The Next Chapter by Ellie Barker

Farrah Storr has not only been the editor of Elle Magazine, she’s also been the editor of Cosmopolitan as well as launching Women's Health magazine too. She was listed as one of the 1,000 most powerful people in the UK in 2017 plus she’s won numerous awards including Editor of the year.

And now she’s changing the way we consume our media, she’s doing something she loves and helping others to do the same. Farrah has also written a book called The Discomfort Zone: How to Get What you want by living fearlessly. It’s all about the obstacles we face and how rather than skirting around them – actually working through them is the most exciting and magical route you can ever take.

Farrah tells us what life really is like at those Paris Fashion weeks. She also talks about the importance of being ourselves and how it’s this which gives us the lives we’re meant to have. Farrah is warm, modest and so encouraging – I cannot think of a better way to begin Series 8.

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As I begin recording my next series of the Next Chapter (I'm so excited!!) I thought I would replay a few episodes in case you missed them the first time. 

Welcome to my first ever Listener Episode***

This is where my lovely listeners get in touch and ask me to interview someone they would love to hear from. Abigail Rogers got in touch, wanting to hear from a surgeon, and Mr Cha Rajakaruna very kindly agreed. But Cha isn’t just kind, he’s humble, filled with passion for his work and has saved and transformed so many lives. Cha talks about what it was like growing up in Sri Lanka during a civil war, going to school in someone’s house and how he arrived in Bristol and found the hospital (and lady for him.)

Cha would never say this, but he is one of the most respected heart surgeons in the world. He talks honestly about what it’s really like to do a job like his and what it means to him and his family. It’s one of my longest conversations, but I challenge you to find a part that you’d want to leave out.

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Mamma Mia! Here we go again! I’m so sorry - how can I resist this? But if you need a dose of Abba and to meet one of the kindest, most talented and humble women with her own Hollywood story then this is the conversation for you.

Catherine discovered her love of writing when she was six years old. She wrote all the time, but little did she know that when she was working behind the counter in her local record shop, something she wrote then would help pave the way to her writing one of the biggest musicals and films of all time.

Catherine won a competition and started writing plays before moving on to television, but it was when she met the producer Judy Craymer over a cup of tea, everything changed. Mamma Mia! the musical has been seen by over 65 million people all over the world. On its the release the film made history as the highest grossing movie of all time at the UK and Irish box office. What’s even more special is the musical and the film were created by 3 women who formed a special and fabulous friendship.

Catherine’s work has received an Olivier award, a Tony award, a Golden Globe nomination, a Bafta, a National Film Award…among many, many others. But here is what’s so special about Catherine, she is one of the most down-to-earth loveliest people, you could ever wish to meet.

Catherine tells us what really happened when she met Bjorn and Benny, she talks about the moment she found out Meryl Streep was going to star in the film, and how friendships have seen her through all her Next Chapters. Catherine is a real superstar in every sense of the word and she gives some fabulous advice for all our Next Chapters. 

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Scott Pack worked in the record industry for many years, before he entered the world of publishing. He went on to be the head buyer at Waterstones before becoming a senior editor at Harper Collins. So, it’s fair to say when it comes to books Scott knows what he’s talking about. He’s also worked with independent publishers, written his own books Tips from a Publisher and Literary Cats - and he regularly hosts Guardian Masterclasses. But, like all good stories there’s an extra twist – on top of all this Scott writes questions for Mastermind.

Scott speaks openly about the publishing industry, what you really need to do to become an author and why he’s now an expert on Taylor Swift. He’s funny, kind and so generous with his wisdoms.  I love working with Scott (full disclosure: he’s my book editor) and am so excited to introduce him to you.

https://www.eye-books.com/books/tips-from-a-publisher

https://bodleianshop.co.uk/products/literary-cats

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Christine grew up in the mountains in Switzerland – I mean how lovely. She then worked for the Swiss National Bank and her job took her all over the world. But when she had her children she said she felt increasingly trapped – she remembered how creative she was a child and wanted to feel less stuck.

Christine tried all sorts of things, taking classes, and finding out what she loves before she settled on being a filmmaker. She can work around her family, she makes her own schedule and she’s making a living out of something she is passionate about.

Christine says it’s often self-belief which is missing rather than the skill. We talk about how school can define who you think you are but how wrong it can be, and she is thoughtful, kind and gives some brilliant advice about dealing with doubt and how to let it pass.

You can see Christine’s work here: http://christinepreisig.com/

And just in case you were wondering you can see my books and join my Next Chapter world here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

(Also if you could rate and review this episode – even better subscribe – I’d be eternally grateful as it may help someone with their Next Chapter which is indeed our mission)

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Special episode alert****

I know, I know - all my guests on the Next Chapter are special - but if you are a parent or someone with a young person in your life - if you have any worries about them at all - this is an episode you should not miss...

Martin was working in finance when he and a friend saw two young men in their local park dealing drugs. They knew they had to do something and couldn’t let life in their community carry on as it was – so they started Empire Fighting Chance – it’s a charity which helps young people with all sorts of issues – through therapy and non-contact boxing.

Their work has helped transform the lives of thousands of people, they work with schools, the police, they’ve helped so many with their mental health – they lobby Parliament and they’ve even attracted the attention of the Royal Family. But this isn’t just a story about boxing – it’s about family coming together, community, friendship, believing in what you’re doing and never giving up.  Martin says he and his friend are just 2 mates running a boxing club  - but after you hear this I’ll think you’ll agree – there isn’t anything ordinary about their story– it’s extraordinary and it’s helping to fill all of us with hope.

See the incredible work they do: https://www.empirefightingchance.org/ 

(And just in case you've forgotten - you can find me here https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com..  I'd love to hear from you ) 

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Today I’m speaking to the fabulous author Cathy Bramley.

Cathy writes feel-good romantic fiction which has lifted the souls of so many – including mine. Cathy is regularly on the best-selling lists and her books are sold all over the world. Her books include Ivy Lane, Appleby Farm a Match Made in Devon – just the titles cheer us up! But before this, she ran her own marketing agency. We talk about how she did this, how she turned the page for her next chapter and how the world’s smallest book launch created an enormous career.

Cathy is hardworking, thoughtful and so generous with her advice. Cathy has been a huge inspiration to me for a long time now – so I am delighted to be able to share her story with you

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Joe Sims grew up in Bristol in a home which - in his words - may not have had lots of cash but was filled with love. Thanks to his passion, hard work, a brilliant teacher at school and the support of his parents - Joe has gone on be an award-winning actor. He’s now on the board of The Bristol Old Vic, has appeared in many shows including Dr Who and the BAFTA winning Broadchurch – and he now has his own production company celebrating the talent of Bristol on and off screen.

In this conversation Joe talks about standing up to bullies, why charity for him always begins at home and how his whole life is a love letter to Bristol – the city where he still lives.

Joe’s enthusiasm is infectious, he’s full of so much hope and is so humble despite his incredible success. He’s such an example of how to tackle Next Chapters  – and yes – he’s even met Basil Brush.

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Joe Hemmings was just 14 when he took up a Saturday job at a hairdressing salon. He had no idea this would be the start of a career which would take him further than he could have imagined.

He now has his own business, Bloggs in Bristol, which has been voted Salon of the year not once but three times – and has just been given a place in the British Hairdressing Hall of Fame.

I’ve known Joe for years now, he and his team have been cutting my hair, but as you know when you get your hair cut, you often talk with your hairdresser and some of the conversations can have lasting effects. When it comes to my Next Chapter – I’ve always trusted Joe and his opinions - having seen how he is growing and developing his own business. So, I wanted to share his wisdoms with you.

Joe is kind, thoughtful, incredibly hardworking and believes family is at the heart of his business. He has stayed true to his own values and has found trusting people has been the key to success. Joe’s listened to advice and acted on it – and by doing this, he has created a world he loves. He believes it’s never too late for any of us and he gives some brilliant advice at the end, if you’re wondering if there’s ever a right time.

You can learn more about the brilliant work at Bloggs at https://www.bloggssalons.co.uk/

And what’s that? You don’ t know where to find me? So here we are…

https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Paul Langham was in his thirties and the corporate world when he thought there has to be more to working life. He had his lovely wife Lynn and their children, but he knew from his job there had to be more. Then one Saturday while enjoying a glass of wine - he had a thought which didn’t go away.

Paul and Lynn went on to open a’Beckett’s Vineyard in Wiltshire. They started from scratch, not knowing anything about wine-making - but for more than twenty years they’ve created award-winning wine from what they describe as their ‘little patch of heaven.’

Paul speaks with such passion about his life and his family. I think you’ll agree it’s everything we all aspire too.

You can find out more about The Langham Family Vineyard at https://www.abecketts.co.uk/

And just in case you’ve forgotten (I mean how could you?) you can keep up to date with me at https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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