Worthing podcaster Richard Vobes is broadcasting to the world
FROM inside a beach hut in Worthing, an internet phenomena is broadcasting to the world.
Broadcaster, actor and entertainer Richard Vobes is probably the most prolific podcaster on the internet, with more than 1,000 shows to his name.
Since January 2005, Richard has created a podcast a day, and gathered a cult international following, including some of the most respected names in broadcasting.
A podcast is a radio show style recording, which can be downloaded from the internet, and played whenever the listener wants, either through a computer, MP3 player, or even burnt onto a CD and played in the car.
Famous fans
"I had an email one day saying Danny Baker was talking about me on Radio London," Richard, 45, said.
"I went on listen again and there was a bit with him saying he'd been listening to the Richard Vobes' show from his front room to 'go and listen'."
Danny Baker is still in touch with Richard listens in to the podcast as well watching the latest Vobes venture, a webcam show broadcast live every evening.
He also sends the occasional email, in a recent one Danny said: "You'll be surprised who's listening and watching."
Appreciation
Richard was amazed when days after Danny's revelation he received an email and then a phone call from television and radio presenter Jonathan Ross.
"It was definitely him," Richard said.
"I asked him, 'why does someone like you listen to a show like this?' and he said, 'very few people are marching to the sound of their own drum, it has to be encouraged and appreciation shown'."
This encouragement from two well-known broadcasters has delighted Richard as he continues to experiment with his webcam show.
For two hours at lunchtime and another two hours in the evening, Richard is live, on camera, talking about subjects that take his fancy, trying his hand at cooking and often has a guest in the studio.
Multi-talented
Richard grew up in Horsham but spent many happy days in Worthing as a child, as his grandmother and latterly his father, lived in the town.
A born entertainer, he trained as a mime artist at the Desmond Jones School of Mime and has worked as an actor, featuring in numerous well-known television programmes from Poiret, Lovejoy, The Bill and EastEnders.
He can also juggle, lay on a bed of nails and unicycle.
Richard's training as a mime has helped him develop his film-making skills which resulted in him developing television shows including creating and starring in the successful CITV show Snug & Cozi.
Female voice
Now Richard is breaking new ground with web broadcasting he is looking for foils, people to react with him during his shows.
Richard explained: "The show's very male dominated.
"I want to make it bigger, better and stronger, and it really needs a female voice.
"I'm open to having guests and it would be great to have someone on, in their 30s plus, who can put a woman's perspective on what I'm waffling about.
Exchange banter
"What works is when someone has got their own opinion and who can say I'm wrong or not take banter personally.
"I invite people to come back if the come across well, because you can't manufacture that sort of thing."
Richard's cam show is broadcast on www.vobes.com, and viewers can take part by writing messages during the broadcast.
The same website hosts the podcast.
Anyone interested in taking part can contact Richard by email: richard@vobes.com or drop him a line to The Vobes Show, The Beach Hut, Worthing, BN11 1JR.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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