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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.

  • #143 – John McCarthy

    Published September 3, 2023

    John McCarthy CBE on his role at Hostage International with Sir Terry Waite Journalist John McCarthy was held hostage in Lebanon for more than five years. Now, three decades on, he’s helping others in similar situations through his role as Patron of Hostage International. The charity was originally founded by John’s former cellmate and great…

  • #142 – Geoff Marshall

    Published July 23, 2023

    YouTuber Geoff Marshall shares his YouTube success YouTube star Geoff Marshall reveals how and why he started making great quality, informative, interesting, fun transport films which have attracted more than 82 million views on his channel and are appreciated by his 314,000 plus subscribers. Geoff travelled to all 2,563 trains in the UK followed by…

  • #141 – Jon Culshaw – 2/2

    Published July 16, 2023

    Impressionist Jon Culshaw on playing long-form characters like David Bowie Dr Who celebrates 60 years in November with special new episodes featuring former Time Lord David Tennant and Catherine Tate, and the release of an audio book voiced by impressionist Jon Culshaw in which the third and fourth Doctors meet and work together. A life-long…

  • #140 – Jon Culshaw – 1/2

    Published July 9, 2023

    Impressionist and Dead Ringers star Jon Culshaw on the changing face of satire On this week’s podcast we hear from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, King Charles, Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis and former PM Boris Johnson, thanks to the incredible talent and wit of impressionist Jon Culshaw. Jon, who is busy rehearsing two shows for…

  • #139 – Scott Mitchell

    Published July 2, 2023

    Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower on his dementia mission Scott Mitchell talks about his life loving Dame Barbara Windsor – one of Britain’s national treasures – and their heart-breaking battle with dementia.  Scott is an Ambassador for Alzheimers’ Research UK and is involved in campaigning, fundraising, and taking part in trials to help find a cure…

  • #138 – David Remfry

    Published June 25, 2023

    Painter David Remfry RA on coordinating this year’s Summer Exhibition Acclaimed British painter and Academician David Remfry confesses he thought he’d never be asked to coordinate the Royal Academy’s world-famous Summer Exhibition. When the call came, the 80-year-old artist says he was over the moon and said yes immediately.   Helen catches up with David at…

  • #137 – Jess Collett

    Published June 18, 2023

    Milliner to rock stars and royalty, Jess Collett on her passion for hats Twenty-five years ago, a young hat-maker secured a grant from The Prince’s Trust to help fund her own atelier. So as milliner Jess Collett joined millions watching the King’s Coronation, she felt grateful for the help she’d received but also knew all…

  • #136 – Doug Allan – 2/2

    Published June 11, 2023

    BAFTA and Emmy-winning cameraman Doug Allan on climate change In part two of our special with multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning wildlife and documentary film-maker Doug Allan, he discusses climate change and, in particular, the impact it’s having on the polar regions. Doug says if the world had paid more attention to indigenous people in the Arctic…

  • #135 – Doug Allan – 1/2

    Published June 4, 2023

    Wildlife cameraman Doug Allan shares adventures on the ice Sir David Attenborough says cameramen don’t come much more special than Doug Allan. The multi-BAFTA and Emmy-winning wildlife cameraman has filmed some of the most spectacular sequences for landmark programmes like Blue Planet. Orcas attacking gray whales off California; polar bears trying to catch belugas in…

  • #134 – Kate Silverton

    Published May 29, 2023

    Kate Silverton on her ‘second act’ as a complex case child therapist Journalist Kate Silverton tells Helen why she left a hugely successful career in broadcasting to become a child therapist. Since studying psychology at Durham University, Kate has been fascinated with the complexities of how the brain works and the role it plays in…

  • #133 – Martin Brunt

    Published May 21, 2023

    Crime reporter Martin Brunt reveals undisclosed stories behind the headlines Crime reporter Martin Brunt has covered some of the biggest and most notorious crime stories in British history for Sky News for the last three decades.  Still working in 24-hour breaking news, he’s finally found time to write a book – No One Got Cracked…

  • #132 – Tom Sellers

    Published May 14, 2023

    Chef Tom Sellers on life, his journey, and being ready for the next chapter Helen joins Chef Tom Sellers at his stunning new London restaurant, Story Cellar in Neal’s Yard, for an honest and open chat about his journey and the next chapter in Tom’s story. From the age of 16, he worked unforgiving hours…