Selfridges Hot Air

Behind the glitz and glamour, fashion is one of the most polluting industries in the world. From unsustainable fabrics to potentially dangerous chemicals, could wider use of plant-based materials be the answer to some of fashion's more damaging aspects? In this episode, Natty is joined by Mārīcī founder Amanda Navaian, who shares how growing up in Sweden shaped her views on sustainability, why we should have a more creative approach to what we waste, and how pineapples became the key to her luxury handbag brand. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The environmental impact of mining diamonds could be costing us the earth. But perhaps looking to the sky could help us to avoid the colossal carbon footprint? In this episode, Natty is joined by the founder of Skydiamond Dale Vince, who shares his journey to forming the world's first green energy company, the skills he learned as a traveller, and how what started as a thought could revolutionise the diamond industry. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

As the animal products we consume continue to have an impact on the environment, could the key to repairing some of that damage lie in 3D printing? In this episode, Natty is joined by CEO and founder of Redefine Meat Eshchar Ben-Shitrit, who shares how his love of cooking began, what led to his drastic diet change, and why his past love of meat drives him in creating a first class alternative. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

If you want to feel hopeful about the future, just ask children what kind of world they would like to see. Their imagination knows no bounds, and their playful curiosity can be a refreshing change from the doom and gloom often foreseen by adults. For our SUPERFUTURES: What if…? podcast we will be tapping into that sense of wonder, exploring what it's like to dream bigger and bolder for what lies ahead. Hosted by Natty Kasambala, we'll be speaking with people who are tackling some of our greatest challenges in ways only children could have imagined, to make the world a better place for everyone. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Having a sense of purpose makes us feel good about ourselves, and sometimes the key to that purpose can be found in the smallest things. In this episode, Natty is joined by entrepreneur and founder of The Stack World, Sharmadean Reid MBE, who shares her journey to finding purpose, how her business WAH Nails sparked her passion for building communities for women, and why music from her past helps her to stay on track. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The journey to finding our purpose can be a challenging one, so it's important that we show ourselves the kindness that we would extend to the ones we love. In this episode, Poonam Dhuffer shares how she discovered what brings her joy, the importance of celebrating small wins, and why practising mindfulness and self-compassion hold the keys to living a more aligned life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There is no limit to where spiritual meaning can be found; from religious practices, to the life, death and the rebirth cycle that happens in a compost heap. In this episode, Natty is joined by mushroom cultivator and educator Darren Le Baron, who shares his journey as a grower, how connecting with nature has helped him to heal, and what we can all gain from learning about mushrooms. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How can we feel more present and grounded? And what does it mean to draw strength from what we cannot see?In this episode, join Poonam Dhuffer as she shares what spirituality means to her, the practices that help her to feel centered, and the importance of using gratitude to connect on a deeper level See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When we choose to move our bodies, we are choosing to embrace what it means to be alive. With every bead of sweat and with every stretch, we are making a commitment to becoming better versions of ourselves. In this episode, Natty is joined by DJ and founder of Run Dem Crew Charlie Dark, who shares how running transformed his life, the value in building communities, and why everyone should run a marathon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Using food to nourish ourselves goes beyond how and what we eat. The act of cooking in itself can be an opportunity for imagination and play, helping us to connect with ourselves and with others. In this episode, our podcast host Natty Kasambala is joined by self-taught designer and artist, Krystal C Mack, who shares insights from her time as a chef, the inspiration behind her cooking, and how she is guided by what she feels when it comes to the food she chooses to eat. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you moved enough today? Movement is medicine for the body and the mind. In this first installment, join Poonam Dhuffer as she talks about the importance of movement for our mental health, how she moves to boost her mood, and why checking in with yourself in the morning can set you up for a better day. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode contains some strong languageIt might be hard to admit, but there are still parts of the art world that are not accessible to everybody. So, what does it take to be a disruptor? To acknowledge you have privilege, and use it to create opportunities for those who don't? It takes guts. In this final episode of our Super Culture series, we speak to Ellie Pennick, Director of Guts Gallery, a community empowering underrepresented voices in the arts. Ellie talks about her early experiences of culture, what it takes to create a level playing field and the sculpture that changed everything See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Fashion has the power to transform us into whoever or whatever we want to be. But away from the glitz and glamour, it is a platform that can be used as a vehicle for change. In this episode, we will be speaking with Gareth Pugh and Carson McColl, Co-Creative Directors of Hard and Shiny. The pair talk about the art that shaped them, the evolution of queer culture, and how they use fashion to tell important stories. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Cultural artefacts tell us the story of our history. They are portals to the past, which some believe hold memories of where they have been. In this episode, we're joined by multi disciplinary artist Hamed Maiye to talk about the significance of cultural objects, how he uses memory to fuel his art, and why his heart will always belong to South London. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The late Alvin Ailey said, “Dance is for everybody”, because why should it be reserved for only a few, when it has the power to touch so many? In this episode we're joined by Rambert's Artistic Director, Benoit Swan Pouffer. Benoit talks about the importance of representation in dance, his creative approach to livestreams during the pandemic, and the documentary that changed his life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Words are extremely powerful, and sometimes it only takes a few to make us feel something special. In this episode, we speak to artist Lakwena about her mural that caught Beyonce's eye, the importance of making public spaces beautiful, and why words are at the heart of everything she does. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why walk, when you can glide? Lockdown led many of us on a search for joy and freedom, and for some, that was falling in love with roller skating.In this first instalment of the Super Culture podcast series, we speak to skate dancer, instructor and influencer Ishariah Johnson, also known as Stormskater. In the episode, we discover what inspired her to put her skates on, how comic books influenced her moniker and why life can be so much better when you're feeling the roll. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There are always flowers for those who want to see them. – Henri Matisse. In this final instalment of Good Nature, we follow two different organisations striving to reconnect people with the land. Introducing GROW and Mindfood. Two groups which through gardening and growing harness the expansive power of nature. Whether it's a holistic approach to education, or a restorative guide to healing, this episode demonstrates the importance of having a hands-on relationship with the earth. So dig deep, get your fingers dirty and seize the green. GROW are currently raising funds for the second phase of their journey, to support them search GROW Phase 2 on Crowdfunder. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With the waiting lists for UK Allotments soaring during lockdown, the desire to sow and grow has bloomed like never before. But you don’t need a green space to be green fingered. In this how-to guide, horticulturist and regenerative grower, Poppy Okotcha, talks us through some simple steps to small-scale gardening. From repurposing items around your home to regrowing veg from table scraps.So, hold onto those loo roll tubes, save your spring onion ends and start sifting through your store cupboard as Poppy shares her handy gardening tips, ahead of the opening of the Selfridges Garden Centre, coming this June… See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Be it communal, spiritual or physical, the word 'ritual' means different things to different people. Join us as we explore alternative interpretations of ritual, listening to the community of Padstow as they celebrat the coming of summer, explore rites of self love with artist and witch Ayesha Tan Jones and plunging into the cold waters of West Wales with chill swimmers The Bluetits. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

When Aisha Carrington changed careers from personal stylist to sound healer, it became a way for her to overcome some of the mental health issues she faced at the time - using meditation as medicine. In this experience we want you to do the same; sit down in a nice space, close your eyes, and let the soft vibrations of Aisha’s singing bowls guide you into a deep state of relaxation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For Joe Patitucci, the idea of PlantWave – a device that translates plant data into music – was a way of connecting even more deeply to the feeling of being in nature. Despite its humble origins as a re-purposed lie detector, it has since become a unique tool for composers and wellness practitioners alike. In this audio experience, we encourage you to listen to what plants have to say, as we hear Joe’s story and his composition using PlantWave on four different plants. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

For Zethu Maseko, a sound, short film and textile artist based in London, sound can be a tool to learn about our past, build our own identities as well as understand futures and imagined futures for ourselves. Her piece Kuphiliswa (which means ‘healing’ in Zulu), is a sound piece written on the Mbira, a pre-colonial, Stone Age instrument she uses to highlight how ancient tools can be used in a contemporary context for healing, storytelling and as a point of conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today, we’re going on a walk. That’s right, the lot of us. But this is a guided walk with a difference. It’s all about discovering the world anew and seeing the familiar with fresh eyes. We’re going to unlock the mysteries latent on our doorstep and notice what’s hidden in plain sight. Second right, second right, first left, repeat. Join psycho-geographer John Rogers as he guides us through our local areas using a simple set of instructions. This is a walk that can be done anywhere - as long as you’re in a built-up space; town, city, village, you name it. You just need your eyes and your ears. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This episode’s a walk in the park. A national park, that is. Today, we’re stepping off the beaten track with walking group Black Girls Hike, to roam free on the green (and sometimes snowy) hills of the Peak District.The group's founder, Rhianne Fatinikun, takes us back to where she first had the spark of an idea to give black women a space to explore nature together. Now, several years and many walks later, Black Girls Hike is a non-profit organisation that spans the country. Representing ‘more than a walking group’ to its members, Black Girls Hike highlights the power of sharing the things we enjoy most. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

“Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions." Pablo PicassoIn this episode, we follow painter and self-confessed colourist Jonathan Schofield as he unpacks his relationship with colour. From selecting hues for his vibrant artworks to finding inspirations in unexpected places, we deep-dive into Jonathan’s world as we explore colour as a poetic force and enduring influence.To see Jonathan Schofield’s work close up, come and visit Selfridges London where the artist has created three works for the windows on Orchard Street, inspired by the vibrant colours found in nature. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we're exploring human nature and our inherent desire for pleasure, as Sink the Pink founder and professional show-off Glyn Fussell encourages us to re-examine the notion of 'guilty pleasures.' Drawing on ideas from social psychology, activism and art, we'll hear from some of the best minds on this topic about why we should celebrate our joys, no matter how fleeting or seemingly frivolous. So, let’s throw the word guilty out of the window and shake off all that shame we’ve been told to feel. This is about claiming our right to feel good. Sit back, relax and bask in your unrepentant glory. You deserve it. Featuring; Adrienne Maree Brown, Dr. Katharina Bernecker and the Neo Naturists; Christine Binnie, Jennifer Binnie and Wilma Johnson. Please note: this episode features adult themes and language. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sometimes, it’s hard to stop. We lead busy lives and between work and home and working from home, it’s easy to get swept up in the daily grind. So this is your how-to guide to doing nothing. Or, as the Dutch call it, Niksen. Whether you’re well-practiced in the art, or nothing-averse, consider this your permission slip to stop, take a moment to pause and breathe, as you let author Olga Mecking lead you through the pleasure of doing nothing. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Let’s start simple. We all have that something which brings a little burst of joy. Whether it’s out of the blue or part of your daily routine, simple pleasures, no matter how small, can have a big impact. This episode is an ode to that cold side of the pillow, the long-awaited first sip, a fleeting glimpse of the unexpected.Here we invite you to immerse yourself in an audio experience in which a patchwork of voices offer their own tricks for small pleasurable hits, along with a touch of poetry.Featuring: Sunnah Khan of poetry collective 4 Brown Girls Who Write, reading her poem ‘One Day’. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In 2011 Selfridges launched Project Ocean – a landmark campaign using the power of retail to help protect our precious oceans.  In the nine years since it started, Selfridges has done everything from being the first retailer to ban single-use plastic water and carbonated drinks bottles, to setting up a 50-hectare marine reserve in the Philippines.  In this episode of SELF-Sustainable, we look at the past, present and future of Project Ocean – including an exciting new announcement – as well as what we can all do to make some waves ourselves. 

In this episode we turn our attentions to the home – after all that’s where the heart is – and discover that there are plenty of ways to show the planet love while we’re feathering our nests.   From how we wrap our food to how we redecorate, we show you domestic gods and goddesses that there's nothing too big or too small we can do to be sustainable homemakers in 2019.

In this episode we give ourselves a sustainable makeover, as we hold up a mirror up to the world of beauty.  From the soap we wash with every morning to the mascara we wear on our wedding day, we explore what products we can use to keep both ourselves and the planet looking beautiful.

In this episode we take a trip around the world of sustainable travel, asking the all-important question; how do we enjoy seeing our planet without endangering it?  From what we put in our suitcases to where we go (and everything in between), we see how far sustainability can really take us.

In this episode we explore the question on everyone’s lips: how do we enjoy the food we love whilst still putting our planet first?  From provenance to food waste, Jasmine looks at the challenges facing today’s food industry exploring how to satisfy our cravings in the most sustainable way.  With a little help from Selfridges' top chefs and food experts, Jasmine rolls up her sleeves in a bid to make the most sustainable cookies around.

In this episode of Self-Sustainable, we attempt to iron out the creases between the world of fashion and sustainability. From first stitch to the clothes we ditch; Jasmine speaks with experts, manufacturers and designers doing their part in helping us address the skeletons in all of our closets.

Meet Skip Gallery, a pop-up art space with a difference. Their MO? Exhibiting works out of, you’ve guessed it, a skip.   For the month of March, this moveable maverick has found itself a very special, if a little unexpected home. Tucked in between Gucci and Chloe on the ground floor of Selfridges, this yellow skip is swapping out rubbish for riches with works from some of the best emerging artists of today.

 Ah the internet. A world of swiping, scrolling and sliding at your fingertips. But when everyone's curating their own feed, how can artists carve a niche online?  Following artists that exhibit online, in this episode we dive into a web of community and crypto-technologies to find out just how the internet has impacted art (and the artists making it).   Featuring: Nicole Ruggiero, Ed Fornieles, and Kenny Schachter. This episode contains adult themes.

Where does fashion end and art begin? And what happens when these two worlds collide? In this episode, we get an exclusive peek at the work of renowned fashion designer Roksanda Ilinčić in the run up to her show at the Old Selfridges Hotel during London Fashion Week. As a designer who walks a fine line between fashion and art, we discover the artistic inspirations behind her upcoming collection. Enter Troika: the artist collective collaborating with Roksanda to give her latest show a catwalk with a difference. From artistic fashion to fashionable art, we find out just how symbiotic the two disciplines are.

Everyone is an artist, or so said Joseph Beuys. And whether you’re an old hand or a hidden talent, the benefits of getting creative can be surprising. In this episode we explore Everything I Have Is Yours, a greater Manchester art commission with a difference. Following two groups - united by age and a flair for the arts - we discover the value of art for all. From the creative minds behind the project, to inspiring workshop leaders and lively participants, we hear what a lifetime of experience can bring to both the arts and community. Featuring: Ben White of Open Music Archive and Helen Wewiora of Castlefield Gallery.

Everyone’s a critic when it comes to public art – whether we think it’s an eyesore or a sight for sore eyes, we all have an opinion. In this episode, we step out of the galleries and onto the streets, to find out exactly what it takes to make public artwork. We hear straight from the people bringing art to the public realm; from renowned artist, Simon Periton, to Yorkshire Sculpture Park curator, Helen Pheby. Travelling from open air parkland to the depths of London’s underground, we explore the process, purpose and power of public art, and get a sneak peek of London’s soon-to-be biggest public art collection yet.

No one likes a copycat... especially when they cost you millions.  In this series opener, we explore the captivating yet criminal world of art forgery through the eyes of ex-forger John Myatt. From his criminal beginnings to now ‘painting on the right side of the law’, we hear John’s staggering story of subterfuge and house paints. But when authenticity is inextricably linked to the value of an artwork, it’s not just the forgers who have a stake in the matter. Speaking to dealers and experts alike, we unpack the taboo of imitation, asking whether the skill it takes to copy a world-class piece of art could ever be considered an art in itself. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Finding love in the digital age doesn't always have to mean swiping right. Meet Lala and Sam, a couple caught in a world between fantasy and reality where their quest for love plays out in the most unusual of realms.

In the world of show business being eye catching is essential, but when it comes to the tribute act, it's not always easy to stand out. With over 300 acts on his books, Lee Arthur of A1 Star Tributes knows what it takes to make it as a tribute. In this episode Lee guides us through his strict selection criteria and introduces us to a couple of his top acts : Edward an unlikely Michael Jackson and Michaela the ambitious Britney. Whether you call it tribute, impersonator, or just mega fan, Edward and Michaela love what they do. As they prepare and perform to their fans, we find out what it really means to pretend to be a pop star for a living.

Boe, 22 didn’t always plan to become a taxi driver but when life took an unexpected turn she found herself following in the family tradition. The Knowledge of London is the most challenging taxi examination in the world. With 320 routes and 20,000 landmarks to memorise, The Knowledge boys and girls are required to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the streets of London.  As Boe approaches the last leg of her Knowledge journey we hear about the grit and determination it takes to become a true London black cab driver and the lengths a father will go to to support his daughter.

Can women be drag queens? In this episode we seek to answer this question by following female drag queen Georgie Bee on a night on the circuit. With help from pioneering club promoter Steven Braines, Georgie is defying drag stereotypes one gig at a time and having a ball whilst doing so.

In this episode we look at what it is to be a champion through the world of Chess Boxing, also known as ‘nerd-fighting’. This unique hybrid sport, challenges athletes to be not only physically fit but mentally too. Introducing Matt “Crazy Arms” Read, one of the most famous Chess Boxers in history, on his last ever match. For Crazy Arms, who has only ever lost a handful of matches, a lot is at stake, as he aims to retire from Chess Boxing with his brains, brawns and reputation intact.

False eyes; chances are you don't often think about them, let alone the skill, artistry and sensitivity of those who craft them. Meet Kanti Fatania, an eye prosthesis specialist who has spent years creating some of the world’s most sought after eyes, behind the unassuming frontage of his Baker Street opticians. But in an industry as singular as this, working relationships can be just as intriguing. Hear from Kanti and his in-house iris painter, George, as together they explain the process, and reveal their unusual yet endearing relationship.