CRAIG Parkinson’s Two Shot Podcast has come a long way in its first year.
The Line of Duty star says the podcast, which delves into the nitty gritty of the acting and creative arts world, started out as a small idea and admits that, now at more than 185,000 downloads, it’s become a much bigger beast than he ever imagined.
“It started out as a small idea in my mind but it’s grown into something quite big now,” Craig said.
“It’s become a challenge to be a podcaster and an actor at the same time, but it really is worth the hard work.
“We’re well over 185,000 downloads at the minute after less than a year and I never thought for a minute that it would get to that.”
The weekly podcast has now been nominated for Best Culture Podcast at the British Podcast Awards and the main reason for its success, it seems, is Craig’s desire to keep it uniquely raw.
“I want it to be a relaxed setting and just have a chat,” he said.
“I tell all our guests that I don’t want them to prepare anything so it’s just a real chat and it’s natural and we put it out there unedited so people listening feel like they’re there with us and hearing it all.”
For Northwich, though, Craig and producer Thomas Griffin are taking that notion one step further.
They’ll be recording two podcast episodes live in front of an audience, and they’ve lined up some high-demand guests.
Legendary DJ-turned music journalist and author Dave Haslam will be sitting down for a natter with Craig, before tagging in the popular English actor Paddy Considine (Peaky Blinders, Hot Fuzz).
“I met Dave at Kendal Calling last year and we’ve been trying to get it sorted for him to come on the podcast for a while, and this seemed the perfect time to do it,” Craig said.
“God knows what stories Dave Haslam will turn up, because he’s got plenty and he’s an absolute legend, and a I may even ask him to read some of his book out.
“Paddy has been at the top of my wish list since we started it and a lot of our listeners are always requesting him so he’s in high demand.
“We’ll have loads to talk about. He’s one of the great British actors around at the minute and he’ll be performing with his band and I’ve always been a big music fan and a big fan of musicians.
“I just hope that they follow the same line of the previous podcasts and we can just relax and be free to talk about anything in a relaxed environment. And we might even throw out a question and answer session so the people watching can get involved.”
The podcast will be live with Dave Haslam at Barons Quay at 1pm tomorrow and from 2.45pm with Paddy Considine at the Odeon cinema.
Check out the podcast at twoshotpod.podbean.com
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