What does it mean to stay creative, courageous and authentic when life throws its hardest challenges at you? In this uplifting episode, I’m joined by Leftfield’s Neil Barnes and his partner Tania Sansom for a deeply human conversation about illness, identity, resilience and the power of music to carry us through.

Neil shares openly about what has sustained his decades-long career in electronic music, the role authenticity has played in every creative decision, and how he continues to evolve artistically in the face of personal and physical challenges.

Tania brings her own powerful perspective on living with MS, finding meaning in difficult moments, and holding onto hope with honesty and courage. Together, they offer a rare and intimate insight into what it takes to keep moving forward — not through perfection, but through presence, purpose and love.

Along the way, we talk about:

• Creativity as a lifeline
• What authenticity really looks like in practice
• The realities of illness and mental health
• Longevity in the music industry
• The changing landscape of live music
• What keeps Neil and Tania hopeful about the future

This is an emotional, inspiring, and joy-filled conversation with two extraordinary people who show us what it means to be brave, open-hearted and true to yourself — even when life hits hard.

If you’ve ever turned to music in a moment of struggle or needed a reminder that hope is still available, this episode is for you.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Left Field
• Guinness
• John Lydon
• Trainspotting
• David Bowie
• Hacienda
• Man Called Adam
• Rhythm King
• Drum sheds

This podcast session delves into the profound relationship between music and personal fulfillment, featuring the legendary broadcaster, Mike Read. We engage in an exploration of the myriad experiences that have shaped his illustrious career, emphasizing the significance of authenticity and passion in the creative industry. Mike articulates the essence of living with purpose, contending that true success stems from a genuine commitment to one’s craft. As we navigate through anecdotes of his extensive involvement in radio, television, and musical composition, we uncover the underlying notion that resilience and adaptability are paramount in sustaining a long-lasting career. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the importance of remaining true to oneself amidst the challenges of the creative landscape, providing invaluable insights for aspiring artists and seasoned professionals alike.