Best Neighbours_Chat Podcasts (2025)

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Kate Kemp, author of 'The Grapevine' - Debut author discusses preparing for disappointment, trusting the process, and her winding path to publication 40:14

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2h ago40:14

40:14

This week we're joined by Kate Kemp, occupational therapist, psychotherapist and now, author. Her debut novel, 'The Grapevine', is out now. It started life as a manuscript called 'Warrah Place', which won the Stylist Prize for Feminist Fiction, and landed her a publishing deal. It's a gripping mystery set in 1970s Australia, about a murder in a clo…

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Compelled By Stories (with Paul Hastings) 24:13

5h ago24:13

24:13

If we tell people the fact that Jesus is real and can change your life, they can nod and say "That's great for you, but not for me." But when we tell a story of the amazing impact God has in extraordinary circumstances, it can become absolutely compelling! Simon and Gavin speak today with the host of Compelled, a story-driven podcast seeking to com…

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Sebastian Faulks, author of 'Birdsong' - Bestselling literary writer discusses editing help, being around at the right time, and thinking about each sentence 43:11

5d ago43:11

43:11

This week we’re joined by the legendary Sebastian Faulks, the bestselling author of 'Birdsong', 'Charlotte Gray', and so many unforgettable novels. In this episode, he opens up about his writing routine, the stories behind his new memoir 'Fires Which Burned Brightly', and what it really takes to create fiction that sticks with readers. If you've ev…

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75 - Scottish Housing Day: Celebrating good neighbours with Callum Chomczuk and Jamie Ballantine 40:29

7d ago40:29

40:29

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the theme of 'Everybody Needs Good Neighbours' for Scottish Housing Day. They explore the importance of community and neighbourliness, the role of housing associations in fostering social connections, and the challenges of social isolation. Guests Callum Ch…

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Kate McKean, author of 'Write Through It: An Insider's Guide to Publishing and Creative Life' - Literary agent reveals how to get signed, how they help you get published, and first sentences 1:00:07

15d ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Kate McKean is a literary agent who has built a diverse client list of New York Times Bestselling Authors, in genres from fantasy, TA, humour and horror. A few years ago, she started a newsletter with all the backstage secrets of agent life, and tips on how you can make it happen. Now she's got a book out, filled with even more help. It's called 'W…

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Christian living in secular Canadian society - Ep 248 35:21

15d ago35:21

35:21

Guest host David Guretzki speaks with Dom Ruso, who leads a church called The180 in Laval, Que., that he helped to plant in 2016. Ruso was born and raised in Montreal, holds a PhD in historical theology and has also worked pastoring young adults. The180 church is an interdenominational church under the umbrella of The Alliance Canada. Ruso has a ne…

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Jesus and the revolutionary kingdom of peace - Ep 247 58:21

18d ago58:21

58:21

Jesse Nickel of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., published a compelling book last year about how Jesus' ministry and presentation of the Kingdom of God contrast with human understandings of power (A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God, Fortress Press, 2024). He talks with host Bill Fledderus about the chal…

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Jesus and the revolutionary kingdom of peace 58:21

16d ago58:21

58:21

Jesse Nickel of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., published a compelling book last year about how Jesus' ministry and presentation of the Kingdom of God contrast with human understandings of power (A Revolutionary Jesus: Violence and Peacemaking in the Kingdom of God, Fortress Press, 2024). He talks with host Bill Fledderus about the chal…

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Lucy Roth, author of 'When Sally Killed Harry' - Feminist thriller author discusses arts council funding, going easy on yourself and what readers don't want to know 58:28

22d ago58:28

58:28

Lucy Roth's new novel has one of the best names going. 'When Sally Killed Harry', is a feminist serial-killer thriller. When Sally discovers she's not the only one to have been jilted by dreamy con-man Harry, she takes matters into her own hands, and becomes his worst nightmare. It's Lucy's first thriller, but she has published novels and non-ficti…

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74 - Tenancy sustainment with Maureen Knight and Pamela Forrest 40:17

20d ago40:17

40:17

In this episode, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issue of homelessness with Maureen Knight from Albyn Housing Society and Pamela Forrest from Riverside Scotland. They explore innovative strategies to prevent homelessness, focusing on proactive tenancy sustainment and the Housing First for Families initiative. The conversation hi…

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Alex North, author of 'The Man Made of Smoke' - Crime author discusses books actually becoming movies, making writing fun, and how the year looks 47:30

29d ago47:30

47:30

Alex North seems to be one of those rare writers. It looks like his debut, 'The Whisper Man', will actually be made into a film. The novel was a Sunday Times and New York Times Bestseller, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Movie will star Adam Scott, Robert de Niro, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Keaton. He's also published 'The Shadow …

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Big Questions In Small Groups (with Becci Greenfield) 19:13

28d ago19:13

19:13

Becci Greenfield Who did you turn to when you had big questions, even doubts, about the Christian faith? Were there individuals or groups in your church that let you explore your questions without shame or dismissal? Today on PEP Talk we discuss creating "Big Questions" small group discussions within a church setting. They could be a key ministry t…

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Fake hosts - our scariest podcast ever 14:37

1M ago14:37

14:37

We’re back. Or at least, one of us is for real, but the other one is fake, thanks to an Artificial Intelligence app. This week I fed two articles from the Flat Chat website into an AI app called Jellypod. I chose the one about NSW Premier Chris Minns’ visit to the Netstrata offices and the other about the NSW Fair Trading minister’s announcement th…

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Hannah Beckerman, author of 'Three Mothers' - Domestic Noir author discusses trying to be a critic, making characters unique, and putting pressure on your own work 49:50

1M ago49:50

49:50

This week, we're chatting to Hannah Beckerman. She's been dubbed the 'new Queen of Domestic Noir', and after the success of the bestselling, 'The Forgetting', has published her 5th novel, 'Three Mothers'. If you love Louise Candlish or Liane Moriarty, you'll enjoy how Hannah writes. Here's the blurb... When seventeen-year-old Isla Richardson is kil…

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Faith Hogan, author of 'The Women at Ocean's End' - Uplit author discusses discovering your voice, being a happy pantser and finding the right career 50:19

1M ago50:19

50:19

This week, we're chatting to award-winning global bestseller, Faith Hogan. Faith has published many uplit/ women's fiction novels - the last one 'The Bookshop Ladies' won the An Post Irish Book Award for Best Popular Fiction Novel of the Year. Faith's writing journey has taken her from working in many different jobs, never quite sure if she will ad…

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Our Survey Says... A Quiet Revival? 24:32

1M ago24:32

24:32

The Bible Society has published a fascinating report called The Quiet Revival - analysing extensive survey results on generational attitudes to the Bible, church, and Christianity. In this conversation with one of the report co-authors, we press into the sources of encouragement and the challenges for the future of Christianity in the UK. Dr Rob Ba…

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73 - ‘What’s Next For Adaptations?’ with Professor Vikki McCall and Susie Fitton 43:03

1M ago43:03

43:03

Join hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black as they delve into the complexities of housing adaptations in Scotland. Featuring insights from Professor Vikki McCall from the University of Stirling and SFHA policy manager Susie Fitton, this episode explores the challenges and opportunities in adapting homes for an ageing population. Discover findings fr…

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John Niven, author of 'Kill Your Friends' - Global bestseller discusses feeling ready to write, switching to screenplays, and choosing projects 47:14

2M ago47:14

47:14

This week, we're chatting to global bestseller John Niven. His breakthrough novel was the hit 'Kill Your Friends', a brutal takedown of his career in the 90's music industry. He went on to write the screenplay for the movie version too, starring Nicholas Hoult. John has published 10 novels, including 'The Second Coming', 'Straight White Male', and …

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Emma Cowell, author of 'Under the Lemon Tree' - Escapist fiction author discusses getting places right, finding joy in the tough times, and how acting affects your character 46:19

2M ago46:19

46:19

Emma Cowell wrote her debut novel, 'One Last Letter from Greece', through the pandemic to come to terms with losing her mother. Since then, she's published more novels and been translated into 9 languages. They're inspired by Greece and its islands. We discuss how she gets the places right. Who does she speak to? How does she learn? Where does she …

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72 - Cohousing and the Orkney pathfinder with Tom Morton and Jenny Rambridge 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

Host Kieran Findlay delves into the world of cohousing with guests Tom Morton, convener of Cohousing Scotland, and Jenny Rambridge, a founding member of Hope Cohousing. Discover how cohousing fosters supportive communities, addresses housing challenges, and promotes sustainability, but also hear about the challenges and barriers in implementing the…

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Vlogging for Jesus (with Lydia Houghton) 23:05

2M ago23:05

23:05

In this episode, Simon and Kristi chat with young YouTuber and podcaster Lydia to learn how she connects with Gen Z. Whether it's delving into mental health issues, or interviewing Christian authors, her young faith is a huge motivation for her. Sharing her faith and personal life can be daunting, but authenticity is an incredibly attractive qualit…

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Claire Douglas, author of 'The New Neighbours' - Thriller writer discusses character USPs, the routine of the year, and knowing your brand 50:09

2M ago50:09

50:09

Claire Douglas is a bestselling thriller author. Her work has been published across the world, sold many copies everywhere, and she's been a Richard and Judy Book Club Pick. She's just published her 11th novel in 10 years, 'The New Neighbours'. It's about Lena who overhears a conversation between her kind, retired neighbours... that must be a mista…

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Guy Jenkin, author of 'Murder Most Foul' - BAFTA winning writer discusses alluring research, finally writing a novel, and playing with the past 53:23

2M ago53:23

53:23

Guy Jenkin is a multi Emmy and Bafta winning writer. Along with Andy Hamilton, he co-wrote the sitcoms 'Drop the Dead Donkey' and 'Outnumbered'. He also worked on the films 'What We Did On Our Holiday', and 'The Sleeping Dictionary'. His new novel is called 'Murder Most Foul', a witty and fast-paced Tudor detective novel that plays with fact and fi…

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The Atheist Who Didn't Exist (with Andy Bannister) 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

In the mid 2010's, New Atheism was busy producing best-selling books and plastering adverts on the sides of buses. Its loud scepticism is not as popular these days, but many of its arguments live on. What has changed and how can we respond a decade later? Andy Bannister explores this in his revised and expanded book, The Atheist Who Didn't Exist, f…

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Lucy Foley, author of 'The Midnight Feast' - Mystery bestseller reveals her quick first drafts, keeping in close contact with the story, and how her routine has changed 53:43

3M ago53:43

53:43

Lucy Foley is a mystery behemoth. She's sold 5 million copies of her novels which have been translated in over 40 countries. All of them are currently being made for film and TV right now. Following the success of 'The Hunting Party', 'The Guest List', and 'The Paris Apartment', 'The Midnight Feast' is out now in paperback, and focuses on the openi…

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Too slow for easy low-cost housing fix 17:25

3M ago17:25

17:25

It’s a problem with any bureaucracy, anywhere in the world – and it’s also the reason strong figures in politics prevail – doing the right thing the “right way” takes a lot longer than just getting stuff done when it’s most needed. The principle of “it’s easier to apologise than it is to get permission” gets things moving but it also leaves the doo…

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Storytelling That Reflects Christ (with Brooke Kehl) 20:40

3M ago20:40

20:40

Why do personal stories have the power to move us? In this episode, Brooke Kehl, of Eastern European Mission, explores why testimonies can be such a compelling witness to others. Hear how God is transforming lives, and how you can play your part in reaching those around you. Could a focus on mirroring Christ be the first step to unlocking new and s…

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Frances Quinn, author of 'The Lost Passenger' - Historical Fiction author discusses advice from ABBA, what other markets want, and the privilege of an editor 54:39

3M ago54:39

54:39

Frances Quinn is a journalist, copywriter and bestselling author. Her new novel, 'The Lost Passenger', tells the story of Elinor Coombes, who boards the Titanic trapped in an unhappy marriage to a controlling husband. When it starts to go down, she sees an opportunity to escape for a new life. Frances began writing after winning a place on the Curt…

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Simple but significant rewards for our key workers 21:15

3M ago21:15

21:15

Don’t be put off by a tinkle or two of classical music at the start of this week’s podcast. It’s just a small acknowledgement of the fact that we are in Warsaw, where Polish-born piano master composer Frederic Chopin was raised. What do Warsaw and Gdansk have to do with apartments? Heaps as it turns out. Having been flattened by the Nazis during th…

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Mike Gayle, author of 'The One That Got Away' - Romance award-winner discusses starting loose, being pigeon-holed, and novellas 1:04:35

3M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Mike Gayle is a prolific author. He's published 20 novels, many of which land on the Sunday Times Bestseller List, and has been translated in over 30 countries. He was the first male writer, and writer of colour, to win the Romantic Novelist Association's Outstanding Achievement Award. He's back with a new novella called 'The One That Got Away'. It…

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Going Dutch on rent controls 12:45

3M ago12:45

12:45

This week we’ve taken the podcast overseas as we’re recording on a cruise ship off the coast of Norway. But it gives us an opportunity to look at one of the vexed questions of living in strata in Australia. You may not know this but there is already one city in Australia that has rent controls. Do they work? Do they keep rents low or just set a ben…

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Faith on the Front Foot: Connecting with contemporary culture 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

“Many [Christians] know what they believe, but they just think ‘I can’t share that in the workplace. I can’t share that in a friendship. I don’t want to get into a fight… But if you listen to people talking on the street, or in the workplace, most people aren’t afraid to share their opinions.” In a world that often feels fragmented and uncertain, m…

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71 - Damp, mould and tenant behaviour with Kerry Brown and Patrick McRedmond 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

For this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the pressing issues of damp and mould in housing, focusing on the new Awaab’s Law legislation that mandates social landlords to address health hazards within strict timelines. Kerry Brown, co-founder and director of Alator Data Services, and Patrick McRedm…

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Is this the end of balcony laundry bans? 24:05

3M ago24:05

24:05

Last week Sue dropped a bomb into a discussion about new strata laws in NSW, one of which will invalidate by-laws that block sustainability changes because they would alter the look of the building. Does this mean the end of by-laws that forbid drying laundry on balconies? Surely not using a tumble dryer and instead using the wind and sun is a sust…

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Barnaby Martin, author of 'The Quiet' - Writer, composer and YouTuber discusses influences, why it's all in the edit, and being anxious to get things done 46:34

4M ago46:34

46:34

Barnaby Martin is a busy man. He works as a teacher, runs a successful YouTube channel with over 10 million views, as a composer he's had pieces performed across the world, and now he's released his first novel, 'The Quiet. It tells the story of a dystopian world covered by the Soundfield. A domer which surrounds the Earth and changes everyone's li…

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New strata laws tested - the best and the rest 24:46

4M ago24:46

24:46

If you've been hiding under your bed - and who isn't tempted these days? - you may not have heard that NSW is about to see a second tranche of strata law reforms become a reality on July 1. What are the new laws and what do they mean? We invited Robert Anderson, President of SCA-NSW, the state's professional body for strata managers and service pro…

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What happens when non-religious people try praying? 23:55

4M ago23:55

23:55

“Why don’t we write a prayer guide for people who aren’t religious and who don’t do church?” If you could inspire people across the country to pray, what would be the result? In this episode, we hear from David Hill, who runs a ministry that is doing just that. For many this has led to unexpected and profound experiences of God – moments of revelat…

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Elephants, tigers, rabbits and the Great Commission in Canada - Ep. 246 37:22

4M ago37:22

37:22

Lisa Pak serves at Finishing the Task, a Great Commission initiative led by Rick Warren, founder of Saddleback Church. Her title at that “network of networks” is director of partnerships in Asia, for young leaders and women. She talked with guest host David Guretzki about diaspora communities and engaging younger generations with the gospel. Previo…

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Caitlin Davies, author of 'Private Inquiries: The Secret History of Female Sleuths' - Narrative Nonfiction author discusses remembering how tough novels are, one book inspiring the next, and strange writing ... 54:04

4M ago54:04

54:04

Caitlin Davies has always wanted to be a writer. It took her a long time to admit it to herself, let alone voice it aloud. She started writing as a journalist, covering stories across Europe and Africa, and now, finally, is a published author. She writes widely, switching genres and styles, releasing 6 novels and 8 narrative nonfiction books along …

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It's real! Building faster, cheaper, better apartments 23:59

4M ago23:59

23:59

Imagine if you could build apartments in half the time at 15 per cent less cost and a guarantee of no waterproofing, fire safety or structural defects. ‘Tell ’im he must be dreamin’,” say strata’s Darryl Kerrigans. Apartment blocks take longer to build than ever, cost more, and fire and waterproofing are still endemic defects across the industry. E…

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70 - How to retrofit a tenement with Josiah Lockhart, Mike Heffron, and Chris Carus 48:53

4M ago48:53

48:53

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News podcast, hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black discuss the complexities of retrofitting tenement buildings in Scotland with experts Josiah Lockhart, Mike Heffron, and Chris Carus. They explore the unique challenges posed by the ownership structures of tenements, the barriers to decarbonisation, and the im…

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Heidi Perks, author of 'Someone is Lying' - Thriller Bestseller discusses underwriting drafts, throwing words away and starting over again 51:22

4M ago51:22

51:22

Heidi Perks is the bestselling author of 7 novels, 'Now You See Her', 'Come Back for Me', 'Three Perfect Liars', 'The Whispers', 'The Other Guest', 'The Next Girl', and her new one, 'Someone is Lying' It tells the story of Jess and her daughter, Issie. They have an unbreakable bond and for years it's just been the two of them. However, when a new b…

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On ABC radio Afternoons with James Valentine 25:23

4M ago25:23

25:23

As many of you may already know, every second Tuesday, JimmyT goes on ABC Radio with James Valentine on his Afternoon show to chat about apartments. Last week, Jimmy and James took calls from listeners about what you can and can't put on balconies, compulsory training for strata committees, tradies who block car spaces, and car lifts that break dow…

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With Chris McBurney 25:09

4M ago25:09

25:09

Gavin and Kristi hear from Chris McBurney about how students in Ireland are responding to the gospel in different ways across very different contexts in the north and south of the island. Reflecting on the rise in spirituality, coupled with muddied worldviews, the beating heart of evangelism for young people still seems to remain rooted in authenti…

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Strengthening Canadian Christian Education - Ep 245 37:27

4M ago37:27

37:27

Greg Needham of Salmon Arm, B.C., and Lauralynn Mercer of Ontario are educators leading the Canadian Christian Education Movement, a project of the global education ministry Teach Beyond (cemovement.ca). They spoke with host Bill Fledderus about Christ-centred education options in Canada and new ways to help them grow.…

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Simon Scarrow, author of 'Eagles of the Empire' - Bestselling Historical Fiction author discusses the rules of genre, thorough research, and why you need to get on with it 30:09

4M ago30:09

30:09

This week's guest is the phenomenally bestselling author, Simon Scarrow. He mainly writes historical fiction, best known for his 'Eagles of the Empire' series, and has written about Ancient Rome and Nazi Germany too. He's also published futuristic sci-fi, and began writing dystopian fiction and comedy, before realising he should write what he wants…

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Hot seat part 2 - Vexatious litigants and embedded networks 27:31

4M ago27:31

27:31

In this second part of Lawyer in the Hot Seat, recorded last week, strata legal eagle David Bannerman fields questions from Flat Chat's Jimmy Thomson about a range of issues, starting with what is vexatious litigant and how do you deal with them? Then there's the matter of disputes between neighbours and whether or not the strata committee should g…

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69 - A conversation with Professor Duncan Maclennan 46:32

4M ago46:32

46:32

In this episode of the Scottish Housing News Podcast, Professor Duncan McLennan discusses the complexities of the Scottish housing system, addressing the notion of a housing emergency, the implications of the right to buy policy, and the urgent need for increased social housing. Speaking with hosts Kieran Findlay and Jimmy Black, he emphasises the …

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Chris Bridges, author of 'Sick to Death' - Thriller author discusses getting life experience, the crucial mid-point, steering clear of tropes 59:58

4M ago59:58

59:58

Chris Bridges has worked as an NHS Nurse, a theatre reviewer, a columnist and now is a published author. It was his work as a nurse, coupled with his Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, that gave him the inspiration and experience to get the novel done. The novel is 'Sick to Death', it tells the story of Emma who can't go to work because of a neurologica…