Radio station head honcho and DJ: Gordon Mac

Gordon Mac (Photo by Scott Miller)

Gordon 'Mac' McNamee has played a crucial role in the way the UK has consumed soulful music - from reggae to house - over the last four decades. As founder of Kiss FM, he - along with the likes of Norman Jay, Trevor Nelson and Paul 'Trouble' Anderson - helped bring black music to London's rapidly evolving 80s club scene. He took the pirate station on to FM and continued to manage it when taken over by Emap. 

Now at the helm of new station Mi Soul - which has just landed on DAB radio - Mac retains the relentless passion and unique humour which trademarked his most triumphant years. 

Whether it's playing out at the Margate Soul Weekend or getting behind the decks of Mastermind's sound system at Carnival, he's still got it. Here he talks me through his life - from hearing Valerie Singleton swear and the euphoric atmosphere at the pirate station to coping with managing creatives and bosses and his subsequent years away from the limelight. A true gent and a gleeful music fan, this is one to give a spin. Stream below or download and subscribe as a podcast here. 

Desert Isolation Discs: Gordon Mac by Alex Lawson on Mixcloud

BBC 6 Music producer, lecturer and DJ: Tom Whalley

Mr Tom Whalley is used to making difficult choices where music is concerned. As producer of The Huey Show, fronted by Huey Morgan of the Fun Lovin' Criminals, on BBC Radio 6 Music, Nottingham's finest flatcap wearer is a master selector. A London resident, he is also known for lecturing in radio at the University of Westminster, tutoring for youth station Reprezent 107.3FM and co-founding his record label, Hello Thor.  His masterful features - including the eponymous Where's Whalley? - which made his name at BBC Radio Nottingham and the Not in Nottingham podcast have also caught the ear. 

Here Tom talks us through the eight tunes he couldn't live without, explains the allure of lycra wearing and handles some surprise interruptions. Stream the show via Mixcloud below, download it here and subscribe to the podcast here or by typing 'shadowplayboys' into iTunes or equivalent.

Desert Isolation Discs: Tom Whalley by Alex Lawson on Mixcloud

Journalist, recipe developer and hat enthusiast: Liz O'Keefe

The Hats of Liz O'Keefe is a musical that has never been written. But it if had, it would've doubtless have gone a little like this. This show has the variety to switch from Trilby chic to peak cap capriciousness. Which of course means nothing. But  here, in typically colourful manner Liz discusses the records that influenced her and, more importantly, made her dance around. She is a fresh produce journalist supreme, a trained chef and recipe developer. A Worcester native, she now lives in leafy north London.

With only one slight snag, we got drunk. Yes, contained within is a combination of carefully considered musical chat and a couple of cheeky boozehounds sampling the delights of Kilburn. The result is either a charming collection of banter or, um, two annoying drunkards. Stream the show via Mixcloud below, download it here and subscribe to the podcast by typing 'shadowplayboys' into iTunes or equivalent.

Desert Isolation Discs: Liz O'Keefe by Alex Lawson on Mixcloud

Answer Me This podcaster Helen Zaltzman

Martin the Soundman, Helen and Olly

One half of the podcasting world's most amusing, esoteric and silly duo, Helen Zaltzman is our guest. Her question and answer podcast, launched in 2007 and presented in tandem with Olly Mann, has won an armful of gongs, a world full of followers and imparted important knowledge in response to teasers such as why do round pizzas come in square boxes.

Here Helen tells me tales of her podcasting royalty family - which she shares with The Bugle's Andy Zaltzman - how she's answers that mountain of questions and what tune makes her punch the air. She might even answer a few queries too. Stream the show here or download it as podcast (just type 'shadowplayboys' into iTunes) and subscribe to Desert Isolation Discs.

Desert Isolation Discs - Helen Zaltzman by Alex Lawson on Mixcloud