BE SOMERSET
Be part of something special
An exciting, independent, radio station goes live later this year!
For now, check out our big-hearted interviews...
Celebrating Somerset - Somerset Day with Aidie White
Our beautiful county of Somerset is celebrated here all year round of course, but there's also a day when it's on everyone's minds! May 11th is Somerset Day, and Jenna's been taking a tour of Somerset through the incredible landscape photography of Aidie White. Join them and explore Somerset as you've never done before... by listening to their conversation and discovering the stories behinind Aidie's stunning captures of this truly magical county.
Kate Rusby - new songs, new tour, same beautiful music
We absolutely love Kate Rusby at Be Somerset Radio, and we've been chatting with her once again. Ian's been catching up with 'The First Lady of Folk' ahead of her gig at the Frome Memorial Theatre on May 21st, and in light of her awesome new single and album release.
Saltlines - discover the stories of the South West Coast Path
Saltlines. The stories of the South West Coast Path brought to life in an unforgettable way, in this extraordinary music and prose collaboration between Gigspanner Big Band and bestselling author, Raynor Winn. Jenna caught up with Ray and Gigspanner’s Hannah Martiin to discover more, so just dive in to hear about this magical experience, along with some of the musical highlights.
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The Undertones - Michael Bradley shares their stories
The Undertones have just played Komedia Bath with a glorious set of classics including Jimmy Jimmy, My Perfect Cousin, What's With Terry, Here Comes the Summer, Julie Ocean, Wednesday Week, and, of course, Teenage Kicks.
Jenna's been catching up with founder member and bass player, Michael Bradley, who can definitely tell a story! He shares lots of them... from the band forming in the late 70s, to their first Top Of The Pops, the break up, the reformation and how they've never looked back! Don't miss it.
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Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm - chatting with Crash Test Dummies
You'll know them for 'Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm', they've given us ear worms for decades, and now they are back touring again in the UK. Jenna catches up with Crash Test Dummies founder, songwriter, guitarist, and one-of-a-kind vocalist, Brad Roberts.
Skool Beanz meanz growing, colour and community!
Have you heard about Skool Beanz? The incredible children's allotment and gardening club in the village of Chilthorne Domer in Somerset? It teaches children how to grow delicious vegetables, beautiful flowers, and how to garden to help nature, with plenty of upcycled art and fun. Jenna's been chatting with founder, Lara, and her helper, Oliver, to find out more about their plans... and there's some very exciting news!
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Head to Shapwick Moor with the Hawk and Owl Trust...
It's time to transport you to the nature reserves of Somerset, and specifically Shapwick Moor, to discover more about the Hawk and Owl Trust and the work they do for birds of prey and other wildlife. Join Jenna and Shpawick Nature Reserve Warden, Alex, and explore the wonderful wetlands and grasslands of the reserve.
John Harris - Maybe I'm Amazed
Ian's been sitting down with journalist, writer, critic, presenter and Frome resident, John Harris, to chat about John’s new book, Maybe I'm Amazed. It shares the story of how music has opened up the world to John’s autistic son, James. John also shares more about what it was like getting a diagnosis for James and the challenges that followed.
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Francis Rossi talks music, friendship, memories, and his new tour
Having fronted Status Quo as lead singer and lead guitarist for over fifty years, the inimitable Francis Rossi is undertaking a huge solo tour this year with 64 dates across the UK. Jenna caught up with Francis ahead of it all, to talk about a life in music, the ups and downs of friendship with Rick Parfitt, Live Aid, the effects of drugs and alcohol, and looking to the future with the new tour.
HEAD HERE to listen to something special.
You don't have to be mad to work here - Dr Benji Waterhouse
NHS psychiatrist, award-winning comedian, and Sunday Times best-selling author of ‘You Don’t Have To Be Mad To Work Here’, Dr Benji Waterhouse, is going on his first book tour! Jenna's been catching up with him and finding out more about his work on the front line, his patients, and why we need to widen the metal health conversation. Also,
LISTEN HERE for the secret to happiness!
Local laughter - Jarred Christmas
Jarred Christmas is on a mission to fill Somerset with laughter, promoting comedy across the county, creating and hosting Rode Comedy Festival and delivering his own stand up shows too, of course. Ida's been catching up with the man himself to discover more.
Books Glorious Books!
Later in 2025, we'd love you to join our Be Somerset book club! It'll be every Sunday from 5-6pm and to bring you lots of different bookish conversation, we'll be having four hosts - one every week in the month! Jenna will host the Book Club one week out of four, but what about the other three?
Well, we're really pleased to share that one of the hosts will be Frome College Library, led by Lydia and Leah (in Year 10) and Martha (in Year 9). 'Bookshelf BFF’s' will be their monthly take on the world of books. Every month it will feature their unique look at the books inspiring them, some local interviews and conversation, and what happens on the shelves of the Frome College library too! Listen to their first ever interview, right here.
Sweetpea is coming for you!
Weston-super-Mare based author C. J. Skuse, has waited 28 years to see one of her characters on our screens. Well, it's happened... on TV, on the sides of buses, and even in bouquets of blood-dripping flowers! Her novel, Sweetpea, is now a major new TV series on Sky and NOW, featuring Ella Purnell in the starring role of Rhiannon.
Jenna caught up with C.J. to discover more about Sweetpea, the new TV series, how much of a pinch me moment it is, and to explore her life as an author. Check out the chat right here.
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More highlights - just press play!
Things Don't Break On Their Own
The debut novel of Exmoor-based author, Sarah Easter Collins, is out! Jenna spoke with Sarah on the eve of publication to discover more about 'Things Don't Break On Their Own', more about Sarah's writing process, and more about the twists and turns of long term relationships. There's animal chat as well!
Fancy a game of Fact or Fiction? We've got that for you too. Sit back, relax, and just press play...
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(And thank you to Hannah Boaden for the beautiful piano in this interview. It's from her composition, Skipping With Sprites)
Discover the magic of Bailey Hill Bookshop
On Bookshop Day we just had to celebrate our local bookshop, Bailey Hill Bookshop in Castle Cary. How did owner Claire Brooker fall in love with the shop? It's quite a story. Want to know how they curate the selection for sale? We chat about that too - and lots more besides. Just head here for a really lovely conversation about books glorious books, and what it means to run a store full of them.
Matt's Kitchen in Matt's Cottage!
The food tour is back! Jenna will be setting out once again on her Somerset Food Tour... heading round the county chatting with chefs, producers, growers and creators of fabulous food. We've got some more great conversations planned for you, but as we headed back to Matt's Kitchen in Bruton again recently for a fantastic dinner, it seems the perfect time to share Matt Watson's story here. So, let's go back to a chat with Matt from a couple of years ago, and discover more about the unique restaurant in his home...
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Sarah Hamilton chats Just a Card
JUST A CARD is a grassroots campaign on a mission to encourage people to support, value and buy from artists, makers, independent shops and small businesses. Every sale, even just a card, is vital to their prosperity and survival. Jenna has been catching up with the founder of Just a Card, Sarah Hamilton, about Just a Card's 10th anniversary year - LISTEN HERE
