The Longest Day Podcast

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah is joined by the dynamic and insightful Bobby Seagull — a mathematician, educator, and broadcaster. Bobby shares the story of experiencing the shocking collapse of Lehman Brothers as a young trader, and finally confronting personal grief amidst professional responsibilities. Bobby offers profound reflections on resilience, leadership, and finding one’s path.

Key Points

1. Inside Lehman Brothers on Collapse Day: Bobby gives a first-hand account of being on the trading floor of Lehman Brothers during its historic 2008 bankruptcy, sharing his memories of chaos, loss, and valuable life lessons.
2. Lessons in Resilience and Adaptability: Bobby reflects on how these three experiences taught him to embrace change, balance ambition with flexibility, and find personal fulfillment beyond professional titles.
3. Leadership Reflections: Through the lens of his experience at Lehman Brothers, Bobby explores how leadership and organizational culture can impact decision-making and risk management.

Best Quote

"I genuinely believed I would be at that bank forever... but when Lehman Brothers collapsed, I learned that life isn’t a straight line — and that’s okay."

Guest and host information

Find Bobby Seagull here:

• https://www.instagram.com/bobby_seagull
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobby-seagull-77880157/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-lNF95OSxTtfnUfTNJdEzg
• https://bobbyseagull.com/

Find Leah Brown FRSA here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/ and @leahtalks_ on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

Finding Light Through Loss with Baroness Alison Suttie

Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt episode, Leah speaks with Baroness Alison Suttie about a pivotal moment that shaped her life and career—the unexpected loss of her father while she was abroad. Alison reflects on balancing grief with a rising career in European politics, the importance of taking risks, and her enduring passion for public service. From Moscow to Brussels, and from personal heartbreak to professional triumphs, Alison’s journey is a profound reminder of resilience, purpose, and connection.

Key Points:

• The Longest Day: Alison recounts the devastating day she learned of her father's passing while in Moscow and the impact it had on her life.
• Career Beginnings: Inspired by Cold War tensions, a fascination with the Soviet Union, and early political activism.
  Taking Risks: Moving from a secure position in London to the unknown challenges of Brussels and the European Parliament.
• Coping with Grief: How she managed (and struggled) to balance immense loss while leading a major European political campaign.
• Staying Connected: Finding creative ways to stay close to family while building an international career.
• Advocacy Work: Transitioning into global health advocacy, especially in tuberculosis awareness and fighting homelessness.
• Development Assistance: Addressing the importance of international aid and managed migration in today’s globalised world.

"We have so much more in common with one another than we have different... Development assistance should help people help themselves, not be forever."

• Find Baroness Suttie here: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alison-suttie-28679859
• Find Leah Brown FRSA here:
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
    • TikTok: @leahtalks_
    • X: @leahtalks_

If Alison's story resonated with you, please subscribe to The Longest Day Podcast and leave a review — it helps more people discover inspiring conversations like this. Why not share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that even on the hardest days, new chapters are waiting to be written? Or send us a message or email us at [email protected]

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https:

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

In this episode of "The Longest Day," Rosie Wilby recounts her most challenging day, which also marked a pivotal moment in her life and career. On January 3, 2011, Rosie was abruptly dumped by her partner of five years via email. The shock and pain initially left her devastated and unable to process the breakup for years. Over time, however, this experience became the catalyst for a new creative direction.
Rosie eventually used this painful experience as the foundation for a trilogy of comedy shows focused on the psychology of love. This journey led her to create the podcast "The Breakup Monologues," write two books on relationships, and speak at various festivals about human connections and breakups. In the immediate aftermath, Rosie experienced a whirlwind of emotions and sought the support of friends. Remarkably, she performed a gig that evening, using her raw emotions to create a memorable and genuine comedy performance.
Rosie explores themes of communication, human connection, and the complex nature of grief in breakups. She reflects on how humour can serve as a defence mechanism and a way to process pain. She also discusses the societal implications of comedy, particularly for someone who doesn't fit the "default" comedian mold, and the challenge of balancing humour with self-compassion.
Using personal experiences in her art, Rosie acknowledges both the healing aspects and the potential for self-harm in revisiting painful memories. Despite the difficulties, she views breakups as opportunities for personal growth and transformation, allowing individuals to reinvent themselves and open up to new possibilities. Rosie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of creativity in overcoming personal challenges, finding joy and strength in unexpected places.
You can download Rosie's book, The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/1472982282/

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

A Conversation with Andrew Wallis OBE on the Fight Against Modern Slavery

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Longest Day Podcast, Leah Brown FRSA sits down with Andrew Wallis OBE, the founder of Unseen, a charity dedicated to tackling modern slavery. Andrew shares the story behind his pioneering work in the fight against human trafficking, discussing the challenges, setbacks, and key turning points in his journey. He reflects on his resilience, the importance of collaboration, and the ongoing battle to change systems and structures that perpetuate exploitation. This is a powerful conversation about purpose, passion, and perseverance in the face of immense societal issues.

Key Points:

• Andrew’s personal journey into the fight against modern slavery, starting with a story from a colleague about trafficking in Ukraine.
• The birth of Unseen and its mission to create immediate solutions for trafficking victims while tackling systemic issues to eventually reduce the need for safe houses.
• The importance of collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement, local authorities, and other organisations.
• Andrew's commitment to social justice and resilience, particularly when faced with pushback and setbacks.
• The need for systemic change and why Andrew believes that pushing through obstacles is essential in the fight against modern slavery.
• A candid discussion on the mistakes Andrew wishes he had avoided and the lessons he’s learned from his experiences.

,
"I never take no for an answer because I think no is often just either I can't be bothered or I can't spend the time to think about the complexity of the issue to find a way through."

Resources:

• Learn more about Unseen and their work: www.unseenuk.org
• If you’ve been moved by Andrew’s story and the fight against human trafficking, consider supporting Unseen’s mission. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every little bit helps. Visit www.unseenuk.org to get involved today. Let’s work together to create a world free from exploitation.

Contact Info:

Follow Unseen on X: @UnseenOrg

Connect with Andrew Wallis OBE

• on LinkedIn: Andrew Wallis
• on BlueSky: @andrewwallis.bsky.social
• on X: @andyw1

Find Leah Brown FRSA here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-brown-frsa-b71b0844/
• TikTok: @leahtalks_
• X: @leahtalks_

Stay connected to the Longest Day Po

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode by following The Longest Day Podcast here:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thelongestdaypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15QDqkhjZw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLongestDayPodcast-z1x
• X: @longestdaypod
• TikTok: @thelongestdaypodcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelongestdaypodcast
• Website: www.thelongestdaypodcast.com
• All previous episodes: https://pod.link/1684217939

In this week’s episode, we speak with the Rt Hon David Lammy, Labour MP of Tottenham. He looks back to the beginning of the August 2011 Tottenham riots, triggered by the shooting of Mark Duggan and which led to nationwide riots, as his ‘longest day’. He supported the victims and the people of Tottenham – a key experience in his advocacy for the families affected by the Grenfell tragedy. Find out how his roots in Tottenham, the support of a team willing to speak the hard truths to him, and his personal faith in God got him through the crisis.