First podcast from Charlotte Church coming to BBC Sounds

Kicking Back with the Cardiffians is a new podcast hosted by Welsh singer-songwriter, Charlotte Church.

This is Charlotte’s first podcast and features conversations on belonging, working class identity and the unbreakable bonds of family.

Guests include her parents, her aunt, her bampy (grandad), best friends, dance teacher, and even the local pub landlord. Their candid, and often profound stories paint a vivid portrait of Cardiff, the city where Charlotte has lived all her life.

They talk about lessons learned in life and moments still being processed. Topics range from the secrets to sustaining a long, loving marriage, to how to rebuild yourself in the face of adversity.

The podcast’s original music has been composed by Church and her singer, songwriter and producer husband, Jonathan Powell to reflect its setting of Cardiff.

Charlotte says of the podcast: “I grew up in a working-class household in Cardiff, and I feel fortunate to feel grounded in this city. There’s so much wisdom and beauty in my family’s stories, and I really wanted to explore where we feel like we most belong.

“It’s been a joy to begin capturing the stories of my favourite humans and I can’t wait to share the bits that are fit for broadcast.”

Rhian Roberts, BBC Commissioner Podcasts, Formats and Digital adds: “Listening to Charlotte and her family chat is a proper insight into the way life is lived and stories are told – with grace and plenty of hwyl, that’s Welsh for a sort of heartfelt energy.

“It’s a seat at a particularly special table and one which has been in the works for a while now so it’s fantastic to bring it to listeners on BBC Sounds.”

In the first episode, Charlotte talks to her ‘dada’, James Church, who came into her life when she was three. He details his upbringing in the city, his take on what it means to lead a ‘good life’ and how he has survived sepsis seven times. He also reveals how Charlotte responded to his terminal diagnosis of AL amyloidosis, a rare disease which affects the internal organs.

In the second episode of the series, Charlotte is joined by one of her oldest friends and ‘chosen family’, Kyla Scott, and shares stories about the ebb and flow of their friendship over the years.

Kicking Back with the Cardiffians is available weekly from 4 April on BBC Sounds.

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