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Four of the original cast of Angels plus the creator join us to look back at one of the ground breaking series of British television - Angels - which began in 1975.

First we hear from Paula Milne about how she created the show before four of the actors who got together as young women reunite to talk us through exactly what is was like to be thrust into the prime time spotlight five decades ago.

Ashley is joined by:

Erin Gerharty who played Maureen Morahan

Clare Clifford who was Shirley Brent

Julie Dawn Cole who played Jo Longhurst

 and Karen David who was Sita Patel

Angels is just one of several anniversaries we're marking this Christmas. If you scroll through the feed, the last episode of Distinct Nostalgia sees us reunite the cast of 1990s sitcom Game On and the episode before that is an interview with the legendary Derek Griffiths marking 50 years since he composed the music for the iconic children's series BOD.

All this comes ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio in 2026, a new arts station which will be 24/7 history, arts, nostalgia. Keep listening and looking out for updates about that. One of the first shows will be a 90 minute special celebrating Rocky Horror at 50.

Distinct Nostalgia is a Made in Manchester Production

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Two of the cast of 90s sitcom Game On remember the show’s heyday 30 years after it began in 1995. 

Matthew Cottle and Neil Stuke chat to Ashley about how it all began and how it tackled taboos and became a must watch for 20 somethings on a Friday night. 

And don’t forget we’re marking more anniversaries. Look in the feed for a chat with Derek Griffiths about 50 years of kids classic BOD and standby for a big reunion of four of the original cart of Angels which began on BBC1 way back in 1975. 

And coming soon Distinct Radio - 24/7 history and nostalgia - ‘discover the things you never knew you loved’… more details to follow. 

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Ahead of the launch of Distinct Radio, the new 24 hour station where you're encouraged to discover the things you never knew you loved, we're treating you to one of the first Distinct Nostalgia episode highlights on that new station - a short celebration of all things BOD with the legendary performer and creator of the music for that iconic children's show, the brilliant Derek Griffiths.  We're ahead of the game. BBC 4 is celebrating BOD tonight (Dec 20th) but we've got in first!

Derek tells the story and sings - what more could you want. A real treat for kids of the 70s!

Enjoy...

This episode is an MIM Production for Distinct Radio which launches in the new year.

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan 

Episode 2: THE ALTERNATIVE OPTION 

President Truman is briefed on plans for the invasion of Japan which, the generals tell him, could cost hundreds of thousands of American casualties and take eighteen months to end the war. But he has a secret alternative option, which he believes, will force Japan to surrender with just one bomb...

You can hear the cast and production team list in detail at the end of the episode.

A Made in Manchester Production.

This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor

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Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

First Look Trailer for Part 2 of The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.

Episode 2 coming soon.....

The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.

The director is Jonathan Kydd.

Produced by Ashley Byrne

Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes

A Made in Manchester production.

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

As we await the arrival of Part 2 of The President and the Emperor, acclaimed actor Samuel Barnett who plays 'father of the bomb' Robert Oppenheimer chats about taking on historical figures as characters - and what it means to play the famous nuclear scientist.  Sam also reflects on the meticulousness of the script by Guy Smith and what he hopes listens around the world draw from this epic seven part drama.

Samuel Barnett is In Conversation with Ashley Byrne

A Made in Manchester Production

LISTEN TO PART ONE OF THE PRESIDENT AND THE EMPEROR JUST BY SCROLLING THROUGH THIS FEED. YOU CAN ALSO HEAR INTERVIEWS WITH CLIFTON TRUMAN DANIEL WHO PLAYS HIS GRANDPA PRESIDENT TRUMAN - AND SADAO UEDA WHO PLAYS EMPEROR HIROHITO

The President and The Emperor  brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago.

Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War.

At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation.

In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight.

He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.

“This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.”

Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer

The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes.

Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.

And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided.  Was it inevitable?  Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil.

Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.'

With thanks to:

The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu

The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

The extraordinary inside story of the most controversial decision in the history of modern warfare - the order to drop the atomic bomb. Drawn from first-hand accounts of those involved and declassified top secret American and Japanese documents from 1945, this documentary drama unfolds through the eyes of the two people at the centre of this world changing event - President Harry S. Truman and Showa Emperor Hirohito of Japan 

Episode 1: THE NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF 

April 1945 and the new president, Harry S. Truman, is briefed for the first time on the Manhattan Project - America's top secret operation to build an atomic bomb. And as allied forces advance across the Pacific, Emperor Hirohito fears it will only be a matter of time before Japan is defeated.

The Cast 

Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman 

Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito 

Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson

Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido 

Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves 

Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo 

Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer 

Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki 

Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns 

Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer

Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer

Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.

The narrator is Lorelei King 

The music is by Andy Street

The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.

The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.

The director is Jonathan Kydd.

Produced by Ashley Byrne

Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes

Recorded at the Voices Sound Studio, Soho, London

A Made in Manchester production.

With thanks to:

The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu

The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov

This drama has been made with the good will of everyone involved and not with huge funders behind it. If you would like to give something to the costs and to show your appreciation for all the work involved, please donate here https://buymeacoffee.com/presidentandemperor

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

Ahead of the launch tomorrow (Sunday August 31st) of the epic new landmark drama about the decision to drop the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Sadao Ueda chats to Ashley Byrne about playing Emperor Hirohito. Sadao grew up in Japan and here he talks about what he was taught about the devastating events at school in the 1970s. He also reflects on taking on a part he's really wanted to play all his acting career. 

Sadao Ueda is in conversation with Ashley Byrne.

A Made in Manchester Production   

Coming soon ....The President and The Emperor  brings to life the story behind one of the most consequential decisions in modern history, the dropping of the atomic bomb eighty years ago.

Told in seven parts and produced by indie company Made in Manchester, the series draws on newly declassified US and Japanese documents, along with first-hand testimony, to present a dual-perspective account of the final days of the Second World War.

At the heart of the drama are two isolated but powerful figures, President Harry S. Truman and Emperor Hirohito. They navigate moral and political dilemmas as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear devastation.

In a unique casting move, Truman is portrayed by his real-life grandson, Clifton Truman Daniel, adding an intimate connection to a role few could approach with such personal insight.

He stars alongside acclaimed Japanese actor Sadao Ueda, who plays Hirohito with quiet intensity and emotional nuance.

“This drama is not about who was right or wrong in the war,” Ueda says. “It presents historical facts dramatically from two different points of view. I hope the listener will reflect on what global conflict might mean if it ever happened again.”

Samuel Barnett plays Robert Oppenheimer

The President and the Emperor is written by Guy Smith, directed by Jonathan Kydd and produced by Ashley Byrne. The Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes.

Guy Smith says: ''I wanted to find out what really took place behind the scenes in Washington and Tokyo in the weeks leading up to the most momentous - and controversial - decision in the history of modern warfare; the order to drop the atomic bomb on Japan.

And, just as importantly, I wanted to find out if that world changing event could have been avoided.  Was it inevitable?  Or could the conflict have been ended without the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

The more I dug into the archives and examined first hand accounts of those who were there at the White House and Imperial Palace, I discovered an extraordinary story full of intrigue, drama and turmoil.

Now, as the world once again moves closer to the threat of nuclear conflict than at any time since the Cold War, I hope The President and the Emperor provides listeners with a timely warning on the dangers of escalating tensions and failing to explore all possible opportunities to stop man's inhumanity to man.'

With thanks to:

The National Security Archive, Washington DChttps://nsarchive.gwu.edu

The Harry S Truman Library, Independence, MOhttps://www.trumanlibrary.gov

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

First Look Trailer 2 for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.

Episode 1 coming soon.....

The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One 

Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman 

Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito 

Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson

Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido 

Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves 

Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo 

Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer 

Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki 

Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns 

Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer

Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer

Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.

The narrator is Lorelei King 

The music is by Andy Street

The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.

The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.

The director is Jonathan Kydd.

Produced by Ashley Byrne

Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes

A Made in Manchester production.

Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message

A First Look Teaser for The President and the Emperor starring Clifton Truman Daniel as President Harry S Truman, Sadao Ueda as Emperor Hirohito and Samuel Barnett as Phillip Oppenheimer.

Episode 1 coming soon.....

The President and the Emperor Cast - Episode One 

Clifton Truman Daniel - President Harry S Truman 

Sadao Ueda - Emperor Hirohito 

Christopher Strauli - Secretary of War Henry Stimson

Mark Takeshi Ota - Lord Koichi Kido 

Mike Grady - General Leslie Groves 

Leo Ashizawa - Foreign Minister Shigenori Togo 

Samuel Barnett - Dr J Robert Oppenheimer 

Takatsuna Mukai - Prime Minister Kantaro Suzuki 

Jonathan Kydd - Dr Robert Stearns 

Samuel Barnett - English Radio announcer

Takatsuna Mukai - Studio Engineer

Jonathan Kydd - American Radio Announcer.

The narrator is Lorelei King 

The music is by Andy Street

The historian is Guy Walters
and historical observers were Kazuhiko and
Shigehiko Togo.

The President and the Emperor is written by
Guy Smith.

The director is Jonathan Kydd.

Produced by Ashley Byrne

Executive Producer is Kurt Brookes

A Made in Manchester production.

Support the show