Episode Notes On today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Elvis Presley's long-time nurse and friend, Tish Henley. Tish has an amazing new book out called 'Taking Care of Elvis' and it is a page turner! They spoke about Elvis' love of reading (and being read to), his penchant for mischief, and a whole lot more. Tish was a pleasure to talk to an…

Episode Notes On today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with the talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anand Wilder. They spoke about his musical experiences as a kid growing up in Baltimore, his debut solo album, and some brand new musical endeavors. Anand was a ton of fun to talk to; we think you're going to love this one!…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Mike McCarthy, Memphis based film maker, sculptor, and all around creative. They spoke about Mike's upcoming psychedelic documentary film, working with John McIntire, and his unabashed love of Memphis! Mike's story is a fascinating one, and you wont want to miss it!…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Cyrena Wages, Memphis based singer/songwriter. They spoke about Cyrena's upcoming record, working with grammy winning producer Matt Ross-Spang, and the thing that brought her back home after years working in the hectic music world of Nashville. Cyrena drops a lot of truth bombs in this one…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host McKenzii spoke with Jackie Venson, Austin, TX based singer/songwriter/guitar virtuoso/producer/dj. They spoke about Jackie's journey with streaming and how it kept her afloat throughout 2020, how to make it in the music biz, and so much more! Jackie is hilarious and this interview is a ton of fun. You won't…

Welcome to The Umpire Strikes Back! A focus on fast bowling today and we have assembled an expert panel! Joining us today are; Hampshire legend and now Player Development Manager for Hampshire Academy, James Tomlinson Hampshire's 2022 Player of the Year James Fuller Ex-Hampshire and now Dorset bowler Emily Roberts We talk all things fast bowling in…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host Silver spoke with Jeff Hulett, of the Memphis based band Snowglobe. They spoke about Jeff's latest releases (of which there are many), the status of Snowglobe, and his career in the PR world. Jeff is an amazing person all around, and a dear friend of The Shell and we couldn't be more excited to get to share…

Welcome to The Umpire Strikes Back! Today the spotlight shines on our upcoming Coach Development programme. You can start or continue your coaching journey in Hampshire this winter. Full course details can be found here. To give more detail we speak to Katie & Ben, two coaches who have taken different routes into coaching but are now working for HC…

Welcome to The Umpire Strikes Back - Episode 45! An international feel today with a look at two European adventures and a request for stories related to Shane Warne. We start by talking to Ali Gajic & Rebecca Blake who have both been playing international cricket in Europe. Ali, who plays for Verwood CC in the Hampshire League, has been playing for…

Welcome to Episode 44 of The Umpire Strikes Back! A busy episode this week featuring 3 great topics. First up is a focus on our ever growing W10 Women's Softball cricket. Simon from Overton CC talk us through their venture into the game, setting up a team, benefits to the whole club. Their captain Kitty, talks fun, new friends and challenges! For m…

Welcome to The Umpire Strikes Back! Two great features today: First up, we speak to the (anoynomous) man behind the newly formed Hants CL Player Loans Twitter account. He aims to bring together clubs looking for extra players and players without a game. The founder talks through the reasons for setting the account up, practicalities of running on T…

Episode 42 - Today we focus on access to cricket within urban communities on the back of the BBC documentary 'Freddies Field of Dreams' which saw cricket opened up to teenagers in Preston. This echoed with lots of current work within Southampton and plans to extend across the rest of Hampshire. We speak to Cantell School Headteacher Harry Kutty. Ha…

Welcome back to the Umpire Strikes Back! Today we delve into cricketing history with Dr Duncan Stone, author of 'Different Class: the untold story of English cricket' We talk class structure, barriers to participation, league vs friendly and the future of cricket in England. Read Duncan's book Next we speak to Melissa Story, Hampshire Cricketer and…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with Daniel Weickenand, CEO of Orion Federal Credit Union. They spoke about his love of music, Orion's prioritization of community, his passion for music based community organizations, and more. It was such an inspiring conversation that you wont want to miss.…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with singer-songwriter and perpetual side-man, Mark Edgar Stuart. They spoke about his beginnings as a classically trained upright bass player, his transition from Memphis' most in-demand bass player to becoming one of Memphis' favorite songwriters, his newest record "Until We Meet Again," an…

Happy Cricket Eve! As the recreational season kicks off tomorrow we are back with a feature on Sarisbury Athletic CC. They have increased their community engagement in recent years with clubhouse refurbishment, comedy nights, Hundred game days, charity links and their #opentoall hashtag. Social Sec Mike Poyner talks us through the changes and plans…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with afro-latin rock band Making Movies. They spoke about how they got back to the core of being a band during the pandemic, their forthcoming new album “XOPA,” their love for Memphis and more. This is a super fun, thoughtful and hilarious episode; and you definitely won't want to miss it.…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Dr Kevin Sanders, Director of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. Dr Sanders has put together quite a resume. Besides holding multiple degrees in music from incredibly impressive institutions, he's performed with some of the finest orchestras in the world on…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Al Gamble, currently best known as the keyboard player for St Paul & the Broken Bones, but he keeps a lot of irons in the fire. He still occasionally works with longtime Memphis favorites The City Champs, and is always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to share his musical tale…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, McKenzii, spoke with the DJ collective Bodywerk - which includes Rmzi, DJ Chandler Blingg, Qemist, and ROSS. They spoke about the Memphis dance scene, how they found community during the pandemic, and how they are working to keep building community. This is a super fun and hilarious episode, and you won't …

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host, Silver, spoke with Pastor, VP of Community Lending at Renasant Bank, AND as of January 1st, The Shell's new Board President, Evan Collins. They spoke about both the challenges and the opportunities for Evan and The Shell moving forward. This is a great conversation and you won't want to miss it!…

A focus on sustainability today as we look at how cricket will cope with environmental, social and financial changes. Firstly, we speak to Ageas Bowl Head Groundsman Simon Lee about the challenges of preparing professional cricket wickets in the ever changing climate plus the move towards green technology. Definitely one for your grounds teams! The…

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host, McKenzii, spoke with author, food scientist, and influencer, Ali Manning. They spoke about what sparked her interest in food science, her new children's book, and more.

Happy New Year! Welcome back to the Umpire Strikes Back! Today we are delighted to be joined by Hartley Wintney, Hampshire & England Physical Disability (and Love Island!) star Hugo Hammond. Hugo tells us about his whirlwind summer, his journey into D40 cricket in Hampshire, being a role model for the next generation and his plans for the future. F…

Episode Notes In today's episode we're airing the second half of a special 2 part interview with Emmy and Grammy winning author, historian, and filmmaker Robert Gordon. Robert and Memphis musician Steve Selvidge sat down for a conversation about Robert's incredible book "It Came From Memphis," a book about the weirdos and winos who forged the Rock …

Episode Notes In today's episode we're airing the first half of a special 2 part interview with Emmy and Grammy winning author, historian, and filmmaker Robert Gordon. Robert and Memphis musician Steve Selvidge sat down for a conversation about Robert's incredible book "It Came From Memphis," a book about the weirdos and winos who forged the Rock a…

A busy #UmpStrikesBack today as we feature 3 areas of HCB work. Firstly, we speak to Hugh Bernard and Michael Powell about our Lord's Taverners Super 1s programme. Super 1s gives young people with a disability aged 12-25 the chance to play regular, competitive cricket. Hugh and Michael talk accessibility, raising awareness, increasing confidence, e…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, Silver, spoke with Rev Neil Down, long-time member of the duo Deering & Down. Besides being a fantastic songwriter and musician, Rev Neil Down is a wanderer, traveler, and a collector of great stories. This is a super fun episode, so kick back and enjoy!

This week we focus on cricket in urban settings and look at the importance of role models on encouraging Black and African Caribbean children to take up the game. Arthur Godsal (England U19's and South Wilts CC) joins us to talk about his journey through the junior ranks, his thoughts on representation within the game and his work with the ACE prog…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, Mckenzii, spoke with Bartholomew Jones - founder of Cxffee Black, artist, and community organizer. They spoke about the growth of Cxffee Black, how he maintains a consistent output of music, his upcoming trip to Africa, and more.

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, McKenzii spoke with James Macon (AKA - Jaeti) the Occupy The Shell co-founder, artist, and community organizer. They spoke about how Occupy The Shell was started, community building, and how he navigates the ever changing landscape of Hip-Hop. This was a great conversation that you don't want to miss.…

Welcome back to The Umpire Strikes Back!! We are back in action after a busy summer and ready for a winter of highlighting the great recreational cricket community in Hampshire. Today we celebrate two special wins! Firstly, Simon Trott of Overton CC who has won the LV-Insurance Pride of Cricket Media Hero Award! Simon has revolutionised the online …

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Joe Restivo, the uber talented guitarist and member of the Bo-Keys, Detective Bureau, and The City Champs. They spoke about his time at the New School, the magic of Memphis music, and more. Joe is a staple of the music scene in Memphis, and you'll definitely want to hear what he has to …

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Reba Russell. If you're making a list of the very best singers in Memphis, Reba Russell is always going to be at the top of that list! She has over 40 years of experience as a Memphis musician. Silver and Reba discuss her own work, her stories of working with some of the absolute legends …

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Robby Grant, founding member of the beloved Memphis based band Big Ass Truck, and current Executive Director of WYXR. They talked about the early days of making music with his friend Steve, his most recent solo album, and what it's like starting a terrestrial radio station in the middle o…

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host Silver spoke with Austin TX based Americana artist Rob Baird. They spoke about staying creative AND working during such a hard period in our history.

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Sanjay Seran, the Vancouver based creative. They spoke about his band Delhi 2 Dublin, his solo endeavors, the power of meditation, and more.

Episode Notes Freeworld is pretty much a legendary Memphis band, so good they've got a brass note on Beale St. The band was founded over 30 years ago by Richard Cushing and Dr. Herman Green. Our host, Silver, spoke with Richard recently, and he shared some memories of Dr. Green, who we lost recently. They also talked about how you keep a band inter…

Welcome to Episode 34 of The Umpire Strikes Back. This week we visited Brockenhurst CC to hear all about their recent transformation. Hon Sec Martin and Committee member Bronya talk through the last few years and offer a wealth of advice to other clubs. We cover the importance of All Stars and Dynamos, starting a Girls' section, introducing a W10 t…

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host, Silver speaks with Madisen Ward. Madisen and his folk duo, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, have played two fantastic shows at the Levitt Shell over the years. Madisen and Silver talked about how some tough love from Mama Bear made him a better songwriter, and ultimately a better person, and about what it'…

Episode Notes Today's episode features Talibah Safiya, the talented, Memphis, multi-disciplined creative! She and our host, McKenzii spoke about Talibah's Deep Water Tour, her steady flow of musical releases throughout the pandemic, and how she's building community outside of just her music.

Episode Notes In today's Episode our host Silver chats with Tracy Lauritzen-Wright, Chief Operating Officer of Arts Memphis. They talk about how communities are healthier and more cohesive when they have a strong foundation in the arts, and what it's like supporting arts organizations AND individuals in and out of a global pandemic.…

Hello! A big focus on money this week as we highlight the numerous funding streams open to clubs this summer. We talk about the Inspired to Play grant, #Funds4runs and the upcoming Welcoming Environments fund More info - https://www.ageasbowl.com/cricket/cricket-board/club-development/funding/ June is #WomensBigCricketMonth and we showcase events r…

Episode Notes In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Rico Tha Akronym, creative-extraordinaire. They talk about his solo work, the impact of Negro Terror, and what it's been like as a creative during Covid.

Episode Notes In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Lar’Juanette Williams - Executive Director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. They spoke about the organization’s deep history, how their programming has been able to reach a wider audience, paying it forward, and more.

Hello! We are so close to the start of the league season so who better to hear from than the league organisers! Joining us today are; Steve Vear - Southern Premier League Chair Gam Gurung - British Gorkhali League Secretary Matt Camp - Hampshire Slam Competition Founder All three discuss the challenges of the past 12 months, plans for this season, …

Episode Notes In today's episode, our host Silver Michaels speaks with Nick Black. Nick released his first album about a decade ago, and in those 10 years, he's become Memphis music royalty. Nick spoke about his time with the Victor Wainwright Band, and talked a lot about how a musician creates AND promotes himself in the midst of a global pandemic…

Episode Notes In today's episode our host, McKenzii, speaks with Marcella Simien - the Louisiana bred, Memphis based creative. They talk about how Marcella has continued to harness her creativity during the Pandemic, what she's learned over the last year, what she's looking forward to post-Covid, and more.…

With the Specsavers County Championship starting this week who better to speak to than the man set to face the first ball and the coach getting the team ready! Current Hampshire opening batsman Joe Weatherley and former captain Jimmy Adams talk the pressures (and opportunities) of opening the batting, switching between 3 formats, being mentally pre…

Episode Notes In today’s episode, our host McKenzii spoke with Brian Owens - the multi-hyphenate singer, songwriter, musician, activist and so much more. She spoke about his Homegrown Soul series, how he’s continued to build and maintain community during the pandemic, and more.