This week Emma is joined by Bertie Gregory, National Geographic explorer and wildlife filmmaker.

Winner of numerous awards, including a BAFTA, EMMY and the 2025 Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year, Bertie captures wildlife in challenging and intimate environments all around the world.

In his latest show Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory, Bertie aims to dive cage-free with great white sharks off the coast of South Africa. He shares the highlights and challenges of filming these incredible predators, from nature’s unexpected joys to its unpredictability.

Bertie also reflects on his filmmaking journey, from a young wildlife fanatic, to creating shows on Disney+ and being a part of National Geographic.

In this episode Bertie talks about:

• Why sharks are misunderstood
• The challenges of filming great whites
• What it’s like getting up close with wild animals
• What fuels his desire for storytelling and showcasing wildlife
• The importance of letting nature recover
• His views on the responsibility of a wildlife filmmaker

Bertie’s passion for storytelling, the natural world and documenting wildlife is unfaltering. He’s full of inspiration and wisdom, and also offers a ton of advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

Follow Bertie Gregory:

• Instagram
• Find out more via his website
• Watch Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory now on Disney+ and Hulu

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• YouTube
• Find out more via her website
• Sign up to the newsletter here

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On this week’s episode Emma is joined by Damian Hall, ultrarunner, and co-founder of the Green Runners.

A record-breaking runner, Damian is often found on a podium at iconic races like the Spine Race, Dragon’s Back Race, the UK Ultra Trail Championships, Mozart 100 and Ultra Tour Monte Rosa, and most recently won the Montane Lakeland 100. He also has a ton of FKTs, but why does he run?

We chat about that very question and much more including:

• Running his first marathon as a toilet
• What's like representing Team GB
• Taking on the Barkley Marathons
• Mixing running with environmentalism

• The biggest environmental issues in running
• Can sport ever be sustainable

It’s an eye-opening episode about the beauty of running far, combining your passions, and, most of all, sticking to your values.

Check out Damian on socials @ultra_damo and the Green Runner's @the.green.runners. You can also join the Green Runners here.

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✨🎙️ Follow and share the Passion Stories Podcast. Plus make sure you check out your host Emma Cole @emmasecole to find out who the next inspiring and passionate guest is coming to your ears in a fortnight.

What is textile performance? Why is a sewing machine so loud? Does technology have a place in art?

This week, Emma is joined by Harriet Riddell, a textile performance artist who creates art with her sewing machine. Harriet stitches stories and portraits in public places as she sees them - think life drawing blended with free‑motion embroidery.

Harriet has travelled the world with her sewing machine, stitching in bustling Indian markets, the humidity of Taiwan, and the joyful chaos of Glastonbury festival, as well as many other places.

Her work is spontaneous, she doesn't have a plan before she starts, instead she draws creativity from connection with people and places. To bolster this, people can pedal a bicycle alongside Harriet which powers her sewing machine, and this connection and conversation also influences her creative process.

In this episode Harriet shares:

• How she became a textile performance artist
• Her evolving creative process
• What it’s like working in public places
• The importance of connection and spontaneity
• Her views on the future of embroidery and impact of digital technology

Harriet’s warmth, passion and energy is contagious, and you don’t need to be into sewing or embroidery to enjoy this episode. By the end, you might just find yourself itching to pick up a needle or try out a sewing machine, or at the very least, look at the world a little differently.

Check out Harriet on socials and explore her website InStitchyou where you can try a free mini class on free motion embroidery.

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✨🎙️ Follow and share the Passion Stories Podcast. Plus make sure you follow your host Emma Cole @emmasecole on socials to find out who the next inspiring and passionate guest is coming to your ears in a fortnight.