Real Folk with Jo Burke

By Jo BurkeSociety & Culture Documentary Personal Journals

Real Folk with Jo Burke episodes

December 08, 2024 16. Sarah O'Connell - YouTube Celebrity Chat Show host, Comedian, Artist/Animator
Sarah kindly allowed Jo to turn the tables and interview her for Real Folk, so you can find out about Sarah's life for a change. 'The Sarah O'Connell Show' is a YouTube sensation with her celebrity guests ranging from Hollywood stars like Keanu Reeves, comedians/national treasures such as our wonderful Dawn French and of course musicians like Darren Hayes from Savage Garden, to name but a few. Jo and Sarah's chinwag veers from the surreal to the sublime, covering life, death and everything in between. Watch, love and subscribe to her amazing interviews here.
Jo's other podcast, Utter Burke, is also available FREE wherever you listen.
44 min
February 20, 2024 15. Benjamin Bankole Bello - Character comedian President Obonjo
Jo's back with more Real Folk. Put your feet up and join Jo for an intriguing and thought provoking chat with 'accidental' comedian, Benjamin Bankole Bello, who has spent more than a decade honing his comic character, President Obonjo, African Dictator of LAFTA Republic, who became a social media viral sensation. Check out his millions of views on TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Jo and Ben discuss his rise and almost complete destruction in an industry they both love. Unbelievably many people, including previous real life presidents, can't tell fact from fiction...you can see his ITVx comedy special 'Stolen' via his website presidentobonjo.com or on the ITVx App.
56 min
April 01, 2021 14. Anna Kennedy OBE - Autism educator and Strictly star
Kick back in your favourite comfy chair and join Jo and Anna chatting about autism awareness, Strictly Come Dancing and meeting the Queen. Anna shares the story of her children's diagnosis. What led her to set up two specialist schools, a college, a residential home and Anna Kennedy Online. She is also known as Autisms answer to 'Simon Cowell' (she's not sure that's a good thing) owing to the fabulous annual competition she created called 'Autism's Got Talent'. Jo and Anna are massive dance fans so couldn't resist nattering about Anna's amazing experience on the 'Strictly People's Special' in 2015 where she danced with the brilliant Robin Windsor. Oh and of course the realities of receiving an OBE and her unique Italian/Middlesbrough roots. More info on www.annakennedyonline.com
54 min
February 17, 2021 13. Amanda Egan - Author, fundraiser and creative
Amanda Egan, author of 'Diary of a Mummy Misfit' and many more, chats with Jo about her writing process, lockdown life and her latest creative adventures. Tune in for an exclusive preview of an AMAZING song from the musical based on her utterly fabulous book 'Stilettos and Stubble' set in a drag club. Composed and sung by Alan Penman, written by her husband. We simply CANNOT let Covid19 stop 'Stilettos and Stubble the Musical' from happening. You will feel the same once you've heard the song and read the book. Let's be honest we NEED this in our lives, especially now. Download Amanda's books via Amazon and follow her on Twitter @Mummy_Misfit.
31 min
February 08, 2021 12. John Fleming - Comedy connoisseur and blogger
Jo chews the fat with comedy connoisseur, blogger and founder of the infamous 'Malcolm Hardee Awards', John Fleming. They discuss great writers, naked balloon dancing, how he ended up being co-author of Malcolm Hardee's book 'I Stole Freddie Mercury's Birthday Cake' and of course life in general. Check out John's blog 'So it Goes' here: www.thejohnfleming.wordpress.com
44 min
January 24, 2021 11. Alison Knowles - Emotional wellbeing therapist and author
Emotional wellbeing is critical during these challenging times. Jo chats to the inspiring, Alison Knowles, creator of 'Ollie and his Superpowers', a book brand that helps both children and adults understand and control their emotions. Ali shares her story of dyslexia, having left school with nothing but the word 'stupid' ringing in her ears. Find out how dyslexia and Covid19 pushed her in directions she would never have imagined. If you are interested in becoming an Ollie Coach, are a school teacher, or know of a school that may be interested in their approach to emotional wellbeing, then contact www.ollieandhissuperpowers.com. Recorded via Zoom prior to the second UK lockdown.
42 min
October 20, 2020 10. Lynn Rae - Make-up artist, physical therapist and pilates instructor
Grab a cuppa and join Lynn and Jo for a life affirming chat. Starting with Lynn's background as a make-up artist in the 80's, why she became a physical therapist and how she continues to manage her breast cancer diagnosis received in 2008. Find out what her biggest life lessons are and why she believes beauty truly is an inside job. Check out her website www.lynnrae.co.uk
52 min
October 08, 2020 9. David Shackleton - Linguist, actor, teacher
Linguist, actor and teacher, David Shackleton, chats candidly with Jo about attempting to take his own life, being a gay man in the 1960's, he also picks Jo up on a few of her own language faux pas. A fascinating journey into language, life and being true to yourself.
29 min
September 30, 2020 8. Pam Jones - Foster carer for 30 years, set up local charity to help the homeless.
Unstoppable, Pam Jones, popped into Custard HQ in Folkestone, to share the highs and lows of life as a foster carer for more than thirty years. Plus how and why she set up a local charity 'Helping the Homeless and Vulnerable' donations and details on Facebook. Prepare to fall in love...
38 min
September 21, 2020 7. Lee and Hartmut - Theatre entrepreneurs crowdfunding for the arts
Lee and Hartmut set up Central Tickets in 2017. Like so many of us in the arts they were hit hard by Covid19. Incredibly, during the toughest of times, the dynamic duo went to enormous lengths to help performers, producers and theatre technicians to survive. Have a listen to how it all started and what they did, with the help of all their amazing members, to help the arts in 2020...
23 min