Gotta' Start Somewhere

On this episode I review the year that has been 2020 with my dearest friend Suzi Bramwell. We re-listen to old clips from the first Gotta Start Somewhere in January of last year and discuss what has changed and what frankly hasn't! And further talk how this year has affected and nourished our mental health as young Gen Z women. The importance of self care and how important it is to focus on the positives during this time. A heartwarming chat to unwind after what has been a year like no other! January is feeling like a hard time for many of us so if you want to hear some comforting words for support do listen. Check out Suzi on instagram: @suzibramwell.theatreDon't forget to rate, review and subscribe.

After a short Christmas break I'm back with another episode for you all!! EPISODE 6! This week I had the chatty Georgie Pooley on Gotta Start Somewhere to talk to me about her journey into the beauty therapy industry and top tips on how to be driven when self employed. She has a wonderful studio off Gandy Street in Exeter and offers treatments such as massage, lashes and eyebrows. We spoke about the complexities of being self employed, lockdown and the misogyny beauticians experienced by the government and the secret to great skincare! Go check out Georgie's aesthetic AF insta: @georgieglow https://www.georgieglow.co.uk What a year 2020 has been, don't forget to keep subscribing, liking and sharing!! It makes all the difference.

In today's episode, I had on the charming Henry Coldstream, a writer at Squaremeal, to chat about the necessary cooking tips to become a pro in your kitchen, the best spots around North London and following your passions working in the culinary industry. We discussed my guilty food pleasure that is Morleys Chicken Shop (if you know, you know) and the best recipes and chefs around London Town! But more importantly, how essential it is to follow a career in something you love and some top tips from Henry about how to get into the sector. Go follow @thehungryhenry for more updates on London's best spots. Rate, review and subscribe for all the weekly episodes on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

This week I gossip with the wonderful Alice Petre and Lizzie Friend. Two of my nearest and dearest! We discuss the different types of friendships a girl can have from night out mates, the mates on speed dial when you're having a crisis or even to the best girlfriend who you bank on going on a holiday with. We all have our purposes. To add, we discuss the tropical location of the girls club toilets, to our own friendship experiences and the lessons we have learnt from our fellow female inspirations. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe for all the weekly episodes!

In this weeks episode I had Maddie Reyniers, Elle Crowe and Lizzie Connick, three very well read women on the podcast to discuss their favourite reads over the first lockdown. We talking about everything from recognising micro aggressions to appreciating the value of education. Keep listening to the end to hear about personal stories about ghosting, being dumped and our thoughts the opinion friendships change once you get into your 30s. Thank you to the girls they were a joy as always. The books we discussed are: Real Life - Brandon Taylor Educated - Tara Westover Ghosts - Dolly Alderton Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.comDon't forget to rate, review and subscribe!

Welcome to Series 3 of Gotta Start Somewhere! The podcast where I Maddy Holmes have open and honest conversations, discovering what it truly means to start something new for the first time. For this episode I was joined by Katie Knight, the founder of brownie company - Knights Bites. Since Katie started the business her deliciously gooey brownies have been the talk of the town around Exeter. And these brownies are no mean feat! We chatted about secret recipes, balancing a business with university life, as well as her Christmas market project... Don't forget to share and subscribe to this podcast on Apple & Spotify. https://www.facebook.com/knights.bites/ Instagram: @knights.bites https://knights-bites.square.site

For this weeks episode I decided to use one of my favourite episodes from a previous series I did last year, with the wonderful Mima Beauchamp. We talked about trying to discover yourself and your sexuality from a young age, starting to date older men and the complexes of life in relation to first love. Time has flown by since this episode was recorded and much personal change and growth has happened between the both of us. One thing I did take away from re-listening to this episode is that life moves quickly but has so many great stories and anecdotes to tell! Thank you to Mima for being so honest and open. Find Mima on instagram: @mimabeauchamp And us on: @gotta_startsomewhere

This week I had Molly Clark and Jack Turner, heads of Bristol Roots Community Gardening Society on the podcast to talk about their work encouraging sustainable and healthy growing and eating. We talked about the nightmare of overwatering and drowning your plants and their experience of being on BBC Devon and invitation to Chelsea flower show along with much more! Do go follow them for more info

In this weeks episode I chatted to the wonderful Bella Key and Fenella Twohig about the beauty of gal pals; the endless wardrobe choices, late night chats drinking wine and constant stream of emotional support! Another topic of today was the toxicity of social media and how friendships can be largely effected by false personal advertisement on instagram. Sometimes deleting those apps can be a good thing to live a happier and healthier life! As ever it was a pleasure to chat to these girls and as mentioned at the end of this episode im not going to leave their social links in the bio to prove this very point. But do you leave a cheeky rate, review and subscribe on Apple if you're enjoying this series and want to hear more!

This week I had the wonderful Finlay on the podcast to talk about the flaws and lack of representation within the Arts. We talked Oscar nominations, first time dance classes, toxic masculinity and everything in between. Finlay is producing a musical theatre showcase at the Exeter Phoenix very soon. Link below, do go buy your tickets for some serious feel good factor! Find on instagram: @finlaycarroll@gotta_startsomewhere @exeterspotlights

This week I had Molly Blake and Maisie Jolliff on the podcast, where we spoke about the brilliance of being a Northerner, we talked chips and gravy, Carvery and heavy nights out. I admitted to never having had a Greggs (awks) and we chatted further about the mixed emotions felt about moving to a new city so south it hurts.. and the cultural implications on them both.As ever I had so much fun with these girls! Do rate, review and subscribe!

In this first episode back from a long Christmas period, my nearest and dearest friend Suzi and I talk about current affairs and what to expect from life in 2020 and in general over the next decade. We cover everything from saving the polar bears and trips to the moon to Alexa (inevitably) taking over the world! Follow Suzi @suzibramwell.theatreAnd @gotta_startsomewhere for more details and notifications on future episodes! Please rate and review if you enjoy! x

This week for the series finale, I had Toby and Sam, Exeter's Movember Ambassador's on the podcast to discuss their incredible fundraising this November. We talked fundraising, awareness of men's mental health and moustaches! Enjoy. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe!

This week I had the insightful and strong minded Julia. We talked about the challenges young woman still face today and how subtle inequality is still ever prevalent. If you don't feel the full throttle of girl power after this episode, there's something not right with ya... Don't forget to rate review and subscribe! Find us on insta: @gottastartsomewhere And Julia: @juliavredenberg

This week I had the wonderful Andy and George, founders of 8.30s Coffee Co on the podcast. They chatted to me about the whirlwind process they've been through starting up a coffee business in Exeter! This episode was great fun and do check out their coffee stall on Prince of Wales Road, for tasty, authentic coffee and baked goodies! Find them on instagram @830scoffeecoAnd me, @maddyh0lmes on @gotta_startsomewhere Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe!

This week I had the truly inspiring Roshi on the podcast, to share her reflections on her own journey on how she came to love her body through starting pole dancing classes with the University of Exeter Pole Society. Roshi and I talk openly about the stigmas around pole in relation to sex work and how important it is to not only except but cherish the skin you live in!Roshi it was an absolute pleasure. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! Instagram:@bodykindbirdy@roshigrace@gotta_startsomewhere

This week, I had the wonderful Bee and Beth come and chat to me about their experiences in long term relationships. The struggles they've encountered adjusting the very nature of their relationship's to long distance and how they've tackled issue in sustaining real connection and feelings for their partners so many miles away proved inspiring!Thank you to both of you for being so open and honest with me. Find them on instagram @bethbowdenn @beee.taylorDon't forget to rate, review and subscribe!! @gotta_startsomewhere

For the first ever episode of Gotta' Start Somewhere we have my dear friend Ryan Bonner on the podcast. We talk about knowing your mechanisms for coping with stress and anxiety and how to reach out and talk to people when struggling. I really enjoyed this wholesome and honest conversation with Ryan, opening up about his personal journey and how he tackled it, is truly humbling. Please don't forget to share, like and subscribe, enjoy! Instagram links: @gotta_startsomewhere@ryanbonner