Podcast of the Week: Always There – The Howards’ Way Podcast

❉ This week: Julia Raeside navigates through every episode of the 1980s seafaring soap opera, in order, with a special guest joining her each time.

We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for more shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!

This week: Julia Raeside, TV writer for The Guardian, tells us all about Howards’ Way podcast Always There. You don’t have to like Howard’s Way or even remember it, but Julia loves it and wants you onboard.

What is your podcast about?

It’s a deep dive into the 1980s sea-faring BBC soap Howards’ Way. Each week a different guests joins me to discuss an episode like it’s The Wire. And – my favourite bit of all – the guest sings us out with their own version of the iconic Howards’ Way theme tune.

If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?

Enthusiastic TV nostalgia, brilliant guests and a song to finish.

Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?

Obviously I recommend starting at ep1 (with comedy genius Carrie Quinlan). You don’t have to be a Howards’ Way fan to listen though. I adore the show and fill you in on what’s going on. Some of the guests are fans, like me, others hadn’t seen it before I asked them to watch an episode. Some of the best fun ones to record have been with people like kids’ author Andy Stanton who had NO IDEA what was going on. I cannot deny, the final two eps of series 1 (13 and 14) were the biggest thrill because I got to record with one of my comedy heroes. You’ll have to listen to find out who. (Or read further down this interview. But do listen!)

What inspired you to create this podcast?

A mixture of things. But a friend mentioned that the whole six series run of Howards’ Way had been uploaded to youtube and I got sucked into watching it again after one episode. It’s so much better than the show I had in my brain from childhood memory. It’s written by Jill Hyem, one of the pens behind Tenko, and the performances and storylines are terrific. I’d been wanting to do a TV podcast for ages and, on the basis your podcast should be about something you’re really passionate about, the decision was a no-brainer. Also, hitting your 40s definitely causes you to look back and the nostalgia rush is such a lovely indulgence. Guests will often branch off to talk about their own childhoods and little details from memory which bring that era flooding back. I love where it goes sometimes.

Which guests have you had on your podcast so far?

I’m very lucky to know some extremely funny folk. The first series has featured actor and writer Carrie Quinlan, actor and writer Margaret Cabourn-Smith, broadcaster Nick Duncalf, presenter of Smershpod John Rain, actor and writer Jon Dryden Taylor, actor, comedian and DJ Tom Price, journalist and author Ali Catterall, author Andy Stanton, actor and writer Frog Stone, actor Tony Way, actor and writer Katherine Jakeways, broadcaster and writer Chris Thorpe-Tracey and comedian Phill Jupitus. Not all them know the show and not all of them like it, but I am coming to it with total enthusiasm, no arched eyebrows here. It would be rubbish to do a piss-take of an old TV show and too easy. This is about real love.

Who would be your dream guest?

I can’t lie, Jupitus was the motherlode, but it would be excellent to interview some members of the original cast of Howards’ Way. I know at least a couple of them are regular listeners and they seem to be enjoying it so far.

Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?

I plug two decent quality studio mics into a Zoom recorder and edit on Audacity. I used to record straight onto the laptop but Audacity literally ate a whole episode just after the recording and I vowed never to trust it again. Back everything up in different formats.

What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?

It’s so easy to go on too long but I try and edit an hour-ish recording down to something between 45 – 55 minutes. When you have an amazing guest I think it’s better two chop the recording into two episodes. I did this with the estimable Jupitus. Too much good stuff in there.

Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?

Brand loyal as I am, I can heartily endorse several of the podcasts made by our parent company, Great Big Owl. Rule of Three (full disclosure, my husband co-hosts it) is a brilliant, lively chat among comedy folk, talking about comedy stuff they like. And The The One Show Show is Jon Holmes’ weekly dissection of The One Show which provides lots of silly laughs. I’m also mildly obsessed with Katy Wix’s brilliantly odd Kathcast and Karina Longworth’s You Must Remember This about old Hollywood.

Where is your podcast available to listen to?

You can find Always There on Acast, iTunes, at AlwaysTherePod.co.uk and all your usual podcast delivery services. Come and say hello on Twitter too @AlwaysTherePod

What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?

Who knows. As a relative newcomer, I am only just discovering its potential. But the outlet for self-expression is pretty incredible and, providing your podcast finds its audience, the possibilities are endless.

❉ Follow Always There on Twitter: @AlwaysTherePod

❉ Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of Always There on iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/always-there/id1362621606?mt=2


❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.

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