A new local's podcast to explore 'what makes Preston tick'

Local city life will be discussed in a series of new podcasts.

The new podcast is a collaboration between Lancashire Post and Blog Preston who who release a series of local podcasts, aimed at bringing Preston's stories to an audio audience. - and they've named the first after the city’s famous Parched Pea.

Episodes of the podcast, which is named after Preston delicacy Parched Peas and will be released weekly, include conversations about art, identity, sense of place, nostalgia, history, the future and the challenges the city faces.

The new podcast explores what makes Preston and its people tick and is being hosted by a familiar voice in the city - radio legend John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore.

Supported by producers Ellie Browning and Sasha Wiltshire, he speaks to some of the fascinating cast of characters who make up the city.  

Gilly, who spent decades with BBC Radio Lancashire and before that Red Rose Radio and The Bay said: “It’s great to be back doing what I do best, getting out and about meeting and chatting to people and unearthing some great stories. It’s an amazing project to have been involved with.”

Supporting Gilly with the podcast are University of Central Lancashire journalism students Ellie and Sasha. 

Ellie said: "The podcast has been an incredible experience. I’ve loved learning from Gilly and everyone involved and hearing the stories of so many amazing people in Preston.”

Sasha added: “Working on this podcast has been such an amazing experience. I feel like we’ve really captured the beauty of Preston.”

Founder and co-editor of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: "Bringing together Gilly's experience, plus our knowledge and passion for the city means we've got a podcast which captures all things Preston.

"And it's been great to see Ellie and Sasha working with a broadcasting legend and the podcast will give a voice, which is timeless, to some of the stories behind people and places in the city."

National World's editor-in-chief (North) and former Post editor, Nicola Adam, said: "I’m delighted to get this off the ground in Preston alongside Ed.  I’ve been very impressed by Ellie and Sasha’s work - and of course Gilly. 

“It’s been lovely to truly collaborate across news organisations with something positive for Proud Preston. Who says we can’t work together in the name of the city we call home?”

The podcast has been supported by Preston Markets, where a number of the interviews were recorded, and Preston's Business Improvement District (BID).

You can listen across providers:

Listen to podcast via Podfollow (link to multiple providers) HERE

Listen via Apple HERE

Listen via Spotify HERE

Enjoy your Pea Pods!