Hello! How are we all? Another episode to make you smile!

Ben's guest this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is actor, the delightful, Richard Meek.

Richard shares highlights of his career on stage & screen, from the joy & community of The Rocky Horror Show to filming the upcoming movie, The Bitter End, opposite Joan Collins & Oscar nominee, Isabella Rossellini.

Plus, working with two-time Tony Award winner, Jerry Mitchell on the UK Premiere of Becoming Nancy & the emotions this beautiful production stirred.

Ben & Richard also chat kindness, enjoying simple pleasures & self confidence, including the positive effect of hair transplants.

The delight of unexpected opportunities & Richard's happy place: his passion for books.

It's a lovely conversation. Dreams DO come true.

Grab a coffee & enjoy listening.

Thank you to everyone who has voted for Benjy's Cafe Podcast for The Listener's Choice Award at the 2025 British Podcast Awards, I'm so grateful, you lovely lot!

Still plenty of time if you have two minutes, visit britishpodcastawards.com/voting by September 8th, register with your email et voila! Thank-you.

Follow Richard on Instagram

@iamrichardmeek

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello! Been warm hasn't it? Blimey. Pop some ice cubes in yer socks.

Joining Ben this week in Benjy's Cafe is The Comedy Wordsmith, comedian, Lloyd Hollett.

Described by Gyles Brandreth as “a linguistic comedy genius”, Lloyd has established himself as one of the most unique & original performers in the comedy world today.

Lloyd shares with Ben his inspirations in comedy, including summers spent as a child enjoying a golden generation of British variety & the crucial role his teachers played in his subsequent comedy career.

Plus, the joy of making people laugh globally & compering Europe's biggest Christmas show, Thursford Christmas Spectacular.

Ben & Lloyd discuss positivity, kindness & the impact these qualities have on our lives. And how laughter can lift the soul during tough times.

Lloyd also asks Ben to share his alcohol free lifestyle & Lloyd's happiness offstage, at home in his garden with his family.

This episode is funny, warm & charming, just like Lloyd.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Lloyd on Instagram

@the_comedy_wordsmith

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello! It's super to be back after a lovely birthday. Everyone well? Groovy, let's go!

Ben's guest this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast, is the actor, writer & director, Adam Brown.

Adam shares the life changing experience of being cast as Ori in the blockbuster, The Hobbit Trilogy, including the delight of working with director, Peter Jackson, the camaraderie on set & life filming in New Zealand.

Ben & Adam also chat happiness, Adam's comedy roots & his work with Clare Plested as the comedy duo, Plested & Brown.

Plus, the joy & art of pantomime, the challenges of navigating grief as a creative & embracing versatility.

And Adam's excitement at co writing the Sky Christmas Movie, Tinsel Town, starring Kiefer Sutherland & Rebel Wilson, due for release later this year.

Adam is an injection of happiness; he's super talented, super kind & well, just super duper.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Adam on Instagram

@brownads

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello, you wonderful lot!

Joining Ben in Benjy's Cafe this week, is the human ball of energy, actor, Charles Brunton.

Charles takes Ben through his transfer from London's West End to Broadway with the RSC's Matilda. And the joy & challenges of creating leading roles, including Emelius Browne in Disney's Bedknobs & Broomsticks & Dr Gangle in Andrew Lloyd Webber's, Love Never Dies.

Charles also shares the rewards of discovering & mentoring new talent in his role as Judge on Brillianti Malta & how quiet periods in his career allow for exciting opportunities & making connections away from the stage.

Oh yes, & his happy place, positivity & love for his allotment.

Charles will make you smile. And we all love to smile.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Charles on Instagram @charlesbrunton

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello! Let's do this, Rodeos!

This week, actor, the wonderful, James Mackenzie drops into Benjy's Cafe for a coffee.

James appears in the CBeebies hit show, Molly & Mack & played the title role in the multi BAFTA award winning CBBC series, Raven, for over 15 seasons, gaining cult status worldwide.

It's a super episode.

James shares how growing up in an acting family helped shaped his career choice & his route to the stage & our TV screens, & just what a privilege that is.

James also discusses how quality children's TV is vital for young viewers & their families; and how CBeebies shows like Molly & Mock, can trigger children's imagination & bring fun & laughter.

Plus, the lasting impact of Raven on his life & audiences worldwide.

Ben & James also dive into balancing an acting career with parenting, the joy of the outdoors & the importance of kindness, in theatre & life.

And how James has recently dipped his toes into the world of alcohol free & reached for his running shoes.

He's a good bad guy on stage, but an even better good guy off it.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram: @jarmackenzie

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Let's all have a super day!

Joining Ben on Benjy's Cafe Podcast this week, is the actor, Joe Evans.

Joe's theatre credits include Rutherford & Son at The National Theatre, Romantics Anonymous at The Globe & Wild Honey at Hampstead Theatre, directed by the late, Howard Davies.

One of the good guys, Joe discusses his time at The National, & his career in musicals, including the worldwide smash hit, Les Miserables.

Joe also shares balancing family life with a demanding acting career & the resilience & adaptability needed in acting. Plus, the excitement that teaching actors of all ages can bring.

Ben & Joe also highlight the importance of saying "yes" to opportunities & Joe's experience in India, filming the drama Gandhi, directed by Hansal Mehta, due for release later this year.

And those little moments in life that bring joy & happiness.

It's a heartfelt episode; celebrating family & Joe's zest for acting; a lovely start to your day.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Follow Joe on Instagram:

@joejohnevans

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

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Hello! Hope everyone is rockin' & rollin'?!

Another corking episode for you this week, especially if you're considering your relationship with alcohol.

Joining Ben this week on Benjy's Cafe Podcast is the alcohol free coach, Mr Life Beyond Booze, Andy Garwood.

At 52, Dad of 4 Andy decided enough was enough & said cheerio to the booze. That was 7 years ago.

He now has more energy than a Duracell bunny. Andy completed his 1st triathlon at 52, he’s climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa & this year, completed the London Marathon in his 60th year. Wow.

Andy shares with Ben his inspiring route to sobriety & massive life transformation; discussing the profound changes in his life, including improved health, increased energy & a new found sense of purpose.

And the joy of living an alcohol free life.

Andy also reflects on how sobriety has improved his relationships with family and friends, & has lead to a more active & fulfilling life.

He now helps people worldwide break free from the grips of alcohol & rediscover their true potential.

This conversation, like Andy, is fascinating & inspiring.

Pop the kettle on & enjoy listening.

Instagram:

@life_beyond_booze

@benjyscafepodcast

@benjyharlow

Facebook:

Join the positivity at Andy’s Facebook group, Life Beyond Booze.

www.andygarwood.com

Don't forget you can watch Benjy's Cafe Podcast on YouTube.

Follow on Instagram @benjyscafepodcast @benjyharlow

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.