Benjy’s Cafe Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Hello! Hope everyone is feeling groovy?

Joining Ben in this week's episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is TV Presenter, Briony May Williams.

2018 Great British Bake Off star, Briony shares her new happy & the confidence, mental clarity & newfound joy in life that sobriety brings.

Ben & Briony discuss her flying TV career, including the success behind the award winning, Escape To The Country & BBC1's, Morning Live!

Plus, the therapeutic benefits of baking & the vibrant life that can be lived without alcohol.

And the celebration of all things sobriety on her Instagram page, Gloriously Sober. Have a nose, it's wonderful.

Briony's 500+ days alcohol free energy is contagious, you'll love her.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@brionymaybakes

@gloriouslysober

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Hello! Everyone ready for another super week? Let's do this!

Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, is the presenter & commentator, the wonderful, Max Whittle.

Max is co-host of Ultimate Tennis Showdown & is match day host for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred & Aston Villa in the WSL & can be seen across the Premier League, NBA & Major League Baseball London Series. Yep, he's good.

In this episode, Max shares the excitement of working in sport, including the buzz of UTS & live TV.

Ben & Max chat self care, plus the balance & positivity needed to help cope within the anxieties that often accompany performance; & the emotional rollercoaster of freelancing.

A must listen for any sports fan or budding presenter, it's a great conversation with one of sports broadcasting's rising stars. And the nicest chap.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@maxwhittle

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Watch Max in action:

https://youtu.be/3us3h60PpLw?feature=shared

Hello! It's episode 4 of series 2 already, blimey. Thanks for popping in.

Joining Ben on Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, is the sports broadcaster & Voice of England Cricket, the wonderful Graham Woodward.

This episode has more take-aways than Deliveroo & is a brilliant insight into the world of sports broadcasting for budding presenters & fans alike.

Graham shares how positivity can enhance the experience of spectators & how the mentorship of the late actor, Johnny Dennis played a significant role in Graham's professional growth.

Plus, the importance of versatility, the need to be calm in high pressure scenarios & the joy of adding to someone's day.

Ben & Graham also discuss the unique connection between cricket & showbusiness & the memorable day Graham announced England as 2019 ICC World Cup Winners at Lords, to a global television audience of billions.

And Graham shares how living with Crohn's disease presents unique challenges & how finding time to unwind is crucial to mental health.

It's a fascinating chat highlighting the camaraderie in sport & how the joy of cricket brings people together, creating lasting memories.

Right arm, over the wicket. 6 balls to come.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@voiceofwooders

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Hello, everyone! And welcome to episode 3 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast.

This week, Ben is sharing a coffee with the theatre director, Tim English.

Tim is one of the leading directors for Royal Caribbean Productions & was resident director for Disney's Aladdin at The Prince Edward Theatre, London & the UK & International Tour of The Lion King.

His acting credits include Priscilla, Queen the Desert at The Palace Theatre, London & Harry Bright in the smash hit ABBA! musical, Mamma Mia!

This Christmas, marked 10 years since the sudden passing of Tim's husband, the actor & director, Chris Hornby.

In 2016, Tim set up The Chris Hornby Bursary with Arts Ed School, in memory of his late husband. A lasting legacy to a beautiful man.

Tim is beautiful too.

In this episode, Ben & Tim discuss Tim's 40 year career in the theatre industry & how Tim navigated life after losing Chris.

Plus, the important work The Chris Hornby Bursary does in mentoring & supporting young performers.

It's a moving episode on love, loss & the importance of appreciating every moment.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@mrtimenglish

@chris.hornby.bursary

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

If you'd like to make a donation to The Chris Hornby Bursary, please visit www.artsed.co.uk

Hello! Welcome to series 2 , episode 2, let's do it!

Joining Ben for a musical flat white in this week's Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is the DJ, BBC Music Introducing's Christian Carlisle.

Christian is human Berocca. And 5 & a half years sober, wow.

In this episode, Christian shares his joy of living alcohol free, the realisation that led him to quit drinking & the challenges & triumphs he has faced along the way.

Christian discusses the challenges of navigating the music industry while being alcohol-free & the role of fitness in maintaining a balanced life.

Ben & Christian delve into the impact of alcohol on relationships, the power of sober, genuine connections & the beauty of living a clear-headed life.

Christian also highlights his role in supporting emerging artists through BBC Music Introducing & reflects on the subjective nature of music & happiness.

And how we must all make a soundtrack to our life.

It's an uplifting, inspiring chat.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@christiancarlisle

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Hello & welcome back!

Kicking off Series 2 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is a coffee with the star of The Fast Show & Cold Feet, actor & comedian, the brilliant, John Thomson.

This opening episode celebrates John's amazing 18 year sobriety, delving into the complexities of sobriety & its joy.

Plus, the shift of landscape in British drinking culture.

John shares how the joy of missing out replaces FOMO & how sobriety creates more energy leading to healthier lifestyle choices.

Ben & John also discuss John's career as one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, the thrill of live performance & the addictive nature of laughter.

And, John's love of variety & film, including the influences in comedy & acting that have helped shape his career; & the importance of humility in the acting profession.

Its a fascinating conversation to help inspire others.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@johnthomson2

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Fancy a mince pie? Benjy's Cafe is back open for the 2nd Christmas Bonus episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast.

Joining Ben & bringing all the Christmas cheer, is the actor, Leon Craig.

One of the UK's most loved Pantomime Dames, Leon is currently wowing audiences as Polly La Plonk in Beauty & The Beast at the Grand Opera House, York.

Ben & Leon discuss the magic of performing in pantomime & its beautiful impact on children, the importance of health & wellness in the demanding world of theatre & the significance of kindness in their lives.

Leon reflects on the challenges & thrill of performing, including his roles in the West End productions of Richard Thomas & Stewart Lee's Jerry Springer: The Opera, Everybody's Talking About Jamie & In Dreams at Leeds Playhouse & Toronto. And a fascinating insight into the stamina needed to play the Genie in Disney's Aladdin.

Leon also highlights the influence of Variety & watching Les Dawson, Barry Howard & Mollie Sugden on his career & Dame; the support of his family & the joy of his morning walk.

Plus, how kindness & love can make a significant impact on someone's day & the significance of happiness & acceptance in life, especially during the festive season.

It's a wonderful chat to get you in the mood for a happy & loving Christmas.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Merry Christmas!

Instagram:

@leoncraigofficial

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Merry Christmas! In this bonus Festive episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, Ben is joined by the actor & Pantomime Dame, Jamie Riding.

In this uplifting chat, Jamie discusses the impact of living with Asperger's Syndrome & his pride in inspiring others with Asperger's. He shares his story from being terrified of theatre to becoming one of the UK's leading Pantomime Dames.

Ben & Jamie discuss the art of playing Dame, including the legacy of John Inman, the importance of relaxed performances for audiences & the joy of making people smile.

He reflects on the importance of family support, manners & kindness; plus the beautiful impact of theatre & puppetry on all ages.

And Jamie's excitement for his role this year as Mrs Smee in Peter Pan at Weymouth Pavilion.

Jamie's enthusiasm for life is infectious. It's a wonderful conversation.

Grab a mince pie & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@pantojamie

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

In the final episode of Series 1, Ben is joined in Benjy's Cafe Podcast by the award-winning actor & photographer, Bill Ward.

Bill discusses his extensive theatre & television career, including playing Charlie Stubbs in ITV's Coronation St & how he finds balance, so important for mental health, away from the stage through photography.

Bill's reflects on his recent play, Gerry & Sewell, which resonated deeply with his personal experiences and the culture of his native Northeast.

Ben & Bill discuss the challenges of touring & playing complex characters in soap operas plus the importance of personal well-being & how the acting community thrives on kindness , creating a safe space for many.

Bill shares how he uses photography to reflect & regenerate , helping him stay present in both home & work life.

It's a fascinating chat to end Series 1 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast.

Series 2 lands in January.

Pop the kettle on & have a wonderful Christmas.

Instagram:

@billwardphotography

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

In Benjy's Café Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the Olivier Award-nominated actor, Robert Hands.

In this episode, Robert chats about his extensive acting career, including his roles in Come From Away & Spamalot, his journey to sobriety & the importance of mental health & fitness in his life.

Robert bravely shares with Ben his battle with addiction, how he was drawn into substance use & the subsequent impact this had; plus the slow but rewarding process of rebuilding his life.

Robert highlights the transformative power of sobriety & the ongoing journey of self-discovery & personal growth. He discusses the challenges of addiction, including panic attacks & the support he received during recovery.

It's an inspiring story of resilience, hope & kindness, leading to success, happiness & gratitude.

Thank you, Robert for helping others.

Grab a coffee & enjoy listening.

This episode contains references to alcohol & substance use.

Instagram:

@rob.hands

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow