Category: JB’s Journal.

Essays full of background information and explanation of how audio from By The Way came about.

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Winner at the Scottish Podcast Awards, 2026

I claim some credit for the success of Boswell’s Galloping Farmers at The Scottish Podcast Awards. I would have been satisfied when they announced the podcast was Highly Commended in the Fiction and Drama category. But wait! The best was yet to come after the interval when Boswell’s Galloping Farmers won in the History, Folklore and Heritage category.

There was a great attendance at the Scottish Podcast Awards 2026 in the Fruitmarket, Glasgow.

Anyone who had listened before the judging commented on the quality of the soundscape. Even so, it came as a huge surprise to me when it was singled out in the Winner’s citation.

The MC announced Boswell’s Galloping Farmers had won, and a deep, sonorous voice on the PA declared,

”A rich and deeply immersive audio experience.  This production combines meticulous research, powerful storytelling and exceptional sound design to bring its subjects vividly to life. Compelling, moving and unforgettable.”

THE INTERVIEWEES

It’s all a bit of a whirl. There was applause, a trophy to hold, congratulations, handshakes and going backstage for the interview – What an experience.

Jill and I give our reactions in a video interview.

Jill and I give our reaction to our win.

The words of Boswell’s Galloping Farmers, that the actors brought so skilfully to life, were written by Jill Korn and Martin Gallagher. I’m a storyteller too, and I created the sound design, which I believe tells the other half of the story.

“From galloping horses to incessant gunfire, from hidden snipers to exploding mud – John’s work brings this story to life”

Boswell’s Galloping Farmers is based on the true story of Sandy Barclay and a group of Ayrshire farmers sent to Gallipoli in 1915 to fight against the Turkish army. The drama captures the horror and yes, the humour of the months they spent on the battlefield.

LISTEN HERE.

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Diane Brooks is nominated at One Voice.

Hearty congratulations to Diane Brooks.  Diane has been nominated at One Voice 2022 for the Award of Audio Drama Best Performance – Female.

Diane won the IVR Award at One Voice in 2019, and now she’s been nominated for her performance as Mrs Hunter in The Strathaven Weaver, the audio drama JB wrote and produced for By The Way.

One Voice recognises the skill of Voiceover Talent and Voice Actors in the UK.  JB says, “I was delighted to have a company of professional voice actors for The Strathaven Weaver.  Their skill and versatility are what bring a script to life and make it sparkle.  I’m thrilled for Diane, and maybe her success will spread the word about audio talent in Scotland.”

JB went on, “From a personal point of view, I never thought my name would even be on the same list as the people here, including some heroes. I’m fair chuffed.”

You can listen to the whole of The Strathaven Weaver here.

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Real Sound Effects

My trusty old Marantz digital recorder

I prefer to use real sound effects in my audio. I’m working on an audio drama set on a Scottish island, so a ferry trip when I went back to visit friends on the Isle of Arran was too good a chance to miss recording its noises.  Although my listener may never concentrate on the background sounds in a piece of audio, it’s still important for them to be genuine.  The subliminal effect of hearing actual sounds makes the audio much more believable.

Recording in public places presents some legal niceties.  Not least of which is, what is a public place. Still, I work on the basis of being discrete and not offending anyone. Secret Squirrel, OK? 

Continue reading “Real Sound Effects”
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Interview with Arran Sound.

Arran Sound logo

My interview with Arran Sound, the island’s community, internet radio station, was my first stop when I spilled off the ferry in Brodick on a recent visit to the Isle of Arran . Mhairi, who runs Arran Sound, asked me about my previous career, how I became interested in audio, recent and upcoming projects and more. Is my soul laid bare during an interview in the bar at the Douglas Hotel?

I was staying with friends for my visit to Arran, and hadn’t expected to be there for quite so long. The strength of the breeze is always something to consider for a November visit to Arran. A hoolie blew up and the ferry was stormbound for almost two days. Despite intending to stay only for a couple of nights, I stayed for four. I’m forever grateful for good friends. They’ll know who they are.

You can listen to the whole conversation of my interview with Arran Sound here:-

Mhairi and I also talked about my feature, “Gunner Graham” about a soldier of the Great War, which, appropriately for The Armistice Commemoration, was broadcast immediately following the interview in mid November 2021.