Prospect Lives

What if the kids are alright?

Fri, 16 May 2025 02:00:00 GMT

This month, Vitali Vitaliev recalls love and magic in Kyiv, Sheila Hancock embraces the word “valour,” Alice Garnett celebrates deep friendships, and Alice Goodman wonders—what if the teenagers are actually alright?

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Brat burnout, ballroom dancing and Biden backing out

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 23:07:00 GMT

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of Prospect Lives! This month, Sarah, our host and author of the Mindful Life column, guides us through a tapestry of diverse perspectives on modern life, as our family of writers reflect on their unique experiences and challenge.

In this episode, we explore a wide range of topics, from burnout to new beginnings. Gen Z-er Alice Garnett opens up about her chaotic summer while Anglican priest Alice Goodman connects with her parishioners while navigating personal vulnerability.

Farmer Tom Martin voices cautious optimism about the new Labour government's impact on agriculture, despite some lingering doubts.Actor and writer Sheila Hancock offers insights on the art of retiring gracefully, inspired by high-profile figures like Biden and Murray.

Meanwhile, sex worker and writer Tilly Lawless contrasts societal attitudes toward her profession in the UK with those in Australia. And sports journalist Emma John shares her latest passion—ballroom dancing—amidst the global buzz surrounding Australian break dancer Raygun at the Olympics.

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Prospect Lives: A decision that changes everything...

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 12:04:21 GMT

This month, Jason Thomas-Fournillier, Prospect's Displaced life writer makes a reappearance to reveal some truly exciting news about his story of seeking asylum in the UK.

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Looking forward and reflecting back

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 00:01:30 GMT

This month, some of our writers are looking towards the future while others are reflecting on the past, reassessing their hopes and beliefs. Sex worker Tilly Lawless is in a new kind of relationship with new norms for communication while actor Sheila Hancock is renouncing republicanism, after developing an affection for the Royals in her older age. Meanwhile, Sarah Collins, who suffers with OCD, reflects on how a health incident from years ago has sparked a present-day obsession—and a chat with his father gives Tom Martin pause for thought about his physical fitness on the farm.

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Beyond the comfort zone

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 00:29:15 GMT

This December, many of our Lives writers are pushed out of their comfort zones: sex worker Tilly Lawless reflects on the turbulent emotions she feels after performing at literary readings. Sarah Collins, who suffers with OCD, goes for a bike ride with her father’s middle-aged friends. Actor and writer Sheila Hancock is restless for political revolution and Gen Z-er Alice Garnett is forced to accept her childhood bedroom being transformed into a guest room.

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A cosy autumn

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:07:31 GMT

This dreary November, our Lives writers seem to be wistful for the simple things in life, kindness, community and good food: Tilly Lawless cherishes a relationship where a language barrier leaves no room for overthinking, while Sheila Hancock is moved by a play with a protagonist who is gentle and good. Alice Garnett is envious of the Italian approach to La Dolce Vita after a holiday to Umbria, while Alice Goodman relishes the return of choirs to her parish.

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The struggle to stay young and beautiful

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:13:37 GMT

This month our family of seven writers approach shifting of the seasons with reflections and observations on how life has changed. Sheila Hancock considers a world without human-to-human conversation, while Alice Goodman fears that as she ages, so she is going stale. Sex worker Tilly Lawless addresses her concerns about turning 30, and farmer Tom Martin watches not only the years fly but is planning for the coming decades.

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Lost and found

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:54:57 GMT

This month, both Gen Zer Alice Garnett and actor and writer Sheila Hancock have lost important items, while farmer Tom Martin makes a television appearance on Countryfile. For Sarah Collins, who has OCD, a chairlift ride leads to an elevated panic attack and for Anglican priest Alice Goodman, the TV showThe Sixth Commandment leads to some reflection on abuse in the Church.

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Breaks, bishops and British hospitality

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 23:13:11 GMT

This month, Sheila Hancock is frustrated with the state of Britain's big hotels, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman awaits the arrival of a new bishop. Former England cricket Captain Mike Brearley reflects on the break he took from the sport in his twenties, while Gen Z-er Alice Garnett is overwhelmed with choice paralysis.

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Rituals, roleplay and breaking free

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:47:16 GMT

This month, sex worker Tilly Lawless celebrates the power of roleplay, while farmer Tom Martin explains why the the weather dictates his working week. Both Sarah Collins, who suffers with OCD, and sports journalist Emma John reflect on how a more open conversation about women's health could benefit everyone.

Music Credit: "JUMBO" from the album "MUSIC FOR THE LEFT-HANDED" by Mick Bass & Tot Taylor

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Simple pleasures and clerical misadventures

Thu, 25 May 2023 14:58:05 GMT

This month, Anglican priest Alice Goodman reflects on some near-disasters as young curate, while actor and writer Sheila Hancock admires the beauty of a brimstone butterfly. Meanwhile, farmer Tom Martin explains a longstanding but seemingly macabre farmyard practice, while former England cricket Captain Michael Brearley addresses the phenomenon of over-involved sporting parents.

Music Credit: "JUMBO" from the album "MUSIC FOR THE LEFT-HANDED" by Mick Bass & Tot Taylor

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From cocktail parties to Clarkson's farm

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:21:03 GMT

This month, young life Alice Garnett charts the dizzying highs and plunging lows of life in London, while Anglican priest Alice Goodman celebrates the power of prayer. Farmer Tom Martin gives his take on the Amazon TV show Clarkson's Farm, and our new columnist, sex worker Tilly Lawless, explores gender dynamics in brothel management.

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A letter from the Home Office

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:18:01 GMT

This month Jason Thomas-Fournillier–an expert by experience in the asylum system—receives a letter from the Home Office that breaks his heart, while Rebecca Lawrence reflects on the lack of support offered to her husband as a carer. Meanwhile Alice Garnett is on the hunt for friends on a family ski holiday and farmer Tom Martin visits the Wisbech branch of the National Farmer's Union.

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Meditations on memory

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 13:00:19 GMT

This month, our Lives writers are feeling pensive: actor and writer Sheila Hancock reflects on the pain of losing both her memories and her peers, while psychiatrist Rebecca Lawrence battles with the side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy. On the farm, Tom Martin is resolving to savour every moment, while for our new Young Life, Alice Garnett, an encounter with her ex-boyfriend brings the past flooding back.

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Cafés, community and brushes with royalty

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 13:17:36 GMT

This month,Jason Thomas-Fournillier looks forward to Christmas, despite 2022 having been a difficult year for persons seeking asylum. Sheila Hancock asks whether we have all become too emotional and Mike Brearley reminisces on his interactions with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

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In the archives and planting seeds of hope

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT

In this month’s episode, farmer Tom gives some unusual investment advice, Serena Smith explains the vaping phenomenon amongst Britain’s young people and Emma John is nursing her first sporting injury.

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Local characters and playing the part

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:37:04 GMT

This month, Anglican Priest Alice Goodman tells us about the workings of Operation London Bridge in her parish, while expert by experience in the asylum system, Jason Thomas-Fournillier reflects on his complicated feelings towards the monarchy. Meanwhile, former England cricket captain Michael Brearley is reminded of the joys of teamwork by a BBC 1 documentary: Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams.

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Holidays, emojis and a farm on fire

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 11:54:44 GMT

This month, Anglican priest Alice Goodman reflects on how mental illness has shaped her parish, while farmer Tom runs to the aid of a neighbour whose farm is on fire. Emma John examines the thorny ethical dilemmas that arise when consuming sport and Serena Smith gives a lesson in texting etiquette.

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Travels, travails and test runs

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 23:03:44 GMT

This month, former England cricket Captain Michael Brearley is inspired by England’s recent performance under McCullen and Stokes, while Gen Zer Serena Smith is gearing up for a “revenge summer” of partying and travel. Psychiatrist Rebecca Lawrence reflects on how her struggle with face-blindness has impacted her life, while Farmer Tom reports from the “Glastonbury” of farming conferences

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Prospect Lives: Robots, royalty and relationships

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 10:45:35 GMT

This month, Jason Thomas-Fournillier laments the lack of investment in Britain’s crumbling bus network while farmer Tom Martin welcomes some exciting new arrivals to his farm. For sporting life, writer, broadcaster and newly-initiated cricketer Emma John takes to the field herself for the first time.

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Prospect Lives: Grief, joy and Easter

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 23:15:00 GMT

This month, actor and writer Sheila Hancock recovers from “a fall”, while sports journalist Emma John grieves the loss of her mother. Jason Thomas-Fournillier, an expert experience in the asylum system, looks back on the highs and lows of life in Trinidad, while Anglican Priest Alice Goodman prepares her Easter Sermon.

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Prospect Lives: Hope, friendship and prejudice

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:15:00 GMT

What did farmer Tom Martin discover when he hopped across the pond to the US? What music does Sheila Hancock choose to cheer herself up? Why does Jason Thomas-Fournillier hope that his GP doesn't listen to this episode? Our family of seven writers—including psychiatrist Rebecca Lawrence, Gen Zer Serena Smith and former England cricket captain Michael Brearley—update us on their adventures big and small on the Prospect Lives podcast.

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Prospect Lives: Haircuts, burnout and belonging

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 00:15:00 GMT

Would Boris Johnson be a better prime minister if he had a different haircut? Do we take sport too seriously? Can drinking alcohol ever be good for us? Our family of seven writers—including actor and writer Sheila Hancock, asylum seeker Jason Thomas-Fournillier, and psychiatrist Rebecca Lawrence—ponder the big questions in this month's new episode of Prospect Lives.

Music Credit: “JUMBO” from the album “MUSIC FOR THE LEFT-HANDED” by Mick Bass & Tot Taylor

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Introducing Prospect Lives: Seven writers give their perspective on life in modern Britain

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

What does life look like for an 89-year old actor or a psychiatrist who suffers with bipolar? What does it feel like to be asylum seeker, or an Anglican Priest, or a farmer? Prospect Lives is a brand new bonus podcast chronicling seven disparate experiences of life in modern Britain. Music credit Jumbo · Tot Taylor · Mick Bass

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