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Some interviews feel less like promotion and more like catching up with someone who’s lived a few extra lifetimes since you last spoke.

That was definitely the case when I sat down with Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers to talk about the band’s eighth studio album Is This How Happiness Feels and their new single Messed Up featuring Robbie Williams.

One of the most memorable stories came from the creation of the song itself. Jon revealed he spent three days awake with Robbie Williams, talking about everything from life to fame to personal struggles… and somewhere in the middle of all that conversation, Messed Up emerged.

It’s exactly the kind of chaotic, emotional and honest story you’d hope for from two artists who’ve both lived through the highs and lows of the music industry.

The conversation also circled back to the last time Jon and I spoke, more than a decade ago, when he was vocal about his frustration with radio stations favouring pop over what he saw as “real music”. Interestingly, he admitted his stance has softened over time, bringing a more balanced perspective to the industry now.

Mental health also played a big part in the discussion. Jon spoke thoughtfully about why he connects with what Professor Green says publicly around mental health and vulnerability, particularly for men.

And with festival season approaching, we also talked about what fans can expect from Reverend and the Makers live this summer… energy, emotion and probably a few unforgettable moments.

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

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Success in music can often look instant from the outside… but usually there are years of hard work hiding underneath it.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Scottish singer-songwriter Cammy Barnes to talk about his latest single Let Me Down and the incredible momentum that’s transformed his career over the past year.

Cammy spoke honestly about how things have suddenly accelerated after years of graft, describing it as finally feeling like he’s found the “cheat code”. It’s the kind of breakthrough moment many artists dream about… where audiences start growing rapidly and opportunities arrive one after another.

Part of that next step includes working with major names in the industry, including A7S on the new single. We discussed what it’s like collaborating at that level while still trying to stay grounded in the middle of such rapid growth.

And then there are the live shows. Selling out two nights in Glasgow marked another huge milestone, and it sounds like even bigger venues could soon be part of the story.

One of the nicest moments in the conversation, though, came when we looked back at the earlier stages of his journey. Before the sold-out crowds and streaming numbers, Cammy was playing events like Truckfest Scotland… something he still remembers fondly.

Naturally, I had to ask the question… what would it take to get him back there?

🎧 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 many young people, a boxing gym is about far more than throwing punches.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, former world champion George Groves joined me to talk about the importance of community boxing clubs and the role they continue to play in shaping lives both inside and outside the ring.

George spoke passionately about what boxing clubs can offer young people. Not just fitness or competition, but structure, discipline and a sense of belonging. In his view, those qualities are becoming harder to find elsewhere, making grassroots clubs even more valuable today.

We also discussed the impact boxing can have on mental wellbeing. Having somewhere to channel energy, focus the mind and feel proud of progress can make a huge difference, especially for young people searching for confidence and direction.

Beyond the serious side of the conversation, there were lighter moments too. I asked George who would play him in a film about his life, which led to some fun casting talk… before inevitably moving on to one of boxing’s biggest unanswered questions.

If Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua finally happens, who’s his money on?

It’s a conversation about sport, discipline and community… but also about the people and places that help shape champions long before the spotlight arrives.

🎧 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 singers perform songs. Others seem to live inside them.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I sat down with English blues and soul artist Jo Harman ahead of her show at Portsmouth Guildhall to talk about music, emotion and staying grounded in an industry full of noise.

Jo’s story is shaped by experience. Born in Luton and raised in the Devon village of Lustleigh, her path eventually took her to London to study Theatre Arts before travelling through India following the death of her father. It’s a journey that clearly left its mark on both her music and perspective.

We also discussed her latest single, Don’t Give Up On Me, a song packed with the kind of emotional honesty that has become a hallmark of her work.

One of the most fascinating moments in our conversation came when I mentioned the extraordinary praise she’s received over the years, including being described by some as the greatest vocalist on the planet. Jo’s reaction was refreshingly grounded. Rather than letting compliments define her, she focuses on the work itself and the connection with audiences.

That emotional connection, though, comes with its own challenge. Night after night, performing deeply personal music could easily become overwhelming. Jo shared some of the techniques she uses to stay composed on stage and avoid becoming too emotional during performances.

It’s a thoughtful, warm and deeply human conversation with an artist whose voice carries far more than just melody.

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

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Friendship is often built on the little things.

Not the grand gestures or dramatic speeches… but the quiet moments that say, “I’ve got you.”

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, comedian Judi Love and presenter Angela Scanlon joined me to talk about what’s being called the “Sisterhood Code”… the small, everyday ways women look out for one another.

Very quickly, it became clear that the Sisterhood Code is operating on a completely different level to the Brotherhood Code. In fact, during the conversation, I realised men probably only manage about one thing on the entire list.

Judi and Angela explained how seemingly tiny gestures can make all the difference. Fixing a label sticking out at the back of someone’s top. Quietly sorting messy hair. Checking in with a look across the room. It’s a kind of unspoken support system built into everyday life.

Of course, friendship also comes with difficult moments… which led us to perhaps the toughest social question imaginable: how do you tell a friend they’ve got bad breath on a night out?

Thankfully, the conversation stayed full of warmth and humour, eventually landing on a universal truth… sometimes friendship is simply about sharing a piece of chocolate and having a good laugh together.

It’s funny, relatable, and surprisingly thoughtful all at once.

🎧 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 conversations stay with you long after the microphones are switched off.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with rapper, actor and mental health activist Professor Green, also known as Stephen Manderson, to talk about men’s mental health, sobriety, and why so many men only seem able to open up after a drink.

Before we got into the heavier subjects, there was a moment of nostalgia as I asked whether he remembered interviewing with me around 15 years ago. The answer was… sort of. Which felt fair enough.

But the heart of the conversation focused on what some experts are now calling “crisis point culture” among men. The idea that many men don’t seek support until things have already spiralled too far.

Stephen spoke openly about his own journey, including the decision to step away from alcohol and embrace sobriety. Not from a place of restriction, but from recognising that life simply felt better without it.

That naturally led into a fascinating discussion about touring and live music culture. For many artists, alcohol is woven into the social side of the job. Stephen explained how different life on the road feels sober, especially as he prepares to tour again with Example.

Perhaps the most striking part of the conversation, though, was the question so many people quietly recognise: why do men often need alcohol before they feel able to tell each other how they really feel?

It’s an honest, thoughtful and surprisingly hopeful discussion about vulnerability, identity and finding healthier ways to connect.

🎧 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 roles demand everything from an actor… physically, mentally, and emotionally.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I sat down with BAFTA-nominated Tahar Rahim to talk about Prisoner, the gripping new series on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV.

From the moment he read the script, Tahar knew this was a project he wanted to be part of. The writing, he explained, was so strong that he could immediately see himself stepping into the character.

One of the most unique aspects of the role is the physical connection at the heart of the story. Tahar and co-star Izuka Hoyle spend much of the series handcuffed together… something that adds an entirely new layer to the performance.

Rather than being restrictive, Tahar described it as something that shaped the rhythm of their acting. Every movement had to be precise, every step considered. In fact, he compared it to a choreographed dance… a level of coordination that might just prepare him for a future appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.

We also explored the psychology behind the story, including whether he would rather be the hunter or the hunted. His answer offers an interesting insight into the mindset behind the character.

It’s a fascinating look at a role that pushes boundaries and demands total commitment.

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

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Driving an HGV is demanding at the best of times… but imagine doing it on frozen lakes in minus 20-degree temperatures.

That’s just another day for Lisa Kelly, best known for her role on Ice Road Truckers. She joined me on The MarshyCast to talk about the realities of life behind the wheel in some of the harshest conditions on earth.

One of the most striking things Lisa shared was how normal extreme cold becomes. While most of us would struggle to function, for her it’s simply part of the job. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. We spoke about the huge differences between summer and winter driving, and why the latter pushes drivers to their limits.

It’s also a job that many think they could do… until they try it. As Lisa explained, plenty of people give it a go, but only a select few return year after year. It takes a unique mindset, resilience, and a real understanding of the risks involved.

We also explored what happens beyond the cameras. While the show captures plenty of drama, there’s a whole layer of reality that viewers don’t always see… the long hours, the pressure, and the responsibility that continues to grow within the industry.

Looking ahead, Lisa is gearing up to appear at Truckfest Lincoln, where she’ll be catching up with her good friend Todd Dewey and meeting fans across the weekend.

Interestingly, while Todd is the extrovert of the pair, Lisa describes herself as more of an introvert… someone who genuinely enjoys meeting people, but also values a bit of quiet space to recharge.

It’s a conversation that offers a real insight into life on and off the ice… and the people behind the wheel.

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

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh