Explore every episode of the podcast Funnell Your Thoughts

In this very special episode, I sit down with my grandad, John Funnell, to capture a lifetime of stories spanning nearly nine decades. Born in 1937, John grew up during wartime Britain before building a life rooted in farming, horses, family, and relentless hard work.From childhood days spent on ponies and in butcher’s shops, to near-disasters with lorries of sheep, bankruptcies, and bouncing back, John’s journey is one of resilience and resourcefulness. Along the way, he reflects on love, loss, the mistakes he made, and the wisdom he wants to leave for future generations.🌾 Growing up during and after WWII🐴 Horses, hunting, and farming through the years🚜 The graft of contracting, livestock, and keeping the land alive💔 Marriage, mistakes, and lessons learned the hard way💡 Words of wisdom: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”This conversation is raw, real, and full of the kind of stories you’ll never find in books family history and hard-won lessons preserved for the future.

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, few stories gallop like this one. In this episode, I sit down with John Best, a self-made racehorse trainer whose journey from mucking out ponies to winning at Royal Ascot, Keeneland, Dubai, and St Moritz is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.John shares how he built a world-class training facility from scratch, trained champions like Kingsgate Native, and turned bargain buys into million-pound horses. But it wasn’t always glamour—he talks about riding bareback as a kid, sleeping in tents at Pony Club camp, and how he clawed his way into the industry with no family background in racing.🐎 How a 14.2-hand pony with heart took on the best and nearly won The Oaks💰 Turning £14,000 into £325,000—and other jaw-dropping flips🏇 What makes a winning horse (and how to spot one at the sales)💡 The economic and emotional highs and lows of a life in racing💬 And the little filly who became the bravest horse he ever trainedWhether you’re a racing fan or just love a story about resilience, risk, and relentless passion, this episode is a must-listen.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Jamie Parker, we drift into deeper waters—with the same wit, honesty, and rhythm that made Part 1 so much fun.

Jamie, a professional drummer, teacher, and all-around creative force, opens up about life beyond the studio:

🎭 Why vulnerability might be the most punk rock thing you can show

🧠 The strange evolution of digital culture and “AI slop”

😂 The wild world of internet content—from bizarre trends to sensory overload

🎧 What playing drums teaches you about silence, sound, and control

🪞 How self-awareness, relationships, and technology are shaping our identities

If Part 1 was the rhythm, this is the reflection. It’s an unfiltered glimpse into how artists think, question, and navigate a world that’s constantly changing.

What does it take to survive—and thrive—after life knocks you down again and again?In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Stephanie Staunton, a celebrity manicurist, venue stylist, mental health advocate, and survivor of more than most people face in a lifetime. From being homeless at 16 to working with P!NK, Little Mix, and Disney, Stephanie’s journey is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.We dive into:💅 How she went from jobless to working with A-listers🏥 Surviving three major operations in 2024—including an 18-inch scar and a misdiagnosis🧠 Her experience living with bipolar disorder and ASD🧩 Launching the “Nailing Mental Health” campaign and raising £500k for charity💔 Surviving suicidal lows and finding light again🌸 Building “The Seasonal Styler” while rebuilding her health and lifeStephanie opens up about her past with raw honesty—from childhood trauma and abusive relationships to walking into a nail salon with mascara-streaked cheeks and offering to work for free. Her resilience, humor, and hope will move you, inspire you, and remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/stephie_nails?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Lisa Stewart, the founder of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, to talk about the wild, emotional, and often untold reality of saving one of Britain’s most beloved species.Lisa’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From qualified holistic therapist, carpenter, and wildlife conservationist to running a 24/7 hedgehog rescue that’s saved thousands—she’s worn every hat (and probably built it, too). What started with one hedgehog quickly became a full-blown rescue operation caring for up to 400 animals a year. And she’s done it all with zero paid staff, endless dedication, and a plan to build the only hedgehog hospital in Kent.In this episode, we cover:🦔 The raw, emotional reality of hedgehog rescue🔬 Why hedgehogs are so complex to treat—and often misunderstood🏥 The vision behind building a dedicated wildlife hospital🌱 How small, messy gardens can help save a species📹 The powerful impact of education, storytelling, and staying true to the missionThorne Hedgehog Rescue: https://thornehedgehogrescue.orgLisa’s story is one of grit, heartbreak, and relentless hope—and it’ll change how you see not only hedgehogs but the natural world around you.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.

Grief is one of life’s most profound and difficult experiences, but healing is possible. In this episode, I sit down with David Pope, a professional counsellor with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate loss, anxiety, trauma, and relationship struggles.

David’s journey isn’t just professional—it’s personal. After losing both of his parents at just 25 and his best friend to cancer years later, he understands grief in a way that textbooks can’t teach. Through a blend of CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma work, he has guided countless individuals from pain to recovery.

🔹 Why grief is misunderstood and how to truly heal

🔹 The impact of loss and how it shapes us

🔹 The power of being present and changing negative thought patterns

🔹 How therapy can transform lives, even in the darkest moments

🔹 Real-life stories of resilience, including bringing someone back from suicidal thoughts

This conversation is full of wisdom, practical strategies, and hope for anyone struggling with grief or supporting a loved one through it.

David Pope: https://healyourgrief.co.uk

🎧 Tune in now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

In this episode, I sit down with musician, drum teacher, and all-around creative Jamie Parker. Jamie has built a thriving career as a drummer, touring across Europe, teaching full-time, and even building his own professional studio in Kent. He’s also appeared in Pressure and Downton Abbey 3, and even worked at Sotheby’s as an art handler.

We dive into:

🔥 The journey from jamming as a kid to becoming a professional drummer

🎬 His experiences on movie sets and how drumming landed him a role in Downton Abbey 3

🏗️ The challenges of building his own studio and going full-time in music

🤯 Crazy stories, from near-disaster in Cambodia to the wild world of live gigs

💡 Lessons on persistence, creativity, and trusting the process

Jamie’s path is one of determination, talent, and embracing unexpected opportunities. Whether you’re into music, film, or just love hearing how people carve out unique careers, this episode has something for you.

🔗 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!

Imagine going back 300 years and listening to a conversation with your ancestors. How incredible would that be? That’s the heart of this podcast—real stories from real people, preserving the moments, experiences, and lessons that shape who we are today. In this first episode, I break down the inspiration behind it all, why storytelling matters, and what you can expect moving forward. Joining us on the into my good friend, actor, musician, and all-around top man, Jamie Parker. I hope this podcast becomes something truly special—and that you’ll be part of the journey.