Hilke Flebbe was just starting her law degree at Cambridge when she received the sudden and terrible news that her mother had died. At age 22, Hilke was left alone in the world - and with an unfinished old hotel that her mother had been restoring in Lubeck, Germany. Not only that, but she was faced with inheriting her mother’s debts which ran to mi…

Playwright Joanne Lau started out as a neuroscientist and came to writing for the theatre via stand up comedy and TV screenwriting. Now her first play Worth is being produced by New Earth Theatre and premieres at the Arcola Theatre in London this month April 2023. Joanne joins Yang-May Ooi to talk about her journey from science to making a living w…

A young livestock herder walks across the mountains without a map travelling from Tibet to a new life in India. A young British woman takes a photo of wildlife in Dharamsala. So begins an amazing love story that crosses cultures and continents. It is also the beginning of the story of Taste Tibet, an award-winning restaurant in Oxford, England. Joi…

How do you reconcile the dark and painful contradictory histories within your own family? On one side of Marcus Ferrar’s family, his Jewish mother escaped Hitler’s Germany. On the other side of his family, Marcus’s warm, jovial uncle worked for the Nazis. These complexities wove the golden thread in Marcus’s career as a Reuters correspondent and th…

For most of us, when we have experienced a break up, we often don’t know what to do to heal our sadness. For a singer-songwriter like Louise Golbey, part of her healing process is to write a song and then to build an album around it. She talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about her album Renaissance and takes us through the step by…

Arabella Dorman is a leading portrait painter and an award winning war artist. She is one of the Ambassadors of Beyond Conflict. Her work as a war artist has taken her to Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria as well as Iraq and Afghanistan. She joins the Beyond Conflict podcast to talk about witnessing the beauty of the human spirit in times of confl…

Beyond Conflict Co-Founder and renowned expert on War Child Studies, Martin Parsons, talks to us on the Beyond Conflict podcast about the trauma of war on children, especially evacuees, and what we can do to address the impact of mental and emotional pain through the generations. Season 01 Episode 04 BCP0104 The Beyond Conflict Podcast explores men…

How do you fit in to a new country with a different culture from your own? How can we develop a sense of belonging while celebrating our differences especially when we are migrants or expats trying to make a home in a new place? On today’s Creative Conversations podcast, host Yang-May Ooi is joined by cross cultural consultant and expatriate coach,…

How has the pandemic and restrictions on travel affected place-based tourism? What is a destination city like Oxford doing to face the post-pandemic challenge of bringing people back to the city centre - both tourists and local residents alike? Our guest on Creative Conversations today is Oxford City Councillor Mary Clarkson who is the Council Labo…

Actor Janet Behan and writer Damian Le Bas join Creative Conversation host, Yang-May Ooi, in today’s show to talk about Telling Family Stories in the context of their respective Irish, Gypsy and Chinese backgrounds. Along the way they explore language, stereotyping and identity. Damian Le Bas is a writer of Gypsy and Irish descent. His book The Sto…

In a world dominated by Youtube videos and Instagram images that can take you anywhere in the world, is there still a place for travel writing? How can the different types of writing about travel tell us about where we come from and who we are? Travel writer and Oxford resident Callum Ruddock joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi in a wide…

Ed Newell author, speaker, Anglican priest - and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Beyond Conflict - joins host Yang-May Ooi on the Beyond Conflict Podcast to talk about how we all need human connection in times of crisis and how one-to-one talking therapy as well as communal gatherings can help us heal trauma. Season 01 Episode 03 BCP0103 The Beyo…

Theatre is not limited, says Hillary May, founder of The Michael Knight Theatre Company. It is open to everyone to take part, it is part of the community, theatre gives a voice to those who would not normally have a chance to tell their story. In today’s episode, Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi talks with Hillary May and some of the member…

When we think of Oxford, we tend to think of the city created by the University, with its dreaming spires and architecture of learning. But there is a whole lot more to explore. Oxford is also the Hollywood of Stories and a melting pot of cultural diversity - says author Sylvia Vetta, talking to writer Yang-May Ooi on the Creative Conversations pod…

What do ABBA, Hadrian’s Wall and Grecian Urns have in common? They are all part of the world’s heritage. Steve Slack, writer and heritage interpretation consultant joins Creative Conversations host, Yang-May Ooi in this first episode of 2021 to talk about creativity and collaboration behind the scenes in the museum world For photos, links and music…

Co-founder of Beyond Conflict, Edna Fernandes tells us about what inspired her to move from being a writer and journalist to taking action to help those in conflict zones rebuild their mental resilience. She talks passionately about the inspiration for setting up Beyond Conflict, the people on the ground who are daily experiencing mental anguish fr…

Ultrarunner and personal trainer Kristian Morgan talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about the natural high that comes from physical activity and running – and also shares his adventures running two of the most challenging endurance races in the world, the Marathon des Sables and the Tour of Giants. For photos, links and music credits…

Savile Row tailor, Carol Alayne, talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about the art of creating unique clothing tailored exactly for each individual client - where each piece shows off the personality as well as the best features of the wearer. She also shares how she evolved this very personal service during lockdown and social distan…

Dulwich based author Stevie Henden talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about his family’s multi-generational connection to South London and his London-inspired “spiritual fantasy” novels. Stevie also shares with us his fascination with the architecture and buildings of South London – and how World War Two and the Blitz impacted on t…

In this special edition of Creative Conversations recorded on location in Fowey, host Yang-May Ooi speaks to Lynn Goold, Chair of the Fowey Festival. We learn about the history of this beautiful Cornish coastal town and its association with Daphne du Maurier, author of Rebecca, The Birds and Frenchman’s Creek. Lynn also talks passionately about the…

Ann Lewis, an amateur photographer based on the Isle of Wight, talks to Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi, about how her passion for nature photography showed her a new way of looking at the world and also made her more confident out and about on her own. For photos, links and music credits, go to the shownotes page at bit.ly/ccv-naturephoto…

Humanitarian and author Terry Waite joins us on the very first episode of the Beyond Conflict podcast to talk with host Yang-May Ooi about how he maintained his mental resilience during his 4 years in solitary confinement as a hostage in Beirut. He also shares his thoughts on the long term impact of the current Covid crisis - how he has been learni…

Yang-May Ooi’s acclaimed solo theatre show Bound Feet Blues was inspired by the oral stories told in her family, passed down through the generations. In this podcast, we have a unique opportunity to go back in time and hear her grandfather telling the story of their family - and how the act of recording this interview at the age of 13, laid the fou…

How can we maintain our creativity during Covid lockdown? Could this crisis be an opportunity for creative renewal for creative organisations as well as individuals? Cultural commentator Joanne Ooi joins Yang-May Ooi on Creative Conversations to talk about Covid and Creativity. For photos, links and music credits, go to the shownotes page at bit.ly…

Many of us live in big cities like London. We are surrounded by noise, crowds – and a lot of pollution. Is that lifestyle seriously damaging us? And can re-connecting with nature save our health? Ex-lawyer and creative consultant Tony Dillon joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to tell us how re-connecting with nature re-invigorated his l…

Why is it so difficult to talk about sex? Fran Bushe, comedian and creator of The Diary of My Broken Vagina and Ad Libido, joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to talk about talking about sex - and how we can all be more empowered by being honest about what we like or don't like when we make love. Trigger warning: Fran and Yang-May talk f…

Our modern daily lives can be stressful. Worry and anxiety can feel overwhelming. How can we develop greater resilience and bounce back with vigour from difficulties and setbacks? Resilience coach Simon Pimenta shares some tips and advice with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi on how to build resilience in life and at work. For photos, links…

In this episode of the Creative Conversations podcast, host Yang-May Ooi drops in on actress and playwright Janet Behan and theatre director Jessica Higgs during rehearsals for Janet’s new one woman play Why Shouldn’t I Go?. They take a break to talk about their experiences of working in the theatre and also go in depth on creating the characters a…

In this episode of Creative Conversations, we try something different. Host Yang-May Ooi meets author Anna Sayburn Lane at Tate Britain to record their views and impressions as they visit the William Blake exhibition. We also hear from one of the curators of the exhibition, Martin Myrone, offering his personal reflections on his work putting togeth…

Cheryl Robson, founder and managing editor of Aurora Books, joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to talk about her three decades steering a successful independent publisher of non-fiction, fiction and plays by diverse authors and playwrights - and shares tips for emerging writers on developing stand out work. For photos, links and music c…

In this third episode of our three part mini-series recorded in Westward Ho! in North Devon, well-known local artist and photographer Stephen Ring talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about how the beauty of North Devon informs his art and photography. For photos, links and music credits, go to bit.ly/ccv-beautifulnorthdevon. ¦ Episo…

In the second episode of our three part mini-series recorded in Westward Ho! in North Devon, the "Music Man" John Barton talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about a lifetime of music and song. For photos, links and music credits, go to bit.ly/ccv-sandseasong. ¦ Episode CCV0204 ¦ Creative Conversations is part of the Tiger Spirit fam…

In the first of a three part mini-series recorded in Westward Ho! in North Devon, kitesurfer Pete Sawyer talks with Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi about how his passion for kitesurfing helped him create a new business and rebuild his life by the Atlantic Ocean after insolvency and divorce. For photos, links and music credits, go to bit.ly…

Malaysian journalist Zaharah Othman joins Creative Conversations podcast host Yang-May Ooi to talk about her lifetime in journalism covering both heartwrenching events like the MH17 tragedy and heartwarming personal stories of Malaysians overseas - and also her fascination with love stories from the past and across cultures. For photos and links, g…

Photographer Alison Romanczuk joins the South London Voices podcast to talk to multimedia author Yang-May Ooi about how photography helped her survive cancer. Listen to her talk about her journey and her work, which reveals the courage and dignity of the survivors of trauma through her compassionate and inspiring images. For photos and links to som…

We open Season 2 of Creative Conversations with a superstar episode to kick off 2019. Stage actor and performing artist Stephanie van Driesen joins host Yang-May Ooi to talk about what it takes to be a superstar in musical theatre in South East Asia, and why she is passionate about always learning and developing her craft. For photos, links and res…

Actor “Walter Plinge” (aka Philip Blaine) talks about his life as an actor in repertory theatre in the 1950s and it is a fascinating historical record of an exciting time in British theatre as well as an inspiring personal story. This special episode of Creative Conversations is taken from multimedia author Yang-May Ooi’s podcast archive recorded i…

Visual merchandise consultant David Anthony talks with South London Voices host Yang-May Ooi about the theatre of restaurants and retail spaces - and being a scenic artis on the sets of The Crown and Bohemian Rhapsody. Find links and photos in our shownotes at bit.ly/slv-greatspaces ¦ Episode SLV008 ¦ www.SouthLondonVoices.co.uk…

Author and playwright Michael McManus talks to Yang-May Ooi about his play An Honourable Man set in a dystopic post-Brexit world... Episode CCV005 ¦ Creative Conversations is part of the Tiger Spirit family of creative content, conceived and presented by multimedia author Yang-May Ooi ¦ www.TigerSpirit.co.uk…

Personal stylist Sarah Gilfillan joins multimedia author Yang-May Ooi on South London Voices for a lively conversation on how to look good and feel confident with Personal Styling for Everyday Guys ¦ Episode SLV007 ¦ www.SouthLondonVoices.co.uk

Actor and playwright Daniel York joins Creative Conversations host Yang-May Ooi to talk about his new play Forgotten, an epic story about the Chinese Labour Corps who worked in the trenches during the First World War. Episode CCV004 ¦ Creative Conversations is part of the Tiger Spirit family of creative content, conceived and presented by multimedi…

Novelist Anna Sayburn Lane joins host Yang-May Ooi on South London Voices to talk about her thriller Unlawful Things. See photos and links in our shownotes at bit.ly/slv-unlawfulthings ¦ Episode SLV006 ¦ www.SouthLondonVoices.co.uk

Navjot Singh, travel and features writer, joins Yang-May Ooi in conversation on the 5th episode of the South London Voices podcast to talk about a view of the world from South London - especially, India and China. See photos and links on our shownotes page bit.ly/slv-worldview ¦ Episode SLV005 ¦ www.SouthLondonVoices.co.uk…

Ultrarunner and personal trainer Kristian Morgan talks to host Yang-May Ooi about the natural high that comes from physical activity and running - and also shares his adventures running two of the most challenging endurance races in the world, the Marathon des Sables and the Tour of Giants. ¦ For links and photos go to the showpage at SouthLondonVo…

As part of the Dulwich Festival Artists Open House, SE17 based artist Duart Bel Silva is exhibiting some of his smaller sized paintings at Amanda Walbanks little shop of beautiful things Artemidorus in Herne Hill. Multimedia author Yang-May Ooi chats with them about making art and discovering gorgeous things in the third episode of South London Voi…

Relationship coach Sue Plumtree joins host Yang-May Ooi on Creative Conversations to tell her story of divorcing at age 60 and how she found the courage and creativity to create a new life and business - and how she found true love at age 70. Episode CCV003 ¦ Creative Conversations is part of the Tiger Spirit family of creative content, conceived a…

Our inaugural episode of South London Voices features South London author, Stevie Henden, talking with host Yang-May Ooi about his family's multi-generational connection to South London and his London-inspired "spiritual fantasy" novels. Stevie also shares with us his fascination with the architecture and buildings of South London - and how World W…

Novelist Terry Bailey joins Yang-May Ooi on Creative Conversations to chat about his paranormal thriller Dead in Time and how he uses his own experiences in his fiction. Find out more about Terry at www.facebook.com/terencebaileyauthor ¦ Creative Conversations is the Tiger Spirit podcast exploring - and celebrating - the creative process in the art…

James Zarzana joins Creative Conversations to talk with Yang-May Ooi about the benefits and challenges of self-publishing. James is the author of the Marsco Saga - www.jamesazarzana.com. Creative Conversations is a Tiger Spirit podcast hosted by multimedia author Yang-May Ooi, celebrating the creative process in the arts, life and business. ¦ www.T…