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Welcome to Season 2 of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

We've got some great guests lined up for you this season, so let's start as we mean to go on.

I've always said that I want Creative Nowhere Land to be a place that inspires others to do the things that inspire them. And I was racking my brain as to who should be the first guest to start us off for season two. Should it be an artist, a poet, a musician, maybe. 

But after recording this episode, I knew it had to be this guest. Someone who, up until recently, probably wouldn't have even considered themselves creative, but someone who is one of the most authentic and inspiring humans that I've met in a long time...Mr. PJ Ellis.

You might recognise the name as, yes, PJ was on Season 3 of the Reality TV show Big Brother, but that's not the reason why I've got him on the podcast. A lot's happened since then. Trust me! 

A family, a law career, a digital marketing agency, setting up and being part of multiple charities that have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for amazing causes.  There are the years spent working tirelessly to champion amazing people. And now he's a radio DJ who tries to get people smiling every day. 

Now, if you are a 'creative', you might wonder how this is relevant to you. Well, PJ's story is one of overcoming adversity and anxiety, reinvention, fame and celebrity.  The masks we wear to survive and the moments that strip them away to reveal our true purpose, and most importantly, showing up for ourselves as well as other people. They're human issues, not just creative issues that we all go through, and we go into all of them in this episode. 

So, if you are feeling a little stuck or uninspired, give this one a listen, as I'm sure there's something that you can take away from it that will help you on whatever journey you are on.

I wanna dedicate the first episode of Season 2 of The Creative Nowhere Land Podcast to PJ's mum, Marian Ellis, who is sadly no longer with us, but who, as you'll hear, has left a lasting legacy of warmth, kindness, and generosity, that is evident in everything that PJ does to lift up as many people around him as he can.

PJ's journey reminds us that our most winding paths often lead to our greatest purpose, and that in a world focused on what we acquire, our legacy ultimately rests in what we give.

Check out the links below to PJ's Instagram and The Mommys Boy Website as you listen. And I hope you enjoy the episode...

PJ ELLIS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/pje122/

PJ ELLIS LINKEDIN: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/pjellis

MOMMYS BOY WEBSITE: https://mommysboy.co.uk/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

This one's a little different. No guest this time—just you and me.

After 21 incredible episodes with 21 amazing guests—from artists to athletes, entrepreneurs to educators—we’ve officially wrapped up the first season of the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Over the course of this season, we’ve reached thousands of people across 43 countries, and, more importantly, started to build something that feels like more than just a podcast. A creative community. A conversation. A place to feel a little less alone in whatever it is you’re building, making, dreaming of, or figuring out.

And I couldn’t be more grateful. Grateful to our guests, to you the listeners, and to everyone who’s been part of building this growing CNL community. 

So, this episode is a bit of a reflection. I’ve gone back, listened again (even though hearing my own voice still makes me cringe), and noted down a few of my key takeaways. A bit of a lesson log—21 things I’ve learned from 21 brilliant guests.

You’ll hear insights, like why “creativity looks different for everyone,” how “passion, and consistency” are key ingredients to success, and why you shouldn’t “pull away from the things that could change your life because of fear.” 

We talk about creativity, imposter syndrome, resilience, and why the hardest part is often just starting. I also reflect on what this podcast has taught me—about listening, creating, and pushing through self-doubt.

It’s been humbling and hugely inspiring to reflect back, and I hope that in this episode, you’ll find something that resonates with your own creative or personal journey.

So, if you’re curious about creativity, craving a bit of inspiration, or just want to know what 21 conversations can teach you about persistence, purpose, and passion—this one’s for you.

Whether you’ve been here from episode one or just joined us, thanks for being here. Thanks for listening. Thanks for making Creative Nowhere Land what it is—and what it’s becoming.

None of this works without you.

Season two is already in the works, but for now, take a moment, tune in, re-listen to your favourite episode and maybe reflect on your own creative path.

You've got this!

See you next season! 

And until next time...

EXPLORE. INSPIRE. CREATE.

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast. 

Now, I've always wanted the Creative Nowhere Land podcast to be a useful resource for people. So it seems fitting that on this episode, we're lucky to be joined by an expert in people, professional thinker, problem solver, leadership advisor, and coach, Alastair Gill of Alchemy Labs. 

Al uses his creativity in a very different way, juxtaposing his creative degree with a seemingly unrelated master's in hr, Al has gone on to do groundbreaking work in his industry, disrupting and changing the way that huge companies like giffgaff, Beavertown, and Just Eat to name just a few, optimise and get the best out of their people. 

You might be thinking, How does that all apply to me?

Well, Al's knowledge and skillset aren't just for high-powered CEOs or big businesses. It can be useful for you as well, whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone for that matter, looking to get unstuck. Take control of your life and achieve any of your goals.

In this episode, we discuss Al's incredibly interesting journey, and even better than that, Al gives us a powerful list of things that any of us can implement into our lives to try to be the best or better versions of ourselves. 

So if you've got a goal that you wanna achieve and to 'put a dent in the universe' as Al puts it, then you might wanna take some notes, as Al is about to explain why you already have the tools to design your own life. And you can paint your picture layer by layer.

You can either make an excuse or you can make it happen. 

Check out the links below to Al's Instagram and The Alchemy Labs Website as you listen.

ALCHEMY LABS LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemylabs/

AL GILL LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-gill

ALCHEMY LABS WEBSITE: https://www.alchemylabs.co.uk/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land Podcast.

On this episode, we're joined by someone from a different field of creativity, Executive Chef to the Stars and my friend, Mike Bullard.

Mike is a chef who's already achieved huge amounts within his industry, starting at the bottom of the ladder as a pot washer and working his way up the ranks to cheffing in multiple Michelin-star restaurants. He was the executive chef at a Premier League football club. He's created popups as well as owned and ran his restaurant.

He's been shortlisted for the Chef of the Year competition. And currently works as one of the executive chefs at a location, so exclusive cooking for the rich and famous that they've asked not to be named. Oh, and in his free time, he's a private chef for sports personalities and athletes like Professional Golfer Justin Rose.

Not a bad resume for someone who originally got into cheffing simply to earn a little bit of extra beer money for the weekends. 

In this episode, we discuss all of this and much more. Mike's journey to food becoming his passion, and that passion leading to exploring different flavours, cuisines, and experimenting with dishes to master his craft.

We talk about dealing with the pressures and stress of working in a commercial kitchen, balancing running a business with the desire to create the best culinary experience that you can. And whether cooking is an art, a science, or maybe a mix of both. 

Never afraid to try something new in order to learn and develop his passion.
Mike's story is not only inspiring, but in some sections might make you a bit hungry.  

Check out the links to Mike's social media while you're listening to the podcast, and we hope you enjoy this episode!

MIKE BULLARD INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/chef_mike_bullard/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast.

On this episode, we're joined by international model, music producer, and all-round creative force, Shelby Billingham.

Shelby Billingham defies the stereotype most people might have about models. Far from being "just a pretty face," this international fashion model has spent a decade building an impressively diverse creative career through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in her own potential.

Shelby’s modelling career started at just 17 when she signed with global agency IMM, but her creative drive began long before that — from performing with the English Youth Ballet to playing guitar and throwing herself into all things expressive. Over the last 10 years, she’s worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Gucci, Flannels, Boohoo, and Wella, and built her reputation as a model.

In this episode, Shelby gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the fashion world — not just the glossy highlights, but the tough moments too. We talk about the resilience, hustle, and adaptability it takes to stay grounded and keep pushing in such a high-pressure environment.

But Shelby’s journey doesn’t stop at modelling. We also get into her passion for music production and DJing, where she’s already making waves, performing at events in Dubai and Ibiza. And if that wasn’t enough, she’s now stepping into the world of acting — with roles in the latest Mission Impossible film and an upcoming BBC drama (she’s not allowed to say which one yet…).

Shelby’s story took a harrowing turn when a chemical burn from a skincare product landed her in hospital on a ventilator and could have ended her career. But what followed was a powerful comeback — rebuilding her confidence, rediscovering her creativity, and proving just how strong the human spirit can be.

Shelby's philosophy of opening doors for yourself and never putting all your eggs in one basket offers a masterclass in adaptation and perseverance for anyone navigating creative industries or feeling stuck in their career. So enjoy and we hope it inspires you in some way!

Check out the links below to Shelby's Instagram as you listen.

SHELBY BILLINGHAM INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shelbybillingham/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. 

On this episode, we're lucky to be joined by Contemporary Artist and Mad Professor of Art, Imbue.  

Imbue and his work have been featured in The Guardian, Art Net and in Forbes Magazine.  But, to really understand it, you need to see it for yourself!  And when you see it, you'll understand why I call him the Mad Professor of Art. 

He creates everything from screen prints to chocolate machine guns.  He's stolen a statue from The Louvre and has even made art from £1 million worth of shredded cash!

In his first ever long-form interview, we talk about his creative journey and his work. Which is sometimes hard for even him to put into one particular box.  Some might call it Pop Art?  Often not conforming to any particular medium but always playing with familiar, repurposing and subverting the recognisable.  

With no formal training and just, in his words, a 'give it a go' attitude and a willingness to experiment with ideas, Imbue has turned the art that he creates into a thriving business through unique limited edition pieces and other clever ideas like a 24 Hour Art Club.

There's so much interesting and inspiring information in this episode. So let's dive down the rabbit hole and into the imaginative world of Imbue!

Check out the links below to explore Imbue's work as you listen.

IMBUE WEBSITE: https://imbuesource.com/

IMBUE INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/imbue/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. 

On this episode, we're joined by Boxi Trixi.  Originally from Argentina, Boxi grew up around skateboarding and the hardcore punk music movement of the 1990s. Here, he developed his love of music and the 'give it a go' attitude that would shape one hell of a creative journey. 

Most well known for his distinct Neo Primitive style of art and paste up characters, that can be seen in cities all over the world.  Boxi creates power figures or totems that he hopes the viewer builds a relationship with and can inspire them in their lives. And, despite prolifically producing art and being a major contributor to the global paste up scene for over 20 years, Boxi would still say that he doesn't consider himself an artist.

He would say he's definitely not a Chef either. Despite spending years working in some of the best restaurants in both Argentina and Spain. And he would say he's not a Musician.  Despite discovering a revolutionary new instrument, which opened doors allowing him to perform all over the world and collaborate with famous musicians for more than 15 years.

So how does Boxi describe himself?

Well, in this episode we go into his remarkable journey from Argentina to the UK through caves, kitchens, and concert halls. His story reveals that no creative path needs to be linear, and pursuing what brings you peace can create ripples of positive energy to everyone you encounter.

This episode is full of stories of resilience, adaptability, sacrifice and a little bit of luck along the way.  So enjoy and we hope it inspires you in some way!

Check out the links below to explore some of Boxi's work as you listen.

BOXI TRIXI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/boxitrixi/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast. 

On this episode, we're joined by photographer Tim Bret Day.  Tim is an incredibly talented photographer that I've admired my whole career and someone whose work speaks for itself. Advertising, portraiture, celebrity, books, art. You name it, he's done it.

He's a natural storyteller, and we discuss everything from Tim's dreams of becoming Led Zepplin's next drummer, to his route into the world of photography, our mutual love of Helmut Newton, art and surrealism, Agent Provocateur and creating complex tableau images for their advertising campaigns. And also what it was like to work with icons like David Beckham, Grace Jones and David Bowie, to name just a few.  And... who, out of all of those celebrities has been his favourite person to shoot with.

Amongst all the chat about A-listers and glamorous campaigns, we go deeper and talk about inspiration and much more personal stories about family, legacy, and the work that will be in Tim's Magic Tin. 

Don't worry; I promise that will all make sense once you've listened. 

This episode is packed with stories, and we dance around a lot in this one, so strap in, hold on tight and enjoy some of the stories of The Dark Prince of Acton, Mr. Tim Bret Day.

Be sure to check out the links below to explore Tim's work as you listen.

TIM BRET DAY WEBSITE: https://www.timbretday.com/

TIM BRET PRINT SALES: https://timbretdayart.myshopify.com/

TIM BRET DAY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/timbretdayphoto/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast.

In this episode, we’re joined by the incredibly talented artist and illustrator, Mukah Ispahani.

Originally from Cameroon and now based in the UK, Ispah has won awards and gained international recognition for his exceptional work. While his artistic skills span multiple mediums, his intricate portraits, meticulously crafted using just a ballpoint pen, caught my attention and led me to invite him onto the podcast.

We discuss Ispah's creative journey and explore how he developed his unique style. From growing up in Cameroon, where Ispah discovered his passion for art at a very young age, navigating a cultural landscape where the role of artists is often undervalued. Nurturing his talent and pushing the boundaries of his creativity until his art received global acclaim.

Following the perceived 'safe route' with his education but still having art as his main goal. Our conversation takes a deeper look at the challenges of maintaining creativity amidst civil unrest, providing a compelling insight into the resilience needed to keep creating when the world around you is in turmoil.  

Ispah also shares the inspiring story of how he and his friends worked to foster a love for art among young people in Cameroon, demonstrating the power of art as a tool for community building and cultural expression.

We also discuss Ispah's journey to the UK and his aspirations of building a sustainable art career in his new home. From overcoming obstacles to finding a place where his art can flourish, Ispah’s story is one of determination, hope and finding joy in creating.

This episode is packed with inspiration and showcases the power of creativity to transcend borders, culture, and ethnicity and transform lives. 

Be sure to check out the links below to explore Ispah’s captivating work as you listen.

MUKAH ISPAHANI WEBSITE: https://mukahispahani.com/

MUKAH ISPAHANI INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/ispah_art/

MUKAH ISPAHANI FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ispaart/

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Welcome to the Creative Nowhere Land podcast.

In this episode, we're joined by Abstract Artist, Clare Garrad.

Abstract art is one of the most popular forms of art.  But also, arguably, one of the most contentious. With the common misconception that you're just slapping paint on a canvas.  It's easy. It doesn't mean anything or that anybody could do it. Well, Clare gives us an insight into what it actually involves, and for her at least, it's so much more. 

Clare discusses her intuitive creative process with music and emotions always at the heart of her work, influencing the colour palette, the mood, and the composition of a piece.  Often bold and immersive, Clare explores the synesthetic connection between music she loves and visual expression.  Using them to translate some of life's highs and lows into her art.

We also discuss Clare's journey to get to where she is now—spending ten years drifting through various non-creative jobs, feeling somewhat lost and unfulfilled.  Until a life-changing moment forced Clare to rethink and reassess everything she was doing.   

Now established as a full-time artist with a solo show coming up, we also discuss some more universal things like overcoming imposter syndrome, building resilience, balancing motherhood with creativity, the importance of community and mentorship, and so much more.  Clare's passion for her work, and also the power of connection, is infectious. So we hope you enjoy it too.

Check out all of the links below to Clare's work and sit back and let Clare tell you why abstract art, for her at least, is a whole lot more than just slapping paint on a canvas.

CLARE GARRAD INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/claregarradart/

CLARE GARRAD ARTWORK SALES: https://cosimo.art/artist/clare-garrad/4990

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