It's been ages since I caught up with my ex-Flying Solo partner, Sam so it was especially good to hear how she is doing. Not surprisingly, she's making the most of everything and has some good regimes in place in her household. What does she miss the most? Hugging her friends of course.

Continuing this special COVID-19 series, I talk with Tim Reid, host of the hugely popular Small Business Big Marketing show. As always, Tim is candid, entertaining and generous. 

This is the first in a short series where I catch up with some inventive friends and find out how they're bearing up in these unusual times. Today's guest is the founder of The Business Bakery and a frequent commentator on small business finance. 

In the final show of this series, before I commence a focus on how people are coping with COVID-19, I talk with career coach Annie Stewart about her new book, 'Career to Calling'.

In this episode from the library, I talk with one of my closest friends, Pauline Crawford about the motivations behind her little enterprise, 'Push Babies'. Started to satisfy a clear need, the business continues to bring pleasure nearly 20 years on.

Allan Parker is an eccentric, empirical behavioural scientist and a truly fascinating man. In this podcast he shares how we can shift out of problems into options; how he stays so engaged with his work and why the past and the future offer little appeal. I so loved talking with him.

Mike Staniford has been a good friend for over 20 years. We first met at a design agency in Sydney where he was Creative Director and I fiddled about at the 'client service' end. Yes, he was the glamorous one. A few years ago he chucked it all in and started his creative writing and painting career. He's doing well and learning a lot about staying true to his heart. 

Co-founder of STM, designers of some of the coolest laptop and gadget bags and cases, Adina Jacobs is also behind Mentor Walks an innovative service that matches female startups with established entrepreneurs. So how does she keep things together and maintain her energy and drive. Let's find out.

Jane Harper might be an award-winning author today, but we very nearly didn't get to see her work. That all changed when she entered a short story competition.

It took a while to convince John Macarthur to be my guest. The legend behind Purl Harbour, didn't think he had much to share with the world of business. He got that wrong. I find his approach colourful, inspiring and delightfully influenced by serendipity.