What makes Preston and its people tick is being explored in a new podcast hosted by a familiar voice in the city.

The Parched Pea Podcast brought to you by Blog Preston and the Lancashire Post and presented by local radio legend John ‘Gilly’ Gillmore.

Supported by his producers Ellie Browning and Sasha Wiltshire, the broadcasting legend speaks to some of the fascinating cast of characters who make up the city.

Episodes of the podcast, which is named after Preston delicacy Parched Peas, include conversations about art, identity, sense of place, nostalgia, history, the future and the challenges the city faces.

Gilly, who spent decades with BBC Radio Lancashire and before that Red Rose Radio and The Bay said: “It’s great to be back doing what I do best, getting out and about meeting and chatting to people and unearthing some great stories. It’s an amazing project to have been involved with.”

Supporting Gilly with the podcast are University of Central Lancashire journalism students Ellie and Sasha.

Ellie said: “The podcast has been an incredible experience. I’ve loved learning from Gilly and everyone involved and hearing the stories of so many amazing people in Preston.”

Sasha added: “Working on this podcast has been such an amazing experience. I feel like we’ve really captured the beauty of Preston.”

Listen to the podcast trailer below or on Podbean

The Parched Pea Podcast is a joint venture by Blog Preston and the Post, aimed at bringing Preston’s stories to an audio audience.

Founder and co-editor of Blog Preston, Ed Walker, said: “Bringing together Gilly’s experience, plus our knowledge and passion for the city means we’ve got a podcast which captures all things Preston.

“And it’s been great to see Ellie and Sasha working with a broadcasting legend and the podcast will give a voice, which is timeless, to some of the stories behind people and places in the city.”

National World’s editor-in-chief (North) and former Post editor, Nicola Adam, said: “I’m delighted to get this off the ground in Preston alongside Ed. I’ve been very impressed by Ellie and Sasha’s work – and of course the lovely Gilly.

“It’s been lovely to truly collaborate across news organisations with something positive for Proud Preston.”

Six episodes are to be released in total and will be available on Spotify, Apple and all other major podcast apps via Podfollow with new episodes being released each Wednesday.

The podcast has been supported by Preston Markets, where a number of the interviews were recorded, and Preston’s Business Improvement District.

If you’re interested in helping to make a second season of The Parched Pea Podcast happen then drop ed@blogpreston.co.uk a line.

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