GillHB & Friends

Gill talks to Wendy about her mental and physical journey from being addicted to running to then living with chronic pain to finally being able to move naturally. Wendy was in her early 40's and a busy Mum of 3 boys when she sustained an injury to her back that halted her in her tracks. She shares how she was determined not to give up finding a solution and, in the process found a new career as a natural movement coach.

Gill finds out what lead Stefan to leave a career in research to become an expert on Gardener's Question Time and a writer of over 60 books. They chat about: gardening, being a writer, his love of mycology (fungi and mushrooms), their joint dislike of 'cosmetic horticulture' and Stefan's recent venture into writing and publishing his first novel, 'The Marmalade Pot'.

What is it about grief that makes it so hard for us to talk about it? Gill finds out from Maryline what type of situations and circumstances, that are often dismissed or ignored, can cause us to grieve. Maryline shares her own story and explains how unresolved grief, that we are often unaware of, can cause problems later in life and needs to be dealt with. She shares ways in which we can find our way through the grieving process and also help / support others to face their own grief.

Gill and Paul were both cabin crew in their previous roles but with different airlines and met some years later. Gill finds out what motivated Paul to set up the Virgin course to help people overcome their fear of flying, that she later assisted on for several years. Paul decided to stop a few years ago but has now started offering smaller more bespoke designed courses. Gill discovers what changed his mind and how he came to develop his new approach as the Fear of Flying Coach.

Having faced personal challenges to even get to achieve her dream of becoming a performer Jessica then had to face graduating during 2020 and all that it meant. Her final performance before graduation, which would have served as a show reel as well letting any potential agents come and watch, was cancelled. Her new industry was closed with no chance of work. Jess tells her story of the highs and lows and what it's taken to keep pushing forward.

Back at the end of 2019 Gill, her husband Clive and Eamonn were out for a walk with his dog Maggie. The conversation lead, amongst other things, to single use plastic, the state of the planet and what would need to happen to change it. Little did they know what was to happen. This episode is a continuation of that conversation, what they have discovered about themselves through 2020, the important role pets play in their lives and the memories it has brought back from their childhood.

Gill and Janey chat about what the arrival and impact of Covid meant for them both personally and professionally through 2020. They share how they maintained a good mindset throughout, using their skills to remain positive and be in a good position to help others. With the approach of 2021 they chat about how they are preparing for the year, not only with setting new 'directions', but also ensuring their coping strategies are still the right ones.

Little did Harriet know how much a girl's weekend away in the Algarve would change her whole life. Harriet was living in London, divorced and with a young daughter when she and some friends went away for a break. She met and fell in love with Miguel. Gill finds out about the pros and cons of marrying and living in the Algarve for over 10 years with a young family, as well as helping Miguel build "Maria's' into a successful beach front restaurant.

Sally used to be a geography teacher until a series of back operations meant she had to give up teaching. She lost her purpose in life and struggled both physically and mentally until she joined BEST, an online coaching programme for women and met Gill. Through a series of events and, still wanting to help people, she has created Cultivating Change, a new seed donation initiative to bring people together through growing their own veg.

Graeme first picked up a guitar one Christmas Eve at the age of 11 and taught himself how to play. He only ever wanted to play music and so did exactly that! He joined Gryphon 40 years ago and they have just released their latest album. Gill wants to know what else happened in those intervening years and how Graeme came to set up and run his own recording studio - Morden Shoals.