Benjy’s Cafe Podcast

Hello & welcome back! Kicking off Series 2 of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is a coffee with the star of The Fast Show & Cold Feet, actor & comedian, the brilliant, John Thomson. This opening episode celebrates John's amazing 18 year sobriety, delving into the complexities of sobriety & its joy. Plus, the shift of landscape in British drinking culture. John shares how the joy of missing ou...

Fancy a mince pie? Benjy's Cafe is back open for the 2nd Christmas Bonus episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Joining Ben & bringing all the Christmas cheer, is the actor, Leon Craig. One of the UK's most loved Pantomime Dames, Leon is currently wowing audiences as Polly La Plonk in Beauty & The Beast at the Grand Opera House, York. Ben & Leon discuss the magic of performing in pantomime &...

Merry Christmas! In this bonus Festive episode of Benjy's Cafe Podcast, Ben is joined by the actor & Pantomime Dame, Jamie Riding. In this uplifting chat, Jamie discusses the impact of living with Asperger's Syndrome & his pride in inspiring others with Asperger's. He shares his story from being terrified of theatre to becoming one of the UK's leading Pantomime Dames. Ben & Jamie discu...

In the final episode of Series 1, Ben is joined in Benjy's Cafe Podcast by the award-winning actor & photographer, Bill Ward. Bill discusses his extensive theatre & television career, including playing Charlie Stubbs in ITV's Coronation St & how he finds balance, so important for mental health, away from the stage through photography. Bill's reflects on his recent play, Gerry & Sew...

In Benjy's Café Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the Olivier Award-nominated actor, Robert Hands. In this episode, Robert chats about his extensive acting career, including his roles in Come From Away & Spamalot, his journey to sobriety & the importance of mental health & fitness in his life. Robert bravely shares with Ben his battle with addiction, how he was drawn into substance u...

This week, The Good Life Gardener, Ade Sellars joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a coffee to share his fascinating story from a career in TV & Film across Europe & LA to becoming an award winning gardener. Ade enthuses about the delights & power of gardening & its importance to personal growth and connection; plus Ade's YouTube mini-series, Down The Garden Path & the joy he...

This week, decorated Paralympic skier, Millie Knight joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to talk about her journey of losing her sight at a young age to becoming a 4 times Paralympic & 8 times World Championship medalist. Millie shares the support she received at school, the thrill of skiing, and the importance of trust in her partnership with her guide, Brett Wilde. She discusses the challenges...

In this week's episode, actor Mark Peachey joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to share the delights of performing & the excitement of being cast in the Tony Award winning musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Mark, who recently starred in the film, The Moor & whose theatre credits include Scar in Disney's The Lion King & the title role in Richard III, discusses balancing family life with a demandi...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by one of the country's best loved personalities, actor & presenter, Les Dennis. Les, who is currently starring in the UK Tour of Ghost, reflects on his 50 year career in showbusiness, including his role as Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray opposite Michael Ball and the excitement of making his RSC debut. Ben & Les discuss the lasting impact of c...

This week, Hamilton star, Emily-Mae joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a coffee and shares the happiness, excitement and challenges of playing Angelica Schuyler in Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical, plus the beauty and joy of music. Ben and Emily discuss the challenges of a creative career, and the importance of support from family and friends; and Emily also touches on vocal health, performance...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the co-founder of Dryy App and best selling author of "The 28 Day Alcohol Free Challenge", Andy Ramage. In this enlightening conversation, Andy, one of the World's leading voices on alcohol free living, shares his personal experiences and insights on how sobriety has positively impacted his life, mental health, and relationships; and explores the...

In Benjy's Café Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the sports presenter, Sam Hurst. One of the country's brightest broadcasters, Sam is match day host for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred, Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey & fan zone host for Nottingham Forest FC in the Premier League. In this episode, Sam & Ben discuss the energy of live sport, the importance of fan engagement, and...

After a little end of summer break, Benjy's Café Podcast returns for episode 26, with the brilliant actor, presenter and voice-over artist, Jayne Sharp. In this episode, Jayne emphasises the importance of taking risks and pursuing one's passions, inspiring others to do the same. Jayne shares with Ben her experiences working in the TV industry and her transition from presenting to acting an...

In this week's episode, Ben welcomes the actor and photographer, Mark Willshire to Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Mark discusses his career in theatre, including roles in the Take That musical, Never Forget, Ghost and Sarah Bareilles' Waitress, at the Adelphi Theatre, London; and the importance of empathy and hard work in the industry. Ben and Mark chat about self-belief, staying positive durin...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the actor, double Olivier Award nominee, Michael D Xavier. Michael discusses his stage career and his transition to TV and film, including his roles in ITV's Grantchester and Gentleman Jack, for The BBC; and reflects on his Olivier Award nominations for Sondheim's Into the Woods and Love Story. Michael also shares the joy of working w...

In this week's episode, actor and BAFTA nominated TV presenter, James Lusted joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast and shares the importance of embracing who you are and the power of positivity. Ben and James discuss the importance of choosing happiness in life, emphasising the power of laughter, celebrating wins, and finding joy in the little things. James chats about his TV and stage career,...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the actor, Dianne Pilkington. Ben & Dianne discuss her childhood in Wigan, and her journey into the world of musicals, including playing the roles of Glinda in Wicked & Donna in ABBA's, Mamma Mia! Dianne talks about the vocal demands of these roles and how she maintains her technique and vocal health, plus she shares her approach...

This week, broadcaster Pete Price joins Ben for a cuppa in Benjy's Cafe Podcast. Pete discusses his career in radio and how the entertainment industry has shaped his life. Plus, his love for Liverpool. Ben and Pete also touch on the cultural scene in Liverpool and the city's transformation over the years, plus the importance of making people happy. Join Ben and Pete for an episode full of...

In this episode, Gemma Mills, founder of JOMO Club, joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast to discuss the joy of missing out and the world of alcohol-free drinks. Gemma explains how JOMO Club started during lockdown as a way to explore alternatives to alcohol and help people change their relationship with drinking. JOMO Club offers a subscription box of alcohol-free drinks and has created a communi...

In this week's episode, actor and director, Oli Brooks joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe and shares his alcohol-free story and the positive impact it has had on his life and career. Oli and Ben discuss their experiences with alcohol and sobriety, and realising the negative impact of alcohol on their lives and making the decision to quit drinking. Oli talks about the importance of routine and creat...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the chef, Pete Simmons. Pete and his partner Amy Stubbs, are co-founders of Jnr. Chef and their mission, to bring the joys of cooking to children. Launched in August, 2023, Jnr. Chef offers interactive cooking classes with all the ingredients delivered to your door, and also work with British Triathlon to promote healthy eating, nutrition, an...

This week, Mamma Mia! star, Kate Graham joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe Podcast for a cuppa and shares the joys of an alcohol-free life. Ben and Kate discuss their experiences of being alcohol-free and how it has positively impacted their lives; the benefits of self care, exercise and finding new experiences in sobriety. Kate discusses her theatre career, including the pleasure of working with the d...

This week, actor Kay Murphy pops into Benjy's Cafe to discuss the importance of embracing life, the joy of moving to a new country and the thrill of landing her dream roles in the musicals, Fosse & Chicago. Kay talks about the influence of her upbringing on her personality, the need to embrace individuality and make choices that serve one's own happiness and well-being. Ben & Kay a...

In this week's episode, actor & musician, Ben Stock joins Ben in Benjy's Cafe to discuss his career in the entertainment industry, the joy of performing & spreading happiness. Ben shares his story from a young performer to a successful professional, highlighting the influence of influential figures and learning from established professionals. He also shares the challenges of self-e...

In Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, Ben is joined by the broadcaster, writer & teacher, Bobby Seagull. Bobby discusses how his positive energy and enthusiasm for life is influenced by his family and early experiences. And how as a teacher, Bobby aims to inspire and support young people, focusing on their personal development and confidence. Ben and Bobby chat about Bobby's career transi...