Bandwidth Conversations

Tom Howe is a brilliant musician, award-winning composer, conductor and multi-instrumentalist whose music has elevated stories across screens big and small, from the pulse of action to the quiet moments of reflection. He's scored everything from Ted Lasso, Daisy Jones and the 6 to David Attenborough series and The Great British Bake Off. Listen to find out how he arrived in this space, why he advocates having no Plan B, the process of scoring and how he comes up with new, fresh and hugely diverse compositions. For musicians and non-musicians alike, this episode is packed full of insights, advice and great stories from a deeply humble and truly talented composer. Related links Tom's Website Bandwidth Conversations is proudly sponsored by Klira. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

I had the most wonderful conversation with multi-award-winning musician, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, composer, presenter and DJ, Nitin Sawhney. His musicianship and compositions embrace the entire universe of music from jazz to flamenco to world to electronica. He has written, performed and played with the likes of The London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Paul McCartney and Sting. The fruits of his labours range from writing solo albums, collaborating with musical royalty to writing scores for Hollywood blockbuster films. He's been awarded a CBE for his services to music. In fact, he has received so many awards and accolades, Wikipedia has had to list them by year! He was also part of a comedy duo and all this came after training as a lawyer and an accountant. This conversation touches on many areas of his career and life, the highs, the lows and the extraordinary. At times unexpected, shocking, healing and inspiring, I am so grateful to Nitin for his time and his candour. This is a conversation not to miss! Related links Follow Nitin Listen to Nitin Bandwidth Conversations is proudly sponsored by Klira. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Rachel Johnson's voice has echoed across the airwaves, her words have filled the pages of Britain's most read newspapers and her wit has lit up our screens. She is not just a journalist – she's a broadcaster, columnist, podcaster, author of eight books, and the only editor of The Lady to have entered the Big Brother House. From the Financial Times to BBC Radio 4 and LBC, from Question Time to Celebrity Mastermind, Rachel is always up for a challenge or a good debate. She's a fierce advocate for women's voices, she's a sharp observer of British life, she's a fearless commentator on politics, culture and everything in between and she's very funny. Related links Follow Rachel on Instagram Rachel Johnson Difficult Women Podcast Rachel's books Bandwidth Conversations is proudly sponsored by Klira. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

I loved my conversation with the charming, humble and very talented Humphrey Ker - actor, comedian, improviser, writer and football aficionado. From the stage to the stadium, Humphrey talks about his acting and comedic journey, his detour via Wrexham AFC with actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds to becoming a treble promotion winning cult hero football executive and why he'll be spending his 2025/26 Christmas holidays at the Birmingham Rep playing Sherlock Holmes singing songs written for him by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Humphrey Ker is a total delight! Related Links Welcome to Wrexham Season 4 Trailer Birmingham Rep Tickets Museum of Curiosity

'Lessons in Chemistry' is a multi-million copy bestselling novel, it's in over 40 countries and has won far too many awards to list here. Such is its success it has been made into a series on Apple Plus, starring Brie Larson. My aunt sent it to me to cheer me up after I had open heart surgery this Summer. It was one of the best presents I have ever been given and it transformed my recovery. I was devastated when I finished it. I contacted author Bonnie Garmus to tell her how wonderful her book was and she very kindly agreed to let me interview her. In the episode, Bonnie discusses her journey, inspirations, how she came up with her characters, the struggles of being a writer, tackling sexism & how to use anger constructively. Funny, smart, self-deprecating, full of wisdom, insight and humour, talking to Bonnie was as joyous and compelling as reading her brilliant novel. Bonnie's Website Buy 'Lessons in Chemistry'

Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros Pictures Music is the man behind the soundtracks of some of the most iconic films of our time: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit Trilogy, Harry Potter, Inception, Dunkirk, Gravity, American History X, The Notebook and Austin Powers to name but a few. Paul has collaborated with legendary composers, visionary directors and groundbreaking producers creating award-winning music to some of the greatest movies of the last half century. From orchestras to Oscar winners, his journey is packed with stories that span genres, generations and global stages. This podcast is a masterclass in film music, the craft of scoring, the stories behind some of our all-time favourite movie scenes and the man who made it happen. I was so lucky to talk to Paul and you are going to love this podcast!

In this episode, Gerry Beckley; singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the iconic band America takes us on a remarkable journey through five decades of music, fame and friendship. Gerry talks about their timeless hits including "A Horse with No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" and what it felt like to top the charts with both a No. 1 single and album at just 19 years old. He shares vivid stories of forming the band while still in high school, navigating sudden stardom, collaborating with legendary producer George Martin (The Beatles) and performing alongside everyone from Pink Floyd to Cat Stevens. From whirlwind early tours and surreal LA house parties with the likes of David Bowie, Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson, to the emotional highs and challenges of a 53-year musical brotherhood with Dewey Bunnell — this is a rare and intimate look behind the curtain of one of the most enduring bands in rock history. Plus: The making of the acclaimed new documentary "I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America" and why their music still strikes a chord with fans across generations. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the band, this episode is packed with heart, humour, history and harmony. Related links Follow Gerry: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybeckley/ Follow America: https://www.instagram.com/americaband/ Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/35U9lQaRWSQISxQAB94Meo?si=ygKZ8OV6R9eom3r4kF-PBw&nd=1&dlsi=8914814ea28a42b2

Erling Kagge is a man of firsts: In 1990, together with Børge Ousland, he was the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. In 1992/3 he was the first man to walk solo to the South Pole. In 1994 he summitted Everest making him the first man on the planet to have completed the journey to the North Pole, the South Pole and to have climbed Everest – in other words, to complete the 3 Poles Challenge on foot, all unsupported. He has crossed oceans and he even crossed New York City through its tunnel system. A true explorer, he's also a writer, philosopher, entrepreneur, lawyer, publisher and art collector. This episode is full of adventure, history, philosophy and wisdom. A true rock star of life, this conversation is one not to miss. Related links Erling Kagge's books

I can't quite believe the amount of ground that is covered in the very special conversation I had with multi-award-winning, best-selling author Clare Mackintosh. It really is a podcast of two halves; in the first Clare talks with unflinching candour about losing her son Alex when he was five weeks old. The second is a detailed account of how she creates the amazing books she writes, from the first glimmer of an idea to completion. A true rock star of life, this is an important conversation for those suffering from grief or those supporting someone suffering from grief, it is also an insight for all aspiring writers on how to write a roller-coaster, twist-filled novel and it is a lesson to us all on how to tackle life in the worst and best of circumstances, how to strive for what you want and how to triumph. I took away several lessons from our conversation and am already employing them in my life and they are working! I am sure they will for you too. I am so grateful to Clare for this wonderful conversation. Related Links Clare's Website Follow Clare on Instagram Follow Clare on Twitter

Måns Mårlind is a visionary director and screenwriter whose work has captivated audiences worldwide. From his early days crafting compelling narratives for Swedish television to his acclaimed collaborations on international hits like The Bridge and Underworld: Awakening, Måns has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to blend suspense, emotion and artistry. His keen eye for storytelling and his innovative approach to filmmaking have earned him numerous accolades, including a prestigious Guldbagge Award nomination for Best Director. Whether behind the camera or crafting intricate plots, Måns' contributions to the world of cinema are nothing short of extraordinary. In this podcast, Måns talks about some of his masterpieces – the trials and triumphs all with good humour and humility. Related Links Måns Mårlind IMDB

Sally co-created, wrote and acted in Smack the Pony, a double Emmy Award-winning comedy show, for which she was nominated for best female newcomer at the 1999 British Comedy Awards. She has starred in countless films, television series, comedy shows and radio programmes such as the Bridget Jones films, Miranda, Green Wing, I am Alan Partridge, Rescue Me, Veep, Friday Night Dinner, Clare in the Community, among many others. In 2003, she was listed in The Observer as one of the funniest acts in British comedy. Sally talks about some of her career highlights and lowlights, the joys and pitfalls of being a female comedian, what it was like to be Shazza in Bridget Jones, and what it is like to live with her son Ollie, dispelling some of the unkind myths surrounding Down's Syndrome. Related Links A World Without Down Syndrome Smack the Pony

If you grew up loving Not the 9 O'Clock News, Blackadder and Spitting Image, you will love this podcast! John Lloyd takes us behind the scenes of Blackadder, Not The 9 O'Clock News, Spitting Image, QI and many more award-winning comedy shows. Known as 'The God of Comedy Producers' he is also a writer, director and presenter and he is every bit as hilarious as the shows he's created. This conversation is packed with humorous anecdotes but there are some important life lessons too and John generously shares the flip side of a career in comedy. I took many things from this conversation and I am sure you will too. Not to be missed!