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I was absolutely delighted to interview a true pop original, the one and only Mari Wilson. Bursting onto the music scene in the early 1980s with her unmistakable beehive hairstyle, dazzling stage presence, and a string of unforgettable hits including Just What I Always Wanted and Cry Me a River, Mari quickly became known as the “Neasden Queen of Soul.”  But there’s far more to Mari than the iconic image. Across a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, she’s reinvented herself time and time again from chart-topping pop star to acclaimed jazz performer, musical theatre star, songwriter, and live entertainer. She’s shared stages with legends, performed at venues like Ronnie Scott’s, appeared in productions including Dusty The Musical, and continues to captivate audiences with her warmth, wit, and unmistakable voice.  Mari is back with brand new single and album starts a brand new chapter, proving once again why she remains one of Britain’s most unique and beloved performers.  We had a lovely chat I hope you enjoy it! Check out Mari's website  www.mariwilson.co.uk Mari's  new single "Good New" https://slinky.to/GoodNewsSingle Mari's Youtube https://tinyurl.com/bdcubrwf Mari in concert https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/mari-wilson-girl-about-town/

Adam Stanton Warmby was born with cerebral palsy, but he never let that stop him from achieving his goals.  Adam demonstrated his resilience and determination during his epic journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End in a wheelchair modified by the Mercedes Formula One team. Some days he spent 14 hours in his wheelchair, eventually breaking the Guinness World Record for the trip, completing it in 22 days and 16 hours. We also discussed the challenges people with cerebral palsy face with accessibility. For example visiting a museums, something most of us wouldn’t even think about. Adam is one of eight children, a middle child, and was born on Friday, May 13th. He is a Winston Churchill Fellow, originally from Kent, he now resides in Cheltenham Gloucestershire. I found Adam to be incredibly inspiring, and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. I hope you do too! https://www.facebook.com/adam.s.wharmby https://x.com/challengeadam83?s=21&t=fJC5q3rmt-7JejKSVtTdfg

Dr. Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun is an amazingly dynamic General Practitioner who I have had the pleasure to hear teacher. She talks with such passion you can't help but listen. In our interview we talk about her love for women health and how salt is the leading contributor to chronic and fatal diseases among the black community in the UK. A fact that is often missed by doctors. We discuss why there is sometimes distrust within the black community in regards to health treatments and how all groups can be better representated  in the health service. Dr Johnson- Sogbetun has over a decades experience in both the National Health Service and the private sector. Specializing in women's health, sexual and reproductive health, and menopause care, she is a member of the British Menopause Society. Actively involved in the RCGP North West London Faculty Board, she leads initiatives promoting Equality, Diversity & Inclusion. Dr. Johnson-Sogbetun's advocacy extends to her role in the Rock My Menopause Committee within the Primary Care Women's Health Forum. She passionately champions health equity, notably through the HEAL courses initiative, addressing health issues affecting the Black community. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Johnson-Sogbetun serves as a GP tutor and examiner at Queen Mary's University of London Medical school. Balancing professional excellence with insights gained from personal healthcare challenges, she forges a unique connection with her patients. Dr. Itunu Johnson-Sogbetun embodies a holistic approach to healthcare, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to her multifaceted roles. If you would like ton here more from Dr Johnson-Sogbetun please check out these links https://www.osmosis.org/blog/2023/11/17/black-health-inequity-a-cry-for-equity-and-justice-for-all https://www.youtube.com/@HEALCourses

Natalie grow up on the Isle of Wight has worked as a  NHS GP in Tower Hamlets for the past 20 years. She has now left the job she loves to focus on women's health and and the growing pandemic of dementia. Natalie  has traveled  this country as well as Europe and the USA to see how different places manage dementia. Some of her findings have been fascinating . Her new book THE DEMENTIA REVOLUTION will be out soon.

Director ELIZABETH BLAKE-THOMAS is a British award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, having recently completed her 11th feature film. We chat about Elizabeth's  love of theatre and how she made the transition into directing  feature films. We also talk about her methodology to life called "Medicine with word" Her podcast "Filmmaking Without Fear" is available now on all major streaming platforms: https://www.motheranddaughterent.com/podcast Her book “Filmmaking without Fear” is also available online at Amazon (https://amzn.to/39cwe59) and Walmart (https://bit.ly/3zhFDTH)

Karen is an award-winning producer from the UK who moved in to producing following a highly successful career in Global Events Management in the City of London. Her former training as an actor combined with her exceptional organisational skills and financial acumen make her an outstanding Creative Producer. Karen is CEO and lead producer of production company, Hidden Door Productions, established in 2015. Her debut feature film, Just Charlie, has achieved critical acclaim around the world and won many awards including the prestigious Audience Award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Grand Prix in the Ecran Juniors in Cannes 2019. It has been sold to many territories internationally (theatrical and otherwise) including Amazon in the USA and most recently to SKY cinema in the UK. Karen has produced a number of privately financed short films including "Lady M" starring Samantha Bond (Tomorrow Never Dies, the World is not Enough) and Eleanor Bron (A Little Princess, Black Beauty) "Bertie" starring Alison Steadman (Life is Sweet, Gavin and Stacey) and Arthur Darvill (Dr Who, Broadchurch) and "Down" starring Amanda Donohoe (LA Law, Emmerdale) and Paul Barber (Only Fools and Horses, The Full Monty) These films have done extremely well at festivals, been BAFTA long listed and have secured distribution deals. Karen is president of the Timothy Welling Bursary, an award and mentoring scheme set up with E15 Drama School designed to support and nurture a student in their final year of training. Karen is also the Producer of the wonderful (Love Without Walls) directed by Jane Gull (My Feral Heart) which premiers at the Manchester Film Festival and is coming to cinema summer 2023!

Sue's had an amazing life and career.  Born in Manchester, her early family life was not always easy. Once Sue realised she had a voice there was no stopping her.  Appearing in countless musicals including Les Miserables, Fiddler on the Roof, Chicago and Wicked as well as TV and film roles in Mike Basset Manager, Doctor Who and Red Dwarf and many more. We chat about some of the challenges of being a Jewish actor, her love of music and her belief that theatre should be something that people can relate too.

JACK SPRING became the UK's youngest feature film director after directing comedy DESTINATION: DEWSBURY. The film enjoyed a 6 week theatrical run in the UK and was acquired by Amazon Prime, Sky and Virgin. The film lead to a BAFTA 'BREAKTHROUGH BRIT' nomination. Jack's new film THREE DAY MILLIONAIRE is a wonderfully  funny and engaging look at the life of the Grimsby fishing community. For such a young man Jack's is mature and grounded way beyond the 26 years he has lived so far. He now has two feature films under is belt and for him the sky is the limit.

Thomas Kelly is a man of many talents. Performing artist and writer Thomas creates meaning and laughter on stage and for the page. A queer artist and long time spoken word poet, indie author, comedian, outrageous Drag Queen, singer and lyricist. We talk about how he first got interest in performing and the drag scene. How he would like to take his art form to the next level and some advice for anyone looking to get into drag world. https://linktr.ee/thomaswkelly https://www.thomaswkelly.com https://fb.watch/g8kCFrQc38/

Like many people of Kate and my generation the idea of going into the arts as a career was never given as an option. So she became a secretary, then a speech therapist before finally find the career she now loves as a make up artist. We chat about her early life and about putting in the free hours to build a portfolio in the make up world. She also tells us about working with Hugh Jackman and her dream of getting a job in Barbados. Endless Fugitives Great leisure wear that not only looks good but feels good as well Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The list of Robert Jones' film credits are very impressive including Vera Drake, Dirty Pretty Things, Hard Eight, Gosford Park and one of my all time favourites the Usual Suspect but it was never his plan to be a Producer.  We chat about his childhood and how he went from being a musician to one of the Britains most successful film producers and let's not forget blowing up the West Ham stadium! Robert also answers the question ‘What does a producer do?’

Sofia didn't have the easiest start to life with her mum dying soon after she was born. She spent her first two years in an orphanage in Lisbon Portugal. At the age of two she was adopted my an English family. Sofia says "My parents told me that the orphanage had told them that I was ‘lively’ and ‘had a mind of my own’. I came to my new family and moved to the UK when I was 6 years old. Faced with their own challenges, I watched my parents work incredibly hard to make a new life for my adopted brother and I. They were a real inspiration to me, and on reflection they had already inspired one of my life goals – to build a secure family home." Sofia tells me about her early years in the UK having to deal with bullying,  having a son at 16 and going on the create a successful finance company in the form of Penny House.

Francis Urias Peters: Grenadian born playwright and Cultural Ambassador. He is the co-founder and Cultural consultant of the LaBoucan Creative Centre (established in 2014). Peters has written several plays for the stage and radio. His works have influenced new legislation on Incest in Grenada. He has won the best entry on two occasions at the PAHO /WHO Caribbean Media Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism with radio drama series on Child Abuse, HIV&AIDS and Gender Issues. Peters continues to use his plays and the Arts as a vehicle to address social, health, environmental, historical and educational themes.

Bobby Steele is a force of nature. I call him a Guru in the title because one of  meanings is "An influential teacher or popular expert" and he is certainly that. He has worked in the hospitality and entertainment industry in the Caribbean since he was a 15 year old organising parties. Bobby has a real passion for the industry and a dynamic business brain as well as a great heart. He was the man behind Grenada's most successful club ever - Bananas and is looking forward to it’s exciting relaunch later this year. We chat about his early life and where he sees Grenada heading in the future. He gives us an exclusive insight into an aspect of his life. The man is a master storyteller and very funny, so sit back and enjoy!

Part 2 of this fascinating and  inspiring interview with Gordon Micic Stand up, business woman, Dancer and much more! PLUS BONUS of the History of Grenada from 2 MILLION B.C to Today. (In 10 minute) For sponsorship inquiries please email [email protected]