Funnell Your Thoughts

Funnell Your Thoughts #8 - John Funnell 88 Years of Grit & Graft

In this very special episode, I sit down with my grandad, John Funnell, to capture a lifetime of stories spanning nearly nine decades. Born in 1937, John grew up during wartime Britain before building a life rooted in farming, horses, family, and relentless hard work.From childhood days spent on ponies and in butcher’s shops, to near-disasters with lorries of sheep, bankruptcies, and bouncing back, John’s journey is one of resilience and resourcefulness. Along the way, he reflects on love, loss, the mistakes he made, and the wisdom he wants to leave for future generations.🌾 Growing up during and after WWII🐴 Horses, hunting, and farming through the years🚜 The graft of contracting, livestock, and keeping the land alive💔 Marriage, mistakes, and lessons learned the hard way💡 Words of wisdom: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”This conversation is raw, real, and full of the kind of stories you’ll never find in books family history and hard-won lessons preserved for the future.

Funnell Your Thoughts #7 - From £20k to £1.1 Million – The Rise of Racehorse Trainer John Best

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, few stories gallop like this one. In this episode, I sit down with John Best, a self-made racehorse trainer whose journey from mucking out ponies to winning at Royal Ascot, Keeneland, Dubai, and St Moritz is as inspiring as it is extraordinary.John shares how he built a world-class training facility from scratch, trained champions like Kingsgate Native, and turned bargain buys into million-pound horses. But it wasn’t always glamour—he talks about riding bareback as a kid, sleeping in tents at Pony Club camp, and how he clawed his way into the industry with no family background in racing.🐎 How a 14.2-hand pony with heart took on the best and nearly won The Oaks💰 Turning £14,000 into £325,000—and other jaw-dropping flips🏇 What makes a winning horse (and how to spot one at the sales)💡 The economic and emotional highs and lows of a life in racing💬 And the little filly who became the bravest horse he ever trainedWhether you’re a racing fan or just love a story about resilience, risk, and relentless passion, this episode is a must-listen.

Funnell Your Thoughts #6 Drums, Deep Chats & Dodging AI Jamie Parker Returns

In Part 2 of my conversation with Jamie Parker, we drift into deeper waters—with the same wit, honesty, and rhythm that made Part 1 so much fun. Jamie, a professional drummer, teacher, and all-around creative force, opens up about life beyond the studio: 🎭 Why vulnerability might be the most punk rock thing you can show 🧠 The strange evolution of digital culture and “AI slop” 😂 The wild world of internet content—from bizarre trends to sensory overload 🎧 What playing drums teaches you about silence, sound, and control 🪞 How self-awareness, relationships, and technology are shaping our identities If Part 1 was the rhythm, this is the reflection. It’s an unfiltered glimpse into how artists think, question, and navigate a world that’s constantly changing.

Funnell Your Thoughts #5 From Homeless Teen to Celebrity Manicurist – The Stephanie Staunton Story

What does it take to survive—and thrive—after life knocks you down again and again?In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Stephanie Staunton, a celebrity manicurist, venue stylist, mental health advocate, and survivor of more than most people face in a lifetime. From being homeless at 16 to working with P!NK, Little Mix, and Disney, Stephanie’s journey is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring.We dive into:💅 How she went from jobless to working with A-listers🏥 Surviving three major operations in 2024—including an 18-inch scar and a misdiagnosis🧠 Her experience living with bipolar disorder and ASD🧩 Launching the “Nailing Mental Health” campaign and raising £500k for charity💔 Surviving suicidal lows and finding light again🌸 Building “The Seasonal Styler” while rebuilding her health and lifeStephanie opens up about her past with raw honesty—from childhood trauma and abusive relationships to walking into a nail salon with mascara-streaked cheeks and offering to work for free. Her resilience, humor, and hope will move you, inspire you, and remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Stephanie: https://www.instagram.com/stephie_nails?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Funnell Your Thoughts #4 Lisa Stewart’s Rescue Mission - Thorns, Triumphs & Hedgehogs

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Lisa Stewart, the founder of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue, to talk about the wild, emotional, and often untold reality of saving one of Britain’s most beloved species.Lisa’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. From qualified holistic therapist, carpenter, and wildlife conservationist to running a 24/7 hedgehog rescue that’s saved thousands—she’s worn every hat (and probably built it, too). What started with one hedgehog quickly became a full-blown rescue operation caring for up to 400 animals a year. And she’s done it all with zero paid staff, endless dedication, and a plan to build the only hedgehog hospital in Kent.In this episode, we cover:🦔 The raw, emotional reality of hedgehog rescue🔬 Why hedgehogs are so complex to treat—and often misunderstood🏥 The vision behind building a dedicated wildlife hospital🌱 How small, messy gardens can help save a species📹 The powerful impact of education, storytelling, and staying true to the missionThorne Hedgehog Rescue: https://thornehedgehogrescue.orgLisa’s story is one of grit, heartbreak, and relentless hope—and it’ll change how you see not only hedgehogs but the natural world around you.🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.