The Next Chapter by Ellie Barker

Now for those of you who don't know, not only is Robert Murphy one of my colleagues where I work as a journalist at ITV West Country, he is also my husband too. And I'm not going to lie - this was a step out of our comfort zone - putting him (and a little bit me) under the interviewee spotlight. But I've known the story behind Rob's book and I wanted him to share it with you. Because in a world obsessed with the number of followers we have or algorithms or needing to have big plans and huge teams of people - this is a story of trust. It's the story of a small number of close relationships which created one of the most watched dramas of the year  - at the time of recording it's had more than 23 million views. "Just try something quietly, it doesn't matter if it doesn't work, sometimes it doesn't, but sometimes it does." To learn more about Rob you can find him at: https://www.robertmurphy.net/aboutTo download your FREE novella, Can We Just Do That Again? click here:To join my 3 pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration Newsletter click here

Now, today’s guest is someone I’m delighted to welcome back. The wonderful Bill Ward.Bill started his career in advertising with Saatchi & Saatchi before following his passion for acting. You’ll know him as Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street and James Barton in Emmerdale, and he’s currently touring in The Shawshank Redemption.But there’s another side to Bill we didn’t fully explore last time—his photography. He’s an award-winning photographer and was named Landscape Photographer of the Year. His latest book, Immersive, captures the raw beauty and power of the ocean—a project four years in the making.It’s a joy to have him back—and he shares some brilliant insights on building a life around your passions.If you'd like to listen to Bill's first episode which is where he talks about moving from Advertising to Acting you can listen here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/billwardIf you'd like to download my FREE novella Could We Just Do That Again you can do that here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/And if you'd like to join my 3 Pieces of Next Chapter Inspiration newsletter including more of these conversations (and I'd love that) you can sign up here: https://www.elliebarkerwrites.com/

Chloë Luxton loved to collect flowers as a child, she’d press them then turn them into perfumes and sell them. But she had no idea then this was the first signs of the business she’d one day grow.Later when she was looking for products for her husband’s new pub The Beckford Arms Chloë created Bramley – bath and body products are made up of essential oils and natural ingredients which capture the essence of nature surrounding them. Not only are they still used by the now Beckford Group, they have their own range for The Pig Hotels, are sold in Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis, Highgrove along with hunderes of pther hotels pubs and restaurants – and they’ve just opened their own shop in Bath.Chloë didn’t have a plan when she left school but by following her love for nature, creating products and selling it’s taken her to a life she loves built around her family. She believes it’s all about focusing on what brings us joy and she give some wonderful advice to help you do the same.I also interviewed Chloë's lovely husband Charlie - you can listen to his story here: And if you'd like to download my FREE, yes FREE novella, Could We Just Do That Again? you can do that here

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

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/

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/