The UK’s love affair with podcasts shows no sign of slowing. With record‑breaking listener numbers, a booming independent scene, and this year’s Podcast Awards celebrating everything from sharp‑witted comedy to boundary‑pushing storytelling, audio has firmly claimed its place at the heart of British culture. Now, Henley is stepping into the spotlight.

In February, the town welcomes a brand‑new theatre experience the HoT Podcast Festival which Experience Henley is proud to be supporting. Three nights of live podcasting that bring the nation’s favourite formats from earbuds to the stage. From globe‑trotting revelations in Travel Secrets and the hilariously relatable chaos of Mums Night Out to the extraordinary true‑grit journey of rowing the Atlantic. These brilliant podcasts are stepping out of your earbuds and onto the stage — live, unfiltered and full of stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

If you love travel and have not heard or listened to any of Tanya Rose’s podcast Travel Secrets, where have you been? Travel Secrets is the podcast sharing wisdom for fellow travellers, hosted by industry specialist Tanya Rose. The show sees Tanya in conversation with an impressive cohort of glittering guests – from brilliant actor James Norton to Hollywood icon Dame Joan Collins, about how they travel.

On 11th February the Travel Secrets is stepping out of the studio and onto the stage. Tanya Rose brings her acclaimed podcast to the Kenton Theatre for a special episode recorded in front of a live audience, the first half sees Tanya in conversation with the fabulous Christopher Biggins, who will regale hilarious stories from his life and travels, from Butlins to private jets! The second half features Tanya chatting with the wonderful Simon Williams of Upstairs, Downstairs, alongside his wife Lucy Fleming of The Archers – and niece of Ian Fleming. Together, they unearth exclusive travel tips and globe-spanning anecdotes, including stories connected to the legendary Goldeneye estate in Jamaica and those of Lucy’s parents during WWII from their current tour Posting Letters to the Moon.

Broadcasters and friends Zoe Hardman and Georgia Dayton are bringing their award-winning parenting podcast to the stage. The pair first met in a café while pregnant, bonding throughout maternity leave over the highs and lows of early motherhood. When they realised there was nowhere offering honest, non-judgemental parenting support, they launched Made by Mammas in 2017 and haven’t looked back since.

Now, they’re taking those open conversations live. No topic is off the table. In conversation with Georgina Bradley from Channel 4’s Hunted talking about how to keep our children safe in the modern digital world, navigating social media, bullying, and relationships, to lighter chats about their favourite fashion and beauty finds. With a special goody bag up for grabs, leave bedtime to your other half and head to The Kenton for a brilliantly fun night out!

Image: World’s Toughest Row

Former England International and Optimist Performance CEO Ollie Phillips will be joined by his co-host and fellow adventure athlete Sophie Storm Roberts for the first-ever recording of their inspiring new podcast –The Eternal Optimist. Fresh from the finish line of the World’s Toughest Row – 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in aid of three incredible causes (My Name’s Doddie Foundation, The Clocktower Foundation and Shiplake Primary) – Ollie will be interviewed by Sophie alongside his awe-inspiring crewmates Stuart Kershaw and Tom Clowes. Together, they’ll share extraordinary stories of grit, teamwork, and endurance.

The night of adventure doesn’t stop there. The second half will see Ollie & Sophie joined on stage by the Turner Twins as they uncover the resilience and mindset that drive people to push beyond limits and what it truly means to Play To Your Potential. The Turner Twins have launched an electric vehicle expedition from London to Shanghai, developed and tested a hydrogen-powered electric yacht across the Atlantic, set a world altitude record in a tandem electric paramotor, climbed Mount Elbrus (5,642m / 18,510ft) wearing and using traditional mountaineering clothing and equipment from over 100 years ago! And yes – you might even get a sneak peek at this remarkable historic equipment live on stage!

Georgie Parvin and Hattie Sanderson

Founded by Hattie Sanderson and Georgie Parvin, Goodfull Media is a media production agency specialising in podcasts and live events. It exists to bring people together through authentic storytelling. With experience across the BBC, Channel 4, British Vogue, and leading creative platforms, the duo champions real voices, lived experience, and the power of stories to inspire, educate, and connect.

Following the sell-out success of An Audience with the Movers & Shakers (a live podcast recording about Parkinson’s), Goodfull Media is proud to announce the inaugural HoT Podcast Festival, taking place over three evenings at the historic Kenton Theatre this February.

HoT Podcast Festival