“I think it’s the tonic that we all need, to feel that people are intrinsically good”- Julie Hesmondhalgh In early 2019, inspired by a similar group, well known stage and screen actor Julie Hesmondhalgh created 500 Acts Of Kindness, a charitable fundraising organisation. In this Fishing For The Truth, Nia sits down for a cup of tea with Julie to chat about the concept of this simple, yet incredibly effective group. It demonstrates how collectively people can help in seemingly small ways to lift the burden of others by donating just £1 a week. Loved by many for the roles she has played, Julie’s warmth and intention are evident in this episode. It’s all about human connection & increasing our awareness of those who are less fortunate. For enquires about joining the group email: Kindness500@hotmail.com Follow on Twitter: @500Actsof Follow Nia on Twitter: @niafisher For more Fishing For The Truth videos and podcasts visit www.niafisher.com Music- ‘Truth’ written and performed by Parisa Shahmir

Fishing For The Truth

500 Acts Of Kindness- In conversation with Julie Hesmondhalgh

October 2018- In this two part episode of Fishing For The Truth Nia is joined by the talented Welsh singer/songwriter Steve Balsamo. Founding member of country rock band The Storys, Steve’s career has taken him from the West End stage to travelling the world as both a solo artist and a collaborator with some amazing people. In this, Part 1, Nia and Steve have a riveting conversation that goes beyond music to another dimension, literally! ‪https://www.stevebalsamomusic.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevebalsamo Facebook: ‪https://www.facebook.com/stevebalsamo/‬ Twitter: https://twitter.com/niafisher Rupert Sheldrake ‪https://www.sheldrake.org‬ Special thanks to Ben Robbins at Umbrella Sound ‪http:// www.theumbrellarooms.com/sound‬ ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir

In conversation with Singer songwriter and Metaphysical Ponderer Steve Balsamo- Part 1

October 2018- “Some people write songs and you want to dance, I just want to break your heart...open!”- Steve Balsamo. Bruce Springsteen, songwriting, death and Steve’s infamous performance of ‘Gethsemene’ at the Ahoy arena, Holland in 2004 are just some of the topics discussed in this second part of Fishing For The Truth. This conversation is a fascinating window in to what makes this talented artist tick! *Special thanks to Ben Robbins at The Umbrella Studios. http://www.theumbrellarooms.com/sound Part 1- https://youtu.be/xwFm-LfIWcU https://www.stevebalsamomusic.com/ https://twitter.com/stevebalsamo https://www.facebook.com/stevebalsamo/ Gethsemene - Ahoy, Holland- June 2004 https://youtu.be/3-rre_BXxC0 White Light by Nia Fisher https://youtu.be/SJkPqYGjroM Jill Purce https://www.jillpurce.com Stephen Jenkinson- https://www.orphanwisdom.com The Ancestral Continuum http://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/The-Ancestral-Continuum/Natalia-OSullivan/9781849837576 ‘All Those Years Ago’- Celebrating Jon Lord https://youtu.be/_qfcmlnmhMA The Happy Newspaper https://thehappynewspaper.com/

In conversation with Singer songwriter Steve Balsamo- Part 2

January 2019- In this Fishing For The Truth Nia is joined by Dean Chisnall, who at the time of recording, was nightly performing the immense role of Jean Valjean in the London West End production of Les Miserables. Their conversation moves from the show itself, to musings on gratitude, ego, learning from your experiences and Bargain Hunt! This podcast will prove interesting not only for fans of Musical Theatre but anyone who wonders what it takes to make your way up the career ladder to such a prestigious West End production. Follow Dean on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DChisnall Follow Nia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/niafisher FOR MORE FISHING FOR THE TRUTH VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdIb4roK6opAT Music: ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir https://twitter.com/itsparisamusic

In conversation with West End leading man Dean Chisnall

June 2019- At his home in Dorset, Nia chats to author Richard Matthews about his searingly honest, uplifting and often incredibly funny memoir ‘No I Will’. This is the story of a remarkable family raising a special child, William, and the ways in which Will has changed the lives of those around him. To purchase this wonderful book, see link below. https://www.sheildcrest.co.uk/no-I-will.html

Richard Matthews: ‘No I Will’- A Father’s memoir

March 2019- “Find your tribe, you will NOT be alone”- Vicky Brannan. In this episode, Nia chats to Vicky, mum of Elsie and Eddie her youngest who has Down’s Syndrome. From the first scan to misconceptions about the disorder, from how we can be a kinder society and the role of the media. This is a beautifully frank and honest conversation! https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/ https://www.arc-uk.org/ https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/research-projects/alzheimers-downs-syndrome-uncovering-critical-window-testing-new-treatments/ https://www.readandspell.com/down-syndrome-blogs To follow Nia on twitter visit https://www.twitter.com/niafisher For more Fishing For The Truth videos visit https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdIb4roK6opAT

Vicky Brannan: A Mother’s Story- Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week 2019

April 2019- In this Fishing For The Truth Nia is joined by Mark, Tom, Alim and Sandy, 4 men who are opening up and sharing their stories about hair loss. From the demands of the entertainment industry to personal self esteem, this conversation is a glimpse in to some of the emotional and psychological side effects of this relatively common condition. Please see below for useful links. Music- ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shamir To follow Alim on Instagram- @alimjayda According to the NHS 8 million women in the UK experience hair loss, known medically as alopecia. Male pattern baldness affects around half of all men by the age of fifty and usually starts around the late twenties/early thirties. This generally results in a receding hairline, followed by thinning of hair on the crown and temples. In some cases it progresses to complete baldness. The condition is hereditary and thought to be caused by over sensitive hair follicles that react to a by product of the hormone testosterone. Alopecia causes bald patches to appear on the scalp, this affects 2 people in every thousand in the UK, in most cases it grows back within a few months. Other types of hair loss may be temporary and can be caused by illness, stress, cancer treatment, weight loss or a vitamin deficiency. Some people experience more severe forms of hair loss, one of these is alopecia totalis which means no scalp hair. This is caused by a problem with the immune system and is common among people who have other autoimmune conditions such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes. The issue of hair loss can cause great distress and there are treatments one can try but most aren’t available on the NHS and some can be expensive. “No treatment is 100% effective” *Source- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hair-loss/ Other options: Steroid injection (given into bald patches) Steroid creams (applied to bald patches) Immunotherapy (chemical applied to bald patches) Light treatment (shining ultraviolet light on bald patches) Tattooing (tattoo used to look like short hair and eyebrows) Hair transplant (hair cells are moved to thinning patches) Scalp reduction surgery (sections of the scalp with hair are stretched and stitched together) Artificial hair transplant (surgery to implant artificial hairs) Wigs Counselling or support groups may benefit someone who is in distress. SUPPORT GROUPS: British Hair and Nail Society- https://bhns.org.uk Alopecia UK- www.alopeciaonline.org.uk Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation- www.carfintl.org Alopecia Awareness- www.bebold.org.uk Alopecia World- www.alopeciaworld.com Help & Advice- www.alopeciascotland.co.uk www.alopeciaireland.org The British Skin Foundation- www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk British Association of Dermatologists’ clinical guidelines- http://www.bad.org.uk/ My New Hair- www.mynewhair.org

4 men, 4 personal stories about hair loss

April 2019- In this Fishing For The Truth, Nia talks all things music with the incredibly talented guitarist Ben Lochrie. They discuss influences, his formative years, the power of live music and touring with the wonderful Go West. Follow Nia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/niafisher Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/benlochrie http://www.gowest.org.uk/ FOR MORE FISHING FOR THE TRUTH VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdIb4roK6opAT Music: ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir https://twitter.com/itsparisamusic

In conversation with musician Ben Lochrie

December 2018- Active addiction is a subject not everyone is familiar with, it is an illness and a disease that has a light shone brightly upon it in this podcast. In this two part conversation as part of her Fishing For The Truth series, Nia hears from Nick Hayes about his own experience with addiction and the dark places it led him to. Almost 3 years clean and sober, his is a vital story that needs to be heard and shared so it can raise awareness and potentially help others. Watch Part 2 here: https://youtu.be/9_YbojNwLCo Follow Nick on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nickhayesuk Follow Nia on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/niafisher ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir *Useful links* Siam Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre Thailand- https://www.siamrehab.com Information and support on Addiction and Dependency. Mind, the mental health charity- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/addiction-and-dependency/#.W_wtuRanyaM For LGBT people in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction- http://www.gayandsober.org

Addiction And Recovery with Nick Hayes- Part 1

December 2018- In this second part of Nia’s conversation with Nick Hayes he continues to speak candidly about his journey towards sobriety. Nick shares the moment he reached his absolute rock bottom which led him to surrendering and accepting the disease that is active addiction. This part focuses on his journey into treatment , relapse & then into recovery. They also discuss friends & family of addicts & what they can do ... Al-Anon Family Groups, (a worldwide fellowship that offers a program of recovery for the families and friends of alcoholics) https://al-anon.org/ 3 years clean and sober, Nick’s story is one of hope. Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/rDFBWeZewsY Follow Nick on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/nickhayesuk Follow Nia on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/niafisher ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir *Useful links* Siam Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre Thailand- http://www.siamrehab.com Information and support on Addiction and Dependency. Mind, the mental health charity- http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/addiction-and-dependency/#.W_wtuRanyaM For LGBT people in recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction- http://www.gayandsober.org

Addiction And Recovery with Nick Hayes- Part 2

August 2018- Queen’s Brian May has described this guest as “One of the most electrifying singers in Britain”. Known and loved for the many wonderful stage roles that she has played in the West End, the magnetic Mazz Murray sits down for a chat with Nia in between performances at the Phoenix Theatre, London. She shares how she came to record her debut solo album ‘Midnight Mazz’ and the stories behind some of her song choices. Amongst other things, Mazz also shares who has influenced her musically, the invaluable advice given to her when she was a young girl, how she knew from an early age the type of roles she wanted to play and why she calls herself ‘The Joe Pesci of Theatre’! https://www.midnightmazz.com Follow Mazz on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MazzWoman For more Fishing For The Truth visit: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdIb4roK6opAT Follow Nia on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/niafisher Music: ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir

In conversation with Singer and Actress Mazz Murray

October 2018- In this conversation Nia is joined by the talented and tenacious Sophia Ragavelas. With 20 years of experience in West End Theatre, a career spanning from ensemble to leading lady, Sophia shares her own personal journey that led to the birth of The Musical Mentor! In her new venture she aspires to help support young students and professionals be the best version of themselves by giving them the tools to navigate in a positive way, not only the business but their own lives! http://www.themusicalmentor.co.uk/ ’Truth’ Written and Performed by Pari Shahmir Follow Nia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/niafisher

In conversation with Sophia Ragavelas- ‘The Musical Mentor’.

July 2018- “We have the ability as an industry to change lives and open eyes, we have a responsibility to make a change.” - Alim Jayda. In this eye opening conversation, Nia meets & chats with Alim about the changes needed within the world of theatre, film and television that will enable both the deaf and sign language communities to be seen and represented in a more truthful and respectful way. As a Coda (child of deaf adults) Alim is shining a light on not only this issue, but the ripple effect that is felt both politically and socially. To read Alim’s article in The Stage follow this link https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/2018/theatres-deaf-community-sign-language/ Please help to continue this conversation by sharing my video...thank you x Follow Alim on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AlimJayda Follow Nia on Twitter:https://www.twitter.com/niafisher For more Fishing For The Truth: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdIb4roK6opAT

In conversation with Alim Jayda- British Sign Language & the entertainment industry.

November 2018- What is an Arboretum? In this episode of Fishing For The Truth Nia visits Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. Spending a delightful afternoon in late October wandering the vast grounds of this stunning location Nia shares a brief overview of what this Arboretum has to offer. In conjunction with her choice of reading material ‘The Hidden Life Of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben this podcast is for anyone who is drawn to the majesty and general awesomeness of Trees! For more information visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt Twitter: https://twitter.com/ForestryCommEng Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forestry.commission.england/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCspfY4rpODprWA_9zeZ_9EQ Follow Nia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/niafisher For more Fishing For The Truth: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx60zAP1HgWY3enXmKlqJdlb4roK6opAT Music: ‘Truth’ written and performed by Pari Shahmir

An afternoon with the majestic trees at Westonbirt Arboretum.

April 2018- Nia talks openly about her experiences which led to discovering meditation and the healing power of the natural world around us. How did she develop what she calls a ‘noisy brain’ which in turn led to such a negative internal dialogue? In this Fishing For The Truth, Nia shares her Truth and the simple tips she recommends for quietening your mind.

Thoughts on Meditation and the healing power of nature!

Everyone’s truth is personal to them and I believe that when we hear other people’s stories, they can lead us to examine our own truth more deeply, opening our hearts and minds to that which is the human experience. These honest, spontaneous conversations have definitely changed how I feel and how I see the world I live in. It is my hope that you’ll find this channel a positive space to visit. Welcome to Fishing For The Truth the podcast!

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Fishing For The Truth

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