What is it like to experience a manic episode? And how does one go about dealing with the repercussions of being extremely happy one day, and depressed for many days afterwards?

Aspiring radio producer Robin Blamires who underwent an episode of hypomania aged 22 uses his audio abilities to reveal how a love for the medium helped him to discover more about himself mentally, and dealing with scary situations that have recurred throughout a lifetime.

Narrated by Robin Blamires, with the additional voices of Ian Parkinson, Joe McDaniel, Georgina Davies-Knight, Andrea Rangecroft, Kemi Fatola,  James Waters, Jonathan Easton, John Harris, Sandie Pearson, and Karen Pearson.

Check out the audio diary showing the making of the podcast!
http://www.mixcloud.com/FoldedWing/tuned-in-to-the-future-inside-the-mind-of-a-hypomanic-audio-diary/

And the behind the scenes blog from Folded Wing!
http://www.foldedwing.co.uk/news_and_blog/1806-behind-the-scenes-inside-the-mind-of-a-hypomanic--a-bipolar-journey-through-sound

And last of all, a Spotify playlist showing the music used in the piece
and audio diary.

http://open.spotify.com/user/robinblamires/playlist/6E61KaggnT2OUcILVGRVel

Mental Health Websites:
http://www.rethink.org/

http://www.mind.org.uk
(Produced by Folded Wing)

Inside The Mind Of A Hypomanic - A Bipolar Journey Through Sound

A few thoughts on the differences between the two ways of delivering audio, and why one maybe less stressful than the other.

Linear Radio Vs Voice Notes (30.10.22)

A few honest (and sympathetic) thoughts on the news on BBC Local Radio, and the concept of local radio as a whole.

BBC Local Radio - A Few Thoughts

A few thoughts on when the otherwise amazing broadcast medium, is forced upon you against your will, possibly in claustrophobic circumstances.

Voice Note - Forced Radio Listening (04.11.22)

Five years since appearing on Radio 4's "The Listening Project", Robin and Concha reunite in Canterbury to discuss the last five years, and talk openly on mental health challenges, and past recollections.

(The above audio has not been produced in conjunction with the BBC or the British Library)

Life After Listening - Robin and Concha- Five years on (November 2022)

A few thoughts on anxiety, and my ways of trying to manage it. If more than a bit garbled.

Voice Note - Anxiety In Audio

Five years since their last audio outing, Karen P and Robin Blamires reunite at Folded Wing's new nest on the Essex coast of Leigh-On-Sea.

The recently-made fellow of the Radio Academy joins Robin for a rollercoaster audio adventure, and there's a lot to catch up on.

Namely treasured albums, neurodiversity, Hull's very own "chip spice", all building up to a loud slimy finish.

Blog: https://robinblamires26.wordpress.com/2023/02/17/karenp/

Photos:  Robin's shelf of treasured albums.
https://robinblamires26.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/img_8464.jpg 

Bass and Bows
https://robinblamires26.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/img_8179.jpg

Pasta Wheels
https://robinblamires26.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/img_7936.jpg

Re-Folding The Wing With Karen P

Ten years after my suprisingly well-recieved exploration around a manic episode, you'll soon be treated to a longer and even crazier journey through autism, music, and real life.

It could be an early Christmas present in some ways...
(Audio online from December 1st)

In the meantime, a link to the prequel...https://soundcloud.com/robinblamires/bipolar

Tease - A Hypomanic Sequel (December '23)

Ten years from the well-received “Inside The Mind Of A Hypomanic” soundscape,
Robin Blamires returns to provide a similar and extended exploration of autism and a love of audio and radio.

From nursery rhyme and story cassette tapes, to present day podcasts, with soul, jazz, and jingles in between, Why is sound is special? How does it create special memories out of simple experiences? And would it stay special if pursued as a career path?

Guest starring the voices of Karen P who co-produced the original bipolar soundscape, and those of many friends and family, it’s a unique audio insight into autism and special interests.

Read more at: https://robinblamires26.wordpress.com/rainbow

Special thanks to Luke Davies for use of audio from the “Radio Greats” podcast. 

Other archive audio via Paul Teague, Andy Walmsley and Jonathan Gold.

The Audio Rainbow

From the Moomins to “My Parents Are Aliens”, a chat with writer and broadcaster Ben Baker who has written an amazing book celebrating 40 shows from 40 years of Children’s ITV.

Venturing down the Trap Door of television, along with a reflection of the present day state of viewing for young people, made more noticeable by the CITV Channel’s closure in September this year.

“The Dreams We Had As Children” can be purchased below:
https://linktr.ee/BenBakerBooks

CITV And Me - A Chat with author Ben Baker

From the days when a new jingle package was a major event in British radio, Invicta FM in Kent with presenter Neil Taylor introducing Century 21's "Steamroller" jingles to the Kentish listeners. 

Plus an interview with David Arnold, the then UK agent for Century 21 and British jingle and TV theme composer, extolling the "values" of playing out jingles on CD.

In those days they assumed the listener cared about the greatest of details... (And one or two of them did a bit too much)

(Audio originally recorded by David Furness)

Invicta FM - "Steamroller" Jingle Package On-Air Launch, February 1990

A selection of sounds from UK Radio in the South East 15 years ago, in an era where local commercial radio could be engaging and entertaining without sounding desperate. Well, most of the time…

Stations featured, Invicta FM, Southern FM, Essex FM, Mercury FM (Tonbridge) SGR FM, Broadland 102, Classic Gold (Amber) and 105-108 Vibe FM.

As you’d expect the audio quality varies in places….

Enjoy and don’t be too embarrassed if you were there at the time. You entertained me at least.

For a detailed insight into the audio, why not read my commentary at https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/06/28/part-1-1999-2000/


What Radio Used To Sound Like - Part 1 (1999-2000)

Another visit to Essex, with a look back at how Essex FM adapted to the GWR takeover. Plus a few snippets of Moyles, and a few news intros from East Kent.

Read the accompanying commentary at https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/07/05/part-3-september-october-2000/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Part 3 (September-October 2000)

More early 00s airchecks, in this episode from Vibe FM, BBC Radio 1, 95.8 Capital FM, Swansea Sound, Real Radio (Wales), Lincs FM, Peak 107, and Neptune Radio.

Give the blog a gander at https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/07/10/part-4-october-2000-april-2001/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Part 4 (October 2000-April 2001)

A fifth helping of airchecks past, including Invicta FM, Capital FM, Vibe FM, Lincs FM, KLFM, and Neptune Radio.

Give the accompanying commentary a read at  https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/07/17/part-5-april-august-2001/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Part 5 (April-August 2001)

WRUTSL is back taking you on a radio journey from 2003-2009!

In this first episode, audio from BBC London 94.9, Capital Gold, Real Radio South Wales, Jazz FM (London and North West), Classic FM and BBC Radio 2.

Give the blog for this episode a read too, https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/11/20/episode-1-january-june-2003/ 

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 1 (January-June 2003)

Episode 2 in the latter half of 2003 with audio from Classic FM, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 1, and KMFM-106.

Give the blog a gander as well; https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/11/22/episode-2-june-december-2003/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 2 (June - December 2003)

Archive audio from 2005-2006 including Galaxy 105, Big L 1395, Invicta FM, KMFM, Smooth FM, BBC Radio 1, LBC and BBC Radio 4.

Visit the blog too, for the episode commentary. https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/12/13/episode-8-dece…005-april-2006/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 8 (December 2005-April 2006)

A random selection of radio from mid to late 2006 including vintage anoraking from Chris Moyles and JK and Joel, and remembering the late Alan "Fluff" Freeman who passed away in November that year.

Commentary at the blog as always;  https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/episode-9-april-november-2006/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 9(April-November 2006)(Contains Strong Language)

Transporting back to the first half of 2007, with Chris Moyles, Mick Brown, Ken Bruce, Charles Nove and others in places.

The blog's up as well;  https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/12/20/episode-10-january-may-2007/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 10 (January-May 2007)

My latest set of JAM personal cuts, ranging from Fresh KIIS, FM, Hot KIIS, Z Force, and Z World.

Robin Blamires - JAM Jingles 2015

A wacky selection of British radio from mid 2007, with extracts from Hallam FM, Mix 107, BBC Radio York, 2-Ten FM, KCFM, Gold, KMFM, BR-FM, and BBC Radios 1 and 2 turning 40.

The blog containing extra audio and insights, can be read here;
https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/episode-11-june-september-2007/



(A Model 8 Production)

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 11 (May-September 2007)

My last ever set of TM resings from "Steamroller", "KYKY", "Southern California's KIIS" and "We Play The Hits".

(Copyright TM Studios)

Blammy's iJingles 2015 (TM/Century 21)

The last in this series of radio reminiscing, with audio from Time 106.6, 2-Ten FM, Big L 1395, Capital FM, Smooth Radio, Jazz FM, Wish FM, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1.

There's also the final commentary to accompany the audio;
 https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2015/12/31/episode-12-2008-2009/

Thanks for listening and for the kind words throughout this series!

(A Model 8 Production)

What Radio Used To Sound Like - Episode 12 (2008-2009)

A special episode, celebrating almost half a century of jingles at the BBC, with former Radio 1 controller Johnny Beerling taking a look back at the history of JAM jingles at the BBC.

Plus a look at the more recent offerings from Dallas with Radio 2 imaging producer Chris Reay.

(Contains very strong language)

https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2016/09/17/jam-bbc/

Jingle audio (C) PAMS, JAM Creative Productions, AJ Productions, Groove Addicts, Music 4, Wise Buddah.

Additional audio courtesy of Stephanie Hirst and aircheckdownloads.com

40 Years Of JAM Jingles At The BBC (WRUTSL Special)

A selection of station idents and music demonstrators I've made over the last year at Canterbury's community and student radio station.

CSR FM Imaging

Produced at JAM's peak, a partially flaky (on my part) ten minute selection of IDs for stations and syndicated shows from all continents.

JAM 1990 Client Montage

Episode 1 taking a look back at the "Decade With No Name" 
with Chris Evans and Simon Mayo making their Radio 2 daytime debuts, 
Jodie Kidd turning the London airwaves blue, and 6 Music fighting to survive.

The accompanying commentary blog post can be read here;
https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/01/01/series-3-episode-1-january-june-2010/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - January-June 2010

A look back of what the latter half of 2010 has to offer radio-wise, including Mary Anne Hobbs' Radio 1 swan song, Chris Evans'
honest thoughts on Chris Moyles, and Ken Bruce's "Prankmaster".

(Contains strong language)

Episode blog at https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/01/06/series-3-episode-2-july-2010-march-2011/

Thanks to Becky Sheeres for the drop at the beginning. 
Oh and Rik Scott.

What Radio Used To Sound Like - July '10-March '11

A look back at the latter part of 2012 with an underwhelming entrance for Nick Grimshaw, and an explosive exit for Danny Baker.

As well as plenty more audio gems from this period.

Blog: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/04/22/series-3-episode-4-sep-2012-jan-2013/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - September '12-January '13

Nearing the halfway line of the series, and a big radio milestone for Tony Blackburn. Elsewhere Radio 4 goes loopy, a sharp-tongued Sofie Gråbøl livens up Simon Mayo's Edinburgh audience, and Richard Allinson bids adieu to 2.

Give the blog a read: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/05/06/series-3-episode-6-2013-2014/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - 2013-2014

Nearing the midway point with "Deadly" leaving Radio 2, Simon Bates arriving at BBC Radio Devon, and Radio 1's Top 40 making it's departure from Sundays.

Alongside other related audio from this period.
(Contains very strong language)

Episode Blog: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/05/24/series-3-episode-7-october-2014-july-2015/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - October '14 - July '15

Greg James goes live with the new Friday Chart, Chris Moyles comes back from the audio wilderness, and the final Xmas Day Junior Choice as hosted by the late Ed Stewart alongside other bits of radio from the second half of 2015.

Episode 9 to follow in late August.

Blog: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2019/05/27/series-3-episode-8-july-2015-january-2016/

What Radio Used To Sound Like - July '15 - Jan '16

From the 50th anniversary celebrations at Radio 1 and 2, to the big changes at Radio 2 announced in early '18.

Plus audio from Radio Scotland's "Get It On", Scott Mills, and Liza Tarbuck.

BLOG:

What Radio Used To Sound Like - September '17-May '18

A year (and a bit) that's been so big for radio, it has to be split into two parts. This one featuring Evans' Radio 2 exit, Simon Mayo starting up Scala, and Greg James getting locked up.

Blog: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/series-3-episode-13-2018-2019/

What Radio Used To Sound Like 2018-2019 (Part 1)

Radio 1 gets rude for Comic Relief, Capital and Heart go national (if not Global), and Wiley gets wound up on 1Xtra.

Blog: https://whatradiousedtosoundlike.wordpress.com/2020/01/01/series-3-episode-13-2018-2019/

(Contains strong language and adult humour)

What Radio Used To Sound Like - 2018-2019 (Part 2)

I produce bits that go in between the tunes on the radio, and for a bit of fun I sometimes like to play about with the tunes themselves.

Popular tracks by RobinBlamires