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...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 22Ep. 5
“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...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 22Ep. 4
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 s...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 22Ep. 3
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 rollerco...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 22Ep. 2
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...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 22Ep. 1
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 s...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 21Ep. 10
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 bu...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 21Ep. 9
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, Les...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 21Ep. 8
What drives someone born into one of the UK’s most prominent aristocratic families to dedicate their life to prison reform, particularly advocating for the needs of women behind bars? In this episode, Holly speaks with the remarkable Lady Edwina Grosvenor, whose background might lead you to expect a life of privilege and tradition—but her story is anything but conventional. Edwina shares how, “From a really young age, I felt that injustice of the luck of birth,” an early realisation that sparked...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 21Ep. 7
Imagine turning down a dream job, facing a mountain of debt, and surviving a life-or-death experience—only to emerge with a mission that’s transforming the world of giving. In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration , Matt Pohlson, co-founder of Omaze—a platform that offers life-changing experiences and prizes while raising funds for charitable causes—shares his remarkable journey. It’s packed with insights for anyone looking to make a difference. What you’ll learn: Turn fear into fuel – Ma...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 21Ep. 6
Meet Patrick and Karen O’Flaherty, the dynamic husband and wife duo behind Pip Organic, a pioneering force in the organic food and drink industry. Their story began in the bustling heart of London, where their shared passion for health, sustainability, and community blossomed into a visionary business idea. United by their commitment to creating wholesome, organic products, Patrick and Karen embarked on a journey to transform the way people consume food and beverages. In this episode, Patrick an...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 21Ep. 5
What does it really take to build a legacy of success while lifting others up along the way? In this episode, Holly speaks with Debbie Wosskow OBE, the powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and author behind multiple thriving businesses. From her entrepreneurial roots, Debbie grew up understanding the value of hard work and resilience - traits that have fueled her remarkable journey from founding Mantra, Love Home Swap and AllBright to empowering thousands of women across the globe. Now, at 50, Deb...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 21Ep. 4
Paul Hargreaves, the visionary founder behind Cotswold Fayre, a speciality food wholesaler, and Flourish, a 9,000 ft food hall, restaurant and home and lifestyle store is a journey is one of remarkable resilience and purpose-driven leadership. With an unwavering commitment to his values, Paul shares with Holly the profound impact of a life changing trip to Kenya that shifted his perspective, igniting a deeper commitment to creating a business that prioritises people and the planet alongside prof...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 27 min•Season 21Ep. 3
Did you know that 30% of the new clothes made every year are never sold? This year that will be 26 billion items of clothing! CEO and co-founder of This Is Unfolded, Cally Russell, is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion. Known for his bold decision to walk away from lucrative offers on Dragon’s Den, Cally has dedicated his career to disrupting the fashion industry by tackling waste and promoting conscious consumerism. In this episode, Cally shares his journey from humble beginnings to lead...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 21Ep. 2
In this captivating episode, Holly sits down with visionary entrepreneur Nick Hounsfield, founder of The Wave and One Blue World , for an inspiring conversation about creating change, overcoming challenges, and his journey from osteopath to social impact pioneer. Nick's story is nothing short of an entrepreneurial fairytale—a dream born from £500, a love for water, and a relentless determination to bring a piece of the ocean to Bristol. He shares the decade-long journey of building The Wave , an...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 21Ep. 1
In celebration of 200 episodes of Conversation of Inspiration, this special episode tackles some of the greatest challenges faced by our society today. Set against the backdrop of political fever as the general election looms, Holly explores what the future could look like, if the most brilliant minds and founders were spearheading the policies of our country — those who truly are experts, those who have actually ‘walked the walk’. How would they reshape our world with their boundless creativity...
Jul 01, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 20Ep. 10
Meet Tom Herbert, the man whose life and work and steeped in the rich aromatic legacy of baking. Tom hails from a family of bakers, where the art of crafting exceptional bread has been passed down through the generations. In this episode, Holly speaks to Tom about the story of his family business, Hobbs House Bakery and delves into his journey to becoming one half of the TV show, The Fabulous Baker Boys. But Tom’s journey didn’t stop there. Fueled by a sense of purpose to change the world throug...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 20Ep. 9
This week, Holly meets Helen Pankhurst CBE, a woman whose life work is testament to the enduring spirit of the suffragettes. And in this episode Helen shares intimate stories from her extraordinary heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and struggles of her pioneering ancestors, diving into how their legacy has shaped her own path in activism and to advancing women’s rights in the 21st century. Helen speaks to Holly about the current landscape of feminism, the progress that has been ...
Jun 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 20Ep. 8
In this week's episode, join Holly as she sits down with Ben Branson, the remarkable and visionary founder behind Seedlip, Seasn, and Pollen Projects. From the humble beginnings in his kitchen to pioneering a global brand in just four years, Ben’s story is one of creativity, dedication, and a relentless drive to challenge the status quo. Raised in a family deeply connected to farming, Ben spent his childhood immersed in the wonders of nature, fostering a profound appreciation for the botanicals ...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 20Ep. 7
How can you learn to be self-compassionate and live the life you want to lead? In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Rosie Nixon, an accomplished author, broadcaster, consultant, and coach, best known for her 16-year tenure as editor-in-chief of Hello! Magazine. Rosie shares her experiences with stress and burnout, leading to a career reevaluation and her decision to become a life coach. They delve into the importance of self-care, kindness, and authenticity, with Rosie revealing ...
Jun 03, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 20Ep. 6
What’s the secret to designing award-winning and best-selling homeware for 20 years? In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Antony and Richard Joseph, twin brothers and co-founders of Joseph Joseph often referred to as the ‘Apple of homeware.’ You'll hear the captivating story of their entrepreneurial journey, from a childhood surrounded by creativity to the thrill of their first major order. Discover how they conquered the European market with sheer determination and a road trip. ...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 20Ep. 5
How can you use customer data to create brand loyalty? In this episode of Conversations of Inspiration meet Edwina Dunn OBE, a true trailblazer in both the realms of big data and female empowerment. Immersed in the world of tech and data since the early 80’s, a time when customers' data was often discarded, Edwina’s vision led to creation of the groundbreaking Tesco Clubcard, turning the retail industry on its head and forever changing the way in which brands connect with their customers. Edwina...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 20Ep. 4
Can the shadow of death truly teach us the value of life? In this soul-stirring and life-affirming episode journalist, author, and podcast host Clover Stroud shares her journey through loss, creativity, and the transformative power of love and bravery, offering you a deeply personal and universally resonant perspective on living a life full of contrasts and redemption. From the beauty and challenges of aging, the concept of home and belonging, to the depths of grief and the resilience of the hum...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 20Ep. 3
Ready to revolutionise your fashion choices? Discover how one woman is changing the world of fashion and empowering women to turn their wardrobes into serious financial assets, with the Airbnb of clothing. In this inspiring episode, Holly Tucker chats with Eshita Kabra-Davies, the trailblazing founder and CEO of By Rotation, about transforming the fashion industry through a sustainable, rental-based approach. Eshita shares her entrepreneurial journey, from the spark of inspiration whilst on hone...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 20Ep. 2
Why did Giovanna Fletcher call her encounter with royalty 'bizarrely beautiful'? Actress, author, podcast host, a true champion of mothers and the “I’m a Celebrity” Queen of the Castle shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and empowerment. From her experience starring in the West End musical "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" to her childhood encounters with bullying, which ignited her passion for creativity. She candidly discusses societal pressures around body image and her transformat...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 20Ep. 1
Meet Perry Haydn Taylor, brand genius, design guru and true disruptor. His work shines out of many kitchen cupboards and fridges, from Dorset Cereals or Whole Earth to Gü desserts. For 30 years, Perry has helped entrepreneurs start and transform some of our most extraordinary brands with his award-winning design and marketing consultancy, Big Fish. Find out how. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Perry creates true disrupter brands by challenging conventional wisdom Discover how suc...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian and her uplifting journey is a beacon of hope, and testament to the power of resilience. They say if you believe in yourself anything is possible. This week's guest has a story of unparalleled determination, tenacity and triumph. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Dame Sarah’s insatiable curiosity to see how far, and how fast, she can go has fueled her Learn how obstacles can be met with a belief in ourselves that ultimately ...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Elvis & Kresse is a superb example of a circular business, making luxury accessories from recycled materials (mainly fire hoses). Since 2005, they’ve saved 300 tonnes of decommissioned ones from landfill and donated 50% of profits. Discover how this incredible company puts the environment, ethics and community first — to great effect. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll learn more about why many believe circular businesses like this one are the future Discover Elvis and Kresse’s passion f...
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 17 min
Antonia and Jonny Philp worked tirelessly to create a hand cream that helps our nation’s NHS professionals and is commercially successful (they promise to give a month’s worth of free hand cream to a nurse or midwife with every purchase). Hear how they were tested — from Covid to Dragons’ Den — and truly found their purpose. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear Antonia and Jonny’s unwavering dedication to placing their values to give back above all else Discover more about achieving great...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
From catering events for the Hollywood elite to employing prison leavers, Alex Head opens the doors to her socially conscious catering business — and it’s fascinating. A business creating meaningful change, providing second chances for ex-offenders, and with sustainability at its heart. WHY YOU WILL ENJOY THIS EPISODE You’ll hear how Alex is reinventing traditional catering, transforming lives in the process Be inspired by the power of entrepreneurship and Alex’s unwavering sense of adventure Di...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 9 min
