Best Ellie Simmonds Podcasts (2025)

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Henry Normal 41:48

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2y ago41:48

41:48

Henry Normal is anything but normal. A prolific poet and writer, he grew up in a poor part of Nottingham and nearly killed himself, after putting on a World War 2 gas mask he found while playing in the rubble of a city bombsite. Before he became a teenager his mother died, after which he became more introverted, learning to “escape” day-to-day life…

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Hamish Hamilton and Mark Pougatch: The Wonder 34:13

3+ y ago34:13

34:13

Unlike many of our guests on this series, Hamish Hamilton can live everyday life without being troubled, certainly without being recognised. He's a different kind of Olympian, an anonymous Olympian; not actually an Olympian at all. And yet, his gold-medal-winning work will be familiar to us all, drawing acclaim not from thousands in a stadium but f…

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Bonus Episode: A brief debrief 10:54

3+ y ago10:54

10:54

Adrian's mission to find out what defines our region and what makes a Midlander comes to an end, for now... He's spoken to 9 famous folk from central England - five men, four women, one novelist, two musicians, a pair of film directors, a couple of sports stars, one actor, one MP. It’s been quite a journey - so here’s a brief debrief. Commissioned …

1
Ellie Simmonds 34:02

3+ y ago34:02

34:02

Paralympian Ellie Simmonds is starting a life away from the Midlands but still lives close enough to the motorway to be able to get to the place she will always call home: “To be that poster girl for the Midlands... It makes me so proud because I love the Midlands. I love going back home. I love being able to talk about the Brummie accent and all t…

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Jess Phillips 40:41

3+ y ago40:41

40:41

Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley since 2015, Jess has lived her entire life in the city. She did study at Leeds University. But came home every weekend. “I belong here. I belong in Birmingham,” she says, “ I can feel it when I'm on the train on the way back from London every week. My shoulders start to relax when I get through the Chilterns.” Jess …

1
Steve Ogrizovic 38:15

3+ y ago38:15

38:15

Coventry City goalkeeping legend Steve Ogrizovic tells the hair-raising wartime story of how his father came to be a miner in Nottinghamshire, the “embarrassment” of queuing for school dinner tokens during a strike, joining the police force and bowling out Viv Richards in a lesser known cricket career. As a footballer he sat on the bench while Live…

1
Tom Clarke 36:06

3+ y ago36:06

36:06

The frontman of The Enemy was born in the heart of the West Midlands. “I grew up in Castle Bromwich, which is Solihull or Birmingham, depending on who you’re trying to impress.” He talks to Adrian about his love of manufacturing, especially cars, and of family plus his determination to offer a leg up to other young Midlands artists. Midlands Master…

1
Debbie Isitt 37:16

3+ y ago37:16

37:16

Film director Debbie Isitt played truant after making her mind up at an early age that she wanted to be involved in the arts. A slot on a children's Saturday morning TV show sealed it. “I went on Tiswas as part of my dancing school. I just thought, what do I need school for? I'm on my way, I'm on the telly.” Debbie reveals to Adrian how she could h…

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Nitin Ganatra 40:03

3+ y ago40:03

40:03

Actor Nitin Ganatra (EastEnders, Bride & Prejudice, Charlie & the Chocolate Facotry) was a shy, overweight immigrant boy with a stammer and was subjected to horrific bullying and racial abuse while growing up in Coventry. Two teachers persuaded him to audition for a school play, helping him overcome his low confidence and gain a place at Bristol Un…

1
Ken Loach 34:17

3+ y ago34:17

34:17

Award-winning film director, Ken Loach, talks to Adrian about his Midlands identity. Recorded at a sold out event in Coventry Cathedral, Ken becomes emotional as he recalls hearing the news from a neighbour that the building had been bombed during the Second World War. “A neighbour came in and said they'd destroyed the cathedral. I remember the sme…

1
Pauline Black 39:41

3+ y ago39:41

39:41

Pauline Black, pioneer of Two-Tone and lead singer of groundbreaking ska band, The Selecter, talks to Adrian about her connection to the Midlands and Coventry in particular. She talks about, amongst other things, the first time she came to the Midlands as a student. “I got off the train in Coventry and I felt immediately at home.” Pauline studied a…

1
Lee Child 39:07

3+ y ago39:07

39:07

Lee Child, the prolific author of the Jack Reacher detective novels, talks to Adrian about his Midlands upbringing and its lasting influence. He talks of his early years in Coventry before moving to Birmingham where two libraries gave him his love of books. He describes the smell of the dusty shelves and the voracious appetite he developed for read…

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TRAILER: Series 1: Welcome 1:45

3+ y ago1:45

1:45

Welcome to the Made in the Midlands podcast…a journey to celebrate and excavate the cultural identity of a region which is home to 10 million people. We love it here…but we also think the Midlands can be a part of the world that’s all too easily forgotten, ignored even. Northerners seem to assume Midlanders are southerners. Southerners think we’re …

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Paralympic Feels: Liz Johnson 42:23

5y ago42:23

42:23

Liz Johnson on getting employers to wake up to the inclusivity challenge.By lee mckenzie, liz johnson, jonathan overend

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Paralympic Feels: Ellie Simmonds and Ali Jawad 36:16

5y ago36:16

36:16

Medal winners, super-swimmers and power-lifters; Ellie Simmonds and Ali Jawad.By Sport and the Feels

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Paralympic Feels: Wheelchair Basketball Special 41:35

5y ago41:35

41:35

The "collateral damage" of Wheelchair Basketball with Sophie Carrigill and George Bates,By george bates, jonathan overend, sophie carrigill, andy stevenson

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Paralympic Feels: Rising Phoenix 30:43

5y ago30:43

30:43

Behind the scenes on new Netflix movie Rising Phoenix with Oscar winning producer and London 2012 Executive.By Greg Nugent, jonathan overend, John Battsek

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Paralympic Feels: Charlotte Henshaw 36:43

5y ago36:43

36:43

Charlotte Henshaw on refusing to retire; she's simply switched sports.By Lee McKenzie, jonathan overend, Charlotte Henshaw

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Paralympic Feels: David Clarke 39:22

5y ago39:22

39:22

He left home at 3, scoring 128 goals for England. The remarkable David Clarke Story.By jonathan overend, david clarke, andy stevenson

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Paralympic Feels: Clare Balding 37:43

5y ago37:43

37:43

The face of the Paras from Sydney to Rio; it's only Clare Balding!By lee mckenzie, clare balding, jonathan overend

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Paralympic Feels: Tanni Grey-Thompson 45:42

5y ago45:42

45:42

Baroness Grey-Thompson on the inclusivity challenge, hoodies in The House and taking on "The Rock".By sonja mclaughan, john inverdale, tanni grey-thompson, jonathan overend, baroness grey-thompson

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John Inverdale hosts: The Wrap Party 42:27

5y ago42:27

42:27

In time-honoured tradition, the series ends with a "Wrap Party". Bring a bottle...By Sport and the Feels

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Sport And The Bolt 33:33

5y ago33:33

33:33

Usain Bolt: Trackside secrets from the "sheep pen".By Sonja mclaughlan, Marcus Buckland, Jonathan overend

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Nicolas Massu and Anne-Marie Batson: The National Hero 31:00

5y ago31:00

31:00

Two in a day! The inside story of Chile's only Gold Medals.By jonathan overend, anne-marie batson, nicolas massu

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Gail Emms and Andy Stevenson: The Mask 40:11

5y ago40:11

40:11

Gail Emms feels a failure. What are we going to do about it?By jonathan overend, gail emms, andy stevenson

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Lutalo Muhammad and Marcus Buckland: The Redemption 37:02

5y ago37:02

37:02

Lutalo Muhammad on last-second-heartbreak and his redemption plan.By Lutalo muhammad, Marcus Buckland, Jonathan Overend

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Barry Davies Special Edition: "Frankly, who cares?!" 26:52

5y ago26:52

26:52

From Mexico 1968 to London 2012; Barry Davies' Olympic double figures.By Barry Davies, Jonathan Overend

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Sir Matthew Pinsent and Mark Pougatch: The Teammate 37:39

5y ago37:39

37:39

Sir Matt on making it with Redgrave and being the right kind of driven.By Mark Pougatch, Jonathan Overend, Matthew Pinsent

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Ben Ryan and Sonja McLaughlan: The Journey 43:49

5y ago43:49

43:49

An Englishman abroad; Ben Ryan on Fiji’s fairytale gold.By sonja mclaughlan, ben ryan, jonathan overend

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Jeanette Kwakye and John Inverdale: The Pressure 39:15

5y ago39:15

39:15

High pressure/No pressure: Peaking when it matters, giving kids space to breathe.By Jeanette Kwakye, John Inverdale, Jonathan Overend

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Gary Hall and Andy Stevenson: The Project 34:12

5y ago34:12

34:12

"12 million quid?!? Here's two grand." How GB Taekwondo took on the world.By Jonathan Overend, Andy Stevenson, Gary Hall

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Karen Pickering and Marcus Buckland: The End 42:18

5y ago42:18

42:18

Breaking Back: Karen Pickering's pain, punishment and perseverance.By Marcus Buckland, Jonathan Overend, Karen Pickering

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Tom Bosworth and Anne-Marie Batson: The Purpose 40:14

5y ago40:14

40:14

The Games which 'need to happen'; Tom Bosworth's Tokyo hopes and fears.By tom bosworth, jonathan overend, anne-marie batson

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Ian Darke and John Inverdale: The Scandal 40:24

5y ago40:24

40:24

One Flew Over the Commentary Box. Ian Darke on Jack Nicholson and Ben Johnson.By Ian Darke, John Inverdale, Jonathan Overend

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Katharine Merry and Sonja McLaughlan: The Iconic 45:23

5y ago45:23

45:23

From Sussex to Sydney; Katharine Merry on ‘Cathy Freeman Night’, 20 years on.By sonja mclaughlan, jonathan overend, katharine merry

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Clare Balding and Mark Pougatch: The Greatest Show 41:38

5y ago41:38

41:38

Clare Balding on viral Bert, 'pulling' Bo Derek and 'drunk' showjumpers.By Mark Pougatch, Jonathan Overend, Clare Balding

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All about the Feels 3:26

5y ago3:26

3:26

Top UK sports broadcasters get back together for insider Olympic stories.By Katharine Merry, Mark Pougatch, Marcus Buckland, John Inverdale, Jonathan Overend, Tom Bosworth, Sonja McLaughlan, Clare Balding

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Tyler Simmonds - Filmmaker/Public Speaker 39:37

5y ago39:37

39:37

In 2016, the Huffington Post named Nova Scotia’s Tyler Simmonds one of the “10 inspirational people under 30 you should be following on Twitter.” An artist and advocate, he is using his voice and talents to create a safe space to discuss mental illness, he encourages vulnerability and how that can be a source of healing and power. His message is re…

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Lisa Drader-Murphy - Fashion Designer 34:09

5+ y ago34:09

34:09

I have so much respect for Lisa Drader-Murphy not just as an international fashion designer but also as a savvy businesswoman with an inspiring work ethic. Tune in to this episode of Beyond Our Borders to find out how she has pivoted during our global crisis. We cover everything from when she first started to much needed hair cuts! Highlights: - “P…

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Trent McClellan - Comedian: This Hour has 22 Minutes 43:14

5+ y ago43:14

43:14

I couldn’t stop giggling in this interview! One of my absolute favorite conversations with the very funny and talented comedian Trent McClellan. One of the stars of CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, not only is he funny he is also incredibly gracious, kind and down-to-earth. Trent talked about his early days and how he had to “develop a sense of resi…

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Hope Swinimer - Hope for Wildlife 35:21

5+ y ago35:21

35:21

About 25 years ago, the injury, rehabilitation and release of an injured robin set in motion what would eventually become a beloved global television series and—one woman’s mission to reconnect humans to their natural world. I’m talking about the inimitable Hope Swinimer and the critters in the global television series Hope for Wildlife that have c…

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Ellie Black - Canadian Olympic Gymnast 33:34

5+ y ago33:34

33:34

She is the first female gymnast from Nova Scotia to go to the Olympics. She’s been described as a “superstar in the world of gymnastics,” and “Canada’s top gymnast.” Of course I am talking about Ellie Black. After the 2016 Olympics in Rio she ranked 5th in the world and became the most decorated Canadian female gymnast after the 2019 Pan Am Games i…

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Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns - Podstarter 55:07

5+ y ago55:07

55:07

Listen up! Have you ever thought about starting a podcast? Do you already have one? Or, do you just like listening them? My guests in this episode of Beyond Our Borders are the funny and dynamic Rhy Waters and Jonathan Burns. Digital serendipity brought them together and they have joined forces to take the podcasting world by storm. Podstarter is t…

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Janice Landry - Author/Journalist 51:28

5+ y ago51:28

51:28

What are you most grateful for? That is the question that award-winning journalist and author Janice Landry poses in her latest book, Silver Linings: Stories of Gratitude, Resiliency and Growth through Adversity. 15 inspiring Canadians across five provinces tell their personal stories of gratitude through tragedy, pain, loss, and trauma. Two highly…

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Karen Wentzell - Filmmaker 41:26

5+ y ago41:26

41:26

I first met film and television producer, Karen Wentzell when she spoke on a Women in Film & Television (WIFT-Atlantic) panel. I was struck by her poise, insight and generosity in sharing her knowledge. She is behind such critically acclaimed hits as the comedy series Seed, the history-making CBC series Diggstown and of course the show that changed…

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Tom Ryan - YA Author 45:55

5+ y ago45:55

45:55

Tom Ryan is taking the literary world by storm in the young adult fiction genre. His first novel Way to Go, was chosen as one of the most important works in the history of Nova Scotia. Born and raised in Cape Breton he still considers NS the perfect place to live and spends a few months there every year. Authentic, insightful and talented and so so…

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Andrea Janzen - Leadership Coach 37:16

5+ y ago37:16

37:16

I had a great conversation with Leadership Coach, Andrea Janzen. She is authentic, honest, insightful and at times refreshingly raw about her own vulnerability and the universal fear zone of “impostor syndrome”. She has developed tools and strategies to take you from fear and inertia to writing down your goals and checking them off as you achieve t…

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Lennie Gallant - PEI Musician 38:16

5+ y ago38:16

38:16

Singer. Songwriter. Poet. Lennie Gallant has captured our hearts with 13 albums over the last three decades and has collected numerous awards and accolades along the way. Recently, he was awarded the Order of Canada. Golden Nuggets: •Find out who in his family with “a big heart for the underdog” inspires him to this day and how that shows up in his…

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Brenda Saunders/Todd - CEO Dress for Success 35:53

6y ago35:53

35:53

Brenda Saunders/Todd is the CEO of Dress for Success Halifax, a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic independence for all women. Brenda has committed her life and career to advancing women in our society. She was recently appointed to the Dress for Success International board of directors that includes power women such…

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Custio Clayton - Candian Olympic Boxer 36:33

6y ago36:33

36:33

Guess who I got to interview? Custio!!!! Yup. The undefeated welterweight boxing champion Custio Clayton who represented his home community of North Preston, Nova Scotia and Canada on the world stage in the 2012 Olympic Games. Humble, gracious and sweet. (Make no mistake though he can knock you out in seconds, he has 11 knockout wins under his belt…