ChatterBeans

• Is London the Best City for Creatives and Entrepreneurs? | Mare Anderson

  Have you ever wondered what it’s like to pack up your life and start fresh in a whole new country? In this episode of ChatterBeans™, I sit down with fashion designer Mare Anderson, who did just that - leaving behind Tennessee for the buzz of London. From navigating culture shock to finding a sense of belonging, she shares the highs, the challenges, and the unexpected lessons that come with settling into a new city.Mare opens up about her journey in the bridal fashion industry, her love for creating beautiful things, and the personal stories woven into every custom design through her brand, The Mare Atelier. We talk about rejection, redirection, and the thrill of embracing uncertainty, plus a few fun surprises along the way. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving abroad, chasing a creative passion, or just figuring out where you truly belong, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 - From Tennessee to London: A Journey of Change02:54 - Cultural Shifts and Settling In06:04 - The Challenges of Adapting to a New Environment08:46 - Pursuing a Creative Dream in Fashion12:11 - Building a Community in a New City15:04 - The Art of Fashion Design and Personal Growth17:50 - Finding Opportunities in London21:01 - Navigating Personal and Professional Life24:06 - Exploring Identity and Self-Discovery26:49 - Coffee Culture and Daily Life in London29:20 - Coffee Culture and Personal Preferences31:29 - Dreams of a Bridal Brand34:27 - Building a Creative Business36:04 - Life in London: Challenges and Joys37:29 - Cultural Reflections: Expat Perspectives38:03 - Travel Experiences: Japan vs. London40:38 - Inspirational Figures: Coffee with Sylvia Plath44:27 - Life Lessons: Embracing Uncertainty49:36 - Unlearning and Relearning51:40 - Quick-fire Round: Fun InsightsConnect with Mare and find out more about The Mare Atelier on InstagramDid you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans™ on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for even more from ChatterBeans™. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at www.chatter-beans.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• How Do You Build Independence in Life and Career? | Asher Forth

  In this lively conversation, Asher shares his journey from a small village in Teesside to performing in Starlight Express in London. He opens up about his coffee preferences, the excitement and anxiety of his first job, and how his performance experience has evolved. We dive into his coming-out journey, the challenges of the acting industry, and the importance of self-sufficiency. Asher reflects on the realities of pursuing a career in the arts, financial stability, and balancing professional and personal life. He also shares insights from his Starlight Express workshop, his emotional audition process for ArtsEd, and the impact of imposter syndrome and competition in drama school. Finally, we wrap up with a fun quick-fire round, revealing personal insights and inspirations - including a nod to icons like Beyoncé. You won't want to miss this conversation.Chapters00:00 - The Journey to Musical Theatre Success02:55 - Navigating Drama School and Early Career05:59 - The Thrill of Performing in Starlight Express08:46 - The Reality of Life as a Performer12:07 - Transitioning to a Lead Role14:58 - Growing Up in Teesside17:57 - Coming Out and Self-Discovery20:58 - The Audition Process and Getting Cast23:47 - Reflecting on the First Year in Theatre27:12 - Balancing Work and Personal Life29:46 - The Drive for Self-Sufficiency32:55 - Aspirations and Achievements in Theatre33:38 - The Emotional Rollercoaster of Acceptance35:14 - First Days at University: A New Challenge37:30 - Imposter Syndrome: Navigating Self-Doubt39:25 - The Competitive Nature of the Industry40:37 - Future Aspirations: Finding Balance in Career42:14 - The Challenge of Relationships in Drama School43:15 - Finding Time for Love Amidst Chaos45:14 - Exploring Architecture and Personal Growth47:57 - Settling into Life: Relationships and Career49:20 - Life Lessons: The Importance of Financial Stability51:36 - Authenticity Over Conformity: Being True to Oneself53:07 - Inspiration from Icons: The Impact of Beyoncé55:25 - Quick-fire Round: Fun Insights and PreferencesConnect with Asher Forth on Instagram and TikTok.Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans™ on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for even more from ChatterBeans™. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at www.chatter-beans.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Can HYROX Transform Both Your Body and Mind? | Clare Rafferty

  In this episode of ChatterBeans™, we speak to Clare Rafferty, HYROX UK Race Director and online fitness and performance coach, to explore her fitness journey and personal growth.Clare opens up about her transition from bodybuilding to performance-based training, how mental health struggles shaped her approach to fitness, and the role of community in sports - particularly for women in fitness. She shares insights into the HYROX hybrid race, her experiences growing up in Scotland, and how travel and life changes influenced her career path.Beyond fitness, the conversation dives into identity, relationships, and self-discovery, including Clare’s journey with sexuality and love, balancing a demanding career with personal aspirations, and the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and believing in yourself. The episode wraps up with a quick-fire round, revealing fun insights and reflections.Chapters00:00 - Coffee Preferences and Culture02:58 - Introduction to Clare and Her Fitness Journey06:01 - Understanding HYROX and Its Impact09:02 - Mental Health and Fitness Evolution12:03 - Transitioning from Bodybuilding to Performance Goals14:57 - Growing Up in Scotland and Early Fitness Experiences17:52 - Navigating Personal Challenges and Discovering Identity20:57 - The Journey to London and Career Development23:50 - Championing Women in Sport and Community Building26:58 - Exploring Sexuality and Personal Relationships36:05 - Finding Love in Uncertainty39:08 - Navigating Relationships and Work-Life Balance43:51 - The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries46:54 - Future Aspirations: Family and Career Goals52:14 - Building a Meaningful Impact in Fitness56:25 - Life Lessons: Believing in Yourself1:00 - Quick-fire Round: Fun Insights and ReflectionsConnect with Clare Rafferty on Instagram and find out more about working with Clare at Run, Life, CompeteDid you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans™ on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for even more from ChatterBeans™. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released! Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at www.chatter-beans.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• How Can Adoption Influence Your Ambitions and Career? | Jeevan Braich

  What happens when a TikTok star trades viral videos for the bright lights of Starlight Express? In this episode of ChatterBeans™ , I sit down with award-winning Jeevan Braich, a rising star in the theatre world, to unpack his incredible journey from social media fame to starring in one of the most physically demanding musicals in existence.But this conversation goes far beyond the stage. Jeevan opens up about his deeply personal journey with adoption, sharing how it has shaped his identity, influenced his ambitions, and guided his path in the performing arts. We explore the emotional layers of growing up with questions about where you come from, the journey to self-discovery, and how chasing dreams can be both empowering and overwhelming.We also dive into the reality of life in musical theatre—the mental and physical toll, the thrill of performing, and the struggles of maintaining relationships in an industry that never stops. Jeevan gets real about what it means to navigate personal and professional timelines, break free from societal expectations, and truly embrace individuality.And, of course, it wouldn’t be ChatterBeans™ without a bit of fun! We share some kitchen mishaps, laugh over life’s unexpected lessons, and wrap it all up with a quick-fire round filled with surprises.This episode is full of heart, honesty, and inspiration—whether you're an aspiring performer, someone exploring your own identity, or just here for an uplifting conversation, you won’t want to miss it.Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans™ on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for even more from ChatterBeans™. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!Chapters00:00 - Introduction and Coffee Preferences02:57 - Journey to Starlight Express05:47 - The Impact of Casting Decisions08:55 - Life as a Young Performer12:00 - The Demands of Performing15:04 - Growing Up in Birmingham18:05 - Adoption and Its Realities21:05 - The Role of Adoption Matters24:03 - Early Life and Education27:07 - Future Aspirations30:18 - Aspirations in Musical Theatre31:30 - Embracing Life's Uncertainties32:54 - Navigating Relationships in Theatre35:09 - Life Lessons and Personal Growth40:30 - The Importance of Authenticity46:09 - Inspiration from IconsConnect with Jeevan Braich on Instagram and TikTok. And find out more about Adoption Matters. Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at www.chatter-beans.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  55:31
• How Can Leaving Your Comfort Zone Lead to the Biggest Growth? | Federico Viciani

  Federico shares his journey of opening Table13, a coffee shop and wine bar in London, during the pandemic. He discusses his motivations for entrepreneurship, the challenges he faced while establishing his business, and his personal growth throughout his career in the hospitality industry. Federico reflects on his move from Florence, Italy to the UK at the age of 30, the initial struggles of adapting to a new culture, and the eventual sense of belonging he found. He also highlights the importance of setting goals and the ongoing challenges of running a business, especially in the hospitality sector. In this engaging conversation, the speaker shares insights on the entrepreneurial journey, emphasising the importance of resilience in the face of rejection and the value of building a strong team. We explore the parallels between coffee and wine, discuss life lessons learned from stepping out of comfort zones, and express aspirations for personal growth and future business endeavours. We talk about the importance of cultural adaptation and the significance of family dynamics in achieving a balanced life.Did you enjoy this episode? Follow ChatterBeans™ on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for even more from ChatterBeans™. And, subscribe to be the first to hear about new episodes, as soon as they're released!Chapters00:00 - The Birth of Table 1304:29 - The Journey to the UK10:28 - Finding Belonging in a New Country15:33 - Career Progression and Personal Growth25:31 - Challenges of Entrepreneurship30:23 - Future Aspirations and Goals32:22 - The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship35:36 - Building a Strong Team38:38 - The Coffee and Wine Connection40:49 - Life Lessons and Comfort Zones42:19 - Influential Figures and Personal Growth44:40 - Unlearning and Cultural Adaptation46:32 - Future Aspirations and Goals48:39 - Personal Growth and Family Dynamics50:26 - Quick-fire Round: Insights and ReflectionsFind out more about Table13 on Instagram.Want to be on the podcast? Get in touch at www.chatter-beans.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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