In episode 9 we introduce you to Mark Middling. Mark is an academic, whose background is finance and management accounts, but is now studying for a doctorate in a rather unexpected field (is that a football field?)

Mark talks us through his ever changing life plan, which has taken a few twists and turns along the way. Mark also recalls an event at age 16 which is still a driving force in his life today.

People who have shaped Mark's life, include a comedian and, well you'll have to listen to find out the other, but it shocked me!

He also has some rather controversial ideas around cheese and changing bed sheets, fortunately not both at the same time.

In episode 8 we introduce you to Daz Robson. Daz is the partner of Lauren who we featured in episode 5.

Daz talks us thorough his experience growing up in a working class area of the North East and how things changed for him when he got to University.

He tells us about the jobs he's done and you'll want to listen to this, it's quite a story. He's worked in music, in television and eventually ended up working on ships, despite the fact he suffers sea sickness.

Daz has had to cope with medical anxiety for a long time and he talks openly about this. He also talks us thorough his real passion in life, Ice Hockey and how he became interested in that, which is a story you likely wont be expecting.

In episode 7 we introduce you to Alice Hickman.

Alice talks to us about how her wavering faith in Buddhism led her to God and back again; about menopause induced madness and the strange silence that surrounds discussion about it; and about how young people are almost as amazing as milk chocolate.

She discusses why art and the creation of it is what life is all about and how regrets don't have to be part of the process. She also tells us why marriage never formed part of her life plan until, on turning 50, she might now be having second thoughts about this.

In episode 6 we introduce you to Keith Ketchley. Keith started life working on a building site as an electrician and now works in building physics. He talks through that journey and he'll explain just what building physics is, incase you were wondering.

He talks about why mental health is something we should all be talking about, his ideas for what it means to be a man in the modern world and why global warming is a chance for the world to come together and unify.

Keith also talks about what it was like for him and his now ex wife to go through five rounds of IVF, why that had such an impact on their relationship and how he is now coping with life in his own place, living with Harry (the cat).

In episode 5 we introduce you to Lauren, who always thought marriage wasn't for her, due mainly to the admin, though she might just be re-thinking this now!

Lauren spent time working as a bouncer while she collected several degrees and masters degrees before becoming a civil servant.

In a very heartfelt interview, Lauren tells us the impact her Dad's cancer had on her life and how anxiety is something she has learnt to deal with.

She also has some controversial views on modern dance.

In episode 4 of Pod's people we introduce you to Scott Jacques. Scott wasn't great at school and ended up working as a docker and a scaffolder, before he worked his way up the teaching ladder and is now head of a school, on the same site as his own former school.

Scott tells us about this journey and along the way we talk music, football, education, social justice and of course, cricket.

Scott tells us about the day in 1981 when he was at what many people (myself included) consider the most amazing sporting performance ever. He also tells us what it's like to interview one of your sporting idols. Was it a disappointment or was it an amazing experience? Have a listen to find out.

In episode 3 of Pod's People, we introduce you to Carol White. Carol left school at 16 after an argument about a cardigan and had an office job for a while, before moving to Newcastle to go to University.

A self confessed drifter, Carol stayed in Newcastle for a while, starting a family, but moved back to Leeds after becoming a single parent. She tells us about the strange reactions she had from some people about becoming a single parent and how she coped.

Now married to a man who is allergic to cheese, she tells us about her passion for food, her love of umbrellas and why the world needs more equality.

In episode 2 of Pod's People, we introduce you to John Paynter. John was born in Leeds and still lives there.

John talks us through his musical and footballing idols, conveying a passion which few have. He describes how his tastes in music have developed over the years. This self confessed indie kid, is now an electronic dance DJ of note.

It's a candid interview, letting us into his feelings over the recent health issues of his long term partner and love of his life and how he has recently organised an online music festival to raise money for Shelter.

In episode 1 of Pod's People, we introduce you to Patrick Redmond. Patrick is originally from Stoke on Trent but now lives in Birmingham.

Patrick left school at 18 as an agnostic, and undertook a theology degree. While studying he decided to give Catholicism a go , though this didn't go too well, illustrated by him handing out free condoms in the pub on the night of his confirmation.

This is a very honest interview. Patrick talks about his Dad who he didn't have the relationship with he wanted, his biggest influence, his uncle Martin, the recent death of his best friend and his passion for music.

We also look at who Patrick aspires to be (spoiler, it's a fictional character) as well as his deep thoughts around identity and certainty.

Stay tuned for the first episode in January 2021 from Pod's People.

A podcast about people, what makes them extraordinary and what makes us all the same.