'That felt amazing, it was great! It was like scouring out a pot and finding bits that I haven't talked about before!'
– Michael Rosen
Children's Author & Poet
'Being a guest on Chris's podcast is like having a day spa for your brain.'
'It's a great concept which actually makes you have to think.'
It was very pleasant, enjoyable and flattering. You asked me to pause, get off the treadmill & think about MY life and the people around me who affect me and whom I affect. Really nice!
– Mychael Owen
Captain Brand
It was great! Because the metaphors are so broad you really open up lots of doors and rabbit holes that have been really interesting & inspiring to go down!
– Joanne Howarth
Actress, Globe Theatre Practitioner & Self-Confessed Shakespeare Geek!
'Chris is very good at giving space to guests and very actively listening. Yes, it was lovely to nice to think about what shaped you. I had a very nice time.'
– Peter Clifford
Actor, magician & magic adviser to David Blaine
I loved it, you were a firm guiding hand - it was great, thank you!
– Rosie Holt
Comedian, Satirist & Twitter Sensation
'It was very enjoyable. I liked the structure very much. I congratulate you, Chris. You do it with such charm. It was really good fun.'
– Kim Hicks
Actress & narrator
'The structure of the whole podcast is brilliant. It's great to have positive flow but it goes too quickly. It's a lovely opportunity to share with other people what you think about things.'
– Vic Llewelyn
Theatre-maker, writer & actor
It's very nice talking about yourself! I wasn't feeling very well when we started but I feel much better now! Thank you Chris, you've taken your passion & made it happen. Congratulations to you!
'It's very clever the way Chris gets people to think about their answers in a slightly more imaginative way. He gave me the opportunity to say whatever I wanted to. It's been really fun.'
– Cal McCrystal
Irish theatre director and actor
It was delightful, I enjoyed every minute of it! It's a great structure, it gives great prompts and it really made me think. I learnt new things about myself. Thank you!
– Carolina Klint
CCO Europe, Marsh McLennan
'It's not often you get to talk to somebody for an hour about yourself and they listen attentively. It's a strange, but lovely, feeling. It felt quite self-indulgent to be given a good listening to.'
– Matt Georges
Environmental economist
'I just love chatting with Chris. He makes it so easy. It's great to think through the things that have shaped you and inspired you. Loved that. Also, Chris had cake! You can't go wrong there.'
'It was fantastic and very interesting. Because I didn't quite know what I was going to answer it was good. What a joy it has been, Chris, to be with a fellow Bristol Old Vic Theatre School boy and to chat for an hour. I really enjoyed it. Thank you very much indeed!'
– Christopher Biggins
King of Panto & winner of TV's 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here'
'It's always a pleasure to talk about yourself and take stock a bit. 'The Clearing' is a great metaphor.'
– Pete Bailie
Leadership coach
'It's phenomenal and amazing. You are very skilled. It's very subtle and delicate, it's been a really good experience, enjoyable and nourishing.'
– Dr Anna Farthing
Theatre director & curator
What I love about your show in this dark depressing world at the moment, is that you have created a beautiful oasis of kindness and positivity. I think you've got spun Gold here. Congratulations to you and your team, it's a beautiful, beautiful life-affirming 45-50 minutes. Thank you!
– Brendan O'Hea
Actor, Director & Author of "Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent", co-written with Dame Judi Dench
'It was quite emotional actually, reflecting on the things that have shaped me or that are important to me. I promised myself I wouldn't blub. Really wonderful.'
– Saikat Ahamed
Bangladeshi actor & writer
'Chris asks good questions and I felt safe and comfortable and was very happy to carry on as long as Chris wanted me to. Extremely enjoyable.'
– Keith Warmington
BBC broadcaster, musician & voiceover artist
'I really loved the process. I'd like to do it again in five years and see how much has changed. It was great spending time thinking about me.'
– Shauna Macdonald
'Queen of Scream' horror film actress & Scottish youth theatre director
I wan't very good at this when I first left the BBC Breakfast sofa because I like asking the questions! So it feels scary but that was really enjoyable! I revealed stuff about myself that I've not said before, so well done you! I agree with Michael Rosen, this is a great way for Authors to talk about their books.
– Louise Minchin
Broadcaster, Author & Endurance Athlete
It was fantastic. Your way of curating your Show is wonderful. There is a plethora of podcasts and I've definitely not done or experienced one like this. The structure and the way you guide it is lovely. The 'Clearing' is a wonderful place to come to. Thank you!
– Garry Pratt
Author, Founder & Mountain Leader
It was wonderful, I loved it! Like one of those talking things you put on in a car on a long drive and it keeps on inspiring you! Fantastic!
– Eddie Marsan
Actor & Humanist
'Lovely format. It surprised me.'
– Richard Ryan
TV & Hollywood film stunt / fight coordinator
'It's been great.'
– Thomas Johnson
Musician & theatrical composer
I love your format! You animated me to think about things that might otherwise stay hidden. How often do we get think about things that shape & define us? It made me evaluate and look within in a profoundly different way. Thank you!
Raphaela Reeb Ilgenfritz
Creative Director UKHR & 'Stoma4Life' Podcast Host
'There's something quite freeing about telling people who you are.'
– Angie Belcher
Comedy teacher & stand-up
You’re a superstar for eliciting stories that matter. Love it!
– Sean Perlmutter
Partner at Pivotal Twist
'Chris kept me on my toes and I had to make sure I'd prepared for it. I hadn't ever been on a podcast with such an interesting set of questions. I loved it. Well done!'
– David Hieatt
Serial entrepreneur and Founder of Hiut Denim & The DO Lectures
'A brilliant podcast interview structure. Chris is warm and generous and made it effortlessly easy for me to tell the story behind my new book.'
– Colin Hunter
Leadership In Business author
'It's been a lovely opportunity to share some moments in life and reflect. It's been wonderful.'
– Chris Pirie
Artistic director & puppeteer
'Definitely do listen to Chris because you are going to find out things you wouldn't discover anywhere else. I felt better for it.'
– Ross King MBE
ITV Hollywood correspondent, TV presenter & author
'Chris approaches the interview in a unique and individual way so it's been great. Normally I sit down, people ask me questions and I reel off the answers, but Chris made me think.'
– Madeleine Black
Glasgow-based author and public speaker
It was absolutely perfect! You made me feel so at ease and handled all of that with grace & aplomb. Happy to say that the investment was well worth it. I loved it, loved all of it!
– Simon Bergenroth
Career Progression Coach
'I wondered about it beforehand and I have had plenty of room. I think it worked really well.'
– Mac Macartney
International speaker, writer & change-maker
'It tickled my brain. And now for some cake and a lie-down!'
– Roger McGough CBE
Poet and playwright
'You managed me quite well. Huge fun. You are great at doing this. You are really good.'
– Jenny Stephens
Freelance writer & theatre director
'Ultimately, all we have are our stories. If no one hears them, did we ever exist?! What you're doing offers an amazing opportunity. It's totally inspired.'
– Cate Russell
Former Health sector CEO
'Chris places his subjects in a heightened metaphorical landscape where the stories can flow. His approach is eccentric and playful, teasing connections and prompting new insights.'
– Tim Crouch
Playwright, director & theatre-maker
'You sent my mind down some very interesting avenues. I got an overview of my life which gave me a perspective shift. You are so receptive and affable and easy to talk to. It's been a pleasure.'
– Toby Thompson
Performance poet
'I did lots of US promos, radio and TV, also Sky News. Without doubt, the best interview I've had.'
– Malcolm Stern
Psychologist and author of three books
'Your extraordinary podcast format brought looking back on my life a unique focus. My children loved it and so did I.'
– Reg Starkey
Former UK advertising executive
What a wonderful construct! It's a lovely jumping-off point to wax lyrical and especially to honour the people through my life that have been really important inspirations.
- Ita O'Brian
Intimacy Co-Ordinator in Film, TV & Theatre
'I felt comfortable. Chris really 'gets it' straightaway, he really understands. Chris really is listening, not just hosting! Chris gives you the reassurance that he has absolutely understood.'
– Hannah Fitt
Charity director, life coach & speaker
'Chatting through things I'm passionate about was a lot of fun and laidback. I had a real hoot!'
– Tweedy the Clown
Clown & Entertainer
'The form [of the show] is light-hearted. It's a nice way to plumb the depths of the guest and I really appreciated it and enjoyed it.'
– Gordon Buchanan MBE
Scottish wildlife filmmaker and presenter
One of the most joyous experiences I've had in a very long time. To have a conversation, Chris, with someone like you - my brain is on fire right now! If I was in an MRI machine my brain would be on fire! What I'm going to do now is start writing based on our conversation. The greatest joy in life is to have conversations with people who make me think. And you made me think.
- Errol Gerson
Creative Mentor, Philosopher, Teacher & Coach
Your podcast is 'Theatre for the Mind'. I congratulate you sir!
– Henry Caplan
Facilitator, Actor & Coach
Very enjoyable. Love the format! It's a very good one I think for Authors with plenty of opportunity & flexibility but with a really interesting structure. Very interesting to do, I liked it a lot!
– Cathy Rentzenbrink
Acclaimed Author & Memoirist
It was cool, really cool! I don't normally think in those kind of structured ways and I'm glad that I did! Thinking about things and have they have fitted in over the last few years has been great!
– Gareth Dauncey
Architect & Founder of the Mood App
'I found it an absolute delight. You are more than welcome to ferret around in my subconscious any time you like.'
– Dr Phil Hammond
Physician, broadcaster & comedian
'I liked it very much. I do talk too much and it's nice to verbalise your thoughts, also having the time to do it. To think about things in depth is cathartic. I enjoyed it immensely.'
– Peter Duncan
Former Blue Peter presenter, actor & pantomime dame
'It's nice to be able to reach a broader audience and to talk to many more people though Chris.'
– Rolfe Oostra
Mountaineer & expedition leader
'It was quite nice having a route map. Chris's questions made me jump a little outside my normal responses.'
– Ben Dunwell
Novelist & operatic librettist
Thank you! It was absolute delight. Scary at first and then like I was being sherpered in the nicest, most pleasant way! And you made me think about things that are very good & important to think about.
– Brittlestar
Canadian Viral Sensation & the Internets Favourite Dad
'I was a bit nervous at first, but it's been enjoyable. It's just a bit of a chat, isn't it? It's been lovely. It's surprisingly enjoyable and I would recommend doing it.'
– Laurens Nockels
TV, film & events propmaker
'This is perfect for family and anyone who's interested. I enjoyed sharing my emotions and life events that were important to me. I did this for my children and anyone else who's interested.'
– Peter Curtiss
Retired financier who lived in 30 countries
'This has been such fun and a real delight. So proud to have the sign language included.'
– Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE
Principal & CEO of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
'It's inspirational to learn about those light bulb moments that change everything in your life.'
– Janey Lee Grace
Broadcaster & sobriety coach
'It's lovely to be listened to. Who wouldn't want to be listened to? It was enormous fun and great to talk to you.'
– Michael Fenton Stevens
'Only Fools and Horses' actor & comedian
'I learnt something about me!'
– Seamus Lyte
Hollywood agent
It was fun and it was different or sure. It makes you think a lot more about where your life has gone & what you believe in, so definitely not your standard. Enjoyed it!
– Lesley Paterson: The Scottish Rocket
Scottish Triathlete turned 4 x OSCAR Winner for "All Quiet on the Western Front"