Louise Minchin has a wonderful story to tell and she tells it very well. Born in a typhoon in Hong Kong some 55 years ago, one of her earliest memories as a young child is of the water in her bath moving as her tower block shook in gale-force winds! To this day, Louise finds storms exciting…You can also watch/Listen to Louise here: https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/louiseminchinHer grandparents had a house at the foot of a mountain in Spain, which she fondly remembers visiting year after year. Louise loved the country, the water to swim in and the language itself. Small wonder she chose to study Spanish at St Andrew’s University, where coincidentally Louise also won a scholarship early ‘gap year’ in Argentina. Here her Spanish became fluent, if not strictly Castilian. Here Louise also read the iconic novel ‘100 years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - in its original Spanish! This fortuitous year’s experience helped Louise gain a better Degree than her tutors originally expected! Armed with her academic qualifications, Louise joined the BBC as a Production Assistant. Practically speaking, this involved providing early morning alarm-calls for the presenters on the Today Programme on Radio 4 and making tea or coffee for them on their arrival in the Studio. Louise then decided to do a Diploma Course in Journalism. She became a professional writer under the expert guidance of a great mentor by the name of Neil Dunwoody. This, she says, was “life-changing”. Louise’s career took off in style: for 20 years she was reading news and then presenting BBC TV’s flagship Breakfast Show. She did her last ‘Breakfast’ two years ago - but the adventures never stopped. She married successfully and now has two daughters, the first of whom arrived by emergency Caesarean section, followed in dangerously quick succession by acute appendicitis. Louise’s real ‘near death’ experience means that she no longer ‘sweats the small stuff’. She now describes herself as an ‘Endurance Athlete’ and has represented her country in that capacity. Louise is also an accomplished author. Her first book is based on her own personal experience and is entitled ‘Dare To Try.’ Her latest book is called ‘Fearless Adventures with Extraordinary Women.’ It does what it says on the cover, recording the diverse real life adventures of 18 extraordinary women. Louise invites you to hear her speak about it and buy copies of it for yourself, your family and your friends. She did not work with the one and only John Humphrys without learning to speak your mind. But always with a smile!Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

I first saw Eddie Marsan in "Puss in Boots" in Chipping Norton in a Christmas Show circa 1990 (in a period of an acting career that many Actors often describe as being their 'wilderness years!') and then more recently I saw him again in a "BAFTA Retrospective" of his extraordinary career to date, hosted by  renowned journalist & broadcaster, Miranda Sawyer. Funnily enough,  Chipping Norton & "Puss in Boots" didn't actually come up during the BAFTA retrospective but suffice it to say, many of his subsequent TV & film 'Absolute Bangers' certainly did!Eddie Marsan is a real coup for "The Good Listening To Show". He is a personal hero of mine - a wonderful, wise, enigmatic & generous actor indeed who I always very much look forward to watching.You can also Watch/Listen to Eddie Marsan's episode on Vimeo here:https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/eddiemarsanThis is a great conversation suffused with much wisdom and many top-tips for aspiring Actors on topics such as how to better manage and overcome rejection (which very definitely comes with the territory of the job) with a sense of calm, resilience, objectivity & perspective. And also he reveals his "never more than 2 weeks apart" formula for surviving a long and happy marriage, with his family positioned front-and-centre in everything that he does. Eddie also richly credits, as he did during the BAFTA Retrospective, his Acting Teacher of old, John Osborne Hughes, founder of The Spiritual Psychology of Acting. The conversation also takes a philosophical turn as we dissect the 'Power of Paradox', a concept inspired by Lao Tzu's "Daodiching" and musings of a Swedish philosopher. Eddie shares his thoughts on societal binaryism, delves into the impact of acting legends like Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toby Jones on his own craft as an actor, and discusses Neil Kinnock's stirring speech at the Labour Party Conference in 1985. This thought-provoking discourse is packed with insights that will make you see the world and its paradoxes from a different perspective.We also step into more personal aspects of Eddie's life, exploring his strong affinity to his working-class roots and how they've influenced his life and career. Eddie talks about his love for Tottenham Football Club and music, and praises the new generation's open-mindedness towards gender and sexuality. We also touch upon his favourite films, his quirky-fact of a curious but harmless medical condition, and the wisdom & philosophy that  he lives by. Eddie Marsan is best known for portraying intense working-class blokes in both indie and blockbuster films. In a long & varied career to date (and it's not over yet!) Marsan has cemented his reputation as being the British counterpart to US Actor Paul Giamatti, with his unconventional looks and fearless performances keeping him perpetually in demand.Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Ladies n' Genminminmin (er, min) buckle-up for Lesley Paterson's extraordinary story of 'Triathletic Ascension' from being 3 times World Champion ExTerra Triathlete to BAFTA + 4 x OSCAR Award Winning glory!A story of grit, determination, tenacity and courage in how she overcome against all the odds, a bike crash, a broken shoulder, an injured leg AND Lime Disease to win & raise the ‘last push’ £10,000 to re-secure the rights for her film, which then went on to secure all of the Awards for "All Quiet On The Western Front", including the OSCAR for Best International Feature.The stuff of Hollywood right there!Lesley Paterson earned the nickname ‘The Scottish Rocket’ after wining no fewer than 5 world titles in athletics. More recently, she has picked up a new clutch of world-class awards in a completely different field, as the screenwriter of the Oscar-winning new version of  "All Quiet On The Western Front".The youngest of 4, Lesley had older brothers to compete with. She played rugby with the boys and earned their respect. She enjoyed running for its spiritual values as well as its fitness benefits. Lesley also spent time training as a ballet dancer and later studying theatre and film in San Diego. A genuinely liberated renaissance woman, when it came to competitive swimming, Lesley said she had ‘the heart but not the numbers.’ This didn’t stop her winning her first world medal, in Maui, in a triathlon, in 2011. And that was after giving her competitors a 10 minute start while she dealt with a flat tyre in that section of the competition. Lesley is by her own confession a totally driven character with a strong focus on forward-momentum. Lesley and her husband Simon, a Performance Psychologist, co-wrote a book called ‘The Brave Athlete’, designed to help competitors deal with a range of issues, which could compromise their performance on the track or in their social relationships. At a personal level, Lesley is inspired by the unconditional love shown by her parents and the inspirational versatility of the South African runner, Zola Budd. One of Lesley’s favourite quotes is this: “Everyone is fighting a battle that you know nothing about.”Today Lesley Paterson has more than half a dozen screenwriter/film production projects on the go. She describes herself unashamedly as a ‘hustler’ - but a very hard working hustler. Someone who always wants to be compassionate as well as passionate, inspirational as well as inspired, joyful as well as driven. Here is a multitalented, articulate woman with a unique story to tell. Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Ladies n' Genminminmin (er, min...) delighted to welcome the charismatic & enigmatic fire-ball of energy, Scottish Actor Tony Curran, to The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. Tony was 'Passed the Golden Baton' to be in the Show by fellow Scottish Actor and previous Guest, Cal MacAnininch.Tony won the Scottish BAFTA as Best Actor for his 'devastating' performance (The Guardian) as Tully in the emotionally raw, funny & life-affirming TV Drama that sensitively and powerfully tackles the issue of assisted dying, "Mayflies".You can also Watch/Listen to Tony Curran's interview here: https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/tonycurranTony has many TV & Film 'Bangers' under his belt: Ray Donovan; This Life; Sons of Anarchy; Boardwalk Empire; 24; The Outlaw King & Your Honour to name but some.Tony Curran is a Scottish expat and life-long Celtic Fan & Ambassador now living in Hollywood, here talking about his life, career and his influences: The  impact of his parents, his passion for theatre and cinema, and the adventures & experiences that have carved his personality. Ever heard of using ADHD to your advantage? Tony has. He shares a hilarious tale about his aunt, highlighting the power of humor in everyday life, and his innovative use of LSD to prepare for a role. There's much to learn from his experience with the power of stillness in acting and the wisdom of harnessing one's unique traits.We talk at length about "Mayflies" too, the chemistry between its co-stars and Tony's pride in the show. We also talk about the seismic effects, importance & reach of the current Writers Guild of America strike and the profound impact of AI on the entertainment industry generally. We also talk about Tony's approach to finding joy in his craft, through the power of vulnerability & stillness. Tony Curran is a true maestro of acting and this is a wonderful, heart-warming episode indeed. Enjoy!Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to welcome the incomparable, wise & wonderful viral phenomenon 'Brittlestar' aka Stewart Reynolds to The Good Listening To Show Clearing.  Brittlestar was 'Passed the Golden Baton' by fellow internet sensation and previous guest, Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon.You can also Watch/Listen to Brittestar's episode, extolling the virtues of Canadian Butter Tarts here: https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/brittlestarWith the 'moist-in-between' (!) of emerging fresh from a shower for his Clearing, this is a  delightful conversation indeed, suffused with life-affirming wisdom inviting us to trust the 'ebb-and-flow' that life presents us with, helping us to navigate and trust disappointment whenever it might present and be able to go with the flow: "We'll get there in the end..."Brittlestar is a proud Canadian and a veritable multimedia marvel, boasting a staggering 600 million downloads to his name.  We hear the story behind his peculiar and wonderful pseudonym, its roots being in a band name dating back to 2004,  combined with the truly bizarre fact about the real-life star fish creature called Brittle Star, which also involves unconventional defecation!Author also of "Welcome to the Stupidapocalypse" a side-splitting survival guide for the era of "Dumbageddon"! Brittlestar is happiest editing video and mixing music. He has given himself permission to treat any disappointments as creative stimulus. He recognises the need to keep going and keep being useful, all because you never ever know how useful you might be to certain people in their individually uncertain times. The work ethic is as important to Brittlestar as the spontaneity. His favourite quote from Thomas Edison asserts the following: “Impractical it may be but important, surely.”As we wrap up this riveting discussion, we dissect the progression of personal ambitions and underline the significance of accepting change as a catalyst for personal growth. This episode is a medley of laughter, enlightenment & wisdom - and not forgetting of course the recipe & equation for Canadian Butter Tarts: Sex & Gold in a Blender = Butter Tarts!Enjoy!Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Described as ‘the king of improv’, in reality Neil Mullarkey is more than that. The middle of three brothers, Neil is the one with the least conventional career choice. Perhaps you could say it all started at Cambridge where Neil was President of the now-famous Footlights Club. Or perhaps it started in a more public arena when he and Mike Myers founded the original Comedy Store in London. Perhaps it is starting now as Neil Mullarkey takes the lessons he’s learned in the genre of Improv and introduces them to the wider worlds of business and business schools. Neil Mullarkey is a curious combination of the searching academic and the pragmatic comic. He is at pains to tell us that the origins of Improv are not in Comedy but in mental welfare. He is happy to talk about Skinner, Pavlov and Herminia Ibarra. He is happy to use terms like ‘operant conditioning’, ‘provocative therapy’ and ‘affiliative humour.’ And at the same time, he is happiest eating meals with his wife and children, ahead of on-song running an Improv Workshop or eating Sushi on his own.In the next breath, he will tell you he would be happy with a note in the history books which simply said “He made some people laugh.” His words to live by are ‘Say yes to everything and work out how to do it afterwards.’ Why else would he leave London and travel to the Ustinov Studio in Bath to appear Live on stage, totally unscripted, streamed as it happened - whatever happened! - on both Facebook and YouTube? In fact it was a great success - two lovers of Improv working together to delight an interested audience. Two table tennis enthusiasts keeping a fascinating rally going spectacularly well for a good hour.“The only real mistake is to stop trying.” So says Neil Mullarkey, performer, thinker, writer. Fascinating stuff! Very generous, very authentic and occasionally very emotional.A treat in store! Neil's episode is a treasure trove of insights - not just on comedy, but on authenticity, leadership, and the importance of embracing failure. Drawing wisdom from esteemed individuals such as Herminia Ibarra and B.F. Skinner, we explore facets of life that transcend the boundaries of showbiz. Neil's candid anecdotes on how he applies these life lessons to his personal journeys - like his unexpected stint as an umpire for the English Open Table Tennis Championships - are sure to leave you inspired. As we navigate through Neil's experiences, we also discuss his intriguing thoughts on provocative therapy and his unending love for improv. Get ready for a heartfelt tribute to Neil's late friend Andy Smart, a celebration of his upcoming charity event, and a deep dive into the stories and inspirations behind his book, 'In the Moment.' This episode, filled to the brim with humor, wisdom, and engaging anecdotes, is designed to leave you entertained and enlightened. So sit back, relax, and let the tales of Neil Mullarkey lead you through a journey of laughter and Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Rosie Cavaliero recorded LIVE at Bath Theatre Royal Ustinov Studio with simultaneous live-streaming to YouTube & FaceBook complete with audience Q&A!You can also Watch/Listen to the Show on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ThAa61MVwkAward Winning Actress Rosie Cavaliero was born in Brazil. She can trace her surname to her father’s ancestry in northern Italy.  Her father converted from Sephardic Judaism to Roman Catholicism. He was fascinated by butterflies and rose to the top of the British Council as Deputy Director General. His job meant that he and his family moved around quite a lot, taking Rosie to both Rome and India in her childhood before they all settled in that epicentre of Englishness: Tunbridge Wells!While both of her parents have now passed away, they left Rosie and her siblings with a rich legacy of culture - covering music, the arts and books. To this day, Rosie is always happy in a bookshop - unless she is walking a coastal path in Pembrokeshire! Meanwhile she is an award-winning actress, her brother is an Art Therapist and her niece Anna is an Opera singer. Rosie herself went to Manchester University before going onto a somewhat bizarre-sounding Drama School, with ‘beautiful girls with corkscrew curls’, that nevertheless helped her secure career-enhancing roles in hit series like Alan Partridge and French & Saunders. At the same time that this live encounter was being recorded in the Ustinov Studio and streamed on Facebook and YouTube, Rosie’s latest series ‘The Power of Parker’ was just starting on BBC1!Like most successful actors, Rosie has had to deal with her fair share of rejection. But that doesn’t mean it’s now like water off a duck’s back. All artists are sensitive souls and it doesn’t get any easier in your 50s. In some ways, it may even get worse. That’s why Rosie really appreciates the good work she regularly gets to do on TV and on Radio. These days the gig economy does not make any other career opportunities that much more secure than the acting profession - whatever Dame Peggy Ashcroft may have had to say about it.Rosie may now be able to cry like a baby but her only real ambition is to be a good mate to her friends and her partner - someone they can talk to without fearing they’re walking on eggshells. Shakespeare could not have put it better!Acting is a challenging profession, and Rosie shares candid insights into the less-glamorous aspects, including sensitive topics like handling rejection and criticism. As we delve into the importance of resilience and self-confidence in an unpredictable industry, Rosie also reveals her thoughts on her children pursuing careers in the arts and shares encouraging words for aspiring actors. This heartwarming conversation is a journey through the trials, tribulations, and joy of a life in acting with Rosie CavaTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Please welcome acclaimed Author & Memoirist Cathy Rentzenbrink to the 'Clearing'!You can also Watch/Listen to Cathy's wonderful episode here:https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/cathyrentzenbrinkCathy Rentzenbrink had just delivered the draft of her latest novel when this interview took place. So, naturally enough, she was reluctant to discuss it beyond saying it was two years in the writing and two decades in its creation. Cathy is happiest encouraging other writers to write, on the credible assumption that ‘writers are people for whom writing is more difficult.’ Cathy herself is a fast reader and a slow writer, who spends lots of time considering what she can cut without loss from her first or later drafts. For her, as for most good writers, writing is rewriting.Paradoxically, at age 18, when her Irish father first met her English mother on the Quay in Falmouth, he could neither read nor write. Happily, he could both talk and sing and his words were an early inspiration for the young Cathy. In contrast, Cathy’s loving mother was very literate, as well as a 'love at first sight’ super romantic. Cathy says “all life is full of material” and the tragic material in Cathy’s early life was the traffic accident that put her younger brother into hospital after being knocked down by a motorbike, which led to the family’s agonising decision to turn off his life support system, 8 years later. In her early ‘career,’ Cathy was happiest when she was working in Hatchard’s bookshop. (It remains her scorched earth emergency option.) Cathy never wanted an office job where she might be expected to laugh at dodgy ‘jokes delivered by drunk men.’Instead, Cathy became a writer. And an encourager of other writers, at festivals and workshops. Meanwhile she has been married twice. She remains good friends with her first husband and supportive of her ‘current’ husband, a Dutchman with a difficult name for strangers to spell. Her only criticism is of Mr Rentzenbrink’s intolerance while driving, but allegedly this characteristic is present in all heterosexual male drivers and may perhaps be an essential element of the Patriarchy.Cathy’s body of work now includes novels as well as autobiographical books and how to start writing guides.  To quote Ovid, translated from the original Latin: “Be patient and tough. Some day this pain will be useful to you.”Cathy would like to be remembered as a Laugh rather than someone who’s ‘had a big paper round.’The only award that Cathy’s won so far was at 17 when she won the Snaith and District Ladies Darts Championship, with an additional award for including three treble twenties as a single score in that success. Cathy Rentzenbrink - one hundred and eighty!Cathy is 'passing the Golden Baton' on to fellow acclaimed Author, Kit De Wall. Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

An extraordinary episode with a man of true brilliance, courage, distinction & genius. Delighted to welcome South African born Los Angeles-based Designer, Philosopher, Creative Mentor, Professor & Coach, Errol Gerson. A wise owl indeed!Errol was 'Passed the Golden Baton' through previous Guest, Iain Thackrah. Part philosopher, part accountant and natural born teacher, Errol has helped shape the creative minds of the world famous Art Centre College of Design in Los Angeles for over 50 years, preparing over 5,350 students to embark on incredible creative businesses and SUCCEED in an ever changing field.You can also Watch/Listen to Errol here:https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/errolgersonAnd be sure to stick around after the outro for a wonderful post-script story from Errol too!Errol Gerson is a lifelong learner, who trained as an accountant & has been sharing his business insight with creative people ever since. When Errol was himself at art school, one of his tutors acknowledged that he was a likeable lad but went on to say that, in his opinion, he did not have a creative bone in his body! Errol had left school with a certificate that declared him not suitable for university. At this point, he may have been down but he was definitely not out.  Inspired by people like Joan Baez & Bob Dylan, Errol Gerson learned to play the guitar, wrote anti-apartheid songs and sang them in coffee bars, where the customers applauded but the police took a somewhat different view! When a visiting American suggested he was possibly good enough to get a record deal & that America might appreciate his talents, whatever his South African critics might say, Errol set off for the USA with a very small suitcase and a tiny bundle of US dollars to match. He arrived 3 months early, in some distress. When he was evicted from his rooms for non-payment of rent, he took his last two bucks to a local coffee bar where, fortuitously, he found a job as a dishwasher, a free meal of sorts every day and even a single bed in exchange for cleaning, reminiscent of Roger Miller’s ironic 'King of the Road'.Errol Gerson now has half a century’s relevant experience in the USA teaching at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. He himself has been inspired by all his teachers in California, as well as by iconic writers like Wayne Dyer, Stephen Covey, Viktor Frankl and Gail Sheehy. To avoid bearing grudges or allowing resentments to take root, Errol recommends a rigorous programme of prayer and meditation, as well as actively cultivating an attitude of gratitude, with the help of a moleskin notebook, on a daily basis. Errol continues to be inspired by people like Plato, Socrates and Descartes. Errol Gerson’s own story is well worth listening to & one of his favourite quotes says simply: “I touch the future. I teach.”Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

It's National Treasure Day here in 'The Good Listening To Show' as we welcome the incomparable, the legendary, the warm & wonderful Children's Author & Poet, Mr "Chocolate Cake" himself, Michael Rosen! Or as his globally renowned viral Meme would exclaim "Nice!" (Just Google 'Michael Rosen , Chocolate Cake & Meme' and all will become clear!)With his Willy-Wonka-esque-ex-chocolate-factory office for his 'Clearing' (how perfect!), Michael welcomes us warmly into his world and into his glorious mindscape, as we riff together on a whole array of profound and poignant stories.You can also Watch/Listen to Michael's episode here:https://vimeo.com/chrisgrimes/michaelrosenDescribed as “an optimistic nihilist” by his graduate daughter Elsie, Michael Rosen is a performance poet, professional broadcaster and abundant author of literally scores of different books, mostly for children but many for adult readers also, with nearly 200 books and 130 million YouTube hits to his name.Above all, he is an extraordinary survivor. Aged 20, his latent hypothyroidism remained undetected for a potentially deadly decade. In his seventies, the treatment of his severe Covid required a medically induced coma, which in practice kept him unconscious in Intensive Care for 40 days - like a latter day Lazarus in his clinical cave. Now Michael Rosen has less than perfect hearing in one ear and less than perfect vision in one eye. Michael Rosen’s parents were both teachers. They spoke Yiddish as well as English and lived quite happily and quite colourfully in a flat above a shop in Pinner. Michael recently collected a nodular pebble from the now largely tarmac area behind the shop to remind him of his early childhood. In those days, his very bright older brother Brian, now a distinguished palaeontologist, took it on himself to teach young ‘Mick’ the basics of calculus or whatever he, Brian, was being taught at school. Michael Rosen was ‘porous’, he says, from an early age!In an era of dip pens, inkwells & blotting paper, a teacher called Mr Brown arrived from Manchester - in suede shoes! Thanks to this one and only Barry Brown, young Mick was soon inspired by plays and playwrights. He appeared on stage whenever he was offered a part, however minor and later the now published author Michael went on to write some plays of his own!On a darker note, Michael’s own teenage son Eddie died one April night, suddenly and shockingly, albeit thank goodness, painlessly.  Every year Michael and his now extended  family commemorate Eddie’s premature death and celebrate his short life over a lunch. Death may not have worn ‘creaky boots’ but the Rosens can raise a glass and a smile regularly to remember the one they all lost so unexpectedly…One of Michael Rosen’s earliest ever poems contained the immortal line (sic):“And now the train is slowing down…”Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Prepare to step into the snow-laden landscapes of the Canadian wilderness with the delightful Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon: The viral Bhangra Dancer whose radiant orange turban and infectious joy has carved a 'ray of hope' during the Pandemic and beyond, through his joy of spreading happiness, hope & positivity through his love of Punjabi Bhangra Dancing.A  journey of rhythm, resilience and joy, as we explore Gurdeep's off-grid lifestyle, his love for the Canadian Yukon wilderness, and his fascinating collaborations. Gurdeep first came to my attention through his good friend and previous Guest here in the 'Clearing',  Patrick Dexter, the Irish Cellist who also went viral during the Pandemic, by playing his cello outside his cottage on the wild cliff-scapes of Ireland.Be sure to listen to Patrick's episode too :)You can also watch/listen to Gurdeep's episode here: https://vimeo.com/845417924Discover how Gurdeep's unassuming dancer's message of positivity, hope and happiness resonates across the Globe through his unique blend of storytelling and vibrant Bangrah dance sequences.Delight in the four pillars of goodness that anchor Gurdeep's life: the awe-inspiring Yukon; his passion for dance; storytelling and his deep connection with nature. Accompany us as we illuminate the power of dance and positivity that have made Gurdeep a global sensation and a beacon of hope, spreading joy and optimism during trying times.Finally, we journey into the heart of Gurdeep's philosophy, where we uncover his passion for balance, his introverted nature, and his love for the smaller joys in life. Listen as he shares his favorite inspirational quote, his thoughts on dealing with difficulties, and his outlook that even in the darkest times. A testament to finding one's flow in the rhythm of life, this episode will leave you captivated, inspired, and filled with a newfound sense of optimism. Join us in celebrating Gurdeep's life and his radiant dance of joy, spreading happiness one step at a time.Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Ladies n' Genminminmin (er, min...) please welcome Award Winning Actress & fellow Bristol Old Vic Theatre School Alumni, Lucy Briers to 'The Clearing'.Lucy is from Theatre & Show Business Aristocracy here in the UK, as she is the daughter of Richard Briers, the famous UK TV Actor and National Treasure, now sadly no longer with us, but listen with delight as Lucy describes her joy and luck at having her very own 'Dad cupboard: With 250 or so DVDs, capturing his wonderful career on screen, if ever she needs a 'top-up' to watch him speak and move!Lucy Briers chooses Sheep Meadow, Central Park Manhattan as her ‘Soul City’ and as her 'Clearing'. Despite her ‘weird blood disorder’, Lucy is almost always smiling or chuckling - even when dealing with big or bittersweet issues. Like her father Richard’s fame and popularity interfering with their walks together as a child or her mother’s progressive  Alzheimer’s disease changing almost everything about her behaviour in her final years. Lucy herself alludes to her own serious illnesses in earlier years and how hands-on healing, helped her shrink a tumour by half! Listening closely to her narrative, we get a wonderful picture of a privileged, posh, bright, private-school-educated Sloane Ranger-type choosing a radical alternative to Oxbridge: a highly political, reputedly ‘gay’, transformative, red-brick university - Lancaster! - to do a Degree in Theatre and Sculpture (Independent Studies). Here our lovely young Lucy shaved off her long hair, dyed what was left a bright orange and picked up the placards of protest. Then she went on to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - to learn how to act. In 2019 Lucy Briers won the prestigious Clarence Derwent Award for Best Supporting Actress. (Lucy hadn’t heard of it either - check it out, it’s impressive, with the likes of Gene Hackman & Christopher Walken as previous recipients!) Lucy now sees herself as a ‘structured person’ (even though she wittily describes herself as still being nevertheless ‘deeply superficial’!).  But Lancaster was the first 'radical reconstruction' for her. So was getting divorced. So was the deeply poignant story we also get to hear about caring for her mother through the 'great de-tethering' of her Alzheimer’s. Lucy has learned a lot of life’s lessons the hard way and changed, she believes, for the better. That is her objective - to deepen her understanding of the human condition and share it on stage, with the spirit of her famous father supporting her whenever needed with words of encouragement from the wings. Lucy admits to a continuing crush on Ryan Gosling as well as personal and professional admiration for Tom Cruise. She is a most fascinating paradox: a very private person, who is also an extrovert. Here is a truly wonderful woman and a truly wonderful conversation!Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to welcome the trailblazing changemaker Melanie Vaxevanakis from the Bristol based Mazi Project, on a mission to help marginalised 16-25 year olds gain better access to more nutritional food, food education and self-care - and in a nutshell, 'bring them to the Dinner Table', with all the mental health benefits that the power of sharing & community can bring.From FUMING to ACTION! A story about how the Mazi Project  was born, inspired by Mel's noticing the appalling quality of free school lunch provision being provided to families at the beginning of the Pandemic, to now shipping 70 boxes a day of fresh fruit, vegetables and a recipe card to young people who wouldn't otherwise have access or have been able to afford it.Now two-and-a-half years on, complete with Maisie Williams “Game of Thrones” Actress (who also grew up in Bristol) as Charity Ambassador on board, the Mazi Project is going from strength-to-strength.With Maisie Williams on board, it’s not so much “Game of Thrones” as “Game of Nom-Noms”! (See what I’m doing there?!)You can also Watcvh/Listen To Melanie's episode here:https://vimeo.com/841229639More about Melanie:Pull up a chair and prepare to be inspired as we share a compelling conversation with the remarkable Melanie Vaxevanakis.  Drawing on her Greek roots and Bristol surroundings, Melanie, founder of the Mazi Project, passionately discusses her journey from documenting stories through film to creating a powerful initiative that dishes out 70 fresh, nutritious recipes a week to young people in need. Melanie's story is one of anger, transformation, and ultimately, impact - as she took her frustrations with inadequate government-provided food packages and channelled it into a project that nourishes bodies and minds.Finding solace in her 'Clearings' - the kitchen and the sea - Melanie reveals how these spaces nourish her creative energy and inspire her work with the Mazi Project. Beyond just providing sustenance, she's determined to build a community space that reduces social isolation, fosters confidence, and empowers every participant to feel extraordinary. While the Pandemic may have been the catalyst for Melanie's journey, it's also been a lesson in resilience and the importance of mental wellbeing, a lesson she's keen to share with her listeners.From the power of protests to the significant moment the Colston statue was dropped into Bristol harbour, Melanie's insights shed light on the potency of collective action and the need for continued social justice work. We also dive into personal distractions, strategies for overcoming them, and explore the transformative power of storytelling. Wrapping up the episode, Melanie shares her inspirational mantra and the best advice she's ever received. So tune in, listen close, and get ready to be mTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Ladies n' Genminminmin (er, min...) please welcome the magical Stella Taliadoros to 'The Clearing'.  Stella was "Passed the Golden Baton" to be in the show by Ivor Novello Award Winning Musician & Composer, Renell Shaw.Ever found yourself lost in the hustle of life and seeking a path that aligns your soul with the universe? Stella Taliadoros, an Angelic Reiki practitioner, illuminates our show with her journey of self-discovery and growth. We journey with her from therapy sessions to her mystical community space, "The Twelfth House", where Stella helps others navigate their spiritual paths. Stay tuned as she also reveals the charm of her favorite reflective spot, Caffercito Organico in California as her 'Clearing'.Stella is also the Curator of the Artistic Movement called "I'm Lost Too!" acknowledging that "we're all lost and in search somehow," but remember: "All those who wander are not necessarily lost!" and Stella can help with that!You can also Watch/Listen to Stella's episode on Vimeo here:https://vimeo.com/840097820Our discussion takes an intriguing turn as we delve into how Autumn seasons, food preferences, and social influences shape our lives. Stella sheds light on the significance of the mind-body connection with food, her experience with warm Greek Cypriot hospitality, and the community-building prowess of her café, Win Wood Art District. Don't miss out as she takes us on an exploration of her brand "I'm Lost To," her favorite quote, and the most impactful advice she's ever received.Our enlightening conversation with Stella extends to the realm of psycho-spiritual healing, as we discuss her journey with Angelic Reiki and how it can be integrated with Counselling. We also explore the critical roles creativity and nature play in our lives. Stella's story invites us to reflect on our own narrative, emphasizing the power of storytelling in understanding oneself. Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

What happens when you merge an a cappella vocal virtuoso with a passion for storytelling and a love for connecting with audiences? You get the enchanting Kate Dimbleby! Join me as we explore Kate's incredible journey, from her album 'Songbird' to her recent performance with Gifford's Circus during the Royal Variety Performance, and her co-founding of the storytelling software platform Stornaway.ioYou can also Watch/Listen to Kete's time in The Clearing here: https://vimeo.com/834414868Kate and I dive deep into the power of imagination and the significance of holding onto our inner truth. We discuss the importance of pushing one's own boundaries and how our voices can create a powerful noise if we let them out. Moreover, we touch on Kate's life-changing move to Canada, her discovery of the Alexander Technique, and her journey to her creative center point.Kate's warmth, generosity, and creativity shine through in every moment of our discussion, and her passion for storytelling is nothing short of contagious. Tune in and be inspired by the captivating world of Kate Dimbleby.Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

What happens when you combine the power of music, visual art, and the lessons learned from martial arts? You’ll find out in our conversation with the extraordinary Renell Shaw, an Ivor Novello award-winning composer, songwriter, and music producer. Renell takes us on a fascinating journey through his life and creative process, revealing how he uses a daily walk to clear his mind and let his music emerge authentically.You can also Watch Listen to Renell's interview here: https://vimeo.com/833613312Renell’s diverse influences, including theatre, martial arts, and mentorships, have not only shaped his personal development but have also played a crucial role in his approach to music. Join us as we discuss  "The Windrush Suite", a captivating trilogy in the making, and explore the impact of the Windrush generation on Caribbean families in the 60s. Plus, you'll hear about the unique collaboration between Renell and his wife, as they blend bass and tap dancing in a mesmerizing performance.As we delve deeper into Renell's creative world, we also discuss the potential of combining music and animation, and the joy of playing music with other musicians. Renell shares his favorite inspirational quote from Einstein and the best piece of advice he's ever received. So grab your headphones and get ready for an insightful and inspiring journey with the remarkable Renell Shaw!Renell Shaw is a nature lover as well as an extraordinary musician, who has found a way to live his life in balance and in harmony, on a daily basis. He starts each day with a meditative walk and allows the music to reveal itself to him. In earlier days, Renell used to strive to make things happen. Today he trusts in the process that he has developed. It works for him! His grandfather was a trumpet player, who was inspired by Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie. His godfather was an expert in martial arts. His father was a sound engineer. His mother gave him his first Carlos Santana record as a teenager, which inspired Renell  to learn to play the guitar, while she continues to provide him with lifelong encouragement. Renell won the Ivor Novello award for his work on the Windrush Suite, which was commissioned before pandemic restrictions  changed everybody’s lives. So far Renell has written the first two of a Windrush trilogy - a Griot yet to be completed At the time of this conversation, he is waiting for the music to reveal itself to him. Given his Caribbean family of origin, Renell starts from the enviable position of wanting to express the Windrush story from the inside out rather than the outside in. Quincy Jones provides Renell Shaw with his ideal role model for a multitalented musical career. Collaboration and community are concepts that appeal to Renell, who has his favourite Einstein quote tattooed on his arm:" We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used toTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to welcome the wonderfully wise and enigmatic Iain Thackrah to the 'Clearing' for a special 'Founder Story' Episode of the show, in which we uncover together the story of "who-the-what-the-how-the-why" of why you do what you do!Iain is a creative mentor to creative entrepreneurs. Writer, speaker, creative. Creative generalist. Creative specialist. Jack of all trades, master of some.https://www.iainthackrah.co.uk/Also recorded as a LinkedIn LIVE:https://www.linkedin.com/video/live/urn:li:ugcPost:7054740938635517952/Iain Thackrah’s extraordinary commercial life really did begin at 40. He started his ordinary life as a child on his father’s farm in Yorkshire, with a pig for a pet and a bike to take him to the nearest town, 13 miles away for a McDonald’s.It was idyllic until it wasn’t. His father lost all his sheep, lost all his cows, lost all his cash and eventually also lost the farm itself. Perhaps in response to this, Iain prolonged his student days right up until the age of 27, picking up a small clutch of degrees in the process, before teaching Philosophy and Psychology for the next 10 years. In time, he became a clock-watcher, seeing himself in older colleagues in the Staff room - and not liking what he saw. When he’d had all he could take of such a secure career choice, Iain joined a startup Newco, on a six figure salary - until it folded beneath him. Iain was back at Square Zero! On the credit side, he had an awesome wife and two beautiful daughters. He also had his health and his house. But on the debit side, he was very light on any other material assets and his prospects were, at best, unpredictable. Fortunately Iain thrives on challenges like this. He has no ambition to be like ‘most people’ or to behave like ‘most people’ do. Iain’s ethos revolves around achieving lots and lots of ‘small wins’ and accumulating them consistently, on a daily basis. Iain talks about the compound interest created by this series of ‘small wins’. These produce compound interest that in time adds up to a different kind of ‘Big Win’. “By the inch, it’s a cinch. By the yard, it’s hard” Iain is committed to helping Creative Entrepreneurs grow the commercial side of their businesses. His coaching company only wants a maximum of 30 clients at any one time. Iain is the complete opposite of the ‘never mind the quality, see the width’ school of thought. His publishing company is not interested in producing potboiler best-sellers. Brilliant limited editions appeal more to Iain’s unusual mind. Once it was “Iain against the world”. Iain’s significant psychic change means that he is now ‘intTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to welcome legendary Event Producer & Creative Director Dan Tsu to 'The Clearing'. Dan was passed the "Golden Baton" to be here in the 'Clearing' by Performance Poet Toby Thompson.Dan is an Event Producer, Live Promoter, International Facilitator & Teacher of Event Management. Co-founder of  the infamous Glastonbury Festival venue "Rum Shack", he has being hosting innovative and independent live shows for the last 15 years.  Dan  holds a reputation for championing and collaborating with young talent, working closely with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Akala & Kate Tempest, to name but some of many many more.Dan is also founder & director of the Live Events & Education company Lyrix Organix: A design consultancy for groundbreaking programmes, working collaboratively with major youth organisations and charities.  Lyrix Organix uses rap, poetry, music & and cross-disciplinary approaches to amplify social action.When Dan Tsu describes himself as a ‘Jack of all Trades’ he does not begin to do himself justice. As his name may suggest, Dan is mixed heritage: Anglo-Chinese, Singapore British, Hong Kong Chinese. At school Dan began to hone a particular skill in being able to be both an 'outlier' and an 'inlier', able to get the best from relationships around him.  He made friends easily, with an ability to be able to move freely between a variety of different ethnic and religious groups, who all tended to sit in different corners of the classroom and not necessarily mix with each other in the playground.  Dan was a free spirit, without an obvious ego, therefore able to weave his way into all kinds of diverse and interesting circles. He has always been inspired by words, poetry and by music like hip-hop and rap. His signature venue "Rum Shack" at the Glastonbury Festival is particularly important to him, as is Glastonbury implicitly for its unique authenticity & ‘irreplaceable and indescribable’ spirit.Dan created early opportunities for the now superstar singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and the rising star performance-poet, Toby Thompson, as well as scores of others.  Dan does not speak Chinese but he is still inspired by the iconic Chinese artist and activist Ai Wei Wei. Dan’s personal goal is to ‘change the world in small ways.’As a facilitator, educator, events producer and creative director, Dan Tsu is creating his own dynamic legacy, on a daily basis. He is delighted when people acknowledge the difference he has made to their lives - which people regularly do now, in random encounters, on average now once or twice a week!Dan sees himself as a Londoner.  Happy both in the darkest corner of a lively nightclub or in the solitude of ancient woodland in Dulwich.An extraordinary & distinctive story indeed.Enjoy!Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to welcome prolific Children's Author & Editor Steve Cole to The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing' for his story of Distinction & Genius.With over 150 titles and book series to his name including the hugely successful UK Children's Books Top 10 list  "Astrosaurs" and also "Young Bond", as the natural successor to Charlie Higson as invited by the Ian Fleming Foundation to continue the series: "The name's Cole - Steve Cole" (see what I'm doing there?!) With lovely Oliver Postgate (Narrator of "Bagpuss" & "The Clangers") vocal tones to match.  Despite having 150 titles to his name, hear how "prevarication is still his super power!" in hitting the housework hard as deadline's approach "like Doodlebugs humming overhead!" A very enjoyable conversation indeed!More about Steve Cole:Steve Cole is a fascinating, multifaceted, deadline-driven character: a slow worker but a fast talker! The author of literally dozens of different books, who claims that “procrastination is part of the process.”He is someone who turns to Salsa to unlock his Writer’s Block and plays in a 30 years’ old band called ‘Faces Fall’ to express another aspect of his bubbling creativity.  A self-confessed pedant who has been ‘riddled with hernias’ most of his life and the occasional attack of repetitive strain injury. (Is there any psychosomatic connection there one has to wonder?)Steve Cole is someone with a lively mind and a truly encyclopaedic knowledge of Dr Who, who attributes his story-telling success to his English teacher, Mr Hall and a lot of his professional success to the Dr Who legend, Terence Dicks - who honoured him with a dedication!Also in Steve’s inspirational trio is Charles M. Schultz, creator of one of the world’s most popular and longest running cartoon strips - Peanuts. (Good grief, what a talent!) Marvel comics and the Incredible Hulk also come in for honourable mentions.“We are all stories in the end. Make it a good one” - these are Steve’s choice of words to live by. Now he tells good stories for the Ian Fleming Foundation and entertains children in schools in interactive communication sessions. The Young Bond is now created by an old pro - if that doesn’t sound too Ageist?One, two, three, one, two - over to you, maestro!Reg Starkey Editor, UK Health Triangle MagazineTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!

Delighted to be welcoming the very talented Ghost writer & Biographer James Hogg to The Good Listening To Show: Stories of Distinction & Genius I first came across James via his wonderful Twitter feed @JamesAHogg2 James Hogg is a biographer, ghostwriter and collaborator who specialises in sport and entertainment.Born in the Yorkshire Dales, he began his writing career whilst working for the Yorkshire County Cricket Club where he spent several years masquerading as the club’s Commercial Manager. In between failed attempts at securing sponsors and smoking with Brian Close, James wrote two acclaimed biographies whilst at Headingley. The first, ‘What’s the Bleeding Time?’ discloses the life and times of the actor and naturalist James Robertson Justice and features a foreword by H.R.H The Duke of Edinburgh. The second, ‘Little Ern: The Authorised Biography of Ernie Wise’, was a collaboration with the writer of Hellraisers, Robert Sellers, as was James’s next book, ‘Hello Darlings! The Authorised Biography of Kenny Everett’. James left Headingley in 2012, after which the club began to flourish both on and off the pitch.James lives in Yorkshire with his wife and two children. More about James Hogg: James Hogg is an extraordinary man. He does not attract conventional labels. He says he is someone who writes. But he does not see himself as a Writer! And he is not a Reader, either. He does not have a Social Media Presence, apart from a tiny corner on Twitter.He does not have a slick website selling his significant skills as a wordsmith and original ideas man. He has absolutely no ambition to write a single word of fiction. Instead he applies his considerable imagination to facts and helps others to tell their stories in a voice that sounds like theirs, not his. He is a contrary but not confrontational North Yorkshireman, who is good at making enough money to sustain his unconventional lifestyle. This includes regular trips to Brazil and Gran Canaria to get his words down against the deadline.James Hogg was born in Coverdale. His parents were involved in horses and horse racing. It did not appeal to him. He left school at 15, with no academic qualifications. He left home at 17, borrowing £30 to cover the coach to London and still have a few quid spare for emergencies. He immediately got a job as a Bell Boy at the Cumberland Hotel, doubling his basic wages with freelance services in support of visitors from the Middle East. When a career in the hotel business held no more appeal to him, he moved to the Theatre under the guidance ofTune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website. Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.ukTwitter thatchrisgrimes LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/ FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :) Thanks for listening!