Claim OwnershipConversations of Inspiration
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Conversations of Inspiration brings you life changing wisdom along with heartbreaking stories of resilience, tenacity and triumph. Since launching two small business marketplaces (Holly & Co and notonthehighstreet), Holly Tucker MBE has spoken with more than 200 founders, creatives and entrepreneurs on this podcast who have been vulnerable enough to share what it really took to get them where they are today, with warmth and wisdom. Prepare to be inspired.
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In this episode, Dune Group’s founder and chairman, Daniel Rubin, joins Holly to explore a remarkable career spanning five decades. From his family’s shoemaking roots, to building one of Britain’s most recognisable footwear brands, Daniel reflects on what it truly takes to survive and thrive in an industry that never stops changing.
With his new memoir, Sole Survivor, Daniel shares the real lessons behind the highs, the crises and the inevitable mistakes that shaped him. He talks about sensing when to pivot, the art of holding your nerve in unpredictable markets and learning quickly when things go wrong — all while keeping a clear vision at the heart of the brand.
Wise, candid and full of hard-earned insight from a fifty year career, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention and the power of learning from every step along the way.
In this inspiring episode, Holly is joined by Katie Piper OBE — author, TV presenter, charity campaigner and a shining example of resilience and hope. From a happy childhood in Hampshire, to surviving a devastating acid attack in her twenties, Katie shares how she refused to let trauma define her, choosing instead to rebuild her life with courage, compassion and self-acceptance.
With warmth and honesty, Katie reflects on motherhood, ageing and redefining beauty and identity — particularly in the way women grow older. Her latest book, Still Beautiful: On Age, Beauty and Owning Your Space, shares the secrets of recognising your worth, cultivating lasting confidence and discovering the true beauty of ageing. She explores what it truly means to live authentically and to celebrate individuality.
This conversation is a heartfelt celebration of resilience. It touches on the beauty of living life on your own terms — a reminder that even after unimaginable hardship, we all have the power to rebuild, redefine and shine from within.
In this inspiring episode, Holly Tucker chats with Maya Raichoora — international speaker, author of Visualise and Nike’s first-ever mental fitness trainer — about unlocking the power of training our minds like our bodies.
Maya shares how mental fitness and visualisation, a technique once reserved for the top 1% of elite athletes like Ronaldo, Serena Williams, Muhammad Ali and Tiger Woods, helped her overcome ulcerative colitis and thrive. She reveals daily practices that helped rewire her brain, like starting the day with the phrase “Show me how good it gets” and shares the secret to how that helps. She also explores how neuroscience can be the key to building resilience and shaping your mindset for a positive outcome.
They discuss reframing happiness as a journey, embracing all experiences and calming imposter syndrome, while sharing Maya’s bold pursuit of her dreams, including becoming Nike’s first mental fitness trainer. Maya encourages us to “live like a predator, not prey” pursuing our goals with courage, focus and determination.
This episode shows that our minds aren’t just something we have to accept — they’re something we can nurture, train and get curious about. With compassion, consistency and courage, we can all unlock our limitless potential — just like the top 1%. Want to know how? Listen now.
What does it take to turn a simple idea into a British beauty institution — at just 23 years old? In this episode, Holly is joined by Thea Green MBE, founder and chairwoman of Nails.INC, for an honest, enlightening and uplifting conversation about her 26-year journey building an iconic brand.
From her early days as a Tatler fashion editor, to launching the UK’s first nail bars inspired by American salons, Thea shares how courage, creativity and a touch of rebellion helped her redefine an industry. She opens up about growth, setbacks and the balance between grit and self-compassion. Plus we hear how she learned to accept imperfection, forgive herself, and juggle more than she ever thought possible, from baby bottles and business plans, to bedtime stories and investor meetings.
Thea’s moving letter to her younger self is a love note to the girl who dreamed big, made mistakes and never stopped believing in the power of creativity and connection.
An inspiring listen for anyone chasing a dream, feeling mum guilt or navigating the beautiful chaos of building something meaningful.
In this joyful and deeply honest episode, Holly is joined by pop icon, mum of five, and Kitchen Disco queen, Sophie Ellis-Bextor for a conversation that sparkles with humour, heart, and authenticity. From her early hits Groovejet and Murder on the Dancefloor to her empowering new album Perimenopop — a bold celebration of midlife and womanhood — Sophie opens up about every chapter of her journey through music, motherhood, and midlife.
She reflects on growing up in a creative household, the influence of her mother’s career, and how fame, family life, and the ever-evolving music industry have shaped her perspective. Sophie talks candidly about the juggle of touring with five boys at home, the realities of public scrutiny, and how the Kitchen Disco series — born in lockdown — reignited her creative fire and deepened her connection with fans.
As she steps boldly into her “sod-it” era, she shares her thoughts on resilience, emotional balance, and living unapologetically — where joy, honesty, and authenticity lead the way. Bursting with laughter, insight, and inspiration, this conversation is a glittering reminder to embrace every version of yourself — chaos, courage, sparkle and all.
You know those conversations that leave you buzzing — proud to be a woman, alive in your skin and ready to take on the world? This is one of those.
In this episode, Holly speaks with Polly Vernon — journalist, author and all-round truth-teller — known for her fearless interviews with the likes of Donald Trump and Harry Styles, and her sharp, insightful writing for The Times and Grazia. Describing herself as a “thoroughly imperfect, atypical feminist,” Polly is rewriting the sisterhood rules.
Together, they explore everything from growing up in a feminist household to navigating expectations around motherhood and childlessness, aging and appearance, fitness and feminism, trauma and resilience. Polly is unflinchingly honest about the pressures women face — and why open, unfiltered conversations about health, choice and defining womanhood on our own terms matter more than ever.
She says what many only dare to think — and that courage, that raw authenticity, is what makes her voice so powerful. This is a conversation that challenges, comforts and might just make you a little braver too.
Trigger warning: This episode includes mentions of rape and abortion, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you prefer to skip these parts, the discussion on rape runs from 15–23 minutes, and abortion from 46–49 minutes. Please take care while listening.
Warning: This podcast could change your life!
What if business wasn’t just about profit — but about purpose, joy and soulfulness too? What if trusting your instinct could lead you to achieve great things?
In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration, Holly is joined by Nikki Trott — author, speaker, strategist, and advisor — whose journey has taken her from consulting for iconic luxury brands like Mulberry and Mercedes, to writing her visionary book, Sacred Business.
Nikki shares how returning to her roots after years of nomadic living, and relying on her intuition, has shaped every step of her journey: from walking away from a successful but unfulfilling career, to reimagining entrepreneurship as a practice rooted in values and fulfilment.
Together, Holly and Nikki explore the blending of spirituality and business. They also reflect on feminine strength, navigating grief, personal growth and letting go — while offering practical wisdom for building businesses with authenticity.
This conversation is a powerful reminder that success can be redefined. Business can be both strategic and sacred, ambition can be reimagined and trusting your intuition can open doors you never expected to walk through.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to build a business that truly reflects who you are — and do it with joy, purpose and depth — this episode will speak straight to your heart.
What does it take to design a wedding dress—or build a business—that’s not just beautiful, but deeply meaningful and empowering?
In this heartfelt conversation with celebrated bridal designer Kate Halfpenny, you’ll find yourself wanting to be her BFF as she speaks with refreshing honesty about the magical journey of creativity, courage, and self-belief.
From growing up in a creative household and interning with Vivienne Westwood, to styling Rihanna and repurposing fabric scraps with her late mum, Kate carved her own place in a fiercely competitive industry. She shares how resilience, individuality, and kindness shaped her brand, while opening up about the pandemic, bucking trends, and the underestimated power of body confidence. Kate also reveals why dyslexia isn’t a flaw but the “secret source” to unstoppable creativity.
At the heart of it all is her mission: to design dresses that are far more than fabric and lace—garments that empower women to feel extraordinary on their own terms. This is a love letter to confidence, creativity, and the quiet bravery of trusting you’re already enough.
What happens when you refuse to colour inside the lines?
In this joyful episode, Holly chats with Abi & Rupert Meats — the powerhouse couple behind RUDE and Everyday Sunshine, a gallery and coffee shop dedicated to optimism and community.
Purveyors of positivity in every sense, they’ve been creating unapologetically bold, colourful work for 25 years. From hustling in their first studio to collaborating with Apple, Vogue and the Tate, they share the highs, lows, wins and losses of building a life around creativity.
Now, they’re driving a movement to bring creativity back into children’s lives. Their new book, CREATE, is a rallying cry for a generation growing up in a world where art is being sidelined in schools. Abi & Rupert talk openly about why creativity isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a lifeline — and how they’re on a mission to put a copy of CREATE in every primary school in the UK.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what the world might look like if we treated joy and imagination as seriously as maths and science, this episode is for you.
In this episode, skincare pioneer Sarah Chapman — London’s most celebrated facialist and founder of the award-winning brand Skinesis — reveals the integrity, passion and perfectionism that took her from childhood kitchen experiments and special effects makeup, to treating A-list clients including Victoria Beckham and the Duchess of Sussex.
Sarah’s journey is not just about building a global skincare empire, but also about staying true to her vision, growing with integrity and having meticulous attention to detail that she never let go. Through trust, authenticity and a great deal of care, she was able to create real impact. Whether you’re a founder, a beauty lover or simply curious about the power of building a heritage brand, Sarah’s story is an inspiring masterclass in determination, connection and the art of slow, steady success.
What if one small idea — dreamt up in a London traffic jam — could grow into a business that’s brought joy to people for over 30 years? In this gentle, charming and inspiring episode, Holly sits down with Ned Trier, founder of The Gluttonous Gardener & Growbar, to hear how a simple love of growing and giving, blossomed into something truly lasting.
Ned shares the story behind his slow, thoughtful journey — from the early gardening days to sending grapevines and Growbars across the country — and why staying small, honest and hands-on has been the secret all along. Expect reflections on creativity, sustainability and finding delight in the peculiar.
So whether you’re dreaming up your own venture, in need of a little perspective or just love stories with soil under their nails, this conversation is a true reminder that good things really do take time to grow. It might even leave you inspired enough to plant something beautiful in your own life.
Holly’s guest this week is the endlessly creative, hugely talented and fiercely determined Alice Temperley MBE — the visionary behind Temperley London. You may know Alice for her exquisite, bohemian-inspired designs that have graced both red carpets and royalty alike, but what truly drives the woman behind the brand? And how did she once come to be described by American Vogue as being, 'The designer making the biggest waves in British fashion'?
Raised on a cider farm in Somerset, Alice’s story may read like a modern-day fairytale — yet in reality, it’s been anything but. In this conversation, she opens up about the challenges she’s faced in the ever-evolving fashion industry, the resilience that carried her through and the perseverance that helped cement Temperley London as being a quintessentially British brand. She also reflects on the importance of finding her flock and reveals why the key to success is often slowing down not speeding up.
Away from the world of fashion, Alice lives an idyllic life in Somerset and shares her secret to happiness with Holly — which includes spending time with the two mischievous donkeys that roam freely through her home and often join her for breakfast.
Alice has built a fashion house rooted in artistry, celebrating 25 years of intricate embroidery, hand-sewn embellishments and timeless design. Her creations are more than garments — they’re wearable works of art, worn by iconic women across the globe.
This episode is a deep dive into the highs and lows of building a brand with heart, soul and unstoppable creative vision. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
Why does art make children and society powerful? Why should creativity be a right and not a privilege?
In this episode, Holly is joined by the extraordinary Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA — artist, activist, educator and passionate advocate for the power of the arts.
Together, they explore why creativity matters now more than ever, especially for the next generation.
From growing up in an artistic household, to painting powerful slogans like All Schools Should Be Art Schools and Art Makes Children Powerful, Bob shares the personal stories, political moments and joyful philosophies that have shaped his life’s work.
Holly speaks to Bob about creativity being fundamental for all, how he believes art teachers are in fact, human rights workers and why everyday actions — from cooking to parenting — might actually be more creative than we realise. Bob also explains how his brilliant project, The Superpower of Looking, is a tool for teaching kids and adults to slow down and truly see the world around them.
So whether you think of yourself as being creative or not, this conversation might just make you look at life a little differently and realise that art belongs to everyone.
“Love lives in the ugly truths.”
These powerful words come from this week’s inspiring guest, Donna Ashworth—author, the UK’s best-selling poet, and a true artist when it comes to capturing the human heart in words.
In this deeply moving episode, Donna joins Holly for a conversation that’s as honest as it is healing. With her signature vulnerability and insight, Donna opens up about the life experiences that have shaped her poetic voice and heightened her sensitivity to the world, enabling her to offer not just words but solace, strength, and a mirror for the human experience.
Together, they explore how embracing midlife can lead to profound transformation and how speaking our truths—even the messy ones—can bring us closer to ourselves and each other.
This is a conversation brimming with soulful wisdom, raw honesty, and the kind of truths that make us feel seen. It’s one you won't want to miss.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need to, please skip from 9 minutes 20 seconds to 10 minutes 30 seconds.. Take care while listening.
What if a simple drawing could do more than just fill a page? What if it could boost confidence, spark creativity and even provide comfort in uncertain times?
In this episode, Holly sits down with the brilliant Rob Biddulph, award winning children’s author, illustrator and creative force behind the lockdown sensation Draw With Rob, a movement that inspired millions of children (and their parents) to pick up a pencil and get drawing.
Rob speaks to Holly about the power of creativity, why art is so often undervalued in our education system and how a daily drawing challenge became a lifeline to so many during the pandemic. He also shares how a stroke of luck helped paint the career change he’d craved, but had almost given up on.
This is an episode that explores the importance of keeping that creative spark alive into adulthood, the joy of making art without fear of failure and why in the digital world, putting pen to paper might just be more important than ever.
Do you know what it takes to become a 10-year ‘overnight’ success? How do you turn something you love into a $66 million business? And what drives you to keep going in order to make that happen?
In this episode, Holly speaks candidly with Vivien Wong to learn more about her story of co-founding the mochi ice cream sensation, Little Moons.
With a bold vision to introduce the UK to a whole new dessert category rooted in the centuries old Japanese tradition of mochi, Vivien embarked upon a rollercoaster of a journey.
After ten years of blood, sweat and tears, a viral TikTok moment propelled Little Moons to massive popularity, making mochi a household name across the UK and beyond. In this powerful conversation, Vivien shares just what it took to create an offering that entirely redefines how people think about dessert. She also opens up about her experiences as an Asian female founder and highlights how hard work — really hard work — will always prevail, but has learnt how equally important it is to press pause, too.
From navigating cultural appreciation, to the highs and lows of building a memorable brand, this conversation is filled with unrivalled insight for anyone looking to carve out a new niche, bring an idea to life or inspire future generations by breaking down barriers and achieving the unimaginable.
What does it take to build a legacy that spans over six decades, dressing everyone from royalty to rock stars, while staying true to your unique, uncompromising vision?
In this episode, Holly has a heartfelt conversation with the legendary Dame Zandra Rhodes, a beloved figure in the fashion world whose vibrant designs and bold spirit have made her an icon. From the swinging sixties to today, Zandra has gracefully pushed boundaries, embraced change, and navigated life's challenges with remarkable resilience. Her journey—from a creative childhood in Chatham, Kent, to dressing stars like Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, and countless others—feels almost like a fairy tale. Along the way, Zandra has faced loss and battled cancer, yet she has always stayed true to herself.
With her signature pink hair, unforgettable style, and a heart as bright as her designs, Zandra’s story is not only one of creativity but of strength, reinvention, and a deep belief in following her own path.
This conversation is packed with Zandra’s wisdom she has learned throughout her extraordinary life. It’s a story that will leave you feeling inspired by a woman whose impact is as enduring as her iconic work and the beautiful legacy she continues to create.
As this year draws to a close, Holly reflects on one of the most transformational chapters of her life—a rollercoaster journey through 2024, filled with exhilarating highs, challenging lows, and moments of deep uncertainty. From the pressure of launching her marketplace under the spotlight to questioning whether she was right to take the leap again, Holly shares her raw and honest experiences navigating this pivotal year.
Throughout the year, the Conversations of Inspiration podcast has been a source of grounding, wisdom, and reassurance. Across 210 episodes, Holly has been joined by incredible founders whose stories exemplify resilience, grit, and unrelenting determination. These conversations have profoundly shaped Holly's year, offering life-changing insights and sparking a deeper sense of purpose.
From Lady Edwina, who highlighted the harsh realities facing women in prison, and Leslee Udwin, founder of Think Equal, who challenged education systems to break cycles of violence and discrimination. Debbie Wosskow, co-founder of AllBright, inspired Holly with her philosophy of graft, grace, and grit, while Helen Pankhurst shared her insights on perseverance and the collective power of women for change. Matt Pohlson, co-founder of Omaze, shared his mission to become the world’s biggest corporate donor to charity.
Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, grit, and the drive to create meaningful change from these exceptional guests.
What do you do when life, as you know it, shatters in an instant?
In this episode, Holly speaks with Ed and Lois Jackson and explores the profound and life-altering journey that they have been on. Once living a dream life filled with athletic success and endless opportunities, their world was turned upside down when Ed, a former professional rugby player, suffered a catastrophic accident that left him paralyzed.
What followed was not only a physical battle to defy the odds and regain movement but a mental and emotional transformation for both Ed and Lois. Together, they’ve faced the unimaginable, and through grit, resilience, and love, they've found a new purpose, helping others overcome adversity and reframe their mental health in the process.
This is a raw, inspiring story of how Ed and Lois have turned a tragedy into a mission to uplift, empower, and show that even in our darkest moments, there is light, hope, and a way forward. This conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to face hardship and how when life doesn’t go as planned, we are truly capable of much more than we know.
What if the key to a more just, compassionate world started in the classroom? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Holly speaks with award-winning filmmaker, human rights advocate, and education activist, Leslee Udwin. Known for her groundbreaking documentary India's Daughter and as the visionary behind Think Equal, Leslee shares her journey from confronting injustice on the screen to reshaping education for empathy, compassion, and social equality.
Throughout their conversation, Leslee discusses the pivotal moments that inspired her to dedicate her life to creating an education system rooted in emotional intelligence and mutual respect. Think Equal imagines a world where empathy is as essential as numeracy or literacy, teaching children from a young age to appreciate and respect diverse cultures, genders, races, and religions.
This episode is both inspiring and, at times, deeply raw, as Leslee speaks openly about the painful realities that have driven her mission. But her passion for creating a world where children learn empathy, respect, and emotional resilience shines through, offering hope for a more peaceful future.
Trigger Warning: This episode addresses sensitive and potentially distressing topics, including discussions on race, sexual violence, child abuse, and violence against women. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage you to prioritise your well-being. Please pause or skip sections that may be triggering for you.
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so so good.
Loved listening to this and all the wonderful advice.
loves listening to this ❤️
loved this. wow
Without doubt, far and away the best of the amazing Conversations of Inspiration. If you only listen to one. Make sure it is this one!!!
wow
incredibly inspiring! I think this may be my new favourite podcast!
wow Chrissie's letter to her 15yr old self made me very emotional. I'm a small business owner & I loved listening to her story. Thank-you 💙🙏💙
"The letter" was indeed the best part of this podcast.
I completely love this podcast. Thank you Holly for bringing so many inspiring people to my attention. 😍
This is wonderful. Definitely inspiring. 😍
Truely inspirational
very inspiring I now want to start my own company