Andrew Weatherall’s death was a truly jolting moment, the saddest of losses. This post is my personal tribute to this musical maverick, this genius gentleman raconteur. I am also honoured to host Tim Scott’s tribute to Lord Sabre.
Recent Posts
Be kind to all
Be kind to all. Thoughts on kindness, featuring some wonderful guest words from Rebecca L Coates on why kindness can require both effort and strength… but is so worth it.
David Crosby: Fighting darkness, shedding light
Freak Flag Flying – David Crosby’s epic podcast conversation with Steve Silberman – is a beautiful gift to humanity, generously sharing warmth, wisdom and wonderful music.
What’s your action? (Robert Downey Jr wisdom)
Three pieces of wisdom from Robert Downey Jr’s January 2020 appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast.
Michael Palin’s beautiful friendship with Terry Jones
Sir Michael Palin’s words about the dearly departed Terry Jones are the simplest and most beautiful tribute to true friendship.
Kaleidoscope
Your world might be shaped more than you know by the kaleidoscope of your thoughts, the music in your heart. A short post in celebration of James Allen’s book As a Man Thinketh.
Trust in music more
A short love letter to the divine colour, beauty and joy that music can bring. Plus five records that mean the world to me right now. The divine voice of music Putting our trust in music can only serve to colour and to enrich our lives. This is as true for the musician as it […]
Forward
The 2020s start here and now. Never satisfied, we must always move forward.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019
My pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019, featuring: Scott Adams; Naval Ravikant; Richard Herring; Samira Ahmed; Brian Koppelman; Joe Rogan; Michael Rapaport; Rich Roll; Jocko Willink; Kate Carrau; and Adam Buxton.
A year in the life of Emma Dixon: No fear but only love
I am honoured to host a guest post from Emma Dixon – human rights barrister, end of life doula in training, and a wonderful human being. Emma has written some wonderful words about her experiences in 2019 and the lessons that she has taken from them.
Of messages and bottles
No action performed with positive intention is pointless. If you feel that something is worth doing, then do it. An action is worth performing if it benefits just one person.
The chance to change everything
Just occasionally, the universe speaks to you. Not every day. But occasionally, you have the chance to change everything.
#FiveQuidFoodBank
The #FiveQuidFoodBank campaign encourages people to donate £5 to their local food bank, or directly to the Trussell Trust. Russ Jones – who originated #FiveQuidFoodBank in 2017 – explains how #FiveQuidFoodBank came to be, and why it’s just as necessary today.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019 (so far!) Part III
My third pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019 (so far!), featuring: Laurie Ruettimann; Rich Roll; Jeff Gordinier; Richard Herring; Tony Slattery; Joey Diaz; Andrew Schulz; RuPaul; Michelle Visage; Nile Rodgers; Leonard Maltin; Jessie Maltin; and Fred Willard.
The pedants strike back?
How does pedantry make you feel? Are you a current, reformed or relapsed pedant? Is there a pedant in your life?
So pure
What was the last thing that moved you to tears? What gives you the strength to carry on? Inspired by Idles, this post celebrates the sustaining power of love, friendship and heartfelt honesty.
Ruthless clarity
Our “post-truth, post-shame” world needs the comedian’s ruthless clarity and respect for the audience. This post is inspired by wise words from Nitin Sawhney, Whitney Cummings, Matt Stoller and Sean Jones QC.
Left in the dust?
Change never stops. Change is a challenge. Change always gives you a choice. This is as true as ever in today’s “post-shame, post-truth” world.
Kirsten Shiel interview: A little smattering of doodles
An interview with Kirsten Shiel – a phenomenal Dublin-based artist, art director and illustrator.
Walk out a different person
When was the moment your life changed? If you open your senses to them, moments of synchronicity can usher in profound change, or simply render the present moment magical.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019 (so far!) Part II
My second pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019 (so far!), featuring: Joe Rogan and Naval Ravikant; Samira Ahmed and Katherine Ryan; Adam Buxton and Marlon James; Rich Roll and Kevin Smith; and Cariad Lloyd and Sali Hughes.
Éilis McDonough interview: Drawing with an adventurous spirit
An interview with Éilis McDonough – a fantastic artist operating out of lovely Portland, Oregon.
Olivia Kemp interview: Building worlds and imaginary places
I am delighted to host an interview with Olivia Kemp – an artist who creates mesmerising, intricate worlds in pen and ink.
They’d fight the sun for each other
Things fall apart. The next generation is organising itself to put them back together again, for the good of one another and for the good of all.
The voice of a friend: Bryan Wempen’s Sober Is Better
I am honoured to share here my foreword to Bryan Wempen’s excellent new book Sober Is Better: My Note to Self.
The Skeleton Collection: My debut postcard set!
I am delighted to announce the launch of my debut Skeleton postcard collection: A set of three pictures of Mr Skeleton living his best #SkeleLife, available to buy right now!
Bryan Wempen interview: Sober is Better
An interview with Bryan Wempen, whose new book Sober Is Better: My Note to Self talks movingly – and with great warmth and humour – of his life, his experiences of addiction, and his journey of recovery and discovery.
Nicola Budd (Howell Illustration) interview: Art inspired by nature and sustainable living
Nicola Budd is the excellent artist behind Howell Illustration, which “is all about pen and ink art, inspired by nature and slow, simple, sustainable living.” I am honoured to host this interview with Nicola about her art and her commitment to sustainability.
My top 5 podcasts of 2019 (so far!)
My pick of the podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2019 (so far!), featuring: Scott Adams and Naval Ravikant, Tim Ferriss, Richard Herring, Sam Harris, and Brian Koppelman (plus honourable mentions for Michael Rapaport and Leonard Maltin!).
My top 5 Yoga With Adriene videos
What are the best Yoga With Adriene videos? In this post, I celebrate Adriene Mishler’s Yoga With Adriene, look at how yoga can help everyone, and share my top five Yoga With Adriene videos.
Everybody here belongs
Abundance and addiction. Choice and recovery. Learning and belonging. This post is inspired by wise words from Naval Ravikant’s conversation with Scott Adams, and from my friends Bryan Wempen and Heather Bussing.
Fractured
Our times are fractured, how we see the world is fractured. If we could piece it all back together, what would we see?
The joy of Twittersising, by @MaryJaneFurniss
I am honoured to share this lovely guest post from Jane Furniss on what Twitter means to her.
Seven books that mean the world to me
What seven books mean the most to you? This is my selection of seven books that mean the world to me right now – a mix of current raves and lifelong faves. At the start of this year, my friend Steve Tovey tagged me in a social media challenge to share covers of seven books that […]
Ten ways Twitter changed me in ten years, by @HelReynolds
It is my honour to share this excellent guest post from Helen Reynolds (aka @HelReynolds on Twitter), marking the occasion of her tenth Twitterversary by looking at ten ways Twitter has changed her in ten years.
My 10th #Twitterversary toast to Twitter
A toast to Twitter! To mark the occasion of my 10th Twitterversary on Thursday 17 January 2019, here are five things I love about Twitter.
Three foundations of creativity
Where does creativity spring from? Brian Koppelman’s fascinating podcast conversation with Geddy Lee of Rush offers some possible answers to this impossible question.
My top 5 podcasts of 2018
My pick of the five podcasts that have meant the most to me in 2018, featuring: Adam Buxton; RuPaul and Michelle Visage; Michael Rapaport; Cariad Lloyd’s Griefcast; and Tim Ferriss.
