I can’t quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she creates the amazing books she writes, from the first glimmer of an idea to completion. A true rock star of life, this is an important conversation for those suffering from grief or those supporting someone suffering from grief, it is also an insight for all aspiring writers on how to write a roller-coaster, twist-filled novel and it is a lesson to us all on how to tackle life in the worst and best of circumstances, how to strive for what you want and how to triumph. I took away several lessons from our conversation and am already employing them in my life and they are working! I am sure they will for you too. I am so grateful to Clare for this wonderful conversation.

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Clare’s Website

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I had been really looking forward to talking to Julian Ovenden but the conversation I ended up having with him was extraordinary and unexpected. Not only is he a talented actor appearing in some of our best loved TV shows and theatre productions: Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Foyle’s War, My Night with Reg, All About Eve to name but a handful, he is also a hugely talented singer whose concerts, albums and worldwide performances have touched the hearts of many. He is a winning combination of self-deprecating, funny, and honest and he generously shared some of the best and worst periods of his life. At times hilarious, at others heartbreaking and at all times fascinating, this is an important, entertaining and ultimately uplifting conversation. I feel honoured have been part of it and to be able to share it with you.

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Follow Julian Ovenden

Julian Ovenden - YouTube

Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotion and artistry. His keen eye for storytelling and his innovative approach to filmmaking have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. Whether behind the camera or crafting intricate plots, Måns’ contributions to the world of cinema are nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast, Måns talks about some of his masterpieces – the trials and triumphs all with good humour and humility.

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Måns Mårlind IMDB

Mike Reed has been described by those he works with as “a humble genius”. He is a composer, conductor, musical director and pianist. He was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s right hand man for over a decade. In this podcast, Mike talks about his extraordinary career, the musicals he has worked on and the stars he has worked with. At times hilarious, an insight into how musicals work and a glimpse into an incredible life of music, theatre and entertainment.

Related links:

Mike's website

Sally co-created, wrote and acted in Smack the Pony, a double Emmy Award-winning comedy show, for which she was nominated for best female newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. She has starred in countless films, television series, comedy shows and radio programmes such as the Bridget Jones films, Miranda, Green Wing, I am Alan Partridge, Rescue Me, Veep, Friday Night Dinner, Clare in the Community, among many others.

In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the funniest acts in British comedy. Sally talks about some of her career highlights and lowlights, the joys and pitfalls of being a female comedian, what it was like to be Shazza in Bridget Jones, and what it is like to live with her son Ollie, dispelling some of the unkind myths surrounding Down’s Syndrome.

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A World Without Down Syndrome

Smack the Pony

Amor Towles, the award-winning and bestselling author of Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway shares the journey from his childhood fascination with storytelling to his transition from investment banking to the literary stage. Discover the meticulous process behind his richly imaginative novels, the secrets to creating unforgettable characters and his thoughts on literature’s lasting impact. Amor offers an intimate look into the mind of one of our generation's most celebrated writers. It was a pleasure getting to chat to him!

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Amor’s website

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If you grew up loving Not the 9 O’Clock News, Blackadder and Spitting Image, you will love this podcast! John Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of Blackadder, Not The 9 O’Clock News, Spitting Image, QI and many more award-winning comedy shows. Known as ‘The God of Comedy Producers’ he is also a writer, director and presenter and he is every bit as hilarious as the shows he’s created. This conversation is packed with humorous anecdotes but there are some important life lessons too and John generously shares the flip side of a career in comedy. I took many things from this conversation and I am sure you will too. Not to be missed!

OUR 50TH EPISODE!

How lucky was I to be in the passport queue in Nice airport and spot my guest Henry Rowley? Even luckier that he was so lovely and agreed to have this conversation with me. Henry Rowley is a writer, actor and comedian who has amassed 1.3 million followers on TikTok and rising doing the most hilarious point of view sketches from posh girl Minty to The Creepy Teacher to Soho House Member to almost any other stereotype you can think of. He has just finished his standup tour “Just Literally” of the UK and Ireland. It was laugh out loud magic. It turns out that, not only is he the new comedian to watch for, he is also a wonderful human being. This podcast will make your day and, if you follow him on TikTok, all the days that follow will also be brighter!

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Follow Henry on TikTok

Follow Henry on Instagram