The Radio Academy Podcast

 What are the logistics and strategies behind rebranding radio stations? Recently several heritage local stations rebranded to Hits Radio and our host, Georgy Jamieson, chats to Paul Gerrard, content director for Hits Radio, about the change. How do you carry something like this out and what are the pros and cons? 

What is the Multitrack Fellowship and how can you apply? Host Georgy Jamieson chats to Fellowship Manager Laura Irving about who Multitrack are, and the opportunities they offer for people who often face barriers getting into the audio industry. 

It’s time for the Arias Part 2 and this week we hear about the second half of the big night, including an emotional tribute to the late great Steve Wright MBE. We also go backstage for reaction from the winners and a bit of behind the scenes gossip. 

 This week the podcast comes from the Arias, direct from The Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with the winners, speeches, big moments and reactions. Podcast host Georgy Jamieson has been capturing all the highlights from the night. 

Our guest this week is Molly Guinness, executive producer of the Arias nominated Times Radio Breakfast Show. She has also recently become a trustee of the Radio Academy. She chats to our host Georgy Jamieson about why she wanted to become a trustee, how breakfast radio sets the agenda of the day, 3 am alarm calls and the importance of the listeners role in the show. 

This week our guest is former MD of the Radio Academy, now deputy director of BFBS, Sam Bailey. He has an exclusive for us about their new schedules, and chats to our host Georgy Jamieson about careers in BFBS radio and how they see their future in a digital market. 

In this week’s episode our host Georgy Jamieson chats to Carolyn Hitt, Head of BBC Radio Wales, about their new schedule and how you introduce your audience to change. She also talks to broadcaster and journalist Lucy Owen, the new host of the BBC Wales Saturday lunchtime show, about what it’s like to take over an established radio programme and make it your own. 

One of the founders of Goalhanger Podcasts, Tony Pastor, chats to host Georgy Jamieson, about how the brand has accelerated in the last 6 months, what sets their podcasts apart from others in the market and how super fans and live events are now a big part of what they do. And Georgy asks if anyone wants to hear The Rest is… Tiddlywinks? 

Radio 5 Live is celebrating its 30th birthday, so in this week’s episode, host Georgy Jamieson chats to Julie Cullen, Managing Editor of 5 Live and award-winning journalist and broadcaster Gordon Smart, presenter of the Mon-Thurs 10pm - 1am and Sunday 8-10pm shows on the station. They talk about how 5 Live and radio has changed in the last 30 years, about the importance of being connected to every part of the UK and what their future looks like in a digital age. 

What’s it like to be nominated for an Aria?  And how does the judging process work? This week the podcast focuses on the Arias Nominations, which have just been released for 2024. Host Georgy Jamieson chats to chair of the judges Phil Riley and one of the head judges Paul Sylvester, both of whom have been nominated for and won Arias. She also talks to Jules Rowan - Podcast and Radio Presenter with Prison Radio Association, who is a judge this year and won Gold last year, with her Life After Prison podcast co-host Zak, as Best New Presenters.  

In a world of constant breaking news alerts, Tortoise Media aims to slow everything down and take a deeper look at stories. This week’s podcast guest is reporter Claudia Williams from Tortoise Media, who tells our host Georgy Jamieson how Tortoise differs from other news outlets, how you balance detailed investigative journalism with the need to stay topical and what exactly is slow news? 

Sean Thorne hosts a special Radio Academy podcast from the Glasgow Foot in the Door event. Conor Knight and Robyn Richford bring you conversations with some of the speakers including 5 Live's Gordon Smart, podcaster Shannon Singh and Clyde 1's George and Cassi.

This week Georgy Jamieson chats with Ella Watts, head of production at Six to Start and one of our 30 Under 30. They talk about Ella’s work creating dramas for apps, her love of audio drama, her passion project the audio drama and podcast Camlann and her thoughts on how the medium is exploding in America. They also come up with a Zombie/Archers mash up you never knew you needed! 

Boom Radio celebrated its third birthday on 14th February by launching a new sister station, Boom Rock. Co-founder of Boom Radio, David Lloyd, chats to host Georgy Jamieson about the last three years. Running this radio station is proving to be more than a full time job for David, but the most rewarding thing he’s ever done in his career. They talk about launching the new station, the art of music scheduling, listener reactions and what David sees as the future for music radio.  For those about to rock - we salute you! 

Host Georgy Jamieson chats to Jack Murley from The LGBT Sports Podcast, where she finds out why Jack’s mum inspired him to start it, how it’s broken down barriers in sport for the LGBTQ+ community and some of the amazing coming out and mental health conversations he’s had with guests. They also talk about LGBTQ+ History Month, the challenges of keeping a podcast going and what the future holds.  

Topical BBC Radio 4 comedy The Skewer has been described as a ‘comedy concept album’ and a ‘satirical river of sound’, it’s also won multiple awards for broadcaster, writer and comedian Jon Holmes and his team. In this episode host Georgy Jamieson chats to Jon about how the show came about, the way the complex soundscapes are put together and why a change in the law meant the show could be made in the first place. Headphones on as we dive into The Skewer. 

In this episode, we explore the dynamic world of radio and podcasts through an engaging interview with Matt Deegan, Director of Folder Media and Podcast Discovery, as part of our Meet the Fellow series. Matt shares his insights on engaging young audiences, the success of Fun Kids, and the future of the industry. Dive into the heart of radio innovation and creativity in this enlightening conversation! mattdeegan.com

Join Radio Academy Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach in a captivating conversation with Sheena Mason, Deputy Content Director of Magic Radio and a seasoned radio industry expert. In this episode, Sheena shares her inspiring journey and insights into the creative processes of radio content creation. With 30 years of experience, she reflects on the industry's evolution, offering valuable advice for aspiring professionals. The episode delves into Sheena's recent honor as a Radio Academy Fellow, showcasing her exceptional contributions. Don't miss this episode to gain industry insights, discover creative secrets, and explore the transformative career of a radio industry leader.

The second in the Meet the Fellow series. In this episode, Radio Academy Managing Director, Aradhna Tayal Leach explores the dynamic career of Ray Paul, spanning two decades at the BBC and his current role as CEO of The Playmaker Group. Ray shares key insights from his BBC days, detailing the industry's evolution. The discussion highlights his innovative strategies at The Playmaker Group, emphasising creativity, community engagement, and adaptability. 

In this episode, Radio Academy Managing Director Aradhna Tayal Leach welcomes Nina Robinson, CEO of Soundtruism, a newly appointed Radio Academy Fellow. Nina shares her journey into the world of radio and podcasts, highlighting the founding principles of Soundtruism and her advocacy for inclusivity in the industry. She discusses challenges faced, lessons learned, and proactive initiatives promoting diversity. Listeners gain insights into the transformative power of radio and podcasts, leaving inspired by Nina's dedication to fostering a more inclusive and innovative media landscape.