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Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music is the man behind the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, Inception, Dunkirk, Gravity, American History X, The Notebook and Austin Powers to name but a few. Paul has collaborated with legendary composers, visionary directors and groundbreaking producers creating award-winning music to some of the greatest movies of the last half century. From orchestras to Oscar winners, his journey is packed with stories that span genres, generations and global stages. This podcast is a masterclass in film music, the craft of scoring, the stories behind some of our all-time favourite movie scenes and the man who made it happen. I was so lucky to talk to Paul and you are going to love this podcast!
In this unmissable episode, I talk to renowned psychiatrist, philosopher and author Dr. Iain McGilchrist to explore the profound questions that shape our existence: Why are we here? Who are we? Drawing from his groundbreaking books — including The Master and His Emissary and The Matter with Things — Dr. McGilchrist shares insights from his life and career, weaving together neuroscience, philosophy and metaphysics. Dr. McGilchrist explains the mysteries of the divided brain, the nature of time, the power of creativity and intuition, the pursuit of happiness and the essence of consciousness and The Divine. This conversation is a journey into the heart of what it means to be human — rich with wisdom, wonder and the kind of clarity that only Dr. McGilchrist can offer. Related Links Iain’s Website The Master and His Emissary The Matter with Things Iain’s Podcast
In this episode, Gerry Beckley; singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic band America takes us on a remarkable journey through five decades of music, fame and friendship. Gerry talks about their timeless hits including “A Horse with No Name” and “Sister Golden Hair” and what it felt like to top the charts with both a No. 1 single and album at just 19 years old. He shares vivid stories of forming the band while still in high school, navigating sudden stardom, collaborating with legendary producer George Martin (The Beatles) and performing alongside everyone from Pink Floyd to Cat Stevens. From whirlwind early tours and surreal LA house parties with the likes of David Bowie, Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, to the emotional highs and challenges of a 53-year musical brotherhood with Dewey Bunnell — this is a rare and intimate look behind the curtain of one of the most enduring bands in rock history. Plus: The making of the acclaimed new documentary “I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America” and why their music still strikes a chord with fans across generations. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the band, this episode is packed with heart, humour, history and harmony. Related links Follow Gerry: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybeckley/ Follow America: https://www.instagram.com/americaband/ Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35U9lQaRWSQISxQAB94Meo?si=ygKZ8OV6R9eom3r4kF-PBw&nd=1&dlsi=8914814ea28a42b2
Edward Whitley OBE is a financier, philanthropist, author and conservationist whose work has helped protect some of the planet’s rarest species. He’s raised over £24 million for more than 220 conservation projects in 80+ countries, encountering everything from golden-headed tamarins to monkey-eating eagles. He’s also written on subjects ranging from Gerald Durrell and Nick Leeson, to Indira Gandhi, Sir John Betjeman, and even Jane Austen vs George Eliot—all while running his own investment firm for over two decades. In this wide-ranging conversation, we explore endangered wildlife, financial scandals, 19th-century literature, and a closing note from Sir David Attenborough. Informative, surprising, and inspiring—listen now. Related links: The Whitley Fund for Nature Gerald Durrell’s Army The Graduates Rogue Trader Jane Austen and George Eliot The Lady and The Radical
Erling Kagge is a man of firsts: In 1990, together with Børge Ousland, he was the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. In 1992/3 he was the first man to walk solo to the South Pole. In 1994 he summitted Everest making him the first man on the planet to have completed the journey to the North Pole, the South Pole and to have climbed Everest – in other words, to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot, all unsupported. He has crossed oceans and he even crossed New York City through its tunnel system. A true explorer, he’s also a writer, philosopher, entrepreneur, lawyer, publisher and art collector. This episode is full of adventure, history, philosophy and wisdom. A true rock star of life, this conversation is one not to miss. Related links Erling Kagge’s books
Lucy Cooke is a zoologist, an explorer, a passionate conservationist and a champion of animal species that are often misunderstood. She has shared her knowledge through books, blogs and television shows that have appeared on many channels from National Geographic through to the BBC, ITV and Radio 4, along with writing in all the major newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic. I have read her work and she manages to turn detailed research into easy to understand and highly entertaining information, debunking some long-held beliefs of the masters of this space including Darwin himself. Listen today for a fun and fact-filled conversation about some of the most surprising recent discoveries in the animal kingdom and the impressive, hilarious and passionate person behind, collating and presenting that research. Lucy Cooke is a force for good. Not to be missed! Related Links Lucy’s Webisite Lucy’s TED TALK on sloths Follow Lucy on Instagram
I can’t quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she creates the amazing books she writes, from the first glimmer of an idea to completion. A true rock star of life, this is an important conversation for those suffering from grief or those supporting someone suffering from grief, it is also an insight for all aspiring writers on how to write a roller-coaster, twist-filled novel and it is a lesson to us all on how to tackle life in the worst and best of circumstances, how to strive for what you want and how to triumph. I took away several lessons from our conversation and am already employing them in my life and they are working! I am sure they will for you too. I am so grateful to Clare for this wonderful conversation. Related Links Clare’s Website Follow Clare on Instagram Follow Clare on Twitter
I had been really looking forward to talking to Julian Ovenden but the conversation I ended up having with him was extraordinary and unexpected. Not only is he a talented actor appearing in some of our best loved TV shows and theatre productions: Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, Foyle’s War, My Night with Reg, All About Eve to name but a handful, he is also a hugely talented singer whose concerts, albums and worldwide performances have touched the hearts of many. He is a winning combination of self-deprecating, funny, and honest and he generously shared some of the best and worst periods of his life. At times hilarious, at others heartbreaking and at all times fascinating, this is an important, entertaining and ultimately uplifting conversation. I feel honoured have been part of it and to be able to share it with you. Related Links Follow Julian Ovenden Julian Ovenden - YouTube
Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotion and artistry. His keen eye for storytelling and his innovative approach to filmmaking have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. Whether behind the camera or crafting intricate plots, Måns’ contributions to the world of cinema are nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast, Måns talks about some of his masterpieces – the trials and triumphs all with good humour and humility. Related Links Måns Mårlind IMDB
Mike Reed has been described by those he works with as “a humble genius”. He is a composer, conductor, musical director and pianist. He was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s right hand man for over a decade. In this podcast, Mike talks about his extraordinary career, the musicals he has worked on and the stars he has worked with. At times hilarious, an insight into how musicals work and a glimpse into an incredible life of music, theatre and entertainment. Related links: Mike's website
Sally co-created, wrote and acted in Smack the Pony, a double Emmy Award-winning comedy show, for which she was nominated for best female newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. She has starred in countless films, television series, comedy shows and radio programmes such as the Bridget Jones films, Miranda, Green Wing, I am Alan Partridge, Rescue Me, Veep, Friday Night Dinner, Clare in the Community, among many others. In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the funniest acts in British comedy. Sally talks about some of her career highlights and lowlights, the joys and pitfalls of being a female comedian, what it was like to be Shazza in Bridget Jones, and what it is like to live with her son Ollie, dispelling some of the unkind myths surrounding Down’s Syndrome. Related Links A World Without Down Syndrome Smack the Pony
Amor Towles, the award-winning and bestselling author of Rules of Civility, A Gentleman in Moscow and The Lincoln Highway shares the journey from his childhood fascination with storytelling to his transition from investment banking to the literary stage. Discover the meticulous process behind his richly imaginative novels, the secrets to creating unforgettable characters and his thoughts on literature’s lasting impact. Amor offers an intimate look into the mind of one of our generation's most celebrated writers. It was a pleasure getting to chat to him! Related links: Amor’s website Follow Amor on Instagram
If you grew up loving Not the 9 O’Clock News, Blackadder and Spitting Image, you will love this podcast! John Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of Blackadder, Not The 9 O’Clock News, Spitting Image, QI and many more award-winning comedy shows. Known as ‘The God of Comedy Producers’ he is also a writer, director and presenter and he is every bit as hilarious as the shows he’s created. This conversation is packed with humorous anecdotes but there are some important life lessons too and John generously shares the flip side of a career in comedy. I took many things from this conversation and I am sure you will too. Not to be missed!
OUR 50TH EPISODE! How lucky was I to be in the passport queue in Nice airport and spot my guest Henry Rowley? Even luckier that he was so lovely and agreed to have this conversation with me. Henry Rowley is a writer, actor and comedian who has amassed 1.3 million followers on TikTok and rising doing the most hilarious point of view sketches from posh girl Minty to The Creepy Teacher to Soho House Member to almost any other stereotype you can think of. He has just finished his standup tour “Just Literally” of the UK and Ireland. It was laugh out loud magic. It turns out that, not only is he the new comedian to watch for, he is also a wonderful human being. This podcast will make your day and, if you follow him on TikTok, all the days that follow will also be brighter! Related Links Follow Henry on TikTok Follow Henry on Instagram
Toby Spence is an award-winning tenor, who has played the lead roles across the world in every major opera theatre from The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden to The Met in New York to La Scala in Milan. A frequent performer at The Proms and on acclaimed recordings, he has also brought classical music to popular audiences through shows like The Rob and Romesh Show. In this episode, Toby shares his journey to becoming one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation, his battle with thyroid cancer and the remarkable process of relearning to sing after surgery. Humble, witty and candid, this is a rich, touching and inspiring conversation. Related Links Toby the Tenor Toby’s performance of Britten’s ‘Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings’ Prince Albert Gruss an der Bruder Toby Spence as Captain Vere in Billy Budd
Steve Hilton is a British and American political commentator. He was David Cameron’s Senior Advisor when he was Prime Minister. He is an entrepreneur, a best-selling author, a podcaster and he hosts his own television show on Fox News. With all his political experience he is considering the role of Republican candidate for governor of the state of California in 2026. Having made his mark on both sides of the Atlantic, Steve talks about how he went from the son of Hungarian immigrants to leading construction projects at the tender age of 16 to David Cameron’s Senior Advisor to the Republican hopeful for governor of the state of California. It is a story that encompasses different occupations, nationalities and continents. Related Links The Steve Hilton Show
Restoring the Californian Dream Golden Together Follow Steve on Twitter
Follow Steve on Instagram
Brent Hoberman, the visionary co-founder of Lastminute.com and Made.com, is a true force in the world of entrepreneurship. From building multi-million- dollar businesses to founding the renowned Founders Forum, Brent is now a key player in supporting the next wave of innovators. He’s an advisor to governments on tech, a board member tackling issues from cyberbullying to education and a relentless advocate for startups. In this lively and insightful conversation, Brent opens up about his journey through the highs and lows of the dot-com boom, the lessons he’s learned, and the unique challenges of being a pioneer in the digital age. Packed with energy, hilarious anecdotes and reflections, this episode offers invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a rare glimpse into the mind of a serial innovator.
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions around sexual abuse and violence. David Tait is a rock star many times over. -WORK: He is CEO of The World Gold Council having run trading desks at Goldman Sachs, UBS, Credit Suisse and Bluecrest Capital. -CHARITY: He has single handedly raised £7.5m for the NSPCC for whom he is a speaker, ambassador and trustee. -ADVENTURE: He has successfully summitted Everest 5 times and is the only person to have summitted from the North and descended via the South (starting in Tibet and ending up in Nepal). -CHILDHOOD: He has achieved all the above having been sexually abused as a child by grandfather's brother, his father and others. For many years David kept this abuse a secret which nearly cost him his life. His tragic and deeply compelling story is portrayed in the movie Sulphur & White. All the above is discussed in our conversation. Related Links David’s Website The World Gold Council NSPCC Donate to the NSPCC (If you'd like to donate specifically to The Lighthouse, please say when you donate) Sulphur & White trailer
Guy Chambers is a rock star in every sense of the title. He is one of the most successful and prolific musicians, songwriters and producers in the UK. He has more than 50 gold and platinum albums to his credit. He has worked with a variety of top artists, ranging from Mark Ronson and The Wanted to Katie Melua and Beverley Knight. He has also composed the music for films, musicals and even an opera. His best known and long-standing collaboration is with Robbie Williams, with whom he wrote some of the biggest hits of the 1990s and 2000s including ‘Angels’, ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Feel’, ‘Millenium’ and ‘Let Me Entertain You’. In this conversation Guy talks about some of his present and past collaborations, how he wrote the song that changed everything for him and Robbie and what life was like under the spotlight of fame’s adulation and scrutiny. Full of wisdom, reflection, humility and candour, my conversation with Guy will fascinate and entertain! Related Links Guy’s Website
Andy Coulson was editor of The News of the World and was Downing Street Director of Communications for David Cameron after he became Prime Minister in 2010. He founded and now runs Coulson Partners giving strategic advice to global CEOs, entrepreneurs and philanthropists on crisis avoidance and management, on seizing opportunities and on how to drive smart, long-term decision making. He also founded and hosts the brilliant “Crisis What Crisis?” podcast, talking to guests who have endured the worst of life’s experiences and who share their wisdom on how to survive and thrive. In partnership with the Ministry of Justice, his podcast has just been made available to thousands of inmates across UK prisons. These podcasts will inform, inspire and provide hope in what are often empty, wasted, despair-filled days. Andy understands crisis well when, 10 years ago, he himself was convicted of conspiracy to intercept voicemails and spent time in prison at HMP Belmarsh and Hollesley Bay. In this conversation, Andy describes the highs and lows of his journey and how he has dealt with both successes and crises. Andy is very open, honest and has much wisdom to share. Related links Coulson Partners Listen to Andy's podcast: Crisis What Crisis?