The Circle Podcast

Our Supa Weekender continues wIth an interview with man of the moment Rapman. The Writer/Director joins us at Acast Studios this week to speak candidly on his humble upbringings in Lewisham, finding passion and purpose in storytelling, how his viral Youtube series introduced him to Jeymes Samuel and Jay-Z/Roc Nation, music videos being the gateway into directing, what happened to that remake of Un Prophet he was attached to, how the success of Blue Story got him free dinner at Novikov with Netflix Execs, and the success of his number 1 series on global Netlfix 'Supacell'. A great episode if we do say so ourselves!

This week actress Adelayo Adedayo steps inside The Circle with Leon and Akua to wax lyrical over a storied career. The East London native speaks on her love for theatre and literature, giving up law for her acting career, her breakthrough role in BBC Three's 'Some Girls', working with Tosin Cole across three different projects, scrutinising her own work, the importance of her team and behind the scenes, auditioning process and success of her starring role in Supacell - the number 1 show on Netflix. Another great ep! But what else would you expect?

In this special episode of The Circle, Leon teams up with guest co-host and actress Dani Moseley to speak with Adrian Lester and Enyi Okoronkwo - stars of Disney Plus series Renegade Nell. On the eve of it's release, we all waxed lyrical on the actors' approach to their respective roles, navigating accuracy and sensitivities of black citizens in the historical backdrop, merging genres and themes including action, supernatural, adventure, period, family, patriarchy and slavery, what's next for both talent at different stages of their career, and working with the talented writing and directorial team. After you listen to the episode, tune straight in to Disney Plus to catch the series.

Mid-season finale! Award-winning Actor and Writer Kiell Smith-Bynoe steps inside the circle with Leon and Akua. In between performances of his recent theatre project 'Kool Story bro' the prolific comedic juggernaut took time to wax lyrical with us over a storied career that has seen him seamlessly slide through cultural webseries classics including 'Hood Documentary' and 'Diary Of A Bad Man', to reputational comedy including 'Enterprice' and 'Man Like Mobeen', to institutions such as 'Death In Paradise' and 'Friday Night Dinner' to BAFTA royalty projects 'Stath Lets Flats' and 'Ghosts'. Kiell is a one-stop shop for eclectic comedy series, and he has no plans of slowing down. A fun episode to say the least! Sound issues from the game onwards but we've drawn you in by then! Enjoy!

IAG Talent Agent Nina Malone joins Leon and Akua in the circle. Celebrating seven years as an agent, she reminisces on her transition from modelling to managing talent. We talk demystifying the myth of pretty privilege, tips to becoming a competent agent, why she reps so many clients but never discloses how many, her working relationship with Femi Oguns, a love for tap dancing and the dos and don'ts of acting talent. Tune in!

Director, Writer and Producer Abdou Cisse joins Leon and Akua to wax lyrical on an astonishing start to his career. From transitioning from Architecture to Advertising to Filmmaking, wanting to put the mandem on the global map, paying it forward with his crossover production company with long time friend Akwasi Poku, shadowing on Season 2 of Gangs Of London, writing and directing award winning shorts including 'Serious Tingz', his key to pitching himself as a director for a project, gaining his first television director credit for BBC3 series 'Grime Kids', being BAFTA nominated for his film 'Festival Of Slaps' and more! Another inspirational episode - we're giving you gold here! Enjoy!