Everything But A Beach podcast recorded in the BIPC

Everything But A Beach is a podcast that uncovers the hidden history of Manchester and its surrounding region. Created by journalists Chris Osuh, Dean Kirby, and Yakub Qureshi, the podcast blends their unique perspectives and deep ties to the city. Chris and Dean, and Yakub, who have spent 20 years exploring the city’s culture, delve into Manchester’s Victorian heritage, its pivotal role in technological and social advancements, and its impact on political movements. Dean’s background in journalism, history, and genealogy further enriches the podcast, which aims to entertain, educate, and inspire history enthusiasts. 

Dean’s familiarity with the Manchester Central Library, where he frequently conducted research for his historical work, for his book; Angel Meadow and more, led the team to discover the Manchester Business and IP Centre. They were particularly drawn to the Business & IP Centre’s podcast studio, which offered the high-quality recording environment they needed. 

Access to the podcast studio allowed the team to avoid the challenges of acquiring equipment, soundproofing, and provided a distraction-free environment for collaboration. The historic setting of the library itself served as a source of inspiration, helping the team connect more deeply with Manchester’s past. In addition to providing technical resources, the BIPC staff offered practical advice on launching and promoting the podcast. They also helped organise a launch event (pictured below) at the Business & IP Centre, which was a significant milestone for the team. 

With the successful release of their first series, the team is now concentrating on growing their social media presence and connecting with their audience. Looking ahead, they plan a second season including expert guest appearances and on-site recordings at historic locations across Manchester. These efforts aim to deepen the podcast’s content and broaden its appeal, positioning Everything But A Beach for long-term success in the podcasting landscape. 

The journey of Everything But A Beach highlights the importance of accessible resources and community support in creative projects. Through their partnership with the Manchester Business & IP Centre, the team has not only created a podcast but has also contributed to the preservation and celebration of Manchester’s rich history. 


Bet you didn’t know Central Library had a podcast studio and it’s free to use for start ups and small businesses. Want to book it? Email us at: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk.

You can listen to the Everything But a beach podcast on PodBean.

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