The Northern Guide to Happiness

Episode 44 - Pearl Saddington

This week we talk to Pearl Saddington who is well known within the heritage sector, spending time at some of our heritage venues like Bede's World and the Old Low Light on North Shields Fish Quay. She is currently working with the National Trust based at Gibside working with volunteers and community projects. Pearl talks to us about how she has come to appreciate green spaces and the value of taking time away from your desk as well as the importance of not being afraid to say "hello" to a stranger.

Episode 43 - Faye MacCalman

This week we speak to Faye MacCalman who is a musician and composer. She writes for and leads the band Archipelago and has collaborated with a number of other North East bands and musicians including The Unthanks and Maximo Park. Faye talks to Chris about where the need to create music comes from and the happiness that it gives and why music in the community is so important.

Episode 42 - Geoff Miller

We talk to Geoff Miller this week, Dean of Newcastle. The conversation covers two distinct areas of happiness. One is partly about the work of Newcastle Cathedral itself and Geoff's own interpretations of happiness. He also tells us all about the exciting and current restoration work being done at Newcastle Cathedral which is heading towards completion. 

Episode 41 - Tom Caulker

This week we talk to Tom Caulker, who ran the famous Trent House pub for 25 years and founded World Headquarters in 1993. Tom gives a fascinating insight into what happiness (and unhappiness) means to him and how he tries to achieve it. Tom also talks about the importance of World Headquarters' multiracial & inclusive ethos and the hugely successful anti-racist Unity Festival that he was involved in establishing and why is was so important for it to take place.

Episode 40 - Zoë Murtagh

Another great episode this week with Zoë Murtagh who talks to us this week about what happiness means to her. A fascinating discussion about the colours and smells she associated with happiness as well as how the different aspects of her working life brings her joy from working with young carers to delivering freelance workshops.

Episode 39 - Amanda Gerry

This week we talk to Amanda Gerry who is lead Regeneration Officer for the Churches Conservation Trust. She talks to us about all sorts of things including Zoom Free Fridays, the joy of campervanning, the importance of good friends and family and the happiness she gets from working with a brilliant team in her work.

Episode 38 - Chris Jewitt

Chris Jewitt talks to us this week about all things food related. Chris is founder and CEO of a community interest company called Food and Drink North East. He talks to us about his love his food and why it's important to him. The value of storytelling in the food industry and why food memories are so special.

Episode 37 - Zahra Ravenscroft

This week we talk to Zahra Ravenscroft who is involved in coastal restoration work with the Environment Agency. Zahra talks to us about some of the great new environmental projects taking place around the North East including the Wild Oyster project that’s been set up in Blyth and Sunderland. Zahra also talks about the research being done into the link between blue space and wellbeing as well as her discovery of sea swimming and her love of living in the city and access to cultural events.

Episode 36 - Michael Cunliffe

This week we talk to Michael Cunliffe who is an artist who specialises in Dark Art. In this episode he talks to us about how the process of painting brings him happiness as well as his work at North Tyneside Art Studio. The Art Studio is a place which supports people with mental health issues so the conversation also includes a fascinating discussion about how art can be used to maintain positive mental health.

Episode 35 - Liz Luff

This week we talk to Liz Luff who has been involved in the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation since it started back in 2008. Liz talks about the amazing work the Foundation does including some of the moving stories of its fundraisers. We also talked the personal motivation for her to be involved in its work. We also talk about Liz's love of Italy and a border terrier nicknamed "Maggie Mayhem".