In this episode, Me’sha Bryan reflects on the journey of the podcast, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from previous guests. She discusses the importance of audience engagement and the learning experiences that come with podcasting. Me’sha emphasises the value of thoughtful reflection and community building within the entertainment industry.

Links:

@meshabryan

meshabryan.com

@stageandscreenpodcast

stageandscreenpodcast.com

Takeaways
Me’sha has chronic migraines, which he openly discusses.
The podcast has reached a significant milestone with its episodes.
Engagement with the audience is crucial for the podcast's success.
Me’sha's presenting style is influenced by her extensive training and experience.
The importance of thoughtful reflection during interviews is highlighted.
Guests on the podcast share valuable insights and stories.
Me’sha encourages listeners to explore all episodes for diverse perspectives.
The podcast aims to create a community around shared experiences in entertainment.
Me’sha acknowledges the behind-the-scenes work of her team, especially Darren. The podcast is a platform for learning and growth in the creative industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
05:19 Podcast Journey and Guest Highlights
10:49 Learning and Growth in Podcasting
12:36 Engagement and Community Building

In this, the second part of Me’sha Bryan’s interview, listeners are taken on a captivating journey through the life and career of Mike Nolan, a key member of the iconic band, Bucks Fizz. The discussion delves into the origins of the band's name, the whirlwind experience of winning Eurovision, and the dynamics within the group.

Mike shares candid thoughts on his solo career and the creative freedom it brought and a heartfelt recount of his final performance with Bucks Fizz and the emotional standing ovation he received.

Key Highlights:

The story behind the name "Bucks Fizz" and its connection to a celebratory drink. Mike's reflections on the rapid rise to fame after winning Eurovision. Insights into the personal and professional relationships within the band. Mike's candid thoughts on his solo career and the creative freedom it brought. A heartfelt recount of his final performance with Bucks Fizz and the emotional standing ovation he received.

#MikeNolan #BucksFizz #Eurovision #MusicJourney #Podcast

Takeaways

The name 'Bucks Fizz' originated from a casual conversation after a studio demo.

The band was formed quickly, and their success hinged on winning Eurovision.

Group dynamics were complex, with members not always gelling personally.

Fame brought both recognition and challenges, affecting personal interactions.

Transitioning to solo work was not initially planned but became a natural progression.

The experience of performing solo is nerve-wracking compared to being in a band.

Celebrity life involves constant recognition and the need to be gracious to fans.

Personal growth often comes from overcoming challenges and feedback from peers.

The importance of maintaining relationships with fans is crucial for long-term success.

Navigating fame requires humility and an understanding of its transient nature. Everyone goes through challenges in life.

The impact of fame can be surprising.

Memorable moments often come from unexpected places.

Independence is a significant milestone in life.

Leaving home can be both exciting and emotional.

Recognition from family can validate one's career choices.

The journey of a musician is filled with ups and downs.

Reflecting on a long career brings mixed emotions.

It's important to appreciate the audience's support.

A heartfelt farewell can be a powerful experience.

Sound bites

"Where did that come from?"

"It's a brilliant feeling."

"You can't be rude to them."

"I want to be a singer"

"Eat it baby, eat it"

Chapters

00:00 The Origin of Bucks Fizz

01:00 Formation and Early Days of the Band

03:21 Dynamics Within the Group

07:42 Transition to Solo Work

11:58 The Impact of Fame

17:05 Navigating Celebrity Life

18:06 The Impact of Fame

21:07 Memorable Moments in Music

27:01 The Journey to Independence

30:50 Reflecting on a Long Career

34:04 A Fond Farewell

Join host Me'sha Bryan as she delves into the creative journey of acclaimed writer and lyricist Lee Hall. Known for his work on "Billy Elliot," Lee shares insights into his multifaceted career spanning film, theatre, and radio. Discover the stories behind his latest projects, including a new screenplay and a unique adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Mother Courage and Her Children."

Key Highlights:

Lee Hall's reflections on the success of "Billy Elliot" and its impact. The creative process behind adapting classic works for modern audiences. Lee's thoughts on collaboration and the importance of cultural roots in storytelling. An exclusive look into Lee's upcoming film project about pianist Glenn Gould.

Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the most influential voices in contemporary theatre and film. Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes!

00:00 Introduction to Lee Hall and His Work

02:59 Collaboration and Cultural Exchange in Theatre

06:11 The Importance of Local Identity in Storytelling

09:08 The Writing Process: Inspiration and Craft

11:56 The Role of Collaboration in Theatre

15:02 Researching and Writing for Film

17:58 The Differences Between Theatre and Film

20:59 Family Background and Early Influences

24:10 The Joy of Collaborative Creation

26:56 Exploring Neurodiversity Through Storytelling

Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of John Altman, a BAFTA and Emmy award-winning composer and arranger. From working with legends like Diana Ross and Amy Winehouse to scoring iconic scenes in films like "Titanic" and "GoldenEye," John shares his incredible experiences and insights into the world of music composition.

Key Highlights:
John's early musical influences and family background. The story behind arranging "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" for Monty Python. Insights into composing for films and the unique challenges it presents. Anecdotes from working with renowned artists and directors. The evolution of music in commercials and TV shows.

John’s Web and social links:

John’s Altman's Book - Hidden Man - My many musical lives

https://amzn.to/46xEpYH

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/johnaltmanofficial

Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7lOzXZOSd2FAQ8LBcJWFdL?si=IPKtL1QqTMih2qt9jgTueQ

IMDb

John Altman's IMDb page

John’s Wikipedia Page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Altman_(composer)

Me'sha and the Stage & Screen links:

Stage & Screen Links:

@meshabryan

meshabryan.com

@stageandscreenpodcast

stageandscreenpodcast.com

00:00 Introduction
01:20 Early Musical Influences and beginnings
04:56 Career Progression and Collaborations
11:10 The Creative Process of Composing Music
16:40 Navigating Music Copyright and Originality
22:15 Collaborations with Directors and Artists
32:02 Navigating Royalties and Historical Context
33:30 Collaborating with Renowned Artists
35.24 The Birth of the 10 Room
38:35 Memorable Performances and Celebrity Encounters
40:05 The 10 Room’s Unique Atmosphere
46:32 The Evolution of Live Music Venues
49:24 The Importance of Community in Music
52:04 Reflections on Musical Connections
56:02 The Creative Process and Pressure
01:03:40 The Musical Journey of Titanic
01:07:57 The Haunting Legacy of Titanic’s Orchestra
01:09:55 Artistic Choice in Film and Music
01:11:59 Reflection on Career and (no) Regrets
01:15:57 The Importance of Collaboration
01:20:00 Recognition and Awards in the Music Industry

In this solo episode of Stage and Screen, Me’sha Bryan expresses gratitude to listeners and discusses the podcast's journey. She introduces herself, shares her background in acting and singing, and highlights the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into producing the show. Me’sha also celebrates the contributions of early guests and teases upcoming interviews with notable figures in the entertainment industry.

Links:

@meshabryan

meshabryan.com

@stageandscreenpodcast

stageandscreenpodcast.com

Takeaways

Me’sha Bryan expresses heartfelt thanks to listeners for their support.

The podcast has received thousands of views and positive feedback.

Me’sha shares her diverse background as an actor, singer, and vocal coach.

The production of the podcast is a collaborative effort with Darren handling technical aspects.

Me'sha highlights the importance of early guests in establishing the podcast.

She shares anecdotes about her friendships with guests Mike Nolan, Mark Buckley, and John Xue Zhang.

Me’sha emphasises the significance of community engagement in the podcast's success.

The episode provides insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of the podcast.

Me’sha hints at exciting upcoming guests and topics for future episodes.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast through comments and subscriptions.

Sound bites

"It's a hot one!"

"Thanks Mike, we love you!"

"John is incredibly organised!"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

04:19 Behind the Scenes of Stage and Screen

06:03 Celebrating Early Guests

13:08 Upcoming Guests and Future Insights

For more info visit: https://www.meshabryan.com/stage-screen-podcast/

In this engaging conversation, Mike Nolan, a member of the iconic 80s group Bucks Fizz, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Dublin to international fame. He discusses his early musical influences, the formation of Bucks Fizz, memorable encounters with celebrities like Princess Diana, and the life-altering accident that changed his perspective on life and performance. Mike also reflects on his successful pantomime career and the challenges he faced after the accident, showcasing his resilience and passion for entertainment.

Mike's Social Links:

@mikenolanfizz

Takeaways

Mike Nolan's early passion for music began at age 16.
Bucks Fizz won Eurovision with 'Making Your Mind Up' in 1981.
Mike's memorable encounter with Princess Diana left a lasting impression.
The accident Mike experienced led to significant changes in his life.
He lost 50% of his vision due to the accident.
Mike's pantomime career began in 1989 and continues today.
He emphasizes the importance of wearing seatbelts for safety.
Despite challenges, Mike remains passionate about performing.
His humorous approach to mistakes in performances endears him to audiences.
Mike values the memories and memorabilia from his career.

Sound Bites

"I was very upset about it."
"I can't drive anymore."
"I feel a right twat."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mike Nolan
01:49 Early Musical Journey
05:54 Formation of Bucks Fizz
09:40 Memories of Fame and Success
13:48 Charity Work and Personal Values
17:47 The Accident and Its Aftermath
23:29 Life After the Accident
29:24 Pantomime Career and Challenges

In this conversation Me'sha Bryan interviews Mark Buckley, a seasoned monitor engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in the music industry. Mark shares his journey from being a drummer to specializing in sound engineering, particularly in mixing monitor systems for high-profile artists. He discusses the technical aspects of his role, the importance of sound quality, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. Mark also provides insights into the tools and techniques he uses, as well as the unique experiences that come with touring.

Mark's Social Links:

@markbuckley4646

Takeaways

Mark Buckley has nearly 30 years of experience as a monitor engineer.
He transitioned from being a drummer to focusing on sound engineering.
Investing in a sound course helped him specialize in in-ear monitors.
Musicians today are more knowledgeable about their sound preferences.
Mark's success is reflected in being fully booked for the next 12 months.
Understanding the venue's acoustics is crucial for sound quality.
The noise floor is an important factor in achieving clarity in sound.
Mark emphasizes the importance of family time despite a busy touring schedule.
He enjoys exploring new places while on tour.
Every experience on the road contributes to his growth as an engineer.

Sound Bites

"You can't change the venue, it is what it is."
"Every day's a school day."
"It's a fun job, isn't it?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mark Buckley and His Career
00:57 The Journey from Musician to Monitor Engineer
04:32 Understanding the Role of a Monitor Engineer
06:27 Techniques and Tools of the Trade
11:52 The Importance of Sound Quality and Noise Floor
14:31 Balancing Work and Family Life
16:01 Experiences on Tour and Personal Time
17:05 Managing Large Bands and Sound Checks