Explore every episode of the podcast Performing In Life - The Trafalgar Education Podcast

There's something quite extraordinary about Emily Grace-Ling. She walks into a room, exactly as herself, and somehow makes everyone around her feel a little more at home.

In this episode, Emily takes us on a journey that spans continents, cultures and one very iconic stage. From her first ever job in an Adidas commercial during lockdown, to finding her family amongst the cast of The Lion King, to performing night after night with arthritis, this is a story about showing up fully, even when it's hard.

We talk about what it really means to be an Asian actor in the western world, the community she found in the most unexpected places, and why she believes the words we use are quite literally spells.

But more than anything, this conversation is about that little girl in the photo she brought with her. The one she performs for every single night.

Because Emily doesn't do this to prove anything to anyone. She does it to share something and by the end of this episode, you'll feel exactly what that something is.

Warm, funny, grounded and genuinely full of heart…this one will stay with you.

Some people talk about determination, Colin Charles has lived it.

From a working class background in an industry that wasn't built for him, to standing on the most iconic stages in the world, Colin's journey is one of those stories that makes you sit up a little straighter and believe a little harder in yourself.

In this episode, Colin opens up about what it really takes to make it in musical theatre. The rejection, the barriers, the moments where someone looked him in the eye and told him, in not so many words, that he didn't belong. And what he did with every single one of those moments.

We talk about how the industry has changed, why social media has shifted everything, and why the most dangerous thing a performer can do is stop learning. Colin is living proof that talent gets you in the room, but tenacity, willpower and sheer determination are what keep you there.

There's wisdom here for performers at every stage. Whether you're just starting out or wondering if it's too late, Colin's story has something important to say to you.

Honest, inspiring, and genuinely hard not to be moved by.

You know those conversations that just make you feel better about being alive? This is one of them.

Donna Easton joins us for a warm, funny and genuinely life-affirming chat about something we all deserve a lot more of - joy. Not the Instagram version. The real, messy, dancing without wine kind.

We talk about the days when life feels like a mixed-up soup, why we need to stop punishing ourselves for being human, and how something as simple as the words we use about ourselves can change everything.

There's also a very important conversation about social media and what it's quietly doing to young people's sense of worth.

And then there's Little Olive. Donna's nan. Silly, badass, and honestly a blueprint for how to live.

Donna shares her three keys to unlocking joy that might just change how you look at an ordinary Tuesday and her advice is the kind that sticks with you long after you've finished listening.

Funny, honest, and full of heart. This one's a good one.

Come as you are. Leave a little lighter.

From Yearbook Dreams to Bubble Tea Empire: Suneet Sachdeva on Passion, Resilience and Purpose.

From being voted “Most Likely to Win Big Brother” in his school yearbook to founding the UK’s largest bubble tea brand, Suneet Sachdeva has built an empire one cup and one challenge at a time.

In this episode of Performing in Life, Suneet shares the story behind Bubble CiTea, the company he launched in 2013 that now spans over 55 stores and employs more than 600 people, with plans to reach 300 through franchising. But behind the bright colours and tapioca pearls lies a story of persistence, purpose, and pure self-belief.

We talk about:

• Turning a teenage dream into a nationwide business

• The tough early years: from skipping meals to sampling bubble tea every day

• Learning Mandarin in China to transform his supply chain and mindset

• Scaling sustainably while learning to let go of perfectionism

• Being a proud voice for the LGBTQ+ community and the importance of representation

• Leading a diverse team of 48 nationalities and breaking down communication barriers

• The lessons of entrepreneurship – grit, gratitude, and never letting others define your limits
  

With honesty, humility, and a yearbook full of ambition, Suneet shows that success isn’t about luck - it’s about loving what you do, holding your vision, and turning every setback into fuel for what comes next.

In this episode, we dive behind the curtain with Bethany Weaver in her first ever interview as she shares her incredible journey from teaching at Stagecoach to stepping onto one of the most iconic movie sets of all time - Wicked: For Good.

We talk about everything from her early performance instincts to surreal moments like meeting Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the quirks of filming with a dog on set, and what it felt like to put on THE blue and white gingham dress.

She opens up about the audition process, working with director Jon M. Chu, and why those famous slippers aren’t actually red.

Beyond the glitz, she reflects on:

•  The power of theatre and creativity to give kids options

•  Her favourite Wicked song (and the moment that made her cry)

•  How performance builds confidence, resilience, and spontaneity

•  The importance of being yourself — because that’s the best version
  

With honesty, humour, and a touch of sparkle (literally - those crystal slippers!), this is a conversation about dreams, self-belief, and why this is just the beginning.

Turning Rejection into Stardom: Hayley Palmer on Confidence, Grit & Glitter

TV Presenter, Producer, and all-round powerhouse Hayley Palmer joins us to talk about her journey from Stagecoach dance teacher to Sky TV prime-time presenter - and the sparkle (and setbacks) along the way.

Armed with her trusty prop - a tiara - Hayley opens up about learning to wear her crown with confidence, building resilience in an unpredictable industry, and celebrating every small win (even if it’s just a post-it note reminder!).

We talk about:

• Her early days teaching at Stagecoach and how it built her confidence

• Creating At Home with Hayley from her dining room during lockdown and convincing big names to come on the show

• Why self-belief, gratitude, and “good old-fashioned grit” matter more than luck

• The art of inner work including mindset, EFT tapping, and staying grounded amid the chaos

• Why rejection is part of show business and how to turn every “no” into a “not yet”

• Handling live TV slip-ups like a pro (and what to do when things go wrong on air!)

Full of infectious positivity, humour, and practical advice, this episode shines a light on what it really takes to Perform in Life - tiara slightly tilted, but never falling.

This episodes Performing in Life guests are true icons of British music and television - David & Carrie Grant, BAFTA award-winning broadcasters, vocal coaches, authors, and campaigners whose work has inspired generations of performers.

From the early days of Pop Idol and Fame Academy to BBC Radio London’s Saturday Breakfast Show, their story is one of creativity, conviction, and compassion. Together, they’ve coached global stars, raised a proudly neurodiverse family, and shown how love, art, and kindness can change the world one song, one student, one open conversation at a time.

We talk about:

• The reality of fame, artistry, and learning to “live the moment”

• How they met (on a train!) and built a lifelong partnership in music and life

• Vocal coaching with Gwyneth Paltrow, Robbie Williams & Take That

• Why Stagecoach and performing arts education matter more than ever

• Parenting a neurodiverse family - building community, empathy, and bigger tables, not higher walls

• Breaking boxes and labels by staying curious, kind, and open-minded

• Their book A Very Modern Family and what it really means to create safe harbours for others

• The songs that move them most and the joy that still drives their work

With humour, heart, and a lot of harmony, David and Carrie remind us that performance is about so much more than applause. It’s about courage, authenticity, and showing up as your true self.

From co-founding the world’s largest live theatre company to launching Trafalgar Entertainment, Dame Rosemary Squire has spent her career shaping the stages we know and love.

In this episode of Performing in Life, she shares the extraordinary journey behind the curtain from her early days in Nottingham to producing Broadway shows, live-streaming global events, and winning Entrepreneur of the Year.

We talk about:

• The birth of Trafalgar Entertainment and its global productions (including a Broadway-bound Rocky Horror Show exclusive)

• Growing up dyslexic and learning creativity through finger puppets, music, and performance

• Why opportunities like Stagecoach matter more than ever in today’s world

• From ATG to Trafalgar: the joy of getting closer to the work again

• Lessons in leadership - conviction, resilience, and the power of kindness in business

• Her ultimate live gig: dancing backstage with Bruce Springsteen

• Balancing motherhood, late nights, and running global theatre empires

• What we can all learn from pioneers like Stella Rimington and Indhu Rubasingham

With warmth and candour, Rosemary reflects on resilience, risk-taking, and why kindness is the leadership quality she’s most proud to champion.

From dazzling gala press nights to juggling life as a mum, Stagecoach principal, performer, and personal trainer, Sophie Isaacs has lived a life full of curtain calls - both on and off the stage.

In this episode of Performing in Life, Sophie shares her full-circle journey: from singing in a Stagecoach Joseph choir to starring in Six, Heathers, Rocky Horror, and beyond - all while carrying her family’s Stagecoach legacy with pride.

She opens up about discipline, resilience, and why performing has more in common with being an athlete than you might think.

We talk about:

• The thrill of gala performances and Sophie’s biggest onstage costume malfunctions

• Carrying on her mum’s legacy and running Stagecoach alongside her sister Gemma

• Why fitness, running, and personal training became a vital outlet for her

• Landing her dream roles, from Goldilocks to Six

• The leap from stage to screen on Hollyoaks and what she learned about TV vs theatre

• Honest advice for young performers (and their parents!) about resilience, self-esteem, and pursuing a career in the arts

With warmth, humour, and unshakable honesty, Sophie reflects on her proudest moments, toughest lessons, and why she’s passionate about helping the next generation of young people believe in their own capability.

Performing in Life is the new podcast from Trafalgar Education, home to Stagecoach Performing Arts and Drama Kids.

With over 80 years’ combined experience helping young people build confidence through the arts, we’ve seen first-hand how performance skills translate into life skills.

But we know there’s always more to learn.

In this series, we’ll be talking to a wide range of guests: from those who found their own confidence to perform in life, to the people who dedicate themselves to helping others do the same and everything in between.