LUCY LOVES

This week I have a slightly different episode for you, it’s just me. I wanted to take an opportunity to reflect back on the last year and a half of my podcast journey and the guests that I have had the pleasure of interviewing.  I have 69 episodes you can listen back to featuring some really interesting guests. They all have a different story, different energy and a different level of humour which they generously share with me.  I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to my podcast as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it. Stay tuned for Season 3! Here are the highlights: (01:18) What I love about the podcast is listening to people  (04:08) I talk about some of my favourite episodes  (12:18) What makes my heart smile    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com     Produced by the Podcast Boutique 

This week I am joined by the inspiring Rachel Sacerdoti, founder of It’s So Simple – an innovative new business combining the best of a personal trainer, nutritionist and coach to help you transform your life in a truly sustainable way.  Rachel lived the It’s So Simple story, going through her own transformative journey physically and emotionally to lose 30kg before founding It’s So Simple.  In this episode we discuss how she started her business, what makes her heart smile and so much more!    Here are the highlights:  (00:59) You can make any change you want to make  (05:08) There’s so much pressure on us  (08:00) The story of It’s So Simple  (12:35) Being a positive role model for body image  (17:50) My proudest moment  (22:39) Growth mode  (26:12) The world is on our shoulders    Connect with Rachel and It’s So Simple:  Website  Instagram  TikTok  Facebook  YouTube    Rachel’s book recommendation:  The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com    

This week’s guest is the brilliant storyteller Hannah Peckham. This is my second chat with Hannah and we are talking about the release of her new book Conker and the Monkey Trap.  Hannah uses her brilliant stories to support children navigating their emotions and adults too! I continue to be inspired by her hard work especially knowing the effort that Hannah puts into her books. Today we talk about smiles, Hannahs's new book and her newfound love of crystals! Here are the highlights: (03:20) Conker and the Monkey Trap (07:53) Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens (10:23) Summer plans (15:49) Hannah’s crystals (21:38) What makes Hannah’s heart smile?   Contact Hannah: Website: http://www.littlebodhibooks.co.uk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.j.peckham/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/h_peckham   Hannah’s book: Conker and the Monkey Trap   Ticket link for Conker at Leonardslee: https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/all-events/conker-at-leonardslee   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

This week’s guest is the fascinating Iveta Zaklasnikova, she is a communications and speaking expert. I’m curious to find out how Iveta turns corporate leaders into confident communicators as well as learning about her amazing travels, her passion to get equal pay for women and getting her motorbike licence! Here are the highlights: (01:22) Learning to get her motorbike licence (02:56) Focussing on her business (11:54) Iveta’s proudest moments (15:08) The nicest compliment Iveta has received (17:56) Iveta’s book recommendation (24:27) Iveta’s Netflix recommendation (28:49) What makes Iveta’s heart smile   Contact Iveta: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivetazaklasnikova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivetazaklasnikova/   Iveta’s book recommendation: The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovel Shinn Iveta’s Netflix recommendation: Fauda Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

The definition of an Alchemist is a person who transforms or creates something through a seemingly magical process, which sums up this week’s guest pretty perfectly.  Raj Garcia and I have crossed paths throughout our coaching journeys, and while I don't know Raj, I do know that he is kind, chilled and wise and has been described as a walking definition of intentional calm, which I personally think is a wonderful description.  So I'm really looking forward to chatting with Raj this week and to find out all about his exciting adventures.    Here are the highlights:  (01:32) Leaving everything behind  (06:03) Coaching the body and the mind  (10:44) Change is more than just surface level  (15:04) Nicest compliment  (16:48) Peanut butter and porridge  (18:48) Book recommendations  (24:30) Getting out your head and being present    Contact Raj:  LinkedIn    Raj’s book recommendation:   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho  Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com    

This week’s guest is someone who I find very inspiring and I have huge admiration for, Jo Fairley. Jo is a knowledgeable voice in the beauty industry, co-founder of Green and Black's chocolates, a public speaker, an author, a serial entrepreneur, and a champion of small businesses. We have a delightful conversation about her love of writing, how and why she became a founder of Green and Black’s chocolates, her brilliant book recommendations and how she struggles to cut onions!   Here are the highlights: (05:11) Jo describes her love of writing (10:19) Jo’s proudest moment (12:44) How she became a founder of Green and Black’s chocolates (20:04) Who does the cooking in Jo’s house (26:03) Jo’s book recommendations (33:06) What makes Jo’s heart smile   Contact Jo: https://www.josephinefairley.com/  https://www.beautybible.com/   The Penguin article: https://www.penguin.co.uk/articles/2021/december/easy-reading-hack-habit-read-more.html   Jo’s book recommendations: Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paper-Palace-Miranda-Cowley-Heller/dp/0241470714/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1650643782&sr=8-1   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unsettled-Ground-Shortlisted-Womens-Fiction/dp/0241457467/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=unsettled+ground+claire+fuller&qid=1650643857&sprefix=unsettled+ground%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1   https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Chemistry-Debut-Bonnie-Garmus/dp/0857528122/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2COLZ2123ZXSR&keywords=lessons+in+chemistry&qid=1650643898&sprefix=lessons+in+chemistry%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

This week we’re looking back over Season 2 of Lucy Loves. I hope you enjoy this episode of highlights including interviews with the extremely hard-working and incredibly talented fashion designer Savannah Miller, award-winning content creator Louise Boyce, one of Britain’s most influential disabled people Kelly Knox, Premiership rugby and European rugby championship winner Will Fraser, my dearest friend and jewellery designer Lindsay Hunter, London based artist Biba Smith, transformational life coach Lucy Higgins, specialist novelty cake designer Georgia Flower also known as Gigi’s Cakes and entrepreneur and founder of Matchstick Group, Max Parker.   Here are the highlights: (01:04) Savannah Miller talks about her children and what she’s doing in 2022 (03:15) Louise Boyce discusses the challenges of creating social media content (08:10) Kelly Knox explains where she thinks she gets her confidence from (10:51) Will Fraser talks about the effect his younger brother has had on him and what his magical power would be (14:49) Lindsay Hunter explains why she named her jewellery brand Hopetown & Hunter (18:13) Biba Smith discusses how she got back into painting during lockdown (21:37) Lucy Higgins reveals her proudest moments (24:22) Georgia Flower talks about how she got into creating hyperreal cakes (27:03) Max Parker talks about the tragic death of his good friend Joe Lyons and Joe’s Buddy Line   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

This week, I am joined by the founder of Matchstick Group, Max Parker. I was intrigued by Max’s story because he turned his life around, from being in the depths of despair and struggling from day to day to now running a thriving talent agency. We talk about how Max started a talent agency, how the tragic death of his good friend Joe Lyons affected him deeply and how it was one of the driving forces behind him following his dreams. He also talks about his company’s ethos ‘people before profit’ and why it is so important to him, his team and his clients. We also discuss his future plans for his business and his inability to cook or relax!   Here are the highlights: (02:22) Why he started a talent agency (07:36) People before profit (12:00) Joe’s Buddy Line (19:00) Compliments Max has received (22:10) The importance of finding the beauty in life (25:06) What Max finds annoying about himself (38:31) Max’s website (39:14) What makes Max’s heart smile   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

This week, I’m a little bit over-excited about recording this episode, because not only is it in actual real life as opposed to Zoom, but it's a chat with one of my dearest friends, Lindsey Hunter, and we are both quite giggly. We're sat here having a coffee, but that's only because it's too early for a glass of wine and actually given what we are both like, that's probably a good idea. Lindsey and I actually go a long way back when in a previous life, we both worked in the wedding industry. Both of our lives have had a huge change of direction, notwithstanding challenges along the way. Lindsey is the founder and creator of the most fabulous jewellery business called Hopetown & Hunter. Not only is she one of the most naturally glamorous people I know, but she is clever, talented, creative, and she creates mischievous jewellery, which sums up Lindsey's charming personality. While I know Lindsey really well I wanted to share her brilliant business with the addition of a bit of Lindsey's gorgeousness with you. Here are the highlights: (02:17) The story behind the name Hopetown & Hunter (04:00) What Lindsey’s jewellery looks like (10:39) Lindsey’s proudest moment (12:15) Favourite places to eat in Berwick (14:14) Lindsey’s book recommendation (20:43) Lindsey’s website and Instagram links (21:35) What makes Lindsey’s heart smile   Lindsey’s book recommendations: Narrow Dog to Indian River by Terry Darlington   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

As well as having a weekly podcast I'm also a life coach, which is actually a very broad term in the coaching world. Along my coaching journey, I've had the privilege of meeting, working with and interviewing a brilliantly diverse mix of coaches. And this week's guest is no exception. Lucy Higgins not only has the most heartwarming smile, she is a transformational coach helping women thrive at home and work. Having suffered from anxiety all her life I really admire how she has used her own experience to not only transform her life but to help the lives of others. Behind most people's smiles is a story and I'm so looking forward to hearing more about Lucy’s.   Here are the highlights: (01:06) What Lucy Higgins is currently working on (05:29) Lucy discusses patriarchal motherhood (13:03) Lucy’s proudest moment (17:04) Lucy talks about suffering from “mum guilt” around cooking for her children (23:15) Lucy describes the books she enjoys reading (26:04) The nicest compliment Lucy has received (33:05) Lucy’s Instagram and website links   Lucy’s book recommendations: The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle Untamed by Glennon Doyle   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

Georgia Flower, otherwise known as Gigi’s Cakes, is an extremely clever and talented individual whose ambition is clear: to create the ultimate piece of edible theatre for your event.   I discovered Gigi’s work after seeing it showcased on ‘egg&co’ ‘s Instagram page and was totally blown away. ‘Contemporary’ best describes her work but she is perhaps most well known for her speciality in hyperrealism; celebrating organic textures and vibrant colours, with proportions that give designs a clean, elegant look.   Not only is Georgia a specialist novelty cake designer, but has also recently been introduced to her first child and has gone through the trials and tribulations of developing a new business through a pandemic so there is a lot more to her than meets the eye.    Here are the highlights:  (01:49) Moving house, baking cakes and having your first child  (07:52) How Gigi got into novelty cake making  (10:35) Dealing with her clients’ most challenging requests  (13:06) Gigi’s best creations and the wedding industry picking up again  (20:36) Keeping a note of all the compliments you’ve received  (24:58) Being put down by her head teacher and how it motivated her   (32:52) Where to find Gigi’s Cakes online    Gigi’s book recommendations:  Debbie Brown’s Party Cakes – Debbie Brown  The Gruffalo – Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

In this episode I’m joined by the undeniably talented floral stylist Graeme Corbett. Graeme’s business ‘Bloom & Burn’ has flourished in recent years; leading him to move studio where he now teaches workshops and is in the process of creating his own cutting garden.   I really admire people with a colourful and creative talent, yet I also understand the hard work and determination it takes to turn a passion into a business. This is most definitely the case with Graeme, as he has overcome many obstacles in his life and career to get where he is today – to the point where he now provides his creativity and designs for clients such as Jamie Oliver and National Geographic.   There is so much more to Graeme than filling our Instagram feeds with beautiful floral designs and I’m thankful I got the chance to discover this for myself.    Here are the highlights:  (01:16) Setting up a cutting garden to support the use of local flowers  (04:45) Moving from London to the countryside  (07:19) How Graeme got into the flower industry and the style he’s created  (13:46) Buying flowers for a florist and where ‘Bloom&Burn’ came from  (15:39) The importance of Graeme’s relationship, being an anxious person and ways of managing stress  (24:17) Reading ‘suburban misery’ and books that hold a special place in Graeme’s heart  (29:06) Where he gets his inspiration from  (35:10) Graeme’s Instagram and website links    Graeme’s book recommendations:  Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata  Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs  Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com 

On this episode, I speak to Premiership rugby and European rugby championship winner Will Fraser. Since his retirement; Will has remained involved with his club: Saracens - and in 2020 set up ‘100 & First’: a programme born from the realisation of the power of incredible real-life experiences and how the learnings from them are applicable to any person or environment.  Will is passionate about driving and creating change and brings with him 10 years’ experience of playing professional sport at the highest level with a successful transition into the business world.  Devoted husband, father and family man with a generous heart; I feel very lucky to count Will as one of my friends and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him more in this podcast.    Here are the highlights:  (01:54) The story behind 100andfirst.com  (05:59) Where the name came from  (10:51) Will’s 3 proudest moments  (13:16) Retirement from Rugby  (14:54) Sweet, savoury and Will’s love for roasts  (16:43) His brother’s response to injury and how that impacted his life  (21:18) Book recommendations and series to watch  (27:35) Where to find out more about 100andfirst.com    Will’s book recommendations:  Turn The Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers – David Marquet     Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com 

Savannah Miller, who’s determination to create elevated clothes that have a point of difference has led to admirable success in the fashion industry; releasing popular clothing collections for retail stores such as NEXT and Debenhams.  Not only does Savannah create clothes for large companies, she also designs wedding dresses as well as ‘most importantly’ in her own words being a mother of three.  I was lucky enough to hear a number of stories about what makes her tick and the important factors that have contributed towards her impressive, long-standing career.    Here are the highlights:  (03:15) Marriage plans  (04:52) Jude Law attending her wedding and how it kickstarted her career  (07:47) The process of creating bespoke dresses  (11:40) The motivations behind Savannah’s fashion ranges  (14:02) Why cooking is an ‘anchor’ for mums in family life  (18:59) Savannah’s best reads    Savannah’s book recommendations:  Beautiful world, where are you? – Sally Rooney  Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine – Gail Honeyman    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com   

In this week’s episode I’m joined by one of Britain’s most influential disabled people who devotes herself to motivating and inspiring future generations. Kelly Knox has featured on several campaigns with large corporations such as Primark, as well as using her online presence to encourage people to embrace their uniqueness by celebrating her body in a way which encourages others to do the same.  Kelly has my full admiration and respect as she is an individual who embodies resilience in the face of adversity, as well as being a hard-working and determined mother of two.  With such a number of successful campaigns that have inspired thousands under her belt, I’m excited to find out what motivates Kelly to be the role model she is.    Here are the highlights  (02:36) The importance of representing disabled people  (06:58) Celebrating our differences on social media  (09:17) Kelly’s upbringing and how it’s shaped her confidence  (13:03) The impact of her campaigns  (17:44) Wanting to be a witch when growing up  (22:53) Her love for Rick Mayall and 90s Leonardo DiCaprio  (25:19) Kelly’s plans for 2022    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com   

In this week’s episode I’m joined by the award-winning content creator, model of twenty-five years and mother of three: Louise Boyce. Louise runs a number of social media pages on different platforms under the name ‘mamastillgotit’ that celebrate the somewhat less-glamourised truths of parenthood in a comedic way.   I really admire people like Louise as she tries to normalise the daily challenges of life. Not in a way that is dismissive, but in a way which allows a wide range of people to connect with each other by putting a positive spin on situations and staying true to herself.  With such a busy schedule and lifestyle, I have the pleasure of having her all to myself for this podcast to unravel the secrets to her unique character and success.    Here are the highlights:  (01:31) What’s going on in the world of Louise Boyce  (05:11) Parenting teenagers in the modern world  (10:36) Pros and cons of social media for parents and how to manage them  (16:51) How ‘Bernie’ was created  (18:14) The positive impacts of ‘@mamastillgotit_’  (20:17) The nicest compliments Louise has received  (23:10) Tackling procrastination  (28:21) Using your diary as a time capsule  (32:01) Where to find Louise online    Louise’s book recommendations:   Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Dr Julie Smith    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com   

In this week’s episode, as we start to wind down for the holiday season, I am looking back on an incredible first season. I have shared the microphone with some truly inspiring, entertaining and amazing guests who have shared their stories and told us what makes their hearts smile.  So in the spirit of the show, I am going to share some of my own answers with you as we reminisce about some of the best moments from the show.  Be sure to stay subscribed to the podcast as we have an even bigger season two coming in the new year.     Here are the highlights:  {0:29} Looking back on my podcast journey  {3:08} Book recommendations  {6:22} My high standards  {8:23} What makes my heart smile    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

In this week’s episode I’m joined by the lovely award-winning podcast producer, Liam Heffernan. Liam has had lots of experience over the years, from studying film at university and volunteering on the local hospital radio, to working for the BBC and hosting his very own podcast show The Friday Film Club.  I was inspired hearing Liam’s journey, as he took a risk leaving his stable banking job when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, to follow his passion of working in podcast and radio full-time. This risk obviously paid off, and I hope it inspires some of you to not settle in a job you aren’t happy in!   With I’m sure lots more exciting things to come, I wonder what else is on Liam’s agenda!     Here are the highlights:  {2:00} Stop waffling on your podcast  {5:10} Critics have a high opinion of themselves  {07:34} Stuck in a rut after school  {11:46} Charlie’s documentary  [13:23} Losing focus   {14:55} Learn to listen to compliments   {22:48} Resolution’s cause more of a distraction    Liam’s Book Recommendations:  1984 by George Orwell  Les Misérables by Victor Hugo    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com  

This week’s guest is the fantastically talented Andrew Bourn. Andrew won the hearts of the nation when he was a finalist in Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 as one-quarter of ‘Jack Pack’, a swing band. The handsome quartet, have performed all around the world alongside global artists in some huge venues. Andrew is now enjoying a solo career, offering his fans an unforgettable experience as he performs still with that sparkle in his eye!  We talk all about his time on Britain’s Got Talent, having a drink with Alesha Dixon, recording his album and how his family are his whole world.    Here are the highlights: (02:18) Coping during Covid (04:31) Britain’s Got Talent (10:59) Performing with ‘Jack Pack’ (17:28) Backstage on Britain’s got Talent (21:00) Andrew’s proudest moment (22:17) Andrew’s book and podcast recommendations (25:28) What annoys Andrew about himself (34:55) What makes Andrew’s heart smile    Contact Andrew: Website: https://www.andrewbourn.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewbournofficial/?hl=en    Andrew’s book recommendation: A Million Little Pieces by James Frey    Andrew’s podcast recommendation:  Parenting Hell with Josh Widdicombe and Rob Beckett    Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com   

This week’s guest is a serial entrepreneur, business advisor, investor and someone by his own admission has made a lot of mistakes, the brilliant Matt Haycox. Matt uses his own personal experiences, mistakes and successes to help and guide others. We have a wonderfully open and informative conversation where we talk about Matt’s passion for business, learning from past mistakes and his Christmas dinner lasagne!    Here are the highlights: (06:24) Matt’s story (17:16) Learning when things go wrong (18:40) What draws Matt to certain businesses (24:54) Matt's proudest moment (27:10) What annoys Matt about himself (29:08) Matt’s lasagne (36:10) The nicest compliment Matt has received  (38:23) What makes Matt’s heart smile    Contact Matt: Website: https://matt-haycox.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thematthaycox/  LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/matthaycox Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-matt-haycox-show/id1475301177    Matt’s book recommendation: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferris   Matt’s podcast recommendation:  The Game with Alex Hormozi: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-game-w-alex-hormozi/id1254720112 Dropping Bombs The Real Brad Lea Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dropping-bombs/id1260808808   Find out more about Lucy and listen to more episodes at http://lucygourlay.com