Two hundred episodes. For a show that started as “a four part special” over the summer months,” that number is something to celebrate.

Unwinds has been part of Sunday nights on BBC Radio 2 for several years now, and Audio Always has been proud to produce the show for the past two of them, around one hundred of those two hundred episodes. The music, the pacing, the warmth Angela brings to every Sunday night: the care that goes into each show is a special ritual for the whole team at Audio Always.

Highlights

Some of the best ideas start somewhere unexpected. One of the highlights of Radio 2 Unwinds have been the Unwinds Mixes. Cool, calm and chill music mixes pulled together specifically for Radio 2’s audience.

The idea for the mixes was a familiar one in audio: use music to move someone somewhere. From that starting point, over the years, the team have worked to build relaxing soundtracks wherever you happen to be listening.

Today, the Poolside Unwinds Mixes Vol 1 to 4 are all available on BBC Sounds. All four are built around the idea that summer chill is a mood state. Whether you’re travelling somewhere or firmly at home, these mixes are made to go with you through the summer, whenever you need a moment of calm.

In Angela’s Words

Nobody says it better than Angela herself:

“Can you believe it!!! 200 shows. I would never have imagined it when I did the first show all those years ago, a four part special over the summer months, that Unwinds would become a Sunday night staple. I feel really lucky that I get to be part of the Radio 2 family, but also that I get to be a part of so many people’s lives who let me in for a couple of hours a week to keep them company. I’ve met so many listeners who have told me what the show means to them. I’ve soundtracked bereavements, heartbreak, recuperations and me-time. So privileged. Hopefully we’ll still be here in another 200 shows.”

Bereavements, heartbreak, recuperations, me-time. Two hundred Sunday nights don’t happen without the people making them. Huge thanks and congratulations to Jenny Smith, Will Jones, Hayley Clarke, Annisha Maraj, Dan Markham and Sam Davies. Here’s to the next hundred.