Darren W Freeman Discusses His Thrilling New Novel
Author Darren W. Freeman joined Toby on today’s Thank God It’s Toby to discuss his gripping new thriller, Plated Armor, which dives into the gritty world of law enforcement and corruption. In an in-depth interview, Freeman shared insights into the story, which follows a seasoned officer and his rookie partner as they confront a web of human trafficking, money smuggling, and moral reckoning during a high-stakes evening shift.
Freeman, a former law enforcement officer and seasoned criminal investigator, used his own real-world experiences to bring authenticity to the novel. “I drew from my own background—investigating everything from serial killers to corrupt law enforcement,” Freeman explained. “But Plated Armor takes it further, exposing corruption not just on the streets but at the highest levels of the system.”
The conversation also touched on Freeman’s transition from nonfiction to fiction. “It’s a shift, but I pull from my own experiences with rookie officers and administrators making unethical decisions,” he said. “And the result is a fast-paced thriller that’s rooted in real-life drama.”
Want to hear the full interview? You can listen back to the conversation with Darren W. Freeman on Thank God It’s Toby here:
Don’t miss out on this thrilling chat about Plated Armor—the story that explores the fine line between duty and corruption.
From Thank God It’s Toby
Marathon Tips with Dr Carla Rodrigues!
Today, Dr Carla Rodrigues joined Toby on Thank God It’s Toby, offering valuable advice for runners gearing up for the London Marathon this Sunday.
Dr Carla is a GP and the Head of Clinical Obesity at Numan. She’s passionate about helping people build healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. On the show, she shared her expertise on everything from fuelling your body for peak performance to recovering after a long run. But that’s not all. Dr Carla also discussed the mental side of training. She gave tips on staying resilient, staying motivated, and sticking with your goals when it gets tough.
With the London Marathon inspiring thousands of people to take on new fitness challenges, Dr Carla’s advice couldn’t have come at a better time. Whether you’re running 26.2 miles or simply working towards your own health goals, her approach is all about balance. She believes in finding what works best for you and understanding that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fitness and health.
Dr Carla’s focus isn’t just on short-term goals. She’s also about creating habits that last. She offered practical tips to help listeners stay on track, whether they’re preparing for a big race or just looking to live a bit healthier. Her advice was rooted in real-life experience and delivered with a dose of warmth and encouragement.
If you missed today’s interview, don’t worry! You can catch up and listen back to all the great tips here:
Get inspired to move, fuel your body right, and keep pushing toward your fitness goals! Dr Carla’s advice is perfect for anyone looking to make healthier choices, no matter the challenge ahead.
From Thank God It’s Toby
Toby Gribben Launches Brand New Show On Shout Radio
Toby Gribben has launched his brand new radio show, Thank God It’s Toby, on Shout Radio – and it’s already bringing the Friday energy!
Every Friday from 3pm, Toby fires up the weekend with feel-good and dance tunes, loads of laughs, and his trademark wit. It’s all about good vibes, great music, and plenty of fun to kick off the weekend.
What You Can Expect
Listeners can expect a packed show full of lively features. One of the highlights is the Mini Disco, where Toby spins some massive party tunes to get you dancing in your kitchen, car, or wherever you are!
Another favourite is Toby’s Feel-Good Newsflash, where he shares the happiest, funniest stories from around the world. No doom and gloom here – just pure positivity!
There’s also a brilliant lineup of guests. Each week, Toby chats to people who have inspiring, hilarious, or downright surprising stories to tell. You never know who might pop up next!
Toby’s natural charm, quick humour, and love for music shine through in every link. Whether you’re finishing work, starting your weekend early, or just need a boost, Toby’s got you covered.
In short, it’s the perfect way to start your Friday. If it’s Friday, Thank God It’s Toby!
Listen Again and Catch the Highlights
But that’s not all! The show is now accompanied by a brand new highlights podcast, featuring the best interviews from each week’s show.
Just search for Thank God It’s Toby: Highlights wherever you get your podcasts. Or you can listen here:
Find out more about the show here.
And if you missed the first show (or just want to relive it!), you can listen back here:
Happy New Year!
A very very Happy New Year to our Blog Readers! We have reached 2025 and are coming into our 12th year now. It has been a bit of a rocky start, with the snow and with the sudden departure of our Station Manager. However, we won’t let that dampen our new year spirit!
New Managing Director Appointed
We have appointed a new Managing Director – Xolo Bradford Blackmore. Xolo will be helping with the day to day running of the station and has plenty of ideas for Shout.
Station Manager Needed
As mentioned above, we are without a Station Manager at the moment and we are recruiting. The ideal candidate will need to be able to frequently attend to duties and have good Computer Knowlege.
The role entails:
The Station Manager at Shout Radio holds a variety of critical responsibilities that ensure the station operates smoothly and effectively. Among these duties, the following key responsibilities stand out:
Staff Oversight: The Station Manager is responsible for training, and supervising staff members, within their Team.
The Station Manager also oversees the Shows Team and will also be attached to the Shows Team and help with the weekly shows upload.
Programming Development: A significant aspect of the role involves developing and managing programming schedules. This includes selecting content that resonates with the community, balancing music and talk segments, and ensuring that all programming meets the station’s standards for quality and relevance.
Regulatory Compliance: The Station Manager must ensure that all broadcasting activities comply with our Licencing Commitments, Content guidelines, and managing any required reporting to regulatory agencies. Staying compliant helps to avoid legal issues and maintains the station’s credibility.
Community Engagement: Building relationships within the community is essential. The Station Manager actively seeks opportunities for the station to participate in local events, partner with community organizations, and provide a platform for local voices and issues.
These responsibilities collectively contribute to the successful operation of Shout Radio, ensuring that the station remains a vital and dynamic part of the community it serves.
Qualifications and Skills Required
To effectively fulfill the role of Station Manager at Shout Radio, a candidate must possess a combination of relevant educational qualifications, practical experience, and essential skills. These attributes are critical not only for managing the station’s daily operations but also for ensuring its long-term success in a competitive broadcasting landscape.
Experience in Broadcasting or Media
Candidates should have substantial experience in the broadcasting industry, ideally with a minimum of 5 years in roles that include programming, production, or management. Proven experience in radio operations, familiarity with various broadcasting technologies, and a track record of successful programming initiatives are highly valued. Understanding audience demographics and engagement strategies is essential for creating relevant content.
Leadership Abilities
The Station Manager must demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, including the ability to inspire and motivate staff. Effective leadership also entails conflict resolution skills, fostering a collaborative team environment, and the ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. Experience in staff management and development is crucial, as the Station Manager will oversee a diverse team of professionals.
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication skills are paramount for a Station Manager. This includes written and verbal communication, as well as the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including staff, community members, and sponsors. A successful Station Manager must articulate the station’s vision and goals clearly while maintaining open lines of communication with the team.
Knowledge of Industry Standards and Practices
An in-depth understanding of industry standards, regulations, and best practices is essential for compliance and operational success. The Station Manager should stay informed about emerging trends, technological advancements in broadcasting, and shifts in audience preferences. Knowledge of digital media platforms and marketing strategies will also enhance the station’s reach and relevance in the community.
These qualifications and skills collectively equip a Station Manager to lead Shout Radio effectively, ensuring that it meets its objectives and serves its community with distinction.
Work Environment
The work environment of a Station Manager at Shout Radio is dynamic and multifaceted, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the broadcasting industry. Station Managers typically work full-time, often requiring flexible hours that may extend beyond the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. This can include evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during special programming events or community outreach initiatives. The role demands a high level of commitment, as the Station Manager must be available to address urgent issues that may arise at any time.
Shout Radio fosters a collaborative workplace culture where teamwork is essential. The Station Manager works closely with various departments, including programming, technical operations, sales, and marketing, to ensure that the station’s vision is executed seamlessly. Regular meetings and brainstorming sessions are part of the culture, encouraging open communication and the sharing of innovative ideas. This collaborative atmosphere not only helps in creating engaging content but also builds a sense of community among employees, promoting a positive work environment.
However, the role is not without its challenges. In the broadcasting field, Station Managers often face high-pressure situations, such as meeting tight deadlines for programming, navigating regulatory compliance. Additionally, they must adapt to rapid changes in technology and listener preferences, which can impact programming decisions and marketing strategies. Balancing the demands of various stakeholders, including staff, sponsors, and the community, adds another layer of complexity to the role.
Despite these challenges, the Station Manager position at Shout Radio provides an opportunity to make a significant impact. The ability to influence programming and foster community engagement makes the role both rewarding and fulfilling, as it contributes to the station’s mission of serving the local audience effectively.
Ideally, the candidate should be based in Blackpool.
To apply, please go to the Join Us Page and fill in our Volunteering Form. The lower age limit for this post is 25 years old.
What’s Happening in 2025?
Lots is planned for 2025, so get ready for the lowdown…
CIC
Shout Radio is in the process of becoming a CIC. What is this you may ask? A community interest company (CIC, pronounced “see-eye-see”, or colloquially, “kick”) is a form of social enterprise in the United Kingdom intended “for people wishing to establish businesses which trade with a social purpose…, or to carry on other activities for the benefit of the community”.
Many community Radio Stations are CIC’s and it will allow us to go for funding, allow us to start advertising and also allow us to further the station’s ambitions and goals. We are currently working on registering with Companies House.
DAB
Yes, we are looking into getting onto DAB! Hopefully by the summer, we will be on DAB and will be able to reach even more listeners than ever. Of course, you will still be able to listen online!
Advertising
Soon you will be able to advertise your business with us. We are currently working on packages for advertising, which will not cost the earth.
12th Birthday
Hopefully, this can tie in with our DAB Launch. We are planning a 24 hour marathon show.
Outside Broadcasting
Hopefully, we will also be starting Outside Broadcasting at Fates and Fares around the Fylde Coast. More on this will be announced in the Spring.
Christmas Office Hours
Updated: 00:00 on Friday 20th December 2024
The Christmas holidays are almost here and everyone is gearing up for Christmas. Especially us here at Shout Radio. This post will give you the lowdown on how our teams are working over Christmas and New Years and how to get hold of us in an emergency, over the festive break.
Key information includes:
- Overview
- Departments.
- On Call.
- If you have an appointment, or are coming in to take part in shows over the holidays
- Access to the Building (Current Volunteers)
- Systems Access.
Overview
The Office will close for Christmas, at 5pm on Friday 20th December and re-opens on Mon January 6th 2025 at 11am. Visitors will be welcome to the office until 3pm on December 20th. After 3pm, we will be closed to visitors, until January 6th 2025.
Over the holidays, our Phonelines will be closed, (except for the Studio Line) we won’t be responding to non urgent emails and our Office Building will be closed to visitors. (Unless agreed otherwise)
Department Status over Christmas
Presentation
Shows will be aired as normal. However, we are running a special schedule on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Please see the schedule page after 18:00 on Friday 21st, for details.
Social Media
Our Social Media Team will be still working over Christmas, but it may take a little longer than usual to reply to messages.
Shows Team
Our Shows Team will still be working over Christmas, making sure shows are uploaded.
IT Services \ IT Servicedesk
We will be monitoring core services, but we will not be monitoring the ticketing system, except for emergency tickets. Please mark any Emergency Tickets with the subject line: EMERGENCY. Please phone On Call once an emergency ticket has been logged, (See Below) so we can escalate as needed. All other Tickets submitted over Christmas, will be dealt with when we re-open on January 6th.
Admin & Volunteer Services
Our Admin and Volunteer Services Teams will be taking a well deserved break over Christmas.
Management
Management will be away from the office over the holidays. However, there will be a Duty Manager on call, throughout the holidays, in case of emergencies. The Manager on Duty will have access to our base (at Blackpool Technology Centre) at all times, should access to the building be required, over the holidays.
On Call – For Urgent and Emergency Queries Only.
There will be a Duty Manager on call, 24 hours a day, all the way through the holidays. This is a “Generic Emergency Service” providing an emergency response outside of office hours, covering departments. You should only use this service, if it is an urgent or emergency situation. If your query is not urgent, please email: duty@shoutradio.org.uk and we will get back to you when the office re-opens.
The service is here to deal with IT System issues that are urgent, urgent building issues, safeguarding issues & any other issue that is urgent \ an emergency, which cannot
To report an emergency while the office is closed, please contact On Call on: 07951078395, or email: duty@shoutradio.org.uk, (please put the word URGENT OR EMERGENCY in the email subject line, if you are sending an urgent email) to contact the Station Duty Manager. (The person on duty over the holidays, will keep an eye on the Duty Mailbox and on phone calls)
Please be aware: We are prioritising keeping the station and our IT Systems online through the holidays, so we will be only dealing with genuine urgent and emergency queries only. Anything non urgent will be dealt with, once the office re-opens in January.
If you have an appointment, \ coming in to take part in shows over the holidays
Please arrive at the far end entrance of the building, (near the entrance of the carpark) as Main Reception will be closed. (We will leave the lights on on the stairway, so you know we are here) Please ring On Call and let us know you are here, so we can come and let you in. Please park in the carpark straight ahead of you, as you enter from Faraday Way.
Access to the Building (Current Volunteers)
Please use your Access Fob, via the entrances on Cores 2 or 3, as the main entrance to the building will be locked. (The blue doors, at each end of the building) The building will remain open through the holidays. (Even through the lights are off!)
Please remember: The Centre Manager will not be here over Christmas and New Years, so in the event of a building emergency please ring 2222 from one of the office phones, then On Call straight after! The Cleaners will also not be in over Christmas. Please let On Call know if there is a urgent cleaning issue.
Systems Access
If not advised otherwise, all systems will remain online and accessible over the holidays. Updates on Services Status, will be posted on our Status Page.
And Finally…
Finally, a massive thank you to all our listeners and volunteers, over the last year. Shout would not be here without you, so a massive heartfelt thank you to everyone that listens and volunteers on Shout Radio! Have a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Here’s to 2025!
Blue Skies Over Blackpool
I just wanted to quickly share this picture of the blue sky we had over the office yesterday. The weather has been really warm and sunny and everyone has been sunning themselves in the communal garden. Shame that today’s forecast is for showers, as I would not mind another day like yesterday.
A couple of other bits of good news for you to chew over….
I have recently become a published Children’s Author. My book: The Computer that Knew Too Much, is now available on Amazon and is a real achievement for me. The book is about 3 kids, who foil an evil Super Computer, who has it’s sights set on starting World War III and tries to get the missile launch codes to start it. The book took me 10 years to write, but finally it has been published, which I am so proud of.
Also, I have re-kindled my love of Am-Dram and have got back into it. I am now a member of the St Bernadette’s Parish Players and will be playing Ivan Lavago: A very shady Russian man, who does get killed off in the end.
We go to stage in October and I cannot wait. Below is a picture of me dead on the stage, after the character Max, slips poison into my Cognac!
At the station, we have had a few new volunteers. A couple of these are Presenters and are currently being trained by me, before getting their wings to go on air solo. We’ve now got a good team of Social Media Volunteers and gained a extra Admin Volunteer or two.
Have a great rest of the week.
Aaron Bennett