The So Lovely Talk Show

Hair duo Siobhan & Ollie; bring comical and insightful staff room chit chat direct to your speakers. The So Lovely Talk Show givea a candid overview of recent events will have you belly laughing one minute and feeling supported and guided the next. Real life topics with real life discussions.

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20 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes20

Newest first

Saturday · 25 min
Episode 7. Elle foreman, The pressure to stay relevant .
Success is often seen as the goal, but what happens when it arrives sooner than you expected? Recorded live at HairCon, Siobhán Jones and Oliver Blackaby sit down with award-winning stylist and educator Elle Foreman to explore what it really takes to build a successful career. Together they discuss the pressure to stand out, the reality of rapid success, why achieving your goals too early can bring unexpected challenges, and how to build a career that lasts. Elle shares honest advice on confidence, comparison, opportunities, personal growth and staying true to yourself in an industry that never stands still. Whether you're just starting out or looking for your next step, this episode is packed with practical insights and encouragement for anyone building a creative career.
July 1 · 31 min
Episode 6. Craig Chapman; The emotional side of success,
Recorded live at HairCon in front of a live audience, we sit down with award-winning hairdresser and creative Craig Chapman to explore the emotional side of success. Craig shares the realities that sit behind a successful career. From leading teams and building a career outside London to navigating pressure and responsibility, we discuss what success can cost, why having the right support network matters, and how our definition of success evolves over time. Together, we explore leadership, confidence, purpose, work-life balance and the emotional challenges that can come with success. Whether you're at the beginning of your career or reflecting on your own journey, this is an honest conversation about ambition, resilience and discovering that success isn't just about what you achieve, but who you become along the way.
June 1 · 45 min
Episode 5. Have we forgotten how to be creative?
Creativity is something many of us build our careers and lives around, yet somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities and the constant noise of everyday life, it can become harder to access, often without us even realising. In this episode, we explore the subtle signs you might be creatively stuck, why inspiration can feel harder to find, and how constant consumption can leave little room for original ideas to surface. We also discuss the surprising role boredom plays in creativity and why making space to do less might actually help you create more. A conversation for anyone who feels a little flat, uninspired, or disconnected from the thing they once loved doing. When was the last time you created something just because you wanted to?
May 1 · 1 hr
Episode 4. Ateh Jewel-Identity, reinvention and choosing yourself.
In this episode, we sit down with Ateh Jewel, a beauty journalist, broadcaster and founder, for an honest conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it really means to choose yourself.We talk about the shift from external validation to self-direction, being the only one in the room, and the reality behind confidence, ambition, and motherhood.
April 1 · 41 min
Episode 3. Are you physically ok?
In this episode, we talk about something we don’t often discuss in creative careers, physical health.When you're building a career, it's easy to focus on growth, opportunity and being busy. But over time, the physical side of the job can start to catch up.We talk honestly about pushing through, ignoring early signs, and why many of us only start thinking about our bodies later on. Siobhan shares how her approach has changed over time, from not thinking about it at all to slowly building better habits through yoga and running.Ollie also shares how he introduced “Wellness Wednesday” into his week, a simple way to reset, reflect and keep his mind on track.This isn’t a conversation from experts.It’s a conversation from experience.Because success is one thing.Sustaining it is another.
March 1 · 40 min
Episode 2. Ashleigh Hodges, Ambition, burnout and knowing when to speak up and step back
In this episode, we talk with Asleigh Hodges about experiences that many people quietly hold within the creative industries. Feeling out of place in rooms you’ve worked hard to be in. Wondering whether to speak up or stay quiet. Pushing yourself to reach goals, only to feel completely drained once you get there. Ashleigh shares honest reflections on navigating intimidating environments, finding her voice, and being open about mental health and burnout. We talk about recognising patterns of overworking, learning when to step back, and understanding that ambition doesn’t have to come at the expense of your wellbeing. This is a conversation about confidence, boundaries, and redefining success in a way that feels sustainable.
February 1 · 32 min
Episode 1. Do you live in the moment? with Siobhan and Ollie
As creatives, we often find ourselves constantly looking ahead, thinking about the next idea, the next project, or the next stage of our careers. In this episode, we discuss ageing, perspective, and the subtle pressure to feel further along than we actually are. In creative careers, time can start to feel like a race, and it’s easy to overlook what is working for us right now while fixating on what’s to come. We explore the notion that one day we might wish we could return to this stage of life, filled with energy, brimming with ideas, and navigating busy lives that we sometimes rush through. This isn’t about stopping the ageing process or forcing ourselves to feel grateful. It’s about recognising what we already have without losing our ambition and understanding that feeling restless doesn’t always mean something needs to change. If you’ve ever felt like life is moving too quickly and you’re struggling to keep up, this conversation is for you.
January 1 · 47 min
Episode 12, Lydia Wolfe — Friendship, Boundaries & Business: The Truth No One Talks About
In this episode, Lydia Wolfe joins us for an open and inspiring conversation about the realities of running a business, tackling significant challenges, and what truly unfolds when work and friendship intertwine.Lydia shares openly about two deeply triggering moments in her career, including a situation that emotionally challenged her, tested her leadership, and taught her what it means to shoulder responsibility. She also discusses the transition to self-employment, dispelling myths about it, and the pressures of building something sustainable in today’s industry. We explore the joys and complexities of working with friends, what healthy boundaries really mean, and why connection and communication are more vital than ever. This episode is for anyone who’s ever mixed friendship with business, had to deal with emotional burdens behind the scenes, or faced the pressure of making tough decisions while staying true to themselves.
Dec 1, 2025 · 50 min
Episode 11, James Earnshaw - Finding Your Voice: How to Build a Career That Truely Feels Like You
James Earnshaw returns to the show for an honest and inspiring conversation all about identity, self-belief, and carving out a brand you’re genuinely proud of. We talk about his journey from feeling misunderstood as a self-employed stylist to building a career that now includes global education, major brand partnerships, and a signature creative voice recognised across the industry. James opens up about the stigma he’s faced along the way, the moments that shaped him, and how he learned to stop shrinking himself to fit into other people’s expectations. We also dive into authenticity, what it takes to stay true to yourself in an industry that leans towards particular voices and visual styles. He shares how to build a brand that actually reflects who you are. * This episode is for anyone figuring out their voice, navigating self-doubt, or trying to create a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and genuinely yours. *
Nov 1, 2025 · 46 min
Episode 10, Siobhan Jones interviews Ollie Blackaby
It’s Siobhan’s turn to interview Ollie. In this episode, Ollie talks about the moments in life when he found it hard to be fully himself, and how that shaped his confidence in what he thought was possible. He shares how, over time, his confidence has grown, and how finding his people his true tribe has been a turning point in both his self-belief and what he can achieve. Along the way, he reflects on walking away from what looked like a dream career and rebuilding on his own terms. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned where they fit, struggled with self-belief, or needed a reminder that the right people can bring out the very best in you.
Oct 1, 2025 · 40 min
Episode 9, Ollie Blackaby interviews Siobhan Jones.
This week, Ollie turns the tables and interviews Siobhan. What begins as a conversation about life, work, and creativity soon becomes much more emotional. Siobhan talks about how her idea of success has shifted over time, and why living a life that doesn’t sit right with your values will eventually leave you miserable. She opens up about the juggle of motherhood, career, and identity and how choosing differently has shaped the path she’s on now. Expect raw honesty, some laughs, and eve n a few tears. This episode is for anyone rethinking what success really means, for working mums navigating identity shifts, and for creatives who want the reminder they’re not alone in the juggle.
Sep 1, 2025 · 45 min
Episode 8, Redefining Success with Gareth Williams
What does success really look like and what happens when you finally hit the goals you’ve been chasing? In this episode, we sit down with colourist, educator and Moroccan oil Global Ambassador Gareth Williams (@garethwilliams_hair). With a huge online following and a career in demand by both clients and brands, Gareth has ticked many of the industry boxes but his take on what truly matters might surprise you. We talk about the pressure of follower counts, the “what now?” feeling after a big achievement, and why self-belief can sometimes be the hardest part of success.
Aug 1, 2025 · 45 min
Episode 7, Dealing with Stress, Overwhelm & Finding Your Balance with Jo Irving
This episode is for anyone who’s ever hit burnout, felt stretched too thin, or found themselves questioning the path they’re on. We sat down with life coach, creative mentor and salon owner Jo Irving to talk about stress, overwhelm and the moments that force you to stop and pivot. From nervous breakdown to business breakthroughs, Jo shares what it really looks like to find your balance, protect your energy and evolve your career in a way that actually works for you. Raw, honest, and full of wisdom.
Jul 1, 2025 · 42 min
Epiosde 6, Juggling the mental load and ADHD with Grace Timothy
In this episode of The So Lovely Talk Show, Siobhan and Ollie chat with journalist and author Grace Timothy about the hidden mental load so many of us carry — and how ADHD can make it even heavier. We explore motherhood, identity, and strategies for finding balance when life feels overwhelming. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt like their brain is running a mile a minute.
Jun 1, 2025 · 44 min
Epiosde 5, Why You Should Celebrate Your Own Success.
Congratulating and celebrating the success of others can often be easier than acknowledging your own achievements. Ollie and Siobhan discuss how celebrating small wins is just as important as recognizing big accomplishments. They also explore the differences between sharing your success and gloating. This uplifting episode will leave you feeling positive and proud of what you have accomplished.
May 1, 2025 · 29 min
episode 4, How to be good at failing
Ollie and Siobhan discuss the importance of embracing failure. We live in a society that celebrates success and achievement, but this can create significant pressure to make everything perfect. Striving for perfection can hinder our creative expression. The constant fear of not being good enough makes us less likely to take risks. They suggest ways to feel comfortable with imperfection and discuss how acknowledging our fears of failure can actually lead to success.
Apr 1, 2025 · 44 min
Episode 3, Working with friends
Collaborating with friends can be a fun idea, but it also has the potential to blur boundaries and add extra pressure to the friendship. Ollie and Siobhan discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of working with friends. They share tips on how to manage the situation when things don't go as planned, all while enjoying plenty of laughs and reflecting on their past experiences—both the successful collaborations and the ones that didn't work out.
Mar 1, 2025 · 41 min
Episode 2, Is Social Media a Blessing or a Curse?
In the creative industry, social media stands out as both a powerful tool and a double-edged sword. Join hosts Ollie and Siobhan as they reflect on their complex relationship with this digital platform. For many independents, social media is a vital avenue for gaining exposure and showcasing talent, but it often comes with hidden costs. As they candidly discuss the highs and lows of their social media experiences, Ollie and Siobhan reveal the addictive nature of seeking likes and followers and the challenges that accompany it.
Feb 1, 2025 · 42 min
Episode 1, How not to be a bad loser with Nicky Pope
In this episode, we have our first guest, Nicky Pope, a woman who isn't afraid to break the mold and bring new ideas to the table. She is an innovator in creating events and awards and specialises in journalism, publishing and shaking up the hair industry. In this episode, we delve into Nicky's expertise as she shares incredible advice for anyone looking to accelerate their career. She also provides excellent insights into awards and the production of competitions, as well as great advice on how not to be a bad loser.
Jan 1, 2025 · 40 min
Episode 10, New year - New you?
Hello 2025 The start of a new year often presents a wonderful opportunity for reflection and renewal. However, it can also bring about feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy. In this discussion, Ollie and Siobhan gently explore the topic of New Year's resolutions—considering both the positives and the challenges they can bring. They share thoughtful advice on how to set goals in a way that prioritizes self-compassion and kindness, ensuring that this new chapter is both motivating and nurturing. .