Changes with Annie Macmanus

Steve McQueen

<p>Very few artists win the Turner Prize. Very few filmmakers win an Oscar. Only one person has won both. That person is Sir Steve McQueen, the acclaimed director of Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave, and Widows. With each film, Steve McQueen expanded the scope of his fierce, unflinching gaze – from Irish republicanism, to the Slave Trade in the Deep South – but for his most recent project, he turned that gaze inwards, to the world that he knows most intimately. Small Axe is a love letter to his parents' Windrush Generation, who lit London ablaze with music, politics, and culture, on their arrival from the West Indies. It is the project that Steve McQueen has been circling around and sizing up for much of his life, but only recently felt able to take on.</p><br><p>In the first episode of the new season of Changes, you'll hear a maverick artist unleash the energy and intellect that has become his trademark on a wide array of subjects: the school system; privilege; cinema; Grenfell. This is a conversation about the need for all-encompassing, systemic change – as well as the profound, personal change that comes with setting your own blueprint for success in a landscape hostile to your every creative breath. It's a conversation that will leave you dizzy, angry, and, inevitably, inspired. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Changes Series 4 – Coming Soon

<p>Annie Macmanus returns with another crop of fascinating guests, from all walks of life, for conversation about the changes that define us.</p><br><p>Changes, series four – launching September 13th.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ciaran Thapar (The Mother Mother Mini-Series)

<p>It’s the final part of the Mother Mother Mini-Series, and it’s a big one. Ciaran Thapar has written an explosive, game-changing study of youth violence in London: Cut Short. It’s based on his years of experience as a youth worker in the borough of Lambeth, where he has helped bridge the divide between distinct communities that share the same streets but live entirely parallel experiences. In that work, Ciaran has observed the realities of endemic poverty, racism, and knife crime that plague young men growing up in the city, but Cut Short is more than a survey of those brutal circumstances; it’s a blueprint for change – both individual and institutional – and a clarion call for engagement, activism, and empathy. It is also, fundamentally, a book that paints a vivid picture of the volatile transition from boyhood to manhood – and in this way, it mirrors some of the themes of Mother Mother, which zooms in on TJ’s experience of becoming a man in difficult circumstances.&nbsp;It's that shared perspective that provides the foundation for a far-ranging and inspiring conversation about youth, community, and monumental change.</p><br><p>You can buy Cut Short here: <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316/316628/cut-short/9780241434987.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/316/316628/cut-short/9780241434987.html</a></p><br><p>And tickets for Changes LIVE at the Roundhouse’s Last Word Festival can be purchased here: <a href="https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2021/the-last-word-2021/changes-with-annie-macmanus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2021/the-last-word-2021/changes-with-annie-macmanus/</a></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nikesh Shukla (The Mother Mother Mini-Series)

<p>Part three of the Mother Mother Mini-Series is all about living with grief – something Nikesh Shukla gets to terms with in his memoir, Brown Baby. Nikesh has written novels for adults and children, and he curated the acclaimed essay collection, The Good Immigrant, but this is the first time he’s delved so deep into his own life for material. It’s a gorgeous, vulnerable book, about the dual experience of becoming a father and losing a mother, and the ways those two events became tangled up in Nikesh’s mind. That theme, of the way grief can alter your perspective, and colour each waking moment, plays a central role in Annie’s novel, Mother Mother, and there is plenty of discussion here about the devastation of losing someone dear to you. But this is also a conversation about finding joy amongst the rubble, and creating a world full of wonder and beauty for those who remain to move through.</p><br><p>You can buy Nikesh’s memoir here: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/nikesh-shukla/brown-baby/9781529032918</p><br><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Sophie Heawood (The Mother Mother Mini-Series)

<p>In the second part of the Mother Mother Mini-Series, Annie speaks to journalist, and now best-selling author, Sophie Heawood about her memoir, The Hungover Games. It’s an outrageously funny book about something that didn’t feel particularly funny at the time: Sophie was in her mid-30s, living in LA, covering showbiz for the UK press, and quite happily swerving most of the responsibilities that come with adulthood. Then, a doctor told her she’d never conceive a child – at which point she immediately, unexpectedly, did exactly that, with a man who had no interest in being a father. Like Mother Mother, this is a story that hinges on the seismic shock of an unplanned pregnancy, and both books explore all the ways that motherhood recalibrates your perspective. This is a conversation about all the things that people get wrong about single motherhood. It’s about finding the courage to tell a story you’ve been sizing up for years and years. It’s about taking ownership of your own narrative, your own body, and your own future – and kindly requesting all those who have a problem with that to jog on.</p><br><p>You can buy The Hungover Games here: <a href="https://www.foyles.co.uk/all?term=9781787330511" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.foyles.co.uk/all?term=9781787330511</a></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Francisco Garcia (The Mother Mother Mini-Series)

<p>For the first part of the Mother Mother Mini-Series, Annie speaks to Francisco Garcia about the Missing Persons Crisis. When he was seven years old, Francisco's father walked out of his life, and entered into the messy hinterland of the missing. Now, as a journalist, Francisco has become fascinated with the wide spectrum of experience that gets bundled into the term 'missing person', and he takes that fascination, as well as his own curiosity about what became of his father, as the basis for his first book, If You Were There. Like Mother Mother, it's a story that interrogates the motivations that might cause a person to leave, as well as the impact on those left behind – all of which serves as the foundation for a fascinating conversation about a world too often misunderstood.</p><br><p>Francisco's book is available here: https://harpercollins.co.uk/products/if-you-were-there-missing-people-and-the-marks-they-leave-behind-francisco-garcia?variant=32674626535502</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Introducing the Mother Mother Mini-Series

<p>To mark the release of Annie's debut novel, Mother Mother, Changes returns with a special mini-series. Four conversations. Four authors. A whole heap of change.</p><br><p>Launching June 7th.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Shaun Attwood (Ex Stockbroker / Drug Smuggler)

<p>We end the series with a wild and raucous cautionary tale of change. Shaun Attwood’s life is something you would expect to see in a film. He grew up in a small northern town and went on to become a stockbroker millionaire in Arizona. He then became a kingpin in drug smuggling, bringing up to £4 million of ecstasy into America. Eventually this lifestyle caught up with him and led to a SWAT team knocking his door down in 2002. He faced a 200 year sentence and after a legal battle and serving two years in the notorious Maricopa County Jail he was sentenced to 9 ½ years. He served almost 6 years in total, the final years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, before being deported to the UK.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After submerging himself in thousands of books in prison including psychology and philosophy, Shaun changed his perspective and is now an author, speaker and activist about the war on drugs sharing his experience, issues affecting prisoners rights and the consequences he faced by getting involved in drugs and crime.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Shaun’s story is like nothing you’ve ever heard before.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can find all the details of Shaun’s books, podcast and you tube channel here:</p><p><a href="https://shaunattwood.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://shaunattwood.com/</a></p><p>Shaun Attwood on YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fuser%2Fderickatt%2Ffeatured&amp;data=04%7C01%7C%7C1e48a45693d84aec5f3308d8fac2452a%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637535059569149010%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&amp;sdata=96raXMLfazpAcmuh4yFK0VwXldhyFqFbhWkOYOf989A%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/user/derickatt/featured</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Warning</strong>: This episode references drug abuse and addiction throughout with references to sexual abuse, violence and suicide.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, in the UK, The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123. You can also contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or head to<a href="http://mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> mind.org.uk</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries<a href="http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> can be found here; http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Steven Taylor (The Psychology of Pandemics)

<p>In 2020, the world changed in ways none of us could ever have imagined. Dr Steven Taylor is the author of The Psychology of Pandemics, the first-ever comprehensive analysis of this subject which he published <em>before</em> Covid 19 broke out. Since then, the coronavirus pandemic has so far resulted in over 2.7 million deaths worldwide, with over 126,500 deaths in the UK alone. As the vaccination program beds in and the rules start to fall away, Annie wanted to bring you a conversation that could act as a useful tool in helping us to move forwards out of Covid 19 in the healthiest way possible.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Enter Dr Steven Taylor - an award winning Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia. Steven is an expert at human behaviour in pandemics and in this conversation Annie quizzes him about Covid 19 in relation to pandemics of the past, and how this one has compared - have we learnt anything? We discuss patterns in behaviour when it comes to freedoms being curtailed, the psychology of our journey and how the pandemic has changed us from panic buying to lockdown loneliness, resulting societal changes in terms of relationships, birth rates and wearing masks and what really affects how well people cope.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>We are introduced to new phrases like ‘anchoring bias’, where we predict our future based on how we’re feeling now and ‘post traumatic growth’, the idea that you go through an ordeal, a trauma or a pandemic, and you don't just bounce back to where you were, but you actually grow as a human being.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is essential listening, reflecting on the biggest change the world has seen in a long time.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Warning: </strong>This episode discusses the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, in the UK, The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123. You can also contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or head to <a href="http://mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mind.org.uk</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries can be found here <a href="http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr Steven Taylor's book can be found here:</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Pandemics-Steven-Taylor/dp/1527539598" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Pandemics-Steven-Taylor/dp/1527539598</a></p><p>You can find our more about his work here:</p><p>https://www.drsteventaylor.com/</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Katie Price

<p>Get ready because this week’s guest is best selling author, glamour model and TV personality, Katie Price and there’s no holds barred! Katie has experienced huge changes in her life (she has six autobiographies to show for it), not least was her recent stay at the Priory, which she explains has transformed her. Ever since she first appeared in the Sun in 1996, Katie’s life has constantly been in the press. She’s appeared on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here where she met Peter Andre who she then married, released an album, starred in a string of her own reality television series, been a panelist on the talk show Loose Women, a period in her life which she talks about here, and in 2015 she won Celebrity Big Brother. Katie has been married three times - to Peter Andre, Alex Reid and her last husband Kieran Hayler who she divorced for cheating with their nanny (having already had an affair with her best friend)! She is now in a happy relationship with former love island contestant Carl Woods.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Katie is mum to five children Harvey, Junior, Princess, Jett, and Bunny who are also in the public eye and she is now pregnant with her sixth child! She also lobbies for change as a result of her disabled son Harvey being subjected to online abuse. Katie has been encouraging people to sign her petition which aimed to remove anonymity online and make trolling illegal. Since recording the petition has been debated in parliament and you can read the Government's response here. <a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/575833" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/575833</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Here Katie talks Annie through a plethora of shocking events and dramas from her childhood to now when she is full of life and happier than ever.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can follow Katie on instagram and twitter @katieprice</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Warning: </strong>This episode discusses rape, drugs and mental illness including references to suicide and depression. Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, in the UK, The Samaritans can be reached on 116 123. You can also contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or head to <a href="http://mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mind.org.uk</a>.</p><br><p>In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries <a href="http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">can be found http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Shaun King

<p>Shaun King is a civil rights activist for the 21st Century. Previously named in Time magazine's top 25 most influential people on the internet, Shaun uses his vast social media following to advocate for justice and fundraise for the families of victims' of police brutality and discrimination. He posts videos and information about racially motivated crimes to help find the perpetrators. He’s headed social media campaigns which led to the identification and arrest of the men responsible for the assault of DeAndre Harris as well as exposing information in seeking justice for the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Michael Brown. He heads a number of organisations focussed on changing criminal justice - Real Justice helping to elect prosecutors who support criminal justice reform in the United States and the North Star, a crowd funded independent, media platform for liberation-journalism.&nbsp;</p><br><p>A quick google search will throw up an array of opinions and criticisms around Shaun King. He has had to repeatedly defend himself against accusations such as mishandling of funds, disinformation and a lack of accountability and retaliating harshly to naysayers. He has also had to defend his racial identity.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this conversation Annie finds out about the man behind the name. His views on the controversies, the double edged sword of social media, which can be used for good but also backfire. Shaun’s passion for activism stems from a traumatic experience in his childhood which changed the course of his life forever. In this episode you will get a sense of the man behind the news stories - his beginnings, his motivation, his regrets and his hope for change.</p><br><p>Content Warning: this episode references suicide and includes explicit references to racism and racially motivated crimes.</p><br><p>You can order Shaun’s book here called “Make Change: How to Fight Injustice, Dismantle Systemic Oppression, and Own Our Future”</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Change-Injustice-Dismantle-Oppression/dp/0358048001" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Change-Injustice-Dismantle-Oppression/dp/035804800</a>1</p><p>You can follow Shaun on instagram and twitter @shaunking</p><p><a href="https://www.shaunking.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.shaunking.org/</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Billie Piper

<p>Billie Piper has changed from teen pop star to award winning actress starring in Doctor Who, Secret Diary of A Call Girl, Collateral, I Hate Suzie and now releasing her debut self written and directed film Rare Beasts. She has been BAFTA nominated and won six Best Actress awards including an Olivier Award for her performance in the play Yerma. It’s safe to say Billie is drawn to portraying very real female characters not shying away from the complications of being a woman today but instead embracing its many facets.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Billie has been married and divorced twice including to DJ Chris Evans, something which was talked about a lot in the press at the time, in part due to their age gap (she was 18, he was 35), with some probing interviews that are really uncomfortable to watch now - Annie and Billie talk about this and the pressures of young fame. Billie now has 3 children. Here, she talks to Annie about how she has navigated the many changes in her life both professionally and personally from career moves to relationships, motherhood and therapy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can follow Billie on Twitter and instagram @billiepiper</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Content Warning: this episode references eating disorders.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Ariel Bruce (Tracing Expert)

<p>On International Women’s Day meet Ariel Bruce, a phenomenal woman who profoundly changes people’s lives by tracing missing family. Described as the Agatha Christie of the adoption world, Ariel works on ITV’s Long Lost Family and specialises in finding people affected by adoption, using her unique skills as a social worker and her background in care to reunite families all over the world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Born in London, Ariel’s parents were Jewish refugees and at the age of 12, she was placed into care and went on to have 6 different foster parents. Here she tells Annie about her childhood, her work spanning almost 40 years and shares her experience of why people do and don’t search for family, when she feels people shouldn’t be traced and what she would like to see change in the future (her answer may surprise you). Ariel is one of a kind, a real character - witty, cheeky and incredibly endearing.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can find out more about Ariel and her work here:</p><p><a href="https://arielbruce.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://arielbruce.com/</a></p><p>And you can watch Long Lost Family here - have tissues ready!</p><p><a href="https://www.itv.com/hub/long-lost-family/1a8904" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.itv.com/hub/long-lost-family/1a8904</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Candice Carty-Williams

Candice Carty-Williams is a writer and author of the award winning Sunday Times bestselling novel Queenie, which changed the game in publishing! Candice has transitioned from first working in publishing to becoming both the first black person and first black woman to win "Book of the Year" at the British Book Awards in 2020. In this raw, open and fascinating conversation you will hear just how strong Candice is and the numerous changes she has navigated - an unsettled childhood, experiencing loss in her twenties and learning to accept praise as a bestselling author. Candice is so personable - you will be left wanting to go to the pub with her (once we’re allowed)!&nbsp;<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Introducing… Ian Wright’s Everyday People

<p><strong><em>Today we want to let you know about a new show that we’re loving. It’s called Ian Wright’s Everyday People,</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>where each week Wrighty meets someone with an incredible story of bravery, resilience or transformation. He gets to the heart of how they’ve changed the world for the better and why they do the things they do.</em></strong></p><br><p><strong><em>There's Major Chris Brannigan, a doting father-of-three who took on an impossible 700 mile barefoot walk, raising funds to create a pioneering treatment for his daughter, diagnosed with a rare genetic disease, and millions of other children suffering with rare diseases. Ian also meets Munira Mahmoud, a survivor of Grenfell Tower who has been preparing home cooked meals for families struggling to put food on the table during the pandemic. Ian then invites Andy Hider on the podcast, a mum of three from Bristol who fostered over 150 children over three decades to hear about the story that saw her recognised with an MBE for her services to children.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>If you like what you heard, search ‘Ian Wright’s Everyday People’ to listen to the full episode. Available every Tuesday on all major podcast platforms.</em></strong></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Travis Alabanza

<p>Travis Alabanza is a performer, writer and theatre maker who identifies as black, trans feminine and gender non-conforming. They are the youngest person to be awarded a residency at The Tate, the first black trans person to sell out a show at Southbank Centre and have had work featured at the V&amp;A, Roundhouse and, most recently, the Bush Theatre with their play ‘Overflow’. As one of the most prominent emerging trans voices in the arts and beyond, Travis talks to Annie about their journey with change - from wearing a dress on stage for the first time stepping into the role of a Lady Gaga witch at school, to selling out venues with their award winning play Burgerz which sees Travis confronting the audience about their attitude to trans people, after they were called a “tranny” and had a burger thrown at them in broad daylight on waterloo bridge.&nbsp;</p><br><p>With their usual charm and warmth, Travis openly discusses attending a summer camp in the US and learning about pronouns for the first time, putting on act, starting and dropping out of University to be an artist, their relationship with their mum and brother and becoming a trans voice in the art world.&nbsp;</p><p>Want to find out more? Head to:</p><p><a href="http://travisalabanza.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://travisalabanza.co.uk/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You can follow Travis on Twitter and instagram: @travisalabanza</p><p>The TED talk mentioned in the podcast is here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wAwcTTOq4k&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wAwcTTOq4k&amp;feature=youtu.be</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Dr Larch Maxey (HS2 Activist)

<p>Since 27th January, in the heart of London, nine activists, who call themselves HS2 Rebellion, have been trying to affect change by occupying a network of tunnels which they dug under Euston station. Larch Maxey is one of them. They are protesting against HS2, the High speed rail project planning to connect London to Birmingham up to Manchester and Leeds, a project which will lead to faster travel and better links between the north and south. It is estimated to cost over £100 billion. The activists are protesting due to the environmental and ecological impact of the scheme. The Government has said that the cost of tackling climate activists at HS2 sites has hit nearly £50 million - here Larch addresses the critics and explains why he believes this is the only way to affect change.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Despite losing their high court case for a right to protest, the HS2 rebellion are still underground and resisting eviction by bailiffs. Annie spoke to Larch on Saturday 13th February after 18 days in the tunnels. As they spoke he received calls about new digs taking place to get them out. In this rare insight, Larch tells us about life underground, why they refuse to leave and the journey he has taken to be there, from fighting off bullies at school to being a single parent and the turning point that made him leave his job and dedicate his life to fighting climate change. It’s an emotional, informative and important listen.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>To find out more about HS2 Rebellion and their campaign head to:</strong></p><p>HS2Rebellion.earth</p><p>Twitter: @Hs2Rebellion&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>To support the tunnelers&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/25c4b0w040?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gofundme.com/f/25c4b0w040?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=copy_link_all&amp;utm_source=customer</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.ceebill.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ceebill.uk/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Want to help further?</strong></p><p>If you want to help HS2 rebellion you can lobby your MP and ask them to:</p><p>1. support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill,&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.ceebill.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ceebill.uk/</a></p><p>2. cancel HS2 and&nbsp;</p><p>3. call off the Eviction.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Larch also talks about this organisation - Balanced View&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.openintelligenceandlove.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.openintelligenceandlove.org/</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Bez

<p>Bez is a legendary figure of the Manchester music scene - the wild maraca playing dance man of Happy Mondays and a member of Black Grape, he has since traded the party days to lead a healthy lifestyle and become an unlikely fitness instructor with his You Tube classes "Get Buzzin’ with Bez”. A multi faceted man, Bez won Celebrity Big Brother in 2005, previously stood as a candidate in the UK General Election running on a platform of "free energy, free food and free anything" and has explored community living. Here Bez talks to Annie about the many changes in his life - the highs and the lows, his new approach to healthy living, why males in his age group might be more reluctant to embrace change and a sustainable lifestyle, and his love of beekeeping!</p><br><p>This episode is sponsored by Oatly. Oatly has launched a campaign called – ‘Help Dad – a guide to help dads quit dairy’ which is designed to encourage open-minded conversations between different generations about dairy consumption, plant based diets, and how what we eat and drink can affect the environment. For more information, stats, tools and tips just head to Oatly’s campaign website - <a href="http://oatly.com/helpdad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">oatly.com/helpdad</a>.&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can follow Bez on instagram @bezmondays</p><p>You can watch and join in with Get Buzzin With Bez here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJyQCUuEsspqeg4XD8eE7g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGJyQCUuEsspqeg4XD8eE7g</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Kelis

<p>Warning! This episode will make you want to buy a farm in the middle of nowhere! Kelis is a queen of change - a multi-platinum, Grammy nominated artist, born in NYC, she signed to her first record deal when she was 17 years old. Her remarkable voice and groundbreaking songs like Caught Out There, Milkshake, Millionaire catapulted her to fame, which peaked in 2005 when she married the rapper Nas. They divorced five years later soon after the birth of her son Knight. Midway through her career Kelis enrolled in culinary school and is now a Cordon Bleu chef. After moving from NYC to LA she recently bought a remote farm in California and has moved there with her partner, 3 children and a plethora of animals! She has leaned into change all her life and speaks about it so brilliantly in this conversation with Annie. It’s a riot! Enjoy listening to the gospel of Kelis.&nbsp;</p><br><p>And you can follow Kelis on instagram and twitter @kelis</p><p>And check out Kelis’ website Bounty and Full, music and everything else here:</p><p>https://linktr.ee/kelisofficial/</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

This City - new series!

<p>Strictly sensation and Radio 1 buddy Clara Amfo is hijacking the feed to give you a sneak peek at her new series of This City, which explores the best city in the world (London) through some very special guests...</p><br><p>Discover past episodes and get new ones as they drop <a href="https://podfollow.com/1492707322" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">when you subscribe.</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Michael Sheen

<p>From growing up in Wales, attending RADA in London and becoming a Hollywood film star living an LA life, to refocusing on activism and developing community projects in his home town of Port Talbot, Michael Sheen has changed a lot over the years.&nbsp;Here Michael talks about all these changes - his early childhood memories of moving around and feeling displaced, his first ever heartbreak, having a bruised ego and crisis of confidence in drama school, struggling with the move to LA, his relationship break down with his ex wife Kate Beckinsale, his career changing moments and ultimately why he changed focus from acting to activism. He covers it all!!</p><br><p>Michael talks enthusiastically about his project ‘the Passion’ in Port Talbot, setting up the End High Cost Credit Alliance to stop exploitation of people with no money and his commitment to causes being tested when he was faced with putting everything on the line for the Homeless World Cup. It’s a fascinating listen!&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Denise (On Body Dysmorphic Disorder)

<p>2% of the population suffer from Body Dysmorphic disorder. This week’s guest, Denise, hated her nose so much that she eventually had surgery to alter it. Following the surgery, her mental health deteriorated and she was sectioned and diagnosed with Body Dysmorphic Disorder. BDD is characterised by someone having a preoccupation with perceived flaws in their physical appearance, which are unnoticeable to others. People don’t want to leave the house, or see other people at all.&nbsp;It took 15 years for Denise to be diagnosed! In this conversation she tells us about her experience of living with BDD and the impact on her life, how her stay in a psychiatric ward helped her to change her life and her strong belief that our attitudes and education about mental health need to drastically change. What could improved mental health services look like? Denise draws on her experience of the systems currently in place to explore some ideas with Annie.</p><br><p>Denise volunteered to share her story through the charity Mind. Huge thanks to both Mind and Denise.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Denise discusses how philosophy and stoicism have helped her. You can find out more about stoicism here: <a href="https://dailystoic.com/what-is-stoicism-a-definition-3-stoic-exercises-to-get-you-started/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dailystoic.com/what-is-stoicism-a-definition-3-stoic-exercises-to-get-you-started/</a></p><br><p><strong>Warning: </strong>This episode discusses mental illness including references to suicide and depression.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, In the UK, you can contact Mind on 0300 123 3393 or head to <a href="http://mind.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mind.org.uk</a>. The Samaritans can also be contacted 24/7 on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries <a href="http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">can be found here: http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html</a></p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Alison Lapper (MBE)

<p>Alison Lapper is a celebrated artist, best known for being the subject of a very famous piece of art, a Marc Quinn sculpture which caused uproar at the time depicting her ‘limbless body’, no arms and very short legs, heavily pregnant with her son Parys. The statute rested on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar square and proved quite the subversive neighbour to the other male war heroes depicted on the other plinths. Parys was born able&nbsp;bodied and healthy and his arrival was the beginning of nearly two decades of Alison having to prove herself capable as a Mother to the social services and to the general public. In the Summer of 2019, Parys died at the age of 19&nbsp;following struggles with mental health and addiction.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this raw conversation with Annie, she talks about her mother’s rejection of her as a baby, her childhood in care and the challenges she has faced in society as a disabled person and mother. Alison speaks about her unique bond with Parys and the issues surrounding his death, including the changes that she thinks we need to help those living with disabilities or mental health illnesses.&nbsp;Alison is remarkable with a strength of will, humour and determined spirit like no other.&nbsp;</p><br><p>If you would like to find out more about Alison you can go to:</p><p>Website: <a href="http://www.alilapper.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.alilapper.com</a></p><p>Instagram: alison_lapper_mbe</p><p>Facebook: Ali Lapper</p><p>Alison is a full member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, that would be fantastic, website link&nbsp;- <a href="http://mfpa.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mfpa.uk</a></p><br><p><strong>Warning: </strong>This episode discusses mental illness including depression and addiction, drug misuse and has references to suicide.</p><br><p>Should you be affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, In the UK, the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 1-800-273-8255. In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. Hotlines in other countries <a href="http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">can be found http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html</a></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Captain Tammie Jo Shults

<p>Tammie Jo was told ‘girls don’t fly’ before defying the odds to become one of the first female pilots in the US Navy, going on to save 148 lives when she landed a plane after an engine exploded cracking a window, and sucking one passenger half way out.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In this gripping conversation, Tammie Jo tells Annie about the many doors slammed in her face by the army and the navy and how with her dogged persistence and self belief, she eventually triumphed as a fighter pilot and went on to be a trailblazer for women in aviation in the US. We hear how she dealt with anxiety as a child and how she learnt to fight off bullies from a young age for her sister and how when she piloted Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 on that fateful day in April 2018, her childhood experiences helped her to remain calm in the face of panic all around her. Tammie tells Annie why, despite her experience that day, which sadly ended with one fatality, she is still in love with flying and how she now uses her flying skills to help people in need by volunteering for the nonprofit organisation, Angel Flight. </p><br><p>Tammie is a beacon of change! Such a calm and humble woman and this is a must-listen if you need to feel inspired!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can buy a copy of her book here: <em>Nerves Of Steel: How I Followed My Dreams, Earned My Wings, and Faced My Greatest Challenge</em></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nerves-Steel-Followed-Greatest-Challenge/dp/0785228314/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nerves+of+steel&amp;qid=1554931659&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Nerves-Steel-Followed-Greatest-Challenge/dp/0785228314/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=nerves+of+steel&amp;qid=1554931659&amp;s=gateway&amp;sr=8-5</a></p><p>You can follow Tammie Jo on instagram and twitter @captainshults</p><br><p><strong>Warning: </strong>This episode discusses in detail the events of part of a plane exploding mid flight and a passenger losing their life which could be sensitive for some listeners.</p><p><br></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Nigel Bromage (Former Far-Right Extremist)

<p>Do you believe people with extremist views can change? Our guest this week is Nigel Bromage, who spent decades in dangerous far right organisations such as the National Front, British Movement and Combat 18. In this unique and revealing conversation, Nigel tells Annie how he was groomed into the National Front as a teenager, when he was at his most vulnerable after his Mother’s death, and how after over 20 years in the far-right, he finally managed to escape. Since then he has worked tirelessly to effect change by helping people to leave far right groups and educating communities about extremism through Exit UK, which he founded. He has even come face to face with someone he committed a hate crime against in his past, something which Nigel tells you about here.&nbsp;</p><br><p>In a world where the far right movement is growing exponentially to dangerous effect, there has never been a more important time for Nigel and Exit UK’s work. His story is a real insight into the minds of extremists, and a stark reminder that we are all, no matter how much hate we carry, ultimately the same emotionally vulnerable people underneath. And how no matter how far we go down a road, it is always possible to change course.</p><br><p><strong>Content Warning:</strong> this episode discusses far right extremism with references to hate crimes, racism and violence.&nbsp;</p><br><p>If you want to know more, need help or know someone who does head to www.<a href="https://exituk.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">exituk.org</a></p><p>You can contact them via:</p><p><a href="mailto:info@exitfamilysupport.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@exitfamilysupport.org</a></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/exituk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">facebook.com/exituk</a></p><p>0800 999 1945</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Beth Ditto

<p>Beth Ditto went from growing up in the conservative south of the USA to being the punk front woman of Gossip and posing nude on the cover of NME. She is a queer icon and a feminist who promoted body positivity long before it was cool.&nbsp;</p><br><p>With her usual hilarity and frankness, Beth Ditto speaks to Annie about her unconventional childhood in a huge family and living with her Aunt in her teens, a relationship which shaped Beth and influenced her passion for feminism. She opens up about how at 15 years old her Aunt’s death changed her, coming out to her family as gay and leaving the south behind. At 32, Beth married her best friend. Here, she reflects on divorce and how her current relationship with Ted Kwo, a trans man, has finally made her feel fulfilled and changed her perspective on love and how that should feel. A queen like no other - can you guess what she would like to change in her life now?&nbsp;</p><br><p><strong>Content Warning: </strong>this episode references child carers, underage sex, death and religion. There are explicit references to sex and strong language.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

BONUS EPISODE: Orla Doherty (Blue Planet II Producer)

<p>Surprise! In this special episode on change, our planet and sustainability, award winning producer for Blue Planet II, Orla Doherty, shares her incredibly unique perspective on our oceans. Orla made huge changes in her life to get to where she is today - her love for the ocean came later in life at the age of 30 when she learnt to scuba dive, but when she fell, she fell hard!! She went on to quit her job in London as a TV producer and spent 10 years on a boat exploring coral reefs. After returning to dry land, turning 40 and moving back in with her parents, she went on to marry her TV work with her ocean exploration experience and spent over 500 hours at depths of 1,000 metres in three oceans filming ‘The Deep’ and the series finale of Blue Planet II. The series was a huge success being the most watched TV series on the BBC in 2017 sparking conversations around the world about the effect of plastic on our oceans - known as the Blue Planet effect. Orla shares her phenomenal journey and her thoughts on the changes we need to make, the biggest challenges in effecting change and why she would happily live under the sea.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This special bonus episode is sponsored by The Mercedes-Benz A-Class which is now available as a Plug-in Hybrid with an all-electric range of up to 44 miles.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Bernardine Evaristo

<p>In this wonderfully compelling conversation, The Booker Prize winning author opens up to Annie about her childhood, going to the Youth Theatre, losing herself in a toxic relationship with another woman and her hopes for the future of society.&nbsp;</p><br><p>As the first black woman to win the Booker Prize, Bernardine Evaristo is, rightly so, unashamedly basking in the huge success of her ninth novel ‘Girl, Woman, Other’. In this episode, Bernardine takes Annie through her journey with writing and speaks about enjoying mainstream recognition much later in life, believing in herself and the sacrifices she has made. She describes herself as “unstoppable” - something which may not have happened had she not experienced the changes she has in her life.&nbsp;</p><br><p>You can buy the book and find out more about Bernardine’s work here:&nbsp;<a href="https://bevaristo.com/girl-woman-other/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bevaristo.com/girl-woman-other/</a></p><p>You can follow Bernardine on twitter: @BernardineEvari and instagram:&nbsp;@bernardineevaristowriter</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Susan Herdman (Lottery Winner)

Have you ever wondered what actually happens when you win the lottery? How you deal with the reality of this overwhelming amount of money? Susan Herdman won the lottery in 2010, on a 14 million to one chance. In this episode she tells us about her life before and after the win, the strange heightened night when she knew that she had won but it was unconfirmed by the lottery, and where she went and did karaoke with the winning ticket tucked in her bra (every woman knows of course that this is the safest place for an uncashed lottery ticket)! She explains how she panicked afterwards and clung on to her previous life before having an epiphany at the age of 41. We also talk about her teenage acne and how despite all this good fortune in her life, she still has trouble looking in the mirror. Listen now!<hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Romesh Ranganathan

<p>As a child within the space of six months, Romesh Ranganathan’s house was repossessed, he changed schools, his mum found out his dad was having an affair and his dad went to prison! Later in life, Romesh changed careers from being a maths teacher to a comedian, something he almost gave up following his Dad’s death. Since then Romesh has become a BAFTA winner and one of the most successful comedians in the UK. In this interview Romesh talks openly about all these changes with his usual cynical wit, including the very personal conversations he had with his Dad, lessons learnt, failure and of course the laughs along the way!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Romesh’s new book ‘As Good As It Gets - Life Lessons from a Reluctant Adult’ is out on 15 October 2020.&nbsp;</p><p>You can pre order it here:<a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/as-good-as-it-gets/romesh-ranganathan/2928377041731" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.waterstones.com/book/as-good-as-it-gets/romesh-ranganathan/2928377041731</a></p><p>You can buy tickets for his 2021 tour 'The Cynic's Mixtape' here: <a href="https://www.romeshranganathan.co.uk/tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.romeshranganathan.co.uk/tour/</a></p><p>And you can follow Romesh on instagram and twitter @romeshranga&nbsp;</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>