Celebrating 200,000 Podcast Downloads

Belinda O’Neill, Host of Be Inspired to Be podcast, Jack McClelland, Co-host of Activist Lawyer podcast, Jonathan McKeown, Founder of Granite Exchange, Natsha Daryaie, Host of Tash Talks podcast. (front) Colleen O’Hare, Manager of Granite Exchange

Launched just before the pandemic in early 2020, we have marked a milestone of 200,000 collective downloads since the podcast studio opened its doors in Autumn 2020.

Built in late 2019 and opened in early 2020, just before lockdown one, it was a delayed start for the state-of-the-art podcast studio, but in just 18 months, over 200,000 people have chosen to download and listen to a podcast episode that’s been expertly recorded and edited at Granite Podcast Studios.

Home to some of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s leading podcasts, including What’s the Crime?, The Public Eye and Activist Lawyer, the podcast studio is conveniently situated in the heart of Newry, and is now attracting budding podcast creators and hosts from Ireland and across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on this major milestone, Colleen O’Hare, Granite Podcast Studio Manager comments: “At Granite Exchange, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and forward-thinking business and we’re delighted that our productions have reached over 200,000 people in such a short space of time.

“When we invested in the podcast studios before the pandemic, we were confident of the rising demand for high quality, state-of-the-art studio space, but the arrival of the pandemic quickly closed our doors during the first lockdown.

“When it was safe to do so, we relaunched the podcast studio and have welcomed many hosts and hundreds of guests to the studio. Our hosts travel from far and wide to record at Granite Podcast Studios due to the quality of our equipment, location and editing expertise.”

As restrictions eased and the trend for podcasting continued to increase, Granite Podcast Studio has noticed a significant uplift in new podcasts and enquiries. Colleen continues: “We have lots of plans for Granite Podcast Studios, and as the demand for high quality podcasts increase, we’re well placed to welcome new clients who we can help on their podcast journey.”

The ultra-modern studio features a spacious, airy space that can fit up to four participants and is equipped with the latest audio equipment and cutting-edge technology. The experienced team at Granite Podcast Studio also offer in-house editing services, which can transform any podcast into a professional, ready-to-upload show with minimal effort required from its customers.

Natasha Daryaie, also known as the Gym Guru, records her ‘Tash Talks’ podcast in Granite Podcast Studio. Natasha adds: “Having such a modern podcast studio at our doorstep in Newry is a gift for people who are looking to increase their presence or are seeking to record good quality podcasts, paired with expertise and knowledge in this space.

“The team at Granite Podcast Studio have made my experience recording at the studio fantastic. I know my audience and content, but the overall service has delivered a higher quality listening experience, and this has certainly helped to contribute to the consistent growth of my podcast audience.”

Belinda O’Neill, host of ‘Be Inspired to Be’ podcast, recorded in Granite Podcast Studio recently, and added: “Recording at Granite Podcast Studio was very easy. All I did was book my slot, show up and record! The studio is spacious and comfortable and is fitted with all the modern equipment to record a great quality podcast. I also made use of the in-house editing service, and I’m looking forward to working with the team on future episodes and building the ‘Be Inspired to Be’ podcast series.”

Granite Podcast Studio is situated at 5-6 Kildare St, Newry, BT34 1DQ. The studio is open Monday to Friday. For further information on its services, please see www.granitepodcaststudio.com or contact Colleen O’Hare on colleen.ohare@granite-exchange.com

To listen to some of Granite Podcast Studio’s podcasts, see the website where you’ll find: The Public Eye, hosted by Sarah Travers, Activist Lawyer, Just’ Cause and Loudmouthed Lawyer.

‘The c tea’ podcast launches!

 

Granite Podcast Studio is honoured to work alongside these two fantastic charities on the launch of their new podcast ‘The c tea’.

Have you ever heard the expression “what’s the tea?” According to urban dictionary it means when someone has gossip and you want to know every detail of as soon as possible. 

So that’s what this podcast is- spilling the tea on what it’s like to have cancer (or the big C) as a young person in Northern Ireland. 

Recorded in 2021 during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this podcast series is hosted by Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly known as CLIC Sargent) and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children.

They have come together to talk about cancer services in NI and share the stories of the young people and families we support. 

This podcast is heart-warming, emotional, informative but ultimately, it’s full of Tea.

To listen on Apple Podcasts click here

To listen on Spotify click here

If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer 
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast  
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk  
Call: 0300 303 5220 
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland  

If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children 
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form  
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com  
Call: 028 9080 5599  
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children  
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren 

 

Here is a list of some other amazing charities in Northern Ireland and beyond we work with that may also be useful for you and your family: Teenage Cancer Trust, AlikeEllen MacArthur Cancer TrustCancer Focus NIMacmillanAction CancerFriends of the Cancer CentreThe Children’s Cancer Unit Charity  

 

Team Ireland Launches Podcast!

Granite Podcast Studio is delighted to help ‘2021 Quadcross of Nations Champions’ produce their ‘ Team Ireland 2021 QXON France’ podcast, which is hosted by the fantastic Roy Neill.

In this episode, Roy speaks to race winners, Mark McClernon, Justin Reid, Dean Dillon along with  team manager Gordon Gilchrist.

Previously, In 2017 team Ireland were third at Cingoli, Italy, then in 2018 they were one step higher in Slegelse, Denmark, “which was was a fantastic result but the win was still the ultimate dream” the riders said. 

It was a proud moment for the three as they climbed on to the top step of the podium after finishing nine points clear of their nearest rivals Italy earlier this year. 

This podcast is all about Mark, Justin, & Dean’s experience starting from how team Ireland were selected to event practice, qualifying and the actual individual race experiences and the emotions they felt once they won ‘2021 Quad of Nations’.

Team manager Gordon also discusses how he chose his winning team and an account of how the sport was impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.  

This podcast is full of nail-biting and sitting on the edge of your seat excitement. If you love quad racing & underdogs, then you will love this podcast!

Available on all major streaming platforms. 

To listen on Spotify click here.

 

Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021

Greater Newry Area Business Awards

The Public Eye Podcast, which is hosted by the wonderful Sarah Travers, aims to inspire existing business owners and ambitious entrepreneurs to grow their business by offering insight into the success of local Newry companies.

We were delighted to have so many of last night’s lucky winners at the ‘Greater Newry Area Business Awards’ feature on our podcast. To find out more about winners and their businesses click the link to their episodes below.

Granite Podcast Studio was also thrilled to be awarded ‘Highly Commended’ for ‘Best Innovative Business’. We would like to thank Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade for organising this wonderful event.

Granite Exchange Winners of the Best Kept Business Award and Highly Commended in the Best Innovative Business Award Category. Jessica Phillips and Colleen O’Hare representing Grantie Exchange at the Greater Newry Area Business Award Ceremony 2021.

The principal sponsor of the awards was Shelbourne Motors, to hear more about their business listen now to Caroline Willis, Financial Director of the company.

The award for ‘Best Restaurant & Bistro section of the Best Place to Eat’ category and ‘Best Tourism & Hospitality Business’ went to Killeavy Castle Estate

Listen to their episode below:

The award for ‘‘Best Marketing Initiative’ went to AbbeyAutoline

Listen to their episode below:

The award for ‘Best Businesswoman’ and ‘Best Customer Services’ went to Gemma Murphy and Jack Murphy Jewellers

Listen to their episode below:

The award for ‘Best Kept Business’ went to Granite Exchange

Listen to their episode below:

The award for ‘Best Small Business’ went to RNN Communications

Listen to their episode below:

The award for ‘Best Family Business’ went to Crilco – Crilly Sweets

The Business Awards Charity Partner for the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2021 this year was PIPS Hope and Support Ltd, to hear more about the history of the charity and the great work they do, listen here.

Behind the scenes: Newry businesswoman describes her first podcast experience

Behind every great podcast is a great person with a great story.

Today we’re enjoying a behind-the-scenes chat with one of Ireland’s leading fitness figures in the last decade, Newry’s Natasha Daryaie.

Natasha, known affectionately by her clients as ‘The Gym Guru’ started her exciting journey under unique circumstances; at The Fun House, Newry.

This is where she juggled a successful twelve-year career as a busy manager at the popular family entertainment centre, alongside coaching hundreds of women in weight loss boot camps.

With the COVID-19 pandemic changing every facet of modern life, The Gym Guru’s membership doubled, with the business experiencing rapid growth.

And with the rapid expansion, Natasha decided to start a podcast, which she recorded at Newry’s Granite Podcast Studio.

“My business has rapidly grown in 2020, and I feel that this year has had such a detrimental effect on people’s mental health,” Natasha explains.

“I wanted to help more people get through this tough time, and I believe that podcasts and audiobooks can help people learn, grow and self develop through this challenging time,” she adds.

Speaking about Granite Podcast Studio, Natasha says as soon as she heard Granite Exchange was opening a podcast studio, she knew it was the perfect time to launch her podcast.

“I didn’t have any knowledge about how to start a podcast, but the staff in Granite Exchange took care of everything,” Natasha explains.

“I love Granite Exchange and everything it has to offer for local businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Describing her new podcast – The 3 Points Podcast – Natasha comments, “I want my podcasts to provide people with 3 main points to help their life physically and mentally.

“I will be taking on exciting guests along the way, and they too will be sharing their 3 main points in the interview, and the room at Granite Podcast Studio is perfectly set up for interviews, with four microphones.

I also plan to make use of the studio’s cutting-edge technology and software, which allows me to interview people over the phone.”

She adds, “The staff at Granite Podcast Studio are fantastic; they showed me how to use all of the equipment.

“I also made use of the studio’s editing service, which transformed my new podcast into a professional, ready-to-upload show.

There’s a real personal touch to everything in the studio, and that’s only made possible by the friendly staff who personalised my experience.”

Natasha says her first experience of podcasting at Granite Podcast Studio was “amazing”.

“It truly is a fantastic setup; a state of the art studio with the best recording equipment.  

All I had to focus on was the podcast’s content; everything else was taken care of.

Jessica was fantastic and made me feel so welcome and relaxed,” she adds.

One of her favourite parts of the experience, she says, was “picking the music with Jessica that will open my podcast up.”

With a brimful of ambition, Natasha says her first foray into the podcasting industry has given her “confidence to make my podcasts stand out.”

The Gym Guru describes the experience as fun and creative, and says other local businesses “100% must try podcasting”.

“It was straightforward to book a time slot for recording and editing in the studio on the Granite Podcast Studio website.

I was delighted with the final result; the sound quality was amazing, and I just can’t wait now to let listeners hear it.

Thanks to the help from staff at Granite Podcast Studio, my podcast is now available to listen to on Apple, Spotify, Podbean, Google Play and Amazon music.”

Follow Natasha’s journey on Facebook and Instagram.

Granite Podcast Studio charge just £40 + VAT per hour for a one-off session, and our format is compatible with all streaming services.

Need your podcast edited too by the experts? The editing option costs only £40 + VAT per hour.

So for just £80 you can have your podcast professionally recorded and expertly edited.

For more information or to book your session visit: www.granitepodcaststudio.com

The Public Eye Podcast – Season 5!

Granite Podcast Studio are set to launch their fifth series of ‘The Public Eye Business Podcast’ Which is hosted by the wonderful Sarah Travers!

The previous four series’ featured some truly ambitious people, and the fifth will be no different; we hear fantastic stories from the best and brightest Northern Ireland has to offer.

The podcast aims to inspire existing business owners and ambitious entrepreneurs by providing a unique insight into the success of local businesses, its set to launch Wednesday 8th September 2021 at 10am and will be available on all major streaming platforms.

This series, which is sponsored by Granite Legal Services, gives listeners the inside scoop on another six fascinating individuals:

Wednesday 8th September

Episode 1- Riki Neill, Founder of RNN Communications

Wednesday 15th September

Episode 2- Ann Morgan, CEO of Murdock Builders Merchants

Wednesday 22nd September

Episode 3- Rashida Keenan, Rashida Photography

Wednesday 29th September

Episode 4- Jim Finnegan, Founder of PocketBox

Wednesday 6th October

Episode 5- Sarah Henry, Director of Immigration at Granite Legal Services

Wednesday 13th October

Episode 6- Michael Nugent, Founder of Nugelato

Join Riki Neill as she tells Sarah Travers how she launched the multi award winning public relations company, RNN Communications. Riki also discusses why her and her team successfully transitioned to a 4-day work week.    

Sarah is also joined this series by Ann Morgan, CEO of Murdock Builders Merchant. In this episode Ann describes the opportunities available to women in today’s construction industry, the importance of people in the workplace and how she overcame her biggest challenges.

Rashida Kennan shares her journey on becoming a renowned and award-winning Irish Photographer. Rashida tells Sarah how she created her style of photography and how she never gave up on her dream. Rashida also speaks about her latest venture which is vintage inspired children’s clothing.  

We also welcomed Jim Finnegan onto the podcast, Founder of PocketBox, an app that promises to help motorists safely and securely manage all their essential vehicle documentation. The innovative new app will ensure all drivers are legally covered, with handy reminder alerts for any soon-to-expire documents as well as service history prompts. Jim tells the story about where the idea came from and how he made it a reality.

Sarah Henry, Director of Immigration at Granite Legal Services tells our host how she got into the industry. Sarah discusses the ever-evolving immigration system following Britain’s exit from the EU. Sarah also discusses her new role as host on the new podcast ‘Activist Lawyer’ which is committed to highlight and combat injustices and inequalities.

For the season finale, Sarah is joined by Michael Nugent, Founder of Nugelato. Michael talks about his family’s history with ice cream and where he got the idea for his Italian inspired boutique.

Launching on Wednesday 8th September 2021, you can find the upcoming series on SpotifyApple Podcasts and Pod bean, as well as catching up on the incredible stories from the last three series!

For more information on our studio visit: www.granitepodcaststudio.com

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