🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re joined by the brilliant Laura Richards - AI strategist, innovation expert, keynote speaker, and proud Northerner who’s helping shape the future of tech with people and purpose at the heart of it. 

Born in the North East and now making waves across the UK and beyond, Laura shares her inspiring journey from learning to build AI apps during maternity leave with twins(!) to becoming a sought-after voice in ethical innovation. With deep roots in the region and a passion for inclusive technology, Laura brings sharp insight and plenty of laughs to our conversation. 

We dive into: 

🧠 Laura’s journey into AI and why she believes innovation must be human-led and what the future of tech could look like when it puts people first. 

🏙️ What makes the North East such a powerful place for innovation, creativity, and connection and how it can be improved 

📣 Her passion for making technology more accessible, inclusive and locally driven 

This one’s packed with brainpower, heart, and a reminder that the future can be bright, human, and Geordie-powered. 🌟 

🎧 Tune in and don’t forget to follow Geordie Pride for more voices from the North East! 

LAURA’S BIO: Laura Richards is an AI strategist and innovation expert who works at the intersection of emerging tech, policy, and community impact. She founded the North East Social Tech Fund, teaches at Newcastle University, and is a leading advocate for responsible, people-first AI. She’s also host of The Idea Junkies Podcast and mum to twins.  

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

🌐 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurarichardsfcipr  📬 Join the waitlist for Laura’s upcoming AI course: ideajunkies.co.uk/#chatgptwaitlist 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re shining a spotlight on rising local talent - Jackson Payne, a teenage musician from South Shields whose passion, ambition, and authenticity are impossible to ignore. 

Angela and I are big believers in celebrating the next generation of North East talent, and Jackson is exactly why. At just 13, he’s already writing and performing his own music, all while navigating the realities of teenage life and dreaming big for the future. 

We chat about: 

🎶 How Jackson found his musical voice - and what inspires his lyrics 

🏡 What it’s like growing up in the North East  

🎤 His creative influences, from Sam Fender to personal experiences 

⚽ His love of football and supporting the Toon 

🎧 Tune in and join us as we meet a star of the future, right here in the heart of the North East. Don’t forget to follow Geordie Pride for more voices from the North East!  

JACKSON’S BIO:  Jackson Payne is a teenage musician from South Shields who writes and produces his own music, influenced by artists like Sam Fender, Queen and The Beatles. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

📸 Instagram: @jacksonpaynemusic 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re joined by the one and only Tolu’ A. Akinyemi—multi-award-winning author, publisher, performance poet, and proud “Lion of Newcastle.” 

Originally from Nigeria and now calling Callerton home, Tolu’ shares how Newcastle stole his heart and inspired some of his most personal and powerful work to date. With over 22 books published across poetry, short stories, essays, and children’s literature, his creative journey is as expansive as it is inspiring. 

We dive into everything from: 

🦁 How Tolu’ became known as “The Lion of Newcastle”  📚 The stories and meaning behind his upcoming poetry collection Home in Motion  💼 Why he wrote a full-length book of Financial Crime Compliance Poems (!), and what it says about the world today  🌍 His experience performing poetry across Nigeria, Italy, Paris and the UK  ❤️ How the warmth of Geordie culture, community, and spirit shaped his creative voice 

Tolu’ also reads aloud two poems from Home in Motion—a special sneak peek ahead of its July 1st release—and reflects on what it means to feel truly at home in a place, creatively and personally. 

This episode is packed with powerful storytelling, poetic brilliance, and a heartfelt celebration of Newcastle as a creative haven. ✨ 

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow Geordie Pride for more voices from the North East!  

TOLU’S BIO: Tolu’ A. Akinyemi (also known as Tolutoludo & the Lion of Newcastle) is a multiple award-winning Nigerian British writer of twenty-two books in the genres of poetry, short stories, children’s literature, and essays.  In 2020, he won the Best Indie Book Award for his poetry collection, A Booktiful Love. His collection of short stories, Inferno of Silence, won the 2021 IRDA Discovery Award for short stories and Next Generation Indie Book Awards (2021) for Best Cover Design (Fiction).  A former headline act at Great Northern Slam, Crossing The Tyne Festival, Feltonbury Arts and Music Festival, The Havering Literary Festival. He was the guest poet at Havering Libraries Black History Month event in October 2021 and has previously headlined at Woolwich Centre Library National Poetry Day event in October 2018.  His works have been featured on BBC Sounds, Spark Sunderland, Lion and Lilac, and elsewhere.  He is the founder of The Roaring Lion Newcastle, a UK-based book publisher, and sits on the board of many organisations.   

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

📘 Website: tolutoludo.com  📸 Instagram: @tolutoludo  📘 Facebook: Tolu A. Akinyemi  🐦 Twitter/X: @toluakinyemi  📺 YouTube: Tolu's Channel  🔗 Home in Motion (pre-order): Read more here 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re joined by the one and only Ophelia Balls-drag cabaret artist, radio host, performer, and self-proclaimed “prehistoric drag queen” (her words, not ours!). 

Dubbed the Queen of Newcastle and even the real Angel of the North by many, Ophelia has been lighting up the North East with sequins, sass and sheer talent for decades-though she’s the first to admit she’s lost count of how long it's been! From Black Garter karaoke nights to touring the UK with RuPaul’s royalty, from charity shows to drag pantos (and even a bit of telly), Ophelia’s done it all-and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

We chat about everything from: 

• Her early days in the Scouts donning her first frock 

• The evolution of Newcastle’s drag scene from the 80s to now 

• The art of wig styling and why charity shops were once drag goldmines 

• What it means to create a legacy, a brand-and a wardrobe to match 

• Her unforgettable debut at Rockshots  

• Why the Black Garter is her ride-or-die venue-and how 25 years there turned it into a local institution 

We also hear touching reflections on her time supporting HIV awareness, performing drag storytime, and her thoughts on representation, respect across generations, and why being kind and true to yourself always wins. 

This episode is full of sparkle, laughter, wisdom, and proper Geordie heart. 🌟 

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow Geordie Pride for more stories celebrating the spirit of the North East! 

OPHELIA’S BIO:  Ophelia Balls is a legendary drag cabaret artist from Newcastle upon Tyne. Known for her larger-than-life personality, 30+ wigs, and unforgettable stage presence, she has performed across the UK and beyond-from Benidorm to Belfast to Blackpool and back to her beloved Black Garter. She’s hosted Prides, pantos, radio shows and club nights, and is adored for her quick wit, heart of gold, and iconic looks. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

📸 Instagram: @realopheliab 

 🐦 Twitter/X: @realopheliab 

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/ophelia.balls.com.1 

 📻 Pride Radio: prideradio.co.uk 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re joined by Ceryn Rowntree—coach, medium, author, and proud Northumbrian. 

Raised in Cramlington and deeply rooted in the history and spirit of the Northeast, Ceryn shares her lifelong experiences with the spirit world, the heritage of coal mining communities, and the magic woven into the very landscape of Northumberland. 

We chat about everything from early spiritual encounters and haunted castles (including some spine-tingling moments at Chillingham and Newcastle Castle!) to the deep energy of sacred sites like Bamburgh and Northumberlandia. Ceryn also shares the emotional connection between mediumship and the traditions of mining families, and how her Northeast upbringing shaped the heart of her work today. 

You'll hear: 

• How spiritualism has always been part of Ceryn's family story 

• Why she believes everyone has the ability to connect spiritually 

• Fascinating tales of local hauntings and sacred places 

• Reflections on Geordie pride, coal dust, and community resilience 

• Stories that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe sleep with the light on! 

Ceryn also tells us about her latest project—The Divine Feminist audiobook—and what’s next on her inspiring journey. 

This episode is packed with laughs, love for the North East, and a touch of the supernatural! 🌟 

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow Geordie Pride for more stories celebrating the spirit of the North East!  

CERYN’S BIO:  Ceryn Rowntree is a Storyteller, Medium and Witch based in Northumberland. A trained Counsellor and Coach, Ceryn combines psychology and spirituality to support clients around the world to bring the unique spark of their own power and wisdom back into their everyday lives. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

Website: cerynrowntree.com 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/cerynrowntree 

The Devine Feminist Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YHoQZK 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

🎙 In this episode of Geordie Pride: Voices from the North East, we’re joined by the legendary Peter Lawson - secretary of Easington Colliery Brass Band and a true ambassador for the region’s musical and mining heritage. 

Peter reflects on more than five decades of dedication to the band he first joined at 11 years old. He shares what it was like keeping the band alive through the closure of the colliery, the incredible community support that’s helped them thrive, and how a chance connection led to a surreal day recording with none other than Sam Fender on the track “Remember My Name” from his latest album People Watching. 

Along the way, we hear about playing live on the West End, chatting with Elton John, Ant & Dec, and why local pride still powers every performance. Expect laughs, music, and a deep love for all things North East. 

🎶 Highlights include: 

• How Peter became the secretary of Easington Colliery brass band 

• Keeping the band alive post-pit closure through fundraising and community café projects 

• The story behind recording with Sam Fender and being featured on the People Watching album 

• Celebrity encounters and unforgettable performances, from Billy Elliot to Britain’s Got Talent 

• The power of local music, memory, and resilience in the North East 

PETER’S BIO: Peter Lawson is the long-serving secretary of Easington Colliery Brass Band, having joined the band at age 11 and dedicated over 56 years to its music and mission. A proud son of the Durham coalfield, Peter has helped steer the band through pit closures, funding crises, and a changing cultural landscape, all while championing community spirit and Northern heritage. Under his leadership, the band has toured Europe, performed on the West End, appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and most recently featured on Sam Fender’s emotional track "Remember My Name." Through his work with the band and their community-run café, Peter continues to ensure the brass band tradition not only survives—but thrives. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

Easington Colliery Band Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easingtoncb/ 

Alnwick Playhouse Eevent Tickets: https://alnwickplayhouse.co.uk/event/easington-colliery-band/ 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Mark Carruthers, freelance football writer and passionate voice of North East football. 

Mark shares his journey from growing up in Newcastle’s West End to covering over 50 non-league clubs across the region. From his early days following Newcastle United with his family to covering FA Cup runs at Wembley, Mark's life has been shaped by the power of football, community, and Geordie pride. 

We dive into the emotions of Newcastle United’s historic Carabao Cup win at Wembley, the magic of grassroots football, and what makes football culture in the North East so unique. Mark also talks about his experiences interviewing legends like Alan Shearer and meeting Kevin Keegan, and reflects on the inspiring rise of Newcastle United Women. 

Expect a real celebration of what it means to live and breathe football in the North East. 

As always, we round off the episode with our signature quick-fire round — expect Greggs orders, hidden gems, and plenty of laughs! 

Whether you're a lifelong Toon supporter, a champion of your local club, or simply love a good story about passion and perseverance, this one’s for you. 

MARK’S BIO: A North East football writer who has covered the region’s non-league football scene for the last decade for the likes of the Chronicle, Sunderland Echo, Sunday Sun and Shields Gazette. Mark also helps the Gazette’s coverage of Newcastle United and is a lifelong Magpies supporter after going to his first game in January 1988. Mark is also an ambassador for North East-based suicide prevention charity If U Care Share Foundation. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

Mark’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markcarruthers_/ 

If U Care Share Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifucareshare/ 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Heather Moore, the creative force behind The Peacock and the Printmaker. 

Heather shares her journey from growing up in the North West to falling head over heels for the North East—the landscape, the people, and the stories that shape her work. From childhood holidays in Whitley Bay to setting up her own creative business, Heather’s love for the region runs deep. 

We explore what drew her to the world of lino printing, how her background as a primary school teacher shaped her artistic voice, and why championing creativity for kids and grown-ups alike is so close to her heart. 

Heather also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to run a small creative business in the region—from juggling business and inspiration to drawing daily joy from the Northumbrian coastline and community. 

As always, we round off the episode with our signature quick-fire round—expect Greggs orders, North East hidden gems, and a few giggles along the way! 

Whether you're into art, small business life, or just adore a good natter about the North East, this one’s for you. 

HEATHER’S BIO: 

Heather Moore is a lino print artist and the creative force behind The Peacock & The Printmaker. Inspired by nature, memories, and dreams, their work brings joy and colour to collectors who love to curate beautiful, meaningful spaces. With a passion for craftsmanship and storytelling, they create limited edition prints and bespoke commissions that elevate interiors with bold yet timeless design. 

Beyond their artwork, Heather Moore is the founder of The Curated Nest, a lifestyle magazine designed to connect art lovers with inspiration for home and entertaining. Through engaging content and behind-the-scenes insights, they are building a thriving community of collectors, creatives, and professionals who appreciate the art of living well. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

Find out more at www.instagram.com/thepeacockandtheprintmaker 

Website: www.thepeacockandtheprintmaker.com 

Mailing List: https://the-peacock-the-printmaker.kit.com/newsletter  

Get the free magazine: https://the-peacock-the-printmaker.kit.com/585de9a4bb 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

 🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

 📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

 📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

 💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

 📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

In this very first guest episode of Season 2, we’re thrilled to welcome the much-loved Anthony Hutton, best known for winning Big Brother in 2005 and now using his platform to create real, lasting impact in the Northeast and across the country. 

This conversation takes us through Anthony’s life, from his upbringing in County Durham, to the whirlwind of fame that followed his time on national TV. But it’s what came next that really defines his story. 

Anthony opens up about the highs and lows of sudden celebrity, his return to real life, and how being a barber and mental health advocate gave him a renewed sense of purpose. He shares deeply personal reflections on grief, healing, and the inspiration behind his powerful initiative, Never Throw in the Towel. 

We also hear about the huge influence his grandma had on his journey and why he’s so passionate about supporting young men in the region. 

Grab a cuppa and join us as we chat about fame, family and fighting for what really matters with warmth, humour, and plenty of Geordie grit. 

🔗 USEFUL LINKS: 

Follow Anthony on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanthonyhutton/ 

Learn more about the Never Throw in the Towel Project: https://www.instagram.com/neverthrowinthetowelproject/ 

Surviving Reality: Beyond the TV Dream on Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surviving-Reality-Beyond-TV-Dream/dp/B0DQSFRJPW/ 

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected] 

We're thrilled to share the launch of Season 2 of Geordie Pride!

After a bit of a hiatus, we are back with a new season packed with inspiring voices and incredible stories from the North East.

In this very first 'welcome back' episode Angela and I chat about our life updates, from moving houses to career changes and the joys and challenges of going self-employed with Angela.

Plus, I share our journey of my family welcoming our new baby after some tough times.

We also tease some exciting guests lined up for this season, including local drag artists, poets, and even a Big Brother winner!

Don't miss out on this exciting new season!

Tune in now!

🔗 USEFUL LINKS:

Follow Angela on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelasmassagetherapy/

Follow Angela on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566081627832

🌍 More from Geordie Pride: 

🎧 Website: www.geordiepride.co.uk 

📺 YouTube: Geordie Pride Channel 

📸 Instagram: @geordiepride 

💌 Apply to be a guest or sponsor an episode: geordiepride.co.uk/apply 

📮 Want a shoutout? Tell us what you love about the North East: [email protected]