The Leeds Creative Folk Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Lerman, Founder and Director of Impact Collective, the design and production studio behind immersive experiences for some of the world's biggest brands.Our conversation explores the creativity that exists within sport, the hidden magic of Leeds' iconic Dark Arches, and Bruce's passion for the city's thriving street art scene. From designing unforgettable brand experiences to finding inspiration in unexpected places, Bruce shares how creativity, culture and community come together to shape the way we experience the world.

Join us as we chat with Sharon Watson MBE, CEO and Principal of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, about the importance of creativity in education and why Leeds plays such a vital role in the creative scene.Sharon shares her journey through dance, leadership, and storytelling, exploring how inspiration can come from the simplest moments. From championing the arts to encouraging creative thinking, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.Whether you’re passionate about the arts, education, leadership, or discovering how ideas come to life, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

Join us as we chat with Andrew Beniston, co-founder of Tungsten Media and a pioneer in AI-powered virtual production. He shares his journey into cutting-edge creative tech and how AI is unlocking new levels of freedom for creatorsFrom building immersive virtual production setups to creating the ultimate “cheat code” for movie nights, Andrew offers a fresh perspective on the future of creativity.Whether you’re into tech, storytelling, or looking to push creative boundaries, this episode is packed with inspiration.

Join us as we chat with Chef Jono, former MasterChef The Professionals contestant and co-owner of V&V Restaurant in Leeds. He shares his journey in the culinary world, the art of creativity in the kitchen, and lessons he's learnt from training at the Michelin-starred Noma. Whether you’re in the kitchen, in business, or just love food, this episode is packed with inspiration.!

In this episode, Paul sits down with Jonny, co-founder of Brand Federation, to dive into the creative roots that shaped his career. Jonny talks about discovering design through skateboarding, building confidence in his voice, and the surreal thrill of seeing his work appear during the World Cup. A brilliant conversation for anyone who loves branding, culture and the stories behind great design.

Paul sits down with Vix Harrison, Creative Lead at Principles in Leeds, to explore what truly makes a brand unforgettable. From the craft behind standout advertising to the power of spotting inspiration in everyday life, Vix shares how curiosity fuels her creative process and shapes the stories brands tell. Whether you’re in marketing, design or simply obsessed with what makes great ideas stick, this episode offers a smart, insightful look into how creativity comes to life.

Our MD Paul sits down with Andy Brooks, better known as Testament, a beatboxer, rapper, actor, musician and writer whose creative spark began with comic books. We explore his journey from hip-hop and live performance to screenwriting for major platforms, diving deep into how those early influences shaped the multi-disciplinary artist he is today. We look at the role collaboration plays in his creative process, hear why he believes Leeds’ creative scene needs to be more connected, and uncover the stories behind the beats, bars and scripts that have defined his career.

Our MD Paul kicks things off with Dom Dwight, the Strategy & Innovation Director at Taylors of Harrogate, the home of Yorkshire Tea. We explore his fascinating career from journalism to helping lead one of the UK’s most beloved brands. We dive deep into the role creativity plays in brand building, innovation, and leadership, and hear Dom’s take on how creative thinking has shaped his career path. More importantly we discover why Leeds tastes of Rum and Raisin, how Yorkshire Tea starred in Homeland and why Dom was exchanging late night tweets with a rock star.