Clive Anderson hosts a Loose Ends party with some of the many musicians, comedians, writers and stars of the stage lighting up the Edinburgh Festivals. Tom Rosenthal is a comedian best known as Jonny on Friday Night Dinner, though I suppose you can describe him however you’d like as his new show is Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I Am. Thanyi…

Welcome to this weeks' episode with guest Laura Lawes (@mouseandmeg on Instagram ) In 2021, Laura lost her job, which significantly impacted her confidence and left her wondering how she would ever be able to return to the workforce. Shortly afterwards, she accompanied her husband on a business trip and decided to do some sketching. As she watched …

Listen up as Nihal unfolds the Beyoncé/Destiny's Child theme he's spotted in this weeks' Loose Ends. He's humming "Irreplaceable" for the heroine of author Jo Wood’s debut novel - The Resurrection of Flo - who's left her cheating husband Max (“To the left, to the left”). It's "I'm a Survivor" for the actor Bertie Carvel who is playing King Leontes …

Welcome to a very special milestone episode of The Wilderness of Creativity – we’ve made it to Episode 50! This episode is part celebration, part creative therapy – and a reminder that nobody starts out as an expert. Today I’m joined by the incredible Sarah McDowell (@seomindsetpod)! From the nerves and doubts of starting a podcast to the unexpecte…

Clive Anderson is joined in Salford by a Post-Coital (that's the name of her new show) Tiff Stevenson and by Sam Palladio is finally acting in his own accent in 'The Couple Next Door' after playing Texan Gunnar Scott in 'Nashville' for six seasons. Ella Al-Shamahi has been in search of what makes us 'Human' for her new BBC Two series. American acto…

Welcome to this week's episode with guest Jo Long (@jo.learningtoloveautism) Jo Long is a Parenting Coach for mums of Autistic/ADHD kids up to age 11, diagnosed or not. She combines lived experience with practical tools to help you move out of survival mode — fast. Her son is bright, autistic with ADHD. She knows the heartbreak of watching your chi…

Welcome to this week's episode with Property Developer, Emily Labbate (@Lovea_project on Instagram) Have you ever felt stuck in a career that just doesn’t feel right? Or wondered what it takes to make a bold leap into something completely new? Today, we’re joined by Emily Labbate, a true jack of all trades who’s turned her passion into her new care…

Loose Ends is the guest of Durham Brass Festival this week, providing flugelhorns, euphoniums and an enthusiastic audience at the newly refurbished 110 year old Redhills Miners Hall, once known as "the Pitman's Parliament". Far from brassed off to be with him is the poet laureate Simon Armitage who finds exactly the right words to describe the magi…

*Trigger warning: Some of the topics discussed during today's episode may cause some listeners distress. Please take care when listening. Welcome to this week's episode with special guests Heidi Cross and Marielle Molette (@dementiatalkwithmandh on Instagram) Heidi Lee Cross is a copywriter and poet with a background in media. She worked as a produ…

This week Stuart is joined by comedian and poet Tim Key who takes us to LA Baby in his new book, Lucy Porter who is learning to let go in her new stand up show, and Shabaz Ali: the Tik Tok sensation with his takedowns of the super-rich. Eastenders and Call the Midwife star Leonie Elliott is starring in a new play, Liberation. There's music from Bil…

Welcome to this week's episode of The Wilderness of Creativity with dear friend, John Darvell (@nocturn_dance on Instagram) John Darvell is a dynamic professional with a truly inspiring journey that bridges the worlds of art, technology, and community. As the founder and director of NOCTURN, he’s led innovative dance projects that fuse digital tech…

It's mostly lollipops, ribbons and cakes for Clive Anderson this week as he meets Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc, Jane Austen improviser Rachel Parris and Romantic Novelist Mike Gayle (the only man to win the Romantic Writers Association's top award). But not all.... Mel Giedroyc's new podcast - and she emphasises it's a comedy one - is taking over fro…

Welcome to this week's episode of The Wilderness of Creativity with special guest, Tara Jackson (@empathpreneurs on Instagram) Tara is a creativity coach. She supports leaders to unlock creative ideas, nurture their unique gifts and skills, solve problems and identify areas for growth (with improved wellbeing as a side effect). She is also the auth…

This week Loose Ends is coming from the Homecoming festival at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. Clive Anderson is joined by comedian, actor and writer Dawn French, who moved to Cornwall to give her more space to write and Fern Britton, who has written eleven novels set in Cornwall, and has lived here on and off since starting her career in …

Welcome to this month's episode with guest Maria Terry (@mariaterrydesign on Instagram ) Maria is a performance designer for live arts. She completed an MA Performance Design at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2021, during which time she was awarded the John Elvery prize to recognise Excellence in Stage Design. Previously Maria studied at the Uni…

It's 20 years since Jenny Colgan became a published author and since then her books have been translated across the globe, from Brazil to Bulgaria. Her latest novel is Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages. Playwright Douglas Maxwell is back at the Tron in Glasgow, a theatre that kickstarted his professional career 25 years ago. His one-man show Man’s Be…

Welcome to this week's episode of The Wilderness of Creativity with fellow podcast guest and speaker, Tara Pratt (@adhdfest on Instagram) Tara is a podcast host and Speaker from Yorkshire. An explorer of late diagnosed ADHD, personal development and the law of attraction, she has over 20 years experience in television and stage. Tara has delivered …

Ore Oduba switched broadcasting for the stage after his 2016 Strictly win. His latest production is the adaptation of Peter James’ Picture You Dead book which is on tour across the country. Tom Newlands' debut novel Only Here, Only set in a fictional Fife town has received many plaudits in the UK and beyond. It's coming out in paperback later in Ju…

Welcome to this week's episode pf The Wilderness of Creativity with fellow podcaster and polymath, Tricia Duffy (@Intenyearstime on Instagram) Tricia Duffy is a polymath! She’s a media consultant, podcaster, public speaker, songwriter and singer. Based in West London, and originally hailing from Portsmouth, Tricia Duffy started her career working a…

This week Clive Anderson is talking playing with toys, settling scores and saying goodbyes with OG podcaster Adam Buxton. Tanita Tikaram has finally recorded the follow up to her multi-millions selling 1988 album 'Ancient Heart', called 'LIAR' Jimi Famurewa tells us how you go from stuffing mashed potato in your pocket to appearing on Masterchef. K…

Welcome to this week's episode with special guest, Joy Coach Leah Evans (@Leahevansfindyourjoy on Instagram) Mum of 3, dancing enthusiast, feeder, over sharer, energy bringer. I was a teacher for 20 years, until last year I handed in my resignation to be a Joy Coach. Now I’m on a joy mission, reminding people they matter and so does their joy. In e…

Jason Donovan won the hearts of millions alongside Kylie Minogue in the Australian soap Neighbours; then his debut album was the biggest seller of 1989 and he topped the UK singles chart 4 times. In the 1990s he reinvented himself in musical theatre with acclaimed roles in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Priscilla Queen of the Desert …

Welcome to the first episode of Series 2 with linocut artist, Heather Moore (@thepeacockandtheprintmaker on Instagram) Heather Moore initially began creating linocuts as a form of therapy, but her passion for the process grew so strong that she decided to pursue it professionally. She left her teaching career to establish her own art business as a …

Clive Anderson brings us Loose Ends from the Hay Festival. Joining Clive in front of a Hay audience are singer Paloma Faith who last year released her most personal album 'The Glorification of Sadness'. She also published her first book 'MILF' (no, not that one), a rousing call to arms for women to take up space, based on her experiences in the mus…

Welcome to Series 2 of The Wilderness of Creativity - a platform for creatives to share their stories of survival! Join us as we explore the challenges, breakthroughs, and raw honesty of those taking the road less travelled. Each episode offers inspiring stories, practical insights, and a reminder that the wilderness is where true growth happens. W…

The comedian and podcaster Stevie Martin is currently battling it out in the latest series of Channel 4’s award winning show Taskmaster - you might have enjoyed her "most snooty possession" which was a portrait of her pet tortoise in military uniform. She'll be here to tell us all about getting "the call" and her favourite games...sorry... tasks. I…

Joining Stuart Maconie in the Salford studio are the actress Phina Oruche who began her career modelling in America. She's best known for playing Liberty Baker in Footballers Wives. Phina is currently on stage at the Liverpool Everyman in Nathan Powell's new play 'Takeaway', where she stars as Carol, the matriach behind Hyltons Caribbean takeaway. …

Taskmaster star, comic and sitcom actor Alex Horne joins Clive Anderson to talk about season two of his sitcom, to introduce his comedic band The Horne Section and tell us why he's never running out of taskmaster tasks. The lexicographer and broadcaster Susie Dent is now a mystery thriller writer too, she'll be with us to talk about twisty word clu…

Rachel Joyce’s debut novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry was a bestseller in 30 languages, became a much-loved film with Jim Broadbent and is about to become a stage musical. She's also got a new novel, a sun-soaked family drama called The Homemade God which has already been hailed by one critic as "the perfect holiday read". Levison Wood h…

Clive Anderson will be joined by comedian and star of Two Doors Down Kieran Hodgson ahead of his upcoming show Voice Of America. Chef Julie Lin's cookery book Sama Sama celebrates all parts of her Malaysian, Chinese and Scottish identity and mixes tradition with innovation. Lewis Gribben stars in the new series of Charlie Brooker's multi award-winn…

Stuart Maconie will be joined by comedian Karen Dunbar, star of sketch comedy show Chewin’ The Fat, ahead of her nationwide tour. Restless Natives: The Musical is the new stage adaptation of the Scottish cult classic. Actor Kirsty MacLaren stars in the show which brings some of Big Country's greatest hits to life. Rosco McClelland celebrates his re…

Joining Clive Anderson in the Loose Ends studio are the Emmy award-winning actor Billy Porter, currently hanging out in the Kit-Kat club where he is starring as Emcee. Comedian and 'Guilty Feminist' podcaster Deborah Frances White has just published a new book 'Six Conversations We're Scared to Have', about how to ask difficult questions and change…

Can you believe it? The Wilderness of Creativity is almost one! Life has been a bit hectic over the last few weeks and so I've decided to take a step back from the podcast... for now to recharge and reflect on what has been an incredible journey so far! All the previous episodes will still be available to download and please do remember to like, sh…

Welcome to this week's episode with vocal coach and my childhood friend of 30+ years, Jennifer Crowe. From a young age, Jennifer was captivated by the power of music. At just seven years old, she attended a classical concert featuring a choir, an experience that left a lasting impression on her. In that moment, she knew she wanted to join them, to …

Loose Ends this week is all about finding the light. Poet, performer and broadcaster Michael Rosen is touring a one man show making sense of some of the darker moments of his life. Dylan Jones was the editor of era-defining magazines like i-D, Arena and British GQ in the 1990s and noughties. Now his memoir, These Foolish Things - tells how he left …

Gem Fletcher is the Head of Communications for the NHS, and plays a crucial role in shaping how vital messages are delivered to healthcare professionals and the public often during high-pressure and emotionally charged situations. Her expertise not only highlights her ability to navigate complex communication challenges but also emphasises the impo…

Clive Anderson's guests in Salford include Bridget Christie who returns with series two of The Change. Gardener's World expert Adam Frost who is on the road with his 'Lessons from the Garden' tour and up and coming stand up Louise Young. Music is from Richard Dawson who has just released a new album 'End of the Middle' and cellist and singer Abel S…

Welcome to this week's episode of The Wilderness of Creativity with Lucy Williams @ms_williams100 on X Lucy is a passionate creative thinker and advocate for the arts, dedicated to making a positive impact in her role as the Senior Leader and Senior Mental Health Lead. She leverages her extensive experience and creative voice to foster environments…

Stuart Maconie and guests come together with mighty laughs, big stories, and altogether good craic from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Declan Lawn is a screenwriter of multiple TV series alongside his creative partner Adam Patterson, including the successful Blue Lights as well as the BBC miniseries The Salisbury Poisonings. Series three of Blue Lights…

Welcome to this week's episode with founder and owner of Write junction: copywriting services, Kerry Dick Kerry's Facebook page Meet Kerry Dick, a talented content writer and copywriter with a passion for authentic and purposeful communication. She is wholeheartedly dedicated to crafting powerful messages that foster connections and resonate with a…

Clive hosts Loose Ends with an audience in London this week with a set of guests with a serious work ethic and willingness to try new things in the name of entertainment. The chart topping superstar and award winning actor Michael Ball is now also a best selling novelist. Can life backstage really be as chaotic as this page-turner set in theatrelan…

Welcome to this episode with special guest Camille Mauduit @camcamdancedance on Instagram Camille Mauduit is an experienced and highly motivated engineer, recognised for her strong leadership and exceptional interpersonal skills. A chartered engineer with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Camille has made significant contributions to …

Take a moment to reflect on your current creative energy flow, identify any sources of pressure, and explore the creative passions you may wish to rekindle as you move forward. In a world full of noise and distraction, it is so important to remember to prioritise self-care and creative expression. For more information about The Wilderness of Creati…

Stuart Maconie is looking on the bright side this week with Dave Gorman who thinks that 'Modern Life is Goodish'. In the latest installment of his TV series, Dave Gorman is back with his trusty powerpoint as he falls down rabbit holes but always with a smile on his face -ish. And just to balance out all that positivity we've got natural worrier Ang…

Welcome to this month's episode with founder of Nest and Flourish, Kim Heslip @nest_and_flourish on Instagram Kim is a former NHS nurse who career changed into Interior Design. She is passionate about the influence of our surroundings and is deeply committed to creating spaces that support her client's health and wellbeing. Kim uses her nursing kno…

Welcome to Season 2 of Beyond the Wilderness - a series of guided meditations to cultivate creativity and inspire deep reflection. In this guided meditation, you will be invited to connect deeply with your inner voice and creative instincts, releasing self-doubt and negativity that may hinder your expression. By focusing on your unique gifts and as…

Stuart Maconie is joined by the 41st best stand up ever to talk about his new tour 'Stewart Lee Vs The Man-Wulf', and by Philippa Dunne who plays Anne in the school gates sitcom 'Motherland'. Anne is back in the spinoff series 'Amandaland', focusing on Anne's glamorous best friend Amanda. Aysha Kala tells us how she nailed the accent to play Saima …

Welcome to this week's episode of The Wilderness of Creativity with financial advisor and fellow podcast host, Hannah Mayfield @hannahwhatiswealth on Instagram Hannah Mayfield is a qualified financial adviser and founder of What is Wealth. What is Wealth is a financial education platform and podcast. It’s aim is to support people with their persona…

Jack Docherty has entertained audiences in eight series of BBC Scotland’s mockumentary police show Scot Squad, as Chief Commissioner Cameron Miekelson. He returns to our screens in new spin-off The Chief. Writer Kirsty Logan has written on witches, mermaids, and motherhood. Her latest collection of dark tales of love and desire is No & Other Love S…

Welcome to this month's episode with guest Nancy Pinkerton @Nancypinkertonphoto on Instagram Nancy Pinkerton is a mixed media artist originally from Canada, now residing in Edinburgh for the past 18 years. Her work, which seamlessly blends history, tourism, and culture, has captivated audiences and earned her an associate distinction from the Royal…