Leeds Voices is a podcast brought to you by the University of Leeds. Join us as we interview some of the illustrious alumni who studied at the University of Leeds, as well as discussions with the institution's world-class researchers.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @leedsalumni or email us at alumni@leeds.ac.uk
Ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 800 metre runner Max Burgin (History 2025) is determined to put his injury troubles behind him as he sets his sights on gold – and Sebastian Coe’s 45-year-old British record.
As a junior Max broke world, European and British records. Max was British 800 metre champion in 2022 and 2025, he’s third on the all-time list of British times for the distance, and, remarkably, holds four of the 10 fastest times for the event in British history.
But a succession of injuries - not least a deep vein thrombosis which left him in a mobility scooter - have hampered his progress on the biggest stage.
Heading into Glasgow 2026, Max discusses his front-running style, his unique set up in Yorkshire, overcoming injuries, and his hopes for the future.
17 Mar 2026
Stuart Galbraith: from The Refectory to Live8
Since starting out promoting the likes of The Clash, Simple Minds and U2 at the University in the 1980s, live music event promoter Stuart Galbraith gone on to become one of the most successful and respected pioneers in the live industry.
Stuart is founder of Kilimanjaro Live, the company behind major tours and events putting on shows like Ed Sheeran and festivals such as Sonisphere.
He received the LIVEtime Achievement Award at the LIVE Awards 2025 as a key player in the growth of UK live music over the last four decades.
He discusses his time putting on gigs at Leeds (1.47), what it takes to be a successful events promoter (13.40), working with the likes of Ed Sheeran (19.25), the changing role of festivals in the music business (21.05), the most stressful and proudest moments of his career (23.08), and his advice for anyone looking to enter the world of music (26.30).
7 May 2025
David Gedge: The Wedding Present
In this episode we’re joined by David Gedge - songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist in one of the University’s best loved bands, The Wedding Present.
In 1985, David Gedge (Mathematics 1981) formed the band The Wedding Present with his friends Shaun Charman (Economics & Sociology 1986), English student Keith Gregory and PGCE student Peter Solowka.
Now the only original member in the band, David has chosen to mark the 40th anniversary of the band with a special concert in LUU on Friday 9 May 2025: “I thought it would be a nice idea to play this concert as a ‘back to where it all started’ event.”
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
1,492,869
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
34
Social presence
0
YouTube
93
Engagement
0
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