Today we are sharing a VERY special live recording of the podcast with none other than a true national treasure, Richard E. Grant. And trust me when I say this episode is packed full of incredible stories! 

You will of course know Richard from his extensive TV and Movie career, from the iconic 1980s movie, ‘Withnail and I’ to the bathwater slurping smash, ‘Saltburn.’ If you are a big ‘Saltburn’ fan, you have to listen to our episode with the movie’s creator and director, Emerald Fennell, after this episode. 

But it’s not just this Oscar Nominee’s on screen performances that have made him an icon, it's also his joyful Instagram content of frolicking in fields and his beautiful book, ‘A Pocketful of Happiness’ which details his life story and his one true love story with his wife, Joan Washington. 

Today Richard talks very movingly about losing his wife to cancer, grief and why we need to speak about it more, his foray into fragrance with his own perfume brand, Jack and shares some hilarious stories from his career INCLUDING FROM SPICE WORLD THE MOVIE. SCREAMS!!! 

What I really took away from this conversation was just how powerful talking about our struggles can be, so I hope this encourages you to open up about your life, your experiences, your pains and losses because we are all the better for doing so. 

If you loved listening to our great chat as much as I did, please get in touch, I always love hearing from you. You can find me across social media @joshsmithhosts and I can’t wait to share next week’s episode with you too. See you then, Josh xx

P.S. In this episode you will have heard me talk about my book, ‘Great Chat: Seven Lessons for Better Conversation, Deeper Connections and Improved Wellbeing’ which is out now! You can get your copy here https://geni.us/GreatChat and I really hope it inspires you to start using conversation as a self help practice, empowers you to be a better communicator and helps you build the connections you are deserving of. 

P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Bicester Village which I am so excited about as it’s one of my favourite go-to day trips for great chats and great bonding time with my loved ones - especially during the holiday season! If you need a little retail therapy with a pal, Bicester Village is home to more than 150 fashion and lifestyle boutiques, renowned restaurants and five star service - and we all deserve a bit of five star service don’t we - AND it’s so festive there at the moment!! Luxury also doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, as Bicester Village offers up to 40% off the original retail prices ALL YEAR ROUND. Race you there? It’s only an hour from London Marylebone station if you are based in London! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices