Punks running wild on the radio
In a UK commercial radio first (probably), EatSleep Media is teaming up with Union JACK radio and Running Punks to bring an alternative radio programme to airwaves that will literally be made on-the-run.
Jimmy Watkins and Rhodri Morgan from Running Punks - a community which encourages those who may not fit the traditional running mould to give it a try - will present their brand new show each week while running with a different guest, chatting about life, health and music in their own infectious, off-the-wall style.
The conversation will touch on areas such as the guest’s personal mental health, challenges and motivations, with the intention of inspiring others and creating a sense of community.
The show is supported by a grant from the Audio Content Fund and will start broadcasting on national digital radio station Union JACK from early March. Listeners can tune in on digital radio, online at www.unionjack.co.uk or via the Union JACK radio App.
Jimmy Watkins running away from a jellyfish - credit: Running Punks
Jimmy Watkins is from the Rhondda, but lives in Llanelli. He’s a former world champion athlete-turned musician:
“This is amazing! Rhodri and I are so excited and can’t wait to get started.
“We’re lining up some great guests with some amazing stories; some of them you might have heard of, but some of them are just cracking people we’ve met, either out on the roads, or through our virtual Running Punk runs.”
Rhodri Morgan trying to hurdle an invisible sheep. - credit: Running Punks
Rhodri Morgan is another Rhondda boy and lives in Pontypridd:
“What he said! But no, seriously, Running Punks is all about community and supporting each other and just encouraging everyone to have a go.
“Doesn’t matter how short or far you go or how long it takes you to get there. As long as you’re having a go, you’re getting healthier and we promise you’ll feel better.
“And hopefully, if you’re listening to us at the same time, you’ll hear some great stories as well.”
Like any classic love story, Running Punks started with a sweaty high five between the two while out training separately on the Wales coastal path. Having been bandmates previously, they reconnected and started supporting and encouraging each other. Before too long, the pair had started a community of runners all cheering each other on, whatever their ability.
Even lockdown hasn’t slowed the Punks down as they hold virtual runs at the weekend, encouraging their community to join in, share selfies and support each other.
EatSleep Media Creative Director, Laurence Mora, said: “What caught our eye was their personality, the community, but also the way they strip running right back to its bare bones; just put anything on and have a go.
“For the Running Punks, it's not about the latest kit or cutting edge brands, it's about the people who’re out there joining in. It’s classic counter-culture stuff and we think people will really enjoy listening to them.”
No stranger to going against the mainstream, Union JACK radio already boasts a portfolio of off-the-wall comedy programming, including The Beast of All Pub Quizzes with Mark “The Beast” Labbett, Brian Blessed’s Bedtime Stories and Josh Berry’s Fake News. The groundbreaking national radio station plays more comedy per hour than any other and, in 2019, became the UK’s fastest growing commercial radio station.
“We’re not afraid of taking risks, trying new things and bringing new personalities to the airwaves,” said Giles Gear, Programme Manager at Union JACK radio. “When EatSleep Media told us about the Running Punks and said they wanted to make a radio show, literally on the run, we thought it was a great idea. We just hope it doesn’t rain!”
The Running Punks radio show is the latest in a series of major projects EatSleep Media is undertaking this year with more details to come (ssshhhh).
What started out life as a pokey little podcast about Welsh football has now blossomed into a fully-fledged media production company making high-quality content across all platforms.