Tracy worked as a cancer nurse for 25 years - specialising in breast cancer and later becoming a Macmillan nurse. It’s safe to say Tracy has seen first hand how precious life is – and has spent many years with women and families at their most difficult times. But then Tracy had to make her own difficult decision to leave the job she loved and move back to Cornwall.

It was as she navigated this change, Tracy realised she had so much more she wanted to give so she decided to become a coach and founded The Wellbeing Wisdom Club – she helps women tmake the changes they need whatever their age and her brilliant Instagram account has more than sixty five thousand followers

Tracy is open brave, and yes at times this conversation gets a little emotional. But Tracy believes it’s by being open and vulnerable we can really find what is meant for us and live a life we love. This is what Tracy has done and  she believes you have everything in you to do the same.

To learn more about Tracy's work you can find her here: https://wellbeingwisdomclub.com/

To read more about Grace Leven in my novel What Really Happened to me click here:

And to keep in touch with me (and I've love that) you can sign up for my weeklyish dose of Next Chapter inspiration here

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Today I’m going to share part of an episode which has had a big impact on many of my listeners.

If you ever watched 60 minute makeover with Peter André you may remember a lovely carpet fitter called Dave Wilson.

But what viewers didn’t see was Dave was hiding a drinking problem which had become out of control and was at one stage drinking a bottle of vodka a night. Today he is a Sobrietry Coach with more than 130 thousand followers and a hugely successful podcast - One For The Road. We begin with Dave telling us how he began drinking as a teenager.

To learn more about Sober Dave's work today you can find him here: https://www.soberdave.co.uk/

To learn more about me and my uplifting Next Chapter novels which are filled with the love, hope and community we all need - you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Louise Ross loved reading and storytelling as a child but she had her heart set on being a lawyer. She became a barrister and while she loved helping people -she started to feel it was time to do something else. Louise published her first book Holy Island with her husband James in 2015. Since then more than thirty of her novels have taken the no 1 spot on Amazon and she’s sold more than 10 million copies.

Here she begins with telling us how she knew needed a change.

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Joanne Truby not only had that niggling voice that something wasn’t right in her working life, she listened to it. Not just once, many times. When Joanne was at school she would never have believed one day she’d become an incredible florist with her own school. She didn’t even know then she had a passion for flowers. But by listening to that niggling voice, it took her to exactly where she is meant to be. She has now built her own business with a huge following, which has developed and shaped around her family too.

Joanne’s been a finalist in the UK Wedding Awards for best wedding florist and her work is regularly featured in national magazines. She may work alongside huge designer names, but Joanne remains humble. She’s hardworking, honest and her optimism is a joy to listen to.

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I’m just going to put it out there – I am guessing you’ve never met a Reverend vet before. But then I’m also guessing you have never met anyone like Reverend Jenny McKay before. When a careers adviser said she’d never be a vet, well there was Jenny’s mission to prove them wrong. But since then Jenny has proved so much else wrong as well. A diagnosis in her 40s made her think there was something more to life. After much searching and honesty with herself, she became a Reverend. But did she give up being a vet? Of course Jenny didn’t. And yes, Jenny does wear her dog-collar to work. Jenny’s work is full of passion and joy, just like she is. She wants everyone know we are all in this together, whatever our beliefs.

You can see everything Reverend Jenny McKay is doing at https://www.thereverendvet.co.uk/

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Julie New had just left her job as a midwife to begin her next chapter as a personal recovery coach. But when she did, she had no idea she would be needing this work herself. Julie and her family suffered two terrible losses in three years.

I’ll let Julie tell you what happened, but as you can imagine - life became really hard.

But she used her own work, took small steps along – as she calls it - the Grief Garden path. Julie has now found love - and she’s back to her work using everything she’s been through - helping others in her brilliant Hope Headquarters at her home in Bedfordshire.

Julie believes it is always possible to grow again – but as she says – you have to keep watering you.

You can see more of Julie’s work and how she is helping others at https://www.julienew.co.uk/

(And if you want to know a bit more about me I’d love to see you at elliebarkerwrites.com)

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It’s impossible to fit all of the Next Chapters of Mark Desvaux’s life into one title. But this is how much he loves life and believes in experimenting and having a go at what you’ve always wanted to do. His optimism and determination helped him play Glastonbury 3 times (3 times!!!). He’s started a charity, he’s a bestselling author, his work along with the brilliant Mark Stay at The Bestseller Experiment is helping to change people’s lives (I know because I am one of these people). He and his wife Jen also made the brave decision to leave their life in the UK to begin a new one with their three children in Canada. They believed we should all live the lives we want, not the ones we think we should. I’ll let Mark tell you what happened next, but he says this is the first time he’s been interviewed about the worst seven years of his life. This is how much he believes in Next Chapters. He knows how precious life is and now he’s helping all of us have the right mindset to live the way we want. Mark is open, thoughtful, kind and honest - it’s the longest episode yet, but I don’t think you’ll want to miss what Mark says.

To find out more about Mark Devaux https://www.4000saturdays.com/

To learn more about Mark Deveaux and Mark Stay at the Bestseller Experiment: https://bestsellerexperiment.com/

To know more about me (although you’ve probably heard enough of this already) I’ll just leave this here for you : elliebarkerwrites.com

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Joanna Penn started off her working career in corporate IT. She did really well, and worked all over the world including Australia and New Zealand. But she was always frustrated by the lack of creativity. And after trying different ventures, in 2006 she wrote her first non-fiction book.

Joanna not only decided to publish her own book but she started a blog and began to share everything she was learning about the publishing industry. She went on to also write fiction and she became a New York Times and USA bestselling author of thrillers under J.F Penn. Joanna has now written more than thirty books. She is an award-winning podcaster and her Creative Penn podcast has been down loaded millions of times. She is an international speaker and one of the most well-respected indie authors, well, in the world. Not only that, she’s still sharing all her knowledge and teaching authors how to make (a good) living from their writing.

Joanna Penn has been such an inspiration to me and my Next Chapter and I was thrilled she agreed to be my guest.

You can find out more about Joanna, all her books and courses at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/

And of course, my Next Chapter at elliebarkerwrites.com

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Sam Pantlin and Alex Williams were both mums working in jobs they didn’t feel were quite for them. So, they decided to do what they’d wanted to do for a long time and become midwives. This decision not only changed their lives but it brought them together. They both work for the NHS but together they’ve started The Naked Midwives. I’ll let them tell you what this is (but just for the record, they do wear clothes.) Not only is it fascinating to learn how you become a midwife and what life is really like, this is a story of friendship. How the two of them help others but also each other when that funny thing called life gets in the way. Sam and Alex are full of warmth and sunshine and are the perfect example of what Next Chapters can bring.

You can find out all about their work at https://thenakedmidwives.co.uk/

And just leaving this here too… my latest book The Juggle

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Cathy Moseley grew up in Bethnal Green in London. She describes it as a true working-class upbringing with a proper, honest work ethic. As a teenager, Cathy was the only girl working on a big city trading floor with no experience. But she rose all the way to becoming the Senior Director of Trading, a job which took her all over the world.

But she wasn’t happy, so one day she left. Cathy has since channelled all her hard work and values to create Boundless - an award-winning healthy snack business which is now taking over our supermarkets (and Selfridges!) and our snacking habits. But to Cathy it is so much more than a business. She describes her company and the people who work for her as her family, and she loves what she does. Cathy has seen even lots of money really doesn’t buy happiness. But she believes if you just listen to that inner voice of yours, then you can find your happiness too.

You can find out more about Cathy Moseley and her company

https://weareboundless.co.uk/

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***Welcome to my first ever Listener Episode*** 

This is where my lovely listeners get in touch and ask me to interview someone they would love to hear from. Abigail Rogers got in touch, wanting to hear from a surgeon, and Mr Cha Rajakaruna very kindly agreed. But Cha isn’t just kind, he’s humble, filled with passion for his work and has saved and transformed so many lives. Cha talks about what it was like growing up in Sri Lanka during a civil war, going to school in someone’s house and how he arrived in Bristol and found the hospital (and lady for him.) 

Cha would never say this, but he is one of the most respected heart surgeons in the world. He talks honestly about what it’s really like to do a job like his and what it means to him and his family. It’s one of my longest conversations so far, but I challenge you to find a part that you’d want to leave out.

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If you live in the West Country the chances are you know Kate. She’s been a weather presenter for ITV for more than 25 years. Her sunny forecasts have brightened our televisions, no matter what the weather is actually doing.

Kate has for a long time been interested in mental health, and a few years ago she started to train as a therapist. Her idea – you talk, she listens and together we find a new way.

But it was while she was training and still working as a weather presenter Kate was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma which had spread through her body. A mother of teenage twins, married to her husband Mark, and a friend and colleague loved so much by us all – this was a devastating time.

Kate has now been given the all clear, we all watched in awe as she tackled her diagnosis with her usual determination, passion and love for life. She is now a qualified therapist and is using her dark moments to help others see there is always another way.

In this conversation we do touch on some darker sides of life, but just like Kate and her forecasts she shows there’s always sunshine behind those clouds . Kate is open, honest, humble and funny – she shows how her family’s love and her love for life helped her through. I’m very lucky to call Kate my friend, and I’m delighted I can now introduce her to you.

To learn more about Kate and her wonderful work you can find her here: https://www.katehaskell.com/

Cookie (my golden lab) and I would love you to keep in touch - as we navigate our Next Chapter living together. We'll send you weeklyish notes with 3 pieces of inspiration. You can sign up here : https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Why work really hard at something you don’t really like? This was the thought which helped Anna Clements make the brave step towards living a life she loves. Anna worked as a commercial lawyer but when she had young children and realised her job didn’t suit family life, she decided to give herself a budget and a time limit to see where her love of interiors would take her. Anna didn’t spend more years studying, she started to buy some products and… well, you’ll have to listen to find out. Let’s just say Anna’s business is now a hub of the community where she lives, she has a top team of lovely people and has built a huge following. You can see for yourselves: https://monpote.co.uk/

Anna’s formula seems to be honesty + bravery + hard work = living a life filled with passion and purpose. Now who doesn’t want that? Anna is humble and modest in our interview and she gives some great practical tips if you are pondering your Next Chapter.

elliebarkerwrites.com

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**** NO MUSIC EPISODE ****

… Episodes addressing the Next Chapters we don’t ask for, the ones where the music suddenly stops.

Heidi Loughlin had what can only be described as an ‘eventful’ start in life. But any challenges or obstacles put in her way would not stop Heidi. In fact, she went on to use these experiences to fight gangs, help young criminals, and police riots and football matches for the Metropolitan Police.

Heidi was just about to start a Next Chapter of her own choice when life gave Heidi and her family a Next Chapter she could never have imagined. Pregnant with her third child, Heidi was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. She then had to make a choice nobody should ever have to make. Her life or her child’s? Her baby daughter Ally was born at twenty-eight weeks and one day. Five days later Ally died and Heidi faced having months to live.

But if you think this episode is going to be all bleak and depressing, well think again. Years later, Heidi's still here. You can't stop her booking holidays and she knows exactly how she wants to live her life. There are of course, some tough moments in this conversation. But there is also lots of laughter too. That’s the thing about these No Music Episodes, there are people like Heidi who will fill you with more hope, inspiration and joy than you could ever imagine - who will tell you, one day when you least expect it, the music will play again. Be warned though, there is swearing. But what do you expect from someone who took on all those gangs?

I will never forget the day I met Heidi Loughlin. She is one of those rare people who touches your life, who will never leave your mind. If something’s stopping you start your Next Chapter, then Heidi’s bravery as she navigates the rollercoaster of life may help you find your way through your own ups and downs.

To follow Heidi and her incredible work you can find her on Twitter and Linked In @storminatitcup. Her podcast is called Laughing in the Face of Death.

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Julie Reilly has done what so many people dream about but often never do. She has built the life she wanted for her and her family, doing something she loves. Julie fell in love with clay when she was at secondary school, but life and job offers took her do a different world. She worked for a museum, for Shell and lived in Singapore, but she never lost her love for ceramics. It was when Julie became a mum she made the decision to start her Next Chapter and thank goodness she did. There is now a waiting list for her work, she’s been featured in national magazines and she has orders coming from all over the world. Julie is brave, inspiring and modest. When you see the work Julie creates, it’s hard to imagine she still has the fear, but she speaks honestly about how she pushes through it - and she encourages others to do the same.

You can find out more about Julie at www.juliereilly.com

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Nick Hounsfield cannot fail to inspire. He trained as an osteopath and set up the wonderful Family Practice with his wife Juliana, in Bristol. Some would say this was already a big enough dream. But a life-changing event and a Eureka moment gave Nick a vision he could not ignore. He thought it would take two years to build a surfing lake in Bristol.  It took ten years and more than twenty-six million pounds. But despite the hurdles, the twists and the turns, nothing stopped him and this vision is now a real destination, visited by people from all over the globe. 

Nick speaks honestly and bravely about his Next Chapter and how another life-changing event nearly threatened it all. But Nick shows how vision, determination and his six week optimism window has given him a life he and his family love and a place for thousands to enjoy. 

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Jen Stanbrook describes her beginnings as working class, but the life she has designed for herself and her family is bound to make anyone from those roots of hers proud. And goodness, she has had several Next Chapters. From a graduate trainee in retail, to having her own cleaning business, back to the corporate world in IT, owning a franchise to ending up exactly where she was always meant to be... Writing her own interiors blog, Love Chic Living. This became hugely successful, winning awards and attracting a giant following, and Jen was invited all over the world to talk about her work. She is now a Digital Entrepreneur, and alongside many other roles, works as a Pinterest coach. (Her blog has had a million clicks from Pinterest alone.)  And if this wasn’t enough, she’s now also helping women going through the perimenopause and menopause, steering them through all the hurdles and self-doubt which can come with this stage in life, helping them to achieve their dreams just like she has.

Jen believes it’s all about surrounding yourself with the right tribe – and after this conversation I challenge you not to want Jen Stanbrook in yours.

You can find out more about Jen at https://jenstanbrook.com/  and learn all about her blog at https://lovechicliving.co.uk/

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Monty Saul says she had an idyllic childhood – she describes her roots as ‘working class and filled with love.’ Then one night, a drink in a nearby pub in Cookham, Berkshire changed everything. Monty was spotted by a photographer, and not just any photographer, a world-famous fashion photographer. Before she knew it, she found herself being whisked away to the world of Vogue and Dior. I’ll let Monty tell you everything that happened (it’s an amazing story!) but Monty shows that by taking a chance, well, who knows where it will take you? For Monty she became a model for Dior, travelled around the world and then she met her husband Roger. He was busy creating his own business- you know the one - Mulberry.

Together they continued creating their brand and not only that, a wonderful home for their 3 boys and family which is now also a walnut farm.

In this Next Chapter we hear how Monty began working at Dior and the day she modelled for our late Queen.

To listen to the full episode you can find it in Series 13 Episode 10

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Sam Burgess says her life hasn’t been easy despite the perception on Instagram. Expelled from boarding school at 15, two marriage break-ups and throw in some redundancies too, at times in her life, Sam says she was at rock-bottom. There, she could have stayed but instead her bravery and spirit took her to exactly where she is supposed to be. Sam left London and corporate life behind and she now lives by the sea in Brighton, her business is thriving and her work is followed by thousands and thousands. Our chat covers ‘colourful’ beginnings, marrying (and divorcing) her childhood sweetheart and the day she had to deliver her most important business plan of all. Sam speaks openly and honestly about her incredible story, and not only that, she may just be able to help you with yours. 

You can find out all about Sam at https://smallandmighty.co/

The future visualisation as discussed in the episode is here

https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/FHkwbQhaZoV4hHuw8

And here Sam’s goal setting IGTV video using the wheel of life

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CI6GROmFy3I/?igshid=186hs1v7iuvif

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Victoria always loved books, she didn’t want to write them, she just wanted to read them. She worked in hotels after she left school, and then as a receptionist but it was when she had her daughter she started to wonder if there was a way she could make a living by reading books.

The answer is yes. Not only that, Victoria had no idea how going to a live Big Brother eviction would change everything.

I will let Victoria explain all but this is a story of how it really is possible to create your dream job, change worlds and help others. Victoria also shares some very personal insights – which shows we are never alone, even when sometimes we feel we are. She is brilliant, brave and kind and I can’t wait for you to meet her.

https://www.thebookparty.co.uk/

https://www.instabooktours.com/

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“I felt as a mother I’d failed.”

When Sarah Lou’s daughter became unwell with her mental health, Sarah Lou saw there was no support for parents and family members in these most difficult of times. So, she founded Parental Minds. What started as a coffee morning has led to her and her team helping more than 1,000 families.

If you have any concern for your child or anyone’s mental health in your family, I can’t recommend listening to Sarah-Lou’s conversation enough, and her team may be able to help. Sarah Lou’s story shows it is possible to find that sunshine again. 

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What does it really take to create a great pub?

Charlie Luxton had no idea a chance conversation would lead him to a job setting up Soho House - a super-cool private members club in the centre of London that would become a global brand. He also had no idea a chance conversation would lead him to create his own group of pubs and restaurants around Wiltshire and Somerset.

The brilliant Charlie explains in this episode why it’s so important for us all to follow our hearts. 

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Caroline says she was a perfectionist as a child and she continued living life like this way into adulthood. A straight-A student, she worked as an airline stewardess travelling with British Airways as part as Tony Blair’s cabin crew.

But when her marriage fell apart Caroline says she found herself at rock bottom.

A single mum and 80 thousands pounds in debt she says she was suffering from anxiety and depression - and then her house was repossessed. She could only think how had she ended up here?

But slowly Caroline, through therapy, began to learn more about her marriage and patterns she hadn’t even questioned were actually abuse. The more she learned, the stronger she became. She rebuilt her own life into something bigger and better than she could ever have imagined and now she’s helping other women do the same.

Today Caroline works as a trauma therapist and author. Her podcast Narcissistic Abuse and Trauma Recovery has been download more than 3 million times. She has hundreds of thousands of followers across social media and her work is being featured on shows all over the world. In this conversation we discuss:

• The difference between normal and ups and downs and when it becomes something else
• The power that comes from recognising our own patterns
• How Caroline believes we can all create lives we truly love and thrive - with the right help
• What to do if you’re worried about yourself or someone else

Now, this might be a tougher conversation, but there are still lots of laughs and so much hope too. Caroline says she could never have imagined she could feel as happy as she does and she wants to help as many other women feel the same.

To learn more about Caroline's work you can find her here: https://carolinestrawson.com/

This is of course an educational episode - it is not a substitute for professional help. If you are worried about yourself or anyone you know the Samaritans are available here: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

To keep in touch with me and join my Next Chapter community - I'd love it if you did - you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Tony Anderson had no idea a random job he got at a job centre would lead him to create a life bigger than he could ever imagine. He loved sport and in his own words, was 'rubbish with money’ but today he owns Anderson Financial Management, helping all different people make their financial ambitions and dreams come true.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why it’s natural to have fears around money and earning what we think we’re worth
• How money is all about ‘building a muscle’ just like everything else in life
• Why ‘hustle’ should never be a dirty word
• The importance of having the right people around you

Tony is so honest and open about the negative beliefs he sees every day around money. He believes fear of rejection is what holds so many of us back, but by applying some simple tricks and looking at why we feel the way we do - earning more money doesn’t have to be as difficult as we may think.

To learn more about Tony's work, click here: https://www.andersonfinancial.co.uk/

To join my Next Chapter Community, click here: www.elliebarkerwrites.com

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It was when Nicola worked with her dad at the Liverpool fish markets as a teenager, she learned all about grit, hard work and having the courage to speak up for herself. She had no idea then these lessons would be the foundation of an extraordinary career.

Nicola started out in journalism and went on to work at places like ITN and GMTV. But when her working life wasn’t suiting her personal life – she created her own talent agency. Eventually she sold this – but carried on with working in the industry at James Grant Management.

Over the years Nicola has worked with huge names like Ant and Dec, Claire Balding and Gabby Logan. But then she decided she’d have another next chapter and yes, she created another company.

Now she runs her executive search firm, Ibison Media placing people in leadership roles in huge television and media companies all over the world.

In this episode we discuss:

• How to overcome the nerves we all feel.
• What it’s really like working with those superstars.
• How a chance (little bit drunken) conversation with Anthea Turner’s sister, Wendy changed everything.
• What to do when your work life and personal life no longer match.
• What happened when Nicola was sent to look for a one-legged duck.

Nicola believes so much comes down to being kind and supportive to others. She says everyone feels nervous, but sometimes we just have to take a deep breath and pick up the phone.

To learn more about Nicola and her fabulous work you can find her here: https://ibisonmedia.com/

And I'd love it if you kept in touch . I'll send you little notes about these conversations and much here - you can sign up here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Nancy, whose real name is Amanda (she writes under a pseudonym) claims she was a little annoying at school. But it was this curiosity and spirit that took her into the world of tabloid journalism where she worked on huge investigations for papers like the News of the World.

But then life took Amanda along a path she didn’t expect. Her husband was diagnosed with a head and neck cancer and at the same time she found herself on her own IVF journey.

Amanda used writing to help her (and others) navigate this hugely difficult time - using her humour and thoughts in a column about her experience. She had no idea this was going to take her to the world of fiction and writing saga novels.

Her Shipyard Girls books have sold more than half a million copies and have reached No. 2 on the Sunday Times Bestsellers list.

In this conversation we discuss:

• What it was really like working for tabloids like The News of the World
• What happened when Amanda and her husband had to face a cancer diagnosis and IVF at the same time
• Why we can never be sure where life will take us, but why Amanda believes it’s essential we all know what we really love.

Amanda is open, brave and funny in this conversation, I felt like I’d known her for years. I hope you’ll love meeting her as much as I did. 

To learn more about Amanda and her Nancy Revell books you can find her here: https://amandarevellwalton.co.uk/

To learn more about my books and to join my Next Chapter community (and I would SO love that!) you can find me here https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Mamma Mia! Here we go again! I'm so,so sorry but how can I resist this. 

I love all my Next Chapter conversations but this is one which resonated with me such a lot - I thought I would share it with you again.

One simple conversation and the story which would become one of our biggest musicals and Hollywood films of all time was born.

Catherine’s work has received an Olivier award, a Tony award, a Golden Globe nomination, a Bafta, a National Film Award…among many, many others. But here is what’s so special about Catherine, she is one of the most down-to-earth loveliest people you could ever wish to meet.

Catherine tells us what really happened when she met Bjorn and Benny, she talks about the moment she found out Meryl Streep was going to star in the film, and how friendships have seen her through all her Next Chapters. 

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Claire Davis is a Coach, Personal Trainer and Nutritional Advisor. She’s also one half of the award-winning Midlife Mentors who help people transform their lives through their retreats, workshops and podcast.

She’s back by popular demand on The Next Chapter, this time answering your Christmas questions about the not-so-perfect parts of this magical time of year.

In the conversation we discuss:

* How to cope with difficult relatives over the festive season (when your stomach is in knots.)

* What to do if you don’t even like your in-laws.

* What to do if Christmas isn’t what you imagined it to be.

* How to enjoy all the treats without feeling terrible.

* What happens when you’re given a present you just don’t like.

Plus so much more. Thank you so, so much to everyone who asked a question and if you didn’t, I’m pretty sure the answers will help you in some way. If you’re wrapping or feeling a little overwhelmed, Claire is a wonderful person to have in your ear.

www.elliebarkerwrites.com

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Monty Saul says she had an idyllic childhood – she describes her roots as ‘working class and filled with love.’ Then one night, a drink in a nearby pub in Cookham, Berkshire changed everything.

Monty was spotted by a photographer, and not just any photographer, a world-famous fashion photographer. Before she knew it, she found herself being whisked away to the world of Vogue and Dior. I’ll let Monty tell you everything that happened (it’s an amazing story!) but Monty shows that by taking a chance, well, who knows where it will take you?

For Monty she became a model for Dior, travelled around the world and then she met her husband Roger. He was busy creating his own business- you know the one - Mulberry.

Together they continued creating their brand and not only that, a wonderful home for their 3 boys and family which is now also a walnut farm.

In this conversation we discuss:

* What it’s really like to be a fashion model in your teens

* What happened when she was chosen to model for our late Queen in Buckingham Palace in a first-of-its-kind private show.

* How she coped with all the scrutiny and knock-backs of the fashion industry and why she believes we should never feel intimidated by anyone.

Monty’s story shows what can happen when you’re prepared to work hard, take risks, follow your heart and be true to yourself. She humble, open and down to earth – it’s easy to see why her home today is still filled with all that love.

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(I know, I know it’s me again but this is the last of the special series…)

This is the 3rd of 3 different recordings to mark reaching 100 episodes of The Next Chapter podcasts. It’s just me and around 18 minutes long. But I thought it might help if I shared what I’ve learned. I’ve listened to all these conversations more than once and I pick up something new every time which really helps me with my own wobbles.

What I’ve always tried to do with the podcast is show I’m with you all the way. We can do this together, whatever Next Chapter you’re facing and even in the midst of storms, doubt and wondering where we should step next… there is always another way.

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As I type this I am cringing, going red, wanting to watch 10 Hallmark films back-to-back and pretend I haven’t done this - but then, well that’s hardly the essence of Next Chapter living, now it it?

As part of our week of special recordings at Flowerpot HQ to mark our 100th episode of The Next Chapter - for one week only - today’s guest is well… me.

I battled with this idea for a long time, but then a conversation with a former guest and friend Nick Hounsfield, founder of The Wave, changed my mind when he gave me some great advice/a little talking to you.

“Ellie, if you don’t explain you, your story and what you’re trying to do, nobody will understand.”

Therefore - I handed over the microphone and podcast to fellow journalist/also my husband Rob Murphy. I hope you will see in this conversation that my true belief that it is possible to create a life we love, and when it doesn’t work our the first (or gazillion other times) there is always another way.

We discuss:

* How rejection has been a very big theme in my life and why I believe it’s so important

* The importance of the love and people you have around you

* Why I know you absolutely have what it takes to live a life you love

* Top of the Pops, Robbie Williams and meeting my GMTV heroes for the first time

(And yes I did make my normally hard-hitting crime correspondent husband Rob Murphy say “hello gorgeous person.. it was part of the deal…obvs)

I hope you enjoy the conversation and it helps in some way. Normal business will resume next week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As The Next Chapter by Ellie Barker reaches its 100th episode, I wanted to share with you just a few short words about it:

* Why I started The Next Chapter podcast

* Why I think you’ll love it

* What I’ve learnt from the podcast episodes

* The potentially devastating effect on our mental health when we don’t live lives we love

* How these conversations can at the very least help with your first steps

I have 100 inspirational episodes with people who have changed their lives, taken a risk, started a Next Chapter and they want to share their lessons with you. You can find more here:

https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/podcast-1

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Will Chase grew up on a small family farm in Herefordshire called Tyrrells Court. He says it was idyllic but describes himself as a bit of a ‘brute’ at school.

All he wanted was to be a farmer and in his 20s he secured a huge loan to buy his family farm. But then he went bankrupt.

He ran away, but then he returned and thank goodness he did because it was while he was back selling potatoes to supermarkets he had his Eureka! moment. What if he turned them into crisps instead?

So, they became Tyrrells crisps - you know the ones. They were loved and sold all over the world and just six years later he sold the business for a reported 30 million pounds.

You could say that was enough of a Next Chapter. But no. He went on to create Chase Vodka which he later sold to Diageo for an undisclosed sum. And now his Next Chapter living continues as he steps into the wellness industry with Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar.

In this episode we discuss:

* Why we can never substitute experience

* How he turned his bankruptcy into a multi-million pound business and the lessons he learned

* The importance of staying true to yourself and your values throughout it all and what happens when you don’t.

* How he still wakes up and worries at 3.30am

Will talks about why he believes so many of us have got it wrong, looking for something on the outside when really it’s how we live our life that matters. Plus it’s really all about who we become as we face the ups, downs and struggles Life inevitably throws our way. He believes you don’t have to have amazing exam results or lots of money behind you to build a life you love - just curiosity, a willingness to learn and the ability to treat people well along the way.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miranda always loved books and stories as a child.

But what Miranda didn’t know then was this love of books would help her create her very own empire. Miranda worked in publishing for 20 years and ended up at Penguin Random House with the huge job of Editorial Director and then Senior Commissioning Editor too.

But when a change came in Miranda’s home life, she left the corporate world. It was when she was considering what to do next she came across the inspirational Do Lectures, she sent an email and everything changed. She founded the Do Book Company and these little pocket books are now inspiring people all around the world.

I’ll let Miranda explain everything but in this conversation we discuss:

* What it really takes to create a best-selling book

* How simple actions like sending an email can change your life

* What to do when your life isn’t working for you

* Is it really a career change we need, or is it something else?

This is a fascinating look at behind the scenes of the publishing world, but it’s also an honest, fun and insightful story of how one woman created a life she loves all around her passion - which now suits her and her family.  

To learn more about Miranda and the Do Books: https://thedolectures.com/speakers/miranda-west/

To keep in touch with me (and to receive Free Chapters from my latest romance novel Do We Really Have To Do This? click here: 

https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susan Lewis has written 56 books. She’s written in different genres and her novels are enjoyed by readers all over the world. You can listen to her whole story in S9: Ep 4.

But what does it take to be so creative?

Now Susan is back to answer your questions.

In this episode we go deep into the ins and outs of Next Chapter living.

We discuss:

* The importance of setting boundaries

* The real reason we must carve out time for what we love

* How it all comes down to self-belief and how we can nurture this

* Romance - in and out of her books.

Susan’s latest book Nothing To See Here is out now. To learn more about her books you can find her at

https://susanlewis.com/

To learn more about me and my books you can find me at https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

William Hanson had no idea when his granny gave him a book on etiquette as a young boy that it would, as he says, ‘launch a thousand ships.’ He became Britain’s youngest Etiquette Expert and he began travelling all over the world teaching.

He also had no idea when he visited the BBC in Manchester, that the person on work experience who showed him the way to the studio would become one of his best friends and they’d go on to create one our biggest podcasts.

Help I Sexted My Boss is hosted by unlikely best friends William and radio DJ Jordan North. They have millions of downloads every month, they recently won the Listener’s Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards and they’ve sold out the London Palladium (twice).

In this conversation we discuss:

• How we really can create our own luck

  
  



• What it takes to create a podcast listened to by millions all over the world

  
  



• The true importance of manners (clue: it’s all about respect)

  
  



• And what happened when a graduate trainee at a well-known bank ate his peas with his knife

  
  

I also make a very embarrassing confession to William - which as you’ll hear - shows how gracious, lovely and humble he is.

William has some wonderful stories. He’s so open but also shows how anything really is possible. He also tells us the truth about his assistant Josephine… I promise you, you don’t want to miss this.

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Mel Fenton says she was a bit of a tomboy growing up, she didn’t particularly love school and she just wanted to be outside. But when she decided to go into hairdressing like her mum, her whole life changed.

She worked on cruise ships, had her own business and taught hairdressing. She loved beauty products too. But it was only later when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she thought about starting her own range.

In this episode we discuss:

• How we may feel pigeon-holed but we never really are.

  
  



• How overcoming divorce and three serious illnesses led Mel to a life she truly loves.

  
  



• What to do when life feels really, really tough and we just want to give up.

  
  



• The concerns Mel has about what we all put on our skin, and how we can change this.

  
  



• The importance of a community of wonderful women

  
  

Mel’s story is one of humble resilience, love and determination. She’s come through some of her darkest moments and is now thriving as she never has before.

To learn more about Mel and her products click here: https://www.thepurist.online/

To keep in touch with me and I'd love that click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

And as a special treat there's a discount for Next Chapter listeners for Mel's products until the end of November: EllieB20

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As we head towards the summer holidays, you may be thinking what book to take with you to read by the pool. One of my very favourite authors is Jill Mansell and she came on the podcast back in series 6

Jill writes romantic comedies and has sold millions and millions of books - but before this she worked for 18 years in clinical neurophysiology for the NHS . Here Jill begins with the story of how she started writing.

To learn more about Jill's wonderful books click here: https://jillmansell.co.uk/

To learn more about my uplifting Next Chapter novels (and why wouldn't you?) click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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