Hello! Let's boogie!

Last episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast before a summer breather & joining Ben is the therapist & author of Becoming A Sober Rebel, the wonderful, Louisa Evans.

Louisa's Instagram, Stepping Into Sobriety is a beacon of positivity, calm & advice for anyone embarking on an alcohol free life.

An almost a bottle of wine a night drinker since her 20's, in October 2022 Louisa decided enough was enough.

Louisa shares with Ben her decision to stop drinking, helping others in their sobriety & the joys of an alcohol free life.

She discusses the challenges she faced, including the internal battles and societal pressures surrounding alcohol & the positive changes sobriety has brought to her life, including improved mental clarity, better health, and a newfound passion for helping others.

Plus, Louisa highlights the joy of waking up sober, exercise & hosting her chart topping, Sober Rebel Podcast.

It's a wonderful conversation; happiness & joy CAN be found away from Wine O'Clock.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Louisa on Instagram

@stepping_into_sobriety

Benjy's Cafe Podcast returns on October, 14th 2025. See you then!

Still time to vote whilst we're away for Benjy's Cafe for Listener's Choice britishpodcastawards.com/voting

Voting closes 8th September. Thank you so much.

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Hope life is groovy?

Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week is actor, the wonderful, Nic Greenshields.

Nic has played some of the biggest roles in Musical Theatre, including the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit, The Phantom of the Opera, & Inspector Javert in the global phenomenon, Les Miserables.

In this episode, Nic shares the buzz & pressures of playing such iconic characters, including auditioning for the Phantom & appearing in Cilla for ITV, alongside Sheridan Smith.

Ben & Nic also discuss the joy of a happy work/life balance. Plus, the benefits of exercise for good mental health, including Nic's love of running.

And how away from the stage, making memories with friends & loved ones is paramount & why cherising life's simple moments is so important for Nic.

Ben & Nic appeared together in the 1st National Tour of Disney's Beauty & The Beast, way back in 2001. Time flies & so does this episode. A lovely reminder to pick up the phone & say hello.

Nic has a voice from the Gods & a heart of gold. You'll love him.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Nic on Instagram

@nicgreenshields

Nic will be running the 2026 London Marathon for Target Ovarian Cancer.

Please donate if you can https://join.targetovariancancer.org.uk/fundraisers/NicholasGreenshields

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Let's do this, Rodeos!

The Edinburgh Fringe is on the horizon, so who better to join Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, than the brilliant actor, writer & comedian, Susan Harrison.

Ben & Susan discuss her new show, "Susan Harrison: Should I Still Be Doing This?" playing The Gilded Balloon at Appleton Tower, 30th August through to 24th August.

Susan, co host of the comedy podcast, Leyline High Rewind, also shares with Ben her love of creating original content & the buzz & art of improvisation, including her work with the Olivier Award winning, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical & Mischief Comedy.

Plus, her early comedic influences & how they have shaped her career, connecting with audiences, & being Liz Truss in her smash hit, online videos.

And an insight into her writing partnership with Lucy Trodd, the dynamics of collaboration & how supportive relationships in the creative industry are so important.

Oh yes, and how it's good to pace yourself.

Susan is a joy. Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Susan on Instagram

@susanharrisoncomedy

If you're a regular in Benjy's Cafe, please do vote for the pod for Listener's Choice in the 2025 British Podcast Awards. Just visit britishpodcastawards.com/voting

Cuppa on the house! Thank-you.

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Scorchio, eh?! Bloomin' lovely!

Joining Ben for an iced latte in Benjy's Cafe this week is the effervescent entrepreneur, Simon Greenhill.

Simon, CEO of global entertainment company, Greenhill Events & Match Day host for Saracens Rugby in the Gallagher English Premiership, is one of the good guys.

Simon shares his successful transition from theatre into the sporting & events world, including his love of his role at Saracens & the buzz of singing at some of sport's biggest arenas; Wembley Stadium, Lords & Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

Ben & Simon discuss the similarities between theatre & sport, the resilience needed as a creative & using those skills to create opportunity.

Plus, Simon's love of reading to ease into the day, the joy an evening walk with family & being present.

And how a pat on the back & taking time to reflect on personal achievements can be so feel good.

It's a lovely chat between two old chums. Simon will make you smile, you'll love him.

Stay cool & enjoy listening.

Oh, yes. Still plenty of time to vote for Benjy's Cafe Podcast for Listener's Choice at the 2025 British Podcast Awards.

Just visit britishpodcastawards.com/voting, type in Benjy's Cafe & register with your email. Thanks!

Follow Simon on Instagram

@si_greenhill

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! How are we all? Another episode to make you smile!

Ben's guest this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is actor, the delightful, Richard Meek.

Richard shares highlights of his career on stage & screen, from the joy & community of The Rocky Horror Show to filming the upcoming movie, The Bitter End, opposite Joan Collins & Oscar nominee, Isabella Rossellini.

Plus, working with two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell on the UK Premiere of Becoming Nancy & the emotions this beautiful production stirred.

Ben & Richard also chat kindness, enjoying simple pleasures & self confidence, including the positive effect of hair transplants.

The delight of unexpected opportunities & Richard's happy place: his passion for books.

It's a lovely conversation. Dreams DO come true.

Grab a coffee & enjoy listening.

Thank you to everyone who has voted for Benjy's Cafe Podcast for The Listener's Choice Award at the 2025 British Podcast Awards, I'm so grateful, you lovely lot!

Still plenty of time if you have two minutes, visit britishpodcastawards.com/voting by September 8th, register with your email et voila! Thank-you.

Follow Richard on Instagram

@iamrichardmeek

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello, y'all! And Happy July!

Joining Ben in Benjy’s Cafe this week, is the director, the brilliant, Damian Sandys.

Damian, Artistic Producer at UK Productions, one of the UK’s leading production companies & Creative Director of the annual What’s On Stage Awards, is one of the busiest & kindest people in theatre.

Damian shares his joy of directing & his life in theatre, including the buzz of directing Neighbours: The Celebration Tour & his role as Associate Director of the hit Broadway play, Khaled Hosseini’s, The Kite Runner.

Plus, Damian tells Ben how reaching out can lead to unexpected opportunities & the excitement of taking that leap of faith.

And making time for self care & why Damian's go-to is the gym & a late night workout.

If you love people with passion, you’ll love Damian. He’s a gem.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Oh yes, a quick favour too….The 2025 British Podcast Awards are on the horizon. Please, if you can, find two minutes to vote for Benjy’s Cafe Podcast for the Listener’s Choice Award. 

Super easy. Visit britishpodcastawards.com/voting to drop your vote by 8th September, 2025. Merci!

Follow Damian on Instagram

@munchkindamo

@ukp_ltd

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Been warm hasn't it? Blimey. Pop some ice cubes in yer socks.

Joining Ben this week in Benjy's Cafe is The Comedy Wordsmith, comedian, Lloyd Hollett.

Described by Gyles Brandreth as “a linguistic comedy genius”, Lloyd has established himself as one of the most unique & original performers in the comedy world today.

Lloyd shares with Ben his inspirations in comedy, including summers spent as a child enjoying a golden generation of British variety & the crucial role his teachers played in his subsequent comedy career.

Plus, the joy of making people laugh globally & compering Europe's biggest Christmas show, Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

Ben & Lloyd discuss positivity, kindness & the impact these qualities have on our lives. And how laughter can lift the soul during tough times.

Lloyd also asks Ben to share his alcohol free lifestyle & Lloyd's happiness offstage, at home in his garden with his family.

This episode is funny, warm & charming, just like Lloyd.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Lloyd on Instagram

@the_comedy_wordsmith

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello! It's super to be back after a lovely birthday. Everyone well? Groovy, let's go!

Ben's guest this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is the actor, writer & director, Adam Brown.

Adam shares the life changing experience of being cast as Ori in the blockbuster, The Hobbit Trilogy, including the delight of working with director, Peter Jackson, the camaraderie on set & life filming in New Zealand.

Ben & Adam also chat happiness, Adam's comedy roots & his work with Clare Plested as the comedy duo, Plested & Brown.

Plus, the joy & art of pantomime, the challenges of navigating grief as a creative & embracing versatility.

And Adam's excitement at co writing the Sky Christmas Movie, Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland & Rebel Wilson, due for release later this year.

Adam is an injection of happiness; he's super talented, super kind & well, just super duper.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Adam on Instagram

@brownads

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello, you wonderful lot!

Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, is the human ball of energy, actor, Charles Brunton.

Charles takes Ben through his transfer from London's West End to Broadway with the RSC's Matilda. And the joy & challenges of creating leading roles, including Emelius Browne in Disney's Bedknobs & Broomsticks & Dr Gangle in Andrew Lloyd Webber's, Love Never Dies.

Charles also shares the rewards of discovering & mentoring new talent in his role as Judge on Brillianti Malta & how quiet periods in his career allow for exciting opportunities & making connections away from the stage.

Oh yes, & his happy place, positivity & love for his allotment.

Charles will make you smile. And we all love to smile.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Charles on Instagram @charlesbrunton

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Let's do this, Rodeos!

This week, actor, the wonderful, James Mackenzie drops into Benjy's Cafe for a coffee.

James appears in the CBeebies hit show, Molly & Mack & played the title role in the multi BAFTA award winning CBBC series, Raven, for over 15 seasons, gaining cult status worldwide.

It's a super episode.

James shares how growing up in an acting family helped shaped his career choice & his route to the stage & our TV screens, & just what a privilege that is.

James also discusses how quality children's TV is vital for young viewers & their families; and how CBeebies shows like Molly & Mock, can trigger children's imagination & bring fun & laughter.

Plus, the lasting impact of Raven on his life & audiences worldwide.

Ben & James also dive into balancing an acting career with parenting, the joy of the outdoors & the importance of kindness, in theatre & life.

And how James has recently dipped his toes into the world of alcohol free & reached for his running shoes.

He's a good bad guy on stage, but an even better good guy off it.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram: @jarmackenzie

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.