This Is Not How I Made It.

Gabriella

This podcast is a twist on the typical 'success' stories we all see and know about - except I want to shed light on the stories that otherwise may remain unknown. Real people reflecting on where they thought they were going to be at this stage and age in comparison to where they actually are today; the peaks and troughs and unexpected plot twists; people who like you and me thought some things would be different by now. By no means better or worse - life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. And actually, on reflection, life in theory is the sum of our choices. You may not have made it to the life you imagined (yet, anyway), but you have made it here for a reason.

  1. Episode 2: Eddy's Story

    23 May

    Episode 2: Eddy's Story

    Eddy I had the pleasure of meeting in 2023 when he very kindly lent me furniture he was not using for my new house. Fast forward three years and a lot has changed! Not only have we become friends but he has recently become a father, changed careers into property - after a near spell of us going into business together - and looks forward to his retirement dream of opening up a restaurant and being a chef. But as we know, life has a way of surprising us when we least expect it; is this what he planned for or hoped would happen in his life? If you want to learn more about Eddy or follow his journey - the link to his Instagram is ⁠www.instagram.com/eddygaelkabran⁠. Any other questions or feedback about the podcast - or if you want to be a guest - please email: ⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    31 min
  2. Series Two: Spring Special - Laura's Story

    25 Apr ·  Bonus

    Series Two: Spring Special - Laura's Story

    To kick off series two - Laura O'Sullivan funnily enough I went to school with; fifteen (plus) years later, we reconnected to share her whereabouts and experiences from then to now. Including losing her dad at at 25, separating from her husband due to betrayal, two miscarriages, and finding her true purpose in life by understanding now what she is passionate about. As well as being a mum of two both children and dogs, Laura is a freelance marketeer and loves nothing more than binge watching a series with her favourite dinner. But is this what she planned for or hoped would happen in her life? If you have experienced similar to want to follow Laura's journey - the link to her Instagram is www.instagram.com/lifewithlauramay Any other questions or feedback about the podcast - or if you want to be a guest - please email: thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    32 min

  3. 1 Feb ·  Bonus

    Series One: Recap & Thanks

    Thank you for listening to series one of This Is Not How I Made It. If you have any feedback, questions, or words of wisdom, please let me know by emailing thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com. Alternatively, if you want to be a guest on the podcast - even better! I have zero lined up for series two (and hopefully this isn't the end...).

    2 min
  4. Bonus Episode 18: Mike's Story

    25 Jan ·  Bonus

    Bonus Episode 18: Mike's Story

    Friend, colleague(ish), (and that's just talking for myself) - and proud father of two - my guest today is Mike Drover. At the age of just 20 he joined the army, he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2013, in total he served for 15 years before deciding to leave. Now, he's a level four personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach at Pure Gym, and recently, very excitingly, he got married to his second wife in 2025. But is this what he planned for or hoped would happen in his life? Follow Mike on Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/mdfituk Any questions or feedback - or if you want to be a guest on the podcast - please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    37 min
  5. Episode 17: Paulomi's Story

    28/12/2025

    Episode 17: Paulomi's Story

    Wife, mum, and pretty good cook - her words not mine - my guest today is Paulomi Debnath. Born in Kolkata, India, she studied sales and marketing and started her career in hotel sales. In 2004 she met the love of her life; they got married in 2006 and shortly after moved to London. Now, she is a textile jewellery designer and the face behind Handmade by Tinni, which is a business she set up in 2020. But is this what she planned for or hoped would happen in her life? Learn more about Handmade by Tinni - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.handmadebytinni.com/⁠⁠ Any questions or feedback - or if you want to be a guest on the podcast - please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    40 min
  6. Episode 16: Alicia's Story

    21/12/2025

    Episode 16: Alicia's Story

    Sister, wife, and mum to two children, as well as two cats - my guest today is Alicia Drabble-Castellano. Half Spanish and half English (Yorkshire), she is a former primary school teacher for over 15 years until ill health meant she had to stop. Now, she is the founder of Single Swan, a clothing brand that focuses on helping women feel good every day. When not working on growing the business, she is a keen reader of Agatha Christie, and keen eater of cheesy puffs... But is this what she planned for or hoped would happen in her life? Learn more about Single Swan - ⁠⁠https://www.singleswan.co.uk/⁠ Any questions or feedback - or if you want to be a guest on the podcast - please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    32 min
  7. Episode 15: Laurine's Story

    14/12/2025

    Episode 15: Laurine's Story

    Mum, to a miniature daschund, keen student of life, and Jane Austen enthusiast - my guest today is Laurine Hanquez. Originally from France, she has a passion for travel and has used her studies (of political science and cinema, for example) to live in various countries, including Canada and Belgium. Now, firmly planted in the UK, she works full-time in sales and is the co-founder of Blōma, a supplement brand redefining the wellness space. But is this what she planned for or hoped would happen in her life? Learn more about Blōma - ⁠https://wearebloma.com/ Any questions or feedback - or if you want to be a guest on the podcast - please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    31 min
  8. Episode 14: Eva's Story

    07/12/2025

    Episode 14: Eva's Story

    Mum, divorcee, and former employer of Tony Blair - my guest today is Eva Thorne. She grew up in New York City, got her doctorate in political science before becoming a university professor, and then realised her heart was not in it. Now she is the founder of Garden of Eva, an idea that came to her on a trip to the supermarket to buy unwaxed lemons; they make condiments from the American South. But is this what she planned for or hoped would happen in her life? Learn more about Garden of Eva - https://www.gardenofeva.co.uk/ Any questions or feedback - or if you want to be a guest on the podcast - please email: ⁠⁠⁠thisisnothowimadeit@gmail.com

    33 min
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About

This podcast is a twist on the typical 'success' stories we all see and know about - except I want to shed light on the stories that otherwise may remain unknown. Real people reflecting on where they thought they were going to be at this stage and age in comparison to where they actually are today; the peaks and troughs and unexpected plot twists; people who like you and me thought some things would be different by now. By no means better or worse - life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. And actually, on reflection, life in theory is the sum of our choices. You may not have made it to the life you imagined (yet, anyway), but you have made it here for a reason.

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