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The Convex Conversation
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205 Episodes
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As Hampton Court Palace prepares to host the 10th Tusk Conservation Awards, Helen is in Northern Kenya with the awards' partner/co-creators Ninety One to meet their first ever winner, Tom Lalampaa.
Tom - CEO of the North Rangelands Trust - explains how he’s found success brokering peace with feuding tribes in Northern Kenya using a conservancy method to ensure communities, wildlife and the habitat can thrive together.
Tom tells Helen about life in the Samburu Tribe, growing up with nomadic parents and 16 siblings, and reflects on what it meant to receive his award in London from Tusk’s royal patron HRH William, the Prince of Wales.
As the UK’s cost of living crisis deepens, Helen meets the Deputy Editor of MoneySavingExpert.com - Helen Saxon - for advice on what we can all do to survive the coming months.
With energy rates soaring, as well as food, broadband, council tax and fuel going up in a way we haven’t seen since the 1970s, Helen shares her expertise and offers some practical advice.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis started the business 20 years ago when a discount email to friends took off. Martin and his MSE team have gone on to help millions of people cut costs, find great deals, beat the system and fight their corner.
Fresh from performing 25 one-woman shows at the Fringe, New York comedian Emily Wilson talks to Helen about her “life-changing” experience in Edinburgh.
In the show, written by Emily and Sam Blumenfeld, Emily shares the humiliating story of being a finalist on The X Factor USA when she was just 15, performing in front of Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and the other judges.
Through hysterical, self-deprecating stand-up, archive footage and original songs, Emily transports audiences back to 2011 and the embarrassing moments of her rollercoaster journey through boot camp to the finals and - boy - do we share her pain!
FIXED will be in London at the Soho Theatre January 12th through the 21st.
Ten-year-old Betsi Rose Powley tells Helen that sharing her battle with Ewing Sarcoma - a rare form of cancer - with 70,000+ followers on Instagram has kept her positive through gruelling chemo & radiotherapy, and made her happy she's helped others cope with with their treatment.
In her first podcast, Betsi says making short films from her hospital bed at The Royal Marden kept her going, gave her the confidence to talk to other young cancer patients for support and sparked the idea for a unique project to help other poorly children.
She’s raised more than £23,000 so she can design pyjamas with special areas for tubes & ports so PJs no longer get cut up during treatment and has started her own label BAM Wear - Betsi And Monkey. Follow @betsiatthemarsden
Pilot and founder of Spitfires.com Matt Jones shares extraordinary stories with Helen from his record-breaking and risky circumnavigation of the globe in G-IRTY - a beautifully restored 1943 Mk IX Silver Spitfire.
Matt and his team flew 22,138 nautical miles around the world in just four months, crossing deserts, red mountains, barren areas of Russia, fields of ice and stunning cobalt lakes - climbing “a pilot’s Everest”.
They aspired to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the iconic single-engine aircraft, honouring its role in history, and succeeded. A stunning documentary of the expedition is out soon.
Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth gives a fascinating insight into his job as as Britain’s first ever Director Space for the Ministry of Defence, responsible for building & delivering a national space programme for the UK.
A fast-jet pilot of 20 years & former leader of the combat arm of the Royal Air Force, AVM Smyth reveals he’s currently concentrating on low earth orbit, operating 63 miles above our planet and beyond.
His focus is looking back at Earth from space, using satellites & state- of-the-art technology to help with issues like climate change, agriculture, coastal erosion & to militarily protect & defend our nation.
Helen free-falls at 125mph from 15,000 feet for an exhilarating sense of life as a member of The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, in the capable hands of their leader, Sgt Frank Millerick.
Frank has done more than 3,000 jumps and talks about his passion for instructing hundreds of soldiers, watching them go from zero to hero, and seeing that light bulb moment. He talks openly about the challenges of life in the military and his pride at being part of the British Army’s Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.
As we mark World Mental Health Day, Dan Keeley shares his battles with his own mental health in the hope his journey can help others who may feel too afraid to speak up.
Dan, who describes being bi-polar as both a blessing & a burden, talks about his extreme adventures including running unsupported from Rome to Home – 1,250 miles in 65 days – to raise awareness. His sights are now set on Mont Blanc’s ultra-marathon.
He’s just delivered his first TEDx talk on the power of speaking up when we’re suffering for which he received a resounding standing ovation.
TEDx photographs by Simon Finley
Anderson ‘Burr’ Bakewell fell in love with the rare & elusive spirit of the beautiful, remote Isle of Harris & pondered how one could bottle the island & share it with the world.
Shona Macleod – one of the first members of staff at the Isle of Harris Distillery – reveals how the distillery came about with a focus on providing employment for the community & describes how that spirit is captured in Harris Gin & will be in The Hearach, their first legal dram, when it’s ready.
As Britain prepares to host the United Nation's Climate Change Conference COP 26, the CEO of NGO Plastic Oceans International talks to Helen about the catastrophic situation the world is in and the serious threat to our ecosystems.
More than 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year. 10 million tonnes end up in our oceans with only 10 per cent recycled. Julie explains if we don't change our sight line, it will have catastrophic results for the planet. She shares innovative stories of positive projects happening in communities around the globe and stresses the massive difference we can all make collectively towards ending plastic pollution.
West End actors Ed Currie & Andy Coxon met in 2015 rehearsing for a punishing schedule of live performances of Beautfiful: The Carole King Musical in London.
In the mele & drama of performing an intensely physical show under hot lights & high pressured conditions, theatre-life inspired them to create a natural deodorant balm which not only solved a problem for their fellow actors (!) but has been voted top in its field by Vogue.
Ed & Andy have become unlikely yet hugely successful entrepreneurs & share their unusual story in this week’s podcast.
Dr Hilary has been broadcasting on breakfast shows like ITV's Good Morning Britain & Lorraine for more than 30 years, keeping his finger literally on the pulse of the nation!
Never has he faced a more “fascinating & professionally challenging” time than throughout the pandemic.
Hilary talks about the responsibilities which come with being a TV doctor; how he helped people in one of the most remote areas of the world as a young medic & reveals the inspiration behind his epic WW1 debut novel, Frontline.
TV presenter Anneka Rice talks about her latest project - performing stand-up comedy for BBC Radio 4 in which she goes in search of her missing Madame Tussauds waxwork head!
It's 30 years since Challenge Anneka drew TV audiences in their millions. Annie reveals she's still involved with most of the show's 60 projects, including the Romanian orphanages she drew the world's attention to.
Anneka also talks about her dad's ten year battle with Alzheimer's & how she's championing Alzheimer's Research UK.
Astronomer Mark Thompson DSc is preparing to deliver a 140-hour marathon lecture – a first in terms of studying extreme sleep deprivation & an attempt which will hopefully break a Guinness world record.
A familiar face from BBC1’s The One Show & Stargazing Live, Mark will be scientifically monitored as he lectures on deep space, our solar system, black holes, the fact all our body atoms were created inside stars (!) & much more.
Marks explains the results will likely have real implications, including the possible development of an algorithm to detect when people are too tired to drive.
Downton Abbey, Cold Mountain, Batman & Outlander are just some of the dramas & films food stylist Lisa Heathcote has worked on, cooking up screen dishes & banquets for stars like Nicole Kidman, Dawn French, Hugh Bonneville & Dame Maggie Smith.
She's currently letting her imagination run wild on the set of the new series of Bridgerton for Netflix.
Lisa worked on Downton from episode one & shares behind the scenes stories of how she not only makes the 20th century fare look the part upstairs and below stairs, but ensures it's historically accurate, edible & survives the studio lights & retakes.
Jon Allen was originally discovered by Mark Knopfler gigging in a small club in Shepherd’s Bush in 2006 which led to him touring in the UK & Europe with Dire Straits.
Jon plays alongside artists like Seal, Dionne Warwick & Damien Rice. He’s had more than 5 million downloads on Spotify, is back on the road performing tracks from his new studio album 'Meanwhile' & laughs about how the whisky-soaked “husk” he tried to lose as a teenager has paid the bills!
George Bye, founder & CEO of Bye Aerospace in Colorado, has created the eFlyer – stunning & innovative all-electric aircraft designed for two, four & eight passengers which will revolutionise the skies.
A pilot himself, George tells Helen how sustainable electric flying will not only eliminate CO2 and noise, it will significantly reduce costs, making the thrill of aviation accessible to many more people. The eFlyer 2 is expected to be FAA certified by the end of next year.
Singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor reveals how feeling paralysed by a lack of creativity & inspiration during lockdown, and "with no manual for how to do this", her musician husband Richard came up with the idea for her much-loved kitchen discos.
Sophie tells Helen how her podcast series Spinning Plates featuring inspirational mums has been one of the best projects she's taken on; talks about writing her autobiography, and the pleasure of being back on stage performing at live gigs throughout the UK.
The Princess of Wales believed young people have the power to change the world. Alex Holmes talks about Diana’s legacy and how the only charity set up in her memory is continuing her work.
Alex suffered severe racial bullying as a young boy and, thanks to his award-winning efforts, there are now more than 35,000 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors in the UK & Europe. Alex sits on the board of the Gates Foundation & was the first person in the UK to receive a Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
Jay Flynn shares with Helen how his idea to host a virtual pub quiz for his mates in lockdown took off overnight & led to more than 180,000 households across Britain uniting.
Jay has broken a world record for the number of participants; is a regular on Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 breakfast show & has been joined on the quiz by Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross & other celebrities. He’s also raised more than a £1 million pounds for charities including Connections which helped him get his life back on track when he was homeless for two years in London.
Karen Gibson MBE tells Helen how life for The Kingdom Choir changed after 2 billion people watched them perform at Harry & Meghan’s wedding.
The unexpected call on the 87 bus & stunning performance at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, has led to tours of the US, Australia & UK; appearances at The Hollywood Bowl, Royal Albert Hall, Invictus Games, a recording deal with Sony & to singing with legends like Barbra Streisand & Gladys Knight.
On August 20 2011, RAF Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life whilst completing a display at Bournemouth Air Festival.
Dr Emma Egging shares the inspirational story of how she started the Jon Egging Trust ten years ago to realise her husband Jon’s dream of inspiring youngsters through his love of aviation, teamwork & leadership, empowering them to achieve without limits.
JET has helped more than 30,000 young people to overcome adversity & reach their full potential and aims to help 1 million over the next decade.
Loraine Martins OBE has spent the last eight years gradually making positive change at Network Rail to ensure their 43,731 strong staff come from all walks of life & feel valued in their work.
Loraine - who played a key role in developing London’s Olympic Park - talks about growing up in London with her Jamaican parents; tells stories which reveal where her great sense of social justice comes from, and gives inspirational advice on how to make a difference in ED&I.
Wing Commander David Montenegro OBE - Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – chats to Helen about the Reds’ role on the world stage & the images he’ll never forget of the G7 leaders captivated by their display.
Monty talks about the innovative work going on with students & industry to develop a sustainable synthetic fuel mix for the iconic red, white & blue smoke; shares the thoughts that went through his mind as he made history leading the team into China & reveals the split-second decisions which saved his life when he & his synchro teammate clipped each other as they flew their Hawks towards each other at a closing speed of 800mph.
Back on Scotland’s beautiful Isle of Harris, Helen meets Apothecary Amanda Saurin & finds out how she creates her natural skincare range as well as botanicals for drinks companies using flowers, bark, blossom, roots, moss - everything “Mother Nature’s larder” has to offer.
Amanda - who founded the small batch distiller A.S Apothecary - is also a homeopath & distiller and drew on her knowledge of healing to play an unexpected & much appreciated role in the pandemic, helping nurses, frontline workers, care home staff & many more.
Inspired by his brother-in-law’s battle with dementia, Frank Rothwell explains why he took on the 3,000-mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic race alone, aged 70, arriving early after 56 days at sea.
Frank raised more than a million pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK & hopes it will make a difference supporting the charity's scientists in their quest to find ground-breaking ways of treating the disease many years before symptoms show.
Chris Floyd takes us on a wander through his photographic archives - both film & digital - sharing stories behind the portraits he's taken of some of the world's most famous artists, musicians & actors.
Chris's images of The Verve; David Hockney; Damian Hirst; Sir Paul McCartney; Oasis; Adrian Lester; Dame Sheila Hancock; Paul Weller; Naomi Watts; Olivia Colman; John Lee Hooker; Iggy Pop & Robert de Niro - to name but a few - have graced the covers of magazines over the last two decades. And recently Chris was invited to Kensington Palace to photograph Willliam & Kate for their tenth wedding anniversary.
Photograph of Chris by Berit von Enoch
Sarah Wood shares the remarkable story of how she co-founded the global video advertising marketplace ‘Unruly’ with her husband knowing little about the tech world yet sold to News Corp, just nine years & a lot of hard work later for £114 million!
Sarah was running late on the day of the 7/7 bombings in London, narrowly missing the terrorist attacks. That moment led to her reassessing life, leaving academia behind & finding the courage to take the plunge as an entrepreneur.
Helen discovers how polymetallic nodules lying at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean could be the answer to making more sustainable batteries to power electric vehicles.
The four metals needed are in abundance in the rocks. The Metals Company CEO & environmentalist Gerard Barron explains the work his scientists are doing & the benefits of extraction from the seabed over deep land mining which is destroying rain forests, causing massive CO2 emissions & displacing communities.
Diane is one of America's leading business women - a senior executive & board member at Bye Aerospace, at the cutting edge of the the design & production of the world's first all-electric aeroplanes.
She explains how writing an honest, raw account based on her journals about the trials & triumphs of breast cancer treatment has helped her heal & reveals she's found a new self & purpose on the other side.
Alastair Campbell – writer, strategist & famous for being former Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Director of Communications – talks openly & frankly about his long battle with depression & the techniques he’s discovered to help him cope.
He also reveals why, after more than four decades together, he’s finally tied the knot in a civil partnership with Fiona Millar; his life-long passion for Burnley Football Club & his love of playing the bagpipes.
Toby Foxcroft coached some of the world’s top tennis stars, working alongside US tennis legend Nick Bollettieri.
In this week’s Convex Conversation, Toby explains how he uses lessons learned during his time in elite sport to mentor international business leaders.
He also shares an unexpected friendship with Muhammad Ali & talks about his involvement with the Coalition of Hope which aims to use two decommissioned aircraft carriers to help with humanitarian crises & natural disasters.
Storms with waves up to 10 metres high; extreme sleep deprivation; military rations & painful injuries – all in a day at sea for four extraordinary young Marines who spent 49 days, 19 hours & 45 minutes rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.
Afghanistan veterans Juniour Mcilhiney & Will Schweppe teamed up with serving Marines David Bruce & Sam Edwards to raised tens of thousands for The Royal Marines Charity under The Cockleshell Endeavour banner.
When Dan Parry-Williams told his careers teacher he wanted to design racing cars, he was handed leaflets about banking & the legal profession.
But, inspired by growing up listening to the "angry sound of bees" from Brands Hatch at the bottom of his garden, Dan pursued his dream & shares incredible stories of being the chief designer of McLaren's iconic & limited-production P1 as well as other impressive supercars.
Reza shares some of his extreme adventures & reveals what drives him to tell untold stories – often putting his life at risk to do so - in the world’s most dangerous places.
Indigenous tribes whose lives & cultures have remained unchanged for centuries but whose reliance on nature is making them vulnerable in today’s modern world are often at the heart of Reza’s films as he takes viewers on extraordinary journeys.
Reza is a Fellow of The Royal Geographical Society.
Images by @simonbuxton & @nomadmark
As Lara celebrates ten years as a tech journalist & co-presenter of the BBC's flagship technology programme Click, she explains her passion for how innovation can change lives for the better.
Lara reveals the initial challenges of being 'on air' from home, the fact she's head of tech in her family life & laughs about being called Mrs MSE by her husband, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis.
Horatio’s Garden is named after 17-year-old Horatio Chapple who dreamt of becoming a doctor. He realised there was nowhere for spinal injury patients to go to begin to come to terms with their life-changing injuries when he volunteered at an NHS unit in Salisbury.
Horatio’s vision has been brought to life by his mother Olivia & his father David – a spinal surgeon – along with friends & family, after he was killed on a summer camp to Svalbard in an attack by a polar bear.
This is a story of unbelievable courage & hope, borne out of the most appalling tragedy.
Celebrities Rob Brydon & Rory Bremner got behind an extraordinary campaign to save a RDA stables in Teddington from closure. Park Lane Stables helps disabled riders, youngsters with difficulties, able-bodied riders & basically makes riding accessible for all.
People power & a heart warming appeal saved the day. Ten of thousands of small donations flooded in & even Her Majesty The Queen was so touched she's invited 12 people from the stables to visit her horses.
Main photo: Rebekah Morgan
Trevor Robinson OBE is the man behind some of the UK's most successful ad campaigns. Think Haribo, Pot Noodles & You've Been Tangoed! He reminisces about growing up on a rough estate in London where riots & racism were rife & reveals how he went on to become one of the most respected talents in advertising.
Trevor has relaunched his Create Not Hate campaign following the murder of George Floyd to champion diversity in his industry, open up opportunities & prepare teenagers for the racism they're sadly still likely to face.
Maria Kempinska helped launch the careers of many of today’s top comedians including Rory Bremner, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton & Lee Mack.
She gave up her own dreams of performing on stage to open her first club in 1983 where many of them got their first break. Maria shares stories of the challenges of life in comedy & how humour is a vital part in her work as a psychotherapist.
The Apprentice & Countdown star Nick Hewer talks about stepping down from C4’s popular afternoon quiz-show after a decade at the helm.
Nick shares surprising & amusing stories from his autobiography ‘My Alphabet – A Life From A-Z’ including working with Lord Sugar; eye watering adventures on the 12,000-km Mongol Rally in a battered Renault 4; his passion for tractors & old bangers & plans for his new best friend Molly, the Labrador pup.
Ruben Tabares - one of the world’s most sought-after health & wellness gurus - offers simple & achievable goals to help us all get & stay fit.
Ruben shares incredible stories of training former World Heavyweight Boxing champion David Haye to victory; getting Hollywood actor Jeremy Piven in shape for romantic scenes in Mr Selfridge & talks about the pleasure of working with stars like Tinie Tempah, P Diddy, Naomi Watts & Dina Asher-Smith.
Lorraine Kelly talks about the privilege of broadcasting throughout the pandemic & the importance of keeping the nation's spirits up even when she felt low & anxious at times.
Lorraine chats about her incredible 35 years in the industry; the major stories she’s covered; the celebrities she’s interviewed & laughs about her appearance on C4’s The Last Leg & the fallout when she named ITV's Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan her hero.
Chef Tom Kerridge calls for a Ministry for Hospitality to help the industry get back on its feet after the pandemic & an end to politicians calling low-paid workers "low-skilled".
Tom & Helen discuss their shared passion for saving Britain's pubs, subject of his latest BBC2 series, & Tom reveals how providing meals for exhausted NHS staff when his businesses like two Michelin starred The Hand and Flowers closed has led to him forming a charity cooking for the elderly & vulnerable.
Andrew Ritchie MBE shares the fascinating story of how he invented the now iconic folding Brompton Bicycle 45 years ago in his bedroom overlooking London’s Brompton Oratory.
Whip rounds from friends got him started & set him off on what he describes as a perilous journey at times, but which resulted in his award-winning bike being used & loved all over the world, revolutionising city travel.
As Tusk celebrates 30 years as one of the world’s leading conservation charities, Charlie Mayhew says having Prince William as a Royal patron from the early days has been of immense value to conservation in general & the projects Tusk supports.
Charlie shares his personal story of how he started out at Lloyd's of London, fell in love with Africa after hearing stories of life in the Bush from his aunt & uncle, & explains how what started as almost a hobby has developed over the last three decades, providing protection for endangered wildlife & much needed support for communities.
Cleo Rocos, who shot to fame starring alongside comedy legend Kenny Everett in the eighties, tells Helen about growing her award-winning tequila brand from scratch including trips to Mexico working in the fields with the jimadores on the agave harvest.
Cleo also reminisces about life on set with Kenny; their close friendship & secret fun times with Queen's Freddie Mercury & Princess Diana who loved to quote sketches from the BBC primetime show.
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In this week’s Convex Conversation, actor & man of Kent Neil Stuke talks about his roles in everything from Silk & Dr Foster to Silent Witness, Dr Who & Game On.
He also shares his passion for community & saving the great British pub; his love of art, architecture & design, & reveals how an early morning cold swim in the sea off the Kent coast kick starts his day!
Cover photograph by Liam Duke
In this week’s Convex Conversation, Hilary Evans talks about the pioneering research the charity is leading to find effective treatments for Alzheimer’s. Digital fingerprints could lead to early detection and treatments years before symptoms even show.
Actor & supporter Samuel L Jackson speaks movingly about how he & his family have been affected by dementia & gives us an insight into the disease & how it takes hold.
John takes us on a culinary journey to some of the incredible places he’s visited & the dishes he’s brought back to share in his beautiful cookery books. Middle Eastern & North African food are a favourite & John’s cooking films have inspired many on Instagram.
He also talks about his experiences in Gaza for The World Food Programme which supports millions of refugees.
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Good interview Helen. Great insights from Rory.