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Mike McCartney opens the door to his extraordinary life with warmth, humor, and profound insight in this captivating conversation. The renowned photographer, musician, and cultural storyteller shares intimate tales of growing up in post-war Liverpool, revealing how losing his mother at age twelve pushed him toward creativity as both salvation and expression.

With classic Liverpudlian wit, Mike recounts discovering photography through a failed attempt to capture "giant seagulls" with the family box camera, leading to a self-taught journey that would eventually see his work acquired by the National Portrait Gallery. Parallel to this, we hear the origin story of The Scaffold and their hit "Thank You Very Much," which became an unexpected royal favorite (though the Queen Mother might have misheard a Liverpool FC reference as a tribute to herself).

Between laughter and occasional moments of raw emotion, Mike illuminates the cultural revolution of the 1960s, describing how art confronted class divisions and opened minds. His stories meander through chance encounters with figures like Marlon Brando, Salvador Dalí's surrealist influence, and pivotal moments that altered his trajectory—including breaking his arm, which led to his brother Paul taking over his drum kit.

The conversation deepens as Mike reflects on legacy, suggesting that bringing joy to others through creative work may be our most meaningful contribution. His philosophy emerges: seek what you love, embrace serendipity, and never underestimate the power of gentle subversion—like hiding anti-war sentiment in a cheerful pop song that reached number four in the charts.

Discover the remarkable story behind the man who documented a generation while helping shape its soundtrack. Mike's upcoming limited edition photography book "Mike McCartney's Early Liverpool" and the Scaffold box set releasing in April promise to further preserve this vital cultural legacy.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

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From boarding school trauma to embodying one of fiction's greatest detectives, Michael Maloney's theatrical journey reveals how life's most difficult experiences often forge our greatest strengths. The acclaimed British Actor joins us from his dressing room in Birmingham—fresh from celebrating his 100th performance as Hercule Poirot in the touring production of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express"

With disarming honesty, Michael explores how being sent away from home at age 7 permanently altered his sense of belonging. "You cease to become a member of a family immediately," he reflects, describing how this early separation forced him into premature self-sufficiency while creating emotional wounds he would later need to address. This experience, along with his Roman Catholic upbringing, established complex foundations that would eventually serve his acting career in unexpected ways.

The conversation shifts to his transformative years at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where Michael found himself amidst theatrical royalty—Derek Jacobi, Michael Gambon, Helen Mirren, and a young Mark Rylance. Their anarchic creativity, set against the backdrop of early 80s punk and new wave, shaped his understanding of classical discipline and theatrical expression. "We were all over the shop," he laughs, "and enjoying ourselves."

Michael's reflections on the power of the spoken word reveal his deep appreciation for poetry and heightened language. He shares how sports provides a perfect metaphor for performance: some nights you win, some you lose, some you draw—but you always return to play again. This philosophy has helped him navigate the highs and lows of theatrical reviews throughout his career.

Now at 67, finding himself unexpectedly cast as Poirot, Michael approaches each performance with the discipline earned through decades of classical training. When asked about his legacy, his answer is characteristically straightforward: "A proper actor... of significance and stature." Join us for this intimate conversation with a performer who has continuously found new ways to transform life's challenges into art.

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

Thanks for listening!

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Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers and now chairman of We Fix London, shares his extraordinary journey from council estate kid to selling his plumbing empire for £140 million and starting again with a new venture.

What happens when a working-class kid with no qualifications sells a plumbing empire for £140 million, then decides to start all over again? Charlie Mullins, the unmistakable founder of Pimlico Plumbers (often compared to Rod Stewart), takes us on an exhilarating journey through his remarkable life story - from council estate beginnings to entrepreneurial legend.

Charlie's story begins with a chance encounter that changed everything. As a young boy growing up in a rough London neighborhood, he met Bill Ellis - a local plumber with a car, motorbike, nice clothes, and money. That moment planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion. "Where I am today is due to one guy just explaining to me what he does and how he makes his money," Charlie reflects. This early inspiration shows how powerful visible role models can be for young people seeking a path forward.

Despite leaving school at 15 with no qualifications, Charlie built Pimlico Plumbers into London's most recognized service company before selling it for £140 million. But rather than retiring to Marbella, his entrepreneurial spirit couldn't be contained. After a three-year non-compete clause expired, he launched We Fix London in October 2024, determined to outdo his former company with the personal touch and family feel he believes has been lost under corporate ownership. As Charlie puts it with his characteristic directness: "It's all about the relationship, stupid!" His "bish bash bosh" approach prioritizes transparency, quality, and personal service in a world increasingly dominated by automation and AI.

Charlie's refreshing philosophy challenges conventional wisdom about success. "You don't need brains to be successful," he insists, championing qualities like drive, enthusiasm, and work ethic instead. His passionate advocacy for apprenticeships and trades offers an alternative narrative to university education: "Get an apprenticeship with a trade, you'll never be out of work and you'll earn loads of money." Ready to fix your future? Charlie Mullins shows it's never too late to rise like a phoenix and build something extraordinary.

• How growing up on a council estate motivated Charlie to work hard and create a different life
• Boxing as a formative experience that taught discipline and resilience
• The value of apprenticeships and trades as pathways to success without academic qualifications
• Charlie's philosophy that "a man who never made a mistake never made nothing"

If you'd like advice from Charlie about starting or growing a business, reach out through his website or social

Tune in next week for more stories of 'Distinction & Genius' from The Good Listening To Show 'Clearing'. If you would like to be my Guest too then you can find out HOW via the different 'series strands' at 'The Good Listening To Show' website.

• Show Website: https://www.thegoodlisteningtoshow.com
• You can email me about the Show: chris@secondcurve.uk
• Twitter thatchrisgrimes
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-grimes-actor-broadcaster-facilitator-coach/
• FaceBook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/842056403204860

Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW wherever you get your Podcasts :)

Thanks for listening!