Tom loved rearranging his bedroom as a child. At the time, he had no idea that these small moments were the first hints of a career he would one day fall in love with.

For years Tom worked in marketing on huge accounts like McDonalds. But then an afternoon talk and a little/big nudge from Fate and for the last nine years Tom's been running his very own Tom Hughes Interior Design.

We talk about it all including what it's like when everyone thinks they can do you job - and listening to red flags and having the courage to walk away.

And if you enjoyed the extract of my latest novel you can grab a copy here

And you can learn all about my books and grab a FREE copy of my latest novella here

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If you live in the West Country, I’m pretty sure you already know Alex. She’s been a presenter on our regional news – first for the BBC and now ITV West Country – for many years. Before that, she was an actress. She loved performing at school, but it was a chance conversation with a careers adviser that changed everything.

Alex has done it all: stage acting, Playhouse Disney, Channel 5’s Brainteaser, voiceovers for Deal or No Deal, and so much more.

Full disclosure: I work alongside Alex as a TV journalist. She’s warm, funny, and makes everyone feel at ease – even on live TV. She’s a joy to know. And she believes deeply in listening to that little niggling voice we all have. She’s listened to hers, and she shares some wonderful advice on how you can listen to yours too.

You can find out more about Alex here: https://www.alexlovell.com/

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Roger Saul created Mulberry - you know the one - from a £500 loan from his parents. By the 1990s, Mulberry was exporting to 30 countries, winning the Queen’s Award for Export three times, and attracting fans like Kate Moss, Kate Winslet, and Bob Geldof.

Roger, his wife Monty and their team at Mulberry, also went on to open the Michelin-starred Charlton House Hotel and restaurant as well as transforming Kilver Court in Somerset into a designer village.

But when everything came to an end he could never have foreseen, Roger still didn't give up. Today he and Monty run Sharpham Park and Roger is now a walnut farmer.

Roger shares how resilience, reinvention, and Somerset roots shaped his extraordinary journey. Perfect for listeners seeking entrepreneurial wisdom, creative courage, and stories of bold new beginnings.

To learn more about Sharpham Park click here:

To keep in touch (and I'd love that) - I'll send you my Next Chapter 3 pieces of Inspiration newsletter click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

To download your free heartwarming romance novella - Could We Just Do That Again? click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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What happens when you reach a point in life where the path you’re on no longer feels like the right one?

In this powerful and uplifting episode of The Next Chapter, TV Journalist Ellie Barker talks to Clare Mackintosh — former police officer turned internationally bestselling author, whose novels have sold more than three million copies worldwide.

Clare shares her extraordinary journey from policing the streets to writing page-turning crime fiction. A chance wrong turn at university led her into the police force, where she spent twelve years witnessing both the best and worst of life. But when her life wasn't suiting Clare and her family, she made the brave decision to step away

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Finding courage to start again
• How going through the wrong door lead her to a whole new world
• How grief and love sit side by side — and why storytelling helps her make sense of both
• The power of curiosity, creativity, and self-belief in building a new life
• What it really means to “write your own narrative”

If you’ve ever wondered how to begin again, pivot your career, or rediscover who you are after change, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful.

Clare’s warmth, honesty, and humour shine through as she reminds us that the next chapter often begins when we least expect it.

🎧 Listen now to The Next Chapter with Clare Mackintosh — a story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to turn the page.

To learn more about Clare and her brilliant books you can find her here: https://claremackintosh.com/

To download your ABSOLUTELY FREE heartwarming, romantic novella click here : https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

And to sign to Ellie's 3 pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Dan Simpson always loved acting and performing as a child — and this love took him to Fun Kids, the UK’s children’s radio station. But he’s always been just as curious about what goes on behind the scenes.

So when he started thinking about writing his own novel, he decided to create a podcast — one that looks at the real routines and habits of our favourite authors called Writer's Routine

Eight years later, with more than one and a half million downloads, Dan’s spoken to all kinds of writers — people like Sir Ian Rankin, Jojo Moyes, Lisa Jewell and David Nicholls.

What I love about his story is that it shows how following your heart doesn’t just take you where you’re meant to be — it can end up helping others too.

I’ve been listening to Dan’s podcast for several years now, and honestly, the stories he’s shared have really helped me keep going with my own writing.

Dan’s funny, warm, and just brilliant. In our chat, we talk about the importance of a childhood filled with confidence — and he shares what to do when those pesky blocks of perfection start getting in your way.

To discover Dan's brilliant podcast you find find him here: https://writersroutinedotcom.wordpress.com/

To download your free novella a gift from me to your for supporting my podcast click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

And to sign up to my Next Chapter 3 pieces of Inspiration mailing list - and I'd love that you can also click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

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Gemma Haigh says she was a little distracted at school – but later discovered she was neurodivergent. Her love of diving deeply into subjects led her to a fascinating career as an art curator, working in extraordinary places like Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle.

But when Gemma began experiencing anxiety, she found unexpected comfort in plants. What started as a simple hobby soon grew – quite literally – into something much bigger. Without realising it, Gemma was planting the seeds (if you’ll pardon the pun) for her own business.

Today, Gemma runs Plant Parlour, collaborating with a wide range of people and companies. She’s even been working on a top-secret set at Shepperton Studios and recently won a Silver-Gilt award at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Gemma’s enthusiasm is infectious in this episode. She explains how receiving her diagnosis didn’t hold her back – it helped her find her true passion. And she shares some wonderful advice to help you do the same.

For more on Gemma's work: https://www.theplantparlour.co.uk/

For the Author's Circle (as mentioned in the conversation): https://jenndepaula.com/

For the branding experts I mention: https://brandbuildersgroup.com/

And if you'd like to download your FREE, yes FREE novella or join my Next Chapter mailing list you can find me here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

My Next Chapter Novel Collections are all stories of love, hope, and the power of being you. You can learn more about them here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop

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In this episode of The Next Chapter podcast, Ellie Barker speaks with brand expert and former social worker Chris Endersby, whose journey from child protection to corporate leadership is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Together, they explore the power of compassion, the impact of early life experiences, and how we can all find meaning—even in the most challenging moments.

Chris shares stories of growing up in rural Kent, the loss of a close friend that shaped his path, and the lessons learned from working with vulnerable young people.

Show links:

To learn more about Chris Endersby's work at Firestarter click here: https://www.firestarter.live/

To download your FREE romantic novella Could We Just Do That Again click here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

If you believe in second chances, quiet strength, and the beauty of becoming who you’re meant to be then this episode is for you.

✨ Ellie’s Next Chapter novels are filled with hope, love, and the courage to begin again. This podcast is no different. ✨

You can find all her novels and the story behind them all here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/bookshop

Are you ready for your Next Chapter?

🎧 Listen now and be reminded: your next chapter might be closer than you think.

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In this episode of The Next Chapter, Ellie Barker chats with life and career coach Abi Unwin, who shares how a simple piece of advice from a friend helped her reshape her career—and her life. Abi now supports everyone from CEOs to young adults in finding work and purpose that truly fits. She believes next chapters don’t have to be dramatic, but they do need the right people beside you. Abi’s story is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical tips to help you build a life that works for you, wherever you are right now.

Links Mentioned:

• Learn more about Abi and her coaching: https://abigailjanecoaching.com/about-us/
• Ellie’s latest novel What Really Happened to Me? — a story of rediscovery set in Bristol’s Strawberry Village

Stay Connected: Sign up for Ellie’s 3 pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration Newsletter—more of these podcasts, lessons from her own journey, and exclusive novel

snippets. It’s just Ellie, her Labrador Cookie, and you now at Flowerpot Productions—and they’re thrilled to have you with them. And you’ll get a copy of Ellie’s latest novella Could We Just Do That Again? absolutely for free.

You can sign up here: www.elliebarkerwrites.com

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