FYI Radio Episode 8: Urban influence with Motel168

In the final episode of FYI Culture we decided to take it to the roots of the series. All along we have looked at community, involvement and awareness and what role we have to play - this week we take a look at how business is playing its own game. Joined by our biggest celeb to date - well, business and technology correspondent for Channel 4 news oh and he is founder of Pink News, Benjamin Cohen. He gives us his insight to the gay market. In addition we are joined by porno producer and compere (for open mic nights that is), Lee Dalloway. www.pinknews.co.uk www.myspace.com/soapboxes

On this episode the gang are back together and we talk Valentines and the aftermath. FYI Radio is joined by the stunning Iraqi/Liverpudlian voice of Melinda Gareh. What a fun show it was with her live acoustic. Geoffrey Williams talks about his new venture as the manager of Dean. Check www.myspace.com/melgareh

Joining us in the studio are two special guests thanks to Behind The Mic, two ladies this time. Sophia Blackwell, poet, a former contestant against our own Dean Atta performs her poem Angels & Men. Roxy Rawson brings in her violin and plays her very mesmeric Philanthropy - watch out she'll be picked up soon... Keep the lesbinims coming! http://www.myspace.com/roxyrawson http://www.myspace.com/sophiablackwell

Radio Ryan hooks up with Ophelia Bitz again to find out about her new show SideShow at the Arts Club (6-7 Great Newport Street) with Paul L. Martin. SideShow - The Weirdest Show on Earth Join The Bloody Ringmaster and his cohorts in curiosity as they offer up a fortnightly helping of freaks, outcasts, and attention seekers. Presenting a cabaret on the outskirts of theatrical society! Featuring Paul L Martin, Ophelia Bitz, Luke Meredith and DJ Stuart Saint When: 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month Dates and line-up: 7 Feb – Frank Sanazi; Crimson Skye; Doris Latrine & Marlene Dietrich from the grave! 14 Feb – The Perverted Turkeys’; Pustra/Vile-een and star of 'Moulin Rouge', MISS CHERRY RIPE! 6 March – Aliens ate my Schnitzel; Elephant Man Elvis and Norma Guntz and her Tom Jones tumor! Doors 7.15pm Show 8.00pm Tickets £10 Bookings: www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 8471608 Location: The Arts Club, Arts Theatre, 6-7 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JB

Radio Ryan pops along to the first event for LGBT History Month at School's Out AGM to talk to a whole host of people involved. We bump into Dean Atta, speak to transitioning Mz Fontaine, coordinator Annie Beaumont, pupil Holly Roberts and teacher Nigel Tart. Check out the quick podcast to find out more. www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

In this episode Jess and Radio Ryan discuss music - she brings the best new tracks to watch out for including the return of the B52s. We also hail Jess' prediction of Adele's success. We are joined by K Anderson for an acoustic set, bringing his own mish mash of Aussie, Scot, London, Di Franco influence - K Anderson comes on the back of our guest in series one. www.myspace.com/kandersonmusic

In this episode we look back over twelve months since we first met Aquilas Kiss. The band have three additional members, performed the London circuit and played on the main stage Trafalgar Square for Pride London. Radio Ryan, Dean and Jess talk - what happens when things go terribly wrong... www.myspace.com/aquilaskiss

For the first episode of series 2, Dean and Radio Ryan are joined by the host and producer of the up-and-coming regular events - Behind The Mic. Jen Roberts started Behind the Mic to provide a platform for new performers in comedy, music and literature. The open mic night is presented by Rosie Wilby, the comedian who brings laughter to the show. We discuss what to look forward to in 2008 and be aware of to be involved in.

Ryan visited the LGBT Youth Council as they brought to an end 2007 and looked forward to 2008. We talked about their achievements, activities and campaigns; hopes and thoughts for the future and the fight against ongoing homophobia in London and the UK. For more information visit www.lgbtyouthcouncil.com

FYI with Radio Ryan and Jess Waluga joined in the studio by Richard Fry, poet and entertainer, and Nick Reeve, composer and singer. In this episode we discussed why gays outcast people and what were the rules of entry to gay bars in London and whether it made sense. Richard, who has acted with Melanie B, performs two poems, one from his play Bully due for showing in January in Covent Garden. Nick performs an acoustic of a self-written tune and we play a hot-of-the-press dance track of his. www.myspace.com/richardfry www.nickreevemusic.com