Launch Week: A Whirlwind
My feet have scarcely touched the ground. 🥂
If I’m honest, the launch party felt a bit like planning a wedding — only this time, I was doing it solo! The tube strike made things incredibly challenging (last-minute seating plan changes are not the one), but somehow it all came together.
It was a true pinch-me moment to look around the table and see friends, former colleagues, sponsors, and of course, several of my VIP podcast guests — one of whom even flew in specially to celebrate New Chapters.
I sat beside Amanda Wakeley — not just because her episode launched the series the very next morning, but also because I wanted a proper catch-up about podcast life. Amanda’s own Style DNA has been such a chart-topping success, and I was eager to glean her secrets. She reminded me how rare it is to launch with sponsors already on board. A moment of gratitude for Mylands — and a chance to tell Dominic Mylands as much over lunch.
It was also such fun to reprise my Sky News presenting partnership with Sam Washington. We anchored together for years at Sky and have remained firm friends. Her Q+A was typically sharp and witty — and the rapid-fire This or That round (borrowed from my podcast) had us both in stitches.
The food was exquisite, and The Twenty Two could not have been a more perfect venue. I even did the floristry myself — which seemed like a questionable idea at the time, but turned out to be a real joy. And yes, the goody bags were a hit. 🌸
Then, at 5am the next morning, the podcast went live. It honestly felt like releasing a baby into the wild… and the feedback has been so heartening. It means the world to know it’s resonating.
Because at its heart, New Chapters has always been about creating something that inspires, uplifts, and amazes. Amanda Wakeley set the tone perfectly, opening up about losing both her business and her brother in quick succession — and how she faced life’s blows with grit and positivity.
Episode 2 drops on Wednesday 17th and here’s an preview… the wonderful Louise Roe is my next guest…
It’s just the beginning, I couldn’t be more excited for what comes next. Stay tuned.