This Xmas special episode is a rewind to a new edition of one of my favourite episodes with actor, comedian and

singer Michael Crawford.

It was an absolute privilege to talk to Michael and particularly poignant as Michael had helped me get through a

chronic illness that he had suffered himself some years before.

Michael has had an extraordinary career in TV, the theatre and film, working alongside Gene Kelly,

Barbara Streisand, Walter Matthau and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

He has been described as one of our most outstanding all-around performers.

Michael talks about his early career, how his role as Frank Spencer in 'Some Mothers' became a springboard for a

film career and the painstaking detail and training he went into to perform the role of the Phantom in

'Phantom of the Opera' - an extraordinary Broadway and international success.

In these difficult times, I hope Michael's stories and reflections will bring a smile to your face and a warm glow to

your heart.

Finally, the disaster that interrupted his later career and how he recovered to renew his career on the West End-stage.

Episode credits;

Editor and sound engineer: Tim White email: showupnow@gmail.com

Music:

Broken Elegance -Unconditionally

Growing Up, Elementary, Dreamtoflying and Childhood by Scott Buckley  

Audioautix  River Meditation

"All I ever wanted was to be heard"

Even now as we approach the end of 2021 only 2% of venture capital investment goes to female founders.

My guest Lynsie Campbell, Pittsburgh tech czar, single mum, entrepreneur founder of 2 tech startups, and author of a new book, This Better Work - charts her journey through the hyper-masculine world of tech startups.

Lynsie's career started in entertainment, working on the Rosie O'Donnell show and in music publishing. Even working with the likes of David Bowie and 

But it is her startup journey that has left the most significant imprint on her life.

In this episode, Lynsie talks about the stress and pressure which contributed to her divorce and breakdown.

How she had to struggle to be accepted and acknowledged as a startup founder by the male-run VC investment community

And how she is working to redress the imbalance by supporting female founders and publishing her new book.

How Lynsie's experiences have led her to a mantra of "happiness over heartache"

Lynsie's story highlights the challenges female entrepreneurs face to be seen and heard in the tech business community and the work that is still needed to redress this balance.

You can find Lynsie Campbell here

Twitter

LinkedIn

Lynsie's book, This better work

You can share your experiences about this episode on the

Turning the Tables podcast community page on Facebook.

And on Instagram TurningtheTablespodcast

Episode Credits

Editor and sound engineer: Tim White email: showupnow@gmail.com

Host: Simon Ratcliffe

Music:

Broken Elegance -Unconditionally

River Meditation - Audioautix

When I'm gone LiQWYD

Scott Buckley - Life is

AB5 Piano strings - Tim White

Ginchy - meaning cool, groovy, happenin', awesome, kick-ass, rockin' . 

My guest Viola Dwyer's mission is to bring a greater humanity to the perception of disability.

Viola was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare genetic condition that she shared with one of her sisters from birth.

The condition has presented enormous challenges for Viola and her family yet Viola has confronted these challenges with strength, determination, insight and no little good humour.

One billion people around the world live with some form of disability, which is around 15% of the global population, making it the world's largest minority group.

Viola's story is one of tremendous courage and shines the light on how unequally disability is still treated in our society.

Not only has Viola had to deal with the challenges of her condition, but she has also had to overcome a number of further traumatic life experiences.

Including the recent loss of her sister and soul mate to the condition. 

The imprisonment and subsequent death of her physician father.

And the continued struggle to find meaningful work and fund 24/7 care.

Despite these challenges, Viola has found joy in her partnership with her husband, Dan, 

and the determination to take on the cause of disability awareness through their YouTube channel, The Ginchiest.

I am delighted to be able to share Viola's emotional, candid and raw journey with my listeners. 

The challenges she faces daily put our own struggles into perspective. And, of course, she is not alone. 

At a time when diversity and inclusion are a significant focus for global society, we need to do so much more to recognise, embrace and support people and their families affected by disability.  

I encourage you to seek out their Youtube Channel, the Ginchiest, subscribe and share this story far and wide.

You can share your experiences about this episode on the

Turning the Tables podcast community page on Facebook.

And on Instagram TurningtheTablespodcast

Episode Credits

Editor and sound engineer: Tim White email: showupnow@gmail.com

Host: Simon Ratcliffe

Music:

Broken Elegance -Unconditionally

River Meditation - Audioautix

When I'm gone LiQWYD

Scott Buckley - Life is

AB5 Piano strings - Tim White