MUMBELIEVABLE with Sonia Beldom

Danny Clarke is a British Garden Designer who shot to fame in 2015 as BBC’s Instant Gardener aged 58. When he branded himself “The Black Gardener” everything went crazy and he was in demand and discovered as an emerging television star. He has also graced our screens with a host of popular garden makeover shows and horticultural advice. In 2019, he joined the ITV ‘This Morning’ team presenting colourful and creative garden transformations. Danny is now a member of Alan Titchmarsh’s Love Your Garden team, the current season being televised on ITV. November 2021 saw Danny co-present a unique garden makeover show on 5Star/Channel 5, Filthy Garden SOS.

Despite a troubled childhood with a difficult mother who used to beat him and subject him to emotional abuse, Danny is committed to help bring change and harmony to young people and disadvantaged communities by encouraging them into horticulture ana into a good relationship with our planet. His father came to England aged 20 and spent a lot of time away from his young family while on active duty and leave. 

He also runs his own bespoke garden design company, the Black Gardener and co-directs CIC Grow 2 Know, who are committed to bringing horticulture to young people and disadvantaged communities. 

His story is a bittersweet tale of a child who grew up convinced his mother didn’t love him, never having his birthdays celebrated or his parents telling him they were proud of him. But all this has shaped him into a strong, caring grandfather and business man who inspires everyone he meets.

00.0    00.00 Introduction to Danny Clark and his gardening journey

02.51 The Impact of gardening on mental health

06.05 Reflection on family and dhildhood trauma

12.13 Understanding maternal relationships and their complicated links

17.49 The journey of forgiveness and acceptance

24.06 Legacy and lessons from motherhood

In this deeply moving and personal episode, Sonia Beldom interviews Andrew Pierce, a journalist and political pundit, about his latest book, 'Finding Margaret, Solving the Mystery of My Birth Mother.' 

Pierce shares his heart-wrenching journey of being adopted by his loving mum, Betty, while also uncovering the story of his birth mother, Margaret, an Irish nurse. The conversation delves into the challenges of adoption, the quest for identity, and the emotional reunions that shaped Andrew's understanding of family and heritage. This episode offers a poignant look at the extraordinary lives of the two women who made Andrew who he is today.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Background

00:35 Introducing Andrew Pierce and His Book

01:08 Andrew's Adoption Story

02:49 Margaret's Struggles and Sacrifices

05:11 Discovering the Truth About Margaret

06:49 The Search for Margaret

10:03 Reuniting with Margaret

16:00 Reflecting on Family and Identity

21:25 A Letter Published in the Daily Mirror

22:15 Family Reactions and Emotional Impact

24:14 Career Beginnings and Family Support

26:15 Reflections on Adoption and Family Bonds

30:07 Traits and Characteristics from Both Mothers

32:50 Memorable Moments and Final Thoughts

In this episode of 'Mumbelievable,' host Sonia welcomes renowned jazz singer Ian Shaw to share heartfelt and humorous stories about his mother, Megan. 

From her life in North Wales and her eccentric ways to her struggle with agoraphobia, Ian's recounting of his childhood is both touching and amusing. The episode delves into Megan's influence on Ian's musical journey, her remarkable red hair, and her battle with agoraphobia. 

Ian talks about how his mother's unique character had a profound impact on his life and career. 

The episode wraps up with Sonia's 'Mini Mum Survey,' where Ian reflects on the funniest, most cringe-worthy, and most admirable aspects of his mum. 

Ian was born in St Asaph in North Wales and took his music degree at the University of London. His career in performance began in the 1980s on the alternative cabaret circuit, alongside such performers as Julian Clary and Jo Brand. At the same time, he was playing in piano bars and at festivals in London and throughout Europe. He is the host of International Ronnie Scott's Radio.

00:00 Introduction to Mumbelievable Podcast

00:42 Guest Introduction: Ian Shaw

01:46 Ian Shaw's Mother: Megan's Story

02:16 Musical Family Background

03:29 Eccentricities and Agoraphobia

05:04 Food Memories and Eating Disorders

06:26 Neighbourhood Characters and Childhood Memories

08:48 Unfulfilled Talents and Rejection Letters

14:23 Funny Misunderstandings and Mix-ups

16:25 Funny Group Names and TV Concepts

17:02 Memories of Barbara Windsor

17:59 Mother's Agoraphobia and Support

21:06 Post-War Generational Issues

25:06 Cherished Memories and Voices

29:26 Mini Mum Survey

31:44 Conclusion and Farewell