Homing
Society & Culture
About
The Homing podcast explores the importance of home in shaping who we are. Join Matt Gibberd, author and co-founder of The Modern House, as he takes listeners inside the homes of inspiring guests to examine what really happens inside our walls – how they influence our emotions, creativity and sense of self. Featuring leading voices from art, film, wellbeing and beyond, Homing is a thoughtful journey into remarkable homes and the minds that shape them. Be prepared for tears, laughter, and everything in between. "The Best Podcasts To Listen To" – Vogue Homing is produced by Podshop, with music by Simeon Walker. Homing is an independent podcast and operates as a separate venture from The Modern House Limited. While Matt Gibberd is a co-founder of The Modern House, all opinions expressed on Homing are solely those of the host and his guests.
Episodes
- Sue Stuart-Smith on Nature, Childhood and The Garden as Medicine
This episode features psychiatrist Sue Stuart-Smith discussing the profound link between gardening and mental wellbeing, drawing on personal and scientific insights. It explores the positive effects of nature on health and the growing move…
- Why Doesn’t Where You Live Feel Like Home? — with Urban Designer David Engwicht
Urban designer David Engwicht shares his philosophy that 'home' extends beyond one's house into the neighborhood, shaped by a nomadic childhood. He explores how urban design influences social bonds and discusses everyday actions to rebuild…
- Sue Webster on Punk, The Mole House & The Art of Non-Conformity
Artist Sue Webster discusses her career in art, her identification with the Mole Man, and her creation of the Mole House in Hackney. The episode touches on her journey from poverty to fame, her identity as a mother at 52, and her independe…
- Do We Really Need More Stuff? — with Japanese Architect Takero Shimazaki
Japanese architect Takero Shimazaki shares his philosophy on the Japanese idea of 'enough,' suggesting that most people already possess what they need. He reflects on his own modest home and how good design can foster a sense of calm and p…
- Henry Holland on Reinvention, Resilience and a Home in Two Halves
Henry Holland, known for his fashion label House of Holland, now creates ceramics using the Japanese technique of nerikomi. He reflects on reinvention as evolution, his experiences with bullying, panic attacks, imposter syndrome, and the c…
- How to Detoxify Your Home with Dr. Jenny Goodman
Dr. Jenny Goodman explains how to reduce toxins in your home, covering the "cocktail effect" of cleaning products and food storage practices. The episode emphasizes making small, considered changes for long-term impact.
- Maria Balshaw on Creative Rebellion, Life After the Tate & The House as a Container
Tate Director Maria Balshaw shares insights into her home in Kent, detailing its design as an act of creative rebellion and her deep connection with nature. The conversation touches upon her life after stepping down from the Tate and her n…
- Alain de Botton: Is Your Home Making You Happy?
Writer and philosopher Alain de Botton explores how our homes affect our happiness and sense of self. He discusses beauty, belonging, and control in relation to architecture and psychological wellbeing.
- Tom Stuart-Smith on Landscapes, Legacy & The Uplifting Power of Nature
Landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith reflects on his lifelong connection to Serge Hill, the estate where he grew up and now lives. He shares insights on his career designing notable gardens, his awards, and the creation of the Serge Hill P…
- Anxiety in the Body: Creating a Sanctuary at Home with Dr Alexandra Shaker
Dr Alexandra Shaker joins Homing to discuss anxiety, its connection to the body, and how the home environment can be transformed into a sanctuary. The episode covers root causes, practical strategies like mindfulness and sleep hygiene, and…
- Elizabeth Day on Perfectionism, Positive Affirmations & Rebuilding Home After Loss
Elizabeth Day shares her experiences with perfectionism, contrasting her childhood fears with adult realities. She reflects on rebuilding her sense of home after personal challenges like marital breakdown and fertility struggles, emphasizi…
- Wintering at Home: The Power of Rest & Ritual, with Katherine May
Katherine May joins Homing to discuss her book Wintering and the concept of home as a place for rest and refuge. She explores how natural rhythms, sensory environments, and unstructured time can help restore the nervous system and foster c…
- Natasha Landers on Curating Black Art, East London & The Home as a Living Exhibition
Natasha Landers, an interior designer and art curator, transformed her home into a living exhibition space for Black art, reflecting her journey from East London to finding safety and rest. Her home embodies patience and allows for rest, s…
- Dan Pearson on Landscape Design, Mindfulness & the Alchemy of Gardening
This episode features Dan Pearson discussing his profession of landscape design, mindfulness, and the practice of gardening. He shares personal reflections on his childhood home and his current life in Somerset, emphasizing living in sync…
- Matilda Goad on Balance, Joy and Playful Homeware Design
Homewares designer Matilda Goad shares insights on balancing design principles with a way of living, drawing inspiration from her creative upbringing. The episode explores her journey in design, her talent for adding playful twists to func…
- Skye McAlpine on Hosting, Christmas & the Myth of Perfection at Home
In this Homing episode, cookery writer Skye McAlpine shares her philosophy on hosting as an expression of love, drawing from a childhood steeped in hospitality. She discusses the realities of everyday home life, including challenges like d…
- Max Rollitt on Interior Decorating, Sentimentality & the Home as Autobiography
Max Rollitt, an interior decorator and antiques dealer, explains his artistic approach to decorating homes, drawing parallels to painting. He shares how the objects in his farmhouse are cherished not for monetary value, but for the sentime…
- Polly Morgan on Taxidermy, Family & Letting Things Go
Artist Polly Morgan discusses her taxidermy sculptures and minimalist home, relating her childhood experiences with animals and anatomy to her artistic outlook. She reflects on family, loss, and the process of letting go as she prepares to…
- Chris Packham on Neurodiversity, Safe Spaces & Finding Solace in Nature
This episode features broadcaster Chris Packham discussing his childhood, his autism diagnosis in his forties, and how he has created a home environment that caters to his sensory needs. Packham reflects on the role of nature in providing…
- Homing With Matt Gibberd
The Homing podcast, hosted by Matt Gibberd, explores how our homes influence our emotions, creativity, and sense of self. Gibberd interviews guests from various fields about their living spaces.
- Bethan Laura Wood: the multidisciplinary designer on the need to make and create
This episode features multidisciplinary designer Bethan Laura Wood, discussing her approach to creating furniture, lighting, and textiles, and how she curates objects in her home. Wood shares insights into her personal style, childhood inf…
- Lakwena Maciver: the renowned artist on colour, creativity, criticism and connection
Artist Lakwena Maciver shares insights into her use of color and patterns, influenced by her African heritage and personal messages like 'Do Better.' She also touches on her childhood as an introvert and finding empowerment through drawing…
- Sir Christopher Le Brun: The leading painter on the homes that have shaped him
Painter Sir Christopher Le Brun shares insights into his life and work, including the significance of his studio spaces, the dynamics of living with another artist, and the houses that have influenced him. He discusses his experiences as a…
- Dame Zandra Rhodes: the fashion legend on living a life in Technicolor
This episode features fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes discussing her life story, including her discovery by American Vogue, her experiences with figures like Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, and her personal journey with cancer. The conv…
- Nigel Slater: the food writer opens the door to his fascinating home life
Food writer Nigel Slater discusses his home life, his experience with panic attacks, and the impact of childhood trauma in this episode of Homing. He also explores his interest in gardening and the significance of smell in his living envir…
- Kevin McCloud: the Grand Designs presenter takes us behind the scenes of his own life
Kevin McCloud, known for Grand Designs, shares details of his life, including his upbringing in a diverse architectural environment, his time in the Cambridge Footlights with notable figures, and his preference for living in a camper van.
- Skye Gyngell: a searingly honest portrait of a chef battling for her identity
Chef Skye Gyngell discusses her life journey and search for identity in this episode of Homing. She reflects on her childhood in Sydney, her move to Europe, and the significance of the various homes she has lived in throughout her life.
- Ruth Rogers: London’s favourite chef on creating an iconic house
Chef Ruth Rogers shares insights into her life through the lens of her homes, focusing on her iconic Chelsea house co-created with Richard Rogers. She reflects on her legendary restaurant, the River Cafe, its community spirit, and its role…
- Mary Portas: the queen of the high street’s inspiring journey from homeless orphan to a London townhouse that’s all hers
Mary Portas shares her inspiring life story, detailing her journey from a challenging childhood to a successful career in retail and consultancy. The episode explores her triumphs and traumas, recorded at her London offices.
- Cath Kidston: the floral-obsessed entrepreneur on why life isn’t always a bed of roses
This episode features an interview with entrepreneur Cath Kidston, founder of the eponymous brand and C. Atherley. Kidston discusses her experiences as a successful businesswoman, her personal life including significant grief, and her bran…
- Jonny Gent: music, martinis and mayhem from the founder of Sessions Arts Club
This episode features a conversation with artist and restaurateur Jonny Gent, recorded at his Sessions Arts Club. Gent discusses his art, travels, and the creative retreat Boath House, reflecting on his childhood and the influences that sh…
- Tim Ross: the Australian comedian on the life-changing effect of modest, modernist buildings – and tinted moisturiser
Comedian Tim Ross shares his childhood fascination with modernist architecture and explains how purchasing a modernist home in Sydney significantly improved his life, serving as a catalyst for meeting like-minded individuals and launching…
- Luke Edward hall: the artist and designer pulls back the curtain to reveal his colourful life story
In this episode of Homing, Luke Edward Hall discusses his colourful life story, including his creative impulses, coming out as gay, and his unique take on English Country House Style. The conversation took place at his home in the Cotswold…
- James Lohan: the co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith on how his first experience of home shaped an obsession with boutique hotels
James Lohan, co-founder of Mr & Mrs Smith, shares his journey in the boutique hotel industry, including early entrepreneurial ventures and insights on applying hotel design principles to homes. The episode was recorded at The Nomad Hotel,…
- Claudia Donaldson: the pioneering editor and creative director on creating a sanctuary at home – and the luxury of pink loo roll
Claudia Donaldson, former Nowness editor, shares insights on creating a home sanctuary, defining spaces with furniture, and memories of her childhood home. She discusses the ongoing nature of home creation and the power of procrastination.
- Philippe Malouin: the experimental designer on creating with integrity – and the art of upcycling
This episode features an interview with experimental designer Philippe Malouin, discussing his approach to creating furniture and lighting with humor and durable materials. Malouin shares insights from his Canadian childhood, his independe…
- Sumayya Vally: the South African architect on how growing up in a township defined her sense of place
This episode features South African architect Sumayya Vally, founder of Counterspace. Vally discusses her South African upbringing, her work including the Serpentine pavilion and the Islamic Arts Biennale, and her perspective on "home" as…
- Tim Little: the owner of Grenson footwear on his journey from Adidas ad man to sole trader
In this episode of Homing, host Matt Gibberd speaks with Tim Little, owner of Grenson footwear. Little discusses his life story, focusing on the homes he's lived in, his advertising career including a brief for Adidas, and his journey to t…
- Jeremy Lee: the much-loved chef who grew up in a wedge of cheddar
This episode of Homing features chef Jeremy Lee, discussing his life and approach to food and interiors, from his parents' cheese-shaped home to his current role at Quo Vadis. The discussion was recorded at Lee's east London home.
- Akram Khan: the poignant story of a man who found his voice through dance
This episode features a conversation with dancer Akram Khan, discussing his early life, his conflicted relationship with his community, and how dance became his primary form of expression. Khan reflects on the meaning of 'home' as his stud…
- Roksanda Ilinčić: the fashion designer’s colourful journey through Belgrade, Britain and Brazil
This episode features fashion designer Roksanda Ilinčić discussing her life story, influences from nature and architecture, and her perspective on clothing as protection. The conversation took place in her East London studio.
- Rosh Mahtani: the Alighieri founder’s inspiring journey from school outcast to acclaimed entrepreneur
Rosh Mahtani, founder of the jewellery company Alighieri, shares her life journey, focusing on her experiences of alienation and her mission to foster connection. She discusses her homes, the importance of ritual, and her unique perspectiv…
- Duncan McLeod: the emotional story of an architect whose home is a source of magic and motivation
In this heartfelt conversation recorded at his West London home, architect Duncan McLeod discusses his upbringing on building sites, the role of magic in architecture, and his unique approach to designing homes.
- Jacqueline Rabun: the jewellery designer on why music, meditation and modernism are the cornerstones of life in Los Angeles
Jewellery designer Jacqueline Rabun shares insights into her life and work, discussing her LA home, the influence of soul music during her upbringing, and her appreciation for mid-century modern design. The episode explores themes of music…
- Glenn Adamson: the curator on why a New York ‘love shack’ stole his heart
This episode features curator Glenn Adamson discussing his expertise in craft and "material intelligence." He shares insights into his background, notable exhibitions, and how his New York home embodies his beliefs about the objects we sur…
- Hans Ulrich Obrist: the celebrated curator on why home has always been a place of artistic discovery
This episode features a conversation with acclaimed art curator Hans Ulrich Obrist, focusing on his extreme and artistic concept of 'home.' Obrist, artistic director of the Serpentine Gallery, discusses turning his student flat into a gall…
- Tony Chambers: the magazine editor’s transformative journey from a Liverpool terrace to the Barbican penthouse of his dreams
This episode features Tony Chambers discussing his inspiring life story, from his childhood home to his 27-year residence on the Barbican estate. Chambers' career included roles at The Sunday Times Magazine, GQ, and as editor-in-chief of W…
- Frances Morris: the Tate Modern director on why she returns to her childhood home
Frances Morris, Director of Tate Modern, shares her personal connection to her childhood home in Greenwich and its lasting emotional impact. The conversation also touches upon her influential career at Tate Modern, including her role in sh…
- India Mahdavi: the interior designer on how a rented apartment provides the stable home a nomadic childhood never could
In this episode of Homing, designer India Mahdavi shares how her nomadic childhood in Massachusetts, Germany, and France influenced her vibrant aesthetic. Mahdavi has created a stable sense of belonging in Paris, where her home, studio, an…
- Nick Knight: the iconic photographer on how well-designed spaces make life better
Photographer Nick Knight shares insights into his life, including his experiences with dyslexia, the development of his photography career, and the profound influence of living spaces on personal growth and outlook.