Blue Jay Collective presents The Culture Cast

Gregary and Frances come together in this heartfelt and candid podcast, exploring the transformative power of opera and the iconic legacy of Tina Turner. They also delve into the challenges of caring for loved ones with dementia and the realities of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). With a blend of humor, honesty, and wisdom, Frances shares her journey as a caregiver, along with the frustrations of navigating support systems. This meaningful cross-generational conversation offers insights, laughter, and a sense of resilience. Tune in for an inspiring and enriching discussion!Frances' Castaway Choices were...MusicCecilia Bartoli - Mozart AriasTina Turner - The BestWagner - Der RingBookThe Compassionate Mind - Paul GilbertAndy's Castaway Choices were...Iggy Pop and the Stooges - Search and DestroyMassive Attack - TeardropTappa Zumi - MPLAAndy's Castaway Choices were...Iggy Pop and the Stooges - Search and DestroyMassive Attack - TeardropTappa Zumi - MPLACulture Cast Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ST8TvognIxMZLeK1hS9W

In this episode of Culture Castaways, 15 year old host, Alex Brevitt sits down with Birmingham musician Andy Wickett, renowned for co-writing Duran Duran's iconic hits "Girls on Film" and "Rio." Currently creating fresh sounds with World Service, (see the link below to new album Creatures of Love out now on Cleopatra Records). Tune in for a fascinating and heartwarming conversation that spans generations, delving into music, creativity, neurodivergence, and much more. With stories of adventures across the desert, the magic of rhythm, and losing yourself in dance, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!Andy's Castaway Choices were... Iggy Pop and the Stooges - Search and DestroyMassive Attack - TeardropTappa Zumi - MPLA20,000 Leagues Under The Sea - Jules VerneCreatures of LoveAndy Wickett & World Service https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA222iZOiLMMoVpsMgrj-4ACulture Castaways Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ST8TvognIxMZLeK1hS9W

Vimla Dodd, a passionate volunteer and inspired teacher explains how she grew up in a small town in India, "where neighbourhood was part of the family" and how her mother influenced and inspired her to become a passionate community volunteer. Throughout her childhood and through the partition of India, Vimla tells the stories of how she watched her parents' active involvement in the community and received an education not possible from any school or university.Hosted by Lila May, we hope you sit back and enjoy.

Gregary's second Culture Castaway is Jane Cowley, a happy Brummie with travelling feet and lovely teeth.Mixing it up with tales of India, memories of Ian Drury in the Hare and Hounds and an appreciation of Paul O'Grady's big heart and wonderful wit. Don't miss the 20 year old dentures (not Jane's!) story either. This is a Blue Jay Collective intergenerational project based in Birmingham, supported by the Culture Club at Midlands Art Centre and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.With thanks to Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 for the inspiration.The tracks chosen can be found on the Culture Castaways Spotify Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ST8TvognIxMZLeK1hS9W?si=d6d79909af474f59The book is At my Mother's Knee... And Other Low Joints by Paul O'Grady

We are proud to present Gregary's first Culture Castaway, Robyn Tighe!From Dexy's to Dunkirk and drinking tea everywhere from a bed on the beach to Typhoo in Burma. Sit back and relax to hear Robyn's choice of music, literature and luxury.This is a Blue Jay Collective intergenerational project based in Birmingham, supported by the Culture Club at Midlands Art Centre and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.With thanks to Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 for the inspiration.The tracks chosen can be found on the Culture Castaways Spotify Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ST8TvognIxMZLeK1hS9W?si=d6d79909af474f59The books talked about were: North Woods by Daniel Mason and The Piano Tuner by the same author

We are proud to present our first Culture Castaway, Carol Dixon!Interviewed by Lila May, Carol invites us to think about the activist mindset, humanism and protest songs of the 60s as we find out what she would take with her were she to be cast away to a deserted island.This is a Blue Jay Collective intergenerational project based in Birmingham, supported by the Culture Club at Midlands Art Centre and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.With thanks to Desert Island Discs on BBC Radio 4 for the inspiration.The tracks chosen can be found on the Culture Castaways Spotify Playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/64ST8TvognIxMZLeK1hS9W?si=95d07b4b2ba44245The books were: 'A Therapeutic Journey' by Hamish Hamilton and 'The Little Book of Humanism: Universal lessons on finding purpose, meaning and joy' by Alice Roberts and Andrew Copson