The Next Chapter by Ellie Barker

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/

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 RoutineEight 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/

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

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/bookshopAre you ready for your Next Chapter? 🎧 Listen now and be reminded: your next chapter might be closer than you think.

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 novelsnippets. 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

John Marrs is the bestselling author who has sold millions and millions of copies of his psychological thriller novels and speculative fiction. His third book The One  which he originally self published went on to become a no.1 Netflix series and has sold more than a million copies. But before John became an author he was a journalist interviewing celebrities for the News of the World magazine. In this conversation John talks about the 80 rejections he received at the beginning of his career and how these setbacks helped shaped him. He’s warm humble and an inspiring reminder that a mixture of hope, hard work, resilience and following our instincts can take us to places we never would even imagine.

Most of you will know Bill Ward as Charlie Stubbs in Coronation Street or James Barton in Emmerdale. With over 30 TV shows, 50 stage plays, and multiple British Soap Awards to his name, Bill has become one of the UK’s most familiar actors.But what you might not know is that before stepping onto the cobbles, Bill worked in advertising for companies like Saatchi & Saatchi. And not only that, alongside his acting career he has also become a multi-award-winning photographer. His breathtaking images have been exhibited in fine art galleries across the UK, and he is even a judge for UK Landscape Photographer of the Year.In this very special Next Chapter podcast, Bill shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of Britain’s biggest soaps – from Tracy Barlow’s prison storyline to his unforgettable first day on set with Ken Barlow. But beyond the scripts and cameras, this is also a powerful conversation about seizing chance moments, saying yes to opportunities, and avoiding a life of “what ifs.”Whether you’re here for the stories, the inspiration, or the laughter, this episode of The Next Chapter is a reminder that it’s never too late to write your own.The Next Chapter with Ellie Barker – Inspiring conversations for anyone ready to turn the page.To learn more about Bill Ward and his incredible photograpy click here✨ And if you love hearing about life’s next chapters, don’t forget Ellie’s Next Chapter novels – heartwarming, uplifting stories that explore fresh starts, bold choices, and new adventures. Perfect for anyone ready to begin their own next chapter.And if you'd like a FREE, yes FREE copy of my latest novella Could We Just Do That Again? to say thank you for listening to this podcast click hereTo learn more about Bill and his incredible photograpy click here

John Scott started out, he says as the class clown. But he is the one smiling now. He's had a working life many could only dream of. He loved making costumes and ended up working on iconic films like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Tomb Raider. He went on to be a regular face on national television with Lorraine and This Morning - and if this wasn't enough he created his own sewing channel with thousands and thousands of fans. Here he tells us how he got the job on Four Weddings and a Funeral. He is open, funny and so good and making the most out of life's opportunities- he's such a breath of fresh air, he came on the podcast twice. You can click below to listen to the full episodes.To listen to John's first appearance on The Next Chapter click here To listen to John's second appearance on The Next Chapter click here To download your lovely FREE uplifting novella - Could We Just Do That Again? by Ellie Barker click here