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Gemma Haigh says she was a little distracted at school – but later discovered she was neurodivergent. Her love of diving deeply into subjects led her to a fascinating career as an art curator, working in extraordinary places like Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.
But when Gemma began experiencing anxiety, she found unexpected comfort in plants. What started as a simple hobby soon grew – quite literally – into something much bigger. Without realising it, Gemma was planting the seeds (if you’ll pardon the pun) for her own business.
Today, Gemma runs Plant Parlour, collaborating with a wide range of people and companies. She’s even been working on a top-secret set at Shepperton Studios and recently won a Silver-Gilt award at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Gemma’s enthusiasm is infectious in this episode. She explains how receiving her diagnosis didn’t hold her back – it helped her find her true passion. And she shares some wonderful advice to help you do the same.
For more on Gemma's work: https://www.theplantparlour.co.uk/
For the Author's Circle (as mentioned in the conversation): https://jenndepaula.com/
For the branding experts I mention: https://brandbuildersgroup.com/
And if you'd like to download your FREE, yes FREE novella or join my Next Chapter mailing list you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
My Next Chapter Novel Collections are all stories of love, hope, and the power of being you. You can learn more about them here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop
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In this episode of The Next Chapter podcast, Ellie Barker speaks with brand expert and former social worker Chris Endersby, whose journey from child protection to corporate leadership is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Together, they explore the power of compassion, the impact of early life experiences, and how we can all find meaning—even in the most challenging moments.
Chris shares stories of growing up in rural Kent, the loss of a close friend that shaped his path, and the lessons learned from working with vulnerable young people.
Show links:
To learn more about Chris Endersby's work at Firestarter click here: https://www.firestarter.live/
To download your FREE romantic novella Could We Just Do That Again click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
If you believe in second chances, quiet strength, and the beauty of becoming who you’re meant to be then this episode is for you.
✨ Ellie’s Next Chapter novels are filled with hope, love, and the courage to begin again. This podcast is no different. ✨
You can find all her novels and the story behind them all here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop
Are you ready for your Next Chapter?
🎧 Listen now and be reminded: your next chapter might be closer than you think.
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In this episode of The Next Chapter, Ellie Barker chats with life and career coach Abi Unwin, who shares how a simple piece of advice from a friend helped her reshape her career—and her life. Abi now supports everyone from CEOs to young adults in finding work and purpose that truly fits. She believes next chapters don’t have to be dramatic, but they do need the right people beside you. Abi’s story is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical tips to help you build a life that works for you, wherever you are right now.
Links Mentioned:
Stay Connected: Sign up for Ellie’s 3 pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration Newsletter—more of these podcasts, lessons from her own journey, and exclusive novel
snippets. It’s just Ellie, her Labrador Cookie, and you now at Flowerpot Productions—and they’re thrilled to have you with them. And you’ll get a copy of Ellie’s latest novella Could We Just Do That Again? absolutely for free.
You can sign up here: www.elliebarkerwrites.com
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Most of you will know Bill Ward as Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street or James Barton in Emmerdale. With over 30 TV shows, 50 stage plays, and multiple British Soap Awards to his name, Bill has become one of the UK’s most familiar actors.
But what you might not know is that before stepping onto the cobbles, Bill worked in advertising for companies like Saatchi & Saatchi. And not only that, alongside his acting career he has also become a multi-award-winning photographer. His breathtaking images have been exhibited in fine art galleries across the UK, and he is even a judge for UK Landscape Photographer of the Year.
In this very special Next Chapter podcast, Bill shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of Britain’s biggest soaps – from Tracy Barlow’s prison storyline to his unforgettable first day on set with Ken Barlow. But beyond the scripts and cameras, this is also a powerful conversation about seizing chance moments, saying yes to opportunities, and avoiding a life of “what ifs.”
Whether you’re here for the stories, the inspiration, or the laughter, this episode of The Next Chapter is a reminder that it’s never too late to write your own.
The Next Chapter with Ellie Barker – Inspiring conversations for anyone ready to turn the page.
To learn more about Bill Ward and his incredible photograpy click here
✨ And if you love hearing about life’s next chapters, don’t forget Ellie’s Next Chapter novels – heartwarming, uplifting stories that explore fresh starts, bold choices, and new adventures. Perfect for anyone ready to begin their own next chapter.
And if you'd like a FREE, yes FREE copy of my latest novella Could We Just Do That Again? to say thank you for listening to this podcast click here
To learn more about Bill and his incredible photograpy click here
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John Scott started out, he says as the class clown. But he is the one smiling now. He's had a working life many could only dream of. He loved making costumes and ended up working on iconic films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Tomb Raider. He went on to be a regular face on national television with Lorraine and This Morning - and if this wasn't enough he created his own sewing channel with thousands and thousands of fans. Here he tells us how he got the job on Four Weddings and a Funeral. He is open, funny and so good and making the most out of life's opportunities- he's such a breath of fresh air, he came on the podcast twice. You can click below to listen to the full episodes.
To listen to John's first appearance on The Next Chapter click here
To listen to John's second appearance on The Next Chapter click here
To download your lovely FREE uplifting novella - Could We Just Do That Again? by Ellie Barker click here
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Cathy Moseley grew up in Bethnal Green in London. She describes it as a true working-class upbringing with a proper, honest work ethic. As a teenager, Cathy was the only girl working on a big city trading floor with no experience. But she rose all the way to becoming the Senior Director of Trading, a job which took her all over the world.
But she wasn’t happy, so one day she left. Cathy has since channelled all her hard work and values to create Boundless - an award-winning healthy snack business which is now taking over our supermarkets. Here she describes the moment she knew she had to leave her trading job.
To listen to the full episode click here
To download your free romantic comedy novella, Could We Just Do That Again by Ellie Barker (that's me!) click here
To learn more about Cathy Moseley and her company click here
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Have you come back from holiday and thought - I really don't want to live like this any more? Did you have one of those moments when you were on the beach and thought there has to be more to life?
Gill Sherwin had exactly this - she realised life wasn't working for her and her husband so they founded the Best of British Beer. Here she explains how she turned a simple thought into her reality.
To listen to the full episode click here
To download your FREE romantic comedy novella, Could We Just Do That Again? click here
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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 Next Chapter Nibble Joe tells us how he got his first break into acting.
To listen to the full conversation with Joe click here:
To download your free novella, Could We Just Do That Again? click here
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Amanda Prowse loved reading as a child. She was very shy and used to escape with her ‘friends’ in her books. She loved the idea of writing her own stories, but when a teacher told her at the age of 7, she’d never make it as an author - she believed her.
But fast forward to today and well, if that teacher could see her now.
Amanda has written 40 novels as well as novellas, non-fiction books and a couple of plays. She’s sold millions and millions of copies and is one of the most read authors on Kindle Unlimited. What’s even more amazing about Amanda is this all happened in the last 11 years. Amanda didn’t start writing until she was 43. Since then she’s bought her dream home for her family and she spends her days writing the stories she loves.
Amanda believes we all have the courage to overcome our fears and live a life we truly love.
To listen to the full episode with Amanda click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s13-ep-1-from-call-centre-to-multi-million-best-selling/id1551090298?i=1000673482858
To download your free novella, Could We Just Do That Again? - click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
To learn more about Amanda and her wonderful books click here:
https://www.amandaprowse.com/
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Cha Rajakaruna is a world-renowned heart surgeon. We feel so lucky that not only does he work here in Bristol but he’s also one of our very special friends. But Cha grew up in a whole different world in Sri Lanka. He came to the UK to learn medicine and had no idea he was starting a next chapter as he was going to meet his lovely wife Kate and begin new life here. Here he talks about the importance of having family who support what you do – and we begin with me asking him what it’s like to deal with potentially life changing operations almost every day.
If you'd like to listen to the full conversation and it's a fascinating insight into life as a heart surgeon - you can listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-replay-from-civil-war-in-sri-lanka-to-world/id1551090298?i=1000594765280
Also, to download your free novella - Could We Just Do That Again? Click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
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Angela Marsons loved writing as a child but never thought she could be an author – but she kept writing and began submitting to agents – encouraged by her partner Julie who would leave out a pencil and pad for her. Angela (or Angie) had no idea it would take her 25 years of rejections before she found the right place for her writing. But what a place she found.
Angela is now one of our biggest selling authors in the UK. She came 4th on Amazon's UK all-time best selling series list. Her Kim Stone books have sold more than 6 million copies worldwide.
Angela has always been such an inspiration to me and my writing and I loved this conversation with her– if you’d like to listen to the full episode it was back in series 5 episode 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s5-ep-2-from-shopping-centre-security-to-crime-fiction/id1551090298?i=1000551430783
And for your free novella Could We Just Do That Again? to say thank you for listening to the Next Chapter click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
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Clara didn't set out with a big plan for her life, but by listening to her heart, it's taken her exactly to where she feels she's meant to be.
Clara only started practising yoga as a way of coping with her busy life when she wasn't always the best at saying 'no.' She decided to learn how to teach it all around her job as a digital creator.
A chance conversation led Clara to creating Bristol YogaSpace - a little gem in an area called Bishopston in the city.
Clara doesn't just teach yoga - she's built her own community and life filled with something she loves. Clara believes it's all about finding the space to listen to our own hearts - and she gives you some wonderful advice to help you do the same.
To learn more about Clara and Bristol YogaSpace click here: https://www.bristolyogaspace.co.uk/
For your copy of my romantic comedy novel Do We Really Have To Do This? click here : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-Really-Have-This-Strawberry/dp/1838296549
And to browse all my Next Chapter Collection of Novels click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop
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Imogen Clark says she advises her children to create their own luck - and she leads by example - by following her own heart Imogen has done exactly that in her own life.
First she became a solicitor in Leeds, a job she loved, but left when she had her children. One day she had a dream about writing a novel – so she had a go, but had no idea where this would take her. Today she writes contemporary fiction about families and secrets. Her books have sold nearly 2 million copies and they’ve topped the Amazon Kindle charts many times. She also writes under the pen name Izzy Bromley for lighter feel-good fiction.
Imogen says her favourite day of the week is Mondays and she’s created a life she truly loves around her family, work and love of travel. I’ve admired Imogen’s work for a long time and she's been a big inspiration to me – she’s funny, humble and gives some wonderful advice and I’m so excited I can now introduce her to you.
To discover more about Imogen and her wonderful books click here: https://imogenclark.com/
To discover more about me and my feel-good fiction and to keep in touch with weekly doses of Next Chapter inspiration you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
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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 – as Head of writing partnerships at Substack. 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.
In this Next Chapter Nibble Farrah begins with how she began working in magazine journalism.
To listen to the full episode click here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/s8-ep1-from-editor-of-elle-magazine-to-changing-the/id1551090298?i=1000601349900
And if you'd enjoy stories of Next Chapters by Next Chapter novel collection is here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-Really-Have-This-Strawberry/dp/1838296549
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Tracy worked as a cancer nurse for 25 years - specialising in breast cancer and later becoming a Macmillan nurse. It’s safe to say Tracy has seen first hand how precious life is – and has spent many years with women and families at their most difficult times. But then Tracy had to make her own difficult decision to leave the job she loved and move back to Cornwall.
It was as she navigated this change, Tracy realised she had so much more she wanted to give so she decided to become a coach and founded The Wellbeing Wisdom Club – she helps women tmake the changes they need whatever their age and her brilliant Instagram account has more than sixty five thousand followers
Tracy is open brave, and yes at times this conversation gets a little emotional. But Tracy believes it’s by being open and vulnerable we can really find what is meant for us and live a life we love. This is what Tracy has done and she believes you have everything in you to do the same.
To learn more about Tracy's work you can find her here: https://wellbeingwisdomclub.com/
To read more about Grace Leven in my novel What Really Happened to me click here:
And to keep in touch with me (and I've love that) you can sign up for my weeklyish dose of Next Chapter inspiration here
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Today I’m going to share part of an episode which has had a big impact on many of my listeners.
If you ever watched 60 minute makeover with Peter André you may remember a lovely carpet fitter called Dave Wilson.
But what viewers didn’t see was Dave was hiding a drinking problem which had become out of control and was at one stage drinking a bottle of vodka a night. Today he is a Sobrietry Coach with more than 130 thousand followers and a hugely successful podcast - One For The Road. We begin with Dave telling us how he began drinking as a teenager.
To learn more about Sober Dave's work today you can find him here: https://www.soberdave.co.uk/
To learn more about me and my uplifting Next Chapter novels which are filled with the love, hope and community we all need - you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
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Mamma Mia! Here we go again! I'm so,so sorry but how can I resist this.
I love all my Next Chapter conversations but this is one which resonated with me such a lot - I thought I would share it with you again.
One simple conversation and the story which would become one of our biggest musicals and Hollywood films of all time was born.
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.
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As we head towards the summer holidays, you may be thinking what book to take with you to read by the pool. One of my very favourite authors is Jill Mansell and she came on the podcast back in series 6
Jill writes romantic comedies and has sold millions and millions of books - but before this she worked for 18 years in clinical neurophysiology for the NHS . Here Jill begins with the story of how she started writing.
To learn more about Jill's wonderful books click here: https://jillmansell.co.uk/
To learn more about my uplifting Next Chapter novels (and why wouldn't you?) click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/
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AJ says he was a really shy child growing up – he says he often didn’t feel very good at anything and wasn’t invited to parties.
However, as he got older and his confidence grew he became a broadcast journalist before spending 8 weeks in the Big Brother House.
But inside AJ was still struggling at the time. What he didn’t know then, was a woman had come to the live audience to cheer him on because she’d been so touched seeing his story while she watched at home. What AJ also didn't know was that this woman, Victoria Hyde, would later change his life.
I interviewed Victoria back in episode 1 of this series – but today AJ is not only doing his dream job as an award-winning bestselling historical fiction author but he also organises book parties with Victoria bringing authors, readers and reviewers all together.
Now in this conversation we cover such a lot – AJ tells us about coming out as a gay man at university, what really happens after going on a show like big brother and how some of his darkest moments paved the way to happier times.
This is a story of love, friendship and what can really happen when you make your dreams come true, not just for your sake but for all the people who were shy children at the back of the class too.
To find out more about AJ West's historical fiction click here: https://ajwestauthor.com/
To learn more about me and my uplifting romantic novels click here: www.elliebarkerwrites.com
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