NEW EPISODE: Hermione Norris' Easter Pilgrimage

For the last of March's Inspirational Women episodes we're looking back to 2023 and our chat with Brenda Edwards. From X Factor to the West End and spot on the Loose Women panel Brenda has kept moving forward through times of tragedy. She is the very definition of inspiration. We hope you've enjoyed this look back at our fabulous femails - next month we'll turn our attention to four fantastic April fools... the best of the comedians we've spoken to over the past seven years. As ever - let us know what you think about the podcast - you can email [email protected], leave a review wherever you're listening to this podcast AND you can now watch highlights from our conversations on our new YouTube channel Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Born in Shanxi province, China in 1993 Carlos Gu was raised by his single mother who supported his dancing ambitions which saw him become a Chinese National Champion dancer. He’s been competing on a global stage since a young age but in 2022 he received the phone call he’d dreamed of – an invitation to join Strictly Come Dancing and a move to London – somewhere he’s always imagined could be his home. His new adopted home gave him a freedom to come-out as a gay man – something he’s described as being “reborn and to live the life that I've been dreaming of for years” He’s about to set out on tour with  fellow Strictly pro Amy Dowden – the show is called ‘Reborn 2.0’ a deeply personal show that tells the story of second-chapters and new beginnings.  The timing is perfect – as his dream gig got even better last Christmas when he partnered Karen Carney all the way to the final and lifted the glitterball trophy. What an incredible story... cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time for another trip to our cellar archive to find another brilliant inspiration woman - as we've been doing throughout March. This is one of our favourite EVER episodes - recorded in 2024 we surprised Jane McDonald with messages from her former colleagues on Loose Women as they reminisced over their favourite Jane moments. It's an absolute joy - and well worth another listen, Cheers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Backshall is a BAFTA winning nature presenter famous for bringing wildlife and adventure to life for audiences of all ages. His infectious enthusiasm and a fearless approach to exploration, has inspired millions to take an interest in the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it.  Born in 1973 in Bagshot, Surrey, he grew up exploring the world outside his front door, developing a fascination with ponds, woodlands, and local habitats which would eventually lead to a Masters degree in bioscience and some much bigger adventures. His route into television wasn’t straightforward – in the late 90s – after a period backpacking around the world he bought a video camera and decided to film himself trekking the jungles of Columbia – he sold the tapes to the National Geographic Channel who made him their ‘Adventurer in Residence’  A move to the BBC followed with spells on the Really Wild Show and Springwatch – but in 2008 we got our first glimpse of Deadly 60 – the show which saw Steve swim with great white sharks, catch king cobra, black mamba and lancehead snakes, have a redback spider crawl across his hand and was get bitten on the leg by a caiman while searching for anaconda in an Argentine swamp. The show was a huge success – and at its peak was broadcast in 157 countries and now tours arenas as a live show. Beyond television, Steve is an accomplished adventurer, author, and conservationist. He has led and taken part in numerous extreme expeditions, including pioneering kayak journeys and jungle crossings, often using these challenges to raise awareness of environmental issues, inspiring curiosity, courage, and care for the natural world.  Enjoy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we celebrated International Women's Day earlier in the month we've been looking back at inspirational woman who've appeared on the podcast over the past seven years. Today it's the triple threat of Hannah Waddingham. It's a fabulous conversation from 2024 as she started filming for series 3 of Ted Lasso, on the eve of Emmy recognition. Listen, be inspired, and enjoy. Cheers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.