For friends Jake Rusby and Dave Hemming, a long-standing joke has somehow become a reality.
The two North Shields residents have launched a new podcast, ‘Two Plastic Geordies’, the name referencing the duo hailing hail from the south of England, but now finding themselves firmly rooted in the beautiful North East.
Both now in their 40s, Jake and Dave joked for months that once you hit middle-age, the only thing to do is to start a podcast. And now they are.
‘Two Plastic Geordies’ is a celebration of the region’s rich diversity, as the former journalists interview people living across the region, all with a unique story to tell.
The episodes will be split into themes, with the first series, New to the North East, featuring stories from people who, like them, are not from the area.
The first episode, an interview with Olya, a Ukrainian refugee, is available now on all streaming services and has already exceeded the hosts’ expectations with around 150 downloads (at the time of writing), listeners in all parts of the world, and positive feedback across the board.
Episode Two features an interview with none other than this magazine’s editor-in-chief, Simmie Harper.
Jake said: “Between us we have interviewed hundreds of people over the years for various newspapers and TV channels – including celebrities, sports stars and politicians. It’s something we’ve both loved doing for work, and now we get to do it for fun!
“We both love living in the North East, and are so passionate about the region and the people who live here. We are proud adopted Geordies.
“We want to showcase stories from people across the region, all of whom have a unique voice and an inspiring tale to tell. ‘Two Plastic Geordies’ is a celebration of the different people who live in this beautiful area, whether they are ‘adopted’ like us, or were born here.
“Hopefully listeners enjoying hearing the shows as much as we have loved producing them.”
The duo are even making the podcast a family affair: Their eight-year-old sons, Zachary and Max, will add their own twist to the tales as they pose questions to the podcast interviewees.
Dave added: “Like Jake, I am really proud to call the North East home – it’s where my roots are now and both my children were born here so I fully identify as a plastic Geordie!
“The podcast has been a real passion project and has forced me to do things slightly outside my comfort zone (I’m more used to being hidden behind a camera in my professional life), but it’s been amazing talking to some brilliant guests and sharing their incredible stories.
“We have lots more exciting plans for Two Plastic Geordies – with more fantastic guests, features, and ideas to come, so watch this space!”
To find out more about the podcast, follow @twoplasticgeordies on Instagram and Facebook. To get in touch with the podcast, email [email protected].
