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The Convex Conversation

Inspirational life-stories with journalist Helen Fospero.

As a journalist, l’ve reported on and presented a wide-range of TV programmes and continue to meet incredible people – a podcast series offered a fantastic new challenge with no shortage of ideas for guests. With such a simple brief to work with, I knew I could introduce a natural mix of inspirational people, business leaders, celebrities and find a home for those without necessarily a high profile but with interesting lives worthy of airtime.

  • # 183 – Gareth Neame

    Published July 22, 2024

    Drama Producer Gareth Neame on a Life in Cinematography Golden Globe, BAFTA & Emmy-winning drama producer Gareth Neame OBE shares stories behind some of the most-watched original dramas he’s created – from global phenomena Downton Abbey to the BBC hit Spooks. As filming for the third Downton film nears the end with a cast who…

  • # 182 – Tim Shipman

    Published July 18, 2024

    Tim Shipman on the Glory Days of Political Journalism As Britain experiences the first two weeks of a Labour Government, award-winning Chief Political Commentator of The Sunday Times, Tim Shipman, assesses where we’re at and what’s in store under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Tim gives an insight into what it takes to be a trusted…

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  • # 181 – Dame Flora

    Published July 8, 2024

    Triathlete Dame Flora on Defending her Olympic Gold in Paris When reigning Olympic Gold triathlete Dame Flora Duffy takes her place on the pontoon on the Seine in Paris in three weeks’ time, it marks the end of a long, frustrating battle to make the start line. Flora finished 2022 on a high, winning her…

  • # 180 – Jane Daniels

    Published July 8, 2024

    Dakar Winner Jane Daniels on her Adrenalin-Fuelled sport Four time British FIM Enduro World Champion Jane Daniels aimed simply to complete her first ever Dakar race – an extreme endurance event.  But she won the 2024 Women’s Class, racing across 7,891km of towering sand dunes, vast oases, and dramatic rock formations in Saudi Arabia, sponsored…

  • # 179 – Oli France

    Published June 27, 2024

    Oli France’s Journey from Death Valley to the Summit of Denali Explorer Oli France on his 64-day, 3,588-mile ‘human powered’ journey, cycling alone for 39 days from Death Valley in California to Denali, eventually reaching the summit of one of the world’s most challenging mountains. Oli spent ten years dreaming of and five years planning…

  • # 178 – Dr Jack Wolfson

    Published June 20, 2024

    Dr Jack Wolfson’s Natural Way to Heart Health Dr Jack Wolfson practised as a traditional hospital cardiologist in the States for more than 16 years, following in his eminent father’s footsteps. An epiphany moment with his now wife, Dr Heather Wolfson, led him on a different journey – to investigate the cause of heart disease and illness, rather…

  • #177 – Elspeth Kirkman

    Published June 11, 2024

    Decision-making Unravelled with Behavioural Scientist Elspeth Kirkman In this week’s Convex Conversation we explore behavioural science and its role in helping tackle some of the greatest challenges in society. Behavioural scientist Elspeth Kirkman – Chief Programmes Officer at innovation charity Nesta – reveals how issues like the nation’s health, domestic decarbonisation and the disparity in…

  • # 176 – Royal Marines Assoc Paddle Group

    Published June 2, 2024

    Royal Marines Assoc Paddle Group D-Day Tribute To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Helen joins the Paddle Group, Royal Marines Association, on the Thames in a folding two-man boat, known as a Klepper, made famous by the Cockleshell heroes. As she paddles with former Royal Marines corporal Chris Maynard and some of the team preparing…

  • #175 – Catherine Fairweather

    Published May 26, 2024

    Catherine Fairweather’s Life in Travel & Conflict News Travel writer Catherine Fairweather talks about her new podcast series, Voices from the Frontline, exploring lives shaped by war. In the first episode she interviews her husband, revered photo-journalist Sir Don McCullin, and recalls how she first heard about Don from foreign correspondent Jon Swain when she…

  • #174 – Jon Sparkes

    Published May 19, 2024

    At the Sharp End of the Charity Sector Prince William is building 24 sustainable homes on his Duchy of Cornwall land at Nansledan to provide temporary accommodation and support for some of the many people sleeping rough in the county, in partnership with homelessness charity St Petrocs.  Jon Sparkes OBE is a trustee of St…

  • #173- Paul Barrett

    Published May 16, 2024

    Dinosaur Discoveries with Palaeontologist Prof Paul Barrett Deep in the sub-basement of the Natural History Museum in London, surrounded by a vast collection of dinosaur bones, world-leading palaeontologist Prof Paul Barrett gives an insight into how prehistoric times can inform current issues like climate change.  In this golden age for prehistoric reptiles, where on average…

  • # 172 – Rory Stewart

    Published May 3, 2024

    Rory Stewart – Politics On The Edge An insider’s view from former cabinet minister Rory Stewart OBE on the upcoming UK election and the difficulties a new Government will face taking over a country that he believes is bust, with public services we can’t afford.  Rory is already selling out venues like the O2 in…

  • # 171 – Alastair Bruce

    Published April 28, 2024

    Royal Commentator & Historian Major General Alastair Bruce OBE Major General Alastair Bruce OBE is known for his engaging live TV commentary, here and in America, on royal weddings, jubilees, and the King’s Coronation, giving viewers an accurate insight into ceremonial life and history. Alastair – a direct descendant of the revered warrior king Robert…

  • #170 – Sir Nick Carter

    Published April 19, 2024

    Exclusive with the UK’s Former Chief of the Defence Staff Former Chief of the Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter gives his assessment on the current conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as reflects on his 45 years serving in the military.  Sir Nick says the world looks a lot more like…