The MarshyCast

Paul Marsh

Dive into the fascinating world of entertainment, gain valuable insights into mental and physical wellness, explore the latest technological innovations, and indulge in the lighter side of life with our comedic discussions.

  1. 2d ago

    Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on Gladiators, Routines and Why Family Keeps Him Grounded

    Send us Fan Mail When people think of Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, they probably picture explosive speed, incredible fitness and, of course, Nitro from Gladiators. But away from the arena, Harry believes the secret to success isn't about extraordinary moments. It's about ordinary routines. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, we discussed why building simple habits can have a huge impact, whether you're training for elite competition, managing your finances or just trying to make life run a little more smoothly. Naturally, with a big England match on the horizon, we couldn't resist talking football before turning our attention to Gladiators. Harry shared what it's really like preparing for filming, the discipline required to stay in incredible shape and the work that goes on long before the cameras start rolling. One unexpected topic that united us was smart meters. We both admitted we're slightly obsessed with checking them, and Harry laughed that they've even helped settle the occasional household debate over energy use! Perhaps the most relatable part of the conversation, though, was family life. Despite competing at the highest level and starring in one of Britain's biggest television shows, Harry was refreshingly honest about life at home. We discovered we have something in common... neither of us is really in charge! It's a conversation full of laughs, motivation and a reminder that behind every superhero is a very normal family life. 🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  2. 2d ago

    Damian Lewis on Sweet Chaos, Songwriting and Stepping from Screen to Stage

    Send us Fan Mail Most people know Damian Lewis for his acclaimed performances on screen, but over the last few years he's been building another side to his creative career through music.  In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, Damian joined me to discuss his new album Sweet Chaos and the UK tour that follows, including a stop at Portsmouth's iconic Wedgewood Rooms.  One of the first things I wanted to explore was how his background as an actor influences his songwriting. Does he write from his own experiences, or does he approach songs in the same way he approaches a character, stepping into somebody else's story? Damian shared a fascinating insight into how those two creative worlds often overlap.  That naturally led to another question. As an actor, you're bringing someone else's script to life. As a songwriter, every lyric comes directly from you. Damian reflected on the unique satisfaction of performing words he's written himself and how different that experience feels from acting.  We also spoke about collaborating with renowned songwriter Guy Chambers, whose experience has helped shape some of Britain's biggest records. Together, they explored not only how songs are written, but how they evolve into performances designed to connect with live audiences.  With the release of his latest film Pressure arriving alongside the tour, Damian faces a busy autumn of film premieres, interviews and live performances. We discussed the challenge of balancing both worlds, before looking ahead to his show at the Wedgewood Rooms, one of the South Coast's most beloved live venues with a rich musical history.  To round things off, we played a quick word association game, with Damian sharing his immediate thoughts on several of the actors he's worked alongside throughout his remarkable career.  It's a conversation about creativity, performance and why, no matter the medium, telling great stories remains at the heart of everything he does.  🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  3. Jul 10

    Hollie Rogers on Songwriting, Live Shows and Knowing When a Song Becomes Too Personal

    Send us Fan Mail For many singer-songwriters, every song begins with a story. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Hollie Rogers to chat about her latest single, her upcoming album and an exciting run of live dates, including performances in Havant and Bognor. Hollie's live shows have earned a reputation for being about much more than the music. Between songs, audiences are treated to stories, humour and the kind of honest conversation that makes every performance feel personal. I asked whether she'd ever considered trying stand-up comedy, but she was quick to laugh that idea off! One of the things that stood out most during our conversation was Hollie's love of playing smaller venues. While festivals bring incredible energy and introduce her music to new audiences, intimate gigs allow for a different kind of connection, where every lyric and every story lands just that little bit closer. We also explored her songwriting process, which isn't always as straightforward as people might expect. Inspiration can arrive in different ways, and songs don't necessarily begin with a melody or even a finished lyric. Sometimes the process takes surprising turns before everything falls into place. As someone who writes deeply personal material, I was keen to know whether there's ever a point where a song becomes too personal to release. Hollie shared some fascinating thoughts about finding the balance between honesty and protecting the people and experiences that inspire her music. The new album also features some outstanding collaborations, including appearances from Elles Bailey, Beth Nielsen Chapman and the magnificent Budapest Symphony Orchestra, bringing together an impressive collection of musical talent. It's a thoughtful conversation about creativity, live performance and the stories behind the songs. 🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  4. Jul 9

    Tom Parker Bowles on Mediterranean Food, Summer Travel and Discovering New Flavours

    Send us Fan Mail Summer is often the perfect excuse to slow down, travel and try something different.  In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with acclaimed food writer and bestselling author Tom Parker Bowles to discuss why the Mediterranean lifestyle is becoming one of the biggest wellness trends of 2026.  As proud lovers of British food, we both agreed there's nothing quite like hearty classics during the colder months. From comforting pies to traditional roasts, British cuisine has a wonderful way of warming you up.  But summer is a different story.  Tom explained why Mediterranean countries have mastered seasonal eating, with fresh vegetables, seafood, olive oil and simple ingredients creating dishes that feel perfectly suited to warmer weather.  Rather than choosing one country's cuisine over another, we talked about embracing variety and using travel as an opportunity to experience different cultures through food. One of the easiest ways to do exactly that is by exploring several Mediterranean destinations in one trip, sampling local specialities in each port before returning to the comfort of a cruise ship, complete with a familiar cup of tea if that's what makes you feel at home.  Ultimately, food isn't just about nutrition. It's about memories, conversations and discovering something you've never tasted before.  Whether that's a hidden family-run restaurant overlooking the sea or simply trying a dish you'd normally walk past, those moments often become the highlights of a holiday.  It's a relaxed and enjoyable conversation about travel, food and making the most of summer, one plate at a time.  🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  5. Jul 7

    Anna Williamson on Dating, Dinner Dates and Why Carbs Could Be the Secret Ingredient

    Send us Fan Mail Finding love isn't always about grand gestures.  Sometimes, it starts with a bowl of pasta.  In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with broadcaster, dating expert and Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson to chat about modern dating, relationships and why food might play a bigger part in romance than many people realise.  We began by talking about the latest series of Celebs Go Dating and how the show continues to help famous faces navigate the often confusing world of modern relationships.  One of the most interesting conversations centred around dating itself. Anna explained that once couples move beyond the first few dates, cooking dinner at home has become an increasingly popular way of spending time together. It offers a chance to relax, chat and get to know each other without the distractions of a busy restaurant.  That led us neatly onto Heinz's viral "Marry Me Sauce", which exploded across social media after countless people claimed it was so good it could inspire a proposal.  Naturally, we couldn't resist asking whether the quickest route to somebody's heart really is through great food.  Away from dating, we also discovered we have a mutual friend in Professor Green, before Anna shared her thoughts on why James Haskell deserves far more credit than he often receives, describing him as genuinely lovely despite the reputation some people have of him.  Finally, we spoke about Anna's ever-growing list of podcasts. Between hosting multiple successful shows, television work and everything else she has going on, I suggested she may well be the Queen of Podcasts... and it's hard to argue with that.  It's a conversation full of laughs, dating advice and plenty of food for thought.  🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  6. Jul 6

    Tamzin Outhwaite on Abigail's Party, Beverly and Why the Play Still Sparks Conversation

    Send us Fan Mail Nearly 50 years after it first premiered, Abigail's Party remains one of Britain's most celebrated and talked-about plays.  In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with Tamzin Outhwaite, who stars as the unforgettable Beverly in the latest touring production alongside Kevin Bishop, Pandora Colin, Omar Malik and Lauren Patel.  Taking on such an iconic character could be daunting for any actor, so I was keen to find out how Tamzin reacted when she was first offered the role. Beverly remains one of British theatre's most memorable creations, and with that comes a certain responsibility to audiences who already know and love the character.  Although the play remains faithful to Mike Leigh's original work, we discussed how a production set in 1977 inevitably lands differently with audiences in 2026. Some of the attitudes, behaviours and language now create moments of genuine discomfort, but that's also part of what makes the play so fascinating.  Tamzin explained that audiences often find themselves laughing one moment before suddenly realising they're watching something much darker underneath. That mixture of comedy, tension and social observation is exactly why Abigail's Party has endured for decades.  Away from the stage, we also spoke about television and what kind of project might tempt Tamzin back to a major TV role. Unsurprisingly, our conversation drifted towards one of our favourite series, Slow Horses, and the sort of intelligent drama she'd love to be involved with.  If Abigail's Party is coming to a theatre near you, it's a production well worth catching, whether you're seeing it for the first time or rediscovering a modern classic.  🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  7. Jul 2

    Sheli McCoy on Business, Country Music and Why She Loves Truckfest

    Send us Fan Mail Most people know Sheli McCoy as Sabre from Gladiators, but away from television she's also a successful business owner, CrossFit coach and founder of SweatBox Dundee.  In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, we discussed the balancing act of running a busy fitness business while also filming one of the UK's biggest entertainment shows.  Sheli explained that, like many small business owners, much of her early administration relied on paperwork and manual processes. As her business grew, however, that became increasingly difficult to manage.  We talked about how integrated payment and booking platforms have transformed the experience for both staff and members. Clients can now book classes, manage memberships and make payments through an app, freeing up more time for Sheli to do what she enjoys most, coaching people and helping them achieve their fitness goals.  Away from business, there was another surprising topic of conversation... country music.  After attending fellow Gladiator Emily Steel's first live country show, Sheli admitted she's slowly embracing her inner cowgirl, complete with her very first cowboy hat. It turns out she wasn't the only one getting into the spirit either, with Alex Gray also fully committing to the double denim look.  Finally, we looked ahead to Truckfest, one of Sheli's favourite events in the calendar. While the monster trucks are always a highlight, she told me the best part is meeting families who come along to enjoy the weekend together and seeing the incredible variety of trucks on display.  It's a conversation packed with business advice, laughs, fitness, country music and plenty of Truckfest excitement.  🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.  Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

  8. Jun 29

    G4 on Phantoms of the Popera, 20 Years Together and Bringing the West End to Life

    Send us Fan Mail More than twenty years after first appearing on The X Factor, G4 continue to prove that great music never goes out of style. In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I caught up with the quartet to talk about their latest touring production, Phantoms of the Popera, a celebration of some of the greatest songs ever written for the stage. One of the first things I wanted to know was whether they're surprised by the audiences they're attracting today. While many fans have followed G4 since their television debut, the group told me they're increasingly seeing younger generations discovering their music, creating audiences that span all ages. With so many iconic musicals to choose from, deciding on a setlist is no easy task. We discussed how those conversations happen, whether every member gets an equal voice, and how they balance audience favourites with introducing something new each tour. Not every musical number works as a standalone performance either. Some songs rely heavily on the story surrounding them, so we also explored how G4 recreate the emotion and atmosphere of those scenes without the benefit of a full theatrical production. Looking back over the last two decades, the group reflected on the highs of an extraordinary career that has taken them from reality television to sold-out theatres across the UK and beyond. And, of course, no MarshyCast interview is complete without a few quickfire questions to round things off. Whether you're a fan of musical theatre, soaring harmonies or simply love hearing the stories behind a long and successful career, this is a conversation full of warmth, humour and plenty of great memories. 🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

About

Dive into the fascinating world of entertainment, gain valuable insights into mental and physical wellness, explore the latest technological innovations, and indulge in the lighter side of life with our comedic discussions.