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For many parents, deciding when to buy their child a first phone has become one of the toughest decisions they face. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford joined me to discuss exactly that, alongside what promises to be a huge summer for athletics. 

As one of Britain's most recognisable sporting figures, Greg is preparing for another busy season as a pundit, covering some of the biggest athletics events of the year. Naturally, I had to ask whether he ever watches today's competitors and thinks, "I'd have done that differently." 

But while athletics provided plenty of talking points, it was our conversation about parenting and technology that really got us thinking. 

The debate around children owning smartphones continues to grow. Greg shared his views on when children should receive their first phone and the balancing act many parents face between protecting their children and helping them feel included socially. 

After all, being the only child in a class without a phone can create its own challenges. 

We also discussed social media and the increasing calls for restrictions on young people accessing platforms at an early age. Rather than simply banning technology, Greg highlighted the importance of education, communication and creating safe boundaries. 

One particularly interesting part of the conversation centred on parental controls and third-party apps that allow families to monitor usage, helping children enjoy technology while reducing some of the risks that come with it. 

It's a thoughtful discussion that goes far beyond sport, touching on issues that almost every modern parent is wrestling with. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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For most tribute musicians, the dream is simple: do justice to the artists you love. 

For Jay Apperley from the UK Foo Fighters, that dream became something far more surreal. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Jay joined me to talk about life in one of the UK's biggest Foo Fighters tribute acts, and the incredible moment that saw him share a stage with his musical heroes. 

Many fans know the story. During a Foo Fighters show, Jay found himself being invited on stage by Dave Grohl and performing alongside the real band. For any musician, it's the kind of moment that feels impossible until it actually happens. 

But our conversation wasn't just about that unforgettable night. 

We also discussed the impact of losing Taylor Hawkins. For tribute bands, there's often a unique relationship with the artists whose music they perform. Jay spoke movingly about how Taylor's death affected them not only professionally, but personally as fans who had spent years celebrating the band's music. 

We also explored the wider tribute scene and how it continues to grow. Jay shared his thoughts on why tribute bands remain so popular and the responsibility that comes with representing artists who mean so much to people. 

Perhaps the most emotional moment came when I asked him to name his favourite Foo Fighters album. The answer itself wasn't surprising. The reason behind it was. 

It's a reminder that music is often tied to memories, people and moments far bigger than the songs themselves. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Few people can say they've enjoyed a career quite as varied as Cheryl Baker. 

Singer, presenter, actress and household name, Cheryl has spent more than five decades entertaining audiences, and in the latest episode of The MarshyCast, she joined me to talk about her upcoming one-woman show, Wearing Cheryl Baker. 

Naturally, we looked back at some of the biggest moments from her remarkable career. From winning the Eurovision Song Contest 1981 as part of Bucks Fizz, to becoming a familiar face on television through programmes including Record Breakers, Cheryl has seen almost every side of the entertainment industry. 

One of the things I was most curious about was the title of her touring show. Why Wearing Cheryl Baker? As Cheryl explained, the title reflects the different versions of herself she has worn throughout her life and career, and the fascinating balance between her introverted and extroverted sides. 

It's a theme many people will recognise. The confident performer seen on stage isn't always the same person sitting quietly off it. 

The conversation also turned to one of Cheryl's most treasured professional relationships, working alongside the legendary Roy Castle. She spoke warmly about his humour, kindness and boundless energy, describing someone who could light up any room he entered. 

In fact, Cheryl shared a brilliant observation that once you hear it, it's hard to disagree with: Roy Castle would have made a fantastic Mary Poppins. 

It's a conversation packed with nostalgia, laughter and the stories behind a truly extraordinary career. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Country music has always been built on great storytelling. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with rising US country artist Harper Grace to talk about her latest single If Daddy Says No, life on the road and her growing connection with audiences in the UK. 

As with many American artists visiting Britain, the conversation quickly turned to food. Harper revealed she'd already experienced one of the great traditions of UK media appearances… being encouraged to try foods she'd never normally go near. Unfortunately for whoever handed her the black pudding, it wasn't exactly love at first bite. 

Thankfully, she seemed much happier discussing music. 

We spoke about the challenge of performing deeply emotional songs night after night. While the lyrics remain the same, Harper explained that the meaning behind them can shift depending on where she is in life, how she’s feeling and the audience she's performing for. The result is that every performance becomes slightly different. 

Harper also shared some of the lessons she’s picked up from touring alongside established artists. Watching how experienced performers handle audiences, touring schedules and life on the road has given her valuable insight as her own career continues to grow. 

And with country music booming across Britain, I was keen to hear her perspective on the UK scene. Like many American artists, she’s been struck by the passion of British fans, especially their ability to know every word to songs from artists who are still building their careers. 

It's a conversation packed with music, laughs and a glimpse into the journey of one of country music's rising stars. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Some TV shows arrive quietly. Others hit like an explosion. 

Netflix drama Legends has quickly become one of those series audiences can’t stop talking about, and in the latest episode of The MarshyCast, actor Sonny Walker joined me to talk about the experience of being part of it. 

One of the biggest talking points was a particularly intense firebomb scene early in the series. Naturally, I had to ask the question everyone watching probably wondered… was it real, or CGI? Sonny explained how the sequence was filmed and why scenes like that come with a very different kind of pressure on set. 

We also discussed the challenge of filming a Mexican stand-off scene, where tension, timing and performance all have to work perfectly together. Those moments can look effortless on screen, but behind the scenes they demand huge levels of concentration and trust between actors. 

That trust becomes even more important when you’re sharing scenes with performers you genuinely admire. Sonny spoke warmly about working alongside actors he has enormous respect for, and how much he learns simply by being around them. 

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation focused on the moral complexity of Legends. Rather than presenting a straightforward battle between heroes and villains, the series explores much greyer territory where motivations, loyalty and choices constantly blur the lines between right and wrong. 

And finally, I asked Sonny when he first realised the show might become a genuine hit. Sometimes casts know early when something feels different… and it sounds like Legends had that feeling from the start. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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For Kai Widdrington, life could easily have gone in a completely different direction.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, the Strictly Come Dancing professional opened up about the huge decision he faced growing up… whether to pursue football or commit fully to dance.

Thankfully for ballroom fans, dance won.

We spoke about his latest live production, Kai Evolution, and how this year’s tour builds on the success of the previous show while still keeping some of the routines audiences loved most. Kai explained that the challenge is always finding the balance between giving returning fans something fresh while still delivering the moments people come to see.

Naturally, we also talked about Strictly Come Dancing itself, including what life behind the scenes is really like and his experience working with Vicky Pattison during the series.

Away from dance, football still clearly plays a huge part in family life. Kai shared the special memory of being at Wembley with his dad and brother watching Aldershot Town F.C. lift the FA Trophy, a moment that clearly meant a lot to the whole family.

And then there’s the football rivalry at home… with Southampton and Portsmouth allegiances split between the brothers, ensuring there’s always a little extra competition away from the dancefloor too.

It’s a conversation packed with personality, humour and a real insight into the balancing act behind life on stage and beyond it.

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Some songs don’t just soundtrack an era… they help define it. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with 90s dance icon Kym Sims to talk about her legendary hit Too Blind To See It and why she felt now was the right moment to release a brand new 2026 version. 

We went right back to the beginning of the story, discussing how the track was originally recorded in Chicago and how that American house music influence helped shape its sound long before it exploded in UK clubs and charts. 

Kym also shared how her early background as a jingle singer unexpectedly became perfect training for recording dance music. The precision, hooks and vocal control needed for commercial work all played a role in helping create one of the era’s most recognisable dance records. 

Naturally, we also had to talk about Top of the Pops. Kym reflected on what she remembers from performing on one of the UK’s most iconic music programmes during the height of the dance boom. 

Perhaps the most fascinating part of the conversation, though, was hearing how Too Blind To See It arrived during a turning point in British club culture. Kym spoke about how the song helped bridge the shift from the rave scene into the more house-driven sound that would dominate clubs throughout the 90s. 

It’s a conversation packed with nostalgia, music history and the story behind a track that still fills dancefloors decades later. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Stand-up comedy might look effortless from the audience… but behind every polished routine is usually a graveyard full of jokes that never worked. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with comedian Paul McCaffrey ahead of his upcoming UK tour to talk about the reality of building a live comedy show. 

One of the first things I wanted to know was what happens when comedians try out brand new material. Does every comic secretly keep a reliable “best of” set tucked away in case the new jokes don’t land? Paul gave a fascinating insight into the balancing act comedians face between experimenting and making sure audiences still leave happy. 

We also spoke about what fans can expect from his latest tour and how stand-up itself has evolved over the years. Comedy audiences have changed, platforms have changed, and the way comedians connect with people has shifted dramatically compared to even a decade ago. 

That naturally led us into podcasts, which have become an increasingly important part of modern comedy culture. Paul explained why podcasts work so well for comedians, giving them space to be more conversational, spontaneous and personal than traditional stand-up often allows. 

We also talked about his hugely popular podcast What’s Upset You Now?, which continues to build a loyal audience thanks to exactly that kind of honest, funny back-and-forth. 

It’s a really fun conversation about comedy, creativity and what happens when jokes either soar… or crash directly into silence. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Food has always been about more than just eating. 

For Jamaican chef duo Craig McAnuff and Shaun McAnuff, better known as Original Flava, mealtimes are about connection, conversation and creating moments that matter. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, we spoke about the growing habit of people eating separately, distracted by televisions, phones… or even retreating to bedrooms with dinner trays. 

The reaction in the studio when we discovered some people regularly eat meals in bed said it all. 

Craig and Shaun passionately explained why sitting down together as a household, even for just 20 minutes a day, can make such a difference. It’s a chance to check in with each other, talk about the day and create a small moment of togetherness in increasingly busy lives. 

What really stood out was how strongly they connected shared meals with mental wellbeing. A simple family dinner can offer routine, comfort and a sense of belonging that people often underestimate. 

We also talked about the example it sets for children. Watching parents switch off distractions and make time for conversation teaches habits that can carry through generations. 

It’s a conversation full of warmth, humour and the reminder that sometimes the smallest traditions are the ones that matter most. 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

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Some action films promise spectacle. Others sound like they nearly became one behind the scenes too. 

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Max Beesley to talk about Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, which premieres globally on Prime Video this Wednesday. 

One of the first things I had to ask was whether Max agreed to the project before even reading the script. The answer says a lot about both the scale of the production and the trust involved in joining a franchise with such a huge reputation. 

We also discussed what makes him the right fit to play a psychotic killer. Max approached the role with intensity, but also with an understanding that the most dangerous characters are often the ones who feel believable rather than exaggerated. 

Then there’s the car chase sequence. Action fans are going to love it… but according to Max, filming it came with genuine problems behind the scenes, to the point where it almost caused the whole production to be shut down. 

One particularly fascinating part of the conversation centred around a key scene opposite another major actor. Despite the importance of the moment, Max revealed they intentionally avoided over-rehearsing it, allowing the tension and unpredictability to feel more natural on camera. 

And finally, we talked about the film’s explosive ending. Watching it, I couldn’t help being reminded of one of the all-time great action classics… but would Max agree with the comparison? 

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh