That’s Not My Age Podcast episode 3: Michelle Ogundehin
Photograph from michelleogundehin.com
Fans of Grand Designs House of the Year will recognise my latest podcast guest, Michelle Ogundehin (who regularly appears as an expert on the show). The writer, TV presenter and former Editor-in-Chief at Elle Decoration magazine is an authority on interiors, style and culture, and is currently writing a book on ‘the power of the home as a path to wellbeing’. Michelle’s love of colour, pattern and texture is beautifully displayed across her Instagram feed; and she will be appearing on our television screens soon as a judge on Project Interiors a new design show, on BBC2 and Netflix. Born in Manchester, she now lives in Brighton with her son and two boisterous Basset hounds Stanley and Henry.
The latest That’s Not My Age podcast discusses the importance of feeling happy and healthy at home, the joy of writing, journalism, social media and finding career success at every age. On the benefits of having an organised home, Michelle very wisely said, ‘Though I’m a passionate clutter-clearer, it’s not about being minimalist, there’s a huge difference between your things and stuff. Things are the narrative of your life, your story.’
This episode is slightly longer than normal just because I didn’t want to cut any of it!
Michelle Ogundehin is currently reading lots of non-fiction as research for the book she’s writing, including : The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and The Love for Imperfect Things by Haemin Sunim (a Buddhist monk, ‘It makes the most extraordinary good sense.’)
What Michelle wears:
Please note affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
PODCAST LINKS
Listen to the podcast on Spotify HERE
Listen to Apple Podcasts HERE.
Please, please rate, review and subscribe, to help more listeners to find the podcast.
NOTE: The That’s Not My Age podcast will also be appearing on Stitcher, Google and Pandora very soon. And, we’ll be adding a new ‘Podcast’ area to this site shortly. Can’t wait to hear your feedback.
PODCAST CREDITS
Producer and audio engineer: Linda Ara-Tebaldi
Host: Alyson Walsh
Guest: Michelle Ogundehin
Artwork: Ayumi Takahashi
Music: David Schweitzer
Digital technician: Tom Hole at Stirtingale
Coordinator: Helen Johnson
Discussion (18 Comments)
Michelle is engaging, eloquent and wise, it was a joy to meet her properly and visit her beautiful home. Do tune in, Sara, it’s a good ‘un.
Mrs Tonia says:
Oh Alyson you really have outdone yourself in this one with Michelle O. I knew her name from my many years of reading Elle Decoration , both the French and British editions. What I wasn’t expecting was so much congruence with my training, aspirations and philosophy. She is so articulate on ever topic from colour schemes, the point of a home environment to pollution in the home from gadgets. I too trained as an architect but only to RIBA part one. Moved into writing, graphic design etc. I have a whole collection of Blueprint magazine from its inception in the 80s. This is going to an academic library.
I’ve scrubbed the kitchen with bicarbonate of soda and Ecover products, don’t own a microwave and won’t chuck out the toaster.
I can’t wait to read her manuscript. Sounds like a fascinating take on the domestic environment.
As for order in the home, one to aspire to certainly. And a good perspective on arranging your living space. One to take on board. Makes me appreciate why the leaking ceiling on to my bedclothes traumatised me to the extent it did and forced evacuation to a guest room in the cellar.
So much food for thought in the best possible way here. And you sound more and more relaxed in your delivery.
I shall look forward to catching up with Michelle when she is a broadcast star. Her articulate expression and strong character will be an asset to any programme she is on no doubt.
Thanks for this.Thank you, Mrs Tonia – and yes, you do have similar training and philosophy, I hadn’t thought of that! Michelle is incredibly articulate, thoughtful and charming, I was not exaggerating at the end of the podcast when I said our conversation was life-changing. Can’t wait to read her book….
maudie says:
Mrs Tonia – I am always blown away by your eloquence and ‘articulate expression’ in your replies to TNMA and they are a total pleasure to read.
Thanks for complimen Maudie. Usually written lying on couch in a hurry. But the topics bring out my best perhaps. Feedback appreciated
Maggie Hill says:
Hi Alyson, am sitting here sewing (cushion covers if you want to know), listening to your dulcet tones on your first podcast with Lucinda Chambers…..OMG !!! Hearing you chat away has brought back so many memories!!! I feel quite emotional. Well done you for getting out there and constantly challenging your craft, your boundaries, your comfort zone. I’ll continue to listen with glee….. happy days xx❤️
Aw, thanks Maggie. Your comment has made me feel emotional, too. Must catch-up soon xx
Jac says:
I’ve just spent a glorious hour listening to this while pottering around in the kitchen, preparing yummy food. What a beautiful, warm person Michelle is. She had me at “How do you want to feel?” when she talked about our homes. Can I have a medal for not owning and never having owned a microwave? Hands off my toaster though.
Does anyone have any idea where Michelle’s blouse (in the photo above) is from?
Chipping in here regarding my blouse… it’s from Massimo Dutti, great for really inexpensive 100% silk blouses… especially in the sale! Think I picked this one up for about £25!!
Another Mancunian I only just realised. And I lived in Brighton as a teenager. Great place to be based.
RueSue says:
I have enjoyed all the podcasts and this one was wonderful as well. Your podcasts are like a conversation among friends, and I wish I were there. Her thoughts about home and color were insightful and as usual the end bits with your questions asked of each guest were terrific. Lipstick was an unexpected direction! The sound is a little echo-ey and I probably only notice since I have to listen more closely to make sure and get all the words as we don’t hear so many lovely Brit accents in LA. I am on my knees grateful that there is no vocal fry in evidence.
Evie Squadrille says:
Decided to relax with a glass of Pinot Grigio and your podcasts,I loved your interview with Lucinda Chambers…always wanted to know more about her. Your questions were on point and interesting just like your blog…I ♥️ TNMA!
I’ve read your books and follow you on Facebook but it was a treat to hear your voice…Thank you,Thank you,Thank you!Bridget says:
I’m really enjoying this podcast series, thanks Alyson! You talk to some very interesting women about topics I want to know more about. And you always ask the question that I’ve just thought of! Thank you for bringing these to us – they are different from any others I listen too and I’m keen to hear more!
[…] managed to persuade me to record an episode with her, and you can get all the links to download it here. We spoke together way back in March, but the results of this labour of love are all now on air so […]
Jenny Watts says:
Fabulous, love Michelle, she’s just real, no pretence, genuine, honest. That comes across in this and in the Design Masters show.
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Still to get to grips with podcasts……
Recall seeing Michelle on the Grand Design programme and thinking she was more interesting (and stylish) than the buildings, probably not the point of the exercise but she really shone out. Will try to do the podcasty thing, really..