In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the co-founder of Dryy App and best selling author of "The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge", Andy Ramage. In this enlightening conversation, Andy, one of the World's leading voices on alcohol free living, shares his personal experiences and insights on how sobriety has positively impacted his life, mental health, and relationships; and explores the transformative journey of living alcohol-free Andy discusses the neurochemistry of alcohol and the ...
Oct 01, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In Benjy's Café Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the sports presenter, Sam Hurst.One of the country's brightest broadcasters, Sam is match day host for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey & fan zone host for Nottingham Forest FC in the Premier League.In this episode, Sam & Ben discuss the energy of live sport, the importance of fan engagement, and the impact of sport on communities. Plus, the inclusion and acceptance it can bring to fans of all ages.Sam sh...
Sep 24, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 27
After a little end of summer break, Benjy's Café Podcast returns for episode 26, with the brilliant actor, presenter and voice-over artist, Jayne Sharp. In this episode, Jayne emphasises the importance of taking risks and pursuing one's passions, inspiring others to do the same. Jayne shares with Ben her experiences working in the TV industry and her transition from presenting to acting and the challenges she faced, plus the differences between the two genres, particularly the exhilaration of pe...
Sep 17, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 26
In this week's episode, Ben welcomes the actor and photographer, Mark Willshire to Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Mark discusses his career in theatre, including roles in the Take That musical, Never Forget, Ghost and Sarah Bareilles' Waitress, at the Adelphi Theatre, London; and the importance of empathy and hard work in the industry. Ben and Mark chat about self-belief, staying positive during difficult times and using perseverance to navigate through periods of being out of work. Mark also shares the ...
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 25
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the actor, double Olivier Award nominee, Michael D Xavier. Michael discusses his stage career and his transition to TV and film, including his roles in ITV's Grantchester and Gentleman Jack, for The BBC; and reflects on his Olivier Award nominations for Sondheim's Into the Woods and Love Story. Michael also shares the joy of working with Glenn Close on Sunset Boulevard, plus the importance of perseverance, learning and self care, and how findin...
Aug 20, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this week's episode, actor and BAFTA nominated TV presenter, James Lusted joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast and shares the importance of embracing who you are and the power of positivity. Ben and James discuss the importance of choosing happiness in life, emphasising the power of laughter, celebrating wins, and finding joy in the little things. James chats about his TV and stage career, sharing his experiences in presenting documentaries and BBC's Songs of Praise. It's a beautiful, heart-warm...
Aug 13, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the actor, Dianne Pilkington. Ben & Dianne discuss her childhood in Wigan, and her journey into the world of musicals, including playing the roles of Glinda in Wicked & Donna in ABBA's, Mamma Mia! Dianne talks about the vocal demands of these roles and how she maintains her technique and vocal health, plus she shares her approach to auditions and the excitement of getting a role. Ben & Dianne chat about the the rehearsal process and...
Aug 06, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 22
This week, broadcaster Pete Price joins Ben for a cuppa in Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Pete discusses his career in radio and how the entertainment industry has shaped his life. Plus, his love for Liverpool. Ben and Pete also touch on the cultural scene in Liverpool and the city's transformation over the years, plus the importance of making people happy. Join Ben and Pete for an episode full of humour and warmth, highlighting the pride Pete feels for his city. Pop the kettle on and enjoy listening. Do...
Jul 30, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode, Gemma Mills, founder of JOMO Club, joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to discuss the joy of missing out and the world of alcohol-free drinks. Gemma explains how JOMO Club started during lockdown as a way to explore alternatives to alcohol and help people change their relationship with drinking. JOMO Club offers a subscription box of alcohol-free drinks and has created a community of like-minded individuals who support and inspire each other on their alcohol-free journey. Ben and ...
Jul 23, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 20
In this week's episode, actor and director, Oli Brooks joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe and shares his alcohol-free story and the positive impact it has had on his life and career. Oli and Ben discuss their experiences with alcohol and sobriety, and realising the negative impact of alcohol on their lives and making the decision to quit drinking. Oli talks about the importance of routine and creative outlets for maintaining good mental health, plus the challenges, rewards and process of playing Miss Tru...
Jul 16, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 19
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the chef, Pete Simmons. Pete and his partner Amy Stubbs, are co-founders of Jnr.Chef and their mission, to bring the joys of cooking to children. Launched in August, 2023, Jnr.Chef offers interactive cooking classes with all the ingredients delivered to your door, and also work with British Triathlon to promote healthy eating, nutrition, and mental health in schools. Pete opens up about his personal journey and how it led him to start Jnr.Chef,...
Jul 09, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week, Mamma Mia! star, Kate Graham joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a cuppa and shares the joys of an alcohol-free life. Ben and Kate discuss their experiences of being alcohol-free and how it has positively impacted their lives; the benefits of self care, exercise and finding new experiences in sobriety. Kate discusses her theatre career, including the pleasure of working with the director, Sam Mendes, and also Nathan Lane and Lee Evans in The Producers, plus the joy of being part of ...
Jul 02, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 17
This week, actor Kay Murphy pops into Benjy's Cafe to discuss the importance of embracing life, the joy of moving to a new country and the thrill of landing her dream roles in the musicals, Fosse & Chicago. Kay talks about the influence of her upbringing on her personality, the need to embrace individuality and make choices that serve one's own happiness and well-being. Ben & Kay also discuss the challenges of stamina in performing, the value of time management and the camaraderie and su...
Jun 25, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this week's episode, actor & musician, Ben Stock joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe to discuss his career in the entertainment industry, the joy of performing & spreading happiness. Ben shares his story from a young performer to a successful professional, highlighting the influence of influential figures and learning from established professionals. He also shares the challenges of self-employment in the creative field, and the importance of staying proactive, and the support provided by Acting...
Jun 18, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the broadcaster, writer & teacher, Bobby Seagull. Bobby discusses how his positive energy and enthusiasm for life is influenced by his family and early experiences. And how as a teacher, Bobby aims to inspire and support young people, focusing on their personal development and confidence. Ben and Bobby chat about Bobby's career transition from banking to teaching that was driven by a passion for education and a desire to make a positive imp...
Jun 11, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this week's episode, Britain's Got Talent finalist, the brilliant comedian Steve Royle joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe to discuss the craft of comedy & the positive impact of Britain's Got Talent on his life. Steve chats about his career, including working with Peter Kay & delves into the challenges & rewards of pursuing a career in entertainment, as well as the importance of confidence and natural humour on stage. The Finding Funnies podcast co-host, talks about finding humour in unexp...
Jun 04, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This week, Yoga & Pilates practitioner, Megan Barnes pops into Benjy's Cafe to join Ben to discuss the benefits of yoga & pilates for mental and physical well-being; managing anxiety, reducing stress & improving sleep. Megan shares with Ben her personal journey with anxiety & how yoga helped her find peace. She also talks about her decision to become a yoga teacher & the impact she hopes to make on others. Ben & Megan also reflect on her performing career & the joy of...
May 28, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Episode 11 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, welcomes actor, Vivien Parry. Host, Ben chats to Vivien about her 17 year sobriety and the impact it has had on her life and career. Vivien shares her experience of being in an abusive relationship with alcohol and the dark place it took her to and emphasises the importance of seeking support and being honest with oneself in recovery. Vivien also discusses her experience in the one-woman show, The Wife of Cyncoed, at Cardiff's Sherman Theatre & appearing i...
May 21, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this week's episode, actor Craig Armstrong joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe to discuss his sobriety and how it has positively impacted his life and career. Craig talks about the importance of being present in the moment and how sobriety has allowed him to fully appreciate and enjoy his work as an actor, and how finding gratitude for the past, even the difficult times, can be a powerful part of the recovery process Craig shares his experience in Elton John & Lee Hall's iconic musical, Billy Ellio...
May 14, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 10
In this week's episode, award winning actor Bob Golding joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Bob shares the process of creating the iconic characters, Milo & Max in the CBBC show, Tweenies & his experience of playing Eric Morecambe in the Olivier Award winning, one-man play, Morecambe, & the pressure of living up to the audience's expectations. He emphasizes the importance of being kind & respectful in life & the importance of being silly, love and connection. Bob also discusse...
May 07, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by former England cricket captain, Adam Hollioake. A powerful & uplifting episode, Adam highlights the value of learning from past experiences, coping with grief & finding resilience in difficult times. Adam discusses the challenges of captaincy, his career & the importance of being kind and respectful. Adam also chats about the benefits of finding time for oneself, having a routine, prioritizing mental health & the love he has for...
Apr 30, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this week's episode, Hi-de Hi! star, Su Pollard joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe to discuss her career & the importance of passion, reliability & having fun. Su talks about performing & making people laugh, the importance of human interaction & the joy of making people happy & embracing new opportunities. She also discusses her experiences on the TV show Hi-de-Hi!, her career in the entertainment industry, and her outlook on life. It's a lovely listen that will leave you smiling....
Apr 23, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This week, Lucie Jones pops into Benjy's Cafe to join Ben to chat about her career in musical theatre, the spirit of Eurovision & the impact of music in her life. Lucie discusses the joy & challenges of her roles in the musicals Wicked & Waitress, plus her experience on X Factor & the importance of rest and recovery for performers. Lucie also shares her thoughts on the Welsh love of music & the sense of community it creates. She also discusses her concert career & highlig...
Apr 16, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This week, Liverpudlian actor & musician, Tommy Sherlock, joins Ben Harlow in Benjy's Cafe Podcast & shares his remarkable story of human recovery. In 2019, Tommy suffered a stroke while on tour in Rochester, New York. He experienced brain damage and had to undergo rehabilitation to regain his strength and mobility. Despite the challenges, Tommy maintained a positive attitude and approached his recovery determined to overcome the obstacles. Ben & Tommy discuss this life changing mome...
Apr 09, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben chats to choreographer & 2022 Mr Gay England, David Allwood. They discuss David's early career in musical theatre & the fulfillment he finds in creating and teaching dance. They also explore David's work in the LGBTQ+ community, including his involvement with collective, Homoparody. David emphasizes the healing power of dance and the importance of physical activity for mental health, particularly in combating loneliness and detachment. In this conve...
Apr 02, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 4
This week, Emmerdale & Coronation Street star, Hayley Tamaddon, drops into Benjy's Cafe for a brew. Hayley talks to host, Ben Harlow about the challenges and joys of being a single mother and the adventures she has with her son, Jasper. She shares her experience raising an independent child and the importance of allowing children to develop their own personalities. Hayley also discusses her TV & Stage career & her decision to maintain a healthy work-life balance. A heart warming list...
Mar 26, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this week's Benjy's Cafe Podcast, actor & writer, Richard Taylor Woods opens up about his journey to sobriety. He joins host, Ben Harlow to chat about his pride in his accomplishments in musical theatre and the joy of living a sober and fulfilling life. Over a cappuccino, Richard also discusses creating the sitcom Spongers and taking on new projects in sobriety, including forming the International vocal group, Unity & his comedy podcast, Too Good To Be True Crime. Get the kettle on &a...
Mar 19, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 2
This heart-warming conversation with Ben Harlow highlights the benefits of sobriety, including improved health, relationships, and the ability to fully embrace life's experiences. Actor, Shaun Dalton pops into Benjy's Cafe for a cuppa & discusses his career in the theatre industry, starting from his early experiences in Coventry to his roles in Joseph and Les Misérables. Shaun opens up about his health issues and life-changing surgery, which had a profound impact on his outlook on life and c...
Mar 12, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 1
