What Makes You Tick?

This month my guest is Lee McShane ! Join us as we talk about his writing! We go in depth on some of his poetry work like his two chapbooks ‘ The House Built From Shadows ’ and ‘ Raised in April ’. We also talk about his role in Westovian theatre’s upcoming production of Cluedo, where Lee plays Reverend Green, as well as various other projects he’s been involved in as an actor, writer and film-mak...

With me this month is Calum Murray!  Join us as we talk about his films Batman Unmasked and Crush , his work with Unified Studios , his appearances in films such as Tobi and Don’t Touch the Tree as well as various other projects he’s been involved in. We also talk about Mental Health and Jennette McCurdy’s book I’m Glad My Mom Died. Theme Song: Adam Sams Show Logo: Craig Pearson

This month on What Makes You Tick? I have Writer, Director and Producer Joshua Waller ! We talk about: Josh’s time studying and the impact that studying his MA had on his film making and work ethic The films he’s made with his production company Rillachimp Productions such as ‘ Out with the old , Mimicry , The Outsiders and King Karkinos: Terror from the Deep We also talk about the giant crab pupp...

Join me this month as I talk to Lucy Robinson . We talk about how she got started in Acting, taking part in National Youth Theatre and her being part of the Actor’s Forge and DJW Talent . We also discuss the work she’s done with Sure Look Productions , and on Jetpac Global’s Travel Virgin series. Finally, we discuss How to get to Heaven from Belfast and I get in trouble for not having seen Derry G...

Joining me for the show this week is Oli Pages! We talk about his roles in the recent 'Jack and the Beanstalk' Pantomime with Tynemouth Priory and the upcoming Picasso at the Lapin Agile with The People's Theatre We also talk about his acting background and his range of skills as a performer before ending on some Lord of the Rings and Star Wars talk. Oli also does a genuinely amazing impression an...

Joining me for the show this week is Actor Aaron Burton! We had a few technical difficulties recording this one, but still managed to have a great conversation about the monologue Aaron is performing at Ryton Music Festival, how he got started in acting and his experiences as a visually impaired actor. Show Logo: Craig Pearson Theme Song: Adam Sams

this week on the show I have Actor, Writer and Musician Diane Cullen ! We talk about her past life singing in her band Andromeda.  her move towards acting and how that led into behind the camera work on a number of films AND her work as one of the directors of Fem93 . Diane also tells me about her novel and EXCLUSIVELY REVEALS the title!!!! Finally, we talk about a show that upset my sensitiv...

Aaaaand we're Back for Season 2! For my first guest of 2026 I have Actor and Writer, Joshua Hunt ! We talk about the films he made as a child, getting into acting and film making at University, Taking a break AND coming back to Acting as real life responsible adult! We also talk about the films he's been in like Not All Men and Internal Vacancy AND Between the Shelves, a film he's written as part...

Welcome back to What Makes you Tick? This is an intro episode for Season 2. The show will return on Wednesday 04 February 2026 with guest Joshua Hunt ! This intro episode is also a WORLD EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW of the show's brand new theme song by Adam Sams .

What's this? One last episode before Christmas! And this one is very special because I'm speaking to the man himself! It's Santa Claus!!!! Join us as we talk about how Santa became Santa, the recent controversies he's faced with the elves and Rudolph and OF COURSE the Spirit of Christmas. We also discuss the Tim Allen film 'The Santa Clause' and errrrm.......There's some very serious business that...

This week for the Season One Finale I have Craig Conway on the podcast! We go into a lot of detail about the way Craig teaches other actors to know and understand themselves and the self revelation that comes with exploring acting and other creative pursuits in this way. We talk about the idea of the ‘Permission slip’ and some imposter syndrome. Craig also talks about his background and how he cam...

This week on the Podcast I have Eli Hartley . We have good long conversation about and using different artistic mediums as a means to best express their ideas. We talk about their work as a Makeup and Special Effects Artist on films like ‘ A Malevolent World ’ (Drink a shot!), as well as the films they have directed like the upcoming ‘I am Everything’. We also talk about their work as drag artist...

Joining me this week is Paul Proctor (AKA PD Proctor)! We discuss this lovely warm weather we’ve been having!!! (This was recorded in August and we apparently decided to let you KNOW!) But we also discuss Paul’s writing. How he got into writing for personal reasons and how he’s since used his life to be able to tell stories. We discuss his work on books such as Grumplewolf, The Happy Cloud and Dea...

My guest this week is Actress Rebecca Rogan! We discuss Rebecca’s introduction to Performing Arts at a young age, being taught ‘The business side’ at University and her interest in musical theatre. We also discuss What Makes You Tick Favourites A Malevolent World and The Actor’s Forge as well as the Bring Back the 90’s showcase she appeared in with Fem 93 . Then finally there’s Disney talk includi...

This week I’m talking to Actor and Actor’s Forge Mentor Craig Pearson ! Join us for an absolutely packed episode where I speak to Craig about his career as an actor, his work as a mentor for the Actor’s Forge, getting an agent and understanding yourself as an actor. And there’s more! Do you want to hear about the time Craig met Gary Oldman? Then I have good news for you!!! We also discuss various...

This week I’m talking to Adam Widdrington. Adam is one of the Hosts of the Newcastle United Podcast True Faith which we discuss in depth. We also talk about his background in performing arts, and the work he did before joining True Faith on his own Youtube Channel The Toon Network . Finally, we also discuss Interstellar ! Show Art is by Craig Pearson. Theme Music is 'Silent Movie 91' by Sascha End...

This week I’m talking to Pam Jackson. We talk about Pam’s return to performing after fifteen years of having a ‘real job’ and her career as a vocal artist and on projects such as Day after Day . We also have a good chat about some of her favourite games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Bioshock, as well as some nice, heartwarming talk about Ted Lasso. Find Pam on Instagram . Find me on Instagram . Show Ar...

With me this week is Actor Balder Nieto. We talk about how he found his passion in acting, his journey with the Actor’s Forge and embracing the connectedness of all of life’s experiences. We also discuss Forest Gump and Tick, Tick… Boom! Find Balder on Instagram . Find me on Instagram . Show Art is by Craig Pearson. Theme Music is 'Silent Movie 91' by Sascha Ende .

We talk about being a jack of all trades as a film maker and his production company RGR Film Productions . We also discuss his work teaching screen acting with The Actor’s Forge and the further services he provides actors through NE Actors . And on top of all of this, we talk about Back to the Future. Find Rob on Instagram . Find me on TikTok and Instagram . Show Art is by Craig Pearson. Theme Mus...

With me this week is Actor Jack Henry! We talk about his acting journey since starting The Actor’s Forge in July 2024, his roles in films Out with the Old and A Malevolent World , his YouTube series My New Life and the scare acting he’s doing as part of this Year’s Psycho Path! We also discuss the manga and anime Baki the Grappler. Find Jack on Instagram and Facebook. Find Jack on Youtube as The A...

This week on the show my guest is Founder and President of Newcastle Film Club , Samantha Castro! We talk about what led to her founding Newcastle Film Club, the way the film club works and their community focused approach to film making. We also discuss Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 even though I haven’t watched Frozen 2 itself. And also Parks and Rec. Find Samantha and Newcastle Film Club on...

With me this week is Actor and Director, Daniel McQuade! We talk about his film production company DM Productions and his upcoming film A Malevolent World , balancing his acting and directing with a day job and his creative approach to marketing his films. We also discuss Inception and the….somewhat high….price he’d pay to work with Christopher Nolan. Find Dan and DM Productions on Instagram. Find...

I'm joined by Comic Book writer Leo Healy for episode 4 of the show. We talk about his past life as a stand-up comedian, and how he moved from this into his current life as the writer of self-published comics So You’ve Been Conquered by the Human Race and Uncle Zaxlor’s Robot Repair Shop. Leo also provides me with my entryway into Star Trek: The Next Generation as we discuss Season 5 Episode 2, Da...

I'm joined by Director, Actor, Agent and Activist, Laura Lee Daly for episode 3 of the show. We talk about her films Not All Men and the Mam Anthology, her work as an actor and agent, and how she became a mentor at the Actor's Forge . There's also talk about Barbie , The Substance and Coralie Fargeat's first film Revenge . Find Laura on Instagram or Fem 93 Online and on Instagram . Find me on TikT...

Cinematographer, writer and all around film maker, Chris Darby joins the show for episode two. We talk about his background as a film maker, using film to promote conversation and his work on film projects such as Not All Men , Moments and A Malevolent World . We also discuss Hector and the Search for Happiness and an obscure dinosaur film called.... Jurassic Park. Find Chris on Instagram . Find m...