Best Benjamin P. Ellis Podcasts (2025)

1
Reimagining classics: Pat Barker on the Regeneration Trilogy 38:36

Play Pause

8d ago38:36

38:36

Content warning: Mentions of rape, sexual assault, and war. In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author Pat Barker shares insights about the art of retellings, and the craftsmanship and research needed to write reimaginings of classic literature. Pat Barker was born in Yorkshire and began her literary career in her late thirties, when s…

1
Writing contemporary crime fiction: Val McDermid on Past Lying 42:15

22d ago42:15

42:15

In this episode of The Writing Life, award-winning writer Val McDermid shares insights on writing contemporary crime fiction, and the importance of learning patience as a writer. One of the UK’s most accomplished and respected novelists, Val McDermid has sold over 19 million books to date across the globe and is translated into more than 40 languag…

1
Becoming a published author: Wen-Yi Lee on representation, writing residencies, and building a readership 51:28

1M ago51:28

51:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and Dragon Hall Cottage resident Wen-yi Lee shares insights into building a writing career, and the process of taking a project from conception to completion. Wen-yi Lee likes writing about girls with bite, feral nature, and ghosts. She is the author of historical fantasy When They Burned the Butterfly an…

1
Writing between genres: Michael Pedersen on Muckle Flugga 53:10

2M ago53:10

53:10

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning poet and writer Michael Pedersen shares his experience writing between genres, and how pushing the boundaries of literary categories can enhance your writing. Michael Pedersen is a prize-winning poet and author of the memoir Boy Friends, which was a Sunday Times Critics Choice and shortlisted for t…

1
“The best entrepreneurs in the world are delusional. They have the competency to make their solution a reality and are humble enough to realise they can't do it alone.” - Christian Hernandez Gallardo ... 42:46

2M ago42:46

42:46

Christian Hernandez Gallardo is Co-Founder and a Partner at 2150. 2150, a leading Venture Capital firm with 500m under management across Fund I, II and SPVs, invests in tech companies that seek to sustainably reimagine and reshape cities and the industries that power them. Prior to co-founding 2150, Christian held leadership roles through the hyper…

1
World building in horror fiction: Julia Armfield on Private Rites 39:35

2M ago39:35

39:35

In this episode of The Writing Life, prize-winning writer Julia Armfield shares insights on world building in horror fiction, and writing catastrophic and intense circumstances. Julia Armfield's work has been published in Granta, The White Review and Best British Short Stories 2019 and 2021. In 2019, she was shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young W…

1
“Business Sets the Course, Tech Brings the Thrust: How Innovo Group Is Building the Future with AI and Digital Twins.” - Roger Wahl - Executive Series #9 21:22

2M ago21:22

21:22

Roger Wahl is the Global Chief Technology Officer at Innovo Group. Innovo Group is an industry leader in construction and innovation across the built environment. Innovo Group delivers major real estate and infrastructure projects across four continents through cutting-edge design, engineering, construction, development, and financing. Roger Wahl h…

1
The world of Substack: Eleanor Anstruther & Simon K Jones on serial fiction 57:36

3M ago57:36

57:36

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Eleanor Anstruther and Simon K Jones discuss the world of Substack, and how they use the platform to publish and share their work. Eleanor Anstruther is the author of A Perfect Explanation, and A Memoir In 65 Postcards & The Recovery Diaries. Her new novel, In Judgement of Others, is out now. You can fin…

1
“Focus on engagement and transparency. That is how you build a strong foundation for transformation.” - Richard Corbridge - Executive Series #8 20:55

3M ago20:55

20:55

Richard Corbridge is SEGRO plc’s first ever Chief Information Officer. SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and a leading owner, asset manager and developer of modern warehousing and industrial property, with a portfolio of 10.3 million square metres valued at £20.3 billion. Richard has over 25 years of experience in digital and techn…

1
Writing love stories: André Aciman on Room on the Sea 34:28

3M ago34:28

34:28

In this episode of The Writing Life, bestselling author André Aciman shares the intricacies of writing romance, from the magic of first meetings to the nuances of portraying older characters falling in love. André is the New York Times bestselling author of Call Me By Your Name, Find Me, The Gentleman From Peru, Out of Egypt, Eight White Knights, F…

1
The power of language: Eimear McBride on The City Changes Its Face 34:37

4M ago34:37

34:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelist and screenwriter Eimear McBride on the power of language, and the ways literary fiction can evoke emotion and connection. Eimear McBride is the award-winning author of four novels: A Girl is a Half-formed Thing, The Lesser Bohemians, Strange Hotel and The City Changes Its Face. Her debut novel A Girl is…

1
Writing strong female characters: Joanna Miller on The Eights 53:56

4M ago53:56

53:56

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Joanna Miller shares her insights into writing strong female characters in historical fiction. Joanna Miller studied English at Exeter College, Oxford and later returned to the University to train as a teacher. After ten years in education, she set up an award-winning poetry gift business. She is an alum …

1
“Start building the basis for your long-term over-performance and operational efficiency today.” - Benjamin Günther - Founder Series #7 31:34

5M ago31:34

31:34

Benjamin Günther is the CEO and Founder of Alasco. Alasco is the only integrated solution for financial and sustainability management tailored to real estate asset managers, owners, and developers—empowering over 300 leading firms like Hines, Invesco, and Patrizia to plan and execute high-impact sustainability strategies, optimize CapEx, and drive …

1
The rise of romantasy with Sangu Mandanna 38:53

5M ago38:53

38:53

This week on The Writing Life, we’re diving into the world of romantasy — a genre that blends the best of romance and fantasy. Romantasy novels have taken the publishing world by storm in recent years, with sales expected to hit a staggering $610 million in 2024. And on TikTok, the #Romantasy tag has amassed over 800 million views. What is it about…

1
“Focus on making your customers money, leveraging change as a catalyst for a profitable, sustainable transformation in real estate.” - Matt Ellis - Founder Series #6 36:03

6M ago36:03

36:03

Matt Ellis is the CEO and Co-Founder of Measurabl. Measurabl is the world’s most widely adopted sustainability data management platform for commercial real estate, which tracks performance for over 18 billion square feet of property representing more than $3 trillion AUM (USD) across 93 countries. Prior to founding Measurabl, Matt led CBRE’s Sustai…

1
Writing about sports and masculinity with George Harrison, Alex Allison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence 41:44

6M ago41:44

41:44

In this episode of The Writing Life, writers Alex Allison, George Harrison, and Ashley Hickson-Lovence share their insights into writing about sport and modern masculinity. Alex Allison is a writer from London. He is the author of two novels, published by Dialogue. His second novel, Greatest of All Time, was released on 30th January 2025. With humo…

1
“We need a coalition of the willing. Asset owners need to prioritise collaboration.” - Melanie Leech - Executive Series #7 36:18

6M ago36:18

36:18

Melanie Leech is the Chief Executive Officer at the British Property Federation, a leading representative body for the UK real estate sector, advocating for a diverse, sustainable, and successful industry that contributes £110 billion annually to the UK economy and supports 2.5 million jobs through policy engagement, industry collaboration, and sup…

1
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast - Why digital transformation is about more than just choosing the right tech” - Emily Hamilton - Executive Series #6 28:51

7M ago28:51

28:51

Emily Hamilton is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Savills Investment Management, a leading real estate and real-estate debt specialist with over 30 years of experience, managing €26.1bn across 15 global locations, offering flexible strategies across office, logistics & industrial, retail, living, and debt sectors to meet diverse investor needs.…

1
Developing your creative practice with Julia Bird 31:24

7M ago31:24

31:24

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer, poetry programmer, and NCW Academy mentor Julia Bird shares her insights into developing your creative practice. Julia Bird is a highly experienced poetry programmer who has worked for organisations including the Poetry School and The Poetry Society. As a freelancer, she’s worked for literary development…

1
“Our ‘Internet moment’ for the physical world” - Alain Waha - Executive Series #5 1:20:55

7M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

Alain Waha is the Chief Technology Officer at Buro Happold, a global engineering and consultancy firm with a portfolio of 15,000 projects across 190 countries, including iconic landmarks such as the Museum of the Future in Dubai, Battersea Powerstation renewal, and the London 2012 Olympic Stadium. In his role as CTO and co-Chair of the Global Techn…

1
“Don’t waste a good crisis. It’s in those moments of challenge that you have to take steps to improve—and often, that’s when the best opportunities arise.” - Duncan Garrood - Executive Series #4 1:19:24

7M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Duncan Garrood, Chief Executive Officer at Empiric Student Property plc. Empiric Student Property, a £1 Billion+ FTSE 250 portfolio and owner of Hello Student, manages over 80 purpose-built student accommodation buildings in 28 UK cities, housing 8,000+ students and providing a community-focused living experience. Duncan Garrood is an experienced e…

1
“Digital transformation is not (just) about tech - It’s mainly about new business models”- Peter Mikulic - Executive Series #3 34:49

7M ago34:49

34:49

Peter Mikulic is the Chief Digital Transformation Officer at Stena Fastigheter, one of Sweden's largest privately owned real estate companies, owning and managing a total of ~2.1 million square meters. Peter Mikulic is an experienced C-level executive specializing in digital transformation and aligning technology with business goals. With a backgro…

1
“Tenant - Landlord partnerships. That is the new winning model.” - Matus Liptak - Executive Series #2 24:44

8M ago24:44

24:44

Matus Liptak is COO at HB Reavis, an international commercial real estate developer and asset manager currently managing 640.000 square meters of workspaces valued at 3 billion EUR. Matus Liptak transitioned from a global role at IBM to shaping the future of commercial real estate at HB Reavis, where he harnesses technology to drive digital transfo…

1
Writing about nature with Chloe Dalton 43:45

8M ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer Chloe Dalton shares her insights into writing about nature and landscape. Chloe Dalton is a foreign policy specialist and writer. She spent over a decade working in the UK Parliament and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a special adviser and speechwriter. She now works as a consultant on internatio…

1
Writing a festive bestseller with Abiola Bello 40:05

9M ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of The Writing Life, YA writer Abiola Bello shares her insights into writing festive novels. Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning children’s/YA author who was born and raised in London. She is an advocate for diversity in books for young people. Her debut YA, 'Love in Winter Wonderland', was published in winter 2022. It…

1
Writing about music with Aniefiok Ekpoudom 55:56

9M ago55:56

55:56

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, cultural writer and editor Josh Baines is joined by narrative non-fiction writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom to discuss writing about the music industry. Aniefiok ‘Neef’ Ekpoudom is a writer and storyteller from South London whose work documents community and culture in contemporary Britain. His debut book Where W…

1
"The idea is the easy part. Execution is what matters" - Dan Drogman - Founder Series #5 30:51

10M ago30:51

30:51

Dan Drogman is the Founder & CEO at Smart Spaces. Smart Spaces is a pioneering smart building operating system deployed across 85 million square feet in 26 countries. With a background in technology and graphic design, Dan Drogman initially honed his skills through various tech ventures. In 2009, Dan joined forces with his brother Tom to build a bu…

1
Researching for crime novels with Peter James 38:38

10M ago38:38

38:38

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy is joined by bestselling author Peter James to discuss researching for crime novels. Peter James is a UK No.1 bestselling author, best known for his Detective Superintendent Roy Grace series, now a hit ITV drama starring John Simm as the troubled Brighton copper. Much loved by crime and…

1
Routes into writing with S G Bell 45:36

10M ago45:36

45:36

In this podcast, NCW Communications & Participation Assistant Ruby is joined by S G Bell to discuss routes into writing. S G Bell is a writer working from his rural home in Norfolk. The Epilogue Event is the first instalment in the AI Aftermath series. In his fiction, he explores ideas intercepted at the boundaries of his professional and academic …

1
Writing dialect in fiction with Ferdia Lennon 38:26

11M ago38:26

38:26

In this podcast, NCW Head of Programme & Creative Engagement Holly is joined by author Ferdia Lennon to discuss writing dialect in fiction. Ferdia Lennon was born and raised in Dublin. He holds a BA in History and Classics from University College Dublin and an MA in Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia. His short stories have appeared i…

1
Writing through place: Heidi Williamson & Rebecca Goss on poetry, memory and healing 47:01

11M ago47:01

47:01

In this episode of The Writing Life, poets Rebecca Goss and Heidi Williamson discuss using place as a vessel to write about difficult subjects and memories in poetry. Rebecca Goss is a poet, tutor and mentor, living in Suffolk. Her poems have appeared in many literary journals, anthologies and have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Arts online.…

1
Structuring non-fiction with Nick Acheson 45:51

11M ago45:51

45:51

In this podcast, NCW Programme Officer Ellie is joined by author and presenter Nick Acheson to discuss structuring non-fiction, and how to create rhythm with your writing. Nick Acheson is an author, conservationist and environmentalist living in North Norfolk. He has written for BBC Wildlife, British Birds, British Wildlife, The Guardian, The Big I…

1
Writing collaboratively with Maarja Pärtna & Penny Boxall 29:09

12M ago29:09

29:09

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Associate Programme Director Kate Griffin is joined by writers Maarja Pärtna and Penny Boxall to discuss the process of multi-disciplinary collaboration. Maarja Pärtna is an Estonian writer, translator, and editor who focuses on socio-ecological themes in her work. She has published five poetry collections. …

1
Advice for emerging writers with Benjamin Johncock & Megan Bradbury 1:12:08

1y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, novelists and NCW Academy tutors Benjamin Johncock and Megan Bradbury give insight into their writing lives, and offer their advice to emerging novelists and writers of all kinds. Benjamin Johncock is an award-winning novelist, short story writer and journalist. His debut novel, The Last Pilot, was published in …

1
Writing the 'difficult second novel' with Melissa Fu 41:17

1y ago41:17

41:17

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Programme Officer Vicki is joined by novelist and NCW Academy tutor Melissa Fu to discuss the difficult task of writing your second novel. Melissa’s writing appears in several publications including The Lonely Crowd, International Literature Showcase, Bare Fiction, Wasafiri Online, and The Willowherb Review.…

1
Writing romantic comedies with PJ Ellis 43:30

1y ago43:30

43:30

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Communications Assistant Caitlin is joined by author PJ Ellis to discuss writing romantic comedies. PJ Ellis is a journalist covering relationships, pop culture and LGBTQ+ issues. His writing has appeared in publications including GQ, Teen Vogue, Man Repeller, Men’s Health and MTV. His short fiction …

1
Researching for fiction with Jon McGregor 48:20

1y ago48:20

48:20

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author Jon McGregor to discuss researching for fiction. Jon McGregor is an award-winning author and short story writer. He has been nominated for the Booker Prize for three of his novels, including his 2002 debut If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things, which a…

1
Writing soaps with James McDermott & Stephen Keyworth 48:37

1y ago48:37

48:37

In this episode of The Writing Life, scriptwriters Stephen Keyworth and James McDermott discuss the craft and industry of writing for long-running radio or television serials, commonly known as soaps. Stephen Keyworth is an award-winning director and writer who has worked extensively as a director in theatre and written over 60 hours of television,…

1
Writing narrative non-fiction with Dan Richards & Edward Parnell 58:02

1y ago58:02

58:02

In this episode of The Writing Life, we’re joined by writers and NCW Academy tutors Dan Richards and Edward Parnell to discuss the process of researching, writing, and publishing narrative non-fiction books. Dan Richards is a writer and journalist who specialises in travel, memoir, and culture. He has taught at Bristol University, and currently tut…

1
How to be a craftivist with Sarah P Corbett 50:31

1+ y ago50:31

50:31

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by author and professional campaigner Sarah P Corbett to discuss craftivism, a form of activism and collective empowerment that is centered on practices of craft. Sarah P Corbett is an activist, author, speaker, and the founder of Craftivist Collective. She is k…

1
Writing for performance with HighTide 43:23

1+ y ago43:23

43:23

In this episode of The Writing Life, Holly is joined by Colchester-based playwright and HighTide/Peggy Ramsay Foundation writer in residence Nicola Werenowska and Norwich-based folk musician Georgia Shackleton to discuss writing for performance. Nicola and Georgia were central to the development of Suffolk-based theatre company HighTide’s touring s…

1
"A call for collaboration to handle RE transformation" - Anja Rath - Investor Series #4 37:01

1+ y ago37:01

37:01

Anja Rath is the Managing Partner & Co-Founder at PT1. Anja has been an entrepreneur for over 20 years. Thoughout her years of cross-industry experience, Anja was always focussed on digitalisation. The opportunity to start PT1 came about when Anja was looking for the next industry to digitalise. Together with her long-term business partner Nikolas …

1
Writing poetry with Martin Figura 45:21

1+ y ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by award-winning poet Martin Figura to discuss the process of writing poetry, and how things make their way into his poetic imagination. Martin Figura was born in Liverpool and lives in Norwich. His collections include The Little Book of Harm (Firewater Press, 2000), Ah…

1
"It's more about process innovation than tech innovation" - Natasha Terinova - Investor Series #3 21:56

1+ y ago21:56

21:56

Natasha Terinova is a Partner at REACH UK. Natasha has been on both sides of the table. From selling and promoting Lloyd’s tech platform back when InsurTech wasn’t a word, to founding an emobility company and now investing and mentoring PropTech firms, Natasha has a strong track record of being at the forefront of digital transformation. REACH UK i…

1
Reintroducing Harriet Martineau with Stuart Hobday & Gaby Weiner 51:43

1+ y ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Chief Executive Peggy Hughes is joined by writers and members of The Martineau Society Stuart Hobday and Gaby Weiner to discuss their new book Reintroducing Harriet Martineau: Pioneering Sociologist and Activist, which explores the innovative, sociological approach adopted by Harriet Martineau in her efforts…

1
Crafting identity in fiction with Michael Donkor 49:26

1+ y ago49:26

49:26

In this episode of The Writing Life, NCW Head of Programmes & Creative Engagement Holly speaks with novelist Michael Donkor about crafting identity in fiction. Michael Donkor was born in London to Ghanaian parents. He studied English at Wadham College, Oxford, followed by a Masters in Creative Writing at Royal Holloway. His first novel, Hold, was l…

1
Writing subversive women with Naomi Wood 59:08

1+ y ago59:08

59:08

In this episode of The Writing Life, former NCW Communications Assistant Molly speaks with author Naomi Wood about writing subversive women. Naomi Wood is the award-winning author of three novels, including the bestselling Mrs. Hemingway. Her stories have been published in the Mid-American Review, Washington Square Review, Joyland and Stylist, and …

1
Virtual residencies with Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang 59:40

1+ y ago59:40

59:40

In this episode of The Writing Life, writer and translator Daniel Hahn speaks with three former virtual residents Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar, Sim Wai-chew and Tse Hao Guang about the quirks of virtual residencies, and how their expectations compared to reality. We were delighted to host them from June to December 2023, in a virtual residency generously su…

1
Writing the grotesque body with Heather Parry 49:57

1+ y ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of The Writing Life podcast, NCW Senior Communications and Marketing Manager Steph speaks with author Heather Parry about writing the grotesque body. Heather Parry was born in Rotherham and lives in Glasgow. She has won the Bridge Award for an Emerging Writer, Cove Park's Emerging Writer Residency and the Laxfield Literary Launch Pr…

1
“It’s all about speed and engagement” - Wouter Merkestein - Founder Series #4 22:57

1+ y ago22:57

22:57

Wouter Merkestein is Co-Founder & CEO at laiout. Wouter met his co-founder in a covid quarantine hotel. After two years of intensive R&D and product development, Laiout is now tackling the long-standing bottleneck in the early-stage design phase: delivering high quality floor plans within mere seconds. Having successfully completed projects in 28 c…