Walking The Dog with Emily Dean

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with Sir Ed Davey, the conversation turns to the state of modern politics, from the rise of populism to the challenges posed by figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, and what Ed believes the future of British politics might look like.

Away from the political arena, Emily also gets to know the man behind the headlines, discussing everything from his taste in music and comedy to the moments and influences that have shaped him away from Westminster.

If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you'd like to learn more about Ed's story, his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters is available now in paperback.

Follow Emily:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean
X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a (slightly blustery) stroll with a very special guest: Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

What starts as a walk with a politician quickly becomes something much more personal, as Ed opens up about the experiences that have shaped his life. He talks candidly about losing his father to cancer when he was just four years old, helping to care for his mother through her own illness before losing her as a teenager, and how those experiences led to a lifelong passion for supporting carers.

Emily and Ed also chat about his time at Oxford, the surprising moment MI6 tried to recruit him as a spy, and life today with his wife Emily and their son John, who has severe disabilities. These themes are explored in his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters, which is now available in paperback.

Away from Westminster, Emily discovers a very different side to Ed, including his love of ABBA and Adele, and a willingness to let her scroll through his playlist.

It’s a thoughtful, moving and surprisingly relaxed conversation that offers a rare glimpse behind the public image of one of Britain’s leading politicians. And yes, Ray managed to secure a cuddle from Sir Ed, which he has since described as a major diplomatic victory.

Follow Emily:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean
X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Christopher Hall, the conversation turns to the realities of internet fame, performing live after going viral, and the joy and chaos of creating comedy with his sister Elizabeth. There’s also plenty more pop nostalgia, musical theatre chat and general silliness along the way.

If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And if you’d like to see Christopher live, his show Pizazz will be at the Edinburgh Festival from August 5th to 31st before touring across the UK later this year. Tickets and dates are available at https://mickperrin.com.

Follow Emily:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean
X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Emily and Ray take a stroll with comedian, choreographer and social media phenomenon Christopher Hall.

Christopher first found a huge audience online through his brilliantly funny background singers sketches with his sister Elizabeth, lovingly parodying the gloriously overcommitted backing vocalists secretly desperate to become the star of the show. The videos have now racked up more than 50 million views and led to collaborations with the likes of Shania Twain and Sophie Ellis Bextor.

On the walk, Christopher chats to Emily about his childhood obsession with 90s pop music, growing up as a young gay man, and how attending musical theatre college gave him a real sense of confidence and belonging. They also talk about his years performing on cruise ships, the realities of building an online following, and working creatively with his sister, with whom he co-hosts the podcast Stay Hydrated.

Christopher’s live show Pizazz heads to the Edinburgh Festival from August 5th to 31st before touring the UK later this year. Tickets and dates are available at https://mickperrin.com.

It’s a joyful, funny and wonderfully heartfelt conversation with someone who radiates warmth and charisma, and who quickly discovers he and Ray share a deep emotional connection via S Club 7.

Follow Emily:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean
X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Emily and Ray’s walk with the wonderful Victoria Pendleton, the conversation turns to fear, resilience and the mindset shifts that helped Victoria navigate life after elite sport.

Emily and Victoria also talk more about her brilliant new book The Fear Opportunity, which explores how doing things that scare us, even in small ways, can lead to a richer and more fulfilling life. Emily found it hugely inspiring, and highly recommends giving it a read.

If you haven’t already, do catch up on part one. And be sure to order your copy of The Fear Opportunity, out now.

Follow Emily:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilyrebeccadean
X: https://twitter.com/divine_miss_em

Walking The Dog is produced by Will Nichols
Music: Rich Jarman
Artwork: Alice Ludlam
Photography: Karla Gowlett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.