“…a musical journey that leaves listeners inspired and dreaming of the perfect encore long after the episode ends.”

In Episode 31 of The Encore Club Podcast, Will continues the Countdown to Christmas with BBC Radio 1 DJ and presenter Maia Beth for a conversation filled with warmth, humour, nostalgia, and festive chaos. As part of the Christmas run, Maia brings her infectious energy and thoughtful perspective to an episode that moves seamlessly between career reflection, music obsession, and the emotional power of the songs that stay with you for life.

Across the episode, Maia opens up about growing up in Washington in the North East, discovering music through indie anthems, pop classics, and dad rock staples, and how early gig culture shaped her love of live music. She speaks candidly about falling into media through a BBC apprenticeship, navigating creative industries without connections, and how a Radio 1 Christmas competition became the unexpected turning point that launched her broadcasting career. From BBC Introducing to Radio 1’s Happy Anthems, covering Glastonbury and major festivals, and working across radio, events, and live touring, Maia reflects on building a career by saying yes, trusting her instincts, and learning as she goes.

There are plenty of moments of humour and honesty as Maia shares Glastonbury stories, backstage surrealism, emotional songs that hit at unexpected times, and her controversial Christmas music opinions. She builds her dream gig from scratch, choosing a fairy-lit forest setting, tequila-fuelled dancing, and Scissor Sisters delivering pure joy and glitter-soaked chaos. Along the way, the conversation explores independent venues, the rising cost of gigs, the realities of the music industry, and why community, kindness, and curiosity still matter.

It’s a festive, thoughtful, and genuinely funny episode, and a perfect listen for anyone who loves Radio 1, festival culture, pop and punk energy, or simply hearing passionate people talk about music the way friends do when the conversation flows and the songs mean everything.