Local Heroes Podcast

From Milk Floats to Imposter Syndrome - The Story of Mr Cheeseman. This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan sit down with the incomparable Simon Raine - founder of Weardale Cheese, a former Big Cheese at Yellow Pages, and a man who turned a former POW camp in County Durham into a powerhouse of artisan cheesemaking. Simon takes us on a journey from growing up around the milk trade and r...

This week on the Local Heroes Podcast, Chris and Dan are joined by North Wales-born, North East-based folk artist Ruby Kelly. Ruby dives into her songwriting process, her deep connection to place, and the stories that shape her music. The conversation flows from music to tattoos, triple carb dinners, and the unshakable support of her biggest fans—her Mum and Dad. They also chat about their recent...

Bev Stephenson joins Chris and Dan this week to talk chocolate, hospitality, and the wild ride that brought her from journalism to North Chocolates. Along the way, she’s written for the Guardian and Observer, witnessed the golden age of food critics, and championed the idea that great service is just as vital as great food. We get into Bev’s love of maps, the quiet joy of gardening, memories of dr...

In this episode, Chris and Dan take a deep dive into the story behind Local Heroes, their commitment to reclaiming our identity from the region's gentrifiers, fighting the power and celebrating their shared love of storytelling. Be prepared for an anarchic conversation as Chris and Dan take you down one of their famous rabbit holes, sharing their personal journeys, riffing on fictional band names,...

Heather Mills is a world-renowned activist, model, Paralympian, and vegan entrepreneur, known for her campaigning, activism, and advocacy of plant-based living. After overcoming life-changing adversity, she became a record-breaking Paralympic skier, a successful vegan food pioneer, and a powerful voice for change. In this week’s episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, Heather shares her incredible jo...

This week, Chris and Dan are joined by Laura Middleton, the mastermind behind Geordie Scran and founder of Canny Social. Laura turned a side hustle and a simple food blog into a thriving online community, catching the attention of brands like Greggs, KFC, and Deliveroo. From her days as a nightclub promotor to African travel drama's, contraband Greggs to emptying an entire vending machine for a tr...

This week, Chris and Dan talk to the ultimate local hero and household voice that is Nick Barnes. Since 2003, Nick has been the voice of Sunderland matches on BBC Radio Newcastle, forming a long-standing commentary partnership with SAFC legend, Gary Bennett. Born in Cornwall and raised in Devon, Nick's journey has taken him through Cumbria before settling in Sunderland. With a passion for tweed an...

Falconer, bush crafter, educator and real-life 'Billy Casper', John Kirtley is an outdoor specialist based in Newburn, Newcastle upon Tyne. Recently featured on Robson Green's Weekend Escapes, this week John talks to Chris and Dan about his love of nature, his connection with birds,  and the importance of outdoor education.

Founder of the iconic Pink Lane Bakery, Neil Le Flohic, talks about life as a food entrepreneur, hard times in Jersey and his penchant for a cheese pasty sandwiches.

What do screaming chimps, whistling grass blades, and fiery chilli sauce have in common? Chaos, laughter, and the one and only Niall McKay-Mount. The week, Chris and Dan embark on an unpredictable, chilli-fuelled journey of turning a mad idea into a mouth-f**king reality. From tropical inspirations to accidental genius, expect offbeat stories, spicy chat, and zero corporate nonsense. If you like y...

This week Chris and Dan talk to North East legend and true Local Hero, Si King. Film and TV producer, Hairy Biker and PROPA! pie advocate - Si talks matchday crowdsurfing, growing up in Kibblesworth, shopping with his Mam and the importance of local food heritage.