This month my guest is Lee McShane [https://www.instagram.com/the_lee_mcshane/]!

Join us as we talk about his writing! We go in depth on some of his poetry work like his two chapbooks ‘The House Built From Shadows [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FX1CN6DK?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_KXTJNXCHZYMVSY1MY5EK&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_KXTJNXCHZYMVSY1MY5EK&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_KXTJNXCHZYMVSY1MY5EK&bestFormat=true]’ and ‘Raised in April [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Raised-April-Chapbook-Thirty-Days-ebook/dp/B0H22GCFXJ?ref_=ast_author_dp&th=1&psc=1]’.

We also talk about his role in Westovian theatre’s [https://www.instagram.com/westovians/] upcoming production of Cluedo, where Lee plays Reverend Green, as well as various other projects he’s been involved in as an actor, writer and film-maker.

Finally, we end with some talk about Brooklyn 99 and how great an example it is of being both funny and well intentioned.

Theme Song: Adam Sams
Show Logo: Craig Pearson

Lee McShane: It's all just about Trial and Error!

With me this month is Calum Murray!

 Join us as we talk about his films Batman Unmasked and Crush, his work with Unified Studios [https://www.instagram.com/unifide_studios_offical/], his appearances in films such as Tobi [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHmBbnE64j0] and Don’t Touch the Tree [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3ywdoTFSGM] as well as various other projects he’s been involved in.

We also talk about Mental Health and Jennette McCurdy’s book I’m Glad My Mom Died.

Theme Song: Adam Sams

Show Logo: Craig Pearson

Calum Murray: What will be, will be!

This month on What Makes You Tick? I have Writer, Director and Producer Joshua Waller [https://www.instagram.com/joshua_waller7/]!

We talk about:

 * Josh’s time studying and the impact that studying his MA had on his film making and work ethic
 * The films he’s made with his production company Rillachimp Productions [https://www.instagram.com/rillachimpproductions/] such as ‘Out with the old [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5VzKk4WQIE], Mimicry [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7D1x-2feK0], The Outsiders and King Karkinos: Terror from the Deep
 * We also talk about the giant crab puppet featured in King Karkinos: Terror from the deep
 * AND we talk about the challenges of ‘wearing multiple hats’ that come with being a director, writer AND producer.
 * Josh also talks at length and on multiple occasions about ME! In such a way that makes me say ‘I’m not sure how to deal with compliments (but that is much appreciated). Future guests….More of that please!!!!!!

Theme Song: Adam Sams

Show Logo: Craig Pearson

Joshua Waller: Midlife Crisis at the age of eighteen!

Join me this month as I talk to Lucy Robinson [https://www.instagram.com/lucyfrobinson/].

We talk about how she got started in Acting, taking part in National Youth Theatre [https://www.instagram.com/nationalyouththeatre/] and her being part of the Actor’s Forge [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsforge/] and DJW Talent [https://www.instagram.com/theactorsforge/].

We also discuss the work she’s done with Sure Look Productions [https://www.instagram.com/sure_look_productions/], and on Jetpac Global’s Travel Virgin series.

Finally, we discuss How to get to Heaven from Belfast and I get in trouble for not having seen Derry Girls.

Theme Song: Adam Sams.

Show logo: Craig Pearson

Lucy Robinson: Nothing Scared me but this!

Joining me for the show this week is Oli Pages! [https://www.instagram.com/masterpages/]

We talk about his roles in the recent 'Jack and the Beanstalk' Pantomime with Tynemouth Priory [https://www.instagram.com/tynemouthpriorytheatre/] and the upcoming Picasso at the Lapin Agile with The People's Theatre [https://www.instagram.com/peoplestheatre/]

We also talk about his acting background and his range of skills as a performer before ending on some Lord of the Rings and Star Wars talk. Oli also does a genuinely amazing impression and you'll have to listen to find out what he's doing an impression of!

Theme Song: Adam Sams.
Show logo: Craig Pearson

Oli Pages: I do Voices!

Joining me for the show this week is Actor Aaron Burton!

We had a few technical difficulties recording this one, but still managed to have a great conversation about the monologue Aaron is performing at Ryton Music Festival, how he got started in acting and his experiences as a visually impaired actor.

Show Logo: Craig Pearson
Theme Song: Adam Sams

Aaron Burton: I'll dance around you, but you be the anchor!

this week on the show I have Actor, Writer and Musician Diane Cullen [https://www.instagram.com/dianecullen83/]!

We talk about her past life singing in her band Andromeda.  her move towards acting and how that led into behind the camera work on a number of films AND her work as one of the directors of Fem93 [https://www.instagram.com/fem93cic/]. Diane also tells me about her novel and EXCLUSIVELY REVEALS the title!!!!

Finally, we talk about a show that upset my sensitive brain and ruined Bagels and Coffee for me forever,  Criminal Minds.

Theme Music: Adam Sams
Show logo: Craig Pearson

Diane Cullen: I want in and I want in Now!

Aaaaand we're Back for Season 2!

For my first guest of 2026 I have Actor and Writer, Joshua Hunt [https://www.instagram.com/joshuahunt1405_actor/]!

We talk about the films he made as a child, getting into acting and film making at University, Taking a break AND coming back to Acting as real life responsible adult!

We also talk about the films he's been in like Not All Men [https://www.instagram.com/notallmenfilm.uk/] and Internal Vacancy AND Between the Shelves, a film he's written as part of Newcastle Film Club [https://www.instagram.com/filminnewcastle/]'s most recent film challenge.

Then we wrap up by getting INTO IT with some Steven Spielberg talk and some genuinely lovely advice from Josh from anyone considering giving up on acting.

Joshua Hunt: Trying to Get My Face Everywhere

Welcome back to What Makes you Tick?

This is an intro episode for Season 2. The show will return on Wednesday 04 February 2026 with guest Joshua Hunt [https://www.instagram.com/joshuahunt1405_actor/]!

This intro episode is also a WORLD EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW of the show's brand new theme song by Adam Sams [https://www.instagram.com/erroneous_junk/].

Season 2 Episode 0: And so we return...

What's this? One last episode before Christmas! And this one is very special because I'm speaking to the man himself!

It's Santa Claus!!!!

Join us as we talk about how Santa became Santa, the recent controversies he's faced with the elves and Rudolph and OF COURSE the Spirit of Christmas.

We also discuss the Tim Allen film 'The Santa Clause' and errrrm.......There's some very serious business that I need to apologise for.

Listen now!!!

Show logo is by Craig Pearson.

Christmas Theme Music credit info:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/a-holly-jolly-christmas

License code: RULMD8C5WBD94THA

(Santa wishes to be credited only as Santa Claus)

Christmas Special! Santa Claus: A Matter of Self-Control!

What Makes You Tick? Is a conversation podcast where host Ryan Watson, interviews actors, film-makers and a whole range of other artists based in the North East (and sometimes beyond). We talk about what they do, how they make it work and the media that inspires them to do what they do.

Join us every Wednesday! 