This week we’re on Hampstead Heath with the brilliant author Bella Mackie - and her labrador, Barney! 

Barney (aka Banana Head) is no stranger to Walking The Dog - he has previously appeared on this podcast with Bella’s husband Greg James! He’s a pretty special dog - and we were thrilled to take him out again. 

Bella’s always had dogs throughout her life and Barney came into her life after she and Greg went to Battersea with the intention of getting a small dog… he may not have been what she wanted to get but it’s clear Bella loves Barney a hell of a lot. 

Bella tells about her childhood in North London, how moderating an online comment board led to her to changing her name, and how running helped her to manage her anxiety and OCD. 

Listen to Emily and Ray’s first walk with Barney (and Greg James) from September 2022 here

Follow Bella on Instagram @mackie_bella

Bella’s new novel What A Way To Go is a gloriously funny and dark story about dysfunctional families in the shiny but cruel world of the extremely wealthy - you can get your copy here!

Follow Emily: 

Instagram - @emilyrebeccadean

X - @divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Faye Lawrence

Music: Rich Jarman 

Artwork: Alice Ludlam

Photography: Karla Gowlett 

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