S6, Ep1 – In conversation with Nicola Bonn
30 January 2025
Welcome to our sixth season of Life & Smile and what a journey it has been so far! In our first episode of season six, we are thrilled to welcome the award-winning broadcaster, Nicola Bonn. We are turning the tables on her slightly, as you will no doubt instantly recognise her voice from the celebrated Outspoken Beauty Podcast.
Listen in full as Nicola reveals how she built her career and tips for how she makes it work on a daily basis. Plus of course, this episode wouldn’t be complete without Nicola revealing her little black book of what she can’t live without, plus much more!
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
The conversation opens with Nicola reminiscing about her early career plans – she initially wanted to be a singer and then a theatre director, and it all changed when she went to university and discovered student radio, where everything clicked into place. Her full focus was then on broadcasting, getting as much experience as she could so she had enough content for a demo. This strategy paid off as she was offered her own breakfast show just six months after leaving university.
This took her back to London, where her radio career really took off. She worked for some of the biggest radio stations in England.
Fast forward to having two children, it was during this time that she discovered how much she adored beauty and started writing a parenting blog that began attracting global attention. As her children got older, she diverted her writing focus to beauty and started a beauty podcast – Outspoken Beauty. Nicola then pivoted to turn this into her full career, which she has achieved very successfully.
For Nicola, her passion for beauty is not about what it is on the outside, but what it represents – taking inspiration from her beautiful grandmother and how beauty empowered the next generation, her own mother. Nicola loves the ‘moral side of beauty’, not making dramatic changes for people’s insecurity.
When it comes to working in the media industry, Nicola avoids trends, as the media moves so quickly, you would be constantly playing catch-up otherwise.
Nicola reveals how she loves wearing many hats in her work – hosting events, advising brands, and of course overseeing her podcast with a panel of over 600 women who try products as part of her podcast.
Having variety and the thrill of the chase is what drives Nicola. In terms of a typical day, her children ‘force’ her to have routine, and she generally knows what her week will have in store – whether it be being in London and going to events, but she also loves to have ideas and the opportunity for that ‘unexpected sparkle’.
Her advice for those starting out is that it’s a really good time to forge your own path, but know what your expertise is first and become a leader in your field.
And those items Nicola always keeps on her desk? A candle, nail file, and a special family photograph are her immediate top three.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
When everything clicks into place, you can really focus on what you want to do.
There is a magic in speaking to people – through radio and podcasts, you’re a friend.
Beauty is not just what is on the outside – it brings confidence, joy and empowerment.
Stick to what you believe in – and stay true to yourself.
If you follow trends, you will always be playing catch-up as they go around so quickly.
When you’re creative, you have the option to wear many hats.
You can’t just become an ‘influencer’, you’ve got to have something to say for yourself.
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Previous episodes
S1, Ep8 – In conversation with Rishi Nanavati
If there’s ever going to be one episode to listen to whilst you’re eating, it’s this one.
S1, Ep2 – In conversation with Harpz Kaur
Many of you will instantly recognise Harpz for being the voice of BBC Asian Network on her weekday breakfast show and of course on our weekend screens on CBBC Saturday Mash Up.
