S22 Ep7: Ned Trier, Founder of The Gluttonous Gardener & Growbar: Growing a business with heart
What if one small idea — dreamt up in a London traffic jam — could grow into a business that’s brought joy to people for over 30 years? In this gentle, charming and inspiring episode, Holly sits down with Ned Trier, founder of The Gluttonous Gardener & Growbar, to hear how a simple love of growing and giving, blossomed into something truly lasting.
Ned shares the story behind his slow, thoughtful journey — from the early gardening days to sending grapevines and Growbars across the country — and why staying small, honest and hands-on has been the secret all along. Expect reflections on creativity, sustainability and finding delight in the peculiar.
So whether you’re dreaming up your own venture, in need of a little perspective or just love stories with soil under their nails, this conversation is a true reminder that good things really do take time to grow. It might even leave you inspired enough to plant something beautiful in your own life.
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S22 Ep6: Alice Temperley MBE — Founder & Creative Director of Temperley London: The importance of finding your flock and staying strong
Holly’s guest this week is the endlessly creative, hugely talented and fiercely determined Alice Temperley MBE — the visionary behind Temperley London. You may know Alice for her exquisite, bohemian-inspired designs that have graced both red carpets and royalty alike, but what truly drives the woman behind the brand? And how did she once come to be described by American Vogue as being, 'The designer making the biggest waves in British fashion'?
Raised on a cider farm in Somerset, Alice’s story may read like a modern-day fairytale — yet in reality, it’s been anything but. In this conversation, she opens up about the challenges she’s faced in the ever-evolving fashion industry, the resilience that carried her through and the perseverance that helped cement Temperley London as being a quintessentially British brand. She also reflects on the importance of finding her flock and reveals why the key to success is often slowing down not speeding up.
Away from the world of fashion, Alice lives an idyllic life in Somerset and shares her secret to happiness with Holly — which includes spending time with the two mischievous donkeys that roam freely through her home and often join her for breakfast.
Alice has built a fashion house rooted in artistry, celebrating 25 years of intricate embroidery, hand-sewn embellishments and timeless design. Her creations are more than garments — they’re wearable works of art, worn by iconic women across the globe.
This episode is a deep dive into the highs and lows of building a brand with heart, soul and unstoppable creative vision. It’s one you won’t want to miss.
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S22 Ep5: Artist - Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA: Guardian of the Arts — why art makes people powerful
Why does art make children and society powerful? Why should creativity be a right and not a privilege?
In this episode, Holly is joined by the extraordinary Bob and Roberta Smith OBE RA — artist, activist, educator and passionate advocate for the power of the arts.
Together, they explore why creativity matters now more than ever, especially for the next generation.
From growing up in an artistic household, to painting powerful slogans like All Schools Should Be Art Schools and Art Makes Children Powerful, Bob shares the personal stories, political moments and joyful philosophies that have shaped his life’s work.
Holly speaks to Bob about creativity being fundamental for all, how he believes art teachers are in fact, human rights workers and why everyday actions — from cooking to parenting — might actually be more creative than we realise. Bob also explains how his brilliant project, The Superpower of Looking, is a tool for teaching kids and adults to slow down and truly see the world around them.
So whether you think of yourself as being creative or not, this conversation might just make you look at life a little differently and realise that art belongs to everyone.
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S22 Ep4: Donna Ashworth, Poet & Author: The Women's Wordsmith, celebrating Midlife, Messiness & Mindset
“Love lives in the ugly truths.”
These powerful words come from this week’s inspiring guest, Donna Ashworth—author, the UK’s best-selling poet, and a true artist when it comes to capturing the human heart in words.
In this deeply moving episode, Donna joins Holly for a conversation that’s as honest as it is healing. With her signature vulnerability and insight, Donna opens up about the life experiences that have shaped her poetic voice and heightened her sensitivity to the world, enabling her to offer not just words but solace, strength, and a mirror for the human experience.
Together, they explore how embracing midlife can lead to profound transformation and how speaking our truths—even the messy ones—can bring us closer to ourselves and each other.
This is a conversation brimming with soulful wisdom, raw honesty, and the kind of truths that make us feel seen. It’s one you won't want to miss.
Trigger warning: This episode includes discussions about eating disorders, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you need to, please skip from 9 minutes 20 seconds to 10 minutes 30 seconds.. Take care while listening.
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S22 Ep3: Rob Biddulph, Author & Illustrator: The man who taught a million children to draw
What if a simple drawing could do more than just fill a page? What if it could boost confidence, spark creativity and even provide comfort in uncertain times?
In this episode, Holly sits down with the brilliant Rob Biddulph, award winning children’s author, illustrator and creative force behind the lockdown sensation Draw With Rob, a movement that inspired millions of children (and their parents) to pick up a pencil and get drawing.
Rob speaks to Holly about the power of creativity, why art is so often undervalued in our education system and how a daily drawing challenge became a lifeline to so many during the pandemic. He also shares how a stroke of luck helped paint the career change he’d craved, but had almost given up on.
This is an episode that explores the importance of keeping that creative spark alive into adulthood, the joy of making art without fear of failure and why in the digital world, putting pen to paper might just be more important than ever.
Conversations of Inspiration brings you life changing wisdom along with heartbreaking stories of resilience, tenacity and triumph. Since launching two small business marketplaces (Holly & Co and notonthehighstreet), Holly Tucker MBE has spoken with more than 200 founders, creatives and entrepreneurs on this podcast who have been vulnerable enough to share what it really took to get them where they are today, with warmth and wisdom. Prepare to be inspired.
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