In this episode we talk to our friend (and ex-boss) Paula DuPré Pesmen. As Associate Producer on the Harry Potter films Paula watched us grow up over the years and has plenty of behind-the-scenes tea to spill.

We reminisce about our first terrifying meeting, hear about a surprise Paul McCartney meeting at Abbey Road Studios and find out why we’ll always be ‘kids’ in Paula’s eyes.

During the filming of the Potter films, Paula’s world was turned upside down by family illness. It was this that inspired her to start the incredible charity There With Care, which supports families coping with critical illness. 

Paula also supports The Liv Project, which is working to turn the tide on youth suicide. In this episode we play ‘The Game That Goes There’, a game developed by the project to encourage deeper conversations. To get your copy and support the charity, go to shopthelivproject.com 

If you’re finding life difficult, don’t suffer in silence. Contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline or The Samaritans for support.

Sponsors:

We’d like to thank our sponsors Yamaha for supporting the podcast. To find out more about the Yamaha E700A headphones go to yamahamusiclondon.com/E700A

Paula’s ‘3am Questions’:

Favourite book - Becoming by Michelle Obama

Favourite album - Songs in The Key of Life by Stevie Wonder 

Favourite film - Casablanca

We want to hear from you. If you have a brilliant 'Did You Know?' fact, a question for us, a jingle you’ve written or a voice note you want to share, get in touch. We’ll choose a few messages and include them in the audio version of every podcast. You can tweet us your message using the hashtag #normalnotnormal or email us at [email protected] 

Remember, if you’re sending us a voice note or jingle and you’re under eighteen, please get permission from a parent or guardian.

Follow us on Twitter:

@OliverPhelps     

@James_Phelps

@pauladupre

Normal Not Normal is a Stabl production.

Produced by Alice Homewood.

YouTube version edited by Oliver and James Phelps.

Music: 'Not Normal' by Sebastian Forslund, 'Let Go' by Conditional and 'Bobby Swing' by The Bladwerk Band 

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