Fishing for the Truth
Fishing For The Truth is a collection of video blogs and honest, spontaneous conversations that have definitely changed how I feel and how I see the world I live in. It is my hope that you’ll find this series both positive and thought provoking. Welcome to Fishing For The Truth!
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.
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 at the Queen’s Theatre. Their conversation moves from the show itself, to musings on gratitude, ego, learning from your experiences and Bargain Hunt! This conversation 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.
In this Fishing For The Truth Nia is joined by Mark, Tom, Alim and Sandy, four 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.
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 video. 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.
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. Over 3 years clean and sober, Nick’s story is one of hope.
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!
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 gives the viewer a brief overview of what this Arboretum has to offer whilst also taking a few moments to share her choice of reading material ‘The Hidden Life Of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben.
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!
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!
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 Nia’s chat with Steve Balsamo. This conversation is a fascinating window in to what makes this talented artist tick!
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 her performances as Mama Morton in Chicago the Musical at the Phoenix Theatre, London.
In this eye opening conversation, Nia meets with Alim to discuss 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.
In this video we hear Nia speaking at an event run by registered charity, The Daisy Network. In front of a room full of incredible people all connected by this topic, Nia shares how she came to make peace with her 2010 diagnosis of Premature Ovarian Insufficiency. Shock, grief, loss, hope and acceptance are just some of the topics covered in this piece.
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.
In this conversation, Nia sits down with Alice who is raising awareness about about Early Onset Alzheimer’s. She speaks openly about watching her dad as he lives with this disease, what she has learnt about herself and how we really should treasure every moment!
Nia sits down with Mark who talks candidly about how it feels to be a new (stay at home) dad, the adoption process, misguided attitudes and questionable baby changing facilities!!! This is a thought provoking, informative conversation that is both funny and moving.
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.
Nia sits down with the wonderful Parisa whose debut single ‘Let Me Go’ entered the iTunes singer-songwriter chart Top 10 on its release in late 2018. Together over a cup of tea, they chat about the inspiration for that song, handling anxiety, what it means to be vulnerable and what the future holds for this talented artist at the start of her exciting journey.
In this video, Nia is joined by friend Tasha who talks openly about what it was like to give birth following the death of her father. They discuss the benefits of counselling, if heaven exists and Tash’s connection to tame robins!
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.