“I was homeless, I had no teeth and I was dying.” These are the words of DJ Fat Tony, world famous DJ, artist and author of the candid memoir, I Don't Take Requests. Tony grew up on a council estate in Battersea and his hedonistic lifestyle, and rise to fame, made him the DJ of choice for a generation of superstars - from the Beckhams to Elton John. After struggling with a decades-long addiction to drugs and alcohol, Tony finally hit rock bottom and chose a life of sobriety in 2006, then using his learned experiences to help others through dark times in their own lives. In this candid conversation with Holly, Tony speaks with brutal honesty about the derailing of his life, the demons from the past that he has had to face to get back on track, and the compassion and empathy he has had to find for himself along the way. It’s a story of huge mental resilience, of recovery and redemption and one that ultimately celebrates the survival instinct in all of us. It’s also one you won’t want to miss. Please note: It’s worth taking a moment to make sure that no little ears are listening, as the subjects of drug abuse and child abuse are discussed.  If this episode resonated with you, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Goldie MBE, DJ, artist and actor. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

If anybody embodies the spirit of a certain era of British fashion, it is Tanya Sarne OBE, founder of the iconic fashion label, Ghost. In this episode, Tanya shares her extraordinary life story, from her humble beginnings as a child born in the war to refugee parents, to travelling all over the world. Her journey had many remarkable moments along the way — moments she generously shares openly from the heart, with no holds barred. Tanya speaks about her time spent struggling as a single mum until her label redefined fashion and became a global success, all whilst coping with an addiction that took hold for 24 years.  By her own admission, Tanya has led a very colourful life, one that is so jam-packed with stories you’ll wonder how she managed to fit it all in. At the epicentre of the Swinging Sixties in London, Tanya’s story is one interwoven with fashion, glamour, famous friends and travel. It is also a tale of talent, hard work, strength and utter resilience — and of a free spirit that remains totally, majestically undimmed. This conversation touches on some adult themes, not suitable for little ears.  If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Bobbi Brown, founder of Bobbi Brown and Jones Road Beauty. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

“I get emotional because this is a craft I love. It is my life.” These are the words of Keith Brymer Jones, master ceramicist, design expert, author and self-proclaimed emotional judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down. A dyslexic child, Keith found an affinity with clay, ultimately turning his academic struggles into his best-selling and iconic Word Range of ceramics. Now, with over three decades of knowledge and experience under his belt, Keith shares his love of the craft and his thoughts on how the raw form of clay can not only produce something beautiful, but can actually be a channel for our insecurities and vulnerabilities. It’s a fascinating conversation and an insight into one of our nation's most talented designers and kindest TV judges, one who turns formulaic reality competitions on their head and one who always leads the way with empathy, compassion and warmth. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Jay Blades MBE, presenter and founder of Jay & Co. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.

How can you take your passions and turn them into a brand that touches the hearts of thousands nationwide? Cath Kidston Padgham MBE built a thriving British business by embracing her love of textiles, interiors and print, and following her heart. But how? Reflecting on the pivotal moments that led her to success, Cath and Holly explore the breathtaking highs Cath experienced, as well as the heartbreaking loss and grief that have punctuated her journey so far — and also sharpened her senses, built resilience and drove her forwards.  Having grown a truly iconic household brand bursting with joy, colour and creativity, she’s an undeniable master in her field, and here she reveals how she did it, and why she’s doing it all again with her new brand C.Atherley.  This episode follows Cath’s story from the early days of turning her vision into a reality, and shares the secrets behind her success. It reminds us all of the importance of showing up when times are tough and how sometimes, life takes us full circle to return to our roots. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen.  Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice. 

As one of the most inspiring stories you'll ever hear, this is a conversation that really will make you appreciate the beauty of life.  This week, Holly speaks with TV presenter, author and disability activist Sophie Morgan to find out more of what we can achieve when we refuse to let what happens to us in life — or other people — define us. Paralysed in a car crash when she was just eighteen years old, Sophie has faced gruelling personal challenges, campaigned relentlessly to dispel the myths around disability and spoken out against ableist attitudes ever since. Tenacity, ongoing resilience and a lust for life are just some of the characteristics that Sophie has by the bucketload and it's exactly this attitude that has kept driving her forwards in even the darkest of times. Sophie shares with Holly how all her experiences, at times raw and unflinching, have shaped her as a person, of how art and creativity have helped to heal her and of how she has created a colourful, beautiful life that is bursting with adventure and new horizons. If you enjoyed this episode, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Josh Patterson, Ultra-athlete, Broadcaster and Mental Health Campaigner. Plus for more unfiltered insight, subscribe to Holly’s weekly newsletters on our website, where she shares small business inspiration of all kinds, exclusive nuggets of wisdom from her and her guests, plus offers, creative ideas and topical, 'ungoogleable' business advice.