“Anxiety Made Me Feel Like I Was Dying” The Creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
We Need To Talk with Paul C. Brunson
Personal Meaning vs. Commercial Success
Charlie contrasts the book's emotional impact on individuals with its commercial achievements and how meaning matters most.
Oscar-winning author and artist Charlie Mackesy opens up like never before - about anxiety, grief, loneliness, and the quiet power of kindness.
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation.
Charlie is the creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - the longest-running Sunday Times bestseller in history, translated into over 50 languages and embraced by millions around the world.
In this rare and deeply personal conversation, Charlie reflects on the moments that shaped both his life and his work - from the loss that changed everything to the drawings that helped strangers feel less alone. He and Paul talk about anxiety, friendship, and the radical courage it takes to be vulnerable.
Charlie shares:
◽ The moment grief changed the course of his life
◽ The story behind the illustrations that helped strangers stay alive
◽ How he sketched his way around the world
◽ How bad the anxiety got - and the breathing trick that helped him survive
◽ The path to The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
◽ The journey to his new book, Always Remember
◽ What it took to create his Oscar-winning film
◽ How shame isolates men - and why kindness is the antidote
Charlie Mackesy, We Need To Talk.
If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. We’ve included support charities below:
Samaritans - call on 116 123 or visit https://g2ul0.app.link/xghDmmYV4Wb
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): https://g2ul0.app.link/npaQKXUV4Wb
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Always Remember: https://g2ul0.app.link/l0I8zRXjrXb
(00:00) Intro
(02:38) Charlie's Upbringing in Northumberland
(06:34) Changing Schools at 16
(10:16) Why Charlie Started Drawing
(19:02) Losing His Best Friend at 18
(19:58) Moving to London and Starting His Career
(23:12) Time in Manhattan
(33:16) Picking Tea in Zimbabwe
(35:13) Connection to Brixton
(40:07) Adobe Express Ad
(41:06) Shopify Ad
(42:06) Creating *The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse*
(55:48) The Book’s Commercial Success
(1:02:43) Behind the Scenes of *Love Actually*
(1:06:25) Making the Film Adaptation
(1:08:42) Winning an Oscar
(1:12:36) Concept Behind *Always Remember*
(1:14:47) Love Better Tour Ad
(1:15:46) Facing Darker Periods in Life
(1:19:51) Managing Anxiety
(1:27:55) Attention Span
(1:29:30) Creative Process Demo
(1:30:56) Friendships Past and Present
(1:38:19) Thoughts on Faith
(1:43:13) What Paul and Charlie Are Grateful For
(1:45:18) Drawing Mantra
(1:48:36) Latest Drawing Reveal
(1:50:20) Paul's Takeaways
Sponsored by:
Shopify: https://www.shopify.co.uk/needtotalk
Adobe Express: https://ADOBE.LY/PAUL
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