The Jack Murley Sports Show

Hadley Stewart has celebrated a major career milestone this autumn, becoming the new Managing Editor of Vada Magazine – a digital publication giving LGBTQ+ people a platform to share their stories, experiences and perspectives. With almost two decades of experience as a broadcaster, journalist and writer, Hadley has built an impressive career, with work appearing across the BBC, NBC, Attitude, PinkNews and many more. On this episode of Off The Pitch, Hadley joins us to talk about their journey into journalism, the experiences that shaped their career, and why they remain so passionate about ensuring quality queer journalism survives and thrives. We discuss the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in the media, the need for authentic storytelling, and why creating spaces where queer voices can be heard is as important today as it has ever been. Hadley also gives us an insight into their new role at Vada Magazine, what readers can expect from its latest edition, and their ambitions for the publication as it looks ahead to 2026. It's a fun, frank and fascinating conversation about journalism, identity, representation and the importance of telling our own stories. Find Hadley: 📱 @wordsbyhadley 📱 @vadamagazine Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #HadleyStewart #VadaMagazine #QueerJournalism #LGBTQMedia #LGBTQStories #OffThePitch      

To say Dan Rogerson is passionate about tennis would be an understatement. As a founding member of Pride in Tennis and the person behind the Geordie Grand Slammers – the only LGBTQ+ tennis club in the North-East of England – Dan is working to make tennis a sport where everyone feels welcome, included and able to be themselves. But his work goes far beyond the tennis court. Dan also presents All Out Sport on Pride Radio and holds a PhD in Psychology, with a specific focus on transgender inclusion in sport. Through his work in grassroots tennis, broadcasting and research, he is helping to open up important conversations about LGBTQ+ visibility, belonging and equality in sport. On this episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, Dan joins us to talk about his passion for tennis, the story behind the Geordie Grand Slammers, and his work to make the sport more inclusive for LGBTQ+ players. We discuss his own experiences as an LGBTQ+ person in sport, the importance of creating welcoming sporting communities, and how clubs can help people feel comfortable being themselves. Dan also shares insights from his academic research into transgender inclusion in sport, alongside his experiences as a broadcaster championing LGBTQ+ stories. From grassroots tennis and LGBTQ+ sports clubs to psychology, broadcasting and inclusion, this is a wide-ranging conversation about making sport a place where everybody belongs. Whether you're a tennis fan, an LGBTQ+ athlete, involved in grassroots sport or passionate about equality and inclusion, this is an episode worth listening to. The Jack Murley Sports Show is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, inclusive sporting communities and the people making sport better for everyone. 🎧 Listen now to Dan Rogerson on The Jack Murley Sports Show. Find the Geordie Grand Slammers: 🎾 @ggstennis Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #DanRogerson #GeordieGrandSlammers #LGBTQTennis #LGBTQSport #TransInclusion #InclusiveSport #Tennis #TheJackMurleySportsShow

If you’re an early riser in the UK, there’s a good chance you’ll recognise Peter Ruddick from your morning television. As part of the presenting team on BBC Breakfast, Peter helps viewers make sense of the day’s biggest business stories – while also reporting from some rather more unexpected locations, from theatres to roller-coasters and beyond. But how did Peter find his way into broadcasting? What does it take to handle the notoriously early starts of breakfast television? And what are some of the most memorable moments from his career on screen? On this episode of Off The Pitch with Jack Murley, Peter joins us for a conversation about his journey into journalism and broadcasting, life behind the scenes at one of the UK's best-known morning television programmes, and the experiences that have shaped his career. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Peter also talks about bringing his authentic self to his work, the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in the media, and what representation means in an industry that reaches millions of people every day. From memorable television moments and the realities of early-morning broadcasting to identity, authenticity and representation, this is a warm, honest and entertaining conversation with a familiar face who has plenty of stories to tell. Off The Pitch with Jack Murley is a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast celebrating the people, stories and voices making a difference across the community. 🎧 Listen now to Peter Ruddick on Off The Pitch. Find Peter Ruddick: 📱 @peterruddick Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #PeterRuddick #BBCBreakfast #LGBTQMedia #LGBTQRepresentation #Broadcasting #LGBTQPodcast #OffThePitch

At just 16 years old, Aaron Fleming was told he would never be able to exercise again following major lung surgeries. More than two decades later, he has completed Ironman events across six continents and competed at two World Championships. It’s an extraordinary sporting journey – and a powerful reminder that sometimes, the dreams that seem most impossible are the ones worth fighting for. Aaron’s journey into endurance sport began after a life-changing period of surgery and recovery. Despite being told that physical activity might no longer be possible, he went on to challenge himself in some of the toughest events in the world of triathlon, raising tens of thousands of dollars for charity along the way. On this episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, Aaron joins us to talk about his remarkable journey in sport, the determination it has taken to compete at the highest level, and the experiences that have shaped him both as an athlete and as a person. We also explore Aaron’s journey towards living authentically as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, discussing identity, visibility and the importance of being yourself both inside and outside sport. From major lung surgeries and the road to recovery to Ironman races across six continents, this is a conversation about resilience, ambition, overcoming adversity and refusing to let other people's expectations define your future. Aaron’s story is about much more than endurance sport. It’s about finding your own path, pursuing extraordinary goals and discovering what might be possible when you refuse to give up. The Jack Murley Sports Show is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, inspiring sporting stories and the people making sport more inclusive. 🎧 Listen now to Aaron Fleming on The Jack Murley Sports Show. Find Aaron Fleming: 📱 @aaronflemingnz Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #AaronFleming #IronmanTriathlon #EnduranceSport #LGBTQSport #Triathlon #IronmanWorldChampionship #LGBTQAthletes #TheJackMurleySportsShow

How far have we really come in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality – and what can the stories of the past teach us about the world we live in today? Hugh Sheehan is a composer, writer, producer and the creator behind Criminally Queer, the award-winning podcast series exploring the story of the Bolton 7 – seven gay men who were arrested and charged under laws used to persecute the LGBTQ+ community. The series received praise from publications including The Sunday Times and The Guardian for its powerful storytelling and exploration of a deeply significant chapter in LGBTQ+ history. But Criminally Queer is just one part of Hugh’s work. His earlier series, Lost Time, explored the experiences of LGBTQ+ people finding the freedom to live authentically, while his wider creative career spans music, writing and production. On this episode of Off The Pitch with Jack Murley, Hugh joins Jack to discuss his passion for telling LGBTQ+ stories, the making of Criminally Queer, and the importance of preserving queer history. We explore the story behind the Bolton 7, the laws and attitudes that shaped their experiences, and the lasting impact of criminalisation and discrimination on LGBTQ+ people. We also discuss Lost Time, Hugh’s creative journey and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that deserve to be heard. At its heart, this is a conversation about LGBTQ+ history, justice, identity and representation – and a reminder that understanding the past is essential to understanding how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. Off The Pitch with Jack Murley is a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast celebrating the people, stories and voices making a difference across the queer community. 🎧 Listen now to Hugh Sheehan on Off The Pitch. Find Hugh Sheehan: 📱 @hughsheehan Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #HughSheehan #CriminallyQueer #TheBolton7 #LGBTQHistory #QueerHistory #LGBTQPodcast #OffThePitch

What does it take to turn a personal passion for film-making into one of the most recognisable queer sports films of recent years? Matt Carter is the director and co-writer of In From The Side, the acclaimed LGBTQ+ rugby film telling a story of love, relationships and complicated emotions within a London rugby club. Inspired by Matt’s own experiences in the sport, the film has resonated with audiences far beyond the rugby community, becoming an important part of the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in sport and queer cinema. On this episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, Matt joins us to talk about the journey behind In From The Side – from the original idea and the years of hard work required to bring it to the screen, to the film’s release and the response from audiences around the world. A film-maker since childhood, Matt reflects on his long-held ambition to make movies, the experiences that inspired the story, and the challenges of creating a film that explores gay relationships, rugby culture, identity and belonging. We also discuss the enduring impact of In From The Side, why authentic LGBTQ+ stories matter in sport and cinema, and whether a sequel could ever be on the cards. From the realities of film-making to the power of queer representation, this is a fascinating conversation with the creative force behind a landmark LGBTQ+ sports film. The Jack Murley Sports Show is an LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, inclusive sporting communities and the people changing the way we see sport. 🎧 Listen now to Matt Carter on The Jack Murley Sports Show. Find Matt Carter and the film: 📱 @mattcarter1989 🎬 @infromtheside Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #InFromTheSide #MattCarter #LGBTQFilm #QueerCinema #LGBTQRugby #GayRugby #LGBTQRepresentation #TheJackMurleySportsShow

By 2030, the ambition is for there to be no new HIV transmissions in the UK. It’s an ambitious goal – and one that the Terrence Higgins Trust is working tirelessly to achieve. At the heart of that mission is Richard Angell, Chief Executive of one of the UK’s leading HIV and LGBTQ+ charities. With a background in campaigning and policy, Richard has spent years working to challenge discrimination and improve the lives of people living with HIV. During his time at the Terrence Higgins Trust, he has helped drive campaigns that contributed to major changes, including lifting restrictions on people living with HIV serving in the UK military and changing blood donation rules for men who have sex with men. But what does it take to lead an organisation at the forefront of HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ equality and public health? And how close is the UK to achieving the ambition of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030? On this episode of Off The Pitch with Jack Murley, Richard joins Jack to discuss his journey into LGBTQ+ campaigning, his personal experiences as a member of the queer community, and how those experiences helped shape his work. We explore the work of the Terrence Higgins Trust, the importance of HIV testing, prevention and education, the fight against stigma and discrimination, and the policies and support needed to help end new HIV transmissions. Richard also reflects on the personal and professional challenges of leading a major LGBTQ+ charity, the progress made in the fight against HIV, and the work that still lies ahead. From HIV prevention and public health to LGBTQ+ rights, activism and equality, this is a conversation about the people working to create a better future for the community. Off The Pitch with Jack Murley is a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast celebrating the people, stories and organisations making a difference beyond the world of sport. 🎧 Listen now to Richard Angell on Off The Pitch. Find our guest: 📱 @richardangell 🏳️‍🌈 @terrencehigginstrust Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #RichardAngell #TerrenceHigginsTrust #HIVAwareness #HIVPrevention #LGBTQPodcast #LGBTQRights #HIVStigma #LGBTQCommunity #OffThePitch

“This one feels like it’s for everyone.” Those were the words of Luke Strong after the trampoline gymnast became British champion for the sixth time – a remarkable achievement that completed one of the most inspiring comeback stories in British sport. A world and European medallist, Luke has enjoyed an extraordinary career in trampoline gymnastics. But his latest British title, won fifteen years after he first claimed the championship as a seventeen-year-old, means more than another medal. After multiple surgeries and significant mental health challenges, Luke faced some of the toughest moments of his sporting career. At times, the obstacles in his path left him questioning whether continuing in the sport was worth it. To return to competition was an achievement in itself. To become British champion again was something truly special - and now, Luke is off to the World Championships!  On this episode of The Jack Murley Sports Show, Luke joins Jack for an honest and inspiring conversation about his return to elite gymnastics, the setbacks he has overcome, and the determination it took to reach the top of British trampoline gymnastics once again. Luke also returns to the podcast six years after first sharing his story about his sexuality and being part of the LGBTQ+ community. We reflect on his journey, the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility in sport, and what it means to be able to compete and live authentically. From world and European medals to injury, mental health challenges and an extraordinary sixth British title, this is a conversation about resilience, identity, perseverance and the power of believing that your story isn't over. Sometimes, sporting fairytales really do come true. The Jack Murley Sports Show is the world's leading LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, sporting achievement and the people helping make sport more inclusive. 🎧 Listen now to Luke Strong on The Jack Murley Sports Show. Find Luke Strong: 📱 @luke_strong2 Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #LukeStrong #TrampolineGymnastics #LGBTQSport #MentalHealthInSport #TheJackMurleySportsShow #pride #LGBTQ

Meet Oscar Davies – the UK’s first publicly recognised non-binary barrister, and a trailblazer working at the intersection of law, LGBTQ+ rights and human rights. Before discovering the law, music captured Oscar’s heart. But with a love of language, a strong moral compass and a passion for justice, they found their calling at the Bar – where their work now focuses on discrimination, gender identity and human rights. Oscar has become a familiar face on social media, sharing insights into trans rights, discrimination and the legal knowledge people need to understand and assert their rights. Their work helps make complex legal issues more accessible, empowering people to better understand their options when they believe they have experienced discrimination. With a book about these issues due to be published next year, Oscar is continuing to use their platform to challenge misconceptions, explain the law and advocate for LGBTQ+ people at a time when questions around gender identity and equality remain firmly in the public conversation. On this episode of Off The Pitch with Jack Murley, Oscar joins Jack to discuss their journey into the legal profession, the process of writing their forthcoming book, and why helping people understand their legal rights is so important. We explore LGBTQ+ rights, trans rights, discrimination, gender identity, human rights law and the role that education and advocacy can play in creating a fairer society. It’s a thoughtful and timely conversation about justice, identity, equality and the importance of knowing your rights – with a non-binary legal trailblazer dedicated to making the law more accessible. Off The Pitch with Jack Murley is a weekly LGBTQ+ podcast celebrating the people, stories and voices making a difference across society. 🎧 Listen now to Oscar Davies on Off The Pitch. Find Oscar Davies: 📱 @nonbinarybarrister Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #OscarDavies #NonBinaryBarrister #LGBTQRights #TransRights #HumanRights #GenderIdentity #DiscriminationLaw #LGBTQPodcast #QueerPodcast #OffThePitch

When it comes to making rugby more inclusive, few people are more committed to the cause than Grant Skene. A passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in rugby, Grant is a key member of Aberdeen Taexali, the LGBTQ+ rugby club helping to create a welcoming environment for queer players in Scotland. With the club going from strength to strength, Grant returns to The Jack Murley Sports Show to talk about its growth, his own journey in rugby, and the people working to make inclusion a core value of the sport. As one of the UK's prominent openly gay rugby players, Grant has played an important role in challenging stereotypes, increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and showing that rugby can be a sport where everyone belongs. In this episode, we discuss the development of Aberdeen Taexali, the importance of LGBTQ+ rugby clubs, and the role that inclusive teams can play in helping people find confidence, friendship and community through sport. Grant also reflects on his own experiences on the pitch, the memorable moments that have shaped his rugby journey, and why continuing to challenge outdated attitudes matters if the game is to become more welcoming for everyone. From grassroots rugby in Aberdeen to the wider fight for LGBTQ+ inclusion across the UK, this is a conversation about belonging, representation and the power of sport to bring people together. The Jack Murley Sports Show is an award-winning LGBTQ+ sports podcast celebrating queer athletes, inclusive sporting communities and the people changing the game for the better. 🎧 Listen now to Grant Skene on The Jack Murley Sports Show. Find Grant and Aberdeen Taexali: 📱 @grantskene 🏉 @aberdeentaexali Get in touch with the podcast: 📱 @jack_murley 📩 [email protected] #GrantSkene #AberdeenTaexali #LGBTQRugby #InclusiveRugby #GayRugby #LGBTQSport #RugbyUnion #InclusionInSport #QueerAthletes #TheJackMurleySportsShow