the Balance podcast

Francesca Specter is a journalist and author of 'Alonement: How to be Alone and Absolutely Own it'. She came up with the concept of alonement, which essentially means spending time alone and actually enjoying it - which is a something a lot of us find difficult! In this episode, Francesca discusses how she deals with loneliness, how she's come to enjoy time alone, and whether the nerves of eating out alone ever *really* go away.Francesca Specter: chezspecterAlonement: How to be Alone and Absolutely Own itAlonement podcastPodcast host: molly.raycraft See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Eliza Butterworth has been playing Lady Aelswith in The Last Kingdom since she was 21-years-old. After eight years, the series is finally coming to an end and she's now leaving the character behind. In this episode, Eliza discusses what's next, how she deals with rejection in her career, and how she maintains her health and wellbeing while working internationally.Eliza Butterworth: elizabutterworthPodcast host: molly.raycraft See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Martins Imhangbe has been on the acting scene since he left school, but Bridgerton was his first TV experience. His role as bare-knuckle boxer, Will Mondrich, put him in the spotlight. In this episode, Martins explains how he's staying grounded, why he's taking on a plant-based diet, and whether he'd step into the boxing ring in real life.Martins Imhangbe: martins_imhangbe_Podcast host: molly.raycraft See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this special International Women's Day episode, we speak to Jess Joy, co-founder of I Am Paying Attention, Cherrelle Skeete, actress and co-founder of Blacktress, and Stephanie Daniels, a menopause coach. They share their insights on three overlooked areas of gender equality (ADHD/Autism diagnoses, being black and female/non-binary, and menopause in the workplace) and what more can be done to #BreakTheBias.I Am Paying Attention:https://www.iampayingattention.co.uk/@iampayingattentionBlacktress:https://www.blacktress.co.uk/@blacktress_ukAuthors recommended by Cherrelle: Bell Hooks, Audre Lourd, Alice WalkerStefanie Daniels, menopause coach:https://stefjdaniels.com/@life_begins_at_menopauseThe book recommended by Stefanie: The Hormone Cure, Dr. Sara GottfriedPodcast host: @molly.raycraft See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's been eight years since Ella Henderson released her debut album ‘Chapter One', after appearing on The X-Factor. Since then, she's suffered from anxiety attacks, focused on her wellbeing, and found love. In this episode, Ella shares how she manages her anxiety, what life is like living in a church, and how she's used her experiences of mental health to produce her new album: ‘Everything I Didn't Say'.The book Ella recommends: 'Lost Connections' by Johann Hari See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we talk about the reality of being a rising star in the world of fitness influencing, and hear how Lily turned 30,000 followers to 3 million in lockdown. A woman driven by passion, Lily's cookery books are inspired by the Mediterranean. Lily has kept a balanced life through practising what she preaches, hard work and a great relationship.Join 3.22 million other users and follow Lily on You tube and check out The Anti-Inflammatory & Immunity Boosting Cookbook. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Mark Livings is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and brains behind a wonderful new range of alcohol-free spirits. He talks candidly about burnout, business and of course healthier drinking choices.To find out more about Lyre's and their free mixology classes, visit lyres.co.uk and follow them on Facebook and Instagram See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Actor, model, and body positive activist Hayley Hasselhoff is known for being one of the world's leading Curve models.Hayley (whose dad happens to be David Hasselhoff) is currently contributing fashion and wellbeing editor at Marie Claire UK.She's also a fashion stylist who's worked on This Morning and Good Morning America – and she's had leading acting roles, including as Amber in ABC's Huge, where she played a girl with body dysmorphia.Today we talk about her new podcast, about her experience of mental health, her role as a plus size ambassador – as well as exploring the importance of acceptance, and staying grounded.Follow her on Instagram @hhasslehoff See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Kat Pither is the 31-year-old founder of Yogi Bare, 500-hour certified yoga teacher and wellness journalist and writer. Kat says with Yogi Bare she has created as a brand for rebels and misfits. It's the physical manifestation of the concept of yoga being for everybody and everybody. From humble beginnings, Kat envisioned a way of channelling her creativity to find her own way of managing acute anxiety and PTSD through yoga and wellbeing. As we chat she explains that it wasn't a straightforward love affair with yoga – her first classes took her well out of her comfort zone. She didn't feel she fitted in – but she kept going back. Kat found that ‘yoga land' could sometimes be alien and hard to connect with so set out to create a brand that could inspire all. Kat has created an accessible range of innovative, eco-centric products that are designed to galvanize creativity, movement, and play. She has organically built a loyal community of Yogi Bare ‘cubs' who support and follow the brand online and off-line. She's playful, creative, and so much more than a maker of mats. When we speak Kat has landed in America with a plan to connect with Californians and tell them about her brand. yogi-bare.co.uk Follow her on Instagram @yogi.bare See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zoë Aston, is the author of Your Mental Health Workout: A 5-Week Programme to a Healthier, Happier Mind (https://yourmentalhealthworkout.com/). She's a London-based therapist, mental health consultant, speaker and author with over a decade's experience working with mental health.As well as her book, Zoë has created an online 5-week programme that will get your mental health in shape. Like many who work in this space, Zoe has her own mental health back story. A sensitive child, she battle with self-harm, an eating disorder and intense shyness - but has worked her way through this, learning tools and techniques that will help others. As the saying goes, healer, heal thyself. Zoe's approach is practical and positive. We all have mental health and we don't have to wait for a crisis to get in shape. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Peter Maciver, aka, PMAC, runs a successful fitness business coaching clients on and off line (https://www.pmacfitness.com/). His clients include celeb names and regular people – but whoever he's training his focus is on results. In lockdown he created a 12-week Transformation programme and continues to come up with innovative ways to reach – and challenge – anyone wanting to get fitter, and improve their life. He's created a life he's happy with – through as he says ‘hard graft' – that means getting up at 430am, training every day, and moving to a house very close to his favourite yoga studio. He makes healthy choices for his body and soul, on a daily basis, including eating right – and making sure he takes care of his mum and brother. Check him out on instagram @pmacfitness and join 80,000 other followers for daily inspiration, videos and chats. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's my final episode of the BALANCE podcast (this is James typing here) - but the podcast will continue!So there was no one better to welcome back than returning hero: the great Freddie Fox. Freddie can be seen stealing the show in The Pursuit Of Love (on iPlayer). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What a man. What a life. What energy.We chat with the great Gennaro Contaldo about a remarkable life dominated by his great passion: food.The icon of Italian cuisine also shares tips for eternal youth. And we chat about another great love of his: Parmigiano Reggiano. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We sit down with one of the truly great Britons: the iconic Barry Hearn.The self-made sports promoter talks about an extraordinary life packed with ups and downs - with the ups proving genre-defining. Barry is a hugely inspiring figure, having made his fortune from his proud working-class roots with hard work, passion, a lust for life and a never-say-die attitude putting him on top of the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with one of the icons of the world of wellbeing: the great Fiona Arrigo.Fiona is founder of The Arrigo Programme, she is an internationally acclaimed and much-loved psychotherapist, intuitive healer, mentor and Life teacher. We talk about Fiona's remarkable journey into wellbeing, and what her thoughts are as we all come out of lockdown.To find out more about Fiona and to work with her, please visit her site to find out more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Talk about a timely episode: we chat with renowned breath guru to the stars: the remarkable Alan Dolan.To find out more about Alan - including a chance to book sessions with him - please visit his site. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Egads - what a pleasure it was for BALANCE to chat with the sort of chap you'd take home to meet your mum: the great Nikesh Patel.We chat Nikesh's life and career, diversity and much more - including Nikesh's insightful process for picking a project (something we can all be inspired by).Starstruck is out now on iPlayer See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Say hello to your new favourite person: the great Jessie Mei Li.Jessie makes for warm and wonderful company as we chat her life, how she is an inspiration to so many and how she will continue to inspire. This makes for an incredibly powerful and very special episode.Shadow & Bone is out now on Netflix. And you can follow Jessie on Instagram here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Henry Lloyd-Hughes has a career to die for - but you wouldn't know it to spend time in his company.Henry has shone in hit after hit: Killing Eve, Les Miserables, The Pale Horse and, now, global smash The Irregulars on Netflix. Yet he somehow undercuts everything with winning self-deprecation.It was a pleasure to chat with Henry, who truly lifts the lid on the world of acting.The Irregulars is available to watch now on Netflix. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Madeleine Shaw is positive force of nature - listen for yourself. Talk about someone who has found their calling in life!Here, the wellbeing influencer, nutritional therapist and author talks about finding her calling, her work with BetterYou and much more.Feeling stressed or anxious? Madeleine's soothing tone will change all that. To find out more about Madeleine's work with BetterYou, please visit here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

"Woooooo!"We chat with the greatest wrester of all time, an icon of the WWE and beyond, the Nature Boy: Ric Flair.At 72 years young, we meet a Ric who's - after years of very heavy living - putting on the brakes. We talk his remarkable life, the immense pride he has in his daughter Charlotte (who could well usurp his world record 16 world titles) and, of course, upcoming Wrestlemania!WrestleMania is a two-night event streaming live on Saturday 10th April and Sunday 11th April, available on WWE Network. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Strap in for a strong contender for "loveliest person ever" - the incredibly talented Thaddea Graham. This rising star of the acting world is the lead in the new Netflix hit show The Irregulars. Set in Victorian England, this series follows a street gang who are enlisted by a certain Sherlock Holmes. But please be warned! This is a very different show to what you might expect - with plenty of thrills and chills along the way (BALANCE has just about returned from behind the sofa).Thaddea also talks about her remarkable life (no spoilers in this blurb, guys), the magic of trees and the soul-searching card game We're Not Really Strangers (which could can find out more about here). See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with one of Britain's best comedians: the great Jen Brister.Jen - a star of Live At The Apollo - talks candidly about parenthood, as well as her brilliant book The Other Mother, out now in paperback and also strongly recommended as audiobook. We would also recommend you catch Jen live whenever is legally possible - she's one of the best in the biz.This episode was recorded live at Always Be Comedy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

BALANCE and Fora - The Flexible workplace platform reimagining the working day - have partnered to bring you the 'Amazing Lives' podcast. This is a live-streamed recording hosted by BBC Radio London's Jumoké Fashola, with special guest Antoinette Tuff, created and produced by Tim Arthur.Antoinette became an accidental hostage negotiator when a gunman entered an elementary school in Georgia, USA.“The first words I heard were, ‘today everybody dies.' That's when I looked up and saw him standing there with an AK-47 in his hand.”On 19 August 2013, Antoinette Tuff from Decatur, Georgia, was a severely depressed school bookkeeper, devastated by the break-up of her 33 year-long marriage. As a single mother, she was now faced with the daunting challenge of raising a son with multiple disabilities and a daughter in law school while facing bankruptcy.The next day, her life changed forever. She managed to prevent a mass shooting.Antoinette now gives talks all over the world teaching people the three Cs of how to negotiate your way through a crisis – stay ‘calm, confident and compassionate'. She recently launched her Living On Purpose Program which teaches women how to be bold, brave and fearless and keep themselves safe in any situation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with England cricket World Cup winner Alex Hartley. Alex talks candidly about a life in sport, and why sport is so important. The Lancashire star also talks about upcoming cricket tournament The Hundred.Alex also reveals more about The Hundred Rising - a new initiative providing opportunities for anyone wanting to perhaps break into sport or media. To find out more, please visit the official site. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Omari Douglas is one of the most exiting acting talents around, following global smash It's A Sin.Here, we talk about how Omari did the hard yards on the stage, before landing the life-changing role of in Russell T Davies's masterpiece, currently available on All 4.Omari also shares what he went through while making the show, which continues to have an impact around the world. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The great Charlene McKenna is a multi-award-winning actor in Ireland and will now be even better-known to British audiences thanks to rollicking new thriller Bloodlands (Sundays, 9pm, BBC One).This immensely likable acting powerhouse has enjoyed huge success (and, as Charlene says, she's still only just getting started) and yet has had knockbacks along the way. Here, Charlene shares tips on how to cope and bounce back (while being hilariously funny throughout!). Also, despite big success, Charlene could never get too big for her boots - as she explains... Bloodlands is on BBC One on Sundays at 9pm. Episode 1 is available to watch now on iPlayer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Here's a tip if you're creative: keep your ears open. Stop to listen to the world around you. That might be trickier to do right now, but it could be on your lockdown walk, or in the supermarket or with your family. You never know what nuggets you might pick up. This is one of the gems we picked up from a heart-warming chat with US film producer, writer and actor Kyle Marvin, the star and co-writer of critically acclaimed comedy indie The Climb, which is out now on home ents and digital download.As you will discover, this was recorded "in the before time" - we chatted in a London hotel bar, so please do enjoy the clinking of glasses and background chatter. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of BALANCE's favourite-ever episodes: the great Greg Rutherford.The multi-gold-medal-winning long-jumper here reveals some of the secrets of his success - while proving hilarious and heart-warming company.Greg is an ambassador for Alaska Seafood. To find out more, click here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We welcome the great Clara Amfo to the BALANCE podcast and what wonderful company she was too. We talk the magic of Beyonce, the importance of remaining grounded, getting through "Lockdown 3" and much more. Clara also reveals why she believes there's cause for optimism in the future. You can listen to Clara on Radio 1's iconic The Live Lounge here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you ready to meet your new favourite fitness influencer? Then strap in for the great Paul Olima. His new book Fit is out now and the book you need if you want to get, well, fit. Please find out more here.You can follow Paul on Instagram here and TikTok here.Paul proves refreshingly candid company as we chat all things fitness, sport and much more.As ever, if you've enjoyed the episode, please give it a share. We are @balanceldn across the socials See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rose Matafeo is one of the hottest comedians on the planet having won awards, recorded a stand-up special and chalked up a raft of TV and film appearances across the planet.The pride of New Zealand now stars in the superb Baby Done - exec produced by Taika Waititi - available to watch across digital platforms from 22 January. Rose plays Zoe, who becomes pregnant to her long-term boyfriend. But is this really what Zoe really wants? As with many great comedies, this tugs at the heartstrings one moment, before having you laugh uproariously the next.Rose can also be seen in stand-up special Horndog on BBC Three in March and new series Starstruck, on BBC Three and HBO Max later in the year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Our dear friends the BOSH! boys are BALANCE's first-ever repeat podcast guests - it's minor podcasting history for us here at BALANCE.The boys are on glorious form and share their tips for attempting veganism. Indeed, if you're trying Veganuary - or simply trying to be more vegan - then this is the episode for you. And even if you're not then it's always an entertaining listen with Ian Theasby and Henry Firth - aka BOSH.Their new book - Speedy BOSH! - is out now. And you can find out more here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We welcome one of the funniest acts on the stand-up circuit - Lloyd Griffith - to the BALANCE podcast.Lloyd is going on tour. When? Well, that's down to the ol' Panny D. We would strongly recommend getting a ticket for a night of belly laughs. Lloyd's site is here.Lloyd is on very candid form as he talks anxiety, mental health, what life is REALLY like on the road and so much more. And, yes, the language is a little fruity so perhaps not one to play in front of the nippers...Also, as I say in the intro, if you're doing veganuary, then BALANCE wishes you well. Good luck!If you could rate, review and subscribe, then it all helps like you would not believe! We are at the socials on @balanceLDN See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We're back, beebee! And what a way to return: one of the icons of the personal development world: Rhonda Byrne.We cover so much in this memorable episode: Rhonda's global breakthrough via Oprah Winfrey, the way Rhonda's work continues to change lives and, of course, her fabulous new film The Secret: Dare To Dream.To the uninitiated, Rhonda is the multi-million selling author of The Secret, The Power, The Magic and more. To say I'm a huge fan is an understatement.The Secret Dare To Dream is out now on digital download. Please click here to rent and find out more. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Heidi Lynch was an auditioning actor - go for parts in the hope you might land them. And then, who knows what? And then the affable Canadian had an epiphany: surely it makes more sense to create things myself? Fast forward and we have new hit show Avocado Toast - available to watch now on Amazon Prime (in the UK, at least). Heidi proves uplifting and inspiring company as she shares her secrets of taking control.To drop us a line, please email podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The brilliant British singer/songwriter RHODES is guest on the BALANCE podcast, and what an uber-mensch he us too.We talk about his career, his mental health, music and so much more in a wonderfully candid chat.Please check out RHODES'S YouTube channel here. And his Insta here.As ever, to drop me a line, I'm on podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with the hugely inspiring Khadijah Mellah, who made headlines around the world in 2019 when the jockey won at Glorious Goodwood. In victory, Khadijah became the British Muslim female to win a horse race when she won the Magnolia Cup. Given her popularity, the way she continues to break down barriers in sport and for the way she inspires (as you'll discover, Khadijah certainly inspires BALANCE), Khadijah is now an ambassador for Great British Racing. What heart-bursting joy it was to chat with her.Khadijah Mellah is an ambassador for Great British Racing. To find out more please visit www.greatbritishracing.com.And to drop me a line, please email podcast@balance.media. And for sales, please email: sales@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the most remarkable talents to break through in recent years, actor Toheeb Jimoh is on the BALANCE podcast. We chat the seminal Anthony, in which Toheeb has earned rave reviews as the murdered teenager Anthony Walker in Jimmy Walker's stunning drama - available to watch on iPlayer. And we can soon see Anthony in Ted Lasso, coming soon to Apple TV. To drop me an email, I'm at podcast@balance.media; for sales: sales@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The hugely charismatic sports promoter Eddie Hearn is guest on the BALANCE podcast. Such are BALANCE's fanboy levels that we only just stopped shy of asking for an autograph.Eddie's new book Relentless can be here. And his ingenious Fight Camp launches 1 August with more information here. To get in touch, please email me at podcast@balance.media and for sales enquiries email sales@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esme's schedule wouldn't allow it, but we'd be up for a pod a week with the star of Hanna. Esme was on sparkling form on the BALANCE podcast as we talk lockdown, long days, the importance of indie and indie voices and so much more.Hanna seasons 1 & 2 are available to watch now on Amazon. To find out more about Hanna, visit here.Drop us a line at podcast@balance.media and sales@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the greats of comedy - Seann Walsh - is on the BALANCE podcast. You can see Seann live - once this is all over, of course - here. One of the most naturally funny comedians ever. Drop us a line at podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with one of the loveliest people in food: Gaz Oakley.Oh, and please forgive my squawk of a voice: this was done during peak home schooling.To find out more about Gaz, please click here.And to buy Gaz's frankly stunning books, please click here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hanna Sillitoe is on the BALANCE podcast.The skin-healing expert reveals how a harsh comment during childhood would have such a profound impact on her life. And how we choose to react to such things can change everything - after all, we chat as Hanna has a hugely successful book and best-selling range of plant-based skincare.To find out more, please visit Hanna's official site. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I May Destroy You is - quite rightly - earning all the plaudits and rave reviews right now.And so we are thrilled to talk with one of the stars - Weruche Opia - about the BBC hit.Weruche - like Balance - is also a fan of dreaming big.Drop us a line at podcast@balance.media and sales@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Himesh Patel is on the BALANCE podcast!BALANCE had coincidentally just watched - and fallen in love with - hit movie Yesterday before the chance to speak to lovely Himesh arose, and so couldn't believe our luck (if we sound even giddier than usual).We talk about Danny Boyle's beloved film, doing the hard yards on Eastenders, the selfless work done by so many on lockdown, the return of football (Himesh is a Spurs fan) and much more.Drop us a line at podcast@balance.mediaThe Luminaries starts Sunday 21 June, whereupon all episodes will be available on iPlayer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jake Lambert is one of the hottest properties in British comedy.Also known as @littlelostlad on social media, Jake shares how he went from having a knack of being good at Twitter to playing to thousands while supporting Michael McIntyre on tour, writing for top TV shows and chalking up a raft of TV appearances.Drop us a line at podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Iain Morris & Damon Beesley are two absolute titans of British comedy. They've worked with, nurtured or helped break through the likes of Sasha Baron Cohen, Peter Kay, Ricky Gervais and many more, before finding huge success on their own terms with The Inbetweeners. The sitcom proved a profound hit and spawned two eye-wateringly successful sequels. Now Damon and Iain have scored another goal (sorry!) with terrific football sitcom The First Team; all episodes are available to watch on iPlayer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the most exciting presences across TV and radio - the wonderful Laura Woods - is guest on the BALANCE podcast.As Laura says, she has worked her way up from being a runner to becoming one of the most beloved figures in broadcasting - no wonder TalkSport snapped her up to host the coveted breakfast slot. As well as radio, Laura has also become a titan at Sky Sports, where she started out at "the bottom".As ever, drop me a line at podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pippa Bennett-Warner is on the BALANCE podcast!The supremely talented actor talks about the benefits of having a zen mindset, lockdown life and spellbinding new show Gangs Of London, which is available to watch across Sky and NOW TV. If you're in need of a calming presence right now (I know I am!), then Pippa proves the most perfect company.Get in touch at podcast@balance.media See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Rafe Spall is on the BALANCE podcast! The actor was on terrific form as we chat his new Apple TV+ show Trying and much more.To find out more about his new show Trying, visit here.Rafe also used the term "global Panny D", which caused BALANCE to spit tea everywhere. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.