I can’t believe it’s been a year since I started my It’s A Bonny Old Life Podcast, and I feel so incredibly honoured to have been able to speak to so many incredible people and hear their inspiring stories. So, to celebrate the podcast’s 1st Birthday, I wanted to share 5 of my favourite episodes that are sure to put a smile on your face.

Annabel Andrews, Co-owner of Bleiker’s Smoke House and My Big Sister

I have so many wonderful memories with Annabel and, with her being the person to support and encourage me to make my art into a business, it was only fitting to have her as my first ever podcast guest.

In this episode, Annabel spoke all about her early career as a successful singer and performer, appearing as an extra in Coronation Street and even the time she performed in a music video with Freddie Mercury!

This is a really special episode to me because not only was it the first episode I ever did, but being able to look back on the good and bad times and how amazing my family has been in supporting me was wonderful. To listen to the full episode, click here.

Susie Pearl, Writer, Coach & Author of The Art of Creativity and Instructions for Happiness

Susie has had such a huge positive impact on my life and mindset. She is just the most incredible woman and this episode really holds a place in my heart as an episode that will hopefully really inspire people to start living their lives to the fullest.

In the episode, Susie spoke about her incredible life, from running a successful PR company in London and working for A-List celebrities to up and moving to Ibiza for a quieter life. She discussed how grateful she is for each and every day, and the importance of making every day count. Susie shared her thoughts on being diagnosed with cancer and how her near death experience has given her a deeper wisdom and understanding of life.

This is a wonderful episode and one I always recommend for people to listen to. Click on the link here to listen to the full episode.

Alex Smallman, Founder of Ubermummies, Motivator and Exercise Guru

Alex is just the most lovely lady and she has the most wonderful message and positive outlook on life.

In this episode, she shared details of how she has grown her business, how it has evolved since lockdown, from in-person workouts to being based online. We also discussed our shared passion for helping others and offering support, encouragement and guidance to really show people that they can do anything they put their mind to.

We had a wonderful conversation about the importance of being kind to yourself and making sure that we make time to do things that are going to really make us happy. Alex also shared her three reasons why we should remember to love ourselves and give ourselves the time we deserve.

It really is such an uplifting episode and so worth listening to! You can find the full episode here.

Sarah Gray, Styling Expert

Recording this episode was so nice because Sarah is such a vibrant person and an absolute pleasure to talk to.

In the episode, Sarah shared her journey to confidence and spoke about how she overcame not wanting to be seen due to a severe skin condition as a child, and how she now uses that to help sympathise and help her clients. We had a fabulous discussion about the importance of women supporting other women in business and she shared her advice for being true to yourself and her tips for building confidence and learning to love yourself.

Building confidence is something that I think many people struggle with, especially when it comes to our body image and Sarah shares so many helpful insights in this episode. You can listen to the full episode here.

Jessica-Liz, Pet Portrait Artist

Jessica is just the most beautiful and sweetest girl who, at the age of 20, makes her the youngest I have had on my podcast so far, but she certainly has an impressive and inspirational story to tell!

In the episode, she shared her struggles growing up with her teachers who told her she shouldn’t continue with the realistic artwork she loved as well as discussing her struggles with mental health. She also shared her amazing story of how she was commissioned to create a piece that would be gifted to Hilary Clinton, and explained how it came about and some difficult decisions she had to make.

She is an incredible young girl with big aspirations and dreams who shares a beautiful heartfelt message to anyone listening to this episode. If you want to listen, you can find the full episode here.