The intergenerational podcast passing down life lessons from generation to generation
Made by Mortals, a participatory arts organisation based in Ashton-Under Lyne, beat stiff competition from the Prison Radio Association, Multitrack and the Transmission Roundhouse Podcast Academy to win Best Grassroots Production Award at the 2023 Audio Production Awards in London for their hit podcast Armchair Adventures.
The series, launched during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020, is an educational podcast series for kids aged 6-10 and features the ideas, experiences and voices of older people aged 65 and over from across Greater Manchester.
Armchair Adventures is an award-winning podcast for curious kids aged 6-10 years old who love to use their imaginations.
Join Chief Adventurer Connie and her gang of plucky explorers as they take you on wild and wonderful adventures with the Armchair Adventures Travel Agency!
In each episode, you visit magical places, meet extraordinary people, and have all sorts of fun.
You might time travel on a cricket bat, boogie at a music festival, visit a superhero’s secret lair, or trek on a magical treetop walk.
Sounds like fun, we are in.
Made By Mortals
We spoke with Andy Smith, Artistic Director of Made By Mortals about the podcast and what’s made it so successful.
He expressed sheer joy at the recognition their podcast received.
Smith shared, “We’re over the moon that our podcast has been recognised by the UK’s audio industry. This means so much to us and the group of older people whose voices you hear in every episode.”
He went on to reveal the origins of “Armchair Adventures,” stating, “Armchair Adventures started as a way for Made by Mortals to help our local community and group of older, amateur actors to connect and create joy during lockdown.”
Three years on, the series has exceeded their expectations, and the Audio Production Award is the crowning achievement of an incredible year for “Armchair Adventures.”
Smith described the podcast as a “cartoon for the ears,” emphasising its unique qualities.
“What’s unique about it is that it is made by over 60s from our local community,” he said.
The collaborative effort involves a team of writers, composers, and musicians who work together to create captivating stories for children, rich with life lessons from the older generation.
“In a nutshell, Armchairs Adventures is a fun podcast story for kids aged 6 to 10.
“Through their storytelling and cool sound design, acting, and singing that happens in the episode, the listener is transported through the imaginative world of that journey,” Smith explained.
Armchairs Adventures
The podcast, led by a character named Connie, unfolds as a fictional adventure through time and space, offering a glimpse into the hobbies and experiences of the older contributors.
Reflecting on its appeal, Smith highlighted the intergenerational quality of “Armchair Adventures,” emphasising that it was born out of the pandemic.
The podcast serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of a group of over 60 who initially created original musical theatre shows for children.
With gratitude, Smith concluded, “This Audio Production Award is the icing on the cake of what’s been an incredible year for Armchair Adventures. Thank you.”
Armchair Adventures
The Audio Production Awards, hosted by the audio industry body Audio UK, and sponsored by Audible, celebrates the pinnacle of audio production talent from the UK, encompassing podcasting, radio, audiobooks and sound design.
This year’s winners include talent from renowned companies such as BBC News, Absolute Radio Network, Baby Cow, Hat Trick and Audio Always.
The esteemed Audio Production Awards judging panel, which includes representatives from across the audio industry, including BBC, commented on the winning Armchair Adventures entry, saying: “A fantastic grassroots piece with a strong community focus.
“The engaging audio introduces and explores important issues for young children and encourages open expression.
“Great to see intergenerational work between young and mature voices.”
This accolade marks a remarkable milestone for Armchair Adventures, which recently launched its fourth season in October.
The podcast has amassed over 200,000 global listens, topped podcast charts worldwide, joined Yoto’s screen-free audio player for kids, launched a Patreon listener membership, and solidified its partnership with Virgin Atlantic, becoming the first kids’ podcast to be available in-flight, entertaining young travellers as they embark on global adventures.
Find out more on their website by clicking here
- This article was last updated 10 months ago.
- It was first published on 17 January 2024 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
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