The Pod Play

When HR exec Jacqueline Forte finds herself standing in as COO of recently merged US/UK startup Transcendence, which creates life-like robotic men, curated to be the perfect mates for the women’s self-fulfillment space, she finds herself challenged on all sides when an Indian soft-toy entrepreneur sweeps in to buy the company.   Written by Holly Hudson and Pamela Schott   Starring Holly Hudson, Christophe Guybet, Sushil Chudasama, Caren Gunderson, Megan Keaveny, Jack Waldouck, Sean Chriscole, Timothy Huls, Lisa Whiteside and Kerry Ogden. Music by Susan Lockwood.   Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When HR exec Jacqueline Forte finds herself standing in as COO of recently merged US/UK startup Transcendence, which creates life-like robotic men, curated to be the perfect mates for the women’s self-fulfillment space, she finds herself challenged on all sides when an Indian soft-toy entrepreneur sweeps in to buy the company.   Written by Holly Hudson and Pamela Schott   Starring Holly Hudson, Christophe Guybet, Sushil Chudasama, Caren Gunderson, Megan Keaveny, Jack Waldouck, Sean Chriscole, Timothy Huls, Lisa Whiteside and Kerry Ogden. Music by Susan Lockwood.   Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tale of two carers who find solace in singing with a choir. Grace is conflicted. Should she claw out time for herself at choir practice or help her distressed son? Mary needs Grace in the choir, without her there’s no chance they’ll win the prize money they need to keep the choir going. Starring Jennifer Banks & Julie Edwards Written by Jennifer Banks Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s June 1976 and a group called The Sex Pistols are playing a gig at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. The group are just starting out and everyone is talking about them and their style of music, ‘Punk Rock’ they are calling it, and Derek wants to be a part of it… It won’t be easy but he’s just got to get fifty pence for his ticket, coz if there's going to be Anarchy In The UK then he wants to be part of it, and like Jonny Rotten says he’s got ‘No Future’ plus anyone who’s anyone is going to be there… Starring Will Bee, Sophie Simpson, Joanne Venet and Steve Cain. Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At Samaritans, they call it compassion fatigue. When you've climbed into that hole, shared that load, walked in those shoes one too many times then realise you don't care anymore. Beth thinks she doesn't, but there's one caller out there who needs her and no one else will do. Starring Natalie Jones, Christopher Everett, Jess Gough and Lee Petcher. Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 70's Elvis Presley returns from thirteen years of concentrating on movie roles to perform his "Summer Festival" run of shows in Las Vegas. What if.. His reinvigorated love for live performance sees him embark on a European tour, eventually bringing him to Manchester in the North of England. A million miles away from the fakery of Vegas and the cauldron like atmosphere he has to deal with in the States.  A chance for Elvis to perform to a new audience, enjoy new experiences and answer questions from a DJ at a fledgling local Manchester radio station. Starring Liam Francis Collins and Jack Wood. Based on an original idea by Liam Francis Collins. Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes a gym can mean more than just a place to workout. It can be a place of camaraderie, confusion, connection AND conflict. ‘Gym junkies’…a comedy that brings all of these in abundance, but with personal trainer/manager Carl at the helm, what can go wrong?!? Starring Liam fox, Lisa Moore, Kerry Ogden, Marcus Christopherson and Lisa Whiteside  Written by Lisa Whiteside Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early afternoon, a semi-derelict warehouse on the outskirts of a large Northern City.  "The Banker" is tied to a chair. He's naked, a mass of congealed blood, bruises and sweat, the result of a sustained beating from two masked men who have remained silent throughout. His eyes slowly focus on the man now stood in front of him.  This man isn't wearing a mask.  He takes "The Bankers" phone out of his own pocket and begins to make a call. He puts it on speaker..... Starring Oliver Devoti, Luke Richards, Emma Eckton and Bill Blackwood. Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A guilt-ridden mother looks back on the tragedy of her life and the devastating repercussions of her unspeakable actions. Starring Emma Eckton Written and Directed by Phil Pearson Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the last orders bell rings for the Acid House generation, Jamie and Scott are reluctant to let it go. Another night out ends up back at Rob’s where the three friends come to realise that nostalgia isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as somethings are better left in that loved-up past. Starring Keaton Lansley, Jack Wagman, Alex Townson & Mark Jackson Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Listeners are advised: Contains conversations about drugs use and The Hacienda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices