Funnell Your Thoughts

In this very special episode, I sit down with my grandad, John Funnell, to capture a lifetime of stories spanning nearly nine decades. Born in 1937, John grew up during wartime Britain before building a life rooted in farming, horses, family, and relentless hard work. From childhood days spent on ponies and in butcher’s shops, to near-disasters with lorries of sheep, bankruptcies, and bouncing bac...

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, few stories gallop like this one. In this episode, I sit down with John Best, a self-made racehorse trainer whose journey from mucking out ponies to winning at Royal Ascot, Keeneland, Dubai, and St Moritz is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. John shares how he built a world-class training facility from scratch, trained champions like Kingsgate Native, a...

In Part 2 of my conversation with  Jamie Parker , we drift into deeper waters—with the same wit, honesty, and rhythm that made Part 1 so much fun. Jamie, a professional drummer, teacher, and all-around creative force, opens up about life beyond the studio: 🎭 Why vulnerability might be the most punk rock thing you can show 🧠 The strange evolution of digital culture and “AI slop” 😂 The wild world...

What does it take to survive—and thrive—after life knocks you down again and again? In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Stephanie Staunton, a celebrity manicurist, venue stylist, mental health advocate, and survivor of more than most people face in a lifetime. From being homeless at 16 to working with P!NK, Little Mix, and Disney, Stephanie’s journey is as heartbreaking as it is inspiri...

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Lisa Stewart, the founder of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, to talk about the wild, emotional, and often untold reality of saving one of Britain’s most beloved species. Lisa’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From qualified holistic therapist, carpenter, and wildlife conservationist to running a 24/7 hedgehog rescue that’s saved thousands—she’s worn eve...

Grief is one of life’s most profound and difficult experiences, but healing is possible. In this episode, I sit down with David Pope, a professional counsellor with over 30 years of experience helping people navigate loss, anxiety, trauma, and relationship struggles. David’s journey isn’t just professional—it’s personal. After losing both of his parents at just 25 and his best friend to cancer yea...

In this episode, I sit down with musician, drum teacher, and all-around creative Jamie Parker. Jamie has built a thriving career as a drummer, touring across Europe, teaching full-time, and even building his own professional studio in Kent. He’s also appeared in Pressure and Downton Abbey 3, and even worked at Sotheby’s as an art handler. We dive into: 🔥 The journey from jamming as a kid to becom...

Imagine going back 300 years and listening to a conversation with your ancestors. How incredible would that be? That’s the heart of this podcast—real stories from real people, preserving the moments, experiences, and lessons that shape who we are today. In this first episode, I break down the inspiration behind it all, why storytelling matters, and what you can expect moving forward. Joining us on...