Getting Better Acquainted

In GBA 277 we get better acquainted with Zack. He talks acting, therapy, art, activism, politics, that time he wen't a bit viral for heckling Jeremy Corbyn, how he views the political landscape of party politics as someone who has tried to create social change from within the system, being a hypnotherapist who doesn't believe in hypnotism and so much more. This conversation was recorded in a busy cafe on Zack's birthday, in a world where Donald Trump was not yet President Elect. Zack plugs: Team Angelica: http://teamangelica.com/ Rikki Beadle Blair: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rikki_Beadle-Blair London International Gospel Choir: http://internationalgospelchoir.uk/ Stephen Hoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfYNhOMIypk I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Son of Man: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sonofman/son-of-man-a-jesus-play-for-atheists International Men's Day: http://www.internationalmensday.com/

In GBA 276 we get better acquainted with Rob Auton. He talks about finding words, what driving lessons taught him about art, what exactly it is that he does, trying to find the right balance of confidence and worry, and so much more. As I try to fit him into boxes like introvert, depression and wizard, he nimbly avoids all the labels and reaches instead for the specifics and universals of this strange experience we call being human. Rob plugs: Sleep Show: http://www.robauton.co.uk/past-productions Website: http://www.robauton.co.uk/ Bang Said The Gun (last Thurs of every month): http://www.bangsaidthegun.com/ Upcoming book: Take Hair Petrol Honey: http://www.robauton.co.uk/shop In Heaven the Onions Make You Laugh: http://www.robauton.co.uk/shop Upcoming: Scroobius Pip - CD - Speech Development Records - At Home With Rob http://www.scroobiuspip.co.uk/ Micheal Moore - Trump Videos: http://michaelmoore.com/ Mark E Smith - Renegade: https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Renegade-Lives-Tales-Mark-E-Smith/0141028661/ T

In GBA 275 we get better acquainted with Joz Norris. He talks about making weird and silly comedy about ideas and disconnected feelings, why he currently doesn't think of what he does as comedy but why he probably will by the middle of next year, ending up naked apart from a gold thong on a rooftop in Edinburgh, sitcoms, comedy and drama about awkward people in awkward situations and lots more. Joz plugs: Robert Johnson and The Devil Man: http://www.joznorris.co.uk/single-post/2016/10/06/Robert-Johnson-The-Devil-Man Weirdos Panto - My Big Fat Weirdos Christmas Wedding: https://laughoutlondoncomedyclub.co.uk/2016/10/17/my-big-fat-weirdos-christmas-wedding-december-7-9/ Double Act: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfy70f59fTg The Girl Whisperer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuIqok9CXYc I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Candid Cafe: http://www.candidarts.com/sections/galleryandcafepages/candid_cafe.htm Scottish St

In GBA 274 we get better acquainted with Guilaine Kinouani. She talks about structural power, racism, mental health issues and self care in relation to the experiences of women of colour, clinical psychology, feminism, the #PredatoryPeacekeepers campaign, the differences (and similarities) between British and French attitudes to race/migration and so much more. It's also the first Getting Better Acquainted recorded in a public library. Guilaine plugs: Predatory Peacekeepers: http://predatorypeacekeepers.tumblr.com/ PP Petition: https://community.avaaz.org/petitions/we-will-not-stand-by-when-un-soldiers-abuse-rape-and-murder Media Diversified: https://mediadiversified.org/ Now We Here: https://soundcloud.com/real-media-1 Real Media: http://realmedia.press/ RaceReflections: https://racereflections.co.uk We mention: Racism = prejudice + power: http://sjwiki.org/wiki/Prejudice_plus_power White Feminism: http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/08/need-talk-about-white-feminism/ Strong Black Woman Trope: https://b

In GBA 273 we get better acquainted with Natasha Magigi. She talks about making interactive community theatre out of news headlines, playing nearly all of Shakespeare's virgins, why the favourite character she has played is a many headed monster and so much more. We recorded the conversation in the National Theatre and a lot of it is about theatre and performance but we did try not to be too wanky about it! Tasha plugs: Comus: A Masque in Honour of Chastity by John Milton at Globe Theatre, 26 October – 19 November 2016 : http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on/sam-wanamaker-playhouse/comus-2016 I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Storylines: http://www.ampersandmedia.co.uk/Storylines.php Ampersand Media: http://www.ampersandmedia.co.uk/ Mark episode: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-114-mark Brechtian: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Brechtian Deptford Lounge: http://deptfordlounge.org

In GBA 272 we get even better acquainted with Paul. After his first appearance on the show Paul wanted to return when he felt more himself to do a second conversation. We met up and walked and talked along the South Bank in the rain, covering mental health issues, masculinity, art, copyright, podcasts, ASMR, cultural appropriation, why people are like sliced bread, how facebook memories remind you regularly that your past self was a dick and lots of other stuff. It's a longer podcast than normal, partly because Paul is a fan of longform podcasts and partly because it was a conversation that flowed really well and so cutting bits out would have made it less coherent. Paul plugs: Sketchy Magpie: http://www.sketchymagpie.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyiamfAwZ7rqwOpqLztjv8w I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Paul 1: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-214-paul-williams/ You Made It We

In GBA 271 we get better acquainted with Nathaniel Tapley. He talks writing, if our current political landscape is killing satire, being a women on the internet for a short period of time, making political comedy, pissing off Dapper Laughs, creating the comic character Sir Ian Bowler, MP, the landscape of print and online media and so much more. @Natt plugs: Following him @natt and/or Sir Ian Bowler @sirianbowlermp on twitter. I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Katy Darby: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-75-katy-darby Lollitics - Chris Coltrane: http://www.chriscoltrane.co.uk/lolitics-my-camden-political-comedy-club.html Lost Treasures of the Black Heart - Josie Long: http://www.losttreasurespodcast.com/ Stand Up Tragedy: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/ Sajeela Kershi: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-203-sajeela-kershi Comedy Cottage: http://www.harlequintheatre.co.uk/whats-

In GBA 270 we get better acquainted with Karla. She talks about making the Arts Emergency Podcast, how radio and music have intertwined with her life, how she came to writing the long way round after her hopes to be a dancer were defeated by circumstance, how class, race and other types of privilege have an effect on the arts, the media and society and so much more. You can find her on twitter at @karlamsweet. Karla plugs: The Arts Emergency Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-arts-emergency-podcast/id1044115346?mt=2 https://soundcloud.com/arts-emergency I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Deborah Pearson: https://deborahpearson123.wordpress.com/ The Whole Darn Thing: http://thewholedarnedthing.podbean.com/ Arts Emergency: http://www.arts-emergency.org/ 127 hours: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/127_Hours Precariat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precariat Degenerative Tendinosis: https://en.wikipedia.o

In GBA 269 we get better acquainted with Terry. He talks stand-up, graphic design, novels, politics, how he definitely isn't a hipster and why he makes a podcast about Formula 1. We also talk class, writing, how the darkest times in life are also often hilarious and about the time we worked together making a radio show for Cbeebies where Terry was played Jenni Murray's underling. Terry plugs: His podcast For F1's Sake: http://www.ff1s.com/ I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast We mention: Ministry of Stories: http://ministryofstories.org/ Ministry of Stories Radio Show (looks like it is mostly no longer available online): http://bbc.in/2cmEBfB Jenni Murry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenni_Murray Podcast I recorded after we'd recorded with Jenni Murray: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-live-5-chris-goode-and Podcast I recorded the day after the 2015 election: http://www.londonfieldsradio.co.uk/2015/05/10/fail

In GBA 268 we get better acquainted with Ben. We talk about gender, sexuality, privilege, music, podcasting and lots of other things. We met for the first time about an hour before I turned the mic on after being introduced by a mutual friend via email. Ben had heard my show about masculinity and was interested in talking about some areas in and around it and we were also meeting because he is gearing up to make his own podcast using Binaural microphones. But everything else was discovery. We started talking in a quiet cafe/bar in New Cross which becomes louder by the end of the episode. We're both thinking out new thoughts influenced by personal events and national news and the cafe music provides a nice sound bed (although it means the episode is a little less edited than some). Ben plugs: His upcoming new podcast Dissident Kitchen I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://sound

In GBA 267 we get better acquainted with... me. In this shorter episode than usual I share some of the true stories I've told on the Spark London stage in 2016. As host of the Spark Hackney open mic I start every night with a story from my life that fits that months theme. I've been hosting for 4 years so finding stories to tell is a constant challenge. For more about Spark True Stories: http://stories.co.uk/ I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy/sut-presents-what-about-the-men-mansplaining-maculinity http://mansplainingmasculinity.co.uk Donating: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like Getting Better Acquainted on facebook. Tell your friends. Spread the word!

I'm taking a few days off after working flat out on a new podcast that's coming out in the autumn and so don't really have time to write episode notes for this one. It's a great conversation with Richard, who I studied creative writing with at University, recorded a while back in 2012 (I think!) on a trip with my partner Jen to Lancaster. She is also in the episode but not much. She's also co-producing the new show and having a break with me as it goes. If you you want to find out more about the show we're working on go here: http://www.thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk

In GBA 265 we get better acquainted with... well... it's hard to say really. This was recorded in 2012 for what I intended to make into a Lancaster special, but things didn't go entirely to plan. Mostly you get better acquainted with me and with my partner Jen and get an idea of why audio roadtrips are not something we are best suited to doing together. This is a shorter episode than most GBAs:. It starts in a train and ends in a graveyard. I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast Donating to GBA: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt Things mentioned: Steve: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-63-steve The Priory: http://lancasterpriory.org/ Coventry Special: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-64-coventry Cardiff Special: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracquainted/gba-17-cardiff Help more people get better acquainted. If you like what you hear why not write an iTunes review? Follow @GBApodcast on Twitter. Like

In GBA 264 we get better acquainted with Jen. We talk about the things she wants to have done before turning 30, the process of working on yourself, the value of sharing true stories and attempting to live authentically and so much more. Despite working together as part of the Spark London team we had never really sat down and had a face to face conversation and we dive straight in with the big questions. Jen is a brilliant and active listener with a history of interviewing/documenting people and so I end up talking a lot! Jen Plugs: Spark: http://stories.co.uk/ I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy/sut-presents-what-about-the-men-mansplaining-maculinity http://mansplainingmasculinity.co.uk Donating: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt We mention: The Risk episode where I told my sex club story: http://risk-show.com/podcast/3177/ Body and Soul: https://www

In GBA 263 we get better acquainted with Neil. We talk about the personal and political factors and influences that motivated him to co-created Arts Emergency, how Arts Emergency has impacted his life and the vital and important work the organisation does supporting and mentoring young people from less advantaged backgrounds to find their way into to arts and humanities. Arts Emergency is the grassroots ALTERNATIVE to old boy networks in arts, culture and higher education. For more information about what they do, how you can donate and how to become an AE mentor visit http://arts-emergency.org/ Neil Plugs: Arts Emergency: https://twitter.com/artsemergency I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy/sut-presents-what-about-the-men-mansplaining-maculinity http://mansplainingmasculinity.co.uk Donating: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt We mention: Candid Cafe: h

In GBA 262 we get better acquainted with Miranda Kane. We recorded this conversation at the Audible studios in London during the recording of her new audio sitcom Slaving Away which is a comedy about a cheerful and happy-go-lucky single girl who just happens to be a dominatrix that will be hitting your earways this August. We talk about making comedy about sex work and sex worker rights, why it took a while for her to realise she could fit into the world of stand-up comedy, not making fat people and sex workers into punchlines and lots more. We also talk about her show Coin Operated Girl which is back again at this year's PBH Free Fringe: https://edinburghfestival.list.co.uk/event/602895-the-coin-operated-girl/ For more about sex worker rights, decriminalization and sex worker led activism see: Sex Worker Open University: http://www.sexworkeropenuniversity.com/ Toni Mac: The Laws That Sex Workers Really Want: https://www.ted.com/talks/toni_mac_the_laws_that_sex_workers_really_want GBA 197 - Toni https://

In GBA 261 we get better acquainted with Rita. She talks about why she came to the UK, how it feels to be a Polish person in London during Brexit, her play Girl Fag, performing stand-up, writing poetry, being othered, being a freelance artist, the difference between prolific and productive and lots more. Rita Plugs: Her featured slot at Rhymes with Orange on 28th July: http://orangesrhyme.com/ Sam Rhodes Comedy Explosion: https://www.facebook.com/SamRhodesCE/ And look out for The Job Stealers Podcast with The London Pole I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy/sut-presents-what-about-the-men-mansplaining-maculinity http://mansplainingmasculinity.co.uk Donating: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt We mention: GAP Salon: https://gapsalon.wordpress.com/ Stand Up Tragedy: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk/ Amy Clare Tasker: https://soundcloud.com/gettingbetteracqu

In GBA 260 we get better acquainted with Tom. Tom is a listener and podcaster who contacted me to meet up when he was in town. We talk about why he became interested in War Studies, how he ended up in journalism and why he makes The Muckheap podcast which offers an irreverent look at farming and countryside communities. We also discuss podcasting, language evolution, UK politics, free speech and lots more. Tom Plugs: His podcast, The Muckheap: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-muckheap/id1079767773?mt=2 I plug: Stand Up Tragedy Presents at the Dogstar, Brixton, 13th and 14th July, doors open 7.30pm PWYL: SUT: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://soundcloud.com/standuptragedy/sut-presents-what-about-the-men-mansplaining-maculinity http://mansplainingmasculinity.co.uk Donating: http://bit.ly/1LUtbKt We mention: Helen Zaltzman: http://helenzalt

In GBA 259 we get even better acquainted with Zoe and Gary. They aren't the only people who are part of this conversation, one of their daughters and my partner Jen both make significant contributions. Zoe and Gary talk about how parenthood has impacted their domestic lives, their personal lives and their working lives, both in positive and negative ways. We discuss their different reactions to being parents, what it's like taking toddlers and babies to Live Action Role Playing events and the trials, tribulations, triumphs, traumas, mistakes and joys of parenting. The context of the conversation says as much about bringing up two very young children as anything we say. Don't worry, I edited out the vomiting! I plug: Stand Up Tragedy Presents at the Dogstar, Brixton, 13th and 14th July, doors open 7.30pm PWYL: SUT: http://www.standuptragedy.co.uk The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculinity: https://so

In GBA 258 we get better acquainted with Felix Trench. He talks about Wooden Overcoats, Radioman, acting, writing, growing up in Brussels and studying at a European School, how he feels about the term expat, and what it was like being in the UK when terrorist attacks were taking place in the city he grew up in. This conversation was recorded before the referendum, I'm sure we would have had a very different conversation if we recorded now, brexit and other news events that have happened recently add interesting and poignant connotations to the conversation. Felix plugs: Poke In The Eye - Georgie Morell: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/poke-in-the-eye http://pokeintheeyeproductions.co.uk/ Wooden Overcoats: http://www.woodenovercoats.com/ Wooden Overcoasts Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1667942170/wooden-overcoats-season-2 I plug: The Family Tree: http://thefamilytreepodcast.co.uk/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thefamilytreepodcast What About the Men? Mansplaining Masculini