The Podcast Beyond Swarla is inspired by the Coronation Street pairing of Carla Connor and Lisa Swain (Swarla to its fans). Yes, it's television - and yes, it absolutely is soap - but the dynamics it portrays are very real and so are the experiences of the people watching. We want this to feel meaningful rather than just about the fandom, so the podcast explores the real-life relationship themes that the show brings to the screen - by using the fictional experiences seen on the show as a springboard to talk to real people about their own lived experiences. It's about acknowledging the behaviours and the stories that many people see on the soap, that reflects their own lives - and creating a safe space to talk about them openly. Your Hosts Carianne hails from deepest darkest Middle England, although she was born and bred in London. She worked in Human Resources for 3 decades before deciding to jack it all in and become a dog walker. Prone to emotional outbursts and too much swearing, she is a total fangirl with nothing on her mind but outrageously beautiful and talented queer women. Hailing from the front line rather than Middle England, Elle is a Police Sergeant with nearly 20 years experience keeping the peace - though nothing could prepare them for the emotional chaos of Swarla. A little bit random, with a big heart and a habit of getting slightly too invested, they bring sharp observations, unexpected tangents, dry humour, and a uniquely wired perspective that keeps things interesting.
This week’s episode is an emotional rollercoaster as Betsy suffers a stroke, leaving everyone reeling and unsure how to process what has happened, Dylan is struggling to face the reality of the situation, and we admit we did not cope well at all. Meanwhile Mary is on the warpath, determined to make her feelings known, suspicions grow around Christina’s bladder and Ross continues to cause trouble…but at least Joseph doesn’t have to go to Weathy High… We also talk to Dawn, who tells us her story Content Warnings: For discussions around Non-Fatal Strangulation, Stroke and Domestic Violence (within the interview)
Soapweek Shorts: Psychic Sunday
12 min
We prove, categorically, once again, that we can not speculate for toffee but we did have fun trying That was the week that was, we are off to lie in a darkened room Thanks for joining us, and to Conversation Street Podcast for the prompts.
Soapweek Shorts: Storyline Saturday
11 min
Join us as we chat all things 'storyline' The drama, the angst, the laughter, the tears, the lunacy...but that's just us. It's Storyline Saturday!!
Soapweek Shorts: Funny Friday
15 min
Welcome to Funny Friday where we find the comedy in soaps (not that hard) and hot tubs get a bad rep! We talk funniest soap moment, ridiculous storylines (surely not), memes and the campest scene ever! And it's FRIDAY - YAY!!! Enjoy
Soapweek Shorts: Throwback Thursday
15 min
Join us for our fourth 'mini cast' as we talk about our favourite era of soap, the greatest storyline ever (we struggled!) the most unforgettable episode and which year was 'peak' soap. It was harder than you'd think, this one!! Thanks for joining us! Caz and Elle x
Soapweek Shorts: Tony Warren Day
15 min
Day three of Soap week and we continue our mini-casts. Today we chat about the man himself, our favourite cast member (no spoilers but you can probably guess!) behind the scenes, writers and creators and best acting performance. We also discuss which soap legends we should celebrate. Enjoy!
Soapweek Shorts: Top Tier Tuesday
11 min
We're continuing our mini-casts with Top Tier Tuesday, talking favourite characters and families, underrated characters and ultimate soap legends. Join in on X TikTok or Instagram and let us know yours!
Soapweek Shorts: Meet Me Monday
12 min
Welcome to Soap Week!... ...And to our series of shorts especially for the occasion Today we talk about our earliest memories of soaps, what soaps we watch and have watched and our fandom collection...
CorrieDale:6 Months On
2 hr 57 min
Welcome to Soap Week! And welcome to Series 2 Episode 1 of Beyond Swarla. CorrieDale: 6 Months on…where we valiantly try to summarise the last six months of the CorrieDale storylines, we talk about the last 4 weeks of Coronation Street, THAT kiss and we try to manifest a very famous listener. We are madder than ever, our acting and accents have not improved but we are glad to be back, and I think, I THINK we were right about one thing! Get voting on the @Inside Soap awards, and look out for more content from us during soap week…starting this evening – you won’t be disappointed…well you may be disappointed but we hope not! With sincere apologies to Newcastle, come and join the mayhem. Content Warning - SA
Beyond Swarla - On The Cobbles
2 hr 42 min
Join us for the last episode of Series 1, Beyond Swarla - On The Cobbles There’s a feta filcher on the loose, as well as a killer, we SIT DOWN and talk Buzz Balls and pickled eggs and we visit the cobbles!! And we absolutely don’t mention Peter…well…ok… maybe a bit TW/SA During spoilers we talk about Emmerdale…
Hazell's Story
2 hr 59 min
DS Connor-Swain is back and doesn't she look great doing it, from insulting Kit at every opportunity to taking down a child abuser, and arresting students on the run , we wax lyrical about our favourite soap copper and her new wife, the inimitable Queen of the Cobbles. Plus we catch up on all the goings on on the street and, to round off Mental Health Awareness Month, we listen to the story of Hazell, who found herself in an long term abusive marriage, which was news to her! Please listen for content warnings
Elang's Story
2 hr 11 min
There’s been a murder! Apologies in advance for our terrible accents but we’re discussing the newly married DS Connor-Swain, back at work and bossing it, and who we think might have done the dirty to Theo (spoiler, it may be a nonagenarian) And as it’s Mental Health Awareness month, we have a special story from Elang who, despite a traumatic past leading to mental health issues, finds coping strategies and remains very positive. Please listen for content warnings.
Carla and Lisa, wife and wife
2 hr 25 min
What a week! Elle and I are joined by special guest Jo to talk all about Swarla's special day. WE also say bye bye baby, discuss vow and hen do havoc and everything wedding - you may never look at crumpets in the same way again ....and apparently there's a murder - who knew!!
You're a hero - Bonus episode
1 hr 33 min
Join Elle and I as we discuss all things Swarla, Roy's new wardrobe and THAT incredible episode dedicated to Todd's story. We get very excited about a certain wedding, have a giveaway to...well...give away and we've changed our theme music - we think it's rather jaunty.
Heated Rivalry - not that one
2 hr 39 min
The invites are out, Lisa is divorced and the wedding looms, as does disaster, and near disaster, but never fear - my new co host, Elle, and I are here to talk all things Swarla and Corrie... and Kirsty joins me for a chat about another amazing couple - Sukeve - and we discuss how it's OK to ship two couples at the same time!
Elle's Story
1 hr 55 min
Join me for Episode 3 where I talk about Swarla, who is bringing up baby, and who is sending out the invitations?! There's a round up of Corrie generally and I talk to Elle who, in her line of work, has many stories to tell but her own one is the most important. Watch out for content warnings before the interview and if you are squeamish - maybe avoid 1:24:00 to 1:25:30
Lara's Story
2 hr 6 min
Join me for Episode 2 where I talk about Swarla (obviously), and the huge dose of baby love which we all seem to have come down with. Carla is scared, Lisa is besotted and Sally is...well...Sally. We also hear from another fan, Lara, who shares her story with us. As last time, adult themes, please listen for content warnings.
The Clunky Pilot
1 hr 20 min
It's our first episode - and boy can't you tell. You'll have to forgive us, we're amateurs - but what we lack in skills we make up for in enthusiasm and an amazing guest. Join us as we discuss all things Swarla, those photos, bringing up baby and the upcoming nuptials. Plus we hear from Samenda, a Swarla fan with a big story to tell.
