Assa Marra: “A Love Letter to West Cumbria and the Legend I Married”
18th December 2024 marked 16 incredible years since I met my husband, madcap adventurer and total legend, John Williamson. To celebrate this milestone, I created Assa Marra - a podcast series that is as much a tribute to him as it is to the place we both hold so dear: West Cumbria. It has grown to 16 episodes, with a couple more due before the end of 2025.
West Cumbria has been the backdrop to our love story. Its rugged landscapes, rich history, and incredible people mirror the qualities I adore in him: strength, humour, indomitable nature, and an unstoppable spirit. Over the years, we’ve found inspiration in the stories of this county’s remarkable characters, from legends like Josh Naylor to the everyday heroes whose contributions have gone unnoticed.
Through Assa Marra, I weave our love story with the soul of West Cumbria. These 10 episodes are deeply personal, recounting not only the moments that have defined our relationship but also the beauty of the people and places that have been part of our journey.
Assa Marra blends highlights from my previous podcast, Gobsmacked!, with brand-new radio interviews, creating a unique tapestry of stories that celebrate both our personal journey and the vibrant spirit of West Cumbria.
As the creator of Gobsmacked! - a podcast loved in 147 countries to date - I’m thrilled to use this platform to bring West Cumbria’s charm, humour, and spirit to a global audience. Above all, Assa Marra is my gift to John: a celebration of the life we’ve built together and the magical county that continues to inspire us. Our West Cumbrian community is being heard loud and clear in over 40 countries, celebrating and amplifying the wonderful people around us.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Assa Marra: “A Love Letter to West Cumbria and the Legend I Married”
18th December 2024 marked 16 incredible years since I met my husband, madcap adventurer and total legend, John Williamson. To celebrate this milestone, I created Assa Marra - a podcast series that is as much a tribute to him as it is to the place we both hold so dear: West Cumbria. It has grown to 16 episodes, with a couple more due before the end of 2025.
West Cumbria has been the backdrop to our love story. Its rugged landscapes, rich history, and incredible people mirror the qualities I adore in him: strength, humour, indomitable nature, and an unstoppable spirit. Over the years, we’ve found inspiration in the stories of this county’s remarkable characters, from legends like Josh Naylor to the everyday heroes whose contributions have gone unnoticed.
Through Assa Marra, I weave our love story with the soul of West Cumbria. These 10 episodes are deeply personal, recounting not only the moments that have defined our relationship but also the beauty of the people and places that have been part of our journey.
Assa Marra blends highlights from my previous podcast, Gobsmacked!, with brand-new radio interviews, creating a unique tapestry of stories that celebrate both our personal journey and the vibrant spirit of West Cumbria.
As the creator of Gobsmacked! - a podcast loved in 147 countries to date - I’m thrilled to use this platform to bring West Cumbria’s charm, humour, and spirit to a global audience. Above all, Assa Marra is my gift to John: a celebration of the life we’ve built together and the magical county that continues to inspire us. Our West Cumbrian community is being heard loud and clear in over 40 countries, celebrating and amplifying the wonderful people around us.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is our one-year anniversary episode of Assa Marra, and it is here to delight you because it’s a corker
An uplifting, joyful, laugh-out-loud conversation from start to finish. I give you nine-year-old Frankie McMillan.
In his short life so far, Frankie has already walked nearly 900 mountains, including some of the biggest and most iconic. He has travelled the world, reached Everest Base Camp, and somehow remains the most chirpy, curious, and grounded young human you could ever hope to meet.
Frankie is currently preparing for his 10 x 10 challenge, climbing the highest peak in ten European countries. Frankie moves the mountains and the mountains move Frankie.
As you are prepping your turkey, bicarbing your sprouts on Christmas Day, I humbly suggest you have Frankie playing in the background. His optimism is infectious, his energy irresistible, and the trajectory of his star feels inevitable.
Frankie receives voice messages from Bear Grylls. Of course he does.
He may well be among the greats one day, but for now we meet him right here, at the start. And alongside Frankie, this becomes a podcast within a podcast, as we also meet his wonderful mum, Basia McMillan, who has been on his shoulder and by his side every step of the way. Anyone who is a parent will understand what that takes, encouraging a child to reach full potential while quietly managing your own fear.
So here it is, our Christmas special.
Frankie McMillan.
And if you can, do donate to this stellar young chap's GiveStar page: https://givestar.io/gs/10-countries-10-highest-peaks-one-10-year-old
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.