In this episode, we have a very special guest - and I say special, because our guest, Samantha Fitzgibbons, happens to be Rich’s bestie of some 17 years, and counting!
Sam has recently had her debut novel, Happy State, published, so we decided to have a chat with her about the book, and the path which led her to where she is now.
Having trained as an actress, then subsequently completing a degree in psychology, to being a professional copywriter for businesses, as well as now, a published author. She’s had quite the journey throughout her life, which has also impacted the way Happy State was written, and conceived in the first place.
The book is a dystopian novel set in the not too distant future, in the former United Kingdom, now renamed Happy State under a new totalitarian government which seeks to eradicate all forms of mental illness in favour of creating a nation which is outwardly ‘happy’.
Whilst the issue of mental health is handled in a very sensitive way, it’s been quite jarring for Sam to see so many things that have happened in the UK and the world over the last few years, end up being mirrored in some way in the book; even though the book itself had been conceived before many of these events happened!
Think along the lines of The Hunger Games meets ’24’, with a little Black Mirror thrown in, and you’re in the right ballpark with Happy State - and Sam leads us through how it all came to be, and what might be next. It truly is a fantastic read, and would thoroughly recommend you pick up a copy. If you’re into anything dystopian, you’re going to love Happy State.
Find out more at https://www.happystatenovel.com
Brought to you by Brummies Networking, the home of free, stripped-back business networking.
https://brummies-networking.co.uk
Brummies Networking on Twitter: @brummiesnet
BrumPod on Twitter - @brumpod
Produced by Audio Shed - https://audioshedpodcaststudio.co.uk
Twitter: @audioshedstudio
Music by Birocratic - birocratic.com
Twitter: @birocratic
BrumPod - The UK Small Business Podcast. BrumPod is designed for small businesses, because all of the hosts are small businesses! Our goal is to bring you topics that affect you as a fellow small business owner directly; everything from website tools and technology, changes in regulations, business networking tips, business growth.
BrumPod Hosts:
Richard Heathcote (Voice Over Artist) - https://www.richardheathcote.co.uk
Iwan Thomas (Business Coach) - http://www.iwanthomasassociates.co.uk
Jason Jones (DoubleJ Consulting)
Are You A Specialist Or A Generalist?
When Plans Change - Be Adaptable (Including Us)
BrumPod045: Returning To Normal - And The Return Of Our In Person Events!
BrumPod044: Keeping The Passion Alive Within Your Business - The Benefits Of Outsourcing
BrumPod043: Networking In The Virtual World: Clubhouse & Its Clones
BrumPod042: The Real Dragon’s Den - Investing In Small Business
BrumPod041: How Important Is Hope?
BrumPod040: How Important Is Email - And Are You Too Reachable?
BrumPod039: Can You Run A Business Using Free Or Low Cost Software?
BrumPod038: Do You Need A Wristband To Tell Your Boss You’re Unhappy?
BrumPod037: New Year Updates - It’s Been A Hell Of A Year And It’s Only Been A Fortnight
BrumPod036: Xmas Special & Predictions for 2021
How Will The Upcoming Clean Air Zone Affect The Birmingham Business Community?
BrumPod034: The Future Of The Electric Car - Is It Right For You? A Deep Dive With A Motoring Journalist
BrumPod033: The Network Shoutout Episode - This Time It's All About You!
Brumpod032: Brummies Jobs Exchange And How We Can All Help Each Other Throughout Lockdown 2 And Beyond
BrumPod031: Midlands COVID Update, New iPhone Launch & 5G Expansion PLUS How To Support Local Small Businesses
BrumPod030: Decoding The Winter Economy Plan with Alistair Hayward-Wright
BrumPod029: PR vs Marketing - What's Right For You? Setting Up An Agency During A Pandemic! Plus How To Deal With Negative PR
BrumPod028: Lisa Brown from Lisa B Interior Design - The Design Industry During Covid, And Are The General Public Creative?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Aligned Money Show
Gorse Culture PODcast : The H.R. Detective Agency!
HCI Leadership Revolution
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money