Getting To Know You

It’s not even about the football

Spark — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

The Stadium of Light is more than a venue for football: it’s a place to foster togetherness. Here Stuart and Anthony start their walk around the ground feeling like very different people but end up realizing they have a lot more in common than they thought - and that football has the power to reawaken the electricity that people have inside them.

Sunday in the park

Spark — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Join Matt, Ynez, Poorty (and Sasha, the dog!) as they take you on a stroll through Sunderland’s Roker Park, sharing their personal stories and life experiences with the sounds of nature as their backdrop. Walk alongside them, exploring the park and the journey of life itself.

Tanya and Tristan go to the Ryhope village

Spark — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we explore the village of Ryhope and its local heritage sites, including The Engine

Museum, the war cemetery and the colliery, comparing it to the villages of our home countries, Belarus and Scotland. We talk about traditions, families and why we chose to study in Sunderland.

A walk to the Empire

Spark — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:30:00 +0000

In the final episode of this season, Matty and Cat introduce Aizaz to the Sunderland Empire Theatre. An icon of the City's skyline since 1907, the Empire is home to West End productions, comedy, and the annual Sunderland Pantomime.

We also welcome Aizaz to the UK and hear his experiences of how the media world is different in his home country of Pakistan.

Sundershine on Leeds

Spark — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Getting To Know You, Hamish & Jake talk "All Things Football" as they take a Trip to the Beacon Of Light. Can they manage to Squeeze into a game of 5 a side, or will the rain wash that dream away?

Who won the FA Cup FIFA rematch, the FIFA Juggernaut that is Hamish Smith playing as Sunderland or Will Leeds take their Revenge in the hands of FIFA Noob Jake Chappell?

Listen now to find out!

Chrissy and Joe go AFK!

Spark — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Join Joe and Chrissy for a trip to AFK. A gaming bar based in Sunderland where we talk our common interests, our goals, and most importantly, play the 1991 masterpiece Sonic The Hedgehog.

A Scot and a Scouser gan for scran

Spark — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 06:15:00 +0000

In this episode, Megan and Rollie head to the beach to discuss everyone's favourite topic... food.

What are the food differences between Liverpool and Fife, and just how different is a Sunderland chippy from the rest of the UK? Also, as Getting to Know You is about finding your feet in a new city, our hosts talk about the experience of moving to a new place.

Episode 3 - Changes in Listening Habits

Spark — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Talking Tunes

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In this episode of Talking Tunes, Kristiana, Adam, Jack, and Nathaniel discuss how their listening habits have changed and dive deep into why they listen and the effect listening has on them.

Prompting their discussion, Alison Barton from Opera Sunderland discusses how she listens and how that has changed over the years. She also discusses the impact listening has had on her and how it makes her feel.

“Changes In Listening Habits” was produced by: Kristiana Zunde, Nathaniel Jackson, Adam Jackson, and Jack Murphy.

The music for Talking Tunes is composed by

SHAVN. You can find his music here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IBOiJXjIw2VHko3BRwbFa

You can listen to “Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version

of The War of The Worlds” here: https://open.spotify.com/album/7ligZljXfUtcKPCotWul5g

You can check out Opera Sunderland here: https://operasunderland.co.uk/

Episode 2 -Music is Universal

Spark — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:30:00 +0000

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we delve into the concept of the universality of music. Although different music genres may sound distinct, there is a level of relativism that connects them, as people tend to share similar realities when it comes to musical influences. Additionally, we explore our earliest memories of music and how they have influenced our preferences over time.

These episode producers Shaun Boyle, Dom Brown, Endurance Idowu, and Maryam Almhaeed, come from diverse backgrounds, but music serves as a connecting factor between them. We also have a special guest, Tolani Banks, an Afrobeat music enthusiast, who shares his experience and exposure to music and how it has shaped his musical preference.

Key Takeaway:

Music is universal

No genre of music can stand alone

Music outlive musicians

Musician references and links to their works:

King Sunny Ade: https://www.tracklib.com/music/artists/king-sunny-ade?gclid=Cj0KCQiApKagBhC1ARIsAFc7Mc6-66XFGu9WcAjkAvxOJEmWW92t6cCUXAaRy5glPuf9jOaIyagmc4

2baba: https: //www.youtube.com/@Official2Baba

Kulthum: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wBvuZVE7FI

The Beatles: https://www.thebeatles.com/

This is a production of the University of Sunderland MA student in Radio Audio and Podcasting.

The music on this episode was written and produced by Shaun Boyle.

Episode 1 – Is There Such A Thing As Genre?

Spark — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 06:30:00 +0000

In the first episode of ‘Talking Tunes’ titled ‘Is there such a thing as genre’ Sean Michael, Hope Lynes and Daniel Russell delve into the topic of musical genres and whether or not genres are as important these days and the stereotypes that comes with being a fan of certain music. We also hear from a diehard music fan and local music store owner Marty Yule about his opinions on the word ‘Genre’ as well as finding out how 90’s music icon Andrew Roachford MBE defined his own music.

Our SRA Station of the year entry

Spark — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 06:30:00 +0000

Update! We won. This is our winning entry for the 2022 Student Radio Awards for Student Radio Station of the Year.

We're super proud of what the team has achieved and the amazing contribution they make every day. Follow us on social media for more, but for now this is what our winning entry for student radio station of the year sounds like

Sean, Kristiana, and Adam go to Pop Recs

Spark — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You5

Get to know Sean, Kristiana and Adam as they share their fondest music memories and talk about why music is so important to them. To get to know the city, they went to Pop Recs, Sunderland’s greatest music hub.

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course.

This episode was produced by Sean Michael, Kristiana Zunde and Adam Jackson

Music by Uppbeat.io –

Links

PopRecs Twitter - Follow PopRecs to find out more about their venue and events
MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting | The University of Sunderland - Like this show? We make it on our MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course.
Our podcasts - Check out our other shows

Our Podcasts

Episode 4 - Nathaniel and Maryam go to church

Spark — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You Episode 4

Did you know that one of oldest churches in England is right next to the University Campus at St Peters?

Well, Maryam and Nathaniel take you on a tour of St. Peter’s Church to discover its history and to get to know each other as they explore the church.

Daniel and Dom go to a match

Spark — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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Are people born as sports fans? How big of a football city is Sunderland? And how long can a smoggie last in the home end of the Stadium of Light?

In this episode of Getting to Know You, students Daniel and Dom explore the city along with their love of football. Join them a journey through their own history of football supporting whilst en route to the Sunderland vs Blackpool Championship match (Spoiler alert: it was a draw)

Find more episodes at https://www.sparksunderland.com/podcasts

She was a punk, he was a rapper (what more can we say?)

Spark — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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Welcome to Season 3 of Getting to Know You.

This episode features interviews with The Bunker’s Kenny Sanger and Independent’s Ben Richardson. They talk music, gigs, and the bond that has developed between Hope (a Punk) and Shaun (a rap producer).

Hope and Shaun visit The Bunker and Independent to learn about music production and live music venues in Sunderland, something they both enjoy.

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Hope Lynes and Shaun Boyle.

The Bunker: https://bunkeruk.com/

Independent: https://www.facebook.com/independentsunderland/

Music by Uppbeat.io

Endurance and Jack go to the oldest pub

Spark — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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In this first episode, Endurance and Jack take you through their historical discoveries in Sunderland whilst also getting to know each other.

Produced by Jack Murphy and Endurance Idowu with music from Upbeat.io

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. To find more episodes go to https://www.sparksunderland.com

Season 2 – Mitch brings things to a close

Spark — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 02:00:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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Welcome to to the last episode of Season 1 where Mitch recaps on what you might have missed. This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland.

Produced by Mitchell Stevenson.

Music by Uppbeat.io – To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

Season 2 – Kat and Robert

Spark — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:48:00 +0000

Season 2 – Kat and Robert

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Welcome to Season 2. Last season everything and everyone was new but there's still more to discover and more to share about our great city. This time culture cultures Robert and Kat mix things up and share their passions for all things cultural.

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Kat Thompson and Robert Wilson Baker.

Music by Uppbeat.io – To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

Season 2 – Elisha and Jaden

Spark — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:47:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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Welcome the 3rd episode in Season 2. Last season everything and everyone was new but there's still more to discover as sports fans Elisha and Jaden head down to Silksworth.

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Elisha Ajayi and Jaden Steele. Music by Uppbeat.io – To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

Season 2 – Lottie and Cameron

Spark — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:45:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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Welcome to Season 2. Last season everything and everyone was new but there's still more to discover as Lottie and Cameron break the rules a little bit and head down the coast to Seaham.

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Lottie Steele and Cameron Connor. Music by Uppbeat.io – To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

Season 2 – Grace and Roisin

Spark — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:30:00 +0000

Welcome to Season 2. Last season everything and everyone was new but there's still more to discover at Grace and Roisin find out at Mackie's Corner. This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Grace McDonough and Roisin Zerhouni.

Music by Uppbeat.io – To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

6: The one with Elisha

Spark — Fri, 12 Nov 2021 09:46:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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In this final episode we meet Elisha, who arrived a little after everyone else so now it's now time to wind up the series with some fish and chips.This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

This podcast is produced in partnership with Spark, our community radio station.

S1:E5: Ryan and Kat

Spark — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 11:45:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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In this episode we meet Ryan and Kat as they get out and about in Sunderland to meet some swans and get a little lost.Produced by Ryan Pow and Kat Thompson. Music is from Uppbeat.io

This series is produced by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

S1:E4: Lottie and Cameron

Spark — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:44:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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This is our 4th episode of the series, where we meet Lottie and Cameron in the warmest places in Sunderland.This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Lottie Steele and Cameron Connor. Music by Uppbeat.io - To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

S1:E3: Alex and Jaden

Spark — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:41:00 +0000

In the episode 3 we meet Alex and Jaden as they go to the football at the Stadium of Light. This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. Produced by Alex Jones and Jaden Steele. Music by Upbeat.io - To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

This podcast is produced in partnership with Spark, our community

2: Grace and Roisin

Spark — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:39:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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This is Episode 2 of our series, where Grace and Roisin meet up and explore Sunderland through the medium of food. Produced by Grace McDonough and Roisin Zerhouni. Music by Uppbeat.io - This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

1: Robert and Mitch

Spark — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 09:37:00 +0000

Getting To Know You

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In this first episode of Getting to Know you we meet Robert and Mitch and the chat ranges from football to family and the Empire Theatre.

Produced by Robert Wlison-Baker and Mitch Stevenson with music from Uppbeat.io

This podcast series has been made by students on the MA Radio, Audio and Podcasting course at the University of Sunderland. To find out more about more about the course visit and join us next year, visit https://www.sunderland.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate-radio/

This podcast is produced in partnership with Spark, our community