Stories of 29

Our guest today is none other than Marvel Superstar and old friend of Pixie's, Gregg Sulkin! Having played roles in Global hits like Marvel's Runaways and Pretty Little Liars Gregg credits Disney and his role opposite Selena Gomez in Wizards of Waverly place as opening the doors for him. In fact it was this opportunity that made him choose 2009 and the age of 17 as his most pivotal year. Originally from London, in 2009 Gregg moved to the United States to pursue what was on the surface a 2 week job, which blossomed into the impressive career he has today. He’s won a Teen Choice Award, been nominated for a People's Choice Award and has acted alongside Helena Bonham Carter, Selena of course and Catherine Tate to name a few. Pixie and Gregg chat about everything from behind the scenes at Disney, love of dogs, accents, life across the pond and much more… Welcome to Gregg Sulkin’s stories of 17.

In the hot seat today we have British neo soul singer-songwriter Joy Crookes. Joy’s chosen year is 2009 putting Joy at the tender age of 9 - our youngest pivotal age yet. Joy credits the year as a tough one and marks it as the age that she began to develop her emotional language which echoes through all of her lyrics now. Pixie and Joy discuss everything from the importance of self expression through music and fashion to how Joy sees music as a form of immortalising memories: her own memories and also those of others. As a result, Joy hopes her work is a mirror to society, and that music is used as a medium for activism and change.

Our guest this week is the exceptional Nigerian Afro-pop singer and songwriter Yemi Alade who chose two pivotal ages! The first is in 2009 when Yemi emerged as the winner of one of Nigeria’s biggest talent shows Peak Talent. From this, Yemi realised her passion for music could become her career. She then shot to stardom when her song 'Johnny' was leaked in 2014 - kickstarting her career as a touring artist. Together Yemi and Pixie talk about everything from healthy social media consumption, to lending your platform to causes bigger than your own, to meeting and working with Beyonce (yes. Beyonce!). Dialling in from Nigeria, Yemi’s warmth shines through this chat.

Spilling the tea with Pixie is singer-songwriter Tom Grennan who's chosen his pivotal year as 2013, and the age of 18. At 18, Tom moved to London and started doing gigs around the city with his acoustic guitar, mainly in small pub appearances for almost three years. Together Pixie and Tom chat about everything from the inspiration and direction of his upcoming album, to his very mature self analysis and the music that comes from it, the need for ego in the music industry and what touring during lockdown looks like! This organic and easy conversation epitomises how curveballs can lead to totally unexpected wonders in life.

Pixie welcomes world famous photographer to the stars, publisher and film director Rankin. Rankin's chosen year on the podcast is 2009 and the age of 43 as his most memorable.  Together Pixie and Rankin discuss how 2009 impacted his growth as a photographer and why it was "one of the most exciting stages in his journey as a photographer" after running Rankin Retrospective, and Shoot me Rankin! exhibitions at the Truman Brewery. It was also the year that Rankin married model Tuuli Shipster (twice!). From the importance of family, the grounding nature of his dogs (big up Mavrix) to the importance of boredom to the creative process, Rankin discusses how aged 43 he discovered a new way to live. 

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Our guest this week is Canadian born supermodel and Queen of Pose herself - Coco Rocha. Coco’s 15 year modelling career has been star studded and explosive. She has walked the runway for every major designer, has changed the industry and changed laws, and is known for looking after other model's interests through two of her companies - Nomad and Model camp - that she runs with her husband, James. Coco chose 2010 and the fabulous age of 21 as her most pivotal. It was this year that Coco faced media backlash over her weight and for the first time really, truly found her voice. It was also the year she and James Conran got married. Together Pixie and Coco discuss how these events have shaped her life and career and most importantly how she did it her way.

When you look at your life so far, what age stands out to you as the year that you grew and evolved the most? In this podcast, our host Pixie Lott will be talking to actors, musicians and fashion icons about the age that they deem their most memorable. Whether it's unforgettable challenges or life-changing achievements, guests will share their stories of truth. From great loves and big moves, leaps of faith to career souring choices, we hear incredible life lessons that come from times of transition. Welcome to Stories of 29.