The Wedding Thinners: Recent Episodes
Tom Knight
In this podcast I'm joined by Cat Gisby & Rob Sykes.
We chat through mental and physical health, food, making music, performing and how our industries have been impacted over the last year or so!
Cat Gisby is a composer, performer and agent for Clarendon Personal Management! She is a hugely talented on and off stage and has a seriously kick ass voice! (Check out her youtube videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyAoItSmh0wYkR_sGZskW8g)
Rob Sykes is a sound therapist; an amazing form of therapy which is a type of vibrational medicine. It’s the practice of using instruments, including the human voice to guide you into a deep state of relaxation, so that your body’s innate intelligence and incredible healing power can re-balance your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects.
You can find out more about what Rob has to offer by visiting his website at https://www.robsykessoundtherapy.com/
This week I am joined by Tess Burrstone and Jimmy Walters. Both here to talk about their fantastic creative projects but also to talk about their attitude to all things fitness, weight loss and eating!
Tess is a powerhouse singer with a wealth of credits and experience under her belt having performed with some of UK's biggest bands, groups and touring shows including Jay Z on Radio 1 Live Lounge, Michael Bolton on Strictly It Takes Two, Pixie Lott and Billy Ocean! Having performed all over the world in various forms she takes time to explain the impact on her work and her mental health! She is also here talking about her latest single 'We Can Have It All'! It's truly a summer banger and created in collaboration with the extraordinary sax talents of Brendan Mills!
Find out more by visiting www.facebook.com/tessingeruk/
Originally starting as an actor having played young Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Jimmy went on to continue training as an actor at Leeds University and the Drama Studio London. He decided to become a director in 2012 and is now Artistic Director of Proud Haddock who have produced a total of nine shows including Mrs Orwell at the Southwark Playhouse starring Cressida Bonas, Tony Harrison's revivals of The Trackers of Oxyrhynchus and Square Rounds both at the Finborough Theatre and Billy Bishop Goes To War at the Jermyn Street Theatre. Jimmy enjoys working in theatre in education as well, running regular workshops for Speak Up UK and he is CEO of Hear My Voice; a non profit organisation which offers children from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to showcase their imagination on a West End stage. He is passionate about restoring drama back onto the school syllabus. Jimmy is great talking about his love of all things theatre as well as an obsession with all things peanut butter related!
To find out more visit www.proudhaddock.co.uk
Don't forget you can find out more about our podcasts by visiting our Facebook and Instagram pages @TheWeddingThinners
Joining me on the podcast this week is Iwan VanHetten and Anna Brooks. We chat about food, weight loss and how they approach a healthy lifestyle. We also talk music, Anna; a prolific multi-instrumentalist and member of the Jools Holland Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and Brooklyn Funk Essentials and Iwan producer, musician and composer with Trioniq and also Brooklyn Funk Essentials!
As well as casual chattery we also have THREE stonking pieces of music for you to enjoy from Brooklyn Funk Essentials, the Anna Brooks Quintet, and Trioniq!
Iwan VanHetten
Iwan is a longtime writing, touring and recording band member of the New York based Brooklyn Funk Essentials with whom he has toured the world over several times playing on prestigious festivals such as North Sea Jazz (NL and South Africa) Ronnie Scotts. Iwan has worked recorded and toured with other artists such as Sister Sledge, Candy Dulfer and Paco Sery to name a few. Iwan has his own professional recording facility in which he produces and mixes albums for Artist from all over the world.
www.instagram.com/iwanvanhetten www.youtube.com/user/iwanvanhetten www.facebook.com/iwanvanhetten
Anna Brooks
Over the last two decades saxophonist, vocalist, musical director / arranger and recording artist Anna Brooks’ prestigious career has gained her a reputation as one of the UK’s leading jazz / funk / pop saxophonists. She is currently alto saxophonist / backing vocalist with Jools Holland’s nineteen-piece ‘Rhythm And Blues Orchestra’ and tenor saxophonist / backing vocalist with the Brooklyn Funk Essentials. In early 2020 she toured Europe with Jools' four-piece band on tenor / soprano sax and vocals alongside special guests KT Tunstall, Ruby Turner and Louise Marshall and appeared on BBC 2’s 2020 Annual Hootenanny. Over the last ten years she has toured worldwide with the Brooklyn Funk Essentials and recorded two albums - ‘Funk Ain’t Ova’ and ’Stay Good’.
https://www.annabrooks.com https://www.instagram.com/annabrooks/ https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnaBrooksMusic https://www.facebook.com/AnnaBrooksSax/
https://twitter.com/annabr00ks
Joining me for a chat this week is Artistic Director, Rob Watt and session singing supremo Gavin Conder.
Rob is a critically acclaimed director, dramaturg and facilitator. He collaborates with writers, communities, poets, designers to try to make sense of the fractured world we live in.
He is dedicated to working with young people to help them tell stories, understand how to access theatre and to make resonant and risk taking work. He started his career working on Hackney estates; taking theatre to the doorsteps of communities in East London.
He currently is the Artistic Director for Theatre Centre and an Associate at Headlong Theatre. He regularly teaches at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and makes work with the Institute of the Arts Barcelona. He previously headed up the young people’s team at the National Theatre, was a Lead Artist at Lyric Hammersmith, an Artist Mentor at the Barbican and was Associate Director at Immediate Theatre.
Gavin is one of the UK’s most respected and sought after vocalists. In his 15 year career, he has worked with artists such as Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, Sam Smith, Bryan Adams, Brian May, Professor Green, Rudimental, Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, White Snake, Sophie Ellis Bextor and many more.
Sessions include jingles for Radio 2, Magic FM, the X factor, The Voice ,Minute Maid and the Carphone Warehouse He is also an artist and songwriter in his own right, being part of The Kondoors, a duo he shares with his wife (Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Bird member Jessica Greenfield) and rock band Rufus Black. He is currently a writer for Audio Network, The Nerve and has had songs feature in blockbuster film Logan, hit American show Suits, Netflix, channel 4 soap Hollyoaks and many more. He has also written and recorded for Universal, Sony, Emi, Decca. He is also now producing, arranging, mixing mastering recording for Peer Music Germany.
In this weeks podcast I'm joined by Tori Allen Martin and Vonne. Both super talented performers in their own right with a lot to say about healthy eating and their weight loss journey!
Tori Allen Martin
Born in New York and brought up in Kingston Upon Thames, Tori is a singer, songwriter, actor, director and co-founder of Burn Bright, a platform that aims to level the playing field for womxn in theatre. Tori's career as a singer has seen her perform on stages from the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam to The Lincoln Centre, NYC. She appears on Idris Elba's 'mi Mandela' album alongside Maverick Sabre and George the Poet and on various Eliza and the Bear tracks after working as their lead backing vocalist around the launch of their first album. Though music has always been her first love, Tori is best known for television appearances on BBC'S London Kills and Pandemonium, ITV's Unforgotten 3 and Channel 4's Pure. Tori's 2nd ep 'Half Full' released on March 19th is an honest and vulnerable record about escaping from a toxic love affair and ends on a high with a track (I'll Be The One) about easing into new relationships without the pressure of 'labels' or expectation. 'I sat on this record for ages because it felt too personal. I could only release it when I was fully over the person it's about. In all honesty, I don't think it's him I had to get over, I think it was my fear of relationships.
Vonné (pronounced von-nae)
The 26 year old Singer Songwriter grew up in South East London. After discovering her love for singing she asked her Mum if she could join her Church Choir. Her parents encouraged her to learn how to play the guitar and she then went on to study music at The Academy Of Contemporary Music.
Since graduating Vonné has toured as a backing vocalist with Artists such as Emeli Sandé, Mabel on the Harry Styles support, Nao and with Grime Legend & ‘Top Boy’ Star Kano.
Her debut EP Love Games gained loads of coverage from BBC 1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Reprezent, The Beat, Pulse88 and online Press includes Earmilk, Apitate and more. At the start of the last year she released her 3rd single “Twice” which was named ‘Track of The Week’ by DJ Ace on BBC 1Xtra, made the C List on Pulse88 & the Brand New List on the Beat.
Her sophomore EP is out & making noise with the lead single “Someone Like Me” being her second ‘Track Of The Week’ on BBC 1Xtra & within one year. Vonné was one of the Top 21 winners in the ‘I Saw It First Look’ competition. 2020 is definitely looking promising for the Songstress.
Joining me on the podcast this evening are Kofi Kyei and Paul James.
Paul James is the singer and front man of the bands One Day Elliott and Brothers From Another Cover. He has a PhD from the University of Westminster and is a guest music lecturer, vocal tutor and composer. He also runs choirs and other musical ensembles for various organisations.
During lockdown he launched a music comedy project with Phil James (related by love of rock only) called Rocket Up.
He is currently training for the Brighton marathon and loves his food (a little too much.)
Kofi Kyei is the founder of Ride for Unit; an amazing global cycling initiative born out of the idea of unifying rather than dividing. Kofi talks about his inspiration for starting it all up, how it has grown and where he aims for it to be in the future!
Don't forget to follow us on instagram @TheWeddingThinners and Facebook by searching for The Wedding Thinners!
This week I am joined by Dan Berry and Sammy Dinneen both incredible talents in their own right! We discuss mental health, how to overcome those moments where our brain might suggest that we can't reach our goal, and even who our favourite member of Gladiators was (OBVIOUSLY Wolf...) Check us out on Instagram (@theweddingthinners) and Facebook @TheWeddingThinners to keep in touch with what is coming up!
Live music comes from The 3rd Estate a hip hop / jazz collective founded by Daniel '3Digits' Berry. Upcoming UK MCs CANMKING & Chriz Gabriel share microphone duties with UK legend Ty who sadly passed away last year. MC verses are backed by live tracked instrumentals featuring some top Jazz talent including Tom Driessler (Yussef Kamaal, Tom Misch) Dougal Taylor (Vels Trio, Emma-Jean Thackray) & Jonny Murray (Mr Jukes, Bombay Bicycle Club).
Their debut single "Heart is Beating" is an uplifting & enriching track created collaboratively in a way that allows for interplay between all of the creative voices involved. Cut to tape with no click track and written with room for interpretation and improvisation, the single captures some of the wild energy and passion that the band have been delivering live. The single is a love letter to the music we love and dedication to the craft, a fitting tribute to our brother Ty who kept his heart front and centre in all the music he created.
Sammy trained at The National Centre for Circus Arts (the UK’s national circus school) for three years, specialising in handstands while also achieving a high level of skills in acrobatics and other circus disciplines.
After this, Sammy travelled to the Ukraine where he worked with some of the top handbalancers in the world to perfect his art.
In this week's podcast I am joined on Zoom by Ross Stirling & Damien Edwards.
Ross is a creative and fundraising force. The owner and creative director of Studio Juice; an independent design studio based in London. The company works with brands from across the world including live music venues and breweries (our favourite!!)
As well as his day job Ross is a prolific fundraiser for @WarChildUK; he's run deserts, climbed mountains, cycled across France and even canoed across the English Channel! His current fundraising project is a global initiative for WarChildUK called Peace Band with the aim to get participants moving and notching up 24,901 miles (the distance of the world!). At the time of this release they have hit their miles target and raised a HUGE £103,738!
Damien Edwards is an amazing performer with west end pedigree and joins me to talk about his latest project and imminent single release with Cats In Space. His skills as a front man are second to none and I seriously recommend you check him out performing with the band! We discuss the massive impacts that Covid has had on his career and how he intends to overcome them in the future!
You can find out more about this week's guests by visiting our Instagram page @TheWeddingThinners or our Facebook page facebook.com/theweddingthinners!
In this bumper episode we are joined by Chris Garner, Charlie Barnes, Danusia Francis and returning guest Elliot Reid. The chat flowed and started as soon as we all sat in the studio! It is worth noting at this point that this was recorded before the most recent lockdown came into force and was recorded in a covid secure studio space!
By day Chris Garner is a Milliner to royalty and the stars; by night Madame Mumu rises to entertain the masses in Maidstone. Chris joins us to talk about his experiences as a drag artist, his amazing hat designs and his upbringing in Zimbabwe.
Charlie Barnes is our musician for this podcast. A prolific songwriter and performer with his originals band Follow the Hawk he talks about his musical process and experiences with weight and fitness! We are also really pleased to welcome Elliot Reid back to the studio. An amazingly knowledgeable and thought provoking guest it is always a pleasure to have him in for a chat!
Our final guest is Danusia Francis; member of the Team Jamaica Olympic Gymnastics Team in the final stages of preparation for the Tokyo Olympics!
Don't forget you can find out more about our podcasts by following us on Instagram & Facebook by searching for The Wedding Thinners!
This week we are joined by a supremely talented bunch! Dan Burt is a powerhouse PT and rehabilitation specialist who can normally be found working from his clinic in London; now he's taken his work online!
Tony Bowen is a fantastic singer songwriter and lead singer of the hugely entertaining 'Kingtastic' function band! Since the music industry has wound down significantly Tony has started writing more and more. He talks us through his process and how he is managing to cope with lockdown!
Our final guest is Adam Hall Osman. Musician, Producer, Videographer, all round creative and owner of our home from home Beechsound Studios. He chats through what the year had in store and how is coping with life in lockdown!
Don't forget you can follow us on instagram and facebook. Why not follow us @theweddingthinners
Joining us this week we have lead singer of The Feeling and composer for The West End hit musical 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie' Dan Sells. He joins us to talk about his experiences through lockdown, the new feeling album as well as getting involved in general chat! Dan also treats us to a couple of live performances!
If you want to find out more about the band or the musical then follow these links: https://www.everybodystalkingaboutjamie.co.uk/
https://thefeeling.com/
Also joining us this week are Alastair Bendall & Martin Francis from Warriorkind; a mental health support network devoted to advocating positive conversations around mental health. You can find out more about the work they do by visiting https://warriorkind.co.uk/
As ever if you want to get in touch with us then why not visit @Theweddingthinners on instagram and Facebook!
*please note this episode was recorded before the end of 2020 and before any lockdown restrictions were put in place.
Why not celebrate Christmas Eve Eve with this special festive music special. Tom invites his band Beer Pressure to the studio! Featuring lots of live music and chat about our eating, lifestyles and how much we are missing gigging together!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Facebook @TheWeddingThinners!
Just so you know this recording took place before Tier 4 restrictions were released! We are so pleased we got this one in the bag before it all started!
Wherever you are in the world we wish you a very Merry Christmas and would like to thank you all for listening and supporting us!
Be Well.
The Wedding Thinners!
Joining us in the studio for this episode we have Bjorn Dawson (PT), Joe Ringer (Band Leader/Arranger & Singer) and Ant Martin (Singer/Songwriter & Bassist)
Featuring live music and chat about our experiences with the tough stuff it's well worth a download and a listen!
If you would like to get in touch with us or keep up to date with what is happening then check out our instagram & facebook pages by searching for @TheWeddingThinners!
Theweddingthinners
In this episode we are joined by Mikey Broomfield (Sports TV Tech Team), Michael Britchfield (Trainer/PT), Liam Jackson (Singer/Songwriter). They are here to chat about their weight loss journeys and relationships with food! We are also joined by Laurence Palfreyman (Clinical Pyschologist)an amazing psychologist who works for the NHS in helping those suffering with long term illnesses.
Join us for more chat about some of the tough stuff!
Don't forget to follow us on instagram & facebook @TheWeddingThinners!
This week we are joined in the studio by musician Dave Irving and aspiring chef, DJ and tortoise owner Billy Cunningham! Click play for more chat focusing on mental health, fitness, food and weight!
You can check out Dave's original music by visiting https://www.facebook.com/calicostreetriotsofficial/ and find out more about Billy's fantastic food creations by visiting @instasupperclub on instagram!
In this weeks episode we are joined by Director/Producer Sam Supple, swing singing sensation Kevin Hill Jnr and singer/songwriter Pedestrian Zero aka Toby Hawkins!
We chat about how the mind tricks you and our many modes and phases!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Facebook @theweddingthinners
In this episode we are joined by fantastically talented four piece Prison Beach Club. They talk about their new EP 'Sunny in the Meantime' their cycling and climbing escapades and how they have handled life since lockdown began back in March!
You can check out the band by visiting https://www.facebook.com/Prisonbeachclub/ and you can listen to their music on all popular music streaming sites!
Joining us in the studio we have May Kovacova (Personal Trainer and regular competitor in physique competitions) and Liam Jackson (Singer/Songwriter).
Both have incredible stories to share with their weight loss and mental health journeys!
Don't forget to check out our Instagram and Facebook page @theweddingthinners for more information about our guests!
Joining us in the studio tonight we have Michelle Harriott (Slimming World Woman of the Year) and Leanne Jones, an award winning actress best known for her role as Tracy Turnblad in the West End production of Hairspray!
Both guests have a story to tell about their journey towards weight loss and better fitness!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Facebook @theweddingthinners
This week Elliot Reid and Ant Martin are the special guests in Beechsound studio.
Elliot is the owner of Revitalize - an amazingly versatile clinic which helps fix peoples ailments; physical and mental! He is also an ex-Boxer and; I'm pretty sure a part time mind-reader; due to the manner in which he can 'read' his clients! Check out his website www.revitalizeclinic.co.uk
Ant is a man of many talents, a great musician, hugely generous with his time for charitable fundraisers (having raised close to £40,000 over the last 10 years!) and somebody who speaks openly and honestly about his 'journey' with weight loss!
Chap chat with a bit of live music thrown in throughout!
Don't you can get in touch with us via Instagram and Facebook by searching for @theweddingthinners
This week Tom & Richie discuss their....'journey' into weight loss at great length. Missing performing so much they also have a special musical first - the first time they've ever played music together!
Richie will pop in to the studio from time to time to keep us posted with how he is getting on with his weight loss!
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram & Facebook by searching for @theweddingthinners
A short snippet of what to expect from The Wedding Thinners; a podcast featuring live music, 'chap chat' as well as an emphasis on fitness, weight loss and generally promoting the idea of healthy mind and healthy body!
Don't forget to check us out on Instagram @theweddingthinners and on Facebook @TheWeddingThinners