In this special episode Freddie and I discuss our key takeaways from SEASON TWO! We want to wish you a very happy New Year and, as New Years is all about reflection and thinking about the future, we thought we would share our lessons learned from season two. We share our favourite moments along the way and present some incredibly special awards for the fabulous guests of S2...

Please feel free to contact us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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In this episode we speak to General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO, Former Chief of the General Staff, or Head of the British Army to you and me! Patrick shares his experience of the education system, discussing how getting kicked out of university was fundamental in shaping his understanding of failure, ultimately shaping who he is today. We hear Patrick’s thoughts on the future of conflict, the significance of open discussion around mental health*, and his advice for listeners seeking to find a career that they can truly love. Freddie and I both absolutely loved this conversation. Patrick’s insights are thought provoking, poignant, and inspiring. We hope you enjoy the episode.

Please feel free to contact us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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*Please be advised that this episode contains discussion around mental health and suicide that some listeners may find triggering.

If you or anyone you know are affected by content in this episode, support is readily available and may be found on the links below:

https://sossilenceofsuicide.org/

https://www.mind.org.uk/

https://combatstress.org.uk/

In this episode Freddie and I speak to our first Dame on the podcast, the legendary Dame Prue Leith DBE. Dame Prue is a world renowned restauranteur, broadcaster, novelist, presenter, cookery writer, and from time to time works on fabulous clothing collections. To try to align her with a specific career path seems impossible! Prue discusses her journey through education, how she found her love for food and cooking in France, and the proudest moments of her career. Both Freddie and I had a fabulous time chatting to Prue, so we hope you enjoy listening!

Please feel free to contact us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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In this episode Freddie and I have the pleasure of speaking to a LEGEND in the world of Journalism and War Correspondence. Kate Adie CBE, former Chief News Correspondent for the BBC has reported in some of the most dangerous warzones across the world, her ability to tell a story is truly mesmerising, and her insights into her career in journalism are invaluable. From studying Swedish and Icelandic Studies at University to reporting on the Troubles and the Tiananmen Square Protests, Kate's career is truly fascinating. Both Freddie and I absolutely loved this interview so we hope you do too!

Please feel free to contact us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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Here’s a sneaky bonus extra from our interview with Bestselling Author Kate Mosse CBE! If you like this clip, be sure to check out the full interview with her on your preferred streaming platform…

Please feel free to contact us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or send us an email at [email protected]

In this episode Freddie and I speak to the fabulous Kate Mosse CBE. Kate is not only a bestselling author, with her books being translated into over 37 languages, but is also the Founder of the Women's Prize for both Fiction and Non-Fiction. Kate discusses her experience of the education system, how she knew she wanted to be an author, and the importance of feminism and equality when celebrating writers and their achievements. Kate was absolutely fascinating to speak to and both Freddie and I loved this interview, so we hope you do too!

Please feel free to connect with us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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This episode is a bit different, its a very special one! Earlier this month we hosted our very first Talking to the Top: Live event! For this event, Freddie and I were lucky enough to speak with the former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, The Lord Sedwill KCMG.

We discuss his time working with Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and many other leaders, speaking about his time as the United Kingdoms National Security Advisor and his work with NATO. Mark speaks about the various challenges he faced along the way and uncovers how he went from Scuba Diving to Diplomat to Cabinet Secretary... Most excitingly, for the second half of this episode you will hear from our fantastic live audience! Their questions were thought provoking and we hope you enjoy listening.

As is discussed throughout this episode, here at Talking to the Top we have been lucky enough to work with an incredible local charity, The Rendezvous. ‘The Rendezvous supports young people in North Dorset and South Somerset. They have a team of trained and friendly individuals who can offer in-depth support or a listening ear, help and advice on health, housing, money, or small targeted group sessions to build confidence and self-esteem. The volunteers help young people gain the English and Maths qualifications they are missing and their ‘Future is Yours’ programme can help them find jobs, join an apprenticeship scheme or go to college. They seek to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people facing disadvantage (13-25) in the North Dorset and South Somerset area one day at a time, providing them with the tools they need to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.’ – The Rendezvous

We would be so grateful if you could donate to this wonderful charity using the link below:

https://www.therendezvous.org.uk/donate/

In this episode Freddie and I have the privilege of speaking to Val Garland. From working as Global Makeup Director for L’Oréal Paris, to being Judge on the BBC’s hit show, ‘Glow Up’, Val is certainly not short of a few stories to tell. Val has worked with some legends, from Alexander McQueen to Kate Moss, clearly, she has an impressive set of contacts! We discuss her journey through education, uncovering how she went from hair to makeup, and even hear about how she inspired Lady Gaga to wear the iconic meat dress. Freddie and I really loved this interview, so we hope you do too!

Please feel free to connect with us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or, why not email us at [email protected]

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In this bonus episode we finally get the chance to tell you all about a VERY exciting live event we are hosting in May. We are interviewing The Lord Mark Sedwill. Lord Sedwill is a British Diplomat and Senior Civil Servant who served as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service to Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Lord Sedwill was also the United Kingdom's National Security Advisor from 2017 to 2020.

The Live Event is taking place of the 7th of May 2024 in The Digby Hall, Sherborne. If you are around and are interested we would love for you to attend!

For the second half of this event we are giving YOU the chance to ask the questions. So, make sure to book your tickets to get your voice heard! For this event we have partnered with 'The Rendezvous' a Dorset and Somerset charity helping young people to navigate challenging circumstances for nearly THIRTY YEARS. As the charities Chief Executive, Helen, says:

'We help young people facing disadvantage to develop resilience, confidence and self-esteem to become happier, less socially isolated and more optimistic for their future'

50% OF ALL PROCEEDS will be donated to 'The Rendezvous' so just by attending the event you will be helping to support this wonderful charity.

If all of this sounds interesting to you, why not get your tickets now! The link to book tickets is as follows:

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DGUC

We look forward to seeing you in May!

Feel free to get in contact with us using the following:

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @talkingtothetop

** Audio from this event will be distributed via our Podcast platform. Filming may occur of the interview itself, however, audience members will not be filmed.

In this episode Freddie and I speak to the incredible Theo Paphitis. Theo discusses his own journey through education, how dyslexia has enabled him to see the world in new ways, and the lessons he has learnt along the way. Both Freddie and I found this interview eye opening, so we hope you do too. Please feel free to connect with us on Instagram @talkingtothetop or why not send us an email at: [email protected] Happy Listening! 🎧