Nicky Spence is a Scottish tenor, opera singer and performer who has brought accessibility, authenticity and pure joy to one of the world's most elite art forms.

From performing at the BBC Proms to international opera houses, Nicky has built a career on refusing to be confined by traditional operatic moulds. As a vocal athlete who can fill ginormous spaces without a microphone and a gay Scottish man who has turned his "unconventional" appearance into his greatest asset, Nicky represents a revolution in how we think about who gets to be an opera singer.

On this episode of The Pieces, Bimini and Nicky dive into the formative moment that changed everything. They discuss his training for ten years - only to discover that he had to become the person he actually was, instead of who he had been told to be, to reach new career heights.

The conversation touches on opera as drag - the wigs, costumes, makeup and bold presentation - and why he gets to play the really interesting, repugnant characters rather than sappy Prince's because he doesn't fit the traditional mould.

Nicky passionately advocates for funding the arts, accessibility in opera, and why creating barriers to opportunity means missing undiscovered incredible gifts. They also discuss the stark difference between France's annual funding for opera versus the UK's constant defunding, and why art should be a human experience of communion, not an exclusive elite event.

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Ebs Burnough is best known the former White House Senior Advisor to First Lady Michelle Obama - but, having achieved so much, his career defies categorisation.

He's a filmmaker, writer, producer and communications executive with nearly two decades of leadership in politics and public policy. From working at the White House with President and Mrs. Obama, to serving as Chair of Sundance Film Festival, and directing projects that celebrate queer cultural icons like Dusty Springfield, Ebs has refused the false choice between academia and creativity.

A Black gay man with relentless drive and a gift for seeing the full dimensions of any challenge, Ebs approaches every mountain as an opportunity to grow, learn and create lasting impact.

On this episode of The Pieces, Bimini and Ebs dive into the formative moment that shaped his entire worldview, turning trauma into his greatest teacher and his commitment to never letting fear stop him from occupying space.

The conversation touches on being raised with the understanding that "much has been given to you, so how do you give back?", the confidence to never experience imposter syndrome while still being absolutely terrified, and the refusal to be confined to a single career path.

They also discuss his current work directing the Dusty Springfield film, launching Tea and Vodka podcast, and his upcoming projects at Sundance.

Don't forget to subscribe and don't miss new episodes of The Pieces every Tuesday!

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You might know Ella Morgan from her TV work (as the first transgender bride on Married At First Sight, or from Celebs Go Dating), her work as a model or as a campaigner.

A trailblazer in her own right, Ella has built a career on visibility, authenticity and unflinching honesty about what it means to be trans and queer in the public eye. Beyond the glamour and the accolades, Ella is a fierce advocate for trans rights and community liberation: someone who refuses to debate her existence, refuses to dim her light, and refuses to accept a world that demands she apologize for taking up space.

On this episode of The Pieces, Bimini and Ella dive into the vulnerable reality of navigating online hate while maintaining mental health.

They discuss how trolls feel manageable when you're in a good place mentally, but one small comment can devastate you when you're struggling. The conversation tackles the toxic discourse around trans rights, the algorithm that feeds hate, and why Ella will never debate her experience with people who don't understand what it's like to be trans.

Ella talks about her dad's role in keeping her grounded and finding power not just in the people around her, but in herself.

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Instagram: @thepiecespod

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YouTube: @thepiecespod