About Us
David Easson
Head of YPS
I am a broadcast journalist, news reader, sports reporter and commentator by trade but I do other stuff as well!
As a radio journalist for 20 years I have read news, presented and produced radio on a huge variety of stations across the UK. I have also reported and commentated on Premier League & EFL football since 2002.
As a kid I loved listening to the radio, I loved sport and I soon came to the decision that radio journalism was for me but it wasn't and never has been a direct route. Life doesn't work like that! However, I soon worked out that more you answer "yes" when someone asks you if you want to do something, the better the outcome.
So that's how I have found myself moving to Teesside from Liverpool to work on TFM in the North East. It's how I found myself reporting with Middlesbrough fans on the streets of Rome before commentating on their UEFA Cup tie at the Stadio Olimpico. It's how my first ever commentary was at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for the League One playoff final when my boss said, "fancy doing that"? Yes was the answer. It was the same answer when I was offered the chance to be the live world feed interviewer in the velodrome at the London 2012 Olympics. Paris 2024 is my 7th Olympics, having worked on a variety of sports. I also worked at the 2014 World Cup across Brazil.
My passion is storytelling, specifically allowing people to tell their own stories. Those stories resonate with audiences, creating a unique connection. Whether that's in audio or video it's a key part of what we are trying to create here at Yorkshire Podcast Studios.
Since 2012 I have taught journalists at the University of Leeds and now the University of Huddersfield. Having had that experience working with young people, making sure they appreciate the power of the spoken word, I can impart some of that to clients as they take what may be their first steps in the world of broadcasting.
We aim to give you the confidence to produce incredible content, to tell your story and make that vital connection. It's what I love doing!
James has been podcasting pretty much since they began and has presented the hugely successful Cricket Badger Podcast for over 10 years.
When a boy, James dreamed of working in sport, so studying accountancy before working in local government housing departments for over a decade, was a strange choice. All those years later he finally realised and remembered that a more creative itch needed scratching.
James obtained a degree in Creative Writing at the University of Leeds and during the final year started writing about Yorkshire cricket.
After providing a series of off-season player interviews for the website, James was asked whether he wanted to become the club’s Media & Communications Manager. He worked out of Headingley Stadium for six years, the last two as a freelancer, during which time he built up work in podcasting, radio presenting and commentary, and video work.
Since 2013, James has written for various sports websites and magazines, worked in radio, and as a cricket, tennis and football commentator. He has worked for Sky Sports, Talk Sport, DAZN, BBC and written and broadcast for numerous betting companies. He also authored four sport books, one about Leeds United (of course!) and continued to be a Cricket Badger.
As a podcaster himself, and a journalist with an inquisitive mind, he relishes the opportunity of working at YPS and enabling others to podcast, tell their stories, and to enjoy doing it.
James Butler
Podcast Producer
Mark Hitchings
Head of Technology
Mark is a multi-award-winning radio producer whose career in the industry has been defined by his unwavering passion for producing compelling content to keep audiences engaged. His foray into the world of radio started at the age of 14 when he set about securing work experience at his local station: Severn Sound in Gloucester. After bombarding them with letters (it was a while back), Mark eventually landed work experience that kickstarted his journey in radio. At Severn Sound he familiarised himself with tasks ranging from producing to tech operations and studio management.
With a thirst for learning and a passion for all things radio, Mark's career saw him assume diverse roles within the GWR radio group, culminating in his position as a producer for a Friday night show broadcast across the entire GWR network. It was here that Mark honed his skills in training presenters and fostering creative ideas that resonated with audiences.
The pivotal turn in Mark's career came when he received an offer from the programme controller at Trent FM to join the team as a producer for the new breakfast show featuring Jo and Twiggy. Working closely with the team and driving the show forward, the show soon won multiple awards, beating shows from Ricky Gervais and Terry Wogan to the highest industry awards.
Mark proved instrumental in shaping the success of the show and solidifying his position as a respected figure in radio production.
Mark continued his career working for GCap and more recently Global (the network of brands inclduing Capital, Heart, LBC and Classic FM. As breakfast producer for Capital, Mark worked with some of the biggest music artists, creating content to help cement Capital as one of the biggest commercial radio brands in the UK.
As a producer, Mark underscores the significance of talent management, creative thinking, and possessing a discerning ear for audio and visual content.
These key skills are essential in the production of podcasts as we see audio and video find a new home in the podcast industry.
Gavin was a radio presenter with 20 years experience, both in the commercial sector, and for the BBC.
Within 18 months of getting his break into professional radio in 2004, Gavin was the Breakfast Presenter for Severn Sound, the number 1 commercial radio station in Gloucestershire. It was at Severn Sound he won the Best Newcomer to GCap media, now rebranded as Global, and is the largest commercial radio group in Europe.
Gavin then went freelance and worked for a number of radio stations across the UK, from Leicestershire, Derbyshire, South and North Yorkshire. He then joined the BBC and worked both at Radio Manchester and Radio Sheffield as a presenter and a producer. It was during his time at the BBC that Gavin founded "The Pips" a business designed to offer help, advice and guidance to people who wished to work in radio.
The Pips worked closely with the Student Radio Association, and Universities across the UK, helping people find their break into professional radio. Some of the people that The Pips helped have gone on to have careers at BBC Radio 1 and XFM. The Pips was active for more than 10 years before Gavin decided focus on Yorkshire Podcast Studios.
Gavin joined William Hill to work in their Sports Information Department, to present their In-Play Radio service, covering sport live as it happened offering the best betting advice in real time and continued on this service until 2018.
With a reputation for storytelling, and a passion for media and radio, Gavin combined his passion and experience to co-found Yorkshire Podcast Studio to offer people in Yorkshire, and beyond to be able to share their stories, and experiences, and to enhance their personal and/or business profile.
Gavin Puszczalowskyi
Programme Director
Alastair Ross
CEO
A former Premier League commentator for commercial radio, who also spent 10 years as a Presenter and Producer at the BBC World Service, Al caught the bug for radio while at University and threw whatever other life plans he had out of the window to pursue a career in it. After finishing a post-graduate journalism degree, he freelanced on the newsdesks of local commercial stations around Yorkshire until he took up the position of Head of News at Yorkshire Coast Radio for 2 years. From there, he was off to BBC Radio York to become a producer and a regular stand-in presenter, which is where he won the first (and second and third) of his Gillard awards.
While staying heavily involved in the news output, BBC local radio is also where he started his professional commentary career, covering what proved to be the final season of Scarborough FC's existence, before moving to become the station's lead commentator and covering York City FC, which included the highlight of two Wembley commentaries in successive seasons. (They lost both, though for some reason he still supports the Minstermen).
He left that job to go freelance and headed off to the Premier League, covering all the matches at the EPL's North-East clubs for the Independent Radio Network in the UK, for RTE Radio 1 in Ireland and BFBS. It also marked the start of a 10-year run as a presenter and producer at the BBC World Service, as a regular producer and reader of the sports bulletins throughout the day, and as the regular deputy for the sports output on the flagship Newsday Programme.
It was out of the continued passion for content creation that Al co-founded Yorkshire Podcast Studios with a team of like-minded broadcast professionals. He wants to allow people to tell their best stories in the most compelling way, and cares about investing in the team and the facilities that allow you to do just that.
With over 43 years experience working in radio, outdoor, and agency marketing, Dave has experience across many platforms at the highest level.
From agency Sales Manager at Radio Aire in Leeds in the 1980’s, he moved to media agencies launching the first specialist radio department in a media buying company in the UK, becoming the largest radio buying organisation outside London.
After heading back into radio as MD of commercial radio station, The Revolution, and Station Director of Tower FM both in Greater Manchester in the early 2000’s, he worked with Ofcom to set up a joint community radio sales operation in the county called “Community Radio Network.”
Dave went into outdoor media as Group Sales Director of Adgroup, which was one of the most diverse media companies in the UK, where Dave led a large team selling airport, ferry, bus, and tram advertising across Europe.
In 2007 he became regional Sales Head of the Lincs FM Group in Yorkshire, looking after the sales operation of 4 stations; Ridings FM, Dearne FM, Trax FM, and Rother Radio, as well as launching a regional sales operation “White Rose Network”
In 2017, he was instrumental in launching Rhubarb Radio as Operations Director which covers the Wakefield District. The station has grown to be the only locally based radio service in the Wakefield District broadcasting 24/7 and has now launched its second station, Rhubarb Smoothies Radio.
Dave has always been interested in all forms of audio and video content and after meeting the team at Yorkshire Podcast Studios, he was excited about what the team were doing to develop powerful and engaging podcasts along with great video content and was delighted to be invited to join the team in July 2024 in a new business sales role, introducing all the services YPS offers to the business world.
Dave Stankler
Sales
Jonathan Baxandall
Commercial Director
Jonathan Baxandall Commercial Director
Jonathan brings over a decade of B2C marketing and strategic B2B sales expertise to Yorkshire Podcast Studios, cultivated within the eCommerce and iGaming industries. His career trajectory has seen him work for leading brands, where he honed his skills across multiple acquisition and retention marketing roles, and developed a deep understanding of engaging sports audiences.
During his teenage years, Jonathan gained valuable experience working in professional kitchens, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and a drive for excellence. This unique background enriches his approach to crafting compelling experiences, a skill directly transferable to the creation of impactful podcast and video content.
With a proven track record of managing substantial budgets and driving successful commercial strategies, Jonathan understands the critical importance of delivering resonant content. His expertise extends to launching high-performing influencer marketing campaigns, working with prominent YouTubers, providing him with invaluable insights into engaging contemporary audiences.
Jonathan's journey with Yorkshire Podcast Studios began in the early stages, witnessing its evolution from a humble studio to a cutting-edge production complex. This experience fuels his unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional content and solidifying YPS as the premier destination for top-tier podcast and content production services in Yorkshire and beyond.
"I thrive on transforming content concepts from initial ideation to polished, in-studio productions," Jonathan states, "and I still experience a distinct sense of accomplishment with each project's successful completion." His passion is driven by the potential of podcasts to connect with and influence audiences through powerful storytelling. A self-professed true crime enthusiast and avid football podcast listener, Jonathan appreciates the profound impact of a well-crafted narrative.
Outside of his professional endeavours, Jonathan prioritises quality time with his young family. He enjoys attending York City games with his son, engaging in playful activities with his daughter, and diligently (though unsuccessfully) attempting to cultivate a pristine lawn reminiscent of the Wembley turf.
Jonathan’s professional aspirations at YPS are clear: to further solidify the studio's reputation as the industry benchmark for excellence. His guiding principle is straightforward: “Deliver the highest quality of service to our clients that I would expect if I were the client.”
His career narrative is punctuated by bold, decisive moments. Notably, he secured a pivotal job opportunity by presenting his prospective employers with a homemade lemon drizzle cake, demonstrating that unconventional approaches can yield remarkable results. He also attributes his significant professional growth to embracing a sales role despite initial inexperience.
Despite his self-perceived role as "the corporate strategist" at YPS, Jonathan's dedication to quality and his passion for innovative content creation are undeniable. He is committed to empowering clients to effectively articulate their stories and connect with their target audiences, ensuring that every project adheres to the highest standards of production and engagement.