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.

A special show that was broadcast on Somer Valley FM as part of International Men's Day in 2024. I sit down with a handful of the station's presenters to talk about songs that have helped them in life. Throughout the conversations, topics include opening up about how you feel; and how that's changed over the years, finding help in different communities, inspirational figures and reminders of luck in life.

Andy's Man Club

Songs mentioned in the show:

Heroes - David Bowie

(They Long To Be) Close To You - The Carpenters

It's Alright, I Feel It - Nuyorican Soul ft Jocelyn Brown

Be Lucky - Show Of Hands

You've Got A Friend - James Taylor

Better Together - Jack Johnson

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

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

Award-winning writer and director of children's animation Ed Foster talks about a shelf of sensory items to get away from the day-to-day stresses of work and help connect to the outside world. Along the way we talk about taking a step away from the conversation to recharge, spontaneity being the fuel for creativity and a life of constructing many different tents.

You can find more from Ed on Instagram and Twitter.

You can watch a selection of Ed's short films on his website, which also has some of his past doodles.

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

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

Musician and radio presenter Ella May Thomas talks about a shelf of various creative outlets and confidence boosters. Throughout the conversation we discuss the help and comfort of self-reflective media, the natural occurrences that can help build confidence and waiting for achievements to grow and develop instead of rushing into a crisis.

You can find more from Ella on Instagram.

Ella's website, with links to her music and radio show.

Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend with Stephen Colbert (which should be available on most podcast platforms)

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

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

Musician and content creator James B Partridge discusses a shelf of close, sensory escapes to help calm anxiety. Over the course of our conversation we talk about connecting and sharing an experience with an audience and the calming nature of nostalgia and creative flow with no restrictions.

You can find more from James on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Twitter.

More information about the Assembly Bangers tour, including Christmas shows, and links to tickets can be found on James' website,

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

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

Magician and presenter Emily Robinson-Hardy sits down to talk about a shelf of closely-held memories and personal strength. Throughout the conversation we talk about finding the right therapist, learning to grow with grief, the motivating force of coincidences and the life-changing power of Thor: Ragnarok.

You can find more from Emily on Instagram.

Watch Emily's appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.

Anxi-Tea: The Calm Of Inside Out 2

Podcast artwork - Lily Fossett

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