Russelled Up is a podcast that alternates between talking to Manchester TV icons, the latest from Coronation Street and focusing on mental health and grief.
On the face of it, you might think it wouldn’t work, but it does – and very well too.
The podcast was launched at the beginning of the year by Russell Hayward who is already known for his posts on social media which often go viral. He doesn’t want the podcast to be just about famous names, it’s also about life, he says: “It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a few years now but never felt ready. I guess I used the start of the year and sort of turned it into a New Year’s resolution.”
The first episode was a discussion between him and his house mate Lana, who also happens to be his best friend of 17 years. He describes it as “a kind of introduction to our friendship and telling some funny stories along the way”.
This was followed in episode two with a chat to Pop Idol 2 winner and friend, Michelle McManus talking about the struggles she’s faced in the entertainment business and what she’s up to these days.
Russell has also featured Julie Hesmondhalgh AKA Hayley Cropper from Corrie as they talk about all things telly, her time at Coronation Street and what she’d like to do next.
There’s another episode where Russell talks to his friend and HIV activist Holly Shortall openly and honestly about his own diagnosis of HIV. It sends a powerful and positive message to others who may be going through a similar experience.
They also discuss It’s A Sin, the stigma people still face but also how far the medication has come since the 80s and 90s and how it doesn’t have to be the death sentence it once was.
Whether talking to a soap star about their work or discussing the harsh realities life can throw at you, there’s a particular style that comes through in this podcast – it’s real, there’s an authenticity about it. As you listen, you don’t hear an interview, instead you hear an interesting and enlightening conversation between two people.
Russell knows about dealing with the difficult side of life and grief, in 2017 his partner Martyn Hett was one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack.
Talking about it in a recent interview with the Manchester Evening News, Russell said: “Grieving is a forever thing, you do it in stages. Obviously I’m in a better situation right now, but you do learn a lot about yourself during those horrendous situations.
“But, humour has saved my life really, especially when it comes to grieving. I don’t want the podcast to be all doom and gloom – I want to tackle it with a bit of fun.”
The latest episode features Jennie McAlpine who plays Fiz Brown in Coronation Street. Next Sunday, for Valentine’s Day Russell will be talking to one of his best friends, Bradley Tyler about disastrous dates they’ve had over the years, but also touching on loneliness in the community.
Coming up in future episodes, Russell says: “I plan on having my mother on around Mother’s Day. I have some great guests lined up, some famous faces and some people I have grown up with.
“I’ll tackle some topics that might still be seen as taboo subjects and will discuss personal troubles.
“I want to be completely honest on this podcast, it means a lot to me and I don’t sugar coat anything.”
Russelled Up is available on Spotify or Apple podcasts with new episodes available every Sunday – apart from this week’s episode which is out a day early!
