It’s not often that I get asked to be a ‘guest’ on a show, it’s usually me presenting and asking the questions rather than being in the hotseat. So, when Graham and Malika, the hosts of The Conversation Podcast asked me to come on and have a chat with them about the arts industry and how it had been impacted by the pandemic then I jumped at the chance.

Yes, it felt a little odd being on the other side but actually I love a good chat and, when it comes to the arts, it is one of my favourite topics to discuss.

Podcasts have seen a huge rise in audiences over the last 12 months and I must admit I’m a huge fan of listening to them, whether it be whilst I’m out running, cleaning the house or having a relaxing bath.

For me, as a presenter and journalist I love hearing people talking and being interviewed. I adore the life stories and learnings that come from podcasts and I feel like I have gained knowledge from them whilst also being entertained.

I definitely recommend them as a way to switch off from life’s day to day stresses and, for anyone wanting to hone their interviewing skills, there’s no better way than to listen to as many different interviewers as you can to pick up tips along the way.

Podcasts I’m listening to at the moment include:

Keep Calm and Kerry On – West End star Kerry Ellis talks to stars of stage and screen about their careers and life in general.

The Midpoint with Gabby Logan – Gabby talks to a number of male and female celebrities about hitting midlife and how they feel about the changes as they get older.

Happy Place – Fearne Cotton’s in depth chats about health and mental wellbeing with numerous famous names.

Sam Walker’s Desert Diaries – Following the Walker family’s move from the rainy suburbs of Manchester to the scorched wilderness of Arizona, it makes you laugh and cry.

and of course…

The Conversation Podcast – Friends Graham and Malika host weekly conversations about causes they are passionate about and demonstrate how you can get involved or take action improve yourself.

Check out my guest appearance on The Conversation Podcast, filmed for YouTube via Zoom.