Conversations of Inspiration

By Holly Tucker MBE

Personal Journals Society & Culture Education Business

What's Conversations of Inspiration about?

Conversations of Inspiration brings you life changing wisdom along with heartbreaking stories of resilience, tenacity and triumph. Since launching two small business marketplaces (Holly & Co and notonthehighstreet), Holly Tucker MBE has spoken with more than 175 founders, creatives and entrepreneurs on this podcast who have been vulnerable enough to share what it really took to get them where they are today, with warmth and wisdom. Prepare to be inspired.

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Conversations of Inspiration episodes:

05.07.2024
S20 Ep3: Clover Stroud, journalist, author & podcast host, on navigating grief and finding joy
Can the shadow of death truly teach us the value of life? In this soul-stirring and life-affirming episode journalist, author, and podcast host Clover Stroud shares her journey through loss, creativity, and the transformative power of love and bravery, offering you...
04.29.2024
S20 Ep2: Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder & CEO of By Rotation, on revolutionising the rental fashion industry
Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder of By Rotation, talks to Holly Tucker about promoting sustainable fashion consumption and raising money as a female founder.
04.22.2024
S20 Ep1: Giovanna Fletcher, on living a life of self-acceptance
Why did Giovanna Fletcher call her encounter with royalty 'bizarrely beautiful'? Actress, author, podcast host, a true champion of mothers and the “I’m a Celebrity” Queen of the Castle shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and empowerment. From her experience starring in...
03.18.2024
Jay Blades MBE, presenter, social enterpriser & furniture restorer, on the beauty of repairing communities through craft
Jay Blades MBE, presenter of the BBC’s beloved The Repair Shop, returns to the podcast for a second time with his infectious energy and soulful wisdom — this time, sharing his belief in the power of using human connection to...
03.11.2024
Perry Haydn Taylor, on revolutionising how we think about brand
Meet Perry Haydn Taylor, brand genius, design guru and true disruptor. His work shines out of many kitchen cupboards and fridges, from Dorset Cereals or Whole Earth to Gü desserts. For 30 years, Perry has helped entrepreneurs start and transform...
03.04.2024
Dame Sarah Storey DBE, on leaving a legacy of determination, resilience and triumph
Dame Sarah Storey is Britain’s most decorated Paralympian and her uplifting journey is a beacon of hope, and testament to the power of resilience. They say if you believe in yourself anything is possible. This week's guest has a story...
02.26.2024
Elvis & Kresse Wesling CBE, founders of Elvis & Kresse, on the power of circular businesses
Elvis & Kresse is a superb example of a circular business, making luxury accessories from recycled materials (mainly fire hoses). Since 2005, they’ve saved 300 tonnes of decommissioned ones from landfill and donated 50% of profits. Discover how this incredible...
02.19.2024
Antonia & Jonny Philp, founders of Nursem, on passion, purpose and The Nursem Promise
Antonia and Jonny Philp worked tirelessly to create a hand cream that helps our nation’s NHS professionals and is commercially successful (they promise to give a month’s worth of free hand cream to a nurse or midwife with every purchase)....
02.12.2024
Alex Head, founder of Social Pantry, on creating a recipe for social change
From catering events for the Hollywood elite to employing prison leavers, Alex Head opens the doors to her socially conscious catering business — and it’s fascinating. A business creating meaningful change, providing second chances for ex-offenders, and with sustainability at...
02.05.2024
Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints & Stuart Trevor, on changing the world through sustainable fashion
Stuart Trevor has an unwavering creative vision. When he was just 19, he was the first buyer and designer at Reiss. After founding All Saints and growing it into a household brand, he wanted to help tackle the sustainability crisis...
01.29.2024
Bryony Gordon, journalist and author, on the power of vulnerability
A passionate advocate of self-acceptance, Bryony bravely challenges societal norms — her authenticity empowering women along the way. Bryony’s courage (and humour) in baring her soul is inspiring, as she shares her lifelong quest to shine a bright light on...
01.22.2024
Ruby Hammer MBE, beauty entrepreneur, on the beauty of embracing ageing and who we are
Ruby Hammer has been rewriting the beauty narrative for over three decades and her story is one of utter authenticity. In an industry obsessed with youth, Ruby talks about embracing ageing, the power this gives us and how to do...
01.15.2024
Jools Oliver, children’s clothing designer, on finding happiness in everyday moments
For Jools Oliver, happiness is most deeply rooted in her family values and home is definitely where her heart is. This is a conversation that focuses on what’s important in life, the relationships we nurture, the environment we create and...
12.18.2023
Holly’s Christmas Special 2023, on the incredible power of words
We have delved into the treasure trove of episodes of 2023, to bring you the most powerful words shared, the golden advice given and a healthy dose of heartfelt inspiration. For a moment of reflection, or renewed energy for the...
12.11.2023
Mike & Alison Battle, Founders of LaplandUK, on honouring the magic of childhood
When Mike and Alison Battle couldn’t find a magical Christmas experience for their own children, they decided to create one themselves. Their journey from primary school teacher and hedge fund manager to Mr and Mrs Lapland is nothing short of...
12.04.2023
Patrick Grant, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur, on stitching communities together through fashion
With a love of clothing from an early age, fashion has always been part of Patrick’s DNA and the golden thread throughout his life. Yet his destiny wasn’t just about fashion, but to fulfil a mission to bring communities together,...
11.27.2023
Jeanette Aurdal on finding success being who you were always meant to be
Jeanette Aurdal Founder of The Oak & Rope Company On finding success being who you were always meant to be Want to know how Jeanette Aurdal made the transition from being a passionate hobbyist to building a thriving brand, celebrated for its handcrafted...
11.20.2023
Vanita Parti MBE on beauty, brows and breaking barriers
Inspired by her Indian heritage, Vanita founded her business after noticing a gap in the market for convenient, quality brow services. In doing so, she not only brought an ancient beauty technique to the 21st century, but also disrupted a...
11.15.2023
Henry Fraser, Mouth Artist, Author & Speaker, on the remarkable power of the human spirit
At just 17 years old, Henry had a serious diving accident which left him paralysed from the neck down. Finding himself trapped between a past he no longer recognised and a future he couldn't imagine, Henry shares how he found...
11.06.2023
Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, on building a brand from a mother’s love
Joanna Jensen launched Childs Farm fuelled by a wish to help her daughters’ eczema-prone skin. Her story is one of entrepreneurship, determination and the strength of a mother’s love. From agonising challenges such as divorce, losing her home and confronting...
10.30.2023
Jane Shepherdson CBE, fashion pioneer, on using instinct to take Whistles and Topshop to the top
Hailed as a retail genius, credited with transforming Topshop into a global fashion phenomenon and working wonders at Whistles, Jane began her career at the bottom of the ladder and honed her craft from the ground up with grit and...
10.23.2023
Meredithe Stuart-Smith on crafting the magical world of Meri Meri
Meredithe shares her journey from being a one-woman operation at the kitchen table to building an eternally joyful, internationally recognised, party accessories brand. Discover how, with ‘team’ at the heart of everything and a belief that imagination equals freedom, she...
10.16.2023
Karen Millen OBE on building a fashion empire from £100
Karen Millen OBE started her iconic brand with £100 and 100 metres of cotton. Hear how she built and sold a thriving fashion empire against the odds — before being declared bankrupt and getting divorced. How did she learn to...
06.26.2023
Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, on how to navigate the new beauty landscape
In this very special episode Holly is thrilled to sit down for a second time with Marcia Kilgore, the visionary founder of Beauty Pie, Soap & Glory, FitFlop and more, to share her inside knowledge on the real beauty industry...
06.19.2023
Rebuilding your body, mind and life after cancer, with Rosamund Dean, journalist, author and speaker
“After breast cancer, you can’t get the old you back, not really. BUT you can build a new version of yourself; wiser, stronger, less fearful, more joyful, more aware, more compassionate and with a greater sense of purpose.” These are the...
06.12.2023
Taking on the soft drinks giants, and winning with wonky fruit, with Alex Wright and Jack Scott, founders of DASH Water
Meet Alex Wright and Jack Scott, founders of DASH Water, a soft drinks brand that is making a difference, one wonky lemon and one curly cucumber at a time. This episode is packed full of insights from two entrepreneurs who...
06.05.2023
The new meaning of ‘United’ with Rio Ferdinand OBE, sportsman, broadcaster and campaigner
When you’re a footballing legend how can you use your platform as a force for good? That’s the conversation shared between Holly and Rio in this week's fascinating episode. Humble, honest and inspiring, Rio is renowned as one of our most beloved...
05.30.2023
The transformative power of pursuing your passion, with Kitty and Al Tait, founders of Kitty’s Kits, The Orange Bakery and Breaducation
“I didn’t know how to function any more. And then, one day, I watched my dad make a really simple overnight bread, mixing flour, salt and yeast in a bowl. Watching something so simple transform into something so magical made...
05.22.2023
Turning the page on a traumatic past, with DJ Fat Tony, DJ, author and artist
“I was homeless, I had no teeth and I was dying.” These are the words of DJ Fat Tony, world famous DJ, artist and author of the candid memoir, I Don't Take Requests. Tony grew up on a council estate in Battersea...
05.15.2023
Having the courage to test life’s limits and learn, with Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of Ghost
If anybody embodies the spirit of a certain era of British fashion, it is Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of the iconic fashion label, Ghost. In this episode, Tanya shares her extraordinary life story, from her humble beginnings as a child born...
05.09.2023
Using your passion to mould your future, with Keith Brymer Jones, British designer, master potter, author and Great Pottery Throw Down judge
“I get emotional because this is a craft I love. It is my life.” These are the words of Keith Brymer Jones, master ceramicist, design expert, author and self-proclaimed emotional judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down. A dyslexic child, Keith found...
05.02.2023
Building a joyful British brand, with Cath Kidston Padgham MBE, founder of Cath Kidston
How can you take your passions and turn them into a brand that touches the hearts of thousands nationwide? Cath Kidston Padgham MBE built a thriving British business by embracing her love of textiles, interiors and print, and following her...
04.24.2023
Using a life changing moment to change lives, with Sophie Morgan, TV presenter, author, inclusive travel expert and disability campaigner
As one of the most inspiring stories you'll ever hear, this is a conversation that really will make you appreciate the beauty of life. This week, Holly speaks with TV presenter, author and disability activist Sophie Morgan to find out more...
03.20.2023
The benefits of growing older and wiser, with Johnnie Boden CBE, founder of Boden
How do you evolve with your brand as a founder? For over three decades Boden has been serious about style that makes you smile, and this week, Holly sits down with Johnnie Boden CBE to revisit his story since they first...
03.17.2023
A tribute to Jacqueline Gold CBE
Jacqueline Gold CBE, Chief Executive of Ann Summers, made it her life mission to empower women both in the boardroom but also in the bedroom, and unashamedly too. She tackled taboos, redefined an entire industry and made a lasting impact...
03.13.2023
Leading a chocolate revolution, with Chantal Coady OBE, founder of The Chocolate Detective
It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. Chantal Coady OBE – AKA The Chocolate Detective — is on a mission to help you uncover the finest and most ethical chocolate around. Fuelled by a lifelong love of all...
03.06.2023
How women can thrive through all seasons, with Baroness Ruth Rogers CBE, co-founder of The River Cafe
As women, how on earth is it possible to build a business and grow with it over decades — whilst raising a family, weathering the storms of life and remaining inspired, motivated and engaged throughout? Baroness Ruth Rogers CBE is someone...
02.27.2023
Making stuff better and making better stuff, with Mark Shayler, Thinker, Doer, Creator, Speaker and Author
Do you want to learn how to do, think and be better – for our planet and in life itself? You are not alone. And it’s not just us in a personal capacity, either. Mark Shayler — thinker, doer, creator, speaker...
02.20.2023
Rankin (Photographer, Director and Humanitarian), on being so much more than your labels
What does it mean to be a cultural provocateur? When your mission is to awaken, to communicate, to reveal truth and even to provoke action — all through the art of photography? In this exclusive interview, Holly speaks to Rankin, one...
02.13.2023
Banishing the taboos surrounding womanhood, with Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut
Have you ever been in need of a safe space to share your most personal questions or concerns as a woman and just not known where to turn? If so, it’s an experience shared by many — especially the 2.5 million...
02.06.2023
Changing the game for mental health, with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint and JAAQ
Want to meet the man who’s revolutionising the mental health movement? With our mental health care system in crisis and people struggling more than ever before, Danny Gray (founder of men’s makeup brand War Paint), saw a need for change. So...
01.30.2023
The woman standing up to the social media giants...and winning, with Sue Fennessy, founder and CEO of WeAre8
For most, living in a world where social media is only a positive and empowering place is nothing but a dream. Yet this week Sue Fennessy, founder and CEO of WeAre8, is here to share how she is making it...
01.23.2023
Overcoming trauma and unlocking pure happiness, with Goldie MBE, DJ, artist and actor
Want to know how Goldie MBE became one of the most compelling artists of our time? Well look no further as this week, this maverick’s story will leave you captivated, surprised and completely inspired. You might know him for his pioneering...
01.16.2023
Creating a female ecosystem, with Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of The Stack World
This week Holly speaks with Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of The Stack World, a revolutionary media platform that enables mission-driven women to make meaningful connections and move the needle on gender equality. A serial entrepreneur and mother, Sharmadean is known...
11.28.2022
Nine uniquely beautiful roads to success - Holly’s round-up of Series 15
At the end of each podcast series, Holly likes to take a moment out of the hustle and bustle of small business life, to sit and reflect on the special conversations she’s been lucky enough to have. So if you haven’t...
11.21.2022
Turning grey into technicolour, through the magic of Christmas, with Polar Post’s founder, Charlotte Wood
In this captivating conversation, Charlotte Wood, founder of the magical Polar Post, shares her wisdom on building a brand that truly embodies kindness, nostalgia and the spirit of Christmas. With the help of the elves, Charlotte’s founding mission was to revive...
11.17.2022
Lightbulb Moment 34: Why you should let lightbulb moments shape your life, with the founder of Abel & Cole, Keith Abel
How do you know what business to start or how to scale it? This episode marks Holly’s very last lightbulb moment of the series, and so she wanted to share with you the answers to the questions she so often gets...
11.14.2022
A business founded from grit and determination, with Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Organics
How do you build a disruptive brand in a new sector, whilst keeping it accessible for all? In this episode, Nicola Elliot shares her lessons as she recounts her story building the cult status, well-being brand Neom Organics. Growing up in Yorkshire,...
11.10.2022
Lightbulb Moment 33: Liberating yourself from your past, with Dr. Edith Eger, Holocaust survivor, psychologist and author
This might just be the most humbling lightbulb moment Holly has had this whole series. In just 15 minutes, you can learn the life-changing skill of freeing yourself from your past and controlling your present — allowing you to achieve...
11.07.2022
From small town girl to organic retail pioneer, with Renée Elliott, founder of Planet Organic, and co-founder of Beluga Bean
Renée Elliott had no real inkling of what her purpose was, until walking down the aisle of a health food store in Boston. Little did she know that this moment would ignite her dream, and lead to her opening the...

What's Conversations of Inspiration about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Conversations of Inspiration episodes:

S20 Ep3: Clover Stroud, journalist, author & podcast host, on navigating grief and finding joy

S20 Ep2: Eshita Kabra-Davies, founder & CEO of By Rotation, on revolutionising the rental fashion industry

S20 Ep1: Giovanna Fletcher, on living a life of self-acceptance

Jay Blades MBE, presenter, social enterpriser & furniture restorer, on the beauty of repairing communities through craft

Perry Haydn Taylor, on revolutionising how we think about brand

Dame Sarah Storey DBE, on leaving a legacy of determination, resilience and triumph

Elvis & Kresse Wesling CBE, founders of Elvis & Kresse, on the power of circular businesses

Antonia & Jonny Philp, founders of Nursem, on passion, purpose and The Nursem Promise

Alex Head, founder of Social Pantry, on creating a recipe for social change

Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints & Stuart Trevor, on changing the world through sustainable fashion

Bryony Gordon, journalist and author, on the power of vulnerability

Ruby Hammer MBE, beauty entrepreneur, on the beauty of embracing ageing and who we are

Jools Oliver, children’s clothing designer, on finding happiness in everyday moments

Holly’s Christmas Special 2023, on the incredible power of words

Mike & Alison Battle, Founders of LaplandUK, on honouring the magic of childhood

Patrick Grant, Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur, on stitching communities together through fashion

Jeanette Aurdal on finding success being who you were always meant to be

Vanita Parti MBE on beauty, brows and breaking barriers

Henry Fraser, Mouth Artist, Author & Speaker, on the remarkable power of the human spirit

Joanna Jensen, founder of Childs Farm, on building a brand from a mother’s love

Jane Shepherdson CBE, fashion pioneer, on using instinct to take Whistles and Topshop to the top

Meredithe Stuart-Smith on crafting the magical world of Meri Meri

Karen Millen OBE on building a fashion empire from £100

Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, on how to navigate the new beauty landscape

Rebuilding your body, mind and life after cancer, with Rosamund Dean, journalist, author and speaker

Taking on the soft drinks giants, and winning with wonky fruit, with Alex Wright and Jack Scott, founders of DASH Water

The new meaning of ‘United’ with Rio Ferdinand OBE, sportsman, broadcaster and campaigner

The transformative power of pursuing your passion, with Kitty and Al Tait, founders of Kitty’s Kits, The Orange Bakery and Breaducation

Turning the page on a traumatic past, with DJ Fat Tony, DJ, author and artist

Having the courage to test life’s limits and learn, with Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of Ghost

Using your passion to mould your future, with Keith Brymer Jones, British designer, master potter, author and Great Pottery Throw Down judge

Building a joyful British brand, with Cath Kidston Padgham MBE, founder of Cath Kidston

Using a life changing moment to change lives, with Sophie Morgan, TV presenter, author, inclusive travel expert and disability campaigner

The benefits of growing older and wiser, with Johnnie Boden CBE, founder of Boden

A tribute to Jacqueline Gold CBE

Leading a chocolate revolution, with Chantal Coady OBE, founder of The Chocolate Detective

How women can thrive through all seasons, with Baroness Ruth Rogers CBE, co-founder of The River Cafe

Making stuff better and making better stuff, with Mark Shayler, Thinker, Doer, Creator, Speaker and Author

Rankin (Photographer, Director and Humanitarian), on being so much more than your labels

Banishing the taboos surrounding womanhood, with Michelle Kennedy, founder and CEO of Peanut

Changing the game for mental health, with Danny Gray, founder of War Paint and JAAQ

The woman standing up to the social media giants...and winning, with Sue Fennessy, founder and CEO of WeAre8

Overcoming trauma and unlocking pure happiness, with Goldie MBE, DJ, artist and actor

Creating a female ecosystem, with Sharmadean Reid MBE, founder of The Stack World

Nine uniquely beautiful roads to success - Holly’s round-up of Series 15

Turning grey into technicolour, through the magic of Christmas, with Polar Post’s founder, Charlotte Wood

Lightbulb Moment 34: Why you should let lightbulb moments shape your life, with the founder of Abel & Cole, Keith Abel

A business founded from grit and determination, with Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Organics

Lightbulb Moment 33: Liberating yourself from your past, with Dr. Edith Eger, Holocaust survivor, psychologist and author

From small town girl to organic retail pioneer, with Renée Elliott, founder of Planet Organic, and co-founder of Beluga Bean

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