Emmy-winning director and puppeteer Noel MacNeal joins me to talk about a shelf with lessons about finding calm and motivation in what's around us, and simply 'being there' in each moment. Along the way we also talk about embracing your surroundings, how life can bring new meaning to music and songs and how Doctor Who can provide one of the toughest workouts.

You can find more from Noel on Instagram and Bluesky.

Quotes:

• "You haven't failed if you've tried"
• "It's only a problem if you make it a problem"
• "A man can think too much"

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film journalist and game writer Gavin Spoors talks to me about a selection of items which have both appeared at formative times and been formative themselves. Alongside this we also talk about finding your community through the things that interest you and the regular points which help to add routine breaks from work.

You can find more from Gavin on Bluesky, Instagram and Twitter, Read Gavin's feature 'How the Zelda Franchise Made Me Feel Like a Hero'.

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer-songwriter Thomas Benjamin Wild Esq joins me to discuss a shelf of stripped-back connections to the outside world, all helping to take time away from the blur of screens. Throughout the conversation we talk about the people and items which make home home, exploring the world and returning to safe and familiar environments and feeling comfortable playing the ukulele on stage.

You can find more from Tom on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky. For various songs and videos, such as the 'A Song A Week' series, from him - including I Could Really Use A Win Today - check out his YouTube channel. Tom's music can also be found on various music streaming platforms.

Find where you can watch Sing Sing here.

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.