The Joe Gilligan Trust Podcast

Through hard work, persistence and years spent learning her craft in repertory theatre, Sue Jenkins has built a career defined by talent, resilience and a genuine love of acting. From early appearances in classic television series such as Z-Cars in the 1970s, through to more recent roles in acclaimed dramas like The Responder alongside Martin Freeman and The Cage with Sheridan Smith, her journey reflects decades of dedication to the profession.

What really stands out is that, after all these years in the industry, her enthusiasm for acting and creativity remains as strong as ever. As she says, this was all she ever wanted to do — and that passion still shines through today. She’s also someone who’s given a great deal back — through charity fundraising events, mentoring and encouraging emerging performers, including of course, her involvement with The Actors’ Lab.

We’re incredibly grateful to Sue for giving up her time to support the Joe Gilligan Trust and for sharing some of the experiences and memories from such an extraordinary career.

Special thanks as well to Steve and Rachel for bringing us together and helping to make this conversation possible.

Lucas Yeomans BBC Radio Stoke

Today’s guest is someone I’ve known for quite a long time, Lucas was once a student of mine at school, and like many teachers we see hundreds of young people pass through the classroom over the years. But every so often, someone leaves more of an impression and Lucas was one of those students.

Back then, he was already showing signs of the confidence and curiosity that would eventually lead him towards broadcasting. Fast forward a few years and he’s carved out a place for himself presenting local football on BBC radio Stoke.

As with many careers in media, the path isn’t always straightforward. Lucas has had some success, but he’s also navigating the challenge that many talented young broadcasters face, how to turn early opportunities into something more permanent.

Student & Teacher Days Back in 2015

For me personally, it’s genuinely special to sit down with him now. As a former teacher, you always hope the young people you work with go on to find success in something they love. Seeing the person Lucas has become, thoughtful, determined, and positive, makes me very proud to have played even a small part in thejourney he’s on.

So today we’re going to talk about Radio, Football, TV/Film, ambition and the sometimes complicated road to building a career in broadcasting.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live/bbc_radio_stoke

https://www.instagram.com/lucasyeomans/

https://www.stokecityfc.com/

https://www.port-vale.co.uk/

https://www.crewealex.net/

In this episode, I’m joined by Matt Brogden. I actually met Matt by chance when I was a customer in the Levi clothes shop where he works in Cannock, Staffordshire, UK. We got chatting, and I was immediately struck by his strength of character and how open he was about the journey he’d been through.

In his mid-twenties, Matt was diagnosed with a large benign brain tumour, something that understandably turned life upside down for a while.

In our conversation, Matt shares what it was like when he first received the diagnosis, the experience of going through surgery and recovery, and how he found his way back to work and everyday life. We also talk about the support he received from the people around him, especially his friends and family, and how an experience like this can change the way you look at life and the future. We explore his love of films and his appreciation of good direction and production.

Matt speaks very honestly about what helped him through the toughest moments and the perspective he’s gained from everything he’s been through.

For anyone listening who might be facing their own health challenges, or supporting someone who is, we hope this conversation offers some encouragement and a reminder that you’re not alone.

Dedicated To The Memory of Will Clifford

“Don’t think you’re invincible or the best - Stay humble & take everything as a learning experience”.

Joe Green lives a bit of a double life. By day, he’s a criminal defence lawyer, working with people when the stakes couldn’t be any higher. But step outside that world and Joe’s deep into writing songs, making music, enjoying time with his friends and obsessing over how to get a great-sounding production.

It’s a fascinating mix of sharp thinking and creativity, and I’m really looking forward to digging into how those two worlds collide and how they’ve shaped the person I knew as a former music student of mine at St Joseph’s College.

I’ve known Joe for a while now, and I was intrigued by his latest song and video, ‘That’s All Baby’. We’ll talk about his writing and composing process, and you can watch the full video below.

Joseph Green Spotify

Today, we have a remarkable individual joining us. Someone whose journey embodies resilience, honesty, and an incredible spirit. Fliss Walters openly navigates the complexities of bipolar disorder, finding strength and peace through her dedication to yoga. Her story is one of strength and self-discovery. Get ready to be inspired by her honest, grounded perspective, and the sheer bravery it takes to share her story.

I have known Steve all his life and can say with confidence that his lifelong interest, curiosity and passion for the creative arts has never left him. Particularly singing, acting and film making. In this conversation we explore his decision to move to London and study at the Royal Academy of Music and how this helped to manage his anxiety. We delve into the challenges of the audition process and how a career in the performing arts will always require a huge sacrifice, challenge and one hell of a thick skin! Steve talks about making the very difficult decision to retrain in Law and how on reflection this was ultimately the right road for him to walk. We ask if nowadays having a privileged background open doors into the industry and have we lost sight of the working class heroes of our yesteryear like Alan Bennett and Harold Pinter? Steve has experienced deep sadness particularly when his Mum passed away and he tells us how he found some solace in the wonderful music of Kate Bush and Nick Cave’s Red Hand Files. Steve also puts forward his strategy of not always just focusing on the present and the now, but to also immerse yourself in the past and celebrate special memories as this can be a way of learning to walk with grief.

Recorded remotely February 2024

https://www.theredhandfiles.com/

https://www.katebush.com/

https://www.ram.ac.uk/

The JGT Podcast was initiated by the young people we support and aims to provide a distraction and comfort to those experiencing ongoing hospital visits and challenging treatment plans. The burden of a cancer diagnosis in your teens or early twenties is particularly distressing and we hope in some way, our podcasts make this very frightening experience just a little easier.

Our subscribers tend to be younger adults and enjoy hearing from people with a story to tell. Especially those who are trying to step out of their comfort zone and do something different. We feature interviews with people from all walks of life and In our ‘talking music’ series take a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of some exceptional musicians.

We are privileged to have interviewed some incredible fundraisers and campaigners.  People who meet life’s challenges head-on and strive to make a difference. Many of our guests have turned obstacles and difficulties into positive endorsements of modern day living.

If you would like to be a guest and share your story with us, then hit our contact link on the website right now and let’s talk!

I first came across Nicola Nuttall on social media. Mainly because of her hash tag, #shitscaredmum. I can’t think of a better description of how it feels as a parent to see your child on a teenage cancer ward. All parents go into survival mode when their son or daughter has a life threatening illness. They fundraise, campaign, fight and will move heaven and earth to arrive at a curative outcome. Of course, after all that’s intrinsic to being a Mum & Dad. But there was something different about Nicola. Reading her Twitter feed and visiting her website (link below) you immediately get a sense of the person behind the brave face.

Since Laura was diagnosed, Nicola and her husband Mark have had many people getting in touch to ask for advice for themselves or loved ones who have unfortunately received a similar diagnosis. So within 'Tips and Advice’ on their website (link below) they outlined Laura's current treatments and all the supplementary things they are trying to help Laura, in the hope that they can help others too. Nicola reinforces the fact that she is by no means a medical expert, but she has picked up a few pieces of advice during Laura's experience with cancer that may help others.

She is vigorously campaigning for a change and raising awareness of brain tumours in young adults and children. But with a very genuine and heartfelt approach to helping others with the same prognosis as Laura. At the same time, her family is experiencing the biggest challenge imaginable and managing their own emotions. Whether you’re a millionaire, or you live on the streets there’s nothing more painful than when your children are seriously unwell and Nicola’s coping strategy to heal emotionally has been one long fight to stay ahead of Glioblastoma, and not just for Laura, but for the many young adults and children with this bastard disease.

Brain Tumour | Doing it for laura

TIPS AND ADVICE | Doingitforlaura

The Brain Tumour Charity

Joe Gilligan Trust | Supporting young adults fighting cancer

Donate — Joe Gilligan Trust

Thank you so much for all the positive feedback on our talking music series. It’s great that so many of you are enjoying our conversations. This episode is hosted by Sam Martin and his guest is professional drummer Alex Reeves. Alex has performed drums live on stage, radio and TV and recorded on albums with Elbow, Dizzee Rascal, Razorlight, Bat For Lashes, Shania Twain, Marina, Nick Cave, The BBC Symphony Orchestra, The Heritage Orchestra, Guy Garvey, Anna Calvi, The Young Punx, Bobby Womack, One Direction, Johnny Hates Jazz, Avicii and hundreds more. Alex plays drums for Elbow.

Visit his Website Alex Reeves Drums and Percussion

Instagram photos and videos (@alexreevesdrums)

Alex Reeves in action

Today’s guest is one of the UKs best loved and long established saxophone players Chris ‘Snake’ Davis. I’ve followed his career for many years and really enjoy is melodic and soulful playing! He’s gone from a gigging sax player travelling around the country in a van playing with punk bands and function bands to collaborating with genuine Soul legends, including Edwin Starr, Rose Royce, Sister Sledge, The Three Degrees. From the pop world The Eurythmics, George Michael, Lisa Stansfield. Let’s not forget, he wrote the iconic sax solo on Take That's hit A Million Love Songs.

During lockdown he’s kept  busy with a live stream YouTube gig every Friday and Sunday evening at 7pm and like most professional musicians as had to press the COVID pause button on his usual diary of tours studio sessions and gigs. He is without doubt one of the most sought-after session players in Europe a true industry professional and a thoroughly nice bloke. When he read about the trust he was more than happy to help us and I’m very grateful for that!. Incidentally the name ‘Snake’ comes from the way he moves on stage. When he’s playing a solo you’ll see that the more he’s into it the more he wriggles from side to side as he performs! 

Snake Davis

Snake Davis - YouTube