Presenters
Meet the Presenters
The Dude
Darren aka The Dude Presenting The Rock Show Wednesdays 7pm - 9pm
"Rock music through the ages! 50's to present day!"
Meet Darren
"I have been involved with Radio for around 10 years. I love music.. Any sort of music played with real instruments! I play guitar badly but enjoy it! I once had 21 guitars and could play them all badly too! I have a passion for local music and get out to see the local bands when I can."
What Makes Your Show Different?
"We play only full versions of songs. No cut down edits. Full tracks how they were meant to be heard. if it is 10 minutes long, it is 10 minutes long!"
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Be A Presenter?
"As with everything... I fell into it..."
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
"Have a guess?? Rock obviously!!!!!"
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
"Iron Maiden, Chuck Berry, Led Zeppelin, Alter Bridge.. Far too many to name!"
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
"Blackbird Alter Bridge. Masterclass in song writing!"
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
"I am the king of rubbish jokes!"
Anything Else You'd Like To Tell Us And The Listeners?
"Pick up an instrument! It is a great hobby to have!!!!"
Eric Furze
Eric Furze Presenting Live n Local Music Mondays 7pm - 9pm
"Championing local music"
Meet Eric
"I have been with Stafford FM since the very start, never been poached or headhunted by other radio stations and always stuck to the Local formula and seen the show change and progress with the new music over the last 25 years."
What Makes Your Show Different?
"It's organic and the music is sent in by the artists."
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
"My knowledge of the local music scene and local music."
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
"Rock, blues."
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
"Led Zeppelin, JJ Cale, John Mayer."
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
"Maggie May"
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
"I'm incredibly handsome and I'm often confused with Nile Rogers."
Anything Else You'd Like To Tell Us And The Listeners?
"I never judge people's music or tastes and I'm always right."
Cat Kay
"A fun, upbeat and relatable mid-morning show that feels like catching up with a friend. Expect great music, plenty of laughs, local conversation and lots of opportunities to get involved.
From the little things we all relate to, to what’s happening around Stafford, it’s a show built around real life and real people warm, interactive and guaranteed to brighten up your morning."
Meet Cat Kay
"After some time away from the studio, I’m so excited to be back behind the microphone and back on air in Stafford. I love the connection radio creates and want my show to feel like catching up with a friend, with plenty of laughs, relatable conversations, great music and real local life.
Away from radio, I’m a busy mum to a 7 year old ,and my family is a huge part of my world. I love holidays, exploring new places and planning our next family adventure. My music taste is a real mix, from Prince and Aretha Franklin to big 80s and 90s favourites, Pink, Teddy Swims and Arctic Monkeys and in even partial to a bit of Michael Bolton!"
What Makes Your Show Different?
"The show will be built around genuine connection with listeners. It won’t just talk at people listeners will be part of the conversation, sharing their stories, opinions and everyday experiences.
It will combine local Stafford life with the funny, frustrating and relatable moments we all recognise, delivered in a warm, natural and down-to-earth way. The aim is for listeners to feel like they’re catching up with a friend who happens to be on the radio."
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
"I actually got into radio completely by accident! I went into Stafford FM to promote a show I was involved with for Musical Theatre Stafford, and what started as a visit to talk about the production somehow turned into an opportunity to present a weekend radio show. I gave it a go, absolutely loved it, and very quickly caught the radio bug.
From there, I went on to work in commercial radio, presenting a breakfast show as part of a team as well as hosting my own solo shows across several stations. Radio also gave me the opportunity to get out of the studio and host live events for audiences both large and small. I loved the buzz of those experiences, but there has always been something about being behind a microphone in a radio studio that feels like home to me."
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
"I’m a big fan of feel-good music, the kind of songs you hear and instantly want to turn up! I love a real mix, particularly 80s, 90s and 00s favourites, pop and those brilliant songs you’d forgotten you loved. For me, music is all about memories. Certain songs can instantly take you back to a particular time, place or moment in your life."
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
"Prince is an absolute favourite, and I love Pink, Teddy Swims and a real mix of 80s artists. My taste is pretty varied, but I’m always drawn to big voices, great songs and music that you can’t help but sing along to."
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
"I genuinely don’t think I could choose just one! Ray Charles’ You Are My Sunshine is definitely up there, and I absolutely love Aretha Franklin. I also have a not-so-secret guilty pleasure for Michael Bolton! Give me a big 80s or 90s love song and I’ll happily turn it up, but then I’m just as likely to put on the Arctic Monkeys. My favourite song really depends on the day, the mood and the memory attached to it."
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
"I’m related to Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer, so maybe my love of holidays and exploring new places really is in the family! I’m also a bit of a planner, especially when it comes to family days out, although I can still somehow lose my keys while organising everyone else’s life."
Anything Else You'd Like To Tell Us And The Listeners?
"More than anything, I want this to be the listeners’ show. I want to hear their stories, their opinions, what’s making them laugh, what’s happening in their world and the things that matter to them locally.
I want it to feel like a real conversation, where everyone is welcome to get involved. Whether they’re listening at work, at home, in the car or just need a bit of company, I want listeners to feel part of the show. I want them to message, join in and help make it a show that really belongs to them."
Martin Stanyer
Martin Stanyer Presenting Live n Local Music Mondays 7pm - 9pm
"Local and live , loud n proud"
Meet Martin
"I am a musician keen on promoting and helping others. I write passionately about our live music scene, and take the time out to help others."
What Makes Your Show Different?
"Me, a broad history of music knowledge and connections with the local area,"
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
"Eric furze, my idol, also i am good at thinking on the spot, can ad lib, and am passionate about the music scene"
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
"Rock"
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
"Guns n roses"
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
"Hate me Blue October"
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
"None that I can think of, just a class clown"
Helene
Presenting The Sunday Shuffle 2pm - 5pm
'A mix of feel-good, high energy music. Promotion of local events, shows, and gigs'
Meet Helene
'When I'm not behind the mic, you’ll usually find me performing with MTS or going through the what's on section with my son to plan our next theatre trip.
I'm also the self-appointed creative genius for Hexen Haus, which is Stafford's one and only witchy shop that's run by my amazing wife Astrid (and no, she didn't pay me to write this!)'
What Makes Your Show Different?
'My show will be high energy, silly fun, a great mix of music...And me!'
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
'I stepped in for the Sunday Musical show on Stafford FM in 2018. I have been performing with local theatre since 1986.'
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
'Honestly, I cannot pin it down. It's such a mix.'
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
'STEPS! LOVE THEM SO MUCH, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Chappel Roan, Dolly, Cheryl, Tina Turner...'
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
'Only one? Ermmmm..at the moment it's KLF's Justified and Ancient.'
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
'While visiting my great aunt in New Zealand (who was a Nun in the order of Joseph of Cluny), I accidentally got very drunk as no one else was drinking the wine on the dinner table. I 100% do not recommend being the only drunk person in a room full of Nuns!'
Audio Transmissions
Kieran aka Audio Transmissions Presenting the Friday Night Mix 9-11pm
'Dance and Electronic Music past and present'
Meet Kieran
'Covering all things Dance Music, Audio Transmissions plays the best underground and popular Dance and Electronic music, Past and Present.'
What Makes Your Show Different?
'Tracks that you wouldn't hear, or haven't heard for while. New music and a 30 minute DJ mix in the show too. Featuring dance, edm, rave, old skool - anything Dance music and the sub genres from past to present'
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
'Darren recommended as I have a youtube channel, love music and have been DJing dance music for 20+ years. Thought it might be good fun.'
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
'Dance music'
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
'Too many to list'
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
'Changes all the time. Probably Oasis - Live Forever'
Zoe Wallis
Zoe Wallis Presenting Wake up with Wallis Saturdays 6am-10pm and Mid Mornings on Thursday and Fridays.
Meet Zoe
Zoe Wallis is the owner of The Little George in Eccleshall, a Yam-yam born and bred who moved to Staffordshire in 2011 for love — and the rest, as they say, is history.
A proud campervanner, Zoe loves travelling, getting out and about and, most of all, meeting the people who make Staffordshire tick and hearing their stories. She’s always interested in what’s happening, who’s doing what and the characters that make this County such a brilliant place to live.
When she’s not at The Little George, or off exploring in the campervan, Zoe can usually be found with her trusty sidekick, Rambo — a Chihuahua with a personality considerably bigger than he is.
If you’ve got a great story to tell, Zoe is the person to share it with. And when she’s out and about, she’s rarely short of something to say — so always say hello!
What Makes Your Show Different?
'1. Properly local – not just reading out a list of events, but talking about the places, people and things happening around the Stafford(shire) area.
2. A real personality – opinions, observations, stories and the occasional rant about everyday life.
3. Listeners can shape it – local questions, shared experiences and features people can genuinely join in with. sharing the 'stuff' that local businesses and organisations are up to, where to go, where to eat, drink,play, stay. Sharing the stories about amazing people doing amazing things.
4. Weekend-focused – helping people decide what to do, where to go and generally getting them in the mood for Saturday.
5. Fun without being daft – upbeat and entertaining, but not cheesy'
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Be A Presenter?
'I've always wanted to present. My career to date has been a combination of professional services, business ownership, hospitality and consultancy. Within that I've had the chance to deliver presentations, but it's not scratched the itch I had to not just present, but entertain. To share the local stories that matter and showcase the amazing things that happen across our County. I joined Vibe1 in May 2024 and have had the opportunity to meet some incredible people and to find out some incredible stories - those stories both teach and inspire, but also help promote local businesses and causes and to give Pride of Place - pride in Staffordshire.
I thoroughly enjoyed undertaking a long-form interview with Sir Gavin Williamson and would love to build on the pre-existing relationship with both him and Leigh Ingham to also give local people a direct voice, and to build reputation for Stafford Beacon as a 'go to station' especially at times of key political issues and/or elections.'
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
'Anything I can sing along to/that has a 'happy' feel'
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
'I enjoy a really varied range: Jonny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jack Savoretti, Noah Khan, Elbow, Bon Jovi. I also like discovering new music. In our hospitality business, we host artists and encourage them to play their originals.'
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
'Embarrassingly(?): Chesney Hawkes, The One and Only'
Do You have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourself?
'I studied Russian at school, though I'm now very rusty and out of practice....!
I have a First in Law and zero sense of direction. If I say 'go left', I guarantee you need to go right.'
Psychic & Skeptic
Heavenly Helen & Mark Presenting Psychic & Skeptic Sundays 7pm - 9pm
'Psychic and Skeptic brings two very different viewpoints together for a lively journey into the unexplained. From ghosts, UFOs and werewolves to folklore, mysticism, psychic phenomena and things that simply can’t be explained, Helen and Mark explore both sides — the believer and the skeptic. Expect fascinating guests, spirited debate, strange stories plenty of humour and great music along the way …you decide possible or paranormal'
Meet Helen & Mark
'Heavenly Helen is a natural-born clairvoyant, psychic, Reiki Master Teacher with a lifelong fascination for the spiritual and unexplained. From psychic phenomena and mediumship to healing, mysticism, folklore and the paranormal, Helen has spent many years exploring the mysteries that lie beyond what we can see and understand. She teaches Reiki and psychic development, works professionally as a psychic and healer, and brings a wealth of personal experiences, stories and spiritual knowledge to the show. On Psychic and Skeptic, Helen represents the psychic perspective — but she’s always ready to have her beliefs challenged!
Mark has a passion for the great outdoors, nature, music and... football! He loves to get to the bottom of a mystery and if he can't find an answer he just says its "interesting.. not necessarily paranormal!" You'll usually find Mark playing guitar, playing music, coffee break ghost hunting.. or chopping up logs for the narrowboat fire! He has a very keen interest in the supernatural and really wants to believe everything ... but doesn't... until its proven to him..
On Psychic and Skeptic, Mark brings the sceptical perspective — questioning the evidence, challenging the theories and keeping Helen firmly on her toes.'
What Makes Your Show Different?
'There isn’t another show where there is a Psychic and Skeptic who are both paranormal investigators discussing all things unknown'
Get To Know Them
How Did You Get Into Radio? What Made You Want To Become A Presenter?
'We love presenting together'
What's Your Favourite Type Of Music?
'Helen loves dance R & B, Marks loves everything but mainly rock'
Who Are Your Favourite Artists/Bands?
'Helen- Kate Bush, Mark- David Gray'
What's Your Favourite Song Of All Time?
'Helen- Babooshka Kate Bush
Mark- Nothing else matter Metallica'
Do You Have Any Fun/Interesting Facts About Yourselves?
'We live on an narrow boat and often do coffee break ghosts along the towpath'
Anything Else You'd Like To Tell Us And The Listeners?
'Helen and Mark are a fun, lively couple with a shared love of music, mysteries and the unexplained — but very different opinions on what might be behind them! Their natural chemistry, humour and friendly disagreements are at the heart of Psychic and Skeptic. They love a good debate, don’t take themselves too seriously and are genuinely fascinated by everything from ghosts and UFOs to folklore, strange phenomena and the mysteries of our world. Above all, they want the show to be entertaining, thought-provoking and fun, with great guests, great music and plenty of laughs along the way.'
