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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.

  • #12 – Amanda Redman

    Published July 12, 2020

    Interview with actress Amanda Redman One of Britain’s favourite actors Amanda Redman chats to Helen about how the devastating burns accident she had as a child inspired her to come up with a new plotline for ITV drama The Good Karma Hospital; reminisces about happy times on the set of New Tricks with Dennis Waterman,…

  • #11 – Gyles Brandreth

    Published July 5, 2020

    Gyles shares with Helen everything from his friendships with Dame Judi Dench and Mrs Thatcher to his relationship with the Royal family. He keeps his synapses supple by reciting poetry & talks about the podcast series he does with Countdown’s etymologist Susie Dent on their shared passion for words.

  • #10 – Greg Jenner

    Published June 28, 2020

    Greg Jenner, of Horrible Histories & You’re Dead to Me. Greg Jenner, of Horrible Histories & You’re Dead to Me, shares how his childhood interest in toy knights & Tony Robinson’s sitcom Maid Marian and her Merry Men may have contributed to him becoming a public historian. We explore the history of celebrity, discuss why…

  • #09 – Javed Khan

    Published June 21, 2020

    Barnardo’s CEO Javed Khan talks about the devastating effect COVID has had on Britain’s vulnerable youngsters & the crippling drop in funds now faced by Britain’s leading children’s charity as a result of lockdown. He warns the current children’s mental health crisis could become a catastrophe; shares his thoughts on #BlackLivesMatter & his personal experiences…

  • #08 – Susie Dent

    Published June 14, 2020

    C4 Countdown’s Susie Dent reveals how a shy lexicologist from Oxford first ended up on our screens more than 25 years ago. She confesses to a fascination for the hot topic of swearing, shares her favourite & least favourite words and reveals the fun behind Eight of Ten Cats & recording her new podcast, Something…

  • #07 – Sir Chris Bonington

    Published June 7, 2020

    Interview with mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington Sir Chris Bonington has lived life on the edge. In The Convex Conversation, he talks to Helen Fospero about the draw of the beauty of the mountains, his desire to push himself to the limit on expeditions and the attraction to the risks involved. Chris describes his emotional ascent…

  • #06 – Anna Jones

    Published May 31, 2020

    Interview with Anna Jones, Co-Founder of AllBright Entrepreneur Anna Jones tells us why she quit her job as CEO of a top publishing house to set up a members’ club aimed at championing women in business, networking and developing their careers. A chance meeting at a party led to the formation of AllBright in the…

  • #05 – Bob Harris

    Published May 24, 2020

    Music legend Bob Harris joins us from his studio ‘Under The Apple Tree’. He reminisces about happy times with John Lennon in New York, being on tour with Queen in Vegas, and friendships with Robert Plant, Marc Bolan, Sir Elton John & Sir Alex Ferguson. He also reveals how doctors saved his distinctive voice, loved…

  • #04 – Amar Latif

    Published May 17, 2020

    Blind entrepreneur and TV presenter Amar Latif talks about his life and how blindness has helped him see the world. Amar’s passion for travel has taken him to more than 100 countries. He’s clocked up half a million miles including trekking through inhospitable jungles & shark infested waters in Nicaragua, and reaching the summit of North Africa’s…

  • #03 – Stephen Catlin

    Published May 10, 2020

    Convex CEO & Chairman Stephen Catlin gives a personal insight into his life as an insurance underwriter & entrepreneur. He shares stories from his childhood; his youth in the seventies; becoming a ‘scratch boy’ for Lloyd’s of London despite his mum’s misgivings about his suitability for an office job; his passion for the great outdoors,…

  • #02 – Claire Lomas

    Published May 2, 2020

    Interview with paralysed motivational speaker Claire Lomas MBE When Claire Lomas was paralysed in a riding accident, she remembers thinking in her darkest days how dull life would be. In our Convex Conversation she reveals how wrong she was. Claire talks about the extraordinary challenges she’s taken on, not least of them becoming a mum against the…

  • #01 – Martin Pert

    Published April 24, 2020

    Interview with Squadron Leader Martin Pert of The Red Arrows In our debut Convex Conversation, Perty reveals the challenges of being Red One; the extraordinary trust that exists between the pilots & engineers; a close shave on frontline duties in Afghanistan and why The Queen has a photo of him in her handbag! I hope…