• Little Roy: The REAL Origins of Reggae Music
    Aug 21 2025

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    Little Roy is a Jamaican Reggae Artist who began his musical career at just 12-years-old. As the first person to record a song with the word "reggae" in it, he is considered the true originator of the term, and absolutely instrumental in the shaping of the reggae genre. Little Roy claimed his first number one song at the age of just 16-years-old, with "Bongo Nyah", and he has enjoyed an influential, prolific career in music ever since.

    In this episode, Little Roy and Anthony McPherson discuss: Little Roy's origins as a musician, his early success, the importance of his song "Prophecy," the exploitation of reggae artists, the origin of the term "reggae", Little Roy's latest music, and working with his son.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

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    29 mins
  • Stephen Akinsanya: Croydon, Criminal Law and Rooting for the Underdog
    Jun 3 2025

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    Stephen Akinsanya has been a practicing barrister for three decades, and is most known for representing clients with serious offences under complex circumstances. He is also the founder of LifeofFocus, a charity dedicated to mentoring and educating disenfranchised young people. As a Black child growing up in Croydon, Akinsanya felt underrepresented in criminal law. And so dedicated his life to reversing that trend, improving the lives of many children and “underdogs” alike.

    In this episode, Akinsanya and McPherson discuss: Being a criminal barrister and Stephen’s inspiration behind it, mentoring young people, the history of Black people within law, thoughts on Black History Month, and how to change the culture on Black education.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

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    To get in touch, please visit:

    talkupproductions@gmail.com

    www.talkupproductions.com

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    15 mins
  • Dr. Denise Miller: Why Black History Month Isn't Good Enough
    Apr 21 2025

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    Dr. Denise Miller is a highly respected academic, author, and activist whose work focuses on the intersections of race, gender, and education. Dr. Miller's insightful analysis sheds light on the challenges students face, while also highlighting their resilience and agency. Dr. Miller's dedication to social justice and her commitment to empowering marginalized voices make her a powerful force in the fight for educational reform.

    In this episode Dr. Miller and McPherson discuss: Denise’s background as a primary school teacher, her transition into becoming an Educational Psychologist; whether Black History month is relevant (or merely tokenistic), why inclusive curriculums are important, and how government decisions impact children’s education.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

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    To get in touch, please visit:

    talkupproductions@gmail.com

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    25 mins
  • Suzann McLean: The Importance of Black Theatre, Culture and Performing Arts
    Apr 5 2025

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    Suzann McLean is an esteemed, award-winning actress, and the CEO and artistic director of Theatre Peckham. Her acting career spans both stage and screen, with credits including popular productions like “Good Omens,” “The Honourable Woman,” “Dr. Who,” Eastenders,” and “Little Miss Jocelyn.” Perhaps most notably, however, is McLean’s portrayal of “Isabella”: a young Rwandan woman from the National Theatre’s production of “Measure For Measure.”
    Outside of acting herself, Suzann is also known for fostering talent and championing young, diverse voices; which she has done an especially excellent job of at Theatre Peckham, after stepping into her role in 2018.

    In this episode, McLean and McPherson discuss: Suzann’s role as CEO and artistic director of Theatre Peckham, the importance of community and collaboration, developing theatre classics, Theatre Peckham alumni like John Boyega, and the self described “controversial” Young Gifted and Black season; an alternative to Black History Month.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

    Support the show

    To get in touch, please visit:

    talkupproductions@gmail.com

    www.talkupproductions.com

    https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation


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    20 mins
  • Alex Wheatle: Prostate Cancer, Crompton Knights and Growing Up in London
    Mar 20 2025

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    Alex Wheatle, the "Brixton Bard," is a British novelist whose powerful stories explore themes of identity, race, and social justice, resonating deeply with young adult readers. Wheatle's Crongton Knights series, a vibrant and energetic portrayal of a group of friends in a fictional London estate, has become a modern classic, celebrated for its relatable characters, fast-paced plots, and insightful commentary on contemporary issues. In 2021, Alex was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to literature.

    In this episode, Alex Wheatle and McPherson discuss: Alex’s traumatic childhood, using literature as a form of escapism, Alex’s battle with prostate cancer, the Crompton Knights adaptation, and his upcoming book.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

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    To get in touch, please visit:

    talkupproductions@gmail.com

    www.talkupproductions.com

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    22 mins
  • Lee Jasper: Former Deputy Mayor of London and Activist
    Feb 19 2025

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    Today's guest is Lee Jasper, human rights activist, who served as the Deputy Mayor of London under Ken Livingstone from 2000 to 2008. He focused on community relations, leading initiatives like the London Development Agency's £4 million Communities Programme. He also established the Mayor's Commission on Equality and advised on policing issues.

    In this episode, Jasper and McPherson discuss pressing issues within the Black community such as: systemic racism within policing, police violations and violence towards Black people, knife crime and domestic valence. Anthony and Lee also touch on key moments of British Black History, such as Britain's involvement in Trans Atlantic Slave trade, and how colonial conquest paid off Britain's national debt.

    Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson.

    Support the show

    To get in touch, please visit:

    talkupproductions@gmail.com

    www.talkupproductions.com

    https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation


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    15 mins