The much-loved Parched Pea Podcast, produced by Lancashire Post and Blog Preston, is making a grand return for its second series this spring. Hosted by the charismatic John ‘Gilly’ Gilmore, the podcast continues to shine a spotlight on inspiring stories from Prestonians, celebrating the city’s unique culture, history, and community spirit.
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Bigger and Better: Podcast Now Airing on Central Radio
In a significant expansion, this series of the Parched Pea Podcast will not only be available on major podcast platforms but will also be broadcast on Preston’s Central Radio. This exciting development ensures a wider audience can engage with the heartfelt and fascinating narratives of local people.
John ‘Gilly’ Gilmore expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“It’s fantastic to be back hosting the second series and hearing more incredible stories from the amazing people of Preston.
The collaboration with Central Radio adds a dynamic new dimension, and working with producer Nathan Hill has been an absolute pleasure.”
A Collaborative Effort to Bring Local Voices to the Forefront
The integration of radio broadcasting into the podcast aligns with the evolving landscape of digital media, bringing content to audiences across multiple platforms, including:
✅ Podcast Streaming Services (Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more)
✅ Traditional Radio Broadcast on Central Radio
✅ Online Publications via Blog Preston and Lancashire Post
✅ Social Media & Video Content to enhance engagement
Nathan Hill, Director at Central Radio, expressed his excitement:
“We’re thrilled to be part of this fantastic project. The combination of radio and podcasting offers a multi-platform experience, ensuring these true-life stories reach as many people as possible. The first series was a success, and we are looking forward to bringing more powerful and inspirational local stories to the forefront.”
Showcasing Preston’s Rich Heritage and Community Spirit
With its first season featuring stories from Preston’s Windrush community to its vibrant food and drink scene, the podcast has already built a dedicated following. This second season promises even more engaging conversations, historical insights, and community-driven narratives.
Nicola Adam, Editor-in-Chief at National World and former editor of Lancashire Post, highlighted the podcast’s cultural significance:
“Preston has a distinct identity and a proud community. The Parched Pea Podcast does an incredible job of capturing that spirit through conversations that celebrate our people, history, and future.
This partnership with Central Radio and Blog Preston marks an exciting era of media collaboration in Lancashire.”
A Commitment to Local Journalism and Storytelling
The podcast’s continued success is also a testament to the collaborative journalism efforts in Preston. Blog Preston’s founder and editor, Ed Walker, emphasized the importance of partnerships in local storytelling:
“We are deeply committed to working with individuals and organizations that uplift local voices. The Parched Pea Podcast is a perfect example of how digital media, print journalism, and radio can come together to create meaningful content.
Having the podcast available across multiple platforms ensures it reaches a wider audience, making Preston’s incredible stories more accessible than ever.”
Where to Listen to The Parched Pea Podcast
Listeners can tune into the Parched Pea Podcast via:
🎙 Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms
📻 Central Radio (for exclusive radio broadcasts)
📰 Lancashire Post, Blog Preston, and affiliated social media platforms
Final Thoughts
With its multi-platform expansion, the Parched Pea Podcast is set to make a bigger impact than ever before. Whether you’re a proud Prestonian or just love a good story, this season promises compelling interviews, deep dives into local heritage, and uplifting community tales.
Stay tuned for the first episode of Season 2, set to launch this Spring!