including joining the Royal Logistics Core, training as a Commando and eventually becoming a training instructor. Lee also shares the struggle he had transitioning into Civilian life and how he now supports young people in pastoral care.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Claire Squires - We had the opportunity to speak to the other co-founder of Trafford Veterans CIC following in the footsteps of her Grandad who created the Galantary Medal League and hear about her life growing up in Trafford, joining the Naval Reserves aged 17 and going on to serve in the Royal Navy on one of our biggest aircraft carriers as a helicopter technician. Claire also shares how she was moulded by military service running through her own family, a lifelong sense of duty to others and her own struggles moving on with her children from domestic violence - including how she was let down twice in her career in the Navy and Police, by the system when she needed the support. She also talks about creating, running and growing Trafford Vets with some wise words on the importance of peer mentoring, teamwork and ensuring that even the people who run charities need support too.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Bob Wright. An episode that covers a lot. Bob talks about growing up in Openshaw, joining the Royal Transport Corp at 15, serving in Germany, Denmark and Northern Ireland and how witnessing trauma has led to him actively helping young people and other veterans with PTSD.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Chris Squires - a frank and sobering interview with the co-founder of Trafford Veterans CIC where he talks about his 13 years in the Kings regiment. He shares thought-provoking stories of serving on anti-tank patrols with 2 tours in Afghanistan and 2 tours in Iraq. Chris also talks about his struggles with mental health and how suicide attempts led to helping so many others through the setting up of Trafford Veterans CIC when he couldn't find the help he needed.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Derek shares stories about following his Dad into the Forces aged 16 (15 and three quarters to be precise) living and attending school in Berlin as a child of a serving soldier (Amongst many other things Derek's Dad would drive Prisoner Rudolph Hess to his Doctors Appointments) and a total of 19 years serving in Germany, a place that holds many great memories, especially the interactions with the locals.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Neil Smith - a jam packed episode with the hawaiian shirt wearing chairman of Trafford Veterans CIC. Neil shares stories of his 30 year career covering veterinary and mental health projects including tackling Ebola in Sierra Leone, spearheading mental health in Northern Ireland, organising the response to foot and mouth in the UK and time spent caring for the Queens horses!

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.In this episode Peter shares another side of military service as a musician and member of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Joining the boys service at age 15 he travelled the world and has some amazing stories that'll raise a smile or two. He also explains how important Trafford Veterans is to him and others, especially the friendship and banter that helps create a community within a community.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Les Bedford - wow, what a varied & far-reaching episode. Les talks about working in the coal mines of South Yorkshire in his early years, joining & serving with the Coldstream Guards and some of the men's health issues that he and his fellow soldiers have faced that includes bullying, mental breakdown but nost of all camaraderie. This journey takes us to Belize, Egypt, some thought provoking stories of Northern Ireland, a spell guarding Spandau prison and a few visits to the guard house!

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.John Everett - an enlightening discussion about John's range of dangerous jobs as a young man growing up in Maltby, his time in the Merchant Navy and how he eventually joined the Army and served in Hong Kong. John also highlights men's health and talks openly of his battles with cancer and the support he's had from Trafford Veterans CIC. 

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family. Episode Three – Phil BrookeIn this episode an absolute pleasure talking to Phil about how he signed up for the army alongside his mate on a whim, his experiences of being in the Army for over 20 years and the challenges he's faced and overcome since leaving the services with a humbling message that we must all seek help when we are struggling. 

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family.Episode two – Tracy KeirTracy shares her fascinating experiences of being a reserve in the Lancashire Fusiliers, her life caring for her family in Germany with the RAF and her dedication to helping people overcome trauma and mental health challenges. She also shares some of her own struggles and how she turned a difficult experience into a life helping others.

This series showcases the lives of people across Trafford that have served in our Armed Forces, their families and also those that have worked, or still work, across the emergency services. Working in partnership with Trafford Veterans CIC we listen to the amazing people in our communities that have seen and done astonishing things, faced some terrible struggles, but who have ultimately found comradery, support and comfort as part of the Trafford Veterans family. Episode one – Tony WilliamsonTo launch the series we talk to Tony about his varied and absorbing career in the armed services, his first hand experiences with emperor penguins and his life in Germany living next door to the real pied piper of Hamelin! Tony also shares how the transition to ‘Civvy street' has been a difficult one for him but how finding Trafford Veterans has given him support, a sense of belonging and a new role helping build the organisation.

We chat with David Scott about his new book "Mancunians: Where Do We Start, Where Do I Begin" and loads more.The perfect storm of Longsight, Clayton and Moston come together to create a far less sweary Episode than you'd think..You can buy Dave's book on Amazon, but he'd love it if you could pick one up in your local book or record store.

Great to chat with Jenny Berry about the work she does in Prisons, supporting both Prisoners and Prison Officers, using poetry and creative writing. A really tough audience, pun intended, so it takes someone pretty special to make that work.. Fantastic insight from someone right in the thick of it.Had a great time recording this, a good few laughs too....and if anybody listens to this Episode who works at HMP Styal get in touch with Jenny, she's really passionate about working with the women there..Jenny is on Twitter @jberrypoetry and on Instagram @jennyberrywriter

Great to chat with friend of MancSpirit Michael Taylor in this Episode as part of the #OurTamesdie Festival.. Journalist, co-host of both Music Therapy on Tameside Radio and the weekly Business & Politics Podcast Northern Spin (on all your favourite podcast platforms) we chat with Michael about some great things happening in the world of Tameside community media, especially radio and local news and much more. I'd say this Ep is the definition of "eclectic"..

Absolutely brilliant to chat with inspirational "Transplant Warrior" Hilaria about the amazing work she does as Chair of WSH BME Kidney Network, as a Kidney Research UK Peer Educator & an Organ Donation Ambassador.  All stemming from her lived experience.  A really powerful, warm and totally life affirming hour with a real-life force of nature.

In our second MancSpirit #OurTameside Festival Special we speak to Andy Smith, Artistic Director of Made by Mortals CIC.We talk about their work creating the kind of stuff, podcasts, films and musical theatre shows, that gets you right involved in the action. Working in collaboration with world-class professional artists, health and social care organisations and a wonderful mix of community participants across all age ranges.Made by Mortals help to bring about positive change through sharing stories, imaginations and experiences in an accessible and meaningful way. Sticking smiles on faces, and we'll always, always support people and organisations doing that.

In this #OurTameside festival episode we speak to Mark Turton, founder and Director of PAC (Prime Active Communities) CIC about their work supporting young people across a range of projects including being out and about on the streets tackling anti-social behaviour, delivering essential online safety programmes and Mark's main passion, their Creative Club in Hattersley.

It was a real pleasure to chat with Ben at The Anthony Seddon Fund.Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, in the Anthony Seddon Centre, they do amazing work supporting the mental well-being of people in and around #OurTameside. The centre is a really friendly, welcoming place to find someone to talk with and someone who'll listen.  They offer a range of volunteer-led peer support groups, bereavement groups, therapeutic activities and regular events.It was a real honour to hear about Anthony, why the fund and centre were setup and why they all do what they do in his memory. You can find out more about The Anthony Seddon Fund here 

First and foremost we think Emma Evans is a fantastic artist. Emma calls herself a "creative all-rounder".  She also happens to be a top human, a big friend and supporter of MancSpirit and, along with her husband Will, a business owner who believes passionately that community matters.As Emma says in this Episode,  she came to University in Manchester, fell in love and never left, yet, in our opinion Emma and Will are as just as passionate about the City and, more importantly to us, the people than anyone born here, and they absolutely back that up.  "Wandering Plate", the local store they opened in Monton, Salford, a little while back has quickly become a real community hub, for people looking for ace food and drink and for those looking to (re)discover their creative side, taking part in one of Emma's life drawing classes and so much more. Really enjoyed chatting with Emma. You can  check out her Art on Instagram at "emmaevansstudio"

It was great to chat with the founder of The Northern Poets Society (@PoetsNorthern on Twitter) Bryan Dunne about how and why he set it up, his career in social care and his poetry.. along with what he wears under his kilt and what he hated getting in a 10p mix.. You don't get that on Joe Rogan..We also get to hear some of Bryan's fantastic poetry.. Top man.. and if you fancy getting involved in The Northern Poets Society give Bryan a follow and drop him a DM..

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with the Claire Wright and Chris Squires, who set-up Trafford Veterans 7 years ago.  Two real forces of nature who actively support Armed Forces Veterans (Claire and Chris have both served in our Armed Forces), Emergency Service Personnel and their families across the borough of Trafford.  They, and the amazing volunteers who work with them, are a great example of people making a genuinely positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of others in their community.Loved chatting with them.

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with the ace Caroline Gleaves, Chief Officer at Gorse Hill Studios Creative Community in Stretford, Trafford.   The bio on their Twitter account (@GHStudiosCC) says .. "enabling young people to express themselves creatively, to make positive changes.." Absolutely 100% spot on.. 

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with the fantastic Ann Marie Jones, Chief Executive of Age UK Trafford.  Now this Ep, pretty much like most of the others is longer than most podcasts would publish. They're generally happy to lose a big part of the content to get that sweet spot of 20-30 mins.. We're not going to do that, especially with Eps like this because they have so much in them that is worth listening too, important information that could help you, a relative, friend etc...Age UK do huge things in our communities to support some of the most vulnerable.. Ann Marie is massively engaging and to the point.. Really enjoyed chatting with her.

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with the brilliant Michelle Grogan, CEO of The Trafford Carers Centre. MancSpirit has  worked really closely with Trafford Carers, especially during the Pandemic. They do amazing work. Carers, young and old do amazing work. Hopefully this conversation shines a light on that and what you may be able to do to support that.

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with Diana Bowden at Lets Go Forward.  A fantastic community focused support group that help each other find the confidence, services and support to take the next step into employment.  

Thanks to our friends at Trafford Partnership we're building on the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival (held back in 2020) to chat with people and organisations doing amazing things in the borough of Trafford.Amongst other things we'll  be chatting with them about the benefits of starting up their own podcast and/or supporting them in a "take over" of some Episodes of That Great Manc Pod..In this Episode we chatted with the brilliant Molly and Anais from The Proud Trust, a fantastic organisation supporting LGBT+ Young People in Trafford and across Greater Manchester (and the UK).

As part of The #MancSpirit #OurStockport Festival we chat with Nadia Ali, Founder and Chairperson of The Make a Difference Community Group.. With over 25 years experience in the voluntary sector Nadia is a real powerhouse of positive change and is making a real difference to communities across Stockport.. 

As part of The #MancSpirit #OurStockport Festival we chat with Rachael Diaczuk about her work safeguarding children from exploitation in Stockport.Really interesting, and eye opening, conversation about the work Rachael and her colleagues do to protect and support some of the most vulnerable in our society.Any youth/community groups in Stockport that would like Rachael to attend and talk about exploitation to increase knowledge & awareness in the community, please DM her @RachaelDiaczuk1 (Twitter) 

Our first MancSpirit #OurBury Festival Special..Emma Greenwood, Youth MP for Bury and a very active activist.. Climate Action, Youth Strike Manchester and so much more..Massively passionate about making positive change in Bury, across Greater Manchester andthe UK.. and, given the opportunity, around the world....and for what it's worth, we think she absolutely will..You can follow Emma @emma_ymp

The Second MancSpirit #OurBury Festival Special..Ummrana Farooq is the kind of person who makes it seem that there are more than 24hrs in a single day..Councillor for Bury East. Founder of the groundbreaking BAME Project. Works for the NHS. Mum to 5 children..Bury are lucky to have her..You can follow Ummrana @BameProject

We chat with Petro and Sheena about their experiences and the work of the other brilliant people in their team at Wrightington, Wigan & Leigh NHS Intensive Care Unit during the pandemic.This Episode is a MancSpirit #OurWigan Festival Special..

We chat with Wigan born writer James Walton..This Epsiode is a MancSpirit OurWigan Special

Hi and welcome to another Episode of That Great Manc Pod..ThisThis is an extra special Episode to tie in with the The MancSpirit OurWigan Festival..It was great to have the Northern Soul legend that is Russ Winstanley, the man that  introduced the all nighters at Wigan Casino on location when we were filming Casino The Film...As we already had the writer of the film, Joe Walsh there too this seemed like too good an opportunity to miss..When Joe met Russ..

Welcome to the 9th of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I chat with Mark Forster.. Our mate by day and bloody tough MancSpirit Charity trustee by night….and by day, as it turns out. Wouldn't have it any other way though. Mark's background is big business but his love for the spoken word has grown massively, especially during lockdown. He's even started his own spoken word Insta account, The Bee Bar Barman which is promoting and supporting other spoken word performers and poets. Like AA but using more letters…His work is breathtakingly good. His future has to be on the open mic. Plenty of open and frank discussions in this Episode and words that will last in your memory a lot longer than the MancMade tradition of us all taking the piss out of each other.We're proud of Mark….and we love him loads.Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the eighth of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I chat with Gemma Whiteley. Originally from Middlesbrough but sounding more Manc by the day...Not full on Bez Manc, but lets be honest, none of us sound like that do we.Gemma is an actor currently putting together a project with her producing partner, so we have a chat about that....But Gemma is also a fantastic poet and spoken word performer. In fact, her first live performance of her work was at a MancMade event and I'm massively proud of that.  She performs some fantastic pieces in this episode. Keep an eye on Gemma, she's a good un.Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the seventh of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I chat with Matt Concannon. Actor, Poet and Spoken Word Performer. the bloke behind The Thirsty Poet, the mobile bar and coffee shop bringing ace poetry to you and your mates. Loads in this Episode, topped off with amazing pieces written and performed by Matt. Definitely keep your eyes open on Matts social (@mattconz1 on Twitter) for news of when he's back performing and where he'll be parked up for your coffee and poetry fix..Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the sixth of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I chat with Reece Williams. Poet, Performer, and…..in our humble opinion, a really inspiring bloke. We chat a lot about creativity in this, equal access to the arts and we're all treated to a few exclusives from Reece, a cheeky peek at some of the amazing pieces that will be in his first book, which hopefully will be out next year. Really enjoyed this, sure you will too.Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the fifth of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I chat with Anthony Parker.  Teacher by day, spoken word artist and poet by night. Like a Manc Batman. But with better social skills.Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the fourth of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I had a great chat with Dave Smith, who has rekindled his love for poetry after a short break of just 30 odd years….which is great for us….and you….Dave has been a regular on the poetry open mic circuit around Stockport and, although we'd never get him to admit it, is creating some amazing work that will make you think, feel and stick more than just the odd smile on your face.  Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the third of our Carling Sessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian and I had a chat with actor, charity worker and spoken word artist Marcus Christopherson.During lockdown Marcus has decided to turn his love for spoken word into another way, along with the acting, of expressing his creativity...With a view to getting out and about on the spoken word open mic circuit once we're back to some sort of normality.  Loved this chat and can't wait to see Marcus performing these pieces live...Remember though...You heard them here first on The Carling Sessions. Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the second of our #CarlingSessions, supported by the Carling Made Local Fund… We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian had a great chat with singer/songwriter/musician and performer Jack Hyphen…http://jackhyphen.comJack wasn't born in Manchester but luckily for us, like so many creatives he's made it his home. Jack has used lockdown to experiment with his musical styles and influences and bloody hell he's produced some belters, which he played for us… An amazing voice and some great stories. Can't wait to see him perform live…Oh….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…

Welcome to the first of our #CarlingSessions, supported by the Carling #MadeLocalFund…We'll be showcasing some of the amazing creative talent across our Greater Manchester that would normally be entertaining you in your local, helping them build their audience back and hopefully persuading you to grab a ticket for when they're back performing live.In this Episode Damian had a great chat with singer/songwriter/musician and performer Sam Lyon… http://samlyonmusic.comSam will also be performing some of her amazing songs, just for you….It's a massive treat this…Sam has a really beautiful voice…….. and as The Carling Sessions are supported by the Carling Made Local fund just a reminder to always drink sensibly…  

In this episode, me and Paul have the pleasure to talk to a good friend of mine that I've known for around 14 years – Ian McKay, an incredible artist in his own right who talks about bringing his passion, skills and experience back to the people of Manchester and Salford. Discussing Ian growing up in Beswick, his Dad was a huge positive influence in his life and he's never forgotten his roots using the local history, nostalgia and character of real Mancunian people to develop visual arts projects for all ages – but you'll also hear how has a special place in his heart for Gorton Visual Arts Group who he has worked with for many years now and features heavily in our interview – and so they should, cos I love them too and you need to check out their amazing work!

Damian and I chat with actor Liam Collins about the fantastic short film he wrote and starred in, My Toughest Battle, which tackles Mental Health from the view of a young boxer. You can watch that by searching for “My Toughest Battle” on Youtube. We chat with Liam as to why and how he got the film made. As with everything with Liam expect brutal honesty, but absolutely worth a listen for all the budding filmmakers out there. We also talk about Actors Life in general with Liam and how it impacts his own mental health, especially during lockdown…The Arts, certainly with regards to actors is an absolute minefield for mental health, mental wellbeing…so it's great for me to hear Liam's point of view to some of the issues that piss me off…For me listening to how Liam has changed his relationship to acting life without losing any of the passion, partly due to lockdown and family is massively important to the many people out there in that business who I care about. You will struggle to find anyone as open and honest about this than Liam..and of course, we have a laugh…This episode is dedicated to handsome Pete, who might need to change his nickname..

Damian and I chat with Aileen Edmunds, Head of Social Impact (making good things happen

As part of The MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival we talk to the truly inspirational Tony Collier BEM about the fantastic work he does to support mens health, his love for his hometown of Altrincham and his involvement in helping to turn the fortunes of Alti around with the hugely impressive community based regeneration of the last few years. Tony also talks very candidly about his personal battles living with Cancer.We also have the brilliant song "Keep the Dream Alive",  written by Trafford based singer/songwriter Scott Lloyd (written specifically for the MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival) to play us out. Intro supplied by the ace Trevor Dwyer-Lynch, with music from Salford Singer Songwriter Jace Campbell

Welcome to Episode 1 of That Great Manc Pod. Damian & I had a chat with the the ace Vic Turnball (@MicMediauk) about her passion for helping community groups get their voices heard by making their own podcasts. Loads of great ideas and tips.. Oh..& a cat called Alan. We also have two tracks from brilliant up & coming Salford singer/songwriter Jace Campbell (@Jacecampbell03) at the end of the podcast. Vic TurnballJace CampbellDamian CarrPaul LuddenIntro: Trevor Dwyer-Lynch & Jace Campbell

That Great Manc Pod is Greater Manchester's Community Podcast. We'll introduce you to those incredible characters, inspirational heroes and fantastic groups that are at the heart of our Greater Manchester Communities. We're bringing The Arts to Our Communities and creating a real sense of Community in the Arts.