We chat with England cricket World Cup winner Alex Hartley. Alex talks candidly about a life in sport, and why sport is so important. The Lancashire star also talks about upcoming cricket tournament The Hundred. Alex also reveals more about The Hundred Rising - a new initiative providing opportunities for anyone wanting to perhaps break into sport or media. To find out more, please visit the official site.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Omari Douglas is one of the most exiting acting talents around, following global smash It's A Sin. Here, we talk about how Omari did the hard yards on the stage, before landing the life-changing role of in Russell T Davies's masterpiece, currently available on All 4. Omari also shares what he went through while making the show, which continues to have an impact around the world.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The great Charlene McKenna is a multi-award-winning actor in Ireland and will now be even better-known to British audiences thanks to rollicking new thriller Bloodlands (Sundays, 9pm, BBC One). This immensely likable acting powerhouse has enjoyed huge success (and, as Charlene says, she's still only just getting started) and yet has had knockbacks along the way. Here, Charlene shares tips on how to cope and bounce back (while being hilariously funny throughout!). Also, despite big...

Here's a tip if you're creative: keep your ears open. Stop to listen to the world around you. That might be trickier to do right now, but it could be on your lockdown walk, or in the supermarket or with your family. You never know what nuggets you might pick up. This is one of the gems we picked up from a heart-warming chat with US film producer, writer and actor Kyle Marvin, the star and co-writer of critically acclaimed comedy indie The Climb, which is out now on home ents and digital...

One of BALANCE's favourite-ever episodes: the great Greg Rutherford. The multi-gold-medal-winning long-jumper here reveals some of the secrets of his success - while proving hilarious and heart-warming company. Greg is an ambassador for Alaska Seafood. To find out more, click here.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We welcome the great Clara Amfo to the BALANCE podcast and what wonderful company she was too. We talk the magic of Beyonce, the importance of remaining grounded, getting through "Lockdown 3" and much more. Clara also reveals why she believes there's cause for optimism in the future. You can listen to Clara on Radio 1's iconic The Live Lounge here.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you ready to meet your new favourite fitness influencer? Then strap in for the great Paul Olima. His new book Fit is out now and the book you need if you want to get, well, fit. Please find out more here. You can follow Paul on Instagram here and TikTok here. Paul proves refreshingly candid company as we chat all things fitness, sport and much more. As ever, if you've enjoyed the episode, please give it a share. We are @balanceldn across the socials   See acast.com/privacy for...

Rose Matafeo is one of the hottest comedians on the planet having won awards, recorded a stand-up special and chalked up a raft of TV and film appearances across the planet. The pride of New Zealand now stars in the superb Baby Done - exec produced by Taika Waititi - available to watch across digital platforms from 22 January. Rose plays Zoe, who becomes pregnant to her long-term boyfriend. But is this really what Zoe really wants? As with many great comedies, this tugs at the heartstrings...

Our dear friends the BOSH! boys are BALANCE's first-ever repeat podcast guests - it's minor podcasting history for us here at BALANCE. The boys are on glorious form and share their tips for attempting veganism. Indeed, if you're trying Veganuary - or simply trying to be more vegan - then this is the episode for you. And even if you're not then it's always an entertaining listen with Ian Theasby and Henry Firth - aka BOSH. Their new book - Speedy BOSH! - is out now. And you can find out...

We welcome one of the funniest acts on the stand-up circuit - Lloyd Griffith - to the BALANCE podcast. Lloyd is going on tour. When? Well, that's down to the ol' Panny D. We would strongly recommend getting a ticket for a night of belly laughs. Lloyd's site is here. Lloyd is on very candid form as he talks anxiety, mental health, what life is REALLY like on the road and so much more. And, yes, the language is a little fruity so perhaps not one to play in front of the nippers... Also, as...

We're back, beebee! And what a way to return: one of the icons of the personal development world: Rhonda Byrne. We cover so much in this memorable episode: Rhonda's global breakthrough via Oprah Winfrey, the way Rhonda's work continues to change lives and, of course, her fabulous new film The Secret: Dare To Dream. To the uninitiated, Rhonda is the multi-million selling author of The Secret, The Power, The Magic and more. To say I'm a huge fan is an understatement. The Secret Dare To...

Heidi Lynch was an auditioning actor - go for parts in the hope you might land them. And then, who knows what? And then the affable Canadian had an epiphany: surely it makes more sense to create things myself? Fast forward and we have new hit show Avocado Toast - available to watch now on Amazon Prime (in the UK, at least). Heidi proves uplifting and inspiring company as she shares her secrets of taking control. To drop us a line, please email [email protected]   See...

The brilliant British singer/songwriter RHODES is guest on the BALANCE podcast, and what an uber-mensch he us too. We talk about his career, his mental health, music and so much more in a wonderfully candid chat. Please check out RHODES'S YouTube channel here. And his Insta here. As ever, to drop me a line, I'm on [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with the hugely inspiring Khadijah Mellah, who made headlines around the world in 2019 when the jockey won at Glorious Goodwood. In victory, Khadijah became the British Muslim female to win a horse race when she won the Magnolia Cup. Given her popularity, the way she continues to break down barriers in sport and for the way she inspires (as you'll discover, Khadijah certainly inspires BALANCE), Khadijah is now an ambassador for Great British Racing. What heart-bursting joy it was to...

One of the most remarkable talents to break through in recent years, actor Toheeb Jimoh is on the BALANCE podcast. We chat the seminal Anthony, in which Toheeb has earned rave reviews as the murdered teenager Anthony Walker in Jimmy Walker's stunning drama - available to watch on iPlayer. And we can soon see Anthony in Ted Lasso, coming soon to Apple TV. To drop me an email, I'm at [email protected]; for sales: [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out...

The hugely charismatic sports promoter Eddie Hearn is guest on the BALANCE podcast. Such are BALANCE's fanboy levels that we only just stopped shy of asking for an autograph. Eddie's new book Relentless can be here. And his ingenious Fight Camp launches 1 August with more information here. To get in touch, please email me at [email protected] and for sales enquiries email [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Esme's schedule wouldn't allow it, but we'd be up for a pod a week with the star of Hanna. Esme was on sparkling form on the BALANCE podcast as we talk lockdown, long days, the importance of indie and indie voices and so much more. Hanna seasons 1 & 2 are available to watch now on Amazon. To find out more about Hanna, visit here. Drop us a line at [email protected] and [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

One of the greats of comedy - Seann Walsh - is on the BALANCE podcast. You can see Seann live - once this is all over, of course - here. One of the most naturally funny comedians ever. Drop us a line at [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We chat with one of the loveliest people in food: Gaz Oakley. Oh, and please forgive my squawk of a voice: this was done during peak home schooling. To find out more about Gaz, please click here. And to buy Gaz's frankly stunning books, please click here.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hanna Sillitoe is on the BALANCE podcast. The skin-healing expert reveals how a harsh comment during childhood would have such a profound impact on her life. And how we choose to react to such things can change everything - after all, we chat as Hanna has a hugely successful book and best-selling range of plant-based skincare. To find out more, please visit Hanna's official site.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

I May Destroy You is - quite rightly - earning all the plaudits and rave reviews right now. And so we are thrilled to talk with one of the stars - Weruche Opia - about the BBC hit. Weruche - like Balance - is also a fan of dreaming big. Drop us a line at [email protected] and [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Himesh Patel is on the BALANCE podcast! BALANCE had coincidentally just watched - and fallen in love with - hit movie Yesterday before the chance to speak to lovely Himesh arose, and so couldn't believe our luck (if we sound even giddier than usual). We talk about Danny Boyle's beloved film, doing the hard yards on Eastenders, the selfless work done by so many on lockdown, the return of football (Himesh is a Spurs fan) and much more. Drop us a line at [email protected] The...

Jake Lambert is one of the hottest properties in British comedy. Also known as @littlelostlad on social media, Jake shares how he went from having a knack of being good at Twitter to playing to thousands while supporting Michael McIntyre on tour, writing for top TV shows and chalking up a raft of TV appearances. Drop us a line at [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Iain Morris & Damon Beesley are two absolute titans of British comedy. They've worked with, nurtured or helped break through the likes of Sasha Baron Cohen, Peter Kay, Ricky Gervais and many more, before finding huge success on their own terms with The Inbetweeners. The sitcom proved a profound hit and spawned two eye-wateringly successful sequels. Now Damon and Iain have scored another goal (sorry!) with terrific football sitcom The First Team; all episodes are available to watch...

One of the most exciting presences across TV and radio - the wonderful Laura Woods - is guest on the BALANCE podcast. As Laura says, she has worked her way up from being a runner to becoming one of the most beloved figures in broadcasting - no wonder TalkSport snapped her up to host the coveted breakfast slot. As well as radio, Laura has also become a titan at Sky Sports, where she started out at "the bottom". As ever, drop me a line at [email protected]   See acast.com/privacy for...