Best David Balshaw Podcasts (2024)

1
Series 5, Episode 11: David Morrissey 1:21:21

1+ y ago1:21:21

1:21:21

This week, we bring you the final episode of series 5 of The Lonely Arts Club and what a way to finish. It was such a treat to welcome star of stage and screen, David Morrissey, into the studio. This episode was recorded at the end of 2022 when David was back in Liverpool and we were delighted to have a chat with him. During his reflections, David …

1
Series 5, Episode 10: Maria Balshaw 52:29

1+ y ago52:29

52:29

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, we speak to the Director of Tate, Maria Balshaw. Named the undisputed queen of Britain’s gallery scene, Maria attended university in Liverpool for part of her studies and we chat about what brought her to the city in the first place, the highlights of her time as a student and how her path has taken her to being t…

1
Series 5, Episode 9: Jimmy McGovern (part II) 29:49

1+ y ago29:49

29:49

Earlier on in this series of The Lonely Arts Club, we heard from writing legend, Jimmy McGovern. We had a brilliant chat with Jimmy, and naturally the conversation moved onto talking about the work that he's done with the families of those killed in the Hillsborough disaster. At the time of releasing part two of our interview with Jimmy, we're appr…

1
Series 5, Episode 8: Brian Seddon 1:03:26

1+ y ago1:03:26

1:03:26

This week, our conversation takes a slightly different turn to usual as we welcome Brian Seddon into the studio. Brian is what some may describe as a horse whisperer. Brian spent 30 years in the police force and 25 of those years were working with horses, either as a mounted officer, trainer or tactical advisor. Brian tells us all about how his con…

1
Series 5, Episode 7: Mickey Starke 1:03:20

1+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, we're joined by Mickey Starke. Best known for playing the role of Sinbad on Liverpool soap opera, Brookside, Mickey is star of both stage and screen. Martin McQuillan finds out where Mickey's love of entertaining comes from, all the different paths that his career in acting has taken him and what it was like worki…

1
Series 5, Episode 6: Lady Dodd 1:07:10

1+ y ago1:07:10

1:07:10

As the saying goes, behind every great man, there's a great woman, and this was certainly the case for comedian, actor and all-round entertainer Sir Ken Dodd. Famous for his fast-paced one liners, Ken's comedy genius meant that he became a household name, performing all the way throughout his life. And the great lady always at his side, both on and…

1
Series 5, Episode 5: Ken Horn 1:07:00

1+ y ago1:07:00

1:07:00

"People always said that if you had Jimmy McGovern writing and Ken Horn directing, you were onto a winner". These were the words of actress Eithne Browne when she joined us in The Lonely Arts Club earlier this series. We've already had one half of this famous duo in the studio, so it's only right that we hear from the other. In The Lonely Arts Club…

1
International Women's Day: Bonus Episode with Zainab Alema 48:14

1+ y ago48:14

48:14

Today, we bring you a special bonus episode of The Lonely Arts Club to celebrate International Women's Day. We're joined by Zainab Alema. Zainab, also known as "Bulldozer" is, amongst other things, a rugby player. Zainab has an inspirational story to tell and we're delighted to share her story with you. The rugby pitch is where Zainab comes to life…

1
Series 5, Episode 4: Eithne Browne 55:57

1+ y ago55:57

55:57

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Liverpool star of stage and screen, Eithne Browne. These days, many would think that Eithne has always been a natural performer, but that's not the case. We hear how Eithne went from being a child who shied away from the limelight to a West End superstar and soap opera queen. Although…

1
Series 5, Episode 3: Geoff Beattie 1:09:10

1+ y ago1:09:10

1:09:10

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Geoff Beattie. A well known name and face in the world of psychology, many will recognise Geoff from primetime TV as one of the original psychologists on Channel 4's Big Brother. We go right back to the beginning with Geoff, as he delves into what his childhood was like growing up ami…

1
Series 5, Episode 2: Melanie Lewis 59:37

1+ y ago59:37

59:37

Rewind to summer 2022 and Liverpool is about to welcome an exciting and unique addition to its cultural portfolio. Shakespeare North Playhouse is a brand new theatre that has opened on the outskirts of Liverpool in the town of Prescot. The new theatre has been in the making for many years but who is the driving force behind its development? Melanie…

1
Series 5, Episode 1: Jimmy McGovern (Part I) 1:07:20

2y ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Kicking off this season, is screenwriting royalty, Jimmy McGovern, whose career in television began in the infamous writers' room of Brookside. From soap operas to hard-hitting dramas, McGovern shares the tale of how he has become one of the nation's best known screenwriters. The storyteller behind some of the deepest dramatisations to reach our sc…

1
Special Bonus Episode: Brookside's 40th Anniversary 1:09:31

2y ago1:09:31

1:09:31

On 2nd November 1982 British television was about to change forever. Channel 4 had launched and its second ever programme to broadcast was Brookside; the soap opera that liked to push boundaries, and in more ways than one. Some may say that Brookside was revolutionary; there was a team of writers, flighting to get the grittiest storylines possible …

1
Quantum Leadership - The Podcast 5:03

2y ago5:03

5:03

What we require in this new world, is a new era of leadership. We require leaders who not only have business skills and leadership skills, but also personal alignment, spiritual alignment and a new level of consciousness. We require creators who can lead others in a new way of thinking, a new way of acting and a new way of BEING. This new way of th…

1
Special Bonus Episode: Black History Month 2022 57:19

2y ago57:19

57:19

To commemorate Black History Month, we've released a bonus episode of The Lonely Arts Club podcast. This instalment, features conversations with some of our most inspirational guests. Listeners can recap on interviews with arts professionals such as actress, Cathy Tyson, music legend, Chris Amoo, and BBC radio host, Ngunan Adamu. Each guest, with t…

1
Series 4, Episode 10: Neil Fitzmaurice 58:46

2+ y ago58:46

58:46

For the final episode of this series of The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Neil Fitzmaurice. Neil is an actor, comedian and writer and is best known for his appearances in Peep Show and Phoenix Nights, which he also co-wrote alongside Peter Kay and Dave Spikey. The Liverpool suburb of Anfield -" just a stone's throw from the footba…

1
Series 4, Episode 9: Tony Schumacher 1:07:20

2+ y ago1:07:20

1:07:20

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by author and screenwriter, Tony Schumacher, Tony, who grew up in Huyton, Liverpool, is the creator and writer of hit BBC drama, The Responder, starring Martin Freeman. The series took over our screens and had everyone talking earlier this year. Although admitting that learning was a hug…

1
Series 4, Episode 8: Mike Morris 1:01:24

2+ y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Mike Morris. Mike’s journey has taken him down many paths, mainly all routed in social justice and politics. The rural village of Rufford, Lancashire is where Mike’s story begins as he recalls growing up in the countryside. The only boy of the family, with five sisters, Mike laughs as…

1
Series 4, Episode 7: Johanne McAndrew 50:22

2+ y ago50:22

50:22

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Johanne McAndrew. Johanne is a scriptwriter and series editor for many primetime TV shows. Johanne's impressive portfolio spans many years of working on dramas such as Holby City, Nice Guy Eddie and Hollyoaks - to name but a few. From humble beginnings, Johanne takes us through her jo…

1
Series 4, Episode 6: Les Dennis 45:19

2+ y ago45:19

45:19

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Les Dennis. Les is an actor and comedian and despite describing himself as a shy person, admits that once he caught the performing bug, there was no stopping him. Developing a successful career in entertainment has taken Les down many paths, including being one half of a comedy duo, s…

1
Series 4, Episode 5: Cathy Tyson 44:32

2+ y ago44:32

44:32

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, we're joined by Liverpudlian actress, Cathy Tyson. Cathy's love for acting came from being in plays at school, which explains why she is still so passionate about the arts being a part of education. During this episode, we go back to the beginning where we learn about Cathy's life growing up, why her Mum was such …

1
Series 4, Episode 4: Mal Young 1:07:23

2+ y ago1:07:23

1:07:23

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Mal Young. Mal, who was born and bred in Huyton, Liverpool admits that growing up, he didn't know much about working in media but as he looks back on his childhood and his love for television, it seems he was always destined for a life behind the lens. Reminiscing about his home life,…

1
Bonus Episode: International Women's Day 2022 28:01

2+ y ago28:01

28:01

In this bonus episode, we celebrate International Women's Day 2022 by taking a look back at some of the inspirational female guests we've interviewed. These women have all made their mark in the cultural industry despite the many hurdles they've had to face throughout their personal lives and careers. The food industry, the world of TV and taking t…

1
Series 4, Episode 3: Freda Kelly 49:26

2+ y ago49:26

49:26

When you think of The Beatles, it's hard to imagine there was ever a time when they weren't known worldwide; when they were still just a group of "ordinary" guys oblivious to what fate had in store. But this is exactly how Freda Kelly knew them. Freda, originally from Dublin, knew The Beatles from their time playing at The Cavern in Liverpool. Afte…

1
Series 4: Episode 2: David Yip 47:39

2+ y ago47:39

47:39

David Yip was the first Chinese lead actor in a British television drama series, fondly remembered by many for creating the role of Detective Sergeant John Ho, in ‘The Chinese Detective’ for BBC TV (1981 – 82.) Liverpool born and bred, David is the son of a Chinese seaman and Liverpudlian mother and as always in The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuill…

1
Series 4, Episode 1: John Sweeney 1:09:20

2+ y ago1:09:20

1:09:20

Kicking off series four of The Lonely Arts Club, we welcome John Sweeney. A renowned investigative journalist, who has reported for the Observer, John worked for the BBC for 17 years with his Panorama and Newsnight films being watched by more than 20 million people. The son of Liverpudlian parents, John speaks fondly of his family and tells humorou…

1
Series 3, Bonus Track: Alexei Sayle 54:56

3+ y ago54:56

54:56

Alexei Sayle shares with us his upbringing in Liverpool, son of a Jewish mother and both parents part of the Communist party. He tells of his life in a happy, stable working class family. His career starts when developing comedy with a friend they begin stand up nights at the student union bar. Then in 1982 he starts working on a late night comedy …

1
Series 3, Bonus Track: Peter Hooton 1:24:26

3+ y ago1:24:26

1:24:26

Peter Hooton is the lead singer of the Liverpool band The Farm, known for many hit singles including "All Together Now" which reached no. 4 in December 1990. In this podcast Peter tells us about his time in the music industry, writing hit singles and what he has been doing since lockdown. Peter himself has delved into the podcast world and through …

1
Series 3, Episode 10: Carys Bray 55:25

4y ago55:25

55:25

Carys Bray is an author from Southport, Merseyside and she really does have quite a story to share with us. Carys’ story begins in Southport, where she still resides with her family. However, the life Carys leads now looks slightly different to when she was a child. We hear Carys’ memories of growing up as part of a strict Mormon family and how thi…

1
Series 3, Episode 9: Derek Hatton 50:22

4y ago50:22

50:22

Derek Hatton became a household name across the UK after becoming a member of the Labour Party and being heavily involved in the Militant movement. Martin McQuillan goes back to the beginning to find out more about local lad, Derek, his early years and where his passion for politics came from. Whilst making himself known as a politician, Derek was …

1
Series 3, Episode 8: Chris Amoo 51:23

4y ago51:23

51:23

Universally known for legendary hits such as You To Me Are Everything and Can’t Get By Without You, The Real Thing made their mark on the music industry in the 70s, and we have the pleasure of being joined by band’s lead singer, Chris Amoo. In another of our virtual, lockdown episodes, we speak to Chris about all things music; where his inspiration…

1
Series 3, Episode 7: Phina Oruche 57:02

4y ago57:02

57:02

This week on the Lonely Arts Club, we’re joined by actor, model and author, Phina Oruche. Born in Liverpool to Nigerian parents, Phina Oruche takes us on a journey as she explains how her family came to be in the city. We hear Phina’s experience of growing up in Liverpool and what it meant to her to be able to spread her wings. Phina’s path has tak…

1
Series 3, Episode 6: Andy McCluskey 1:07:17

4y ago1:07:17

1:07:17

We take a trip down memory lane as we chat with this week’s guest, Andy McCluskey. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) have been around since the 70’s when two school friends decided they’d give music a go. With no huge aspirations to be a musician, one of the band’s founding members, Andy McCluskey, recalls tales of how a lot of the band’s fat…

1
Series 3, Episode 5: Roger Shannon 58:37

4y ago58:37

58:37

This week, Roger Shannon joins us in The Lonely Arts Club. As the former Director for the Institute of Creative Enterprise, we invite Roger Shannon onto The Lonely Arts Club to tell us all about his time in the film industry and how he came to be a Professor in Film & Television. Local lad, Roger, takes us back to the beginning, sharing stories of …

1
Series 3, Episode 4: Jo Caulfield 1:01:09

4y ago1:01:09

1:01:09

For the last few months as the country has been a lockdown of some kind, many of us have looked to TV and radio – comedy in particular – as a form of escapism. So it seemed fitting to invite one of the nation’s best-loved comedians onto The Lonely Arts Club. In this virtual episode of The Lonely Arts Club, Jo Caulfield, who is not only an award-win…

1
Series 3, Episode 3: Paul Askew 1:01:25

4y ago1:01:25

1:01:25

In a very timely episode, Martin McQuillan is joined this week by Chef Patron of The Art School restaurant, Paul Askew. This week’s guest joins us at a time when the Liverpool City Region was the first area to be subject to the toughest lockdown restrictions in the Government’s new tier system. Being at the centre of such changes for the city, Paul…

1
Series 3, Episode 2: Ngunan Adamu 58:56

4y ago58:56

58:56

This week on The Lonely Arts Club podcast, we’re delighted to be joined by Ngunan Adamu. Nigerian scouser, Ngunan, shares memories of coming to the UK as a child and adapting to life in a brand new city. “People have this kind of typical stereotype of what a migrant looks like and it's like are you running away from a war torn country or all these …

1
Series 3, Episode 1: Colin McKeown 54:07

4y ago54:07

54:07

We're delighted to be back for series three of The Lonely Arts Club. To kick off this season, Martin McQuillan is joined by TV producer and founder of LA Productions, Colin McKeown. Proud scouser and Edge Hill honorary doctor, Colin, recalls being given an ultimatum by his Mum as she told him that a career in Butlins wasn't for him and instead he n…

1
The Lonely Arts Club: Best of Series Two 53:59

4y ago53:59

53:59

As we prepare to launch series three, we look back on the second series of The Lonely Arts Club. Series two was mostly recorded whilst the UK was under lockdown restrictions, meaning a lot of guests joined us virtually. And although the quality of some of episodes vary slightly, the series was still packed full of funny anecdotes and words of wisdo…

1
Series 2, Episode 11: Willy Russell 1:12:10

4+ y ago1:12:10

1:12:10

On our final episode of this series, Martin McQuillan is joined by legendary playwright, Willy Russell. Taking a trip down memory lane, Willy recalls the horrors of school as a youngster in comparison to the joy he found in going back to education as an adult where he found his passion for writing. Having spent years as a musician, writing lyrics h…

1
Series 2, Episode 10: Dawn Airey 1:13:56

4+ y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

In the penultimate episode of series two, we're joined by Dawn Airey. After graduating from Cambridge University, Dawn set out on what was to be a very colourful and successful career in media and television. Admitting that she always felt like an outsider, Dawn wasn't one for shying away and quickly made her mark wherever she worked despite being …

1
Series 2, Episode 9: Janice Long 30:26

4+ y ago30:26

30:26

Joining us on this week’s episode of The Lonely Arts Club is radio and TV broadcaster, Janice Long. Janice takes a trip down memory lane as she reflects on growing up in Liverpool. Starting off her media career in the studios of BBC Radio Merseyside, we hear how this path then led Janice to become one of the first female broadcasters on BBC Radio O…

1
Series 2, Episode 8: Beadie Finzi 53:38

4+ y ago53:38

53:38

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, Martin McQuillan is joined by Beadie Finzi. Beadie is a filmmaker and one of the founders of The Doc Society (previously known as BRITDOC). Having worked in documentary for the past 20 years, Beadie is in heaven in her role at Doc Society – whose mission is to befriend independent filmmakers, fund great films, bro…

1
Series 2, Episode 7: Brian Reade 50:38

4+ y ago50:38

50:38

Award-winning journalist for the Daily Mirror and author of An Epic Swindle, Brian Reade, joins us on this week’s episode of The Lonely Arts Club. Local lad, Brian, talks about growing up in Liverpool and his unusual inspiration behind going to university. After beginning his career reporting for local newspapers, Brian speaks openly about the bigg…

1
Series 2, Episode 6: Will Sergeant 46:38

4+ y ago46:38

46:38

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, we're joined by musician and guitarist of Echo & The Bunnymen, Will Sergeant. Our journey with Will begins in a small village on the outskirts of Liverpool and eventually formed legendary band, Echo & The Bunnymen. Will explains how finding his love for an avant-garde, alternative sound heavily influenced his musi…

1
Series 2, Episode 5: Paula Vaccaro 47:22

4+ y ago47:22

47:22

Paula Vaccaro, an award-winning producer and screenwriter, takes us on her journey from growing up in Argentina to establishing her own production company in the UK (Pinball London). Although an Italian family migrating to Argentina is not unusual, the story behind how Paula's family came to be there is a very interesting one. Paula's work ethic me…

1
Series 2, Episode 4: Fatos Üstek 46:52

4+ y ago46:52

46:52

This week on The Lonely Arts Club, we're joined by Fatos Üstek. Fatos is the Director of the Liverpool Biennial, a curator and an art writer. We're taken on a journey that begins in Turkey in the 1980s, where Fatos studied hard and dreamt of becoming a mathematician. "Turkey has been going through a lot of changes - you might have been following. B…

1
Series 2, Episode 3: Neil Atkinson 55:39

4+ y ago55:39

55:39

It's week three of series two, and the future of the Covid-19 pandemic is still uncertain. A question on the minds of many at the moment is, what's going to happen to football? Can this season be finished? How will next season look? Martin McQuillan discusses just that with host of the Anfield Wrap podcast, Neil Atkinson. Since the early days, Neil…

1
Series 2, Episode 2: Joe Ainsworth 45:57

4+ y ago45:57

45:57

During this episode, Martin McQuillan is joined by BAFTA winning screenwriter, Joe Ainsworth. We hear how Joe's writing career began from winning a competition (under a fake name!) and the different avenues his journey has taken. Initially wanting to be a singer, Joe tells us how his passion for writing took over and how he ended up working for soa…

1
Series 2, Episode 1: Nisha Katona 40:46

4+ y ago40:46

40:46

Kicking off series two with inspirational guest, Nisha Katona MBE. Nisha is a curry evangelist, author, TV presenter and founder of Indian street food restaurant, Mowgli. In this episode, Nisha takes us through her journey of growing up in Lancashire and practicing as barrister for 20 years before making the life changing decision to open her first…

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