Over 100 showreels. Nearly 30 years in television. A lifetime of finding the courage to keep going. This week on WHY NOT NOW!, Chloe Everton and Emma Elston MBE welcome presenter, designer and upcycling expert Jacqui Joseph for an honest conversation about reinvention, resilience and rebuilding life after loss. Known for Homes Under the Hammer, Money for Nothing and Morning Live, Jacqui shares the story behind her television career. From making clothes at home and selling at London markets to modelling, dancing and sending out more than 100 showreels, her success was built through persistence, curiosity and a willingness to put herself forward. Jacqui also speaks candidly about losing her husband Andy, the reality of grief and why finding your way forward has to happen at your own pace. Alongside the deeper moments, there are celebrity encounters, unexpected interview stories, a love of upcycling and a discussion about why we’re often better at celebrating other people than ourselves. An episode about taking chances, recognising your own achievements and asking yourself… WHY NOT NOW! IN THIS EPISODE • Growing up in North West London and finding a love of fashion. • Launching a clothing label and selling at London markets. • Getting into television through persistence and relentless follow-up. • Handling rejection without losing confidence. • Navigating bereavement and moving at your own pace. • Celebrating small wins and being kinder to yourself. • Making space for solitude, creativity and self-care. • Interviewing famous faces, including Oprah, Beyoncé and Naomi Campbell. • Upcycling, sustainability and seeing potential in things others discard. • Taking a chance instead of living with “what if?” CHAPTERS 00:00 Rock bottom, grief and taking time to heal 01:44 Introducing Jacqui Joseph 03:11 Inside Jacqui’s creative world 04:37 Growing up in North West London 05:36 Fashion training and the clothing industry 06:33 Building a label and selling at London markets 07:59 Modelling, dancing and touring with Lonnie Gordon 11:49 First television jobs and Bloomberg Entertainment 13:15 Over 100 showreels and finally getting a yes 15:10 Knocking on doors at ITV2 16:08 Hollywood, live television and meeting Oprah 17:34 Nearly 30 years in television and dealing with rejection 19:17 Working with Andy and building a life together 20:41 Losing Andy and the reality of grief 21:40 Why grief has no manual 23:32 Being kinder to yourself and celebrating small wins 27:14 Jacqui’s approach to self-care 30:58 Solitude, sewing and switching off 32:26 Married at First Sight and multitasking 35:40 A conversation about ADHD and creativity 36:35 Hosting 46664 and interviewing famous faces 40:53 Naomi Campbell and celebrity surprises 42:42 Taking risks and avoiding “what if?” 44:33 Strictly, the jungle and saying yes or no 45:32 Quick-fire questions 48:23 Dream dinner guests and the Mel Gibson interview 51:44 Alignment, coincidence and meaningful moments 52:44 Upcycling, sustainability and a love of the tip 54:08 Closing thoughts and next week’s episode WATCH, LISTEN & JOIN IN Watch WHY NOT NOW! on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe or follow so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, leave a rating or review and share it with someone who needs a little encouragement to take their next step. Follow us on Instagram: @whynotnowofficial https://www.instagram.com/whynotnowofficial/ What’s something you’ve been putting off? Tell us your WHY NOT NOW! moment. Hosted by Chloe Everton and Emma Elston MBE. Guest: Jacqui Joseph. REAL PEOPLE. REAL STORIES. REAL CHANGE. Content note: This episode includes personal experiences of bereavement, grief and the loss of a spouse. If anything in this episode has affected you, you can talk to Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123, or young people can call Childline on 0800 1111.
