INTERVIEWS

If you ask most people what they’d do with a million dollars, they’ll probably say they’d buy a house, book a dream holiday or finally quit their job.

There are celebrities who make an entrance… and then there’s Olivia Rodrigo. When she walked into the room, coffee in hand and apologising for being “a little obsessed” with the playlist that had been playing backstage, the atmosphere changed instantly. The nerves disappeared, the cameras started rolling, and, somehow, chatting with one of the world’s biggest pop stars felt surprisingly easy.

There are a few things in life I love more than a decent true crime podcast. I would appreciate a captivating story, a cup of tea, and an evening of being a bit on edge around the curtains, and I’ll be content. However, there is a singular individual, a true legend, who has elevated storytelling to an unparalleled level: MrBallen.

They are closing down numerous fur farms, stopping two airlines transporting wild birds and generating awareness about the suffering of bears at tourist attractions, ensuring and creating sustainable solutions for animals in need, touching hearts, changing consumer behaviour, driving legal changes, and building powerful partnerships.

Back in the days of iPod Classics, oversized belts, and MySpace surveys, one band quietly but dramatically soundtracked my teenage years: Elliot Minor. Not just another emo band with fringes and feelings, these guys blended classical piano, sweeping strings, and epic guitar riffs into something entirely unique. They were dramatic. They were nerdy. And I loved every bloody second.