After three series, countless stories, and an unforgettable journey through the world of radio, Behind the Mic comes to an end.

In this final episode, we close the book on pirate radio — from the last voice on Radio Caroline’s ship in 1991, to the rooftop rebels of the 90s, the legal crackdowns of the 2000s, and the unlikely comeback of stations like Rinse FM, Flex FM, and even Radio Caroline itself. We look at the pirates’ true legacy — how they shaped modern broadcasting, gave genres like jungle, grime, and hip hop their first platforms, and ensured that radio would never be the same again.

We’ll also celebrate some of radio’s greatest hits in Music in Radio — from Frank Ifield’s 1962 classic I Remember You, to Slade’s glam rock anthem Mama Weer All Crazee Now, Black Box’s house hit Ride On Time, and the 2014 powerhouse collaboration Bang Bang. Plus, we revisit the number ones that marked the start of each series: Noah Kahan’s Stick Season, Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso, and Lewis Capaldi’s emotional comeback Survive.

Finally, Thomas looks back at the journey across all three series — from the early pioneers of broadcasting, to the golden age of pirate radio, to the digital age of Spotify, podcasts, and AI — and reflects on what made this podcast so special.

This may be the end of Behind the Mic, but it’s not the end of the story. Radio endures, and new projects are on the horizon.

Stay connected:
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For the final time… this is Behind the Mic.

We’re down to the penultimate episode of Behind the Mic — and this week, we’re uncovering the story of the pirates who refused to go quietly.

Even after the BBC launched Radio 1 and the government passed the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act in 1967, pirate stations like Radio Caroline kept the rebellious spirit alive. From offshore ships sneaking supplies to the rise of land-based pirates in Britain’s cities, discover how pirate radio evolved into a voice for reggae, soul, funk, jungle, and grime — shaping culture and championing communities the mainstream ignored.

We’ll also jump forward to explore radio in the 2010s and 2020s: from the rise of smartphones, apps, and smart speakers, to how TikTok reshaped music discovery, why podcasts exploded, and how COVID lockdowns proved the timeless intimacy of radio.

And in Music in Radio, we travel through decades of number-one hits — including Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Boyzone’s “No Matter What,” and BTS’s global smash “Dynamite.”

With just one more episode to go, this is a celebration of rebellion, resilience, and the magic of radio.

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Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and hear why pirate radio never truly died — it just evolved.

This week, Behind the Mic dives deep into the crackdown on pirate radio – the moment the government finally decided enough was enough. From the Marine Broadcasting Offences Act of 1967 to the dramatic final sign-offs of stations like Radio London and Radio 390, discover how Britain tried to silence the rebels of the airwaves. But not everyone went quietly – Radio Caroline refused to give in, keeping the pirate spirit alive even as the law closed in.

We also shine the spotlight on one of the greatest and most unpredictable voices in British broadcasting: Kenny Everett. From his wild pirate radio days to his groundbreaking work at the BBC, Capital Radio, and TV, Everett redefined what a DJ could be – funny, anarchic, and endlessly creative.

And of course, Music in Radio brings us another trip through the songs that shaped the airwaves – from Manfred Mann’s “Do Wah Diddy Diddy” and the Commodores’ “Three Times a Lady,” to KC and the Sunshine Band’s “Give It Up,” Sugababes’ “Round Round,” and George Ezra’s massive hit “Shotgun.”

This episode also carries a personal note: after three incredible series, Behind the Mic is heading toward its finale. But don’t worry – we’ve still got two unmissable episodes left to celebrate radio in all its rebellious, powerful, and joyful glory.

Stay connected and follow for more radio history and behind-the-scenes stories:
Instagram – @radiodjthomas
TikTok – @behindthe_mic

Listen now on your favourite podcast platform – and keep the pirate spirit alive!