Well, looking back over 200 episodes it seems impossible to believe that we have made it to that milestone. But what better way to celebrate than with two great friends; Colin Edmonds and Mike Dixon?! Beyond The Title began life as just an idea which I dreamed up one Friday morning with my dad over a leisurely breakfast. We started brainstorming ideas on my whiteboard in my kitchen and then out the blue, I had an epiphany: Beyond The Title was the name that entered my head and seemed to fit the style and tone which I was attempting to create. While some draw significance to the word “beyond” with connotations of deep analysis and challenging perceptions, to me it was just a name that rolled nicely off the tongue. Who would have known the places that it would have taken me and how many amazingly talented artists I would come into contact with?!
Looking at the 200 episodes as a whole, despite writing two books surrounding the podcast, it’s still difficult for me to make any global observations about what the concept of fame means in the 21st century. In short, I’ve concluded that fame is entirely subjective to the audience who is consuming the content. A star can only be a star if the viewer deems him or her to be. Writers who pen cult television can be a hero amongst some communities yet are able to walk to the shops without raising an eyebrow. Performers who were once topping the bill in theatres throughout the country may struggle to cultivate a social media following in today’s modern entertainment landscape and it’s this which utterly fascinates me. Essentially, performers don’t retire from the business, the business retires them!
I’ve been lucky to have welcomed so many performers who have been at pivotal moments in their careers to offer an insight into the frequently cut-throat nature of the business. Even the most established TV doyennes can sometimes fall victim to a network reshuffle that can result in them struggling to know their place within the entertainment fraternity. For some, this is a shocking revelation while for others it’s merely a byproduct of the industry. I always assumed that the potency of television and its need for content would be able to sustain the careers of many accomplished entertainers. Yet the evolution of television and the reliance on disposable formats has undoubtedly put a stop to this.
Through this process I have encountered some truly remarkable people who are each wonderful credits to their industry. As a disabled person with severe communication difficulties, I always assumed that it would be totally impossible for me to present any kind of show. Yet Beyond The Title has enabled me to live out my broadcasting dreams in a way I never thought possible. Who knows what’s next for me or the podcast but if I can continue to meet these amazingly, fascinating and talented people, BTT could be here to stay.
Beyond The Title