Despite still being a teenager, Sunderland-based newcomer Tom A. Smith has already achieved more than most artists do in a lifetime. He played his first ever gig aged just eight, supporting local psychedelic rockers Detroit Social Club at legendary Newcastle venue The Cluny, he performed at Glastonbury before he was even in secondary school, and Tim Burgess handpicked him to play his stage at Kendal Calling, making him the festival’s youngest ever performer.  He has played live with local hero Sam Fender and supported Catfish & The Bottlemen, as well as other Northern acts on the rise like The Lathums and The Mysterines.  Tom has also supported other big names such as Elton John & Billy Bragg and he’s appeared on Soccer AM performing alongside Miles Kane. Following a summer full of festival appearances.   Tom joins Tim for a chat outside the iconic Dreamland Cinema in Margate and walks along the beach talking about his early beginnings, from picking up the guitar at the age of 4 through to the fantastic year he has had touring and bringing out new material. Tom's website and links to his music and socials https://www.tomasmithmusic.com Recorded at Margate, Kent, December 2023   Youtube Video Version: https://youtu.be/yrvlXzZWsgM

David Ippolito is an American singer-songwriter and playwright. He has self-released eight albums and is best known for his weekly summer performances in Central Park. In 1992, David first performed an impromptu concert on a hill in Central Park in front of a small audience. Among those present was editor Jack Rosenthal from The New York Times, who the next day published an editorial about the performance. The next week, David played again, and began to gather a following. Since then, he has performed on a hill near a rowboat lake almost every summer weekend to crowds of passers-by and regulars, including international tourists, and has become a cult figure in New York. David talks to Tim about his early battles with drink and drugs and how he found himself playing the guitar and singing in Central Park. In a special extended 2 part special David walks Tim through the sites and sounds of Central Park in New York, as he works on his new venture as a playwright and screenwriter. Next step Broadway and Hollywood! Davids site: http://www.thatguitarman.com

David Ippolito is an American singer-songwriter and playwright. He has self-released eight albums and is best known for his weekly summer performances in Central Park. In 1992, David first performed an impromptu concert on a hill in Central Park in front of a small audience. Among those present was editor Jack Rosenthal from The New York Times, who the next day published an editorial about the performance. The next week, David played again, and began to gather a following. Since then, he has performed on a hill near a rowboat lake almost every summer weekend to crowds of passers-by and regulars, including international tourists, and has become a cult figure in New York.   David talks to Tim about his early battles with drink and drugs and how he found himself playing the guitar and singing in Central Park. In a special extended 2 part special David walks Tim through the sites and sounds of Central Park in New York, as he works on his new venture as a playwright and screenwriter. Next step: Broadway and Hollywood! Davids site: http://www.thatguitarman.com

Grant Turley, an experienced currency trader, macro economist and FX strategist, has lived in New York for years and has seen a raft of change in the city from the pre-mayor Giuliani period right up to now in the post-COVID economy.   Grant talks to Tim outside the world's biggest department store, Maceys on Herald Square in Manhattan, New York City; the building's 2.5 million square feet.

Ariana is a presenter and producer/creator of Essenza, a show about finding the essence of life through fashion, entertainment and lifestyle through a new lense. Available to watch on KokoConnect.TV   Ariana talks to Tim about fashion, presenting and producing Essenza and her studies at college and her future plans.   Join Ariana and Tim as they walk along 7th Avenue (Fashion Avenue) in New York towards Times Square. https://kokoconnect.tv https://www.instagram.com/itsarirebello https://www.instagram.com/twin.thatswhatineed/ Youtube Version: https://youtu.be/H4_ZcdCp89I

Billy is a self-starter and motivator who mentors people on lifestyle, health, fitness and wellness. From a young age, he has been goal-driven, and he is now an entrepreneur who runs his own wellness company; Billy is also the marketing and sales director for his family business. Billy talks to Tim about his career path and how he helps people with his inspiring support and knowledge. Also, his outlook on life, he has many goals and plans for the future, which he discusses. https://linktr.ee/Billjh24   Recorded at Mote Park, Maidstone, Kent

Evan has a unique story, at just the age of 17 he has experienced a lot of expeditions and adventures. All Boys are born with a love for adventure in them. If you look at history, it comes from a very distant relation to the smelly, dirty, sabertooth tiger-hunting, spear-wielding cave man, of which teen boys still mimic their unique language to this day made up of grunts and groans. We may share a relation with these primitive humans and maybe some more than others, but Evan says he shares a bit more than a few genes with these hairy humans from the Stone Age. Evans's life has been full of peaks as high as Mount Everest and troughs as low as the depths of the ocean, a journey from struggles to strengths, negativity to positivity and from a downward dive to learning to thrive.   Evan talks to Tim about those peaks and troughs, a unique home-ed childhood education with the outdoors being the classroom, and how he wants to inspire others with positive mental health from being outdoors and being one with nature.   Evans link tree: https://linktr.ee/juniorsurvivor   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@junior_survivor

Damian Samuels is an actor, director, writer and producer, recognisable from his role as the invited band manager and selected victim in the infamous award-winning music video of the single "Where's Your Head At?" by Basement Jaxx, directed by Traktor, and Mr. Lloyd in Doctor Who in the episodes "The Empty Child" and "The Doctor Dances". Roles also in Eastenders, Birds of a Feather and Sherlock, along with a variety of film appearances such as White Lightnin' starring Carrie Fisher, released in 2009, and commercials. Damian talks to Tim about his journey from stage to screen and all the amazing creatives he has worked with. Damian has also written, directed and produced two short films of his own that can be found in the links below. Listen to hear his first meeting with Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), getting Spice Girl Mel C to sing his title song, and Hugh Jackman and a Lipton Ice Tea commercial.   Damians Showreel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmcNdoc5SSw   Fish! https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/fish/umc.cmc.3414z5oh8muzhwypkvrwnpif5 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jeremy-Theobald-Macintosh-Francesca-Samuels/dp/B00I6CYV18 The Five Wives and lives of Melvyn Pfferberg https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/the-five-wives--lives-of-melvyn-pfferberg/umc.cmc.7b5tj1qbfa6vn9wcni4baq9ai https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Wives-Lives-Melvyn-Pfferberg/dp/B078SBSD1Y

Monty is a father who fundraises in memory of his son Archie. Archie was diagnosed with DIPG (a terminal brain tumour) in February 2021 following an MRI in November 2020 for an unrelated illness. At the time, he was symptom-free but underwent 30 courses of Radiotherapy at UCLH to reduce the tumour size. On 7th January 2023, his family started staying at Little Havens Childrens Hospice, as Archie had deteriorated further and with their amazing help we were able to spend time with him using their facilities. It was only on his last day that he was unable to leave his bed, and sadly passed on 26th January 2023. Monty talks to Tim about his bike ride challenges in memory of Archie, he is truly inspirational. Please consider donating to help Monty's Just Giving campaign for these charities that helped his son and his family: Young Lives vs Cancer Abbies Army Unbeatable EVA Torbay Holiday Helpers Network Thumbs up for Charlie Make-A-Wish UK Gold Geese Little Havens https://linktr.ee/archiesduck   Recorded at Chalkwell, Essex October 2023

Callum Wells is a showbiz reporter for The Sun and a regular on-screen contributor for Talk TV with a regular spot on The James Whale Unleashed programme. At the age of 21, Callum has built up an impressive career in showbiz reporting, having worked for the Mail online and now for The Sun. Callum has much to tell Tim about his career so far, some of his celebrity scoops, alongside the wonderful work Callum does to help others with a stutter. Tune in to hear from a truly inspirational journalist and broadcaster with the world at his feet!   Callum is also a coach for the Mcguire Programme coaching to overcome stuttering and practice real-life communication skills to thrive in the real world https://www.mcguireprogramme.com Link to Callum's TV/press work: https://youtu.be/fCcorjoh-iA   Recorded in Holland Park, London, 16th August 2023

Alison Edgar MBE is an expert in improving performance inside organisations. Throughout Alison’s years advising entrepreneurial businesses, she has discovered important factors that make them successful. Alison takes these lessons on enhancing motivation, communication, and agility and shares them with enterprising businesses, helping them to break down silos, embrace change and enhance autonomy.   Alison talks to Tim about her career origins and her extensive work as a mentor to entrepreneurs (The Entrepreneurs Godmother), her speaking events, books and future movie role!   https://www.alisonedgar.com Follow Alison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealisonedgarmbe/ Links to buy Alisons' books https://www.alisonedgar.com/author   Recorded at Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire, on 15th September 2023 with kind permission from the estate.

Ash Heathcote has a varied career from Ice cream sales to the army and, ultimately as a police safety and physical trainer. Ash has taken these skills and formed his own training company, and today, he also has a successful property portfolio. Ash talks to Tim about the constant need for a challenge, going to the Falklands with the army, training probationer constables from 40 forces across the UK and his work today across all kinds of industries.

With over 30 years of experience interviewing high-profile figures Dominic King is well known in Kent as a presenter of various BBC Radio Kent shows. Dom started his career in journalism at the Early Times whilst still at school, getting to travel the world covering stories. Meeting and interviewing Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn at the United Nations in New York was an early high-profile interview, one of her last as UNICEF ambassador. His impressive track record of interviewing some of the biggest names in literature, including Sir David Frost, Philip Pullman CBE, Martina Cole, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Antony Horowitz, Lynda La Plante, Tony Parsons and Jo Jo Moyes, speaks for itself. Dom has worked for both independent radio and the BBC; he talks to Tim about his career and the future of broadcasting and the metaverse. https://www.laughingfrogproductions.com https://www.instagram.com/domkinglive/ https://www.x.com/DomKingLive

Sam Serrano is a gender-fluid, dyspraxic, LGBTQ comedian from Liverpool. Their unique comedic style has seen them get fans from both bookers and producers alike. Sam talks to Tim about his comic origins, the creative process, turning adversity into comedy and the overall challenges of being a comic on the circuit. Now performing at clubs such as Glee, Laughterhouse, The Comedy Store On The Road. Sam has also provided tour support for acts such as Tom Stade, Brennan Reece & Stephen Bailey. To top all that off, Sam has appeared on both Comedy Central & Dave/UKTV’s digital channels and is currently in a writer’s room with Lizardfish Productions. Their 2022 Edinburgh Show was sponsored by Tiger Aspects and later recorded as a comedy special that was released by Sam on their YouTube channel. https://arushoflaughter.co.uk/sam-serrano/ https://www.instagram.com/serranocomedian/ https://linktr.ee/serranocomedian Recorded at St Katherine's Dock, Tower Bridge, London, August 2023

Lauren is a successful technology leader (Programme manager) for a major broadcaster/technology company. She talks to Tim about her career journey that started straight out of school aged 16 and her progression through the company.   Filmed at Hadleigh Castle, Essex in August 2023

Abi Orfila is a Singer-Songwriter / Country-Rock artist based in Folkestone, Kent. Abi talks to Tim about her background, her music in the Country Rock genre and the creative process from writing a song to getting it recorded and out there on social media and music platforms. Abi has sung in many venues across the UK, and she can say she has performed at the meccas of music, such as the Cavern Club in Liverpool and in Nashville, the home of country music. Abi also performs in some unusual venues if you travel to France via Eurotunnel, you may have seen Abi either singing to you or checking your passports! Listen and watch Abi on all the major music streaming services, Spotify, Apple Music watch on YouTube. All links to Abi's work, social media and music at this link https://linktr.ee/AbiOrfila Recorded in Folkestone Harbour, Folkestone, Kent, August 2023

Victoria Stears is a sportsperson and Head of Global Marketing and communications working for an educational Sports institute. Victoria talks to Tim, walking along the coastal path at Herne Bay in Kent, about her work, social media strategies and her passion for everything active. A long-life runner, Victoria has won multiple races, including the Nice-Cannes 20k, loves to swim in the sea and enjoys all kinds of activities in Herne Bay/Wales and South of France, such as kayaking, Paddle boarding and is a keen road cyclist. What is the perfect work/life balance? Victoria seems to have worked it out! Follow Victoria's inspirational Instagram posts here: https://www.instagram.com/victoriarunswild/ Recorded in Herne Bay, Kent August 2023

At just aged 21, film director Morgan O`Callaghan is on his third film release, "Wings of 44" to be premiered at the Silver Screen Cinema on 2nd September 2023. Morgan talks to Tim about his background, how he got his films on Prime Video, premiering at a local cinema and the challenges of filmmaking in a changing world of AI. With little or no budget but an amazing writing and production team, including his friends and long-time collaborators Jonny Brookes, Toby Haycock and George Everett-Button, the team has showcased amazing filmmaking and special effects skills for a bright future in the movie business. Trailer for Wings of 44 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCJamlU8ylY&autoplay=1   Watch Detective Inspector on Prime video https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.e1cf3c77-b58a-420b-9853-9e3942c4e5bf?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv-21 Watch The Arsonist on Prime Video https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.52b9e4b5-9077-752f-1da4-cb054ba66d62?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_pvt_aiv-21   Recorded in Folkestone, Kent August 2023

Jackie Mortimer is the artistic director of the Instep Youth Dance Co in Hythe, Kent. Founded in 1980 whilst Jackie was a Dance/PE teacher at St Leonard's Secondary School, today it continues to thrive beyond Jackies retirement from teaching and as a vice principal at the school now known as Brockhill Park Performing Arts College. Jackie talks to Tim about the background of the company and its legacy for hundreds of former members and her plans for the future. www.instepdance.co.uk Recorded in West Hythe, Hythe, Kent August 2023

Josh Tate is the UK's youngest newsreader, reading the news on Radio exe in Exeter. He joins Tim outside Exeter Cathedral for a chat about his journey so far and what he wants to do next. https://www.instagram.com/joshtate0/ https://www.radioexe.co.uk   Recorded in Exeter, Devon August 2023