The SOLEMNIKO Podcast

This is the perfect episode for February, the month of Valentines. Kara and her husband own the Green Label Kitchen, a commercial private hire kitchen and catering company situated in the Bad Hand Roastery warehouse in Bournemouth. Living together, cooking together and raising their kids together they have built a forward thinking vegan kitchen as well as a thriving community on love and a shared enjoyment in cooking, wellness, food and community. In this episode Kara joins me to talk about her journey as a chef and as a vegan, her experience slowly building her own personal chef brand and collaborating with her husband on Green Label Kitchen. We also talk about quality time, imposter syndrome, new projects and finding balance between home and work.Kara Hayward Vegan Chef websiteKara Hayward Vegan Chef InstagramGreen Label Kitchen websiteGreen Label Kitchen InstagramRecorded on ZoomIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Simon Gudgeon is the perfect guest to kick off 2026; as well as being a highly acclaimed sculptor he is also a trained breath work instructor, yoga instructor and sound bath practitioner. Simon is also the co-creator and co-owner of Sculpture by the Lakes with his wife, Monique. As well as creating a gorgeous one-of-a-kind sculpture park in their back garden, (Sculpture by the Lakes is a specialist botanical garden; working with Kew Gardens and Edinburgh Botanical Gardens to ensure the safe preservation of endangered species.) they have also expanded into the wellness sector, introducing Simon’s brand The Sculpted Soul which specialises in retreats, sound baths and more recently courses you can do from the comfort of your own home and routine.So if you’re looking for something fresh, insightful, motivating and unique then welcome to this first episode of 2026. Simon and I will be talking about the reality of being a sculptor, taking a chance, following your gut, burrowing down rabbit holes of (healthy) obsession and (of course) his brand new course with The Sculpted Soul: From Thought to Destiny which you can purchase via the link below.Sculpture by the LakesSound baths and Wellness Retreats at Sculpture by the LakesThe Sculpted SoulSimon Gudgeon SculpturesThe Sculpted Soul SubstackThe Sculpted Soul: Thought to Destiny CourseThe Sculpted Soul: Nervous System ResetRecorded at The Old School House, BoscombeIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me this month for a bubbly and informative chat with Dannie from Blotted Ink Photography and Dannie Carter Photography.We’re talking wedding photography, considering trends, the impact of AI on photographers, inclusivity in the wedding industry, books and bubble baths.Dannie is a queer photographer based in Devon focusing on diversity, love in all its forms and making wedding photography as inclusive as possible. She also offers business and personal photography packages so whatever you’re looking for get in touch with her and check out all the links below!Blotted Ink WebsiteBlotted Ink InstagramBlotted Ink FacebookBlotted Ink Portfolio Dannie Carter Photos Instagram Dannie Carter Photos Website A Novel Evening PodcastA Novel Evening InstagramRecorded on ZoomIntro music credits | Calvin Clavier This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me this month on the Solemniko Podcast with my guest Emma Roff. We’re chatting all things whimsical, dreamy and independent, as well as of course covering Emma’s photography journey and practice.Emma offers photography services to independent creatives and business owners who want their products or their professional portraits to accurately reflect their work. She has also recently opened up spaces as a wedding photographer, so make sure to check out her amazing business via the links below.Substack: https://substack.com/@emmaroffInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmaroffphotos/?hl=enWedding Photography Gallery: https://emmaroffweddingphotography.myportfolio.com/galleryWebsite: https://www.emmaroff.comIn the episode Emma mentions Josie Mitchell Jewellery, you can find Josie’s work via this link: https://josiemitchelljewellery.comIntro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded at The Old School House, Boscombe, Bournemouth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by the lovely Polly Callder. Artist, musician, writer and folklore enthusiast; she also has a passion for the colour blue (but more on that in the episode!). Polly and I have a cosy chat about art, inspiration, the importance of positive associations with creativity from a young age, role models and moving through the creative markets as an independent.This is an insightful, authentic and wonderfully generous discussion on how to be an artist in a world where the idea of ‘art’ and an ‘artistic life’ is quite fixed - and why this shouldn’t be the case.Discover Polly’s Substacklinktr.ee/pollycallderInstagram: @pollycallderLéonie's Website | https://www.leoniecronin.com/Polly’s Playlists:Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by an old Uni friend. Harry Penwell works as a professional writer by day and runs his own theatre production company and freelance writing services in his free time. His first play (written, produced and directed by him) has just debuted with his production company ‘Harry Penwell Presents’. For anyone who missed the first showing of this beautifully original piece, there is a second run at the end of September! We talk about plays, going down the less traditional route of self-publishing, balancing a business with full-time employment, movies and why we still need human writers despite what AI seems to offer.Tickets for Once Upon An Autumn https://mkgallery.org/whats-on/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harryp_presents/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577935800925LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/harry-penwell-presents/Etsy https://www.etsy.com/shop/HarryPenwellWritesWebsite https://harrypenwellwrites.wordpress.com/websites-and-useful-links/Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by Ana from The Universe of Ana and Collage Types. As well as being a collage artist, Ana is also a poet. With a book of her poems published and a second edition hot off the press, there’s a lot to be excited about.In this episode we talk about poetry, performance, self-publishing, art and changing paths. Ana even gives a live performance of her favourite poem for us!Buy Ana’s book on Amazon | Planting Seeds for the SoulFollow her on Instagram at The Universe of Ana and Collage TypesOr discover more on the Solemniko DirectoryRecorded at The Old School House in Boscombe, Bournemouth This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Surfer, teacher, mentor and free spirit Dani from The Soulty Surfer is my guest for this month. We talk about Buddhism, sitting with silence, life paths, rock bottom, speaking our truths - and lots lots more!The Solemniko DirectoryThe Soulty SurferNewsletter signupWant to know more about Dani’s work, events and classes? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory. Alternatively head straight to her website.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierRecorded at The Old School House, Boscombe This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I am joined by Rakhee Jasani who teaches me all about Qigong and yoga. As a teacher of both she also brings insights into how our modern world has left behind the true meaning of these ancient practices. So get yourself a cup of something comforting and dive right in.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to know more about Rakhee’s work as a Qigong and yoga teacher? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory or go to Rakhee’s audios for a calming meditation session. Alternatively head straight to her website at Rakhee Jasani Qigong & yoga This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Join me for a cosy and informative chat on candle-making, archaeology, the power of our olfactory senses and why sustainability is about more than the credentials on the box with my guest this month: Ash Airey owner of Ashwood Candles.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to know more about Ash’s work with Ashwood Candles? Find everything you need in the SOLEMNIKO Directory or go straight to Ash’s website at Ash Wood CandlesRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by my amazing cousin Dr. Matilda Siebrecht.Discover why archaeology is so important to our understanding of the present and our ability to build our futures. And throw your pop-culture prejudices out the window as we talk about general misunderstandings around archaeology, why these exist and what’s being done to make archaeology more accessible to those outside of this field of academia.Find all of the links Matilda supplied via this link to her Directory pageIntro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to discover more about Matilda’s work as an archaeologist? Follow her on Instagram and discover links to her work and research on her website:https://www.thearchaeologiststeacup.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the_archaeologists_teacup/Recorded using Zoom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by Clare Green. Clare is a dyslexia assessor with a background in teaching and specialising in helping children with dyslexia.Her business Bourne Dyslexia is working on empowering children in the education system and giving them and their guardians the support they need to thrive and play to their strengths.We talk about neurodivergence, dyslexia (of course), the education system and how much children are affected by negative narratives about specific learning differences.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to discover more about dyslexia, Clare’s work as an advocator and assessor? Use the links below and the SOLBourne Dyslexia WebsiteBourne Dyslexia InstagramMade By DyslexiaRecorded using Zoom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by Paul Newman. Artist, arborealist, conservationist, curator and Creative Director of Dorset Visual Arts.Whether you’re an artist, budding artist, aspiring artist or just interested in learning more about what it takes to make a creative career for yourself - this episode is going to be really interesting and informative for you. Paul’s also really generous with sharing his story and what worked for him on his journey.So join us for a chat on the value of childhood interests, how to be successful as a natural introvert and HSP, the importance of balancing your creative practice with the demands of real life… and how to grow within your niche.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupWant to discover more about Paul’s work as Creative Director and an arborealist?Paul’s websiteThe ArborealistsDorset Visual ArtsRecorded using Zoom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by Katharina Geissler-Evans who is the tour de force behind the lifestyle brand Heiter. Heiter is an international intentional living lifestyle brand. Katharina has a background in high-end luxury fashion and her magazine deals with topics such as: intentional fashion, belonging, intentional living and wellbeing.Come and join us for an authentic and candid discussion on mental health and burnout, motherhood, building a brand from scratch, the importance of intention and why it’s so necessary to search for the little sparkles in our every day lives.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupHeiterHeiter Business ClubHeiter MembershipRecorded using Zoom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

This month I’m joined by Sarah Higgins of Chaos Create. Sarah is a printmaker who specialises in making gorgeous artworks using ferns foraged from the New Forest. Join us for a lovely chat about the reality of seasonal business, candid small biz owner problems, the mental health benefits of going for walks WITHOUT your phone; and why a sustainable brand really is better and, well, more sustainable in every way.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupChaos CreateWorkshopsRecorded in The Old School House, Boscombe meeting room. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Tina Bar: e-commerce business coach, owner of Welljourn and Tina Bar Coaching joins me in the next episode of The SOLEMNIKO Podcast. I learn all about seasonal planning, we obsess over our mutual love of Pinterest, chat about working in corporate vs self-employed, discuss ethical product sourcing as well as discovering the door to Narnia. There’s loads to learn and connect with so cosy up and come join us.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupTina Bar CoachingWelljournTina’s Pinterest tiny course for Product SellersRecorded using Zoom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Becca Parker, fibre artist, designer and owner of To Be Adorned joins me in this first episode of The SOLEMNIKO Podcast. We talk about the mindful art of knitting, crocheting, dream jobs, obnoxious authenticity and also why - sometimes - the longer a project takes the more satisfying the result is.Intro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signupTo Be AdornedStitch Night & other events hosted by BeccaRecorded in The Old School House meeting room (Bournemouth) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com

Welcome to The SOLEMNIKO Podcast. This podcast is all about focusing on the simple things in the everyday with me, Alexandra Sebire. I will be diving into how to curate a high quality lifestyle without buying into the ‘bigger, better’ mentality popularised across the media.I will be talking about simple, often overlooked practices which can be added into your life to enrich it in daily rituals.Recorded, edited and produced for HSP’s; this is a podcast to inspire and calm. To show you that a quiet, creative life rooted in little rituals that bring you joy is (more often than not) a more beautiful, contented life to lead than one filled with the hustle and bustle the rest of the world is chasing.So pour yourself a cup of something warm and sit down with me to find out why I’m creating a podcast centred around the art of simple decadence xIntro music credits | Calvin ClavierSolemniko websiteNewsletter signup This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit solemniko.substack.com