The Mike Newton Podcast

Bryan Cross is a remarkable individual who has had a life of service. He was in the RAF for 38 years and has spent 22 years on Stafford Borough Council representing Holmcroft. He was Mayor of Stafford, and was awarded and presented the MBE by HM The Queen. He was married to his beloved wife Lily for 58 years. This very unstuffy podcast tells you all about Bryan's life, and his plans for the future. It also addresses some critical issues for the North End of Stafford, particularly the Beaconside roadworks. Whether you want to hear about the RAF during the Cold War or road resurfacing, this podcast is for you. It will particularly interest Parkside residents, where Bryan lives.Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Huddleston is MP for Droitwich and Evesham, and co-Chairman of the Conservative Party. Originally from Lincolnshire (and a proud 'Yellowbelly') he has held a number of senior front-bench jobs in government. He came from a regular background (his dad worked in a factory and his mum was on the tills at Asda) to study at Oxford, get an MBA in Los Angeles and do some top corporate jobs before turning to public service. (And like me, he is married to a girl from 'America's Dairyland' the great state of Wisconsin.)This conversation does not waste time. It gets right to the heart of the key issues facing the UK and the Conservative Party. You will be surprised at some of the things you hear. Whatever your views, if you love politics this pod is for you.Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the force of nature that is Sebastian Revan! A native of Wednesbury, West Midlands, Seb played for Aston Villa and went on loan to Grimsby, Hereford and Rotherham before signing for Wrexham in 2024. Seb takes you inside what it is like to play elite professional football, talks of the special demands of Wrexham, and the importance of family, faith and boxing in his life. Our mutual friend Malachi Nsiah joins what is an unmissable conversation. (And I had to ask him how well he knows Ryan Reynolds!) You will enjoy meeting a great athlete and a special person. Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil C is the quintessential Londoner but for many years has lived in Israel with his wife, seven kids and their dog. Neil runs one of the biggest banks in the country.He has had four sons serving during the recent war. Here he talks about the perspective he has gained from recent events, gives Israel's point of view on the conflict, and discusses the other great recent tragedy in his life, Manchester United post-Ferguson. Neil also talks about what he thinks is needed to be successful in business and how to trade the financial markets.Whatever your point of view, or interests, there is something in here for you.Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet the awesome Ruth Edwards, who was a government whip and MP for Rushcliffe. She takes us inside the politics at the highest level. We discuss the upcoming political outlook, especially the challenge to the Conservative Party from Reform. There is also much reflection on the 2024 election, and thoughtful and snappy content on personal resilience and women in politics. And if you are a non-political dog lover, there is plenty for you in here too! Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Graham Shaw, who played for Stoke City, Preston and several other pro teams for fifteen years, before having a second career in the law and teaching, and finding time to fit in a spell as CEO of Stockport County! Mike and Graham discuss his fascinating and varied life and also talk about the political situation in the UK and US. If you want to know what it was like to score aged 18 on your debut for the team which you were a fan, and where that led you, this is essential listening. Sound and production by Tim Bennett and intro / outro narrated by Billy Sorrow (of the Obama 2012 'Something' ad fame). Music written and performed by 'The Bennett Twins' Tim and Jason Bennett of Glenview IL, USA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.