I had a grand old chat with Deby Jackson who is the creator, editor, all-round-everything of That Leeds Mag, an independent printed Leeds magazine that goes out to 19,000 homes across North Leeds.It provides advertising for local businesses, has great editorial features and the cover art work is really beautiful too.Deby tells  me about how and why she got started and what she thinks of Leeds as a relative newcomer to the city. I had been interviewed by her for That Leeds Mag the previous week so it was good to be able to turn the tables too! Do check out That Leeds Mag social media (links below) and get in touch with her if you&apos;d like to advertise: https://thatleedsmag.co.uk/ads@thatleedsmag.co.ukhttps://www.facebook.com/thatleedsmaghttps://twitter.com/thatleedsmaghttps://www.instagram.com/thatleedsmag/https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatleedsmag/Deby chose to feature "Ocean Floor" by a Leeds pop-collective called Sea&apos;s Cape and any proceeds of the song raises money for the Marine Conservation Society. "The Leeds band members and comprise Spencer Bayles - music producer, and musician,  Nicky Bray - musician, and curator of longstanding Leeds open mic night &apos;Tower of Song&apos;, and Emma Gatherer, singer and former member of Leeds Sea Shanty group &apos;Ocean Loiners&apos; - a Loiner being an old term for a resident of Leeds. &apos;Ocean Floor&apos; has been recorded over several weeks with elements of social distancing at times, while fitting the project in around day jobs. Sea&apos;s Cape hope their resulting catchy pop song with upbeat folk undertones will inspire enough interest to raise funds for and awareness of the Marine Conservation Society.  The Society campaigns and takes action for a cleaner, better protected ocean, to care for coastal habitats and raise awareness of the challenges of Climate Change on our oceans."https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/seas-cape-fundraiserhttps://seas-cape.bandcamp.com/track/ocean-floor-fundraiser-for-marine-conservation-society

Light on Leeds

Episode 48 Deby Jackson - That Leeds Mag

Where to begin?! Testament is a rapper, a spoken word poet, a world record holding beatboxer, a writer, a theatre maker, a workshop facilitator, a husband and a father...We spoke about his perfomance for Desmond Tutu, how he came to write Orpheus in the Record Shop and performed it with seven members of the Opera North orchestra, how his First Word record label was voted Label of the Year and how he had to keep Idris Elba off the stage at an event.It&apos;s a brilliant conversation that traverses many things!The featured track is the DJ Vadim remix of “I Don’t Even Know” by Homecut ft Corinne Bailey Rae & Soweto Kinch (Homecut being another alter-ego of Testament&apos;s) - it&apos;s a fantastic track and I am sure you will love it...https://www.testamenthomecut.com/https://twitter.com/testamentonlinehttps://www.facebook.com/testamenthomecut/https://www.instagram.com/testamenthomecut/?hl=enhttps://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/orpheus-in-the-record-shop/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vbtxhttp://www.firstwordrecords.com/

Episode 47: Testament (aka Homecut)

I had such a fabulous time chatting to Amy Sanderson, Head of Communication at Leeds Heritage Theatres.Leeds Heritage Theatres encompasses Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House.Amy tells lots of great facts and stories about the three, how hard the last 18 months have been and about their Learning and Engagement Programme and Leeds Actors in Training.Amy chose to feature the beautiful track "Northern Time" by the force of nature that is the band Hope & Social - the link to the video is included below. https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/https://twitter.com/leedstheatreshttps://www.facebook.com/leedsheritagetheatreshttps://www.instagram.com/leedstheatres/https://www.linkedin.com/company/leeds-heritage-theatres/https://www.hopeandsocial.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/hopeandsocialhttps://twitter.com/hopeandsocialhttps://www.youtube.com/user/HopeAndSocialhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S5tBlYW8XY

Episode 46: Amy Sanderson - Leeds Heritage Theatres

I had a good time chatting to Denham Hill, the Community Manager and Skateboard Coach at LS-Ten Skatepark.LS-ten is situated in South Leeds and provides alternative provision for pupils who are close to, or have been excluded from school.The skate park covers 25,000 feet and has a wide selection of professional and bespoke ramps and a huge street section open to all kinds of rider.Do check out Denham&apos;s YouTube videos in the link below.The featured track this week is "Friends" by the excellent Leeds band "Silverlode"https://www.youtube.com/c/DenhamHillhttps://ls-ten.org/https://www.facebook.com/LSTENCharity/https://www.instagram.com/ls.ten/https://www.facebook.com/silverlodeband/https://silverlode.bandcamp.com/https://twitter.com/silverlodebandhttps://www.instagram.com/silverlodeband/?hl=en

Episode 45: Denham Hill - LS-TEN Skatepark

"The Leeds Salon is a discussion group founded in early 2009 by Michele Ledda and Paul Thomas, inspired by similar initiatives they had attended and, in particular, their participation in the Academy of Ideas sixth-form Debating Matters competition.The Salon organises public discussion around political, cultural and scientific issues, with the aim of challenging any orthodoxies along the way, defending and developing the legacy of the Enlightenment and, above all, providing a space where free speech can take place.Writers, academics and experts in their field are invited to present their ideas and to have them debated and held up to scrutiny by the audience. The Salons are lively, informal and open to all — but please let us know you intend to come along by e-mailing us at contact@leedssalon.org.uk.Leeds Salon also runs and helps organise debating competitions and debate training in schools and colleges in Leeds and beyond."The featured song on this episode is "The Boor" by the briliant (and excellently named) Priest of Beards.https://www.leedssalon.org.uk/https://twitter.com/theleedssalonhttps://priestofbeards.bandcamp.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MhdwPGSnldHyA4aesNkRX?si=qh2VvQ2wTj-kTs__Zvx3dQ&utm_source=copy-linkhttps://twitter.com/priestofbeards?s=09https://www.facebook.com/priestofbeards/https://www.instagram.com/priestofbeards/

Episode 44: Paul Thomas, Leeds Salon

I had a great time chatting to Rebecca about Young Musicians for Social Justice, how they began, their ethos and what their plans are for the future:"Founded by a group of students at the University of Leeds, our mission is to mobilise young musicians for sustainable social justice solutions. We aim to establish a community of musicians who care about social justice, find creative ways to advocate for the relationship between music and social justice, and empower young musicians aged 18-25 to establish their own bespoke, grass-roots projects through events, networks and training. What do we mean by social justice? We have put together a comprehensive document which you can find here, however we want to allow space for our projects to be shaped by the people we work with. We are open for all musicians of different backgrounds, abilities and professions to join our community."Do listen along to their podcasts or access their Word Press link (below) to read more. The featured track on this episode is the brilliant "Half as Good" by Jumbo Chords.https://anchor.fm/ymsjhttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/young-musicians-for-social-justice/id1549687055https://www.facebook.com/Young-Musicians-for-Social-Justice-106275814663707/https://open.spotify.com/show/2qRVr9jEs7DgFRIFRQwc64https://twitter.com/ymsjukhttps://youngmusiciansforsocialjustice.wordpress.com/https://www.facebook.com/Jumbochords/https://soundcloud.com/user-659636309https://www.wharfchambers.org/

Episode 43: Rebecca Young: Musicians for Social Justice

I had an illuminating chat with John Crouch all about Leeds Fencing Club.The club is about to celebrate it&apos;s 50th aniversary and is recruiting new members. The Club can cater for fencers of all abilities from the age of 12 years.It meets every Monday (except for the month of August and Public Holidays):Beginners                                  - 8:00 pm - 9:00 pmIntermediate & Advanced        - 8:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe club runs regular beginners courses for those new to the sport. There is group coaching available for intermediate fencers as well as individual coaching for intermediate and advanced fencers.The featured track on this episode is the wonderful "Free Now" by Thomas John.http://www.leedsfencing.co.uk/https://active.leeds.gov.uk/findacentre/kirkstallleisurecentrehttps://www.facebook.com/thomas.johnmusic.1

Episode 42: John Crouch - Leeds Fencing Club

It was great fun chatting to Adam about Quantum Sauce and how it aims to break down barriers between university researchers and the public.Quantum Sauce is a blend of fascinating science facts that keep you curious - it&apos;s science meets stand up!The featured track is gorgeous -  "You Gotta Move" by Nick Cody and The HeartacheThe next event Is Dr Who and The Tardis:SCIENCE + ART + BEER = MIND EXPANSION!Thursday 18 NovemberDoors 7pm - Commences 8pmThree experts talk for 30mins each on:The Next Doctor: Regeneration, Reincarnation and Personal Identity Problems - Dr Mikel BurleyThe Impossible Planet: Planets, Stars, and What Happens when Gravity goes Wrong - Dr Adrian BarkerDaleks in Manhattan: Lost (and Found) in Translation - Dr Sara Ramos PintoTickets here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/quantum-sauce-doctor-in-the-tardis-tickets-162160218579 You can check out the Quantum Sauce social media and view past talks on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkNQIvvGlvXXYvPQDTlGQDAhttps://www.facebook.com/theconstitutionalhttps://twitter.com/quantum_sauce?lang=enhttps://twitter.com/FConstitutionalhttps://www.facebook.com/nickcodymusicprojects/https://www.nickcody.co.uk/

Episode 41: Dr Adam Booth - Quantum Sauce

I spoke to Kim and Adam Strickson about the charity 6 Million Plus and the Friendship Through Puppets project they run.It was an illuminating and fascinating conversation.If you are available, do go along this weekend to their Weeping Sisters Parade (featuring 12 foot puppets!) this Saturday 6th November beginning at the Market Place in Dewsbury from 11am and the Batley Market Place at 2pm.Adam and Kim chose to feature the beautiful song "Sbrenica" by Bosnian musician Sanya Chin.https://www.6millionplus.org/https://www.facebook.com/6MillionPlushttps://twitter.com/6millionplushttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3P5--UHuY1QNI3IQuMKhKQ

Light On Episode 6: Kim and Adam Strickson: 6 Million Plus

Masato Jones was born in Saitama, near Tokyo, Japan and graduated from Central St Martins in Womenswear in 2009.  He is a designer, pattern cutter, tailor, tutor and artist.He tells me about his own label Masato, how he designed the costumes for Beverly Knight&apos;s 2011 tour and his wonderful shop in Thornton&apos;s Arcade.The featured track is the fantastic "Richard&apos;s Office" by the spectacular Leeds band Silverlode.Check out all their links below:https://www.masato.co.uk/https://twitter.com/masato_joneshttps://www.instagram.com/masatojones/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/masatoboutique/Masato Limited 5 Thorntons Arcade, LEEDS, LS1 6LQTel 07799053329 http://www.silverlodeonline.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/silverlodebandhttps://twitter.com/SilverlodeBandhttps://www.instagram.com/silverlodebandhttps://soundcloud.com/silverlodeband

Episode 40: Masato Jones

Buy Nowt Ls6 believe that everyone can make an environmental difference by borrowing and not buying. This reduces the creation of waste and allows people to come together and share resources.The scheme was set up by Jed, Sarah, Lee, Mark and John.I had a great time chatting to Jed about the ethos of the scheme and how they got started.The group decided to feature the stunning track "Holly&apos;s Got a Ticket" by Peter Darling - a beautiful track with quite heart-breaking lyrics.https://buynowtls6.com/about/https://www.facebook.com/BuynowtLS6/https://twitter.com/buynowtls6https://www.peterdarlingmusic.com/https://www.facebook.com/PeterDarlingMusic/https://www.instagram.com/peterdarlingmusic/https://twitter.com/pdarlingmusichttps://soundcloud.com/peter-darlinghttps://open.spotify.com/artist/03D1pfPUZBDoL3OSg0JgG2?si=8fIV2rutT62sXP73wDtvHg

Episode 39: Buy Nowt LS6

Dermot Daly was a very interesting person to chat to!Dermot is a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire. He has worked regionally, nationally and internationally in stage, screen and radio drama.He has directorial awards for his film work and he explains to me whay he is so fond of the phrase "throwing the ladder back down".Dermot voices The Guardian podcasts and tells me about the work he is doing with Red Ladder Theatre Company "My Voice Was Heard But Ignored" and with Freedom Studios on "Aaliyah (After Antigone)".He chose to feature the fantastic uplifting song "A Club at the Edge of Town" by Jamie Fletcher and Company.http://www.dermotdaly.co.uk/https://www.freedomstudios.co.uk/production/aaliyah-after-antigone/http://www.redladder.co.uk/whatson/my-voice-was-heard-but-it-was-ignored/https://jamiefletcherandcompany.bandcamp.com/track/club-on-the-edge-of-townhttps://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2021/jul/23/why-every-single-statue-should-come-down-podcast

Episode 38: Dermot Daly

Phil Mellen was the Deputy Director of Children&apos;s Services for Leeds City Council.He tells me about having to leave the role, contracting Covid and then long Covid, writing songs and his recording deal.Phil lives in Cheshire, just south of Manchester and answers the three questions I ask every guest. http://www.blacksheeplad.com/https://twitter.com/blacksheepladhttps://soundcloud.com/blacksheepladhttps://blacksheeplad.bandcamp.com/https://www.instagram.com/blacksheeplad/?hl=en-gb

Light On Episode 5 Phillip Mellen is Black Sheep Lad

It was great to chat to another Leeds Podcaster - Simon Treen about his podcast Working Hours.Simon is aiming to record 1000 people over the course of the decade about their job and how they feel about it.If you&apos;d like to get involved please check the links below.The featured song on this episode is the raucous "Sunset Claims" by Blue Orchid Reaction.https://western-studios.com/https://www.instagram.com/western_studios_leeds/https://twitter.com/WesternStudios2https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-studios/https://www.instagram.com/workinghourspodleeds/https://www.patreon.com/WorkingHoursPodhttps://workinghourspod@western-studios.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BlueOrchidReaction/https://twitter.com/blue_reaction?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/blue_orchid_reactionband/?hl=en-gbhttps://blueorchidreaction.bandcamp.com/

Light on Leeds Episode 37 - Simon Treen: Working Hours Podcast

Dr Kerry Harker remotely connected to tell me all about the East Leeds Project of which she is a founder and the Artictic Director.Kerry tells me about the MakerSpace project, East Leeds Pavillion and KIOSK.She was very proud to tell me about the launch of their newspaper "We Are Pioneers"."We are a practitioner-led visual arts organisation based in Gipton, East Leeds. We work with art as a social action, which we understand as ‘employ[ing] the varied forms offered by the expanded field of contemporary art as a collaborative, collective and participatory social method for bringing about real-world instances of progressive justice, community building and transformation’. (Gregory Sholette and Chloë Bass, 2018) "Kerry chose to feature the beautiful track "Some Things Grow" by Zoe Carty.https://eastleedsproject.org/https://www.facebook.com/eastleedsprojecthttps://www.instagram.com/eastleedsproject/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/leeds_east?lang=enhttps://www.facebook.com/carty.zoehttps://www.instagram.com/zzzoca/?hl=en-gbhttps://zoecarty.bandcamp.com/

Light On Leeds Episode 36: Dr Kerry Harker - East Leeds Project

This is a podcast about all of the fantastic things happening in Leeds and the amazing people who are making them happen. We've got social activists, writers, BAFTA winners, artists, gallery owners, playwrights, stand-up comedians, authors, raconteurs, bands, fiddle players, charities - and you don't have to live in Leeds to enjoy it...

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Light on Leeds

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