The Convex Conversation

As 17-year-old Charlie Cosser lay dying after being stabbed by a teenager at an end of term party, his dad Martin made him a promise - to dedicate the rest of his life to educating young people about the devastating, traumatic consequences of knife crime.  Charlie should have celebrated his 21st last month. Since his murder, Martin has spoken to more than 137,000 school children across the UK, driven by love for his son ‘Cheeks’. His charity – Charlie’s Promise – has partnered with Crimestoppers’ youth service Fearless to make a short film reconstructing what happened that night and urging us all to report knife carriers in total anonymity. If someone had reported the lad that night, Charlie might still be here.  

Damian ‘Demon’ Rowley’s midlife awakening, as he calls it, came as he approached 50, felt burnt out and realised he had more life behind him than lay ahead. In a radical move, he quit his job as a professional motorcyclist/limo rider, overpacked a bag and ran away from the noise of everyday life to explore the world on a KTM690 motorbike, in search of inner peace and contentment. Damian shares stories from his solo travels, what he learned about himself, and reveals plans for his next adventure across The Stans and China in collaboration with Mental Health Motorbike which offers free support to bikers struggling with mental health.  

In part 2 of our special with Major Scotty Mills – a Green Beret for 32 years - we explore how we can all embrace the Royal Marines’ core values including humility, courage, respect and kindness. Scotty was known as former England Manager Gareth Southgate’s ‘secret weapon’ when he put Harry Kane and the squad through Commando training before the 2018 World Cup and recalls the deep bond he forged with Gareth and the players.  Scotty continues to mentor world-class sports teams and athletes, as well as global brands like Google and Apple, and shares wonderful stories from dining at Buckingham Palace with Her Majesty the late Queen to being an Olympic flag bearer at the London Games. 

From the streets of south London to leading the physical training of all 6,500 Royal Marines, Major Scotty Mills' 32-year career as a Green Beret is a powerful story of leadership, resilience and courage. In part one, Scotty recalls how sheltering from the rain in a recruitment office to keep his skates dry saved him from heading down the wrong tracks. Inspired by his hero – Grandad Harry - he signed up for the toughest training on the planet and went on to become the highest-ranking Black officer in the Corps’ history. As a Sergeant in 40 Commando, Scotty spearheaded the invasion of Iraq in a do-or-die mission and fought in four war zones. He broke world records, was an Olympic flag bearer and dined with the late Queen Elizabeth. In part two – we explore how Scotty became Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane's 'secret weapon' with the England football squad as well as coaching and mentoring some of the most high-profile sports and business teams in the world. Major Scotty Mills putting former England Manager Gareth Southgate through the sheep dip!   

A made-up job title, his philosophy scribbled down on a legal pad, Chris Bennett was surprised to become Nike Running Global Head Coach in 2015. Over a decade on, the former American athlete and history teacher has inspired and motivated millions of runners of all levels as the calm, encouraging voice of the Nike Run Club app. Coach Chris, who lives near Nike’s HQ in Oregon, has finally been persuaded to share his philosophy and mantras in ‘This Is About Running. This Is Not About Running’ and, as the book title suggests, it includes lessons for all of us between and beyond the start and finish line.    

Inspired by their childhood adventures on the North-West coast of Scotland, the Maclean brothers set out on a rarely attempted epic voyage to row 9,753 miles non-stop and unsupported across the Pacific - from Peru to Australia. Having witnessed the daily struggles communities in Madagascar face without clean water, their mission was to raise more than a million pounds for clean water projects through their foundation. Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan noted down the highs and lows of their 139-day journey whilst at sea which form part of their remarkable book – Three Brothers in a Boat. It documents everything from live link ups with actors Ewan McGregor and Mark Wahlberg to wild weather, savage waves and Lachlan being swept overboard. The Maclean Brothers photographed by Colin Mearns   

In his early 20s, registered nurse Teun Toebes spent more than three years living on closed dementia wards to listen and understand what life’s like for residents. In Human Forever, a new book and award-winning documentary made by Teun & filmmaker Jonathan de Jong, they share their findings and vision of what can be done, at little or no cost, to provide a meaningful life for those living with dementia. Screened at the G20 Dementia Summit, the documentary follows Teun across four continents, exploring how different cultures treat their elderly at a time when dementia is one of society's greatest health and social challenges. Putting quality of life at the core of care and seeing the person for who they are, rather than being focused on zero risk, is key to changing a system we may all find ourselves trapped in when we no longer have a voice.      

Record-breaking mountaineer and former Gurkha Hari Budha Magar MBE has dedicated the rest of his life to raising awareness of disability after losing both legs above the knee in an IED explosion in Afghanistan. Hari went from the depths of despair to inspiring others by conquering the Seven Summits with prosthetic legs he helped design specifically for his challenge - and documents his story in his autobiography, Conquering Dreams. Hari is championing Ottobock's #DearAI to provide more authentic representation of disabled people and amputees on AI. With an estimated 1.3 billion people living around the world with a significant disability, he hopes to break down the stigma and motivate others. Hari on Everest captured by Ryan Sosna Bowd Hari at Mera Peak by Abiral Rai Preparing for Everest - photograph by Abiral Rai Photograph by Krish Thapa Hari and actress Joanna Lumley, by Ryan Sosna Bowd  Climbing Everest by Abiral Rai Photograph by Abiral Rai        

As Goodwood Revival - an immersive celebration of vintage cars and fashion – approaches, the 11th Duke of Richmond, Charles Gordon-Lennox, reflects on what inspired him to create the world's most spectacular historic motor racing event. Chatting in his private office, surrounded by extraordinary racing memorabilia, Charles talks about great old racing cars, driven by motor sport legends past and present, which are at the heart of the event. He’s equally as passionate about it being a vibrant celebration of second-hand style and sustainability, with powerful messages around looking after things and passing them on. Race-goers dress from the period between 1948-1966 which honours the original lifespan of the Goodwood Motor Circuit. The circuit was brought back to life after World War II by the Duke’s grandfather - a car designer, engineer, and successful racing driver.   The Duke at Revival 2021, captured by Jonathan James Wilson Charles and Helen recording The Convex Conversation in the Duke's private office at Goodwood, by Ash Sunassee Enjoying Revival 2023, captured by Jonathan James Wilson On the start line, Revival 2023, photographed by Steven Stringer The Duke of Richmond at Goodwood House, photographed by Uli Weber      

French brothers Matthias and Bastien Cadéac d’Arbaud believe you have two lives – the one you have, and the one you live when you realise you only have one! For their new programme on Amazon Prime Video - 100 Things to Do Before You Die - they head to the Philippines on a mission to seek out adrenalin-fuelled experiences, from swimming with whale sharks to surviving on a deserted island. Matthias and Bastien take us behind the scenes of the filming, explain why local people and culture are at the heart of their series and reveal how they hope to inspire others to get out of their comfort zone and experience life to the full.