Kicking Back with The Cardiffians BBC Sounds

Kicking Back With The Cardiffians is an authentic and heart-warming series hosted by Welsh singing legend Charlotte Church.

Charlotte explores her own working-class childhood rooted in Cardiff by passing the mic around her family tree and inviting some of her chosen fam over for a catch up. Together, they discuss life lessons learned and moments that are still being processed. Topics span from the secrets to sustaining a long, loving marriage, to how to rebuild yourself in the face of adversity. Expect mindful moments, laughter, and a few tales of teens sneaking into clubs, as Charlotte captures the root and branch stories of her family.
Come and cwtch with Charlotte as we learn to embrace the sanctuary that family can offer and to celebrate our roots so that we, too, can Kick Back with The Cardiffians.

James Church, Charlotte’s dad, has been in her life since she was three. Seven years ago, James was diagnosed with AL amyloidosis. They talk about his difficult upbringing in Cardiff, living with a terminal illness, and his profound take on what it means to lead a good life.
Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations about belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds.
Producer: Lynsey Martenstyn
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Music by Jonathan Powell & Charlotte Church
Development Executive: Emma Shaw
Additional production and editing: Helen Brown
Commissioning editor for BBC Sounds: Rhian Roberts

After meeting in Cardiff as teenagers, Kyla Scott and Charlotte Church have become each other’s chosen family. Here, they share their stories of sneaking into clubs together, dodging the paparazzi in Ibiza and becoming mums in their early 20s.
Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations about belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds.
Producer: Lynsey Martenstyn
Executive Producer: Paul Smith
Music by Jonathan Powell & Charlotte Church
Development Executive: Emma Shaw
Additional production and editing: Helen Brown
Commissioning editor for BBC Sounds: Rhian Roberts

Maria Church is Charlotte’s mum, the matriarch of the family and the owner of a dog hotel. She shares her remarkable story of growing up in Cardiff and overcoming incredible hardship to raise Charlotte.
This episode contains descriptions of abuse.
Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations about belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds.
Producer: Lynsey Martenstyn
Executive producer: Paul Smith
Music by Jonathan Powell & Charlotte Church
Development executive is Emma Shaw
Additional production and editing: Helen Brown
Commissioning editor for BBC Sounds: Rhian Roberts

Charlotte’s Great Auntie Frances and Auntie Alison are famous in the family for their parties. Growing up, Charlotte used to go round their house every day before and after school. In a nostalgic visit, Charlotte pops round for a ham cob and to talk armpit hair, Elvis impersonators and discovering the calm in life.
Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations about belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds.
Producer: Lynsey Martenstyn
Executive producer: Paul Smith
Music by Jonathan Powell & Charlotte Church
Development executive is Emma Shaw
Additional production and editing: Helen Brown
Commissioning editor for BBC Sounds: Rhian Roberts

Sara Huws is one of Charlotte’s newest friends. They meet up to talk about Sara’s love of Welsh history, her experience of moving to Cardiff and powerlifting.
Charlotte Church hosts a series of intimate conversations about belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.
A BBC Studios Audio production for BBC Sounds.
Producer: Lynsey Martenstyn
Executive producer: Paul Smith
Music by Jonathan Powell & Charlotte Church
Development executive is Emma Shaw
Additional production and editing: Helen Brown
Commissioning editor for BBC Sounds: Rhian Roberts