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.

Emma Williamson lived through a childhood witnessing domestic violence, chaos, and addiction. When the challenges came, they weren’t small ones — and it’s true to say, when it’s bad anywhere else, it’s extra bad in West Cumbria. The experience is amplified. When it’s dark here, it’s dark. When it’s light, it’s light.
For every ounce of darkness Emma endured, she’s channelled it back tenfold into light. From her own addiction struggles to that solitary moment where she chose radical change, she has turned pain into power. From not being able to put a full stop in a sentence, to earning a master’s degree, she’s taken bitter beginnings and transformed them into a force for good.
Now, she pours that resilience into making a difference for young people in the care system — living proof that no matter how dark it gets, light can return, and when it does, it shines brighter than ever.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.