Assa Marra: “A Love Letter to West Cumbria and the Legend I Married”
18th December 2024 marked 16 incredible years since I met my husband, madcap adventurer and total legend, John Williamson. To celebrate this milestone, I created Assa Marra - a podcast series that is as much a tribute to him as it is to the place we both hold so dear: West Cumbria. It has grown to 16 episodes, with a couple more due before the end of 2025.
West Cumbria has been the backdrop to our love story. Its rugged landscapes, rich history, and incredible people mirror the qualities I adore in him: strength, humour, indomitable nature, and an unstoppable spirit. Over the years, we’ve found inspiration in the stories of this county’s remarkable characters, from legends like Josh Naylor to the everyday heroes whose contributions have gone unnoticed.
Through Assa Marra, I weave our love story with the soul of West Cumbria. These 10 episodes are deeply personal, recounting not only the moments that have defined our relationship but also the beauty of the people and places that have been part of our journey.
Assa Marra blends highlights from my previous podcast, Gobsmacked!, with brand-new radio interviews, creating a unique tapestry of stories that celebrate both our personal journey and the vibrant spirit of West Cumbria.
As the creator of Gobsmacked! - a podcast loved in 147 countries to date - I’m thrilled to use this platform to bring West Cumbria’s charm, humour, and spirit to a global audience. Above all, Assa Marra is my gift to John: a celebration of the life we’ve built together and the magical county that continues to inspire us. Our West Cumbrian community is being heard loud and clear in over 40 countries, celebrating and amplifying the wonderful people around us.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Assa Marra: “A Love Letter to West Cumbria and the Legend I Married”
18th December 2024 marked 16 incredible years since I met my husband, madcap adventurer and total legend, John Williamson. To celebrate this milestone, I created Assa Marra - a podcast series that is as much a tribute to him as it is to the place we both hold so dear: West Cumbria. It has grown to 16 episodes, with a couple more due before the end of 2025.
West Cumbria has been the backdrop to our love story. Its rugged landscapes, rich history, and incredible people mirror the qualities I adore in him: strength, humour, indomitable nature, and an unstoppable spirit. Over the years, we’ve found inspiration in the stories of this county’s remarkable characters, from legends like Josh Naylor to the everyday heroes whose contributions have gone unnoticed.
Through Assa Marra, I weave our love story with the soul of West Cumbria. These 10 episodes are deeply personal, recounting not only the moments that have defined our relationship but also the beauty of the people and places that have been part of our journey.
Assa Marra blends highlights from my previous podcast, Gobsmacked!, with brand-new radio interviews, creating a unique tapestry of stories that celebrate both our personal journey and the vibrant spirit of West Cumbria.
As the creator of Gobsmacked! - a podcast loved in 147 countries to date - I’m thrilled to use this platform to bring West Cumbria’s charm, humour, and spirit to a global audience. Above all, Assa Marra is my gift to John: a celebration of the life we’ve built together and the magical county that continues to inspire us. Our West Cumbrian community is being heard loud and clear in over 40 countries, celebrating and amplifying the wonderful people around us.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we shift focus from celebrating the beauty and splendour of West Cumbria to exploring a more serious story—that of Ruth Hasson.
At 17, Ruth entered a controlling and abusive relationship. Her partner’s obsessive behaviour gradually isolated her from friends and family, leaving her vulnerable and alone. The abuse escalated over the years, culminating in a terrifying six-hour assault that brought her to the brink of death. On her 21st birthday—a day coinciding with the passing of Freddie Mercury—Ruth experienced a powerful turning point, inspiring her to seek freedom and reclaim her life.
Now a passionate advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, Ruth shares her story not only to highlight the dangers of coercive control but to offer hope to others facing similar challenges. Her journey from victim to survivor is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the support that communities like West Cumbria can provide.
This episode serves as a poignant reminder that even amidst the charm and beauty of a place, there are untold stories of resilience and courage that deserve to be heard. Join us as Ruth candidly shares her experiences and insights on healing, advocacy, and transformation.
By bringing Ruth’s story to light, we emphasise the importance of acknowledging and supporting the struggles within our community.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.