Talks with a Teacher

World-renowned jazz guitarist Esmond Selwyn joins Talks with a Teacher this week. Esmond talks us through memorable anecdotes with teachers, performing at London's Mandrake Club at a young age and the hours of practice that have made him one of the very best. Esmond is my best friend's father so we have of course spoken before, but never in this detail. I spent a lovely evening chatting with Esmond and I hope you find it as enjoyable as I did.

In this episode I am joined by author Darren Simpson. The creator of 'Scavengers' and 'The Memory Thieves' moved around a lot growing up and wanted to be a drummer when he left college. Although that dream didn't quite pan out, he instead channelled his creativity into writing wonderful stories for younger readers. Here, we discuss how hard work pays off when it comes to achieving a goal and look forward to the release of his newest novel, 'Furthermoor'.

Joining me this week is elite gymnast Jacob Edwards. Jacob is already highly regarded in his field and is a decorated junior gymnast, most notably becoming the U16 British all-round champion in 2019. Jacob has now made the step up to compete at senior level despite still being eligible to compete as a junior. This decision was justified by him making the longlist for this year's Commonwealth Games and he hopes to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Matthew Hennessey, by representing his country at the Games. The audio is a bit rough around the edges as it was done in a gym with practice in the background and Jacob and I seemingly forgetting the mics were there and becoming animated in our chat but this shouldn't detract from the fact that Jacob is a remarkable young man with a great mentality.

Joining the pod this week is the hugely talented Mixed Martial Artist, Aaron Aby. Aaron is a skilled fighter but that is because he has been fighting his entire life. The doctors discovered he had cystic fibrosis when he was only days old but he not only defied the doctors by taking part in sports, he excelled at them. Even being diagnosed with cancer at just 27 couldn't keep Aaron down and he turned pro after an astonishing amateur record in MMA. Now fighting for the leading MMA organisation in Europe, Cage Warriors, Aaron has set his sights on attaining the flyweight belt but also harbours ambitions of fighting in the UFC. If history is anything to go by, Aaron will smash those goals as he doesn't let anything stand in his way. Listen now to his astonishing life story as he tells us why he is continually #fightingtobreathe.

Another fellow Welshie joins the podcast this week- the hugely talented Georgia Henshaw. Georgia began acting at the aged 8 and has appeared on screens and stages for almost two decades! She has hit TV screens in iconic British TV series such as Skins, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps and Waterloo Road to name but a few and has graced the silver screen too in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging. From cruising the streets in her Barbie Jeep in her early days to landing some great roles in her career, Georgia discusses all in her unique 'husky and earthy' tones. I loved listening about Georgia's life and I'm confident you will too!