Local Heroes Podcast

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan are joined by Sunderland-born designer, photographer and entrepreneur Ian Wright for a conversation about creativity, confidence and what can happen when you’re prepared to back yourself. From spending his early childhood in South Africa and returning to Sunderland in the 1970s, to getting bullied at school and being told by a careers adviser to think about getting “a real job”, Ian’s route into the creative world was anything but obvious. It all changed with a drawing of Bruce Lee. That sketch helped land him his first job in print at 16, beginning a career that would take him from Letraset and darkrooms to photographing Sunderland AFC at Roker Park, shooting Kevin Keegan’s first Newcastle goal, building his own design agency Rufus and helping businesses completely rethink how they present themselves. Ian shares the thinking behind redesigning Hayes Travel’s identity and stores, why understanding people matters as much as design itself, and the philosophy that has shaped almost everything he’s done: if somebody else can do it, why can’t you? That mindset eventually led Ian and his wife Vicky to take on one of their biggest challenges yet — buying a derelict Victorian pumping station during COVID with nowhere near enough money to do it, and transforming it into The Pump House, a spectacular wedding venue built around obsessive attention to detail. We get into risk, resilience, creative problem-solving, retail psychology, customer experience, Sunderland heritage and why sometimes the smallest moments can completely change the direction of your life. And naturally, there’s plenty of Local Heroes territory too — Bruce Lee, Roker Park, Black Forest gateau, profiterole mountains, mushy pea fritters, sticky beef, sticky toffee pudding and a very respectable Greggs double order. A fascinating conversation about design, graft, instinct and the importance of giving things a go — because sometimes one drawing, one conversation or one decision really can change everything.

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan welcome Richard and Dominic Colman back to the studio to talk about an extraordinary year for one of South Shields’ best-known hospitality families. A century after the Colman family first entered the food business, the brothers reflect on reaching their 100-year milestone, creating an exhibition at South Shields Museum, opening new venues and continuing a family story built around food, hard work and the town they call home. We hear about their plans to transform a much-loved Whitburn café, preserving its history while creating the next chapter with great breakfasts, Sunday lunches, cakes and elevated versions of the British classics people grew up with. The conversation explores what makes a brilliant full English, why simple food is often the hardest to get right, the importance of local produce and how Richard and Dominic develop new ideas — usually around a table, late at night and with plenty of food involved. They also share plans for the new Sandhaven Coastal Village, bringing beach huts, independent businesses, food, retail and community activity together on the South Shields seafront — close to the site where their family’s hospitality story began. And, as always, things head wildly off course. There are hypothetical drinks flowing from fingers, condiment hands, curry sauce secrets, 84 eggs, chicken-wing world records, Black Forest gateau, nostalgic sweet shops, tinned mixed grills, sausage menus designed by a seven-year-old and a very serious debate about whether hash browns belong on a full English. Funny, hungry and full of ideas — a conversation about family, food, legacy, creativity and building the next 100 years of the Colman story.

This week, Chris and Dan are joined by South Shields-born producer, filmmaker and content creator John Nejjy for a conversation about creativity, curiosity and using social media to tell better stories about the North East. From joining the Merchant Navy at 17 and travelling the world, to training as a stonemason, working in bars and eventually building a successful career in the video games industry, John’s journey has never followed a straight line. He talks about working his way from customer service and game testing into design and production, while continuing to explore his own creativity through filmmaking and online content focused on local people, artists, history, food and place. We get into why authentic storytelling matters, the unpredictability of social media, the pressure to keep feeding the algorithm and John’s mission to “heal the algorithm” by creating positive, human content in a digital world often driven by outrage, division and exploitation. John also shares why he keeps trying new skills, the importance of staying curious and his determination not to reach the end of his life wishing he had given something a go. And, as always, the conversation heads in several unexpected directions. There are fears of flying, red jackets, Flash Gordon, South Shields beaches, Greggs orders, chocolate pasties, shrinking Feasts, Angel Delight, 84 eggs and a WhatsApp group dedicated entirely to boiled egg content. Funny, thoughtful and completely unpredictable — a conversation about creativity, identity, local pride and finding your own way to make something positive.

This week on the Local Heroes podcast, Chris and Dan met Luke Smith - a distiller who survived an explosion that blew his hat off, built his first still at fifteen, and once sent Chris home from a rum-making night so happy he nearly ate a slug outside a Newcastle church. Luke is head distiller and co-founder of a Newcastle distillery, ten minutes from Central Station, where he makes white and dark rum from molasses, a bourbon-style whiskey, and gin. He got there via a home brew kit at fourteen, a garden centre where he sold 15,000 bottles of ginger wine a year, and a chance conversation at Durham Farmers' Market that landed him a job at Sonnet 43. From there: head distiller at Poetic Licence, one of the North East's earliest gin distilleries, then Mason's Yorkshire Gin - where a pinhole in a Portuguese copper still ignited on a gas burner and took the whole building down in ten seconds. Nobody was hurt and they never missed an order. Chris and Dan dig deep to try and understand the science and the art of it - why ambient room temperature changes your ABV, why Scottish distillers still ding a rock against the still to listen for bubbles, and how a batch that tasted inexplicably salty for three weeks turned into one of the best things Luke's ever made. There's the history too: Gin Lane as government propaganda, quinine and the accidental birth of the G&T, and why gin boomed here while tequila never could. Chris tastes the spiced rum he made at Luke's rum academy and gets a six and a half out of ten, there's two new product ideas born live on the mic, and the Greggs order is settled. And remember, a sausage roll is always the thing you eat before the other thing.

Jo Milne and Steve White join us for a conversation about empathy, connection and what it means to truly understand the world from someone else’s perspective. Jo lives with Usher syndrome, a condition that causes both hearing and sight loss. After being profoundly deaf from birth, her experience of hearing for the first time through cochlear implants was captured in a video that went viral around the world. But behind that moment is a much bigger story. Together with Steve, Jo talks about their partnership, the often-unseen role of caring, navigating a world that isn’t always accessible, and why awareness begins with being willing to ask questions. From the sounds we take for granted to the importance of simply “zooming out”, this is a warm, funny and thought-provoking conversation about disability, difference, human connection and the empathy we could all do with a little more of.

Paul Mort is known for his energy, honesty and no-nonsense approach to business and life, but behind the success is a story very few people know. In this episode, Paul opens up about building a business from nothing, surviving depression and suicidal thoughts, rebuilding his life, and the mindset shifts that changed everything. He talks about learning to sell, embracing discomfort, becoming alcohol-free, and why personal responsibility has been the biggest catalyst for change. Along the way, we also dive into football, South Shields, Greggs orders, public speaking, social media, and why humour has always been one of his greatest strengths. It’s raw, hilarious, emotional and packed with practical wisdom. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, struggling with your mental health, or simply looking for a reminder that it’s never too late to rebuild your life, this is a conversation you won’t forget.

What happens when you lose everything, and have to rebuild your life from the ground up? In one of our most powerful conversations yet, Claire Liddle shares her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and alcohol addiction to prison, recovery, and building a thriving bakery business that’s changing lives. Claire speaks with remarkable honesty about growing up with abuse, the spiral into addiction, serving 22 months in prison, and why prison ultimately became the turning point that saved her life. She reflects on forgiveness, accountability, football as therapy, and discovering a passion for baking that gave her a new purpose. Today, Claire is the founder of Cakeaholics, creating award-winning cakes while proving that our past doesn’t have to define our future. This is a story about redemption, resilience, second chances, and finding hope when everything seems lost. It’s raw, funny, emotional, and ultimately incredibly inspiring.

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit with Carley Armstrong of Sunderland - producer, filmmaker, and one of the hardest-grafting people in North East film right now. She's gone from runner to script supervisor to producer the hard way, building her own company while refusing to leave the region that made her. Hendon born, Hendon loyal - the kind of place she can still knock on any door for a cup of sugar. There's the young lass who heard Carley on BBC Radio Newcastle, messaged her on Instagram, turned up to set with her own car, and was working at the BBC five weeks later. As Carley says, an email can change your life. There's the philosophy from our Sunderland filmmaker + a proper deep dive into 50 Cent's The 50th Law as a survival guide for the industry. There's the moment she first found filmmaking and felt genuine love, family and belonging - keeping her loyal to the industry family ever since. She talks about thinking in decades not days, the strange loneliness of rising when the people who cheered you up the hill go quiet at the top, arts disappearing from schools, and why the North East only wins when we stop competing and start collaborating. And, as is tradition on Local Heroes, Carley reveals her last meal - and it's about as Sunderland as it gets. Saveloy Dip from Dicksons + a Muller's pink slice + a chip sandwich with Lurpak and red sauce. Then the Greggs order.

<span;>This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with Andy Haddon - beekeeper, baker, accidental troublemaker, and the man Charlotte Crosby once crowned "the David Attenborough of the Stottie." <span;>Andy's the founder of Big River Bakery in Shieldfield, but that's only where the story lands. <span;>We start with bees - the waggle dance, the venom that kills cancer cells, and what twenty years of getting stung teaches you about altruism, resilience and the interconnected life. <span;>From there it's a proper journey: a psychology degree, learning to fly at Cranfield to go and kill locusts, cold stores at minus 25, designing Marks & Spencer's Christmas hamper system, and a few empty years working for big companies for profit alone before a moment on a Shanghai high street sent this Geordie boy home. <span;>What he built when he got here is something rarer than a bakery. <span;>Andy talks about turning a pallet of leftover Spamalot tins into the seed money for a village climate group, growing the first wheat in Newcastle for 200 years, six or seven years without a wage, and why the bakery is really a business model in disguise - healthy, affordable food for all, with neurodiverse folk on the payroll and a cross-subsidy that keeps prices honest. <span;>We get into shortening the supply chain, why you have to start where people are rather than preach rosemary sourdough at them, and the three times he very nearly didn't make it home. <span;>And of course, the Stottie - going extinct until Andy brought it back, gave it a giant suit and appearance money, trademarked the Stottini, and turned the stale loaves into Stottie beer. <span;>Plus a serious debate about whether you could strap two stotties to your palms and survive a fall. <span;>Then the all-important food finish: top three stottie fillings, curry chips versus gravy, mushy peas on the fish, and a Greggs order that needs a time machine to answer. <span;>#LocalHeroesPodcast #BigRiverBakery #Stottie #NorthEast #Shieldfield #NationalStottieWeek <span;>Insta - https://www.instagram.com/wearelocalheroes/ <span;>TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearelocalheroes?_t=ZG-8tKWkdyntYm&_r=1 <span;>Website - https://www.wearelocalheroes.com/

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit with Bobzilla - artist, muralist, DJ, photographer, and a man whose own mum still refuses to call him anything but Robert. The name itself is a tale. Born Robert Page (yes, both off Led Zeppelin), he became Rob, then Bob courtesy of a big lad called Robbie, and finally Bobzilla on a drunken night when a mate needed a DJ name and turned himself into Optimus Prime. Sheffield-raised and Newcastle-adopted, Bob takes us from photographing illegal graffiti in dodgy railway yards (and getting arrested in one - though he did get a free lift back to town) to painting murals on the Quayside, in people's backyards, and on a Beetle now driven around by a Whitley Bay midwife. There's the cars at the Salt Market, the burger joints he's transformed, and the eternal question of what happens to graffiti's soul when the money turns up. He talks about clubland and the photo book born from it - 'It's a Family Affair' - a gritty black-and-white document of grassroots nights at World Headquarters and beyond, back when people went out to dance and not a single phone was in sight. He's honest about the baggage that comes with the lifestyle, and taking risks behind the decks - dropping Public Enemy into a techno set, and playing Windowlicker when nobody dares. And he's honest about the eight-year wait for an ADHD diagnosis, the medication that finally quietened his mind, the anxiety behind the cafe that didn't work, and why Newcastle - with neighbours who turn up to help with the gardening - has been the friendliest place he's ever lived. Plus, his last-meal favourites get a proper airing: a fierce love of PEK, a deep distrust of tinned salmon, and childhood jars of potted beef made next to his school. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/LocalHeroesVIP Insta - https://www.instagram.com/wearelocalheroes/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearelocalheroes?_t=ZG-8tKWkdyntYm&_r=1 Website - https://www.wearelocalheroes.com/

This week, Chris and Dan set out to talk about what’s been happening in their lives and somehow end up covering everything from decorating disasters and DIY injuries to family diaries, old letters, horror films and the stories that shape who we are. Dan shares his ongoing battle with decorating, including drilling through his own foot, near misses with electrics, and why he may never become the DIY hero he hopes his family thinks he is. The conversation explores confidence, competence, and the pressure many people feel to be good at things they simply don’t enjoy. From there, things take a more reflective turn as Chris talks about discovering his grandmother’s handwritten diaries and his late father’s letters from working abroad. What starts as a loft-clearing exercise becomes a powerful insight into family history, memory, gratitude, and the ordinary moments that often tell the richest stories. Along the way there are debates about supper, school dinners, art classes, sketchbooks, Garfield slippers, horror films, Poltergeist, Jaws, Freddy Krueger, and why live radio somehow makes an empty house feel less lonely. A funny, nostalgic and unexpectedly moving conversation about creativity, family, fear, and the importance of preserving the everyday stories that might otherwise be lost forever. Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/LocalHeroesVIP Insta - https://www.instagram.com/wearelocalheroes/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearelocalheroes?_t=ZG-8tKWkdyntYm&_r=1 Website - https://www.wearelocalheroes.com/

This week on the Local Heroes podcast, Chris and Dan sit with Cal Byerley of Restaurant Pine - and Gordons (plural) steal the show. Gordon, the podcast mascot, is named after a rock star, carved from a sculpture celebrating Mary Ann McCann's escape from slavery and destined for a bag stool at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Not bad for a bench. There's also a dog called Gordon - named after Ramsay himself, Scottish and yappy - who nearly caused a very awkward moment on a TV set. The tale of many Gordons. Cal talks about Third Bite - the chef collective born from a conversation with Sir Brendan Foster that has since pulled together some of the country's best chefs to raise serious money for cancer research. He talks about what it took to finally cook the main course at the Great British Menu banquet after three years of competing - including how the third time around you feel bold enough to put a dish shaped like genitalia on the BBC, complete with a police hat as the reveal. There's also the story of how Cal once used ski-scene shower curtains as wallpaper in their staff accommodation, and how that slightly chaotic energy somehow became the foundation for one of the North East's most celebrated restaurants. He also comes clean about his love of the air fryer. And, as is tradition on Local Heroes, Cal reveals his Greggs order. Drum roll, please 🥁

This week on the Local Heroes podcast, Chris and Dan sit with Rob Sampson, the man behind "Gan for bait, like?" One of the North East's most-followed food voices, the conversation that wanders from Capri Sun smuggling tactics and a wonky table nicknamed Gordon, all the way to foie gras at the old Cafe 21. Rob talks us through how a lockdown creative itch, fed by Anthony Bourdain, years of writing band reviews for Narc magazine, and a hunch that nobody was telling Newcastle's food stories properly, turned into an Instagram blog, then a YouTube channel, then a 170,000-view Pickle and Peach video that changed everything. We get into the ethics of food reviewing: why he won't slag off struggling small businesses, how one sentence can undo five years of a chef's work, and why a hyped London restaurant left him cold while somewhere like St Vincent would walk a Michelin star if you picked it up and dropped it in Soho. Then it gets personal. Dropping out of two universities, running the Mill Tavern in Hebburn at 23, the panic-attack night the dodgy football boxes blew up mid-match, and the boss who laughed at him for it. And here's where it gets uncanny, Rob and Chris realise they've basically lived parallel lives. Same hospital, same year, same South Shields college, same tutors (shout out Keith and Ben), same media studies and sociology dropout arc, same brutal Thursday-night crawl from Oscars to Venue, same Smirnoff Mules, same bouncers who'd dent their own car bonnet on your head to teach you a lesson. Two lads who somehow never crossed paths but absolutely should have. We close with the important stuff: chip butties (double salt, no ketchup), the perfect cheese savoury (half mayo, half salad cream - non-negotiable), the pop man, chalk ices, Bass Shandy at the kids' disco, and a forensic breakdown of the ideal Greg's order. Sausage roll first, obviously. A proper Local Heroes one. Funny, honest, and very North East.

This week on Chris and Dan sit down with Jo Feeley, co-founder of TrendBible, the Newcastle based trend forecasting agency helping some of the world’s biggest brands understand what people will want next. From growing up in rural Northumberland to building an internationally respected futures and trend forecasting business, Jo shares how curiosity became a career, spotting patterns in human behaviour, culture, fashion, interiors, lifestyle, and consumer habits long before they hit the mainstream. The conversation dives into the psychology behind trends, nostalgia culture, social media influence, fashion identity, home decor, masculinity, community, and why people suddenly all start doing the same things at the same time. From Stanley Cups and skinny jeans to Stone Roses fashion, gym culture, and the rise of wellness communities, this episode explores how culture shifts beneath the surface. Jo also opens up about moving to New York to work in fashion, hustling her way into the industry, building TrendBible from the ground up, and advising major global brands on the future of consumer behaviour. Along the way, there’s plenty of Local Heroes chaos too, Greggs Empire biscuits, fish and chip shop curry sauce debates, weird dreams, bucket hats, berets in the North East, and why your sofa might actually be ruining your life. A funny, thoughtful, and unexpectedly deep conversation about identity, creativity, trends, and the future of how we live. Help support the podcast at Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/LocalHeroesVIP

This week Chris and Dan are joined by comedian Lauren Pattison, one of the sharpest stand-up voices to come out of the North East in the last decade. From doing her first gigs at 18 in Newcastle to becoming an Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee and touring internationally, Lauren talks honestly about the strange reality of growing up through comedy, while everyone else was off travelling, she was doing gigs in Derby and trying to survive the Fringe. We get into where her humour came from, growing up in a family where making each other laugh was second nature, discovering Billy Connolly and Only Fools and Horses young, and realising later in life that maybe she was just the funny one all along. Lauren tells us her industry stories from the Fringe, viral twitter wars, touring life, panel shows, Last One Laughing, Ross Noble, Sam Campbell and why comedians are often still laughing hardest at the dumbest things imaginable. But like all good conversations, it also spirals beautifully off track. We do a deep dive on controversial jacket potato methods, emotional support sausage rolls, dogs judging ex-boyfriend and why hot-and-cold puddings might be one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Funny, chaotic, brutally honest, and very, very Northern. Help support the podcast and join our Patreon Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/c/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, we’re joined by Toby Davison, the man behind North Shore Coffee, one of the North East’s fastest-growing specialty coffee brands. From selling coffee on the Quayside with a small setup to building a multi-site business with cafés, vans, and a roastery, this is a story of graft, instinct, and backing yourself when there’s no clear plan. We get into how it all started, from New Zealand inspiration to COVID survival mode, where Toby took a coffee van into local communities and accidentally built the foundations of a serious business. The conversation digs into the reality of running a coffee company in 2026 — rising costs, tight margins, staffing pressures, and why being busy doesn’t always mean being profitable. Toby breaks down the numbers, the mindset shift from passion to business, and why understanding your margins is now everything. We also get into the evolution of coffee culture, from flat whites to matcha madness, social media trends, viral videos and the shift away from nightlife towards coffee, fitness, and community-led experiences. From dodgy cafetière attempts and coffee snobbery to Greggs orders, empire biscuit addiction, and the great curry vs gravy debate, plus stories of building a business on gut feeling, taking calculated risks, and learning to handle pressure when everything’s on the line. Support the podcast and join Patreon. Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP Insta - https://www.instagram.com/wearelocalheroes/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearelocalheroes?_t=ZG-8tKWkdyntYm&_r=1 Website - https://www.wearelocalheroes.com/

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, we’re joined by Teesside’s very own Matt Ord, a straight-talking grafter turned business leader helping shape the future of the region. From growing up in Middlesbrough to carving out a career without a clear path, this is a conversation about instinct, resilience, and making things happen when there’s no blueprint. Matt shares his journey through early graft, sales, and the Chamber, building relationships, spotting opportunity, and backing himself every step of the way. At the heart of this episode is something deeper. After 20 years living with colitis, Matt opens up about the decision to undergo life-changing surgery and living with a stoma, and how that moment shifted everything. This isn’t about setbacks, it’s about perspective, confidence, and helping others by being open about the reality. We get into leadership, integrity, and what it actually takes to create opportunities for the next generation, not just talk about it. And as always, it goes off on one. Childhood chaos, grafting for your first job with nothing but bus fare, dodging trouble on the estate, and the moments that quietly shape who you become. There’s our usual food rabbit holes, this week includes, parmos, saveloys, and his Greggs order. It's a proper dose of North East culture throughout. Help support the podcast on our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/c/LocalHeroesVIP Insta - https://www.instagram.com/wearelocalheroes/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearelocalheroes?_t=ZG-8tKWkdyntYm&_r=1 Website - https://www.wearelocalheroes.com/

This week on Local Heroes, we’re joined by South Shields’ own Matty and Matteo Minchella - coming from one of the North East’s best-known hospitality families and now building a marketing agency focused on real growth. From early graft in family-run restaurants and ice cream businesses to helping brands scale through strategy, this is a straight-talking conversation about what it really takes to build something today. We get into the reality of hospitality in 2026; rising costs, tighter margins, and changing customer habits - and why so many businesses are feeling the pressure. The lads break down the difference between surface-level social media and proper marketing that drives revenue, and why long-term thinking, strong branding, and customer retention are what actually make a business sustainable. And as always, it goes off on one - stories of sneaking bottles out the family stockroom, mixing absolute chaos into homemade drinks, and early side hustles that somehow turned a profit. There’s a Greggs habit (including a claim of being in the top 0.1% of spenders) and a radgie seagull incident - swooping in, landing on a shoulder, and robbing a hot beef dip mid-bite - followed by a second, suspiciously coordinated attack days later - naturally leading to Chris floating the theory that these seagulls aren’t just winging it—they’re watching, learning, and possibly working in teams. That’s what Local Heroes does best - real people, real stories, and the kind of conversations you don’t get anywhere else. Insight, graft, chaos, and a good laugh all in one - straight out the North East. Support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes podcast, Chris and Dan are joined by Ian Waller of the formidable Restaurant Pine. Ian works closely with his friend and co-founder Cal Byerley, the man who convinced him to make the move to the North East, and together they’ve built one of the most exciting and unique restaurants in the country. In this episode, Ian shares the story behind that journey, from early days in the industry and life in London to taking a chance on a half-finished space overlooking the Northumberland countryside and turning it into something truly special. What starts as a chat about fruit (and a surprisingly strong dislike of strawberries) quickly spirals into conversations about boiled eggs in cars, chaotic food experiments, and whether there’s such a thing as too much flavour. This episode goes everywhere - but always circles back to the craft of cooking, creativity, and doing things your own way. Ian opens up about building Pine from the ground up, the challenges of sourcing local ingredients in the region, and why relationships with farmers and producers are at the heart of everything they do. There’s real insight into their approach to sustainability and zero-waste cooking too, from turning surplus cucumbers into intense, balsamic, like reductions to constantly pushing ideas through experimentation (and plenty of failures along the way). The episode also touches on the moment Pine received its Michelin recognition, including their Green Michelin Star - awarded for their commitment to sustainability, in a memorable and slightly surreal presentation involving a surprise visit from Alex Nietosvuori of the equally renowned Restaurant Hjem and the soon to open Freyja. You’ll also get a feel for what makes Pine different - not just the food, but the atmosphere. From chefs serving guests directly to 'Dad rock' music playing in the kitchen and a focus on making people feel relaxed rather than intimidated, it’s a refreshing take on high-level dining. Expect plenty of laughs, a Greggs menu hacks and a behind-the-scenes look at how curiosity, creativity, and a bit of chaos can lead to something genuinely world-class. Support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

In this week's Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with Roger Crosby for a deep-dive into music, graft, and growing up in the North East - from chaotic working men’s club gigs and near-breakthrough moments in the industry to the foundations of what would become Crosby’s Catering. We explore the reality of chasing music, including lessons from legendary manager Chas Chandler and a pivotal sliding-doors moment that changed everything. At the heart of it all is Roger’s dad, Bob Crosby, one of eleven from Byker, whose relentless work ethic shaped Roger’s mindset, as he balanced life as a bank manager by day and performing by night. Packed with humour, wild gig stories, and real-life lessons, this is a conversation about family, risk, resilience, and what it really takes to build something from nothing. Support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to Kema Kay – actor, musician, writer and proud Newcastle creative – about his journey from the West End of Newcastle to landing a speaking role in Ken Loach’s I, Daniel Blake and building a career in the creative industries. Kema shares the reality of starting out as an extra on film sets, the class divide within the industry, and the moment he almost quit acting altogether before landing the role that changed everything. He opens up about dealing with imposter syndrome, auditioning for major Hollywood projects, and the pressure creatives face to change who they are – from their accent to their identity – to fit into the industry. The conversation also dives into Kema’s upbringing after moving to Newcastle from Zambia, growing up in a tough environment, losing his mother at a young age, and how youth projects and music studios gave him a path away from the streets and into creativity Chris and Dan talk with Kema about building opportunities in the North East, why he chose to stay in Newcastle rather than move to London, and why he believes success should come with “throwing the rope back down” to help the next generation of creatives. They also get into: - The reality of breaking into acting without connections - Why creative careers rarely follow a straight path - The pressure of success and staying grounded - Supporting young people through creative opportunities Of course, we can't avoid the food debates, Greggs orders, and nostalgic food memories from home — including his dad’s legendary cabbage. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, identity, and carving your own path in the creative world.   Help support the podcast and subscribe to our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with the dynamic brewing duo Sam and Red Kellie of First & Last Brewery. On the eve of the launch of Taste of Northumberland - an exciting new initiative celebrating the very best of the county’s food, drink, and hospitality - Sam and Red reflect on what truly matters: place, provenance, and community. From their early days of home brewing to building a brewery rooted deeply in the Northumberland landscape, they share how local ingredients, foraging, and seasonality shape their beers—and why staying true to where you are can be your greatest strength. At the heart of it all is a real sense of place - using ingredients that change year to year, meaning no two beers are ever quite the same. It’s about experimentation, storytelling, and creating something that could only come from Northumberland. We explore the realities of running an independent brewery, the challenges facing the industry, and how moments like COVID reshaped not just their business, but their connection to customers and community. Plus, as always, expect plenty of laughs - from travel mishaps and mozzarella mix-ups to hangover horror stories and the all-important debate: gravy or curry sauce on your chips Tune in now. Help support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

n this episode of Local Heroes, Chris and Dan sit down with producer, manager and music supervisor Tarquin Gotch, whose career bridges Hollywood, rock music and the North East of England. Tarquin has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including John Hughes, Brian Johnson (AC/DC), Jimmy Nail, Stuart Copeland, Sting, and bands such as XTC and The Beat. Along the way he’s crossed paths with icons like George Harrison, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin, Rowan Atkinson, Steve Martin, John Candy, Matthew Broderick and Catherine O’Hara. Best known for his work with director John Hughes, Tarquin shares behind-the-scenes stories from classic films including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Home Alone. He explains how Hughes encouraged actors like Steve Martin and John Candy to improvise beyond the script — capturing the warmth and humanity that helped make those comedies timeless. Despite a career that has taken him from London theatres to film sets in Chicago, the North East runs strongly through Tarquin’s story thanks to long-standing collaborations with Jimmy Nail and Brian Johnson, and decades spent working with artists from the region. From a chance introduction by Kelly LeBrock that led to a life-changing meeting with John Hughes, to producing some of the most loved films of the 1980s and 90s, Tarquin reflects on creativity, collaboration and recognising great talent. A brilliant conversation about Hollywood classics, rock legends and the North East connections behind them. Support on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with regional TUC secretary Dave Pike to unpack what modern trade unionism really looks like. Representing 800,000 unionised workers across 48 unions, Dave explains how the movement has evolved beyond outdated stereotypes — and why, at its core, it’s still about one simple idea: we look after each other. From organising his first workplace campaign in Pizza Hut to fighting for fair pay and safer conditions, Dave shares how grassroots action can ripple out into real national change. The conversation digs deep into the political climate shaping today’s workplaces — austerity, the gig economy, small business pressures, and the long shadow of Thatcherism. Dave speaks candidly about navigating political diversity within unions, being a “critical friend” to government, and why trade unionists must talk to everyone — even those they strongly disagree with. It’s an honest, nuanced discussion about collectivism in a divided age, and why he chooses to stay “aggressively hopeful” despite rising polarisation. There’s also a powerful personal thread running through the episode. Dave reflects on coming out later in life, the impact of bullying, and why being an openly queer trade unionist matters. From supporting Pride events when funding was pulled, to standing against hate in communities affected by unrest, he shares how solidarity across differences — whether in steelworks, shipyards, kitchens, or council estates — remains essential to rebuilding trust. Expect deep debates about chip butties pressed flat by hand, the perfect sandwich build, and a very carefully considered Greggs Order. A thoughtful, passionate, and surprisingly funny conversation about standing up for people — and always saving room for chips. Support the pod on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to award-winning portrait photographer, Chris Owens about building a career behind the lens and finding your voice in a changing industry. From his early days learning in the darkroom to adapting through the digital revolution, Chris reflects on how discipline, curiosity and human connection shaped the way he sees the world — and why photographing people is as much about psychology as it is about technique. The conversation explores the tension between commercial success and personal fulfilment — chasing big campaigns, navigating industry gatekeepers, and resisting the pressure to become “known” for one particular look. Chris shares honest insights into representation, rejection, resilience, and the reality of sustaining a long-term career in photography while staying true to your instincts. They also dive into social media, the democratisation of image-making, and the rise of AI. Rather than fearing it, Chris sees AI as another inevitable shift — arguing that in a world flooded with flawless visuals - imperfection, lived experience and genuine storytelling will only grow in value. It’s a thoughtful take on where the creative industry is heading and what will continue to matter. The episode also touches on the birth of Pattern — Chris’s people-first storytelling platform born during lockdown — and how it’s become both a personal outlet and a powerful connector. Expect strong opinions on the debate of our times - curry vs gravy, last meal lasagne, and the ever present Greggs Order. A wide-ranging, grounded conversation about growth, identity, and doing work that means something. Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with the godfather of North East hospitality - Terry Laybourne. From washing prep boxes on his very first day in a kitchen to opening Queen Street in 1988 and helping shape the region’s dining scene, Terry shares the story of how a working-class lad from the west end of Newcastle became what he calls a “food engineer.” He talks about the moment he truly fell in love with food (a life-changing staff curry in Jersey), the insecurities of cooking for the ultra-wealthy in Switzerland, and why curiosity - not ambition - drove his career. They dive into team culture, leadership and longevity: building restaurants that last decades, the importance of the people around you, and why the kitchen works like a rigid 4-4-2 football team - talent matters, but everyone still has to track back. Terry also reflects on the realities facing hospitality today, rising costs, post-COVID pressures, and the responsibility of looking after a team of more than 180 staff. There’s a debate over the perfect boiled egg, stories from unforgettable meals in Provence, the perfect last meal before he reveals his very specific Greggs order when the kitchens are closed and hunger strikes. A funny, honest and thoughtful conversation about graft, humility and building something that lasts. Help support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week’s Local Heroes Podcast - Chris and Dan talk to SAFC legend and incredible human, Gary Bennett. From scoring on his debut at Roker Park to becoming one of the most respected voices in North East football, Gary shares a life shaped by Sunderland AFC and the community around it. He explains why the club is more than a team - it’s the heartbeat of a city - and how recent years have rebuilt pride across Sunderland both on and off the pitch. Gary opens up about arriving in the 1980s as one of the first Black players many supporters had ever seen, the racism that existed in football and society at the time, and how attitudes have changed through education and conversation. He reflects on dressing room life, terrace culture, and the reality of playing through an era where abuse was normalised - and why his work with Show Racism the Red Card still matters today. We also hear about captaining the club, Wembley memories, Sunderland’s global fanbase, broadcasting for BBC Radio Newcastle, and the moments that kept him in the North East long after retirement. Along the way there’s talk of favourite players, iconic goals, football as a universal language, and why Sunderland sticks with people for life. Plus: childhood street football in Manchester, Jamaican food, jelly babies, Greggs breakfasts, and a SUNDERLAND ALL-TIME XI that will definitely stir some debate. A conversation about football, belonging, resilience - and how a club can shape generations. Support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan meet Drew and Abbie - people brought together through life-changing injuries and conditions, and whose stories are celebrated in the recently screened film Hands on the Wheel, directed by Dan Prince and produced by Local Heroes. What begins light-hearted quickly turns into a powerful and honest conversation about rebuilding a life after disability. Drew talks about losing independence overnight, learning to rely on carers, and finding purpose again - while Abbie reflects on the long months stuck in a care home and feeling isolated, to discovering wheelchair rugby and realising he still had a life to live beyond hospital walls. Together they talk about making Hands on the Wheel - the trust involved, the unseen hours of filming, and why showing reality matters more than inspiration. The film reveals what people don’t see: the planning behind a coffee trip, preparing to leave the house, and how long everyday tasks actually take. A major theme is the gap people face after leaving hospital. Abbie describes being discharged into environments that didn’t fit his life, while Drew explains how that shared frustration led to Gym Possible - a charity gym and community hub designed as a soft landing. It’s not just training: it’s peer advice, benefits guidance, equipment knowledge, and helping newly injured people realise they can still participate in the world. They also look ahead — expanding services, mentoring others, fundraising challenges, and building something bigger than a gym. For Abbie, it’s about making sure the next person leaving hospital doesn’t feel as lost as he once did. It’s thoughtful, funny and real - a conversation about acceptance, identity and moving forward when life changes overnight - and yes, there's that unavoidable Greggs Order.   Support the podcast on our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to the all-weather Jen Bartram, weather broadcaster, communicator, and proud North East native. Like our very own average host, Chris, Jen was born in South Shields and raised in Hebburn – like all good humans. What begins as a nostalgic, laugh-filled chat about growing up in the North East quickly becomes a thoughtful and revealing conversation. From memories of 80s kids’ TV (Danger Mouse, He-Man), street games, buses, and sweet-shop favourites, the episode flows into Jen’s unexpected journey into broadcasting. She shares how she moved from studying languages and student radio into weather broadcasting, learning on the job, ad-libbing live on air, and managing the intense pressure of live television -especially when the graphics disappear and there’s nothing to point at! Jen also talks about her work beyond broadcasting, including teaching, communication skills training, and delivering a 'bucket list' TED Talk. She offers honest insight into public-speaking anxiety, explaining why nerves and excitement feel the same in the body, and shares practical advice on staying present, reframing fear, and focusing on what you know rather than the size of the occasion. One of the most powerful moments comes when Jen speaks openly about online trolling and appearance-based abuse. She reflects on how it affected her confidence, why “just ignore it” is rarely helpful advice, and how empathy and understanding play a crucial role in coping and recovery. From ghost dogs, to how corned beef pie lies at the heart of a buffet masterclass - this is an episode built on genuine connection, warmth and good banter. Help support the podcast and join the Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

Chris and Dan go rogue this week on the Local Heroes Podcast, serving up nonsense and beautifully unnecessary disruption. No guests. No structure. Just two mics, endless rabbit holes, and zero resistance to going off track. From spoon solos and imaginary North East super-groups to curry v gravy debates, Chris confessing to a lifetime of fashion crimes, and Dan putting Darren and Keith (Keeath) firmly into Room 101. Underneath the chaos, this episode is about why the podcast exists in the first place: wanting to make authentic, good, and positive things with the right people, for the right reasons. Chris and Dan reflect on the first year of Local Heroes, what they’ve learned along the way, and the importance of knowing when to move on, refocus, and put energy where it belongs. 👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube 👉 Support the podcast and get bonus content on Patreon 👉 If it made you laugh, think, or nod along, share it

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan meet serial entrepreneur, innovator and all-round make-things-happen-er Charlie Hoult. From the very first seconds it’s classic Local Heroes - unscripted, off-the-cuff, and full of left-field turns that only happen when you ditch the agenda and let authentic stories unfold. Charlie takes us deep into the world of Hoults Yard: a 12-acre former industrial site turned vibrant village of makers, food businesses, creatives and tech firms on the east side of Newcastle. He traces its roots back to the area’s pottery and logistics history, then explains how a blend of calculated risk, “meanwhile use,” and relentless people-spotting helped shape Hoults Yard into what it is today - a place built on community, character, and the belief that the North East doesn’t need to copy to compete. Beyond the yard, Charlie opens up about big wins, big knocks (including the crash-era fallout of a London business), and what drives his obsession with backing talent and championing the region - from founding Dynamo to helping grow Opencast into a major employer. T here’s also a candid dive into politics, leadership, and why he took a run at the mayoral race… before the lads wrap it all up the only way they know how: with the menu, Greggs orders, and the eternal curry-vs-gravy debate. 👉 Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel, support the podcast on Patreon for exclusives and bonus content, and head to our website to join the mailing list for episode drops, events, and behind-the-scenes updates.   Support the podcast via Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP #LocalHeroesPodcast #NorthEastCreatives #UKEntrepreneurs #PlaceMaking #CommunityStories

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan welcome Carlos Yescas. Carlos is a globally respected cheese expert, author, and food systems thinker, and Partnership Coordinator at Food Newcastle, where he works to build a more equitable, sustainable, and connected regional food system. His journey spans Mexico City, Ireland, the US, China, and now the North East of England. From washing dishes in a Galway cheesemonger to judging the world’s most prestigious food awards, Carlos shares how cheese became the thread connecting his work in human rights, migration, and food policy. In this wide-ranging conversation, the team explore how radio and podcasting can tell human stories during crisis, why food waste is one of the UK’s biggest hidden challenges, and how upcoming changes in Newcastle - from devolution to major sporting events - could reshape the region’s food landscape. They also dive into British cheese culture, the importance of provenance and local pride, and Carlos’s new book One Cheese to Rule Them All, which celebrates award-winning cheeses while uncovering the politics, people, and places behind them. Along the way, there’s talk of tepid food, guilty-pleasure cheese pairings, Greggs vegan sausage rolls, and why there really is no moment in life without cheese. 👉 Please subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Local Heroes conversations. 👉 Sign up for free on Patreon to support the podcast and access exclusive extras. 👉 If you know a Local Hero or would like to see someone feature on the podcast, please leave a comment below. Support us on Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan meet with Smith & Liddle, the songwriting duo formed after both artists reached a crossroads in their solo careers. They talk openly about why working alone started to feel creatively draining, the uncertainty of giving up individual identity to become a duo, and how starting again from scratch helped reduce pressure and reignite their love for writing music. The conversation explores their songwriting process, how songs change meaning over time, and the real stories behind their tracks - including how a disagreement about food unexpectedly turned into one of their album songs. Away from the music, the episode leans heavily into personality. There’s a deep dive into food habits on tour, fussy eating, Greggs orders, last-meal choices, Sunday dinners, and a surprisingly serious debate about whether a Jaffa Cake is a biscuit or a cake. These moments reveal the dynamic between the duo and the humour that underpins their partnership. They also discuss touring, social media, viral moments, dealing with online criticism, and how engagement - even negative - can shape visibility as an independent artist. The result is a loose, honest and funny conversation that balances music, real life, and the everyday chaos that comes with building a band together. To help support the podcast visit our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

One year on from Chris and Dan’s original sit-down with Si King, we are welcoming the PROPA engine room to the Local Heroes Podcast to mark a major milestone - one full year of PROPA. In this episode, we talk to the PROPA kitchen crew (left to right) - Tom Cuthbert, Josef Blythe and Rory Welch - reflecting on a whirlwind first year that has seen PROPA grow from an idea into a defining part of the North East food scene. From opening the doors in a tiny former stable to producing thousands of pies, navigating match days, media attention, collaborations, and constant demand, the lads look back on a year that moved faster than anyone expected. The discussion celebrates not just the success, but the craft behind it. Tom, Josef and Rory talk about what makes a proper pie: generous fillings, the right texture, gravy that takes time, and food rooted in tradition rather than trends. They reflect on how the menu has evolved over the year, how customer demand shaped decisions, and why respect for local produce and familiar flavours remains central to PROPA’s identity. This is also a celebration of teamwork and shared graft. Drawing on years spent in high-pressure kitchens, mass catering and restaurants, the lads explain how being willing to do every job - from pots to prep - helped PROPA survive its most intense moments. They discuss adapting to takeaway life, finding better balance, and learning how to scale without losing standards. As always, the conversation is full of North East food nostalgia and humour - from chip-shop debates and saveloy dips to corned beef, Greggs orders, and the smells and memories that define the region’s food culture. Above all, this episode marks a year of PROPA - a celebration of the humble pie as a symbol of North East food heritage, done properly, with heart, graft, and pride. Help support the podcast via our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

On this week's Local Heroes Podcast, your average hosts Chris and Dan talk to the electric and entrepreneurial Steffi Smith - a true North East legend and one of the region’s most inspiring business role models. As the founder of The Chocolate Smiths, she has built not just an iconic brand, but a blueprint for creativity, resilience, and modern entrepreneurship. Steffi opens up about discovering her ADHD later in life, how it shaped her path, and how embracing it became one of her greatest strengths. She takes us from the early days of making chocolate bars in her kitchen with a microwave, to becoming a social media favourite, earning a viral shoutout from Joe Wicks, and navigating the overwhelming pressures that came with rapid growth. Steffi speaks with rare honesty about burnout, self-doubt, and the moment she nearly walked away — before rebuilding her business with more clarity, courage, and conviction than ever. From designing bespoke moulds, elevating her brand, and switching to ethically sourced Colombian chocolate, to investing deeply in her team and leading with creativity, Steffi demonstrates exactly why she’s become such an incredible entrepreneurial example for emerging founders everywhere. Packed with laughter, spills, wild ideas, breakfast-and-brainstorm sessions, and even a call for a Greggs × Chocolate Smiths collab, this episode showcases the brilliance, passion, and heart that make Steffi a local hero in every sense. If you love powerful founder stories, creativity, neurodiversity, or just really good chocolate — this conversation will stay with you.   Support the podcast and join out Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This Week on the Local Heroes Podcast, the inflexible Chris and Dan Meet Jo Hutton - yoga teacher, creator of Yoga for Tired People, accidental viral sensation, and proud North Eastener. From ASMR mishaps and camping confessions to deep chats about mental health, self-talk, and the realities of wellbeing, this one has everything: laughs, nostalgia, local banter, and powerful insights. Jo shares her journey from drama school burnout to running a Newcastle yoga studio for a decade, then unexpectedly blowing up online with an 8-million-view neck stretch video. She talks honestly about why yoga isn’t just for flexible people, how shame stops us from starting, and why tiny habits matter more than perfection. You’ll also hear: - Greggs orders and fish-and-chip philosophies 🍟 - Memories of Metroland, the pop man, and broken biscuit shops - Why the North East sometimes resists new ideas - and why that’s changing - How to calm your mind when life is chaotic - The truth about self-discipline, burnout, and doing what you can with what you've got Whether you’re a yoga newbie, a stressed-out parent, a lover of nostalgia, or just here for a laugh and a stretch, you’re going to love this episode. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this deeply chilled episode with yet another one of our Local Heroes.   Help support the podcast on Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

Local Heroes Podcast - Special Edition: Ivanna Fundraiser 8-Hour Pod-A-Thon Live and in collaboration with Arrow Strength in Sunderland in aid of raising money for a 4yr old Ivanna, a local girl who needs a heart operation in Boston.  Please donate: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/arrow-ivanna-potts This special edition of the Local Heroes Podcast takes you inside our 8-hour live Pod-A-Thon - a full day of conversations with the real heroes of our local community.  From illustrators and motivators to bakers, restaurateurs, community gardeners, mental health and fitness advocates, and even a surprise cameo from the crew at Gym Possible, it was a celebration of the people who keep Sunderland’s spirit alive. From ice creams that kept us cool, to donuts that kept us going, to pink slice bites that kept the sugar levels high. Oh, and a nostalgic conversation about monkeys blood (aka raspberry sauce) - if you know, you know. The wheels turned. The conversations churned. The energy never dropped. With vibrant storytelling and live illustration from Hannah Graham, and smooth behind-the-scenes production from Flat White Alice and Lottie, the Pod-A-Thon captured the creativity, grit, humour, and heart of our community. Jump in and experience a full day of community spirit, connection, and proper Local Hero energy.

This week, Chris and Dan sit down with James Dixon, the creative force behind Lines Behind - the instantly recognisable artwork that’s become a true North East success story. Inspired by Keith Haring - immediately scoring points with Chris - James takes us on a journey from his early days working with global brands like LEGO and Nickelodeon to building his own independent creative studio that now collaborates with everyone from Fenwick and Chilly’s Bottles to Newcastle United. What began as a small stall at Tynemouth Market has grown into a thriving brand rooted in community, collaboration, and unmistakable style. James opens up about the defining projects that have shaped his career - from designing the Great North Run finisher shirt and medal to creating bespoke artwork for NUFC’s cup final, a piece that went viral and even raised over £4,000 for charity. He also shares the story behind his partnerships with major retailers like Fenwick, the surge in demand that saw his products reselling online for hundreds, and the huge response to his collaboration with Jade Thirlwall on a limited-edition Cancer Connections charity T-shirt that sold out in hours and brought his work to a global audience. But beyond the commercial success, this episode is a heartfelt look at what drives James: his commitment to giving back, running art workshops with the Newcastle United Foundation, supporting students at Newcastle College, and inspiring the next generation of North East creatives. He talks about staying humble, keeping positive through challenges, and building a legacy that celebrates local culture and community. Looking ahead, James reveals plans for two large-scale public sculptures to mark the ten-year milestone of Lines Behind, and his ambitions to take the brand global - from Saudi Arabia to Japan - while staying true to his Geordie roots. His message is simple but powerful: hard work, kindness, and creativity open doors you never see coming. And, of course, Chris and Dan couldn’t let him leave without diving into the essentials: the “picky tea” philosophy, pineapple on pizza, butter bans, and the all-important Greggs order. It’s an episode packed with positivity, local pride, and plenty of laughs - a perfect celebration of what makes a true Local Hero. Keep helping support via our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP  

This week, Chris and Dan meet sisters Coleen and Karen, two remarkable women who turned one of Britain’s most shocking romance fraud cases into a story of strength, survival, and hope. For years, they were caught in the lies of Greg Wilson - a conman who called himself “James Scott”, a supposed firefighter, devoted fiancé, and local hero. Behind the uniform was a man living multiple lives, manipulating emotions, stealing money, and weaving an astonishing web of deceit. Coleen and Karen open up about discovering the truth, the media storm that followed, and how they fought back against victim-blaming, online abuse, and trauma. They share how they reclaimed their story through bestselling books (Playing with Fire, Healing from the Burns), the hit BBC podcast Love Bombed, and a new screenplay now in the works. It’s an extraordinary conversation filled with honesty, humour and heart. From police investigations and courtroom revelations to late-night breakdowns, cancer battles, and ultimately the courage to rebuild their lives, Coleen and Karen talk about what it takes to survive the unthinkable - and how to find laughter again in the darkest places. Powerful, warm, and surprisingly uplifting, this episode explores how two sisters turned deception into defiance and used their voices to help others recognise the red flags of coercive control and emotional abuse. After everything they’ve endured, it’s the laughter that lingers. By the end of the chat, talk of fake wedding menus, pulled pork flashbacks and Greggs sausage rolls becomes something more than small talk. Even after betrayal, heartbreak and public scrutiny, Coleen and Karen can still share a joke, raise a smile, and reclaim their story on their own terms. It’s proof that humour can heal, and that even the darkest chapters can end with coffee, cake, and a good laugh. Trigger warnings: romance fraud, coercive control, emotional abuse. Proceeds from Coleen and Karen’s books support Women’s Aid.   Support us on Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

What happens when a fisherman swaps the North Sea for a mission to preserve his hometowns heritage? In this lovely conversation, Terry McDermott, chair of the North Shields Fishermen’s Heritage Project, takes Chris and Dan from diesel-scented decks and 40-foot waves to statues, school trips and a living legacy on the North Shields Fish Quay. He recalls the 800 Years of North Shields celebration - 300 schoolchildren singing on the quay, 30 boats parading the Tyne, tugboats spraying arcs of water under the Lord-Lieutenant’s command - gathering people, honouring workers, and keeping stories alive. Founded in 2015 by Terry and the late Henry Howard, the project began with a child’s question: “Where’s the statue for fishermen, Grandad?” From cold calls to potential funders to learning how to do things “by the book,” Terry shares a fundraising journey built on passion and persistence. Fishing runs in his family - his Granda worked the boats, and so did he. He’s lost friends to the sea and speaks candidly about the danger, laughter and loyalty that defined life on deck. Dyslexia shaped his path too; school failed him, but the sea - and later, community work - gave him the purpose that drives him today. We explore the creation of the “Fisherman” and “Herring Girl” statues and the untold history of the women who followed the herring down the coast, gutting fish for pennies and singing through exhaustion. For Terry, it’s not nostalgia - it’s education. He wants children to grasp the industry’s reality: trawl models in classrooms, trips to working quays and fisheries, and memories that last a lifetime. North Shields Fish Quay is changing - from fishing to food vendors, trawlers to taverns- but Terry welcomes progress as long as its roots stay visible. The project now preserves memory through a hand-turned Book of Remembrance and the Key Master’s Diaries, soon to be digitised for schools. And yes, there’s time for the usual Local Heroes banter: haddock over cod, curry with chips, vinegar on mushy peas, and a toast to the Low Lights Tavern, where the North Shields community still thrives. This episode is a warm, salt-soaked love letter to people, place, hard work and purpose - and a masterclass in turning community passion into lasting impact. Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVI

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan welcome David Hall, a proud North Easterner and former MasterChef contestant, for a raw, funny, and deeply human conversation about food, the fading spotlight, and finding yourself again. From the smell of Bovril on cold match days at St James’ Park, the conversation is a heartfelt tour through growing up in the North East - its rivalries, humour, and unbeatable sense of community. David reflects on his time in the MasterChef kitchen, where his love for regional dishes like panackelty and leek pudding won the heart of the judges at the same time as meeting the harsh realities of TV production. He lifts the lid on the emotional toll of the experience, how it shaped his mental health, and what he’s learned since about resilience and recovery. Chris also admits that David was the person who first ignited his own career in food and his commitment to celebrating the local, whilst David goes on to deliver a masterclass in North East food heritage, tracing the origins of Be-Ro - the classic home-baking brand born in Newcastle — and revealing the story behind the original pink slice, a true staple of regional baking. There’s plenty of banter too - from David’s admiration for the late, great Keith Floyd, whose chaotic charm shaped his approach to cooking, to Dan’s less-than-glowing views on Jamie Oliver and the modern TV food machine. Together, they explore how authenticity has been lost in contemporary media - and how men, especially in the North, are learning to talk more openly about struggle, pride, and purpose. With stories of cold-water dips, and rediscovering joy through cooking, this is a moving, funny, and unfiltered conversation about what it truly means to be a Local Hero. To support the podcast visit our Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with Laura Pidcock - political powerhouse, awesome activist, and all-round good human. Born and raised in Northumberland, Laura’s North East roots run through everything she does, grounding her politics in honesty, fairness, and fierce compassion. As the former Labour MP for the historic heartland of North West Durham, she brought her community’s voice to Parliament with unapologetic conviction, never shying away from calling out injustice or standing up for those too often ignored. In this episode, she reflects on her whirlwind years in Westminster during the chaos of Brexit, the cost of sticking to her principles, and what it really takes to hold your ground in a system that would rather you stayed quiet. Laura talks openly about the disconnect between Parliament and the people it’s meant to serve - how power protects itself, how working-class voices are too often silenced, and why real politics happens far from the cameras. Yet her optimism, humour, and humanity shine through. With warmth and clarity, she shares how her North East upbringing taught her the strength of solidarity and the value of speaking plainly. For Laura, politics isn’t about ambition; it’s about community, dignity, and the belief that change begins when ordinary people act together. Since leaving Parliament, she’s channelled that same fire into RISE, the grassroots movement she helped build to reconnect politics with real life. Laura talks about moving beyond Westminster and rediscovering power in local action - through tenants’ unions, mutual aid, and collective organising. It’s a passionate, hopeful vision rooted in the belief that no one is coming to save us - but together, we can help each other. This conversation is a reminder that true politics, at its best, is about community, courage, compassion and absolutely refusing to give up on people. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Local Heroes without a few food-related rabbit holes and a dash of Local Heroes anarchy. Chris, Dan, and Laura wander from politics to pescetarianism, swapping stories about North East life, family wisdom, and why Laura believes Greggs are great business. Funny, fiery, and full of heart - this conversation captures everything Local Heroes stands for: real people, real places, and the kind of honest chaos that makes life, and politics, worth talking about. Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week, Chris and Dan are joined by Chris Nicholas, founder of The Ice Guys - a men’s mental health community built on banter, bad jokes, and cold water therapy - almost in that order. What started as a few lads taking a dip for a laugh has turned into something genuinely life-changing. Chris opens up about the ups and downs of sobriety, and laughs about how, in the past, he’d find himself halfway through a Twitter row wondering why he’d even started - these days, he just walks away (usually to the sea). He also shares his ethical vegan struggle of living with meat-eating cats - a moral dilemma that could test even the Dalai Lama. It’s a brilliantly funny, down-to-earth chat about finding balance, ditching ego, and remembering that community doesn’t have to be complicated. "We just wanted to make a space where good people can do good things.” So pour yourself a hot brew, wrap up warm, and enjoy this openhearted dive into what happens when humour, honesty, and a bit of freezing water brings people together. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube and Patreon channels for more stories from the everyday heroes keeping our communities afloat.

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, your increasingly average hosts, Chris and Dan, sit down with Sunderland’s own Tom A. Smith, a 21-year-old already making waves on the UK music scene. Tom’s story is anything but ordinary. He started playing live shows at just eight years old, found himself on stage at Glastonbury by the age of ten, and has already clocked up over a thousand gigs. Now signed to Fiction Records, Tom talks us through the whirlwind of festival slots, record deals, and what it feels like to finally be stepping into his own as both a songwriter and a performer. But this isn’t just about the music. Tom shares how performance, visuals, and identity matter just as much as the songs themselves - drawing inspiration from the likes of Bowie, Talking Heads, and The Cure, while carving out his own style alongside his band (which now even includes his sister Hannah). We get into the highs and lows of writing music under pressure, the reality of streaming versus live shows, and the power of building a community of fans - including the infamous “Weirdos” WhatsApp group. We hear about Dave Stewart casually walking on stage mid-set, Robbie Williams leaving a crowd without Candy, the nightmare of being forced to eat a prawn cocktail crisp sandwich live on TV (spoiler: Tom actually hates crisps), and his all-important Greggs order. This conversation bounces between ambition, identity, and the pure joy of creative freedom.

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with musician, composer and local legend Kathryn Tickell, celebrating 40 years of showcasing the Northumbrian pipes. The conversation begins with handwriting jitters, block capitals, and autograph chaos (including signing and numbering 1,000 CDs), before opening into Kathryn’s extraordinary journey. From recording her first cassette in her Granda’s farmhouse kitchen to finding her true instrument in the pipes, Kathryn shares how music, place, and identity have shaped her career. We talk about chaotic folk classes that first sparked her love of traditional music, the resilience earned from gigging the regions working men’s clubs, and her collaborations with Sting on The Soul Cages and Last Ship. Kathryn explains what makes the Northumbrian pipes unique, why she’s stayed rooted in the North East, and how authenticity and heritage matter more than chasing a “modern” sound. There’s also reflection on the folk revival - from schools and football stands, the enduring power of border ballads and Chris’s long-running dream of finally launching his fictional choir, the Canny Chanters. And because no Local Heroes chat is complete without food: Kathryn shares her crisp canon, her evolving Greggs order and the life philosophy of always saving “the tasty bite.” If you love stories about music, heritage, humour, food, and everyday life in the North East, this episode has it all.

In this week’s Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan talk to the Coastal Custodian, whose story began with a simple live stream from the beach at Beadnell and has grown into a movement inspiring tens of thousands. From the very beginning, there’s been a reluctance to make the work about her — instead, the spotlight has always been kept firmly on the coastline, the wildlife, and the people who make Northumberland so special. What started with sharing sunsets, tides, and quiet moments on the beach has grown into a trusted community of more than 80,000 people. Alongside her much-loved dog rangers - who have become part of the mission - she spreads messages about caring for the coast, protecting shorebirds, and enjoying Northumberland responsibly. This episode dives into the joy and humour of the journey too: from falling into sand dunes on live stream, to Sunday lunches with endless gravy boats, to the simple happiness of coffee and her LOVE of cake after a long walk. But behind the laughter lies a serious commitment - raising funds for the RNLI, supporting local businesses when they need it most, training as a marine medic to help protect seals, and ensuring beaches and countryside remain accessible to everyone. At its heart, this is a story of authenticity, resilience, and above all a deep love of Beadnell and Northumberland. It’s about how a civic pride, kindness, and a pair of sandy-pawed dog rangers can inspire thousands to care for the places they love + and to shout from the rooftops about the incredible people, places and communities they represent. Join the Patreon. Patreon - patreon.com/LocalHeroesVIP

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan are joined by the nationally acclaimed North East chef, Kenny Atkinson. In his early days, Kenny wasn’t interested in food - he dreamed of joining the RAF, and later tried a gruelling 3 days with the Marines. But neither was meant to be. Like many growing up in the North East, he was surrounded by allotments, local produce, and the tradition of Sunday lunch. Those food memories and experiences would come to shape his future. One of Kenny’s first jobs saw him selling fruit and veg at The Grainger Market and working behind a bar, where he fell in love with the buzz and culture of hospitality. His first step into professional kitchens came through the Youth Training Scheme (YTS), and his breakthrough opportunity arrived when he was offered a job at the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle. From there, his journey took him away from the region where he met his now wife Abbie, before eventually returning to the North East. His career from that point has been defined by hard graft, determination, and a relentless drive for excellence. From early roles at Seaham Hall and Rockliffe Hall, Kenny’s talent soon shone through. After a career-changing moment when 4.5 million people watched him on the Great British Menu, he went on to open two nationally acclaimed restaurants in Newcastle - House of Tides and Solstice - both awarded Michelin stars, cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s most respected chefs. In this episode, Kenny opens up about: - How government taxation is hammering the hospitality industry - The challenges of retaining staff in today’s climate - Why mentoring and developing the next generation of chefs has become tougher than ever - and how his ethos of supporting new and emerging talent remains central, from young chefs to local food producers This is the Local Heroes Podcast. 🍴 Want to know Kenny’s Top 5 favourite restaurants? That exclusive list - alongside additional bonus Local Heroes content - is available only to our Patreon members. Join via the Patreon. 📺 Subscribe to the Local Heroes Podcast on YouTube and never miss an episode featuring the people shaping our communities.

This week on Local Heroes, we meet Leodhais Macpherson, a man who turned unimaginable loss into an extraordinary journey of healing. After losing his brother Conor to suicide, Leodhais set himself the challenge of running 128 marathons in 128 days. Along the way, he battled exhaustion, moments of weakness, endless calorie packing, and midnight deadlines to keep the streak alive. But the miles were never just about running. For Leodhais and his family, this challenge became a much-needed outlet, a way to talk openly about grief, about suicide, and about the slow, difficult process of healing. In our conversation, he shares the reality behind the journey: the physical toll, the emotional weight, and the unexpected hope that came from opening up. In this episode, Chris also discovers his kindred spirit, someone who has absolutely no issue crossing the curry and ketchup streams in a bid to create new flavours. This is a story about coping with loss, finding strength in vulnerability, and showing that even in the hardest moments, connection can carry us forward. This is the Local Heroes Podcast.

From Gordon Ramsey to Gordon the Gopher, the world has been blessed with some very famous Gordons. This week, Chris and Dan sit down with North Shields sculptor Keith Barrett, the environmental artist behind our podcast mascot and worldly table, Gordon. Named (obviously) after another local legend, Gordon Sumner AKA Sting, this table is no ordinary piece of furniture. Listen closely and you’ll hear it's story, one that links slavery with sanctuary, history with hope. Keith’s wider work shows the same depth and vision. As an environmental artist, he uses wood and the landscape to create sculptures that feel rooted in their surroundings, yet alive with meaning. His art isn’t just about materials, it’s about connection. In this episode, Keith talks about the art of letting go, where he finds inspiration, and why Michelangelo’s 'David' still matters to sculptors today. We also dive into the importance of public art, how it shapes communities, invites conversation, and ultimately takes on a life of its own long after the artist has stepped away.

On this week’s Local Heroes Podcast, your average pod hosts, Chris Jewitt and Dan Prince, meet the one and only Michael Dickson of Dicksons Pork Butchers. This is a story rooted in family and tradition, from German heritage and the creation of the legendary Saveloy Dip, to an Italian connection with Sunderland’s Notarianni ice cream family. It’s also a story of legacy, a teenage Michael, reluctantly inheriting the family business after his father’s passing, carefully re-measuring recipes so nothing would be lost. What began as a burden became the foundation for growth, as Michael and his sister Christine introduced improvements, expanded into new shops, and set the business on course to thrive. Now, three generations on, Dicksons remains a North East institution, still serving hearty food while evolving for the future. And beyond the butchers’ block, we get to know Michael himself, from his love of mountains and hiking to broken ankles, from handing the baton to the next generation to, yes, what on earth his Greggs order could be. And of course, we have to ask the question, how do you eat your Saveloy? This is the Local Heroes Podcast. #LocalHeroesPodcast #Dicksons #NorthEastLegend #FamilyBusiness #SaveloyDip #HowDoYouEatYours #MountainsAndMeat #HikingLife #NorthEastFood