#118 From Funerals to Love Stories: The Unexpected Life of a Celebrant, Cherrywood Podcast ft. Leigh

Welcome to the Cherrywood Podcast! In this episode, Simon and Rachel are joined by the unstoppable and hilarious Leigh George, aka Leigh the Celebrant. Known for turning up absolutely everywhere Simon goes, Leigh shares her journey from karaoke queen to life celebrant, covering funerals, weddings, and everything in between.Leigh talks candidly about the emotional highs and lows of her work, her past with Allergy UK, and even her time presenting karaoke across Medway (with some wild stories). Plus, discover her thoughts on UFOs, invisibility, and what song she'd want at her own funeral.We also dive into the importance of celebrating a loved one's life, the risks of direct cremations, and how Leigh brings comfort, laughter, and personality to every service.🎵 Leigh's Cherrywood Playlist Song: "One Moment in Time" – Whitney HoustonDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!#CherrywoodPodcast, #LeighTheCelebrant, #LegacyLinks⏱ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome: Leigh joins the Cherrywood Podcast1:01 – What does a life celebrant do?1:47 – Leighs first wedding: nerves and excitement2:54 – The differenc'e between weddings and funerals4:42 – Wedding circles, networking, and building connections6:10 – Leigh’s background with Allergy UK and allergen training10:00 – From tobacco to Disney to Allergy UK13:00 – Karaoke business chaos and why she left17:00 – Embarrassing moments and karaoke hecklers21:00 – Funerals: the emotional strength it takes26:30 – The rise of direct cremations and concerns30:00 – The importance of celebration of life events34:00 – West Ham fan funeral & honoring unique wishes36:00 – Balancing the highs and lows: weddings vs. funerals41:00 – Last-minute ceremonies & New Zealand comparisons43:30 – Natural burials, trees, and swaddling clothes?!45:30 – Lee's personal story: her mum's unique funeral wishes48:00 – Calypso music and a red suit51:10 – Adoption of Pam Love & helping lonely people56:00 – Rachel's strike system & Leigh's embarrassing moment59:30 – Bloopers: calling someone dead… who isn’t1:03:00 – Sharing funeral scripts with families1:05:00 – Handling sensitive family dynamics1:10:00 – Random Questions: Oysters, aliens, and UFOs1:14:30 – Leigh’s chosen song: One Moment in Time1:16:00 – How to contact Lee the Celebrant1:16:34 – Legacy Links: Honoring memories digitally1:17:37 – Final sponsor messages and goodbye!Welcome to Cherrywood Podcast, your source for inspiring conversations and compelling stories. Join us as we dive into the journeys of remarkable individuals from various fields, offering insights into personal growth, entrepreneurship, creativity, and more. Subscribe for positivity, authenticity, and engaging discussions. #podcast#WeddingVendor#entrepreneurDe Medici Associates – Chartered structural & civil engineers🌐 demediciassociates.comRight at Home Medway – Quality in-home care🌐 rightathome.co.uk/medwayHindsight Directory – Local A5 colour business directory🌐 hindsightdirectory.co.ukNu Digital – Websites, SEO, Google Ads & Social Media🌐 nudigitale.co.ukBond Carpentry – Bespoke carpentry & podcast set design📞 07738 732931Snugdubs Camper Van Hire – Park anywhere, explore everywhere🌐 snugdubs.co.ukLegacy Links – Scan a grave, relive a life🌐 legacylinks.co.ukContact:📧 Email: [email protected]📞 Phone: 07857 283 005🌐 Website: www.cherrypro.co.uk📱 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cherrywoodproductions📸 Instagram: @cherrywoodproGuests Song Choices playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3YxsMkrJLbFQSjeRKfzcCQ?si=21a21d1ef9534479Disclaimer: Views expressed by guests on Cherrywood Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or producers.

Cherrywood Podcast, hosted by the married duo Simon and Rachel Burridge, is a vibrant show featuring a wide array of guests from various industries. Each episode delves into unique stories, creative insights, and professional journeys, all presented with a blend of humor and warmth.

Hosts: Simon and Rachel Burridge

Simon Burridge is a versatile director, producer, and actor with a rich background in visual storytelling. He founded Cherrywood Productions in 2004 and has produced numerous compelling projects. Simon's expertise shines in both the technical and creative aspects of their work.

Rachel Burridge, his wife and co-host, complements Simon's skills with her talents in videography and photography. Together, they form a dynamic duo, bringing a unique blend of professionalism and creativity to their productions. Their collaboration extends to "The Tab Theory," a comedy-drama series available on YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, showcasing their storytelling capabilities.

Notable Episodes and Guests

The podcast features a mix of notable episodes and guests:

Timonie Hyde (Tink's Balloons): Discusses her journey in balloon artistry and fitness adventures, offering insights into the creative process and the business side of her art.Dayzee Potter: Former X Factor contestant and singer in the covers band Unshackled, shares untold secrets about her experiences in the music industry and on the show.Mia Glyn-Jones: Actor known for her work in the comedy "Dusty," takes listeners behind the scenes of her career in stage and screen.

Other episodes have included:

Many Wedding VendorsMP Kelly TolhurstHeroDanny DyerChunkzCallum BestDean GaffneyGary Lucy

Cherrywood Productions and "The Tab Theory"

Cherrywood Productions is known for producing high-quality content across various mediums. "The Tab Theory," created by Simon and Rachel, is a comedy-drama that explores the humorous escapades of a ventriloquist and a scientist engaged in a decades-old bet. This series is a testament to their creative storytelling and production skills.

YouTube Channel and Stats

The Cherrywood Podcast YouTube channel provides additional content, including visual storytelling that complements the audio experience. This platform allows fans to engage more deeply with the podcast's episodes, adding a visual dimension to the rich narratives discussed. The channel has grown a substantial following with over 100,000 subscribers, reflecting the podcast's popularity and reach.

Visit the Cherrywood Podcast YouTube channel for more episodes and behind-the-scenes content​​.

Conclusion

The Cherrywood Podcast, enriched by the talents of Simon and Rachel Burridge, offers a captivating mix of interviews, personal stories, and creative insights. Whether you're looking for inspiration, entertainment, or a peek into the lives of fascinating individuals, this podcast delivers it all with charm and expertise.

• No. of episodes: 124
• Latest episode: 2025-06-06
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