In this episode, I’m joined by comic and writer Mara Mainka (@maramainka), where we dive into her unique upbringing—raised in Germany with strong Romanian roots. We talk identity, language, and the quiet chaos of growing up between cultures. From bratwurst to sarmale, we dissect the subtle (and not-so-subtle) cultural contrasts between Western Europe and Romania, all with a healthy dose of humour, observation, and a few well-earned jabs at childhood trauma.

Why listen:

If you’ve ever felt like a cultural mishmash—or if you just like hearing two people with mild abandonment issues laugh about Europe’s family dysfunction—this one’s for you.

Jody Nolan‑Greenwood, known in the verse world as @bardofthebush, is a raw electric force in the UK spoken word scene. His Instagram feed is a fiery gallery of evocative poetry — from “Crowned In Fire” to confessional pieces that trace his “pulse of my past”. Jody transforms the mundane into myth, conjuring visceral visual scenes with words. He crafts his art from life’s scraps—physical or emotional—but always performs with unwavering confidence and incisive clarity .

⚠️ Content Disclaimer:
The intro includes a personal reflection on family trauma and estrangement, which some listeners may find sensitive. Feel free to skip ahead to the main conversation if needed.

Who should listen to this and why:

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit—but still want to make something honest—this one’s for you.

This week on Borderline Podcast Disorder, I sat down with Steve Jameson — the brilliant comic mind and theatrical chameleon behind Sol Bernstein, the world’s oldest living Jewish comedian (who's somehow still gigging harder than most 20-year-olds on TikTok).

Steve’s been a staple of the UK comedy scene for decades, whether it’s as himself or channeling Sol: a cigar-wielding, old-school Borscht Belt relic with stories that straddle the line between truth, trauma, and total nonsense. Beneath the gruff, wheezy exterior of Sol lives Steve’s razor-sharp writing, impeccable timing, and a deep love for comedy rooted in history, family, and character work that cuts deep — and still kills.

In this episode, we ditch the curtain and meet the man behind the legend. Steve opens up about his beginnings in comedy, from working men’s clubs to reinventing himself with one of the most iconic characters on the circuit. We talk family history, Jewish identity, and how personal pain often becomes performance gold. There’s talk of tragedy, reinvention, and what keeps a veteran performer getting back on stage night after night.

Whether you're a comedy nerd or just culturally confused (like me), this one's packed with stories, sharp reflections, and a lot of heart.

🔗 Connect with Sol Bernstein

• 🌐 Website: solbernstein.co.uk — gigs, videos, reviews & booking info

• 📘 Facebook: @SollyBernstein (~2.8 k followers)

• 🐦 Twitter/X: @SolBernstein