The Martin Talk Show

“Community is built not by walls, but by shared stories.” 🎭Episode 445 | The Secret of Building a Community Theatre CompanyIn this episode of The Martin Talk Show, I sit down with Paris Harvey-Venables and Amy Louise Smith from Mo House Theatre Company to explore the heart, hard work and hope behind building a community theatre company from the ground up. Paris, founder, producer and creative dir...

Episode 444 of The Martin Talk Show is a powerful reminder that creativity does not only live on stages and screens, it also lives in service, compassion, and community ❤️🎙️ In this deeply moving conversation, host Martin Colton sits down with Andy Thornton, CEO of the charitable trust that runs Harlow Foodbank and Bounty, to explore what it truly means to show up for people when they need it most...

Episode 443 of The Martin Talk Show opens a gentle but powerful doorway into empathy, storytelling, and social action ✨🎙️ Hosted by Martin Colton, this episode welcomes the inspiring Emma Batrick, writer of the beautifully illustrated book When Sam Tried to Close the Foodbank , which also lends its name to this conversation 📘💛 This is not just a book, and this is not just a conversation. Emma s...

Episode 442 of The Martin Talk Show is tuned to a whole new wavelength 🎶✨ I’m your host Martin Colton, and this week the conversation moves like a bassline you feel in your chest rather than just hear. I’m joined by the incredible DJ Marrisa Ewen, also known as Little M 🎧 a weekly presenter on Love Life and a true multi-genre selector whose sets bend and breathe with the crowd, the room and the...

Welcome to Episode 341 of The Martin Talk Show 🎙️✨ a heartfelt and searching conversation titled “Finding Your Nest” 🪺📸 In this episode, I sit down with photographer John Brough , a creative whose camera is not just a tool, but a compass 🧭. Photography has been John’s happy place since 2010, a space where stories settle, emotions surface, and truth quietly develops in the frame 🌅🖤. From port...

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs ✨Ever wondered what really goes on behind the mic and how a podcast grows from a spark of passion into a sustainable creative platform? 🎙️🔥 In episode 440 of The Martin Talk Show, you’ll gain insight, inspiration, and practical wisdom as we pull back the curtain on how this podcast began, how it continues to evolve, and how it...

Episode 439 of The Martin Talk Show steps into brave territory with a conversation that is honest, reflective and quietly powerful 🔦🎙️ Host Martin Colton sits down with adult film veteran Tommy Gunn for an episode titled “Porn, Shame and The Light” , a deep exploration of identity, intimacy and the unseen cost of an unconventional career. With more than 2,500 films across a 20 year career and ind...

🎄✨ Welcome to a very special festive episode of The Martin Talk Show ✨🎄 In this heartfelt Christmas message, I’m stepping away from the usual deep-dive conversations and sitting down with my wonderful cohost Jake 🐤💛 a bright yellow bird with a big heart and even bigger gratitude. Together, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and say a sincere thank you to you , our listeners, viewers, s...

Discover the heart, hope and humanity behind one of the most inspiring support networks in the UK ❤️‍🩹. In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, I sit down with the incredible team at Helen Rollason Cancer Charity for a moving conversation that will uplift, empower and reconnect you to the true meaning of community and compassion 🌟. As part of our “Amplifying the Voices of Harlow” series, this p...

🎭 What happens when compassion meets comedy—and good intentions get tested? In this inspiring new episode of The Martin Talk Show , I sit down with director Lucy Appleby , actress Emma Riches , and actor Peter Saracen to dive deep into Starfish — a darkly funny and thought-provoking play by Richard Fitchett, brought to life by Two Right Feet this November at The Bread & Roses Theatre . 🌟 Sta...

🎤🪶 What happens when one puppet finally meets his hero? Pure magic! In this very special episode of The Martin Talk Show, your host Martin Colton steps aside as our feathered co-host Jake takes the spotlight to interview his childhood idol — the one and only Zippy from Rainbow! 🌈💫 Episode 433: “When Jake Met His Childhood Hero” is supported by and recorded at the legendary Little Angel Theatre...

🎭✨ Step into a world where imagination takes centre stage and creativity knows no bounds! In this episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton sits down with the legendary Ronnie Le Drew — the man behind Zippy from Rainbow — for an unforgettable conversation that celebrates the magic of puppetry, storytelling, and theatre’s power to inspire. 🎙️ Episode 432: “How Theatre Took Me Over the...

🎃 Get ready for a Halloween special like no other ! In this episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton and his feathery co-host Jake the bird puppet take you on a curious adventure through the mysteries of creativity, courage, and curiosity itself. 🕵️‍♂️✨ Ever heard the phrase “Curiosity killed the cat” ? Well, that’s not the whole story! The full saying — “Curiosity killed the cat, bu...

🎭 Step inside the world where music, storytelling, and raw truth collide. In this latest episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton sits down with the incredible Stacie Burrows — a Texas-born, NYC-trained, LA-based writer, performer, and unapologetically bold voice in musical comedy and theatre. This conversation will take you deep into the creative spirit behind her critically acclaime...

✨ What if giving up was the very thing that helped you grow? In this episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton dives deep with the hilarious and heartfelt Meg Chizek to explore the surprising beauty of changing course, chasing authenticity, and rediscovering your purpose when the spotlight shifts. 🎭💫 🎙️ Episode 429 – “How to Give Up On Your Dreams” – takes us behind the curtain of Me...

🌈 What does it take to bring a community together in the face of division? In this heartfelt episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton sits down with two of Harlow’s inspiring community heroes — Rev’d Jokey Poyntz , Team Vicar & Missioner at The Church of England, and Cllr James Griggs , Leader of the Harlow Labour Party — to explore the story behind “Flags & Community.” 💬✨ T...

🌿✨ Step into a world where storytelling meets nature, and imagination takes flight! In this inspiring episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton takes you on a captivating walk through Church Langley Woods in Harlow, Essex, alongside the wonderfully creative Caroline Petherbridge — a former primary school teacher, LAMDA examiner, published author, and educational innovator whose passion...

What if food could heal the soul, reconnect you with your past, and create a whole new community in a strange land? 🍲✨ In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, I, Martin Colton, sit down with my incredible guests — the brilliant actress Isabella Nefar and the original author Atoosa Sepehr — to explore the remarkable journey that inspired the hit play My English Persian Kitchen. Written by award-...

✨ Discover the power of creativity, vulnerability and humour in this inspiring episode of The Martin Talk Show . Hosted by Martin Colton, this series takes you beyond conversation and into deep explorations of art, creativity, and the stories that shape extraordinary lives. 🎭🎶🎬 In this episode, Martin is joined by the incredible Ruth — an English actor, writer and theatre-maker whose work blen...

✨ Step into a world where dance, passion, and community collide! In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, you’ll discover the incredible impact of Hip Hop Pop, a community that has been shaping lives in Harlow and beyond since 2002. 💃🕺 This conversation is about more than just movement — it’s about friendship, creativity, growth, and the power of being part of something bigger than yourself. 🌍...

Discover how art can confront silence, challenge myths, and ignite change 🌟 In this latest episode of The Martin Talk Show, host Martin Colton sits down with the extraordinary Leah Shelton and the brilliant Ursula Martinez to explore their award-winning show BATSHIT 🎭🔥Fresh from its triumphant run at the Edinburgh Fringe, this daring and deeply personal one-woman performance rips apart the labe...

Get ready to be inspired 🎙✨ In this episode of The Martin Talk Show, I, Martin Colton, sit down with the brilliantly funny and deeply insightful Will as we explore the art of comedy, storytelling, and the courage it takes to bring bold new work to the stage. This isn’t just a chat—it’s an exploration of creativity, resilience, and what it means to thrive in the ever-evolving world of performance....

What does it really mean to chase your big break, and what does it take to laugh at life along the way? 🎭✨ In this special live episode of The Martin Talk Show , recorded right on the buzzing streets of Edinburgh during the legendary Fringe, I sit down with the sharp, witty, and effortlessly glamorous American comedian Gillian Gurganus. 💃🎤 With a half hour of comedic storytelling that sparkles...

Get ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even shiver 👻✨—this episode of The Martin Talk Show takes you on a journey through grief, comedy, and the search for meaning. Recorded live on the streets of Edinburgh during the iconic Fringe Festival 🎭, host Martin Colton sits down with comedian Bailey Swilley to dive deep into her hilariously haunting show Gimme a Sign! From ghost tours filled with haun...

Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be inspired 🎙️✨ In this episode of The Martin Talk Show , host Martin Colton sits down at the heart of the Edinburgh Fringe with the razor-sharp, unapologetically bold, and endlessly funny Anna Beros. From the streets of Edinburgh, we dive deep into the number one most important thing in comedy and uncover what it really means to turn life’s rawest challenges into...