Charlotte Donoghue And Claire Simmo Team Up For New Podcast ‘Say It On The Sofa’
Two familiar faces from Liverpool’s creative and media scenes have joined forces to launch a new podcast designed to bring people together through honest conversation, shared experiences and plenty of laughs.
Say It With founder Charlotte Donoghue and In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo are the hosts behind Say It On The Sofa, a new weekly podcast that officially launches on 1 July.
Although filming only began in May, the response has already exceeded expectations. Guest applications and sponsorship enquiries have flooded in, with recording slots reportedly booked through to October before the first episode has even aired.
The idea grew out of a friendship formed through work. After joking about starting a podcast together, the pair decided to turn the idea into reality.
“We wanted to create a community for both women and men to talk openly, whether it’s a light-hearted conversation or more serious subjects,” explains Charlotte.
“We all know that talking about things lightens the load. That being said, if someone just wants to come and have a gab and put the world to rights, that’s also what we’re here for. We want to make people smile and reach people who might be struggling, so they know they’re not on their own.”
The podcast aims to create a relaxed environment where guests feel comfortable discussing everything from relationships, grief and personal challenges to professional achievements, life lessons and business journeys.
Claire says the project’s rapid growth has been both surprising and rewarding.
“We joked about how funny it would be if we had a podcast and then a few months later Say It On The Sofa was created,” she says.
“Within weeks of deciding we were going to do it, Glamify Fashion sponsored our first set of shows and recording began. It’s been an exciting journey so far, but also a rewarding one, watching an engaged and supportive community being created.”
Each weekly episode will see the hosts tackling a wide range of topics, from relationships and gender equality to current debates, personal experiences and celebrity interviews. Alongside deeper conversations, listeners can also expect plenty of humour and the chemistry that first inspired the project.
“We want our podcast to be motivational and be the reason for someone to make a positive change,” says Charlotte.
“If we reach someone who’s been thinking about starting their own business, making a bold personal move, leaving a destructive relationship, reconnecting with an old friend or repairing a family relationship, then we’re winning. That’s always been our aim, with a little bit of a giggle along the way.”
Continuing the theme of supporting local businesses, the podcast is sponsored by Liverpool-founded fashion brand Glamify Fashion and recorded at CCC Studios in Southport.
Listeners won’t have to wait long to experience the show in person either. Charlotte and Claire will host a live podcast debate session at the Selfee Summer Social at Zenn Rooftop on 7 August, where audiences will be invited to join discussions on some of the show’s most entertaining and controversial topics.
Say It On The Sofa launches on 1 July, with new episodes released every Wednesday. Follow @sayitonthesofa on Instagram for updates, guest announcements and behind-the-scenes previews.
