How to have Extraordinary Relationships

Send us a textMonique Roffey (born 1965 in Port of Spain, Trinidad) is a Trinidadian-British writer and memoirist whose work spans novels, essays and literary journalism. She studied English & Film at the University of East Anglia and earned a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. Her novels often explore themes such as identity, colonial legacy, sexual awakening, otherness, and the relationship between people and place — frequently drawing on her Caribbean heritage. Her notable works include Sun Dog (2002), The White Woman on the Green Bicycle (2009), Archipelago (2012) — which won the OCM Bocas Prize for Caribbean Literature — House of Ashes (2014), The Tryst (2017), and The Mermaid of Black Conch (2020), which won the Costa Book of the Year award. She is also a lecturer in creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University and is active in supporting emerging writers in Trinidad and the Caribbean. Key points of the episode:Mermaids, and when and why they were dreamed up. Hint- it goes back a long way!How she does not always trust her feelings about her new book.How a small indie publisher took her book, and how she crowdfunded the publicity!Her connection to Trinidad, and its problem with femicide.Her current activism.The "Hey!" Festival she co-created and what it is.Her ongoing journey into Tantra and why she did it.www.moniqueroffey.comInsta: @moniqueroffey Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textLucy Easthope - The UK's Number One Disaster Recovery Expert!Easthope is one of the UK’s foremost experts on disaster recovery, emergency planning and the long-term aftermath of major incidents. Among her roles, she has been:Professor-in-Practice of Risk & Hazard at Durham University. Visiting Professor (Mass Fatalities & Pandemics) at the Centre for Death & Society, University of Bath.Research Associate at the Joint Centre for Disaster Research, Massey University in New Zealand. Her work spans the real-world consequences of disasters: implementation of recovery, supporting bereaved families and communities, and critiquing the “recovery myth” (the assumption that communities return to “normal” after a disaster) in her academic writing. Major works & impactIn March 2022 she published her memoir When the Dust Settles: Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster, which brings together her experiences with major incidents (including 9/11, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 7/7 London bombings, the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire and the COVID-19 pandemic) and reflects on what recovery really means. Her work emphasizes how disasters reshape lives permanently, how response must account for human and social dimensions (not just infrastructure) and how voices of impacted people must be heard. From interviews, she speaks candidly about hope, fragility and the human dimension of her work. For example, she says:“I think one of the things is … just take incredible joy from a moment in the day … My work is one of the greatest privileges … just seeing people being great a lot. So that gives me a lot of hope."Lucy and Lucy dive deep into a fascinating conversation here:Key Points of the Episode:How she got into this line of work.A typical week in her life (it won't be like yours!)How she loves advocacy and social media.How there are more emergency planners than you might think!How some disasters are political.The "Reasonable Worst Case Scenario"How there has been an attitudinal shift towards her work.Her thoughts on Grenfell.How she feels like a "Cassandra" or seen as a "Debbie Downer"How her work has been seen as "foresight", not "hindsight"How children respond and engage differently to crisis, and the different help they need.What she has learned.Mental health maintenance and self care."Fallow" time, and the use of it.How a "slump" is a natural part of healing and it to be expected.The difference between "Hope" and "Hopeium"First response to disasters.Potential disasters people worry about.Reach Out To Lucy On:www.whatevernext.infoInsta: @whenthedustsettleslucy Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textJane Thynne is a British novelist and journalist, best known for her historical fiction set in pre-war and wartime Germany. Born in Venezuela and educated at St Anne’s College, Oxford, she worked as a journalist for publications including The Sunday Times, The Daily Telegraph, and the BBC. Her acclaimed Clara Vine series — beginning with Black Roses (2013) — follows an Anglo-German actress drawn into espionage in 1930s Berlin, blending meticulous historical research with compelling storytelling. Writing also under the pen name C. J. Carey, she is the author of Widowland (2021), an alternative history imagining a Nazi-occupied Britain. Thynne’s novels are praised for their atmospheric detail, strong female protagonists, and exploration of politics, culture, and power in turbulent times. How Nazi women are not often talked about through history.How Magda Goebbels went from being a devoted Zionist to a committed Nazi.Her experience of living in "Widowland", and the experience of her researched "Cemetry Women"Why she stopped being a journalist for a while.The sad loss of her husband.How the experience changed her and the way she thinks.How the "Good Cop/Bad Cop" dynamic then changed with her parenting.Some fascinating WW2 history.The only correct answer to the question, "Why do you want to do this job", when being interviewed for the secret services!Why Herman Goerings brother is commemorated as Righteous Among the Nations.A fascinating example of how one mans infactuation with an actress caused thousands to die and affect world geopolitics.All her books are in good bookshops and AmazonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJaneThynneInsta: https://www.instagram.com/janethynne_cjcarey Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textAdvantages of Age is a UK-based social enterprise and community platform founded by Rose Rouse and Suzanne Noble. Created to challenge the negative stereotypes surrounding ageing, the initiative celebrates the creativity, vitality, and entrepreneurial spirit of people over 50.Through its online magazine, workshops, and community network, Advantages of Age promotes a positive, empowered view of later life. It highlights stories of reinvention, creative expression, and business innovation, showing that ageing can be a time of growth and opportunity rather than decline.The founders bring a dynamic mix of experience to the project. Rose Rouse, a journalist, writer, and poet, has written extensively for The Guardian, The Independent and others, often exploring themes of identity, community, and social change. Suzanne Noble, an entrepreneur and jazz singer, co-founded the app Frugl and later created Startup School for Seniors, helping over-50s develop new business ventures.Together, they’ve built Advantages of Age into a movement that celebrates wisdom, creativity, and resilience—encouraging people to live fully, regardless of age.Key Points of the Episode:How it all began auspiciously in a hot tub.A feast from "Death World"Facebook Live Sessions - live from the hot tub - "Mini Salons!"The enjoyment of connecting people.The problem solving in the community they have created.The negative aspects of aging....and the positive aspects.Sex advice for mature people- and the success of a random Facebook page.How it became a massive podcast that now attracts worldwide experts.The joy of people finding their tribe.The balance of age being significant - with life experience, but not letting it define you.Some things on their bucket lists...The book, "Sex, Death and Inspiring Stories" - available on Amazon.What they would say to their younger selves.Reach out and learn more herehttps://advantagesofageawards.comhttps://suzannenoble.co.ukhttps://presenterly.com/profile/suzanne-noblehttps://www.roserouse.co.uk Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textHannah Betts is an award-winning feature writer, interviewer and columnist across a range of subjects for an array of British newspapers and magazines, principally The Times and The Telegraph. She has been a journalist for almost three decades.After a career as a junior Oxford academic, Betts spent nine years at The Times, writing and editing in a number of guises, including op-ed columnist and Deputy Chief Leader Writer. She went freelance in 2007. Betts’s interests cover all aspects of the zeitgeist: not least, feminism, social and sexual mores, mental health, fashion, royalty, the arts, literature and history.Since July 2021, she has written a popular weekly column for The Daily Mail entitled: “Better…Not Younger”. She is also Senior Contributing Beauty Editor for UK Harper's Bazaar, and has consulted widely in this field. Perfume is her particular passion and expertise.She pens a monthly style column for The Critic, writes internationally for Air Mail, and is a frequent radio and documentary guest.Her interview subjects include Margaret Atwood, Taylor Swift, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jean-Paul Guerlain and Mona Hatoum. For journalistic purposes, she has played the part of Scarlett O’Hara, Marie Antoinette, a Victorian servant, lighthouse-keeper, dairy farmer, Arctic explorer, red-carpet celebrity, naked diner and ferret handler.In 2019, Hannah Betts was awarded a President’s Medal by the Royal College of Psychiatrists for improving the lives of people with mental illness through her journalism. She is a respected voice on the subjects of depression, sobriety and relationships.Betts is a Londoner with a penchant for blue whippets. Her favourite periods are the 1590s and the 1180s BC.Key Points of the Episode:Her mental health medal and her writings on mental healthHer atheism and her thoughts on it.Why people judged her on writing about depression and the magic of "Dr. Journalism"Why she is a "Born Again Snowflake"!Her famous dog "Pimlico"Why nice woman and gay men are her people!Why her mother stopped talking to her and why.Her thoughts on self love and her therapy.How her and all her four siblings had radically different childhoods.Why there is no "wrong way" to grieve.Her ghost podcast "Uncanny" and her story.The horiffic death of her father.Why she laughed when a Dr. gave her bad news.What she does believe in even though she does not believe in God.Where to find this fascinating lady online.Her podcast links:Ghostshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0012pcb  Drinkhttps://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1501716010?i=1000672152841  Troyhttps://www.theoldie.co.uk/podcasts/troy-the-cradle-of-a-thousand-heroes-and-heroines hjbetts@googlemail.comSubscribe on hannahbetts.substack.com Follow Hannah Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textJo Elvin is an Australian-born journalist and editor best known for her influential role as the founding editor of the British edition of Glamour magazine. Born in Sydney, Elvin began her career in journalism in Australia, working for publications such as TV Week and Cleo. She later moved to London, where she established herself in the UK media industry.In 2001, Elvin launched Glamour UK, pioneering the concept of the “handbag-sized” glossy magazine. Under her leadership, Glamour became the UK's best-selling women's magazine, known for its accessible tone, celebrity features, and focus on modern women’s lives. Her innovative editorial approach earned her multiple industry awards and cemented her reputation as one of Britain’s most successful magazine editors.After leaving Glamour in 2017, Elvin became the editor of You magazine, the Sunday supplement of The Mail on Sunday. Beyond her editorial work, she is also known for her charity involvement, witty public commentary, and presence on various media panels and podcasts.Elvin remains a respected voice in fashion and lifestyle journalism, admired for her sharp editorial vision and trailblazing influence on women’s media.How angry she was that she was nearly deported, although there was no legal reason for it.How her desire to be a writer was based solely on wanting to meet pop stars.How it was a relief for her to hear pop stars that she looked up to say they hated high school too!How a comment from a comedian boosted her confidence.How magazines helped her feel what she truly wanted to feel.The success of her magazines about feminism post Sex in the City.How she became institutionalised and was scared to leave magazines........and how she finally took the leap.How she feels bad about some decisions she made.A very cool hashtag she has in Insta!An epic quote she uses daily.Some wisdom garnered from life lessons.Reach out: www.instagram.com/jo_elvin Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textMelinda McDougall is a registered Medical Herbalist (MSc, MNIMH) specialising in women’s health, based in London. She holds a Master of Science degree in Herbal Medicine, where her training included anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmaceutical medicine, botany, biochemistry, diagnostic skills, and traditional herbal knowledge. Melinda is particularly passionate about supporting women through key life transitions such as menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. She works holistically, aiming to discover and treat root causes of symptoms rather than merely masking them. She has consulted with women across the UK and internationally, offering support and guidance via an online clinic in addition to her London-based practice. McDougall has also served as Vice President of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH), a professional body for medical herbalists in the UK (founded in 1864). In addition to her clinical practice, she speaks at conferences, webinars, and podcasts, especially on herbal medicine and menopause. Before becoming a herbalist, she worked in journalism and documentary-making, a background that she says helped her develop listening skills and the ability to dig into complex issues. Originally from Australia, she now lives and works in London. Melinda’s professional philosophy blends scientific research with traditional herbal wisdom, emphasizing an integrative, patient-centred approach.Key Points of the Episode:How medical herbalism adds a whole new layer to diagnosis and treatment.How we stand on the shoulders of our genius ancestors who worked it all out.How she spotted a massive gap in treatment.How we would not be here without plant medicineHow the menopause can be a loss of some things, but a great gain in others.How many women have patterns that do not serve them, and how to address that.Archetypes and wise women.What young woman are simply not taught (but really should be)Reach out to her here:www.melindamcdougall.com Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textImogen Edwards-Jones (born June 1968) is a British author, journalist, and broadcaster best known for her sharp, witty exposés of hidden worlds and her bestselling Babylon series.Born in Birmingham, Edwards-Jones grew up in the Midlands and was educated at Malvern Girls’ College before going on to study Russian at the University of Bristol. Her fascination with language and culture led her to spend time in Russia, an experience that would later inspire her first book, The Taming of Eagles: Exploring the New Russia, an account of life in the early post-Soviet years. She later trained in journalism at City University, London, setting the stage for a career that would combine reportage with a flair for storytelling.Edwards-Jones first gained recognition as a novelist with works such as My Canapé Hell, Shagpile, and Tuscany for Beginners. But it was the Babylon series that made her a household name. Beginning with Hotel Babylon in 2004, the books offered an insider’s view into glamorous but tightly guarded industries—from aviation to fashion, restaurants, hospitals, and even weddings. Written with a blend of humour and scandal, and often based on real insider testimony, the series sold over a million and a half copies in the UK alone and was translated into dozens of languages. Hotel Babylon went on to be adapted into a BBC1 drama, bringing her work to an even wider audience.Her writing has also taken a more personal turn. The Stork Club is a candid and moving account of her own experiences with IVF treatment, while The Witches of St Petersburg draws on her love of Russian history and culture, re-imagining the story of two aristocratic sisters in the court of Tsar Nicholas II.Alongside her books, Edwards-Jones has written widely as a journalist, contributed to newspapers and magazines, and appeared frequently as a broadcaster. Her style—part investigative, part satirical—makes her a distinctive voice in contemporary British writing.She lives in London with her husband, television producer Kenton Allen, and their daughter, whose godmother is the Sex and the City author Candace Bushnell. Outside her professional work, she has a long-standing interest in the esoteric, counting herself as a member of London’s College of Psychic Studies, and she jokingly describes herself as an “honorary Cossack.”With a career spanning more than two decades, Imogen Edwards-Jones has carved out a niche as a storyteller who thrives on lifting the lid on closed worlds, whether glamorous, absurd, or deeply personal. The secret of a 27 year successful marriage.*Why ghostwriting is a learning curve each time.*How she can "spend months" working on a project for someone and they would not recognise her!*An odd hotel fact!*Some delicious naughty stories!*Some unfortunate things that happen on flights.*How she studied Russia and loved the contrast and starkness of it.*How she feels about Russia now.*How narcissism does not really exist in Russia.*How she was interviewed on Wogan.*More on a happy marriage and red flags to watch for.*A fascinating anecdote about Marylyn Monroe.All her books are on Amazon, and her website is here: Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textKey points of the episode:Her big news announcement!How the environment affects the child in their future relationships.How all have the conflicts and disagreement, but tools to help and heal.Unconscious unspoken agreements.A surprising health statistic.And an even more surprising relationship statistic.How therapy is not an easy fix, but when stuck with will lead to stronger bonds eventually.How working through what you dislike shows commitment to that relationship - once no longer a secret.How the space of "hope" is always held- at least to make things conscious.How we are changing beings and we cannot put people in a box, as much as we think we know them.How whole new parts of ourselves are ready to be discovered! Exciting! -if you are willing to look."Still waters run deep"How being spontaneous is synonymous with well being and play.How the first born generally holds the unconscious expectations of the parents.Her work on "Married at First Sight" - the Israel version.Insta: @drkalanit Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/

Send us a textMiss Erica Storm, formerly Madam Storm, is a former International Dominatrix. Her infamous Mistress training was featured in a Louis Theroux documentary on channel 4, “Sex Actually” with Alice Levine, where she showcased her teaching and coaching of female empowerment using the art of BDSM to help women find their voice and be sexually liberated. Miss Erica has recently launched her Power of the Pussy Retreat and the “Yoni Circle”, both of which were featured in the Metro Newspaper, featured on the front page and interviewed by ELLE Magazine, BBC London, and currently being documented by Channel 5’s new show.Her work is constantly being documented as her style is unique, fun and liberating, featured in Timeout, Daily Star, The Sun, Chat Magazine, New Magazine, The Metro, BBC, and The Mirror, just to mention a few. Miss Erica has rebranded herself as she evolves to the next level of her career as a qualified Yoga teacher and Clinical Sex and Relationship Therapist; her new YouTube Channel “Ask Miss Erica” showcases her work as a qualified confidence coach and sex educator. Subscribers send or call in their questions, which range from how to introduce kink into your relationship to how to walk into a room and own it.Miss Erica Storm first hit our TV screens with her powerful “STRUT Masterclass”, which shows women how to walk correctly in their high heels, whilst owning their space. featured on the Channel 5 TV show, 10 years younger, helping the programme subject recapture her confidence and self-esteem.  Miss Erica is also a powerful Motivational Speaker; she has shared the stage with Mayor Sadiq Khan and worked with companies such as WeWork, Red Run, Meetup, Platform 9 and Ann Summers. She is regularly booked for her sexy, fun and empowering speaking style, appearing on panels for women's events, radio shows and podcast.Miss Erica was the face of  Ann Summers's Halloween campaign. Her role involved personal appearances and delivering her Masterclasses in their flagship stores, helping couples to introduce kink into their relationship and educating consumers on how to use BDSM toys correctly. She has gone on to work with several brands, such as LELO, Hot Octopuss and Killing Kittens, where she delivered her Sexual and Body Confidence Masterclass to their members. Miss Erica has written several blog pieces for brands, magazines and charities, sharing her expertise in sexual confidence and female empowerment; her work has been featured in Refinery 29, Galdem Magazine, and The Metro; more articles of her work can be found here https://www.missericastorm.co.uk/press.In January 2021, Miss Erica Storm launched her blog, “Power of The Pussy” she created her blog to educate and inspire women to become connected to their pussies and embark on a journey of sexual confidence; you will find stories of her life as a Dominatrix and saucy events with her lovers.Miss Erica believes every woman should feel sexy and confident; she continues to empower women one STRUT at a time, advocating  Pussy Power!For more information, please visit Miss Erica Storms' website www.missericastorm.co.uk.Key points of the episode:How to find your kink! Or Support the showHas this podcast inspired you and would you like to learn more?You can reach out to Lucy, love coach, relationship counsellor, couples counsellor extraordinaire and author of "How to have extraordinary relationships with absolutely everybody".....On:http://www.lucycavendishlovecoach.com/