Send us Fan Mail

Early starts, muddy football boots, endless miles and weekends spent standing on the sidelines. Being a parent with a sporty child can sometimes feel like running your own taxi service. But would you swap it?

Championship-winning racing driver Rebecca Jackson joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about motorsport, parenting and why those journeys taking our children to their favourite activities might be more precious than we realise.

From behind the wheel to the racetrack

Rebecca has built a successful career in motorsport, so naturally I wanted to know how it all began.

What first inspired her to become a racing driver?

And in a sport traditionally dominated by men, did she face resistance simply because she was a woman?

Her answer might surprise you.

We talked about her journey into racing and the experiences that helped shape her career.

Are we encouraging our children or choosing their hobbies for them?

As parents, it's only natural to want our children to enjoy the things we love.

If you're passionate about football, you might dream of seeing your child playing every weekend. If you love motorsport, perhaps you'd love them to follow you onto the track.

But where's the line between encouraging them and pushing them towards something we'd choose for ourselves?

Rebecca and I discussed the importance of allowing children to discover their own interests, even when those interests are completely different from ours.

After all, it's their hobby. We're just the transport!

The Sunday morning taxi service

Anyone with children involved in sport will recognise the routine.

The early alarm. The kit bags. The rush to get everyone ready. The drive to a sports ground that seems to be miles away.

And, of course, the journey home.

It can sometimes feel like your entire weekend revolves around getting your children from one place to another.

But Rebecca and I talked about something that many parents probably wouldn't admit when they're dragging themselves out of bed on a freezing Sunday morning.

We actually love it.

There's something special about watching your children enjoy themselves, develop their skills and discover what they're capable of.

And one day, when they're older and no longer need a lift, those early mornings might be exactly what we miss.

Why the best conversations happen in the car

Another interesting part of our conversation was about the time we spend with our children while driving.

Sometimes, trying to get a conversation going at home can be hard work.

Ask how school went and you might get a one-word answer.

But put them in the passenger seat, start driving and suddenly they begin telling you things.

We discussed why those journeys can create opportunities for conversations that might not happen around the dinner table.

Perhaps it's because you're sitting side by side, without the pressure of looking directly at one another.

Whatever the reason, those drives can become much more than simply getting from A to B.

Our parents did it too!

Of course, this isn't a new experience.

Rebecca and I also looked back at our own childhoods and remembered how our parents did exactly the same thing for us.

They drove us to activities, supported our interests and made sure we got where we needed to be.

Although we agreed that the cars they were driving were probably nowhere near as comfortable as the ones we've got today!

It's funny how you don't always appreciate those little sacrifices until you become a parent yourself.

The things parents give up

We also talked about how far parents are willing to go to support their children's sporting ambitions.

Some have admitted missing major events in their own lives because they were busy taking their children to matches, training sessions or competitions.

It's a reminder of how much time, effort and commitment can go into helping children pursue something they love.

But perhaps the most interesting thing is that, despite all the early mornings and rearranged weekends, many parents wouldn't change a thing.

Because eventually the taxi service closes.

And suddenly you'd give anything for one more Sunday morning journey.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Rebecca Jackson now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

What do you do when you're trying to fix a racing car and the part you need isn't available? If you're Sam Lovegrove, apparently you start looking at a cow's milking equipment!

Mechanic and television presenter Sam Lovegrove joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about his new television series, Sam Lovegrove: Race Mechanic, which premiered on Quest on Monday 19th October.

The series follows Sam as he helps owners prepare their racing cars and motorcycles for competition, tackling mechanical problems, tight deadlines and the pressure of getting everything ready for race day.

But as we discovered, the real challenge doesn't necessarily end when the vehicle leaves the workshop.

A Lotus Elise with a difference

The first episode features a heavily modified Lotus Elise, with owner Steve Butts hoping to achieve a hill climb time of under 34 seconds.

We talked about the challenges involved in preparing the car and one decision that might surprise motorsport enthusiasts.

Sam decided to add traction control.

Now, if you're trying to make a car faster around a track, you might expect the opposite. Removing electronic assistance is often seen as a way of giving drivers more direct control.

So why would Sam want to put it back in?

It's one of the technical decisions we explored, and a reminder that making a racing car quicker isn't always as straightforward as removing parts and adding more power.

What has Alice the cow got to do with racing?

One of my favourite parts of our conversation involved the rather unexpected appearance of a cow called Alice.

As Sam explained, being a mechanic sometimes means finding a solution using whatever materials and parts are available.

And apparently, that can include a tube from Alice's milking equipment!

It's certainly not the sort of thing you'd expect to find on the parts list for a racing machine.

But it perfectly illustrates the resourcefulness that mechanics sometimes need when faced with an unexpected problem.

After all, when you're working against the clock, finding a practical solution can matter more than where the part originally came from.

The real test begins at the racetrack

We also talked about the difference between working in a fully equipped garage and trying to fix something when you're actually at a race meeting.

In the workshop, you've got your tools, equipment and a familiar environment.

At the racetrack, you've got time pressure, unpredictable conditions and a driver who's desperate to get back out and compete.

So I asked Sam whether that's where a mechanic truly earns his reputation.

Is it one thing to build and prepare a brilliant machine, but something else entirely to keep it running when everything starts going wrong?

It's a question that gets right to the heart of the new series.

Is finishing more important than winning?

I finished our conversation with a question about pride.

For a racing driver, the ultimate goal is often obvious: cross the finish line first.

But does a mechanic see things differently?

Would Sam rather watch a car he's worked on win the race, or see it complete the event without a single mechanical problem?

It's an interesting distinction between the satisfaction of engineering a reliable machine and the thrill of achieving the best possible result.

And it's exactly the kind of challenge viewers can expect to see throughout Sam Lovegrove: Race Mechanic.

Sam Lovegrove: Race Mechanic began on Monday 19th October at 9pm on Quest.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Sam Lovegrove now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

📱 Social Post

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

If you could go back and spend just one day in a previous chapter of your life, which day would you choose?

It's one of the questions I put to singer-songwriter Emma Stevens when she joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast.

Emma has a new single called Chapters, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to talk about looking back, moving forward and how life doesn't always follow the story we originally imagined.

When life doesn't go to plan

We've all experienced moments when something didn't work out the way we wanted.

Perhaps an opportunity disappeared, a relationship changed or life simply took us in a completely unexpected direction.

At the time, those moments can feel like setbacks. But when you look back years later, sometimes you realise they led you somewhere better than you'd ever planned.

Emma and I talked about those experiences and how our perspective changes as we move through different stages of life.

It's a theme that connects beautifully with her new song Chapters.

When a personal song becomes somebody else's story

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was about the relationship between an artist and their audience.

Writing a song can be an incredibly personal experience. The lyrics might come from a particular moment, feeling or memory that means something very specific to the songwriter.

But once that song is released, something fascinating happens.

Listeners begin connecting it to their own experiences.

A song written about one situation might remind somebody else of a completely different moment in their life.

So I wanted to know: does the meaning of a song change once other people start making it part of their own story?

We talked about that special connection between Emma and her fans, and how music can bring people together through experiences they might never otherwise have shared.

Emma Stevens heads back out on tour

Emma is also preparing to return to the stage, with her upcoming tour including a visit to Southampton.

We talked about what audiences can expect from the shows and why performing live creates such a personal connection between an artist and the people listening.

For fans who have followed Emma's music over the years, the tour offers another opportunity to share those songs and the stories behind them.

If Emma's life were a film...

Of course, I couldn't let Emma escape without a few more unusual questions.

If somebody decided to make a film of her life, which actor would she choose to play her?

And perhaps more importantly, which of her own songs would she choose to play over the closing credits?

Then there was the chance to revisit the past.

If Emma could spend just one day in any previous chapter of her life, which would she choose?

It's an interesting question because the obvious answer isn't necessarily the right one.

Would you revisit your happiest day, return to a moment you'd forgotten or choose an ordinary day with someone you miss?

Writing the next chapter

We finished by looking forward rather than back.

After talking about Chapters, the experiences that shape us and the moments that don't go according to plan, I asked Emma one final question:

If you could write the opening sentence of your next chapter, what would you want it to say?

It's a question that probably deserves a little thought from all of us.

Because while we can't rewrite the chapters that have already happened, there's still plenty of story left to tell.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Emma Stevens now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

Getting older doesn't necessarily mean slowing down. In fact, midlife might be one of the most important times to start thinking about getting stronger.

Actor, writer and coach Andi Osho joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about navigating life's unexpected turns, the impact of menopause and perimenopause, and why physical strength can make such a difference to our wellbeing.

Life doesn't always follow the script

Andi has built a career across acting, writing and comedy, but one of the things we discussed was how life rarely works out exactly as you imagined.

Sometimes you land the role you've always dreamed of.

Other times, the opportunity doesn't come along, or things take a completely unexpected direction.

We talked about learning to accept those changes, knowing when to push forward and when it might be better to go with the flow.

It's a lesson that applies well beyond the entertainment industry.

Menopause affects more than one person

Our conversation also turned to perimenopause and menopause, and the changes women can experience during this stage of life.

Those changes aren't necessarily limited to physical symptoms.

Sleep, mood, concentration and emotional wellbeing can all be affected, and that can have an impact on relationships and everyday family life.

It's why understanding what's happening matters not only for women experiencing these changes, but also for partners and families.

We discussed the importance of talking openly about menopause and recognising that it can be a significant transition.

Why getting stronger matters in midlife

One of the key themes of our conversation was the importance of maintaining physical strength.

As we get older, looking after our muscles, bones and general fitness becomes increasingly important.

Regular strength-building activity can help support physical health, while exercise can also have benefits for mood, sleep and mental wellbeing.

For women going through perimenopause, those benefits can be particularly valuable, although exercise isn't a cure for every symptom.

Andi and I discussed how getting stronger doesn't necessarily mean spending hours lifting weights in a gym.

There are plenty of ways to build strength, from resistance exercises and bodyweight movements to activities you can do at home.

The important thing is finding something that works for you and your circumstances.

Beware the after-work cuppa!

Of course, knowing exercise is good for us and actually getting around to doing it are two very different things.

Andi had some wonderfully practical advice about choosing the right time.

If you're planning to exercise after work, perhaps don't go home and settle down with a cup of tea first.

Because we all know how that goes.

You sit down for five minutes, get comfortable, and suddenly the gym seems considerably less appealing than the sofa.

We talked about making exercise fit into your routine rather than trying to force yourself into a schedule that doesn't suit your life.

And that's perhaps the biggest takeaway from our conversation.

Getting stronger in midlife isn't about trying to become the person you were twenty years ago. It's about looking after the person you are now and the person you're becoming.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Andi Osho now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine disappearing into the countryside for two years, living on a remote farm with no Wi-Fi, surrounded by sheep, and emerging with a double album.

That's part of the story behind The Outpost, the debut album from Outpost Drive, who joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast.

And if that sounds like an unusual way to launch a music career, it turns out putting themselves in extreme situations is something they're rather good at.

Two years, no Wi-Fi and plenty of sheep

Outpost Drive spent two years living on a remote farm on the English-Welsh border.

No constant notifications, no endlessly scrolling through social media, and no Wi-Fi.

Just the countryside, the music and, apparently, quite a lot of sheep.

We talked about what that experience was actually like and how living somewhere so isolated affected their creativity and relationship.

But they weren't completely cut off from the music world.

During that period, they also headed out on tour, creating an extraordinary contrast between the quiet isolation of their rural home and the noise, excitement and crowds of live performances.

One minute you're surrounded by sheep. The next you're back in the city, performing to an audience.

It must make coming home from a tour rather interesting.

Do Outpost Drive need a therapist?

One thing that became clear during our conversation is that this wasn't the first time the pair had deliberately put themselves in an unusual or challenging situation.

Throughout their relationship and their musical journey, they've repeatedly chosen experiences that push them outside their comfort zones.

Which naturally led me to ask whether they might actually need to see a therapist.

All in the nicest possible way, of course!

But behind the humour is an interesting question about creativity and whether stepping away from ordinary routines can help artists discover something new.

A double debut album, without AI

There's certainly nothing half-hearted about The Outpost.

Rather than introducing themselves with a conventional single album, Outpost Drive have made their debut a double album.

We talked about why they chose to release so much music at once, and how the experience of living and creating together influenced the project.

We also discussed their decision not to use artificial intelligence in making the album.

At a time when AI is becoming increasingly common in music, it's an interesting choice, and one that led us into a wider conversation about creativity and the importance of the human element.

Joe Perry, Johnny Depp and an awkward encounter

And then there's the story involving two rather famous names.

Outpost Drive told me about meeting Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, a pretty extraordinary moment for any musician.

But there was someone else there too.

Johnny Depp.

You'd think meeting one of Hollywood's most recognisable actors might be difficult to overlook.

Apparently not when you're Outpost Drive and Joe Perry is standing in front of you!

We talked about what happened and how Johnny Depp ended up receiving rather less attention than you might expect.

One song to save

Before letting them go, I finished with a particularly difficult question.

If every Outpost Drive song was about to disappear and they could save just one, which would they choose?

It's a tough decision for any artist, particularly when you've just released a double debut album.

But it's also a fascinating way to discover which songs mean the most to the people who created them.

From an isolated farm to a double album and an unexpected celebrity encounter, Outpost Drive have certainly taken an unusual road to get here.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Outpost Drive now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

We've all had a night out that didn't quite go to plan. Most of us just wake up with a headache and a slightly embarrassing story. Josh Weathers turned one into a country song.

The Texas singer-songwriter joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about his new single, When You Honky Tonk, his upcoming UK tour with Drake Milligan and why he's never been particularly interested in sticking to just one musical genre.

When You Honky Tonk: A night out becomes a song

Josh's new single When You Honky Tonk was inspired by a night out with his cousin.

And while the details might be particular to Josh's experience, the idea of a night taking an unexpected turn is something plenty of us can relate to.

We talked about the story behind the song and how real-life experiences can provide some of the best inspiration for music.

It's also a good introduction to Josh's personality, with plenty of humour alongside that unmistakable Texas sound.

Welcome to Fort Worth, Texas

If you've never visited Fort Worth, Josh is a pretty good person to ask what makes it special.

We talked about what visitors can expect from the city, its atmosphere and why it's such an important part of his musical identity.

Fort Worth has a strong connection to country music, but Josh's own sound doesn't stop there.

His music brings together country, rock, soul and other influences, and we discussed how difficult it can be to put artists into neat little musical boxes.

That led us to Sheryl Crow.

Josh pointed out that music which once fitted comfortably into the rock category might now be considered country. We talked about how musical boundaries have shifted, using Sheryl Crow's award-winning work as an example.

And there's an extra connection, because Josh is appearing at a festival alongside Sheryl herself!

Heading to the UK with Drake Milligan

British country fans will soon have the opportunity to see Josh live as he joins Drake Milligan on his upcoming UK tour.

We talked about what he's looking forward to, bringing his music to UK audiences and the relationship between the two performers.

But there's another connection between Josh and Drake that might have escaped some fans.

It involves a television show.

I asked Josh whether people had spotted it, and we even discussed the possibility of bringing that connection to life on stage.

Now that would be something worth seeing!

Quickfire with Josh Weathers

As always, I couldn't let Josh escape without putting him through a round of quickfire questions.

And given his personality, I had a feeling we'd get some entertaining answers.

From a night out in Texas to performing on stages across the UK, Josh has plenty happening, and this conversation is a great introduction to the man behind the music.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Josh Weathers now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

Twenty-five years ago, Sarah Whatmore appeared on the very first series of Pop Idol. But while the programme opened doors to the music industry, what happened afterwards wasn't always the dream she'd imagined.

Sarah joined me on the latest episode of The MarshyCast to talk about her new single, Hate, her experiences in the music industry and why she decided to spend so many years away from the spotlight.

When the dream becomes difficult

For many young singers, appearing on a major television talent show is the opportunity of a lifetime.

The first series of Pop Idol arrived at a time when television talent competitions were beginning to change the way audiences discovered new artists.

Sarah was part of that original wave, but her experiences after the programme revealed a much less glamorous side of the business.

We talked about the gossip, fabricated stories and the way the press treated young female performers.

Sarah recalled photographers even taking pictures up her skirt around the time she released her first solo single following Pop Idol.

It's shocking behaviour, and it formed part of a much wider conversation about how she was treated and why she eventually decided to take a lengthy break from the public eye.

Looking back now, 25 years after that first series, I wanted to know what advice Sarah would give the younger version of herself who was just starting out.

A new chapter with Hate

Sarah is now releasing new music, including her single Hate.

It's a title that might make you expect something loud, aggressive and full of angry guitars.

Instead, it's a dance track.

We talked about why Sarah chose that musical direction, the story behind the song and whether this release is the beginning of more new music.

After everything she's experienced, it's interesting to hear her talk about making music again and where she wants to go next.

Pop Idol, Top of the Pops and Liam Gallagher

Of course, we couldn't talk about Sarah's career without revisiting some of those early experiences.

We looked back at what it was like being part of the very first Pop Idol, long before television singing competitions became such a familiar part of the entertainment landscape.

And then there was Top of the Pops.

For a generation of musicians, performing on that programme was a huge moment. Sarah got to experience it herself, and it also led to an unexpected backstage encounter with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.

Now, Liam has developed quite a reputation over the years for saying exactly what he thinks.

But what he said to Sarah might not be what you'd expect.

You'll have to listen to find out!

It's a conversation about fame, the pressures that come with it, finding your way back to music and what happens when the reality of your dream turns out to be very different from the fantasy.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Sarah Whatmore now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

Send us Fan Mail

If you could do one thing today to make life easier for yourself in ten or twenty years, what would it be?

It's a question more of us are beginning to consider as we think about our “future selves”, and it's something I discussed with renowned Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner when she joined me on The MarshyCast.

Although before we got to the sensible stuff, there was an important injustice to address.

Anthea finally has her Gold Blue Peter badge!

Given everything Anthea did during her time on Blue Peter, you might assume a Gold badge had been safely tucked away somewhere for years.

Apparently not.

Anthea told me she eventually received one, not necessarily because somebody looked back at her achievements and decided the time had come, but because she moaned that she didn't have one.

Sometimes asking really does work.

And Anthea certainly hasn't stopped taking on challenges since her Blue Peter days.

She recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity, which led us onto the increasingly adventurous things some of us seem to do as we get older.

You'd think age might encourage a quieter life.

Instead, Anthea has climbed Kilimanjaro and previously found herself jumping out of a plane on Celebrity SAS.

Looking after the person you'll become

Behind the adventures was a more serious conversation about planning for later life.

Looking after your future self isn't just about putting money aside. It's also about staying on top of your health and making decisions now that could make life easier further down the road.

We talked about the financial side too, including smart meters and how having a clearer picture of the energy you're using can help households understand their usage.

Although Anthea identified another potential benefit.

They can help you win arguments.

If someone insists they're definitely not responsible for the energy bill, having the numbers in front of you may suddenly turn domestic debate into a particularly low-budget episode of CSI.

We also talked about attitudes towards money among younger generations.

Being sensible with money and knowing how to save might not sound like the most romantic qualities on a dating profile, but financial habits can matter when people think about building a future together.

Ultimately, whether it's health, finances or simply continuing to challenge yourself, the conversation comes back to one question:

What can you do now that your future self will be grateful for?

Although if that future self fancies climbing another mountain or jumping out of an aeroplane, Anthea might be setting the bar slightly high.

🎧 Hear my full conversation with Anthea Turner now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh