Now You're Talking (Guest Interviews)

Now you're talking with Josie Beth

Ahead of Friday’s Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter from Brentwood Josie Beth for a chat about her fantastic debut single. We covered all sorts from juggling her musical endeavours alongside a uni degree to inventive ways to name a song and why we’ll probably never hear her song about the days of the week! Wish I Could Too by Josie Beth is out now. Click here to listen on Spotify.

Now you're talking with Josh Ramsay

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with musician, singer, songwriter and star of The Josh Ramsay Show, Josh Ramsay! With songwriting credits on huge hits by the likes of Nickelback, Carly Rae Jepson and 5 Seconds of Summer plus being the frontman of Canadian rockers Marianas Trench, Josh is certainly no stranger to the music industry. The Josh Ramsay Show is Josh’s debut solo album so it was great to chat to him his first solo venture, how he put together one of the most eclectic and varie...

Now you're talking with Will Joseph Cook

Ahead of Friday’s Drive I caught up with musician, singer, songwriter Will Joseph Cook. An undisputed TikTok star I talked to Will about his breakthrough single “Be Around Me”, what it was like putting together his highly anticipated third album, his latest single “Little Miss” and all sorts from the pros and cons of releasing on his own record label and his love of Nintendo to playing live in a hot air balloon in Mexico! Every Single Thing by Will Joseph Cook is out 10th June on Bad Hotel ...

Now you're talking with Viji

Ahead of Monday’s Drive I caught up with London based singer, songwriter and musician Viji. We talked about all sorts from growing up in Vienna in a musical family and making her own instruments to getting inspiration from books and movies, recording from home and how a cold British winter inspired her most sun-soaked single “Cali”. Cali by Viji is out 11th March and you can also see her headline London’s Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes on 11th March. Click here for details.

Now you're talking with Serena De Lastic

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with local mum and paramedic Serena De Lastic. Inspired by her patients, family and her own experience of working through the pandemic as a paramedic and in vaccination clinics, Serena has written a poem and a short story. Witchy Poos and the Covid Fairy is a short illustrated story to help children with any anxieties and questions they may have around getting a vaccine. We talked about how Serena was inspired to write the story, how her daughter Raven’s...

Now you're talking with Dr Leah Kardos of Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with musician, composer, author, lecturer and Queen of Kingston University Stylophone Orchestra, Dr Leah Kardos. We talked about her work at Kingston University and Visconti Studio, how a car boot full of stylophones inspired their album and getting Tony Visconti involved to produce their version of Space Oddity. We also talked about Leah’s new book Blackstar Theory: The Last Works of David Bowie and how limitations can inspire creativity. Stylophonika, ...

Now you're talking with The Haverettes

For over 55 years this all girls marching band has given young girls an opportunity to learn music, make friends, gain confidence and travel the world to perform. With the departure of the band master in recent years, they have struggled to find a permanent replacement and so Jessica joined us for a chat about the history of The Haverettes, her fond memories performing with the group as a young musician and why it is so important that they continue to offer future generations of young girls ...

Now you're talking with Stephen Moyer

Ahead of Friday’s Drive our resident film critic on Phoenix FM, Mark Searby caught up with Actor Stephen Moyer about his latest film Confession, his roots in the local area and how his True Blood co-star, now wife, Anna Paquin has picked up plenty of Essex slang! A local boy, Stephen grew up in Brentwood, his mother still lives in Billericay and for many years he was the patron of Brentwood Theatre. Although he now lives in LA, Stephen shared many fond memories of life in Brentwood from some...

Now you're talking with Trevor Warman

Ahead of Monday’s Drive I caught up with local crime writer, journalist, teacher and all round top bloke Trevor Warman about his new book “Don’t Look Back Hungover“. Writing from his own personal experience of problem drinking, Trevor’s empowering story explains how he went from believing he would never be able to end an unhealthy relationship with alcohol to living a happier life of sobriety. We talked about how he got into writing, his original crime series, how his passion for writing and...

Now you're talking with Sarah Brown

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with Sarah Brown. Throughout an incredible career as a vocalist Sarah has sung with the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Michael, Pink Floyd, Simply Red, Roxy Music, Duran Duran, a huge list of other iconic artists and is about to embark on another tour with Simple Minds. Today, she releases her debut solo single ahead of her debut solo album and it was great to talk to Sarah about the release and how Mahalia Jackson inspired not only this song but has bee...

Now you're talking with Nova Bloom

Ahead of The #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with Henry from British rock trio Nova Bloom for a chat about the band, live gigs, why their dog supports West Ham and their latest single Out Tonight.

Now you're talking with Carianne Dunford about The Long Walk

Ahead of Friday’s Drive I caught up with actress & co-producer Carianne Dunford to chat about a short story with a long reach, The Long Walk. Based on a true story, this uplifting and thought-provoking psychological drama part-filmed in Essex puts mental health in the spotlight and is now in post-production. Carianne talked a little about her character and exclusively revealed two of the profile actors in the film. Two familiar faces of British TV, Michelle Collins (Coronation Street, Dr Who...

Now you're talking with Paul Tanter

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with director, writer, producer, podcaster and all round top bloke Paul Tanter. We talked about his latest film “Stealing Chaplin” which tells the story of two brothers who plot to steal the body of Charlie Chaplin and ransom it for a fortune. A dark but brilliantly comical story, this British film was directed by Paul and is now out on DVD and on all usual streaming platforms. We talked about the new film, his route into directing, his podcast Talking B...

Now you're talking with Richard Hewson of The RAH Band

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with producer, arranger, conductor, multi-instrumentalist and the man behind The RAH Band, Richard Hewson. He zoomed in through the clouds across Sussex for a chat about the history of The RAH Band, the inspiration behind their iconic 80s hit Clouds Across The Moon and, of course, their uplifting and inspiring new single, One Day We’ll Smile Again, featuring the heartfelt vocals of nineteen year old Bella Hutton.

Now you're talking with Oleg Piskunov of Big Ban

I also had the pleasure of catching up with another previous guest and friend of the show, Oleg Piskunov from Big Ban. Their recent video went viral after Slash caused an internet storm and their new EP Fallen King is a whole new level of epic.

Now you're talking NSPCC Childline's 35th Birthday with Dame Esther Rantzen & Sarah Laffling

Ahead of Friday’s Drive and to celebrate NSPCC Childline’s 35th birthday, I caught up Sarah Laffling, Fundraising Manager for NSPCC in East Anglia. After a few updates on fundraising, the Childline 35 Club and our “Drive Aid” fundraiser – the Childline 35 Challenge, Dame Esther Rantzen also took the time to share a few memories of founding Childline in 1986 plus some words of support to the fundraisers and volunteers who still keep Childline running 35 years later. We also covered the many d...

Now you're talking with Jasper of Isla Rico

Ahead of Wednesday’s Drive I caught up with Jasper from Isla Rico for a chat about the band’s latest single, Butterflies. We also covered all sorts from the formation and rebranding of the band to song inspirations, advice for budding musicians, Elton John, One Direction, Dua Lipa and we even find out who chipped a tooth on stage! In the full podcast edition we also get through a whole bunch of your questions too as part of Isla Rico’s fan Q&A! You can see Isla Rico live in London & in Manc...

Now you're talking with Skinny Lister

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with Dan and Lorna of folk punk band Skinny Lister. We talked about their fantastic new album, A Matter Of Life And Love, breaking out the sax, their upcoming tour, how lockdown came early, pizza, trampolining and another near miss with my stylophone! The fifth studio album from Skinny Lifter, A Matter Of Life And Love is out now, to listen and for tickets to their upcoming tours visit www.skinnylister.com.

Now you're talking with LeAnne Burke Band

Ahead of Wednesday’s Drive I caught up with Leanne, Paul and Ian who together with Ashley combine musical forces to bring us LeAnne Burke Band. United via internet during lockdown they previously joined us to talk about their charity single “Save Our Heroes” but with the musical companionship as strong as ever it was great to catch up about their new music and to unleash their debut single “Today”. We also talked about songwriting in a group that have never met in person and a shocking twist...

Now you're talking with BYFYN

Ahead of Friday’s Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter, musician, producer and synth pop star BYFYN for a chat about her fantastic new single “Everything’s Not Lost”. We also covered the distinct lack of deserts in the UK, mastering the guitar in 4 weeks, her latest music video, live gigs, lockdown sessions and some fantastic advice for rediscovering your “mojo” and inspiration as an artist.

Now you're talking The Childline 35 Challenge with Sarah Laffling of NSPCC

Ahead of Wednesday’s Drive I was joined by Sarah Laffling, Fundraising Manager for NSPCC in East Anglia for a catch up about NSPCC’s Parents In Sport Week, the Childline 35 Club and our first “Drive Aid” fundraiser – the Childline 35 Challenge; a new fundraising campaign to celebrate 35 years of Childline by taking on your own fundraising challenge with the number 35 as inspiration. For a few ideas take a listen… or click here to join the “Drive Aid” fundraising team and support the Childlin...

Now you're talking with Gary Kemp

Ahead of Monday’s Drive I caught up with singer, songwriter, musician and all round icon Gary Kempfor a chat about his new album “INSOLO”. Since Spandau Ballet Gary has been involved with a myriad of projects from albums and films to podcasts. We chatted about his Rockonterus podcast, collaborating with Guy Pratt of Pink Floyd, Roger Taylor of Queen and brother Martin Kemp on the new album. We also covered his memories of Soho, Spandau Ballet, tour plans and my mum’s first experience of Shaz...

Now you're talking with Tersha Cutmore

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with local children’s author Tersha Cutmore for a chat about her debut children’s book “Luca… The Lion Who Couldn’t Eat Meat“. Inspired by her own son Luca, his allergies and their experiences as a family, the story follows Luca the lion as he starts school and begins to really struggle with his feelings and emotions as he watches his friends eat and drink things that he can’t. His friends help him see he is not the only one and encourage him to focus on...

Now you're talking with Gary Mills of Vix20 (Orla The Octopus)

On Friday’s Drive I caught up with Gary Mills of Vix20 for a chat about the band’s fantastic new single “Orla The Octopus”. We also covered the petrol crisis, supermarket flowers and 11+ exams but most importantly, had a disco in the deep blue sea as Gary introduced the new track, talked about Michelle Ward’s incredible vocals as Orla, the new video, upcoming singles and live gigs!

Now you're talking with Roger Hornett

On Thursday’s Drive I caught up with local poet Roger Hornett for a chat about his debut poetry collection “The Covid Verses“. Inspired by the events of the pandemic and written from the perspective of a fictional epidemiologist these poems superbly capture a moment in our history whilst questioning the narrative of national media coverage. “The Covid Verses” by Roger Hornett is available in most book stores now and to get you copy or find out more click here. If you or someone you know ha...

Now you're talking with Kiaran Crook of The Sherlocks

Ahead of this week’s #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with Kiaran from Sheffield based rock icons The Sherlocks for a chat about their upcoming third album, “World I Understand” which comes out 19th November. Their latest two singles taken from the album feature 2 new members so we chatted about the band’s new make up, their incredible new sound and touring with Liam Gallagher. Plus, as we joined them for a quick game of golf, find out which of the Crook brothers won this round! The new a...

Now you're talking with Lauren Hoyle

Ahead of this week’s #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with Birmingham based singer songwriter Lauren Hoyle for a chat about her debut solo EP “Fun” out 17th September on Babywoman Records. We covered all sorts from songwriting and drawing inspiration from breakups to Gregory Porter and rockstar admin!

Now you're talking with Sarah Laffling of NSPCC East of England

Ahead of Wednesday’s Drive I was joined by Sarah Laffling, Fundraising Manager for NSPCC in East Anglia for a catch up about the Childline 35 Club, a new fundraising campaign to celebrate 35 years of Childline plus and a few ideas about how you can help run Childline for a day. We also spoke about some good advice for parents and guardians on helping children deal with the challenges of returning to school this September and some of the ways children and young people can contact Childline or...

Now you're talking with Multi Schools Council (Kierran Pearce & Justine Leigh Harrington)

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with Kierran Pearce from Multi Schools Council, a CIC working with schools and young people to challenge negative perceptions towards children with special educational needs and mental health difficulties. We were also joined by singer, songwriter Justine Leigh Harrington who has written a new single featuring 6 school children from across Essex with various learning challenges. The first single from an album out 29th September. To find out more informat...

Now you're talking with Ocean Flaws (Hologram)

On Friday’s Drive I was joined by Alex Pattle from Brentwood based four-piece Ocean Flaws to introduce their new single Hologram. Their third release in relatively quick succession, I was keen to clarify the rumours that a prop used in their recent video for Hannah’s Ray Gun was locked, loaded and stored in a bucket under a sink in Brentwood. With ray gun myths dispelled we then covered the band’s new single, their new video, upcoming gigs and the exciting news that Hologram currently sits a...

Now you're talking with Gary Carse

Ahead of Wednesday’s Drive I caught up with animator, illustrator, creative director and very soon to be a published children’s author Gary Carse. We caught up on a whole bunch of things from his first experience discovering his passion for animation at school to running his animation company Carse & Waterman – Stoke’s answer to Pixar! We also covered his latest venture into writing and illustrating his first children’s book, The Crab Who Went To The Moon. For the full interview including s...

Now you're talking with Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD)

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark for a chat about their UK Arena Tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their seminal album Architecture & Morality. We also covered all sorts from the formation of OMD and having creative freedom as an artist to his son’s band MiG15, his daughter’s Gameboy and being mostly responsible for Atomic Kitten! Plus… find out why Andy’s banned me from all venues. You can see OMD on their UK arena tour ...

Now you're talking with Oscar Lang

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Oscar Lang for a chat about his new album Chew The Scenery. We also covered everything from Total Guitar Magazine, his musical mates like Beabadoobee, vinyl records and songwriting to moving out of his parents house, the Piccadilly line and oven meals! Oscar’s new album Chew The Scenery is out on Friday 13th August and for more information or to pre-order click here.

Now you're talking with Isla Rico

On Friday’s Drive I was joined by Jasper, Cal and Harvey from Isla Rico to introduce their debut single “Laying In The Summer Rain”. After a successful tour under their previous name as Offshore, which kicked off with a studio session on Phoenix FM (click here), they return with a new name, a whole new vibe and it’s the unmistakable sound of summer.

Now you're talking with Nick Sillitoe of Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club

On Wednesday’s Drive I was joined by Nick Sillitoe of Billericay Mayflower Rotary Club for a chat about this year’s Summer Fest. The free event returns on Sunday 8th August at Sun Corner Field from 11am – 5pm and amongst the attractions will be local musicians performing, a kid’s fun fair, a classic car show, donkey rides, owl display, zorbing, traction engines, local craft and food stalls, a bar and farmer’s market plus loads more.

Now you're talking with Darren Everest of The Overtones

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive I caught up with 1/4 of The Overtones and fellow Essex man Darren Everest. We talked about their new album 10 celebrating 10 years since their debut single and the story so far from being discovered on a decorating job to singing (and dancing with) The Queen, Stevie Wonder and Tom Hanks! We also covered Darren’s early footballing days and I briefly joined the band for a whistle-along edition of their latest single Rose Tinted!

Now you're talking with Scott McWatt (Summertime Soul)

On Friday’s Drive I was joined by singer, songwriter and friend of the show, Scott McWatt. We caught up about vaccines, a rather cool new tattoo and his upcoming album, Past Lives. Scott introduced his fantastic new single, Summertime Soul.

Now you're talking with Chris Mason & Luke Woods of Chelmsford Business Partnerships

Ahead of Monday’s Drive I was joined by Chris Mason & Luke Woods of Chelmsford Business Partnerships for an update on current local CBP events including the Young Business Owners Q&A Meet Up on Friday 30th July.

Now You're Talking (Guest Interviews) (Trailer)

Now you're talking showreel

Attempting to gather a few of my favourite bits from recent interviews for a showreel was no easy task. I've officially lost track at over 130 guests on this podcast so here's a varied sample of a few lovely people I remember sharing a good laugh with during the pandemic.  Have you got a favourite moment? I'd love to know! Get in touch and tell me at www.stewartpink.com. This episode features;  Mal Pope - Musician, Broadcaster Nigel Planer - Actor, Comedian Nick Elliott - Rock Art Photo...

Now you're talking with Charlotte Johnstone of The Broken Johnny's

Ahead of this week’s #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with Charlotte Johnston of Colchester based punk rock band The Broken Johnny’s for a chat about an exciting new addition to the line up, the return of live gigs and new music coming soon!

Now you're talking with Kaye Bundy & Elaine of Essex Befriends

On Tuesday’s Drive I was joined by Kaye Bundy, Befriending Facilitator for Essex Befriends and long-term Befriender Eliane, for a chat about what befriending is, how it can benefit both the befriender and the befriendee plus, what support is offered and how even just a few minutes out of each week can make a difference. For more information on Essex Befriends visit www.essexbefriends.org.uk, for more information on Mind in West Essex click here and for more about the Essex map, a free tool ...

Now you're talking with Hels of Planet Fatale

Ahead of this week’s #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with Hels, lead singer of Cambridge based rock band Planet Fatale. We talked about the band’s relatively recent formation, their storming new single “Talking To Myself” and their upcoming album “The Cycle Repeats” out 17th September. We also covered one of Hels’ earliest vocal performances – rocking Whiskey In The Jar at school!

Now you're talking with Robert West

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I was joined by fellow Phoenix FM presenter and fellow poet, Rob West. As well as co-presenting Phoenix FM’s Arts Programme Rob has found time during the pandemic to gather together a lifetime collection of his poems and publish them all alongside the story behind each one. Words, Words, Words features poems Rob has written in recent times as well as a few childhood gems that even won house points in school! We talked about his experience bringing together a lifetim...

Now you're talking with Darin

Ahead of Tuesday’s Drive Swedish pop super star Darin zoomed in from sunny Greece to join us for a chat about his feel-good dance inducing single “Can’t Stay Away”, celebrating pride month, his new music video and his next album coming soon!

Now you're talking with Ian Braysher of Chelmsford Business Partnerships

On Monday’s Drive I was joined by Ian Braysher of Chelmsford Business Partnerships for an update. In addition to their breakfast, lunch and wellbeing events CBP have some long-awaited covid secure face-to-face meetings planned in June and July. They recently reached a milestone 50th member and have scheduled their first young persons event for the end of July. To find out more, click play in the box below and listen to the full interview. For more information visit www.chelmsfordbusinesspa...

Now you're talking with Ian Nicholson (post-skydive update)

I caught up with Ian Nicholson of Beaulieu Wills and Estate Planning. Ian recently agreed to jump out of a plane as part of his extreme will writing service, aiming to raise £1,000 for Haven’s Hospice and I'm delighted to say that, as promised, he dialled in to report a safe landing! Click here to find out more and to support Ian in his heroic fundraising efforts!

Now you're talking with Mae Seaton of Wrex

Ahead of this week’s #AsYetUntitledRockShow I caught up with one half of Brighton based rock duo Wrex, Mae Seaton. Mae told us how a few drinks at a bar lead to forming a band with musical soulmate George, we talked about their debut single Wide Eyes, brand new track Halfway, future album plans and being TOO happy!

Now you're talking with Andrew Alton-Read & Leigh Trifari

On Friday’s Drive we were joined by Executive Producers Andrew Alton Read & Leigh Trifari to chat about a short story with a long reach, The Long Walk. Based on a true story, this uplifting and thought-provoking psychological drama part-filmed in Essex puts mental health in the spotlight and is currently in pre-production. Andrew & Leigh talked to us about the short film and how we can all be a part of supporting their crowdfunding campaign. From one-to-one mentoring sessions to signed poste...

Now you're talking with Stacey Jackson

Ahead of Thursday’s Drive I caught up with Stacey Jackson to discuss some huge news! From her cameo in the movie Reboot Camp, to her a new single “Live It Up: Rebooted” and her brand new TV show “Stacey Jackson In The 80s” – it’s all going on the Jackson house!