As an extra special Father’s Day episode, Alex (and his daughter Connie) are delighted to introduce the super talented and charming craftspeople and ceramic experts Chris and Freya Bramble-Carter onto ‘This Is A Token.’ Chris has been a feature in the crafts world for a long time, and has taken his love of ceramics and teaching the art form to so many different communities, including teaching inmates at some of the UK’s bigger prisons. Although Alex and Chris have never met, their paths often intertwine as they talk through their careers in the arts world. After studying a fine art degree, Freya felt inspired by her Dad’s eclectic journey in the crafts space to make her own ceramics. Known specifically for her skill in glazing and organic shapes, Freya’s popularity has grown immensely in recent years, and has even seen her participate as a guest judge on popular reality show, ‘The Great Pottery Throw Down’ on Channel 4. Settle in and listen for a friendly chat between Chris and Freya with Alex as their shared collection of jewellery pieces often hold their mark from days by the clay wheel and childhood joy from happy shared memories going to Claire’s Accessories, Kilburn High Road and Topshop! It’s a heartwarming one. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Freya and Chris: You can follow Freya on Instagram here You can read Chris and Freya’s article with Ceramics Review here You can find Chris’s website here You can find Freya’s website here Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our next episode of ‘This is a Token’, Alex is joined by his current favourite actor Charlotte Spencer. Charlotte and Alex talk through her deep love of acting which started in childhood. Coming from humble beginnings, her parents have always supported her dream, which has given her the opportunity of performing both on the West End stage with another ‘This is a Token’ guest, Carrie Hope Fletcher as a child, and most recently on our screens as the formidable and uncompromising Nicki Jennings in the very popular series ‘The Gold’ on the BBC detailing*on the Brink’s-Mat Robbery. Settle down and listen to Charlotte and Alex discuss her fantastically varied career so far, and how Charlotte’s performance have even inspired Alex for our upcoming collections. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled -  *hint, hint*. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Charlotte: You can watch ‘The Gold’ here You can see Charlotte’s filmography here Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning: This special episode of This Is A Token is an open conversation between Alex and his daughter Connie about experiences of anxiety and mental health with mention of suicide. To mark Mental Heath Awareness Week from 15th - 21st May Alex and Connie have come together to record this special episode. Here are some useful links for further reading discussed by Alex and Connie: For more information on Mental Heath Awareness Week: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week For suggestions on how to help cope with feelings of anxiety: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week/what-can-we-do-cope-feelings-anxiety For more information on mental health: www.mind.org.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our latest episode of ‘This is a Token’ podcast, Alex is joined by the multi-talented and super engaging Rosie Viva. Rarely do we have a guest who is so aligned with Alex’s world. A depth of experience in the fashion industry, passionate about talking about all things mental health as well as being a jewellery designer in her own right, Rosie and Alex have so much in common. Rosie and Alex talk through her experiences growing up as a fashion model, as well how her diagnosis of Type 1 Bipolar led to her powerful new documentary with Channel 4, ‘Modelling, Mania and Me’. Within the documentary, Rosie shares deeply personal footage of her treatment after an intense mental health break down. It shows how she has been able to build a meaningful life, navigate relationships and flourish in her career in the hopes that her story, with the backing of close friends such as singer songwriter Dua Lipa, will inspire others who might be facing the same challenges. Settle down with a cup of peppermint tea (a personal favourite of Rosie’s) and listen to both Rosie and Alex have a positive conversation about all of this, as well how her natural creativity has enabled her to co-found her own brilliantly quirky jewellery for her popular brand, ‘Covert Jewellery’ in 2020. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Rosie: You can follow Rosie on Instagram here You can follow Rosie’s brand, ‘Covert Jewellery’ here You can watch Rosie’s Documentary, ‘ Modelling, Mania and Me’ on Channel 4 Youtube Documentaries Page Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex is so happy to introduce our latest, ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode with the brilliant Esme Young. After starting her fashion journey at the illustrious Central St Martins, Esme co-founded the iconic shop ‘Swanky Modes. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, her designs featured in some of the biggest publications at the time including, Vogue, The Face and Honey magazine. Esme and Alex talk about her love of both teaching at her beloved Central St Martins, and now judging on the hugely popular reality series, ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’. Listen in for a brilliant chat between Alex and Esme as her collection of jewellery pieces are as bold and impactful as her extraordinarily colourful career. This is a memorable one. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Esme: You can follow Esme on Instagram here  You see the latest series of The Great British Sewing Bee here Here’s a link to Esme’s novel here:, ‘Behind the Seams’ Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex is thrilled to introduce our latest, ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode with the brilliant Cariad Lloyd. After a varied path both on and off screen, Cariad is now well known for her hugely successful podcast, ‘Grief Cast’, where she and her guests discuss grief in a friendly and approachable way. She has a natural warmth when talking about a subject that is often tough to tackle. Cariad and Alex talk in depth about her new book, ‘You Are Not Alone’, which details her own journey with grieving those she’s lost; and how jewellery pieces can be a great transitional object (Cariad’s fabulous term) for bringing someone they love back to the foreground of their thoughts.  Listen in for a kind chat between Alex and Cariad as they delve into the stories behind some of her most treasured jewellery pieces. It’s a really heartwarming listen. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Cariad: You can follow Cariad on Instagram here and on Twitter here You can also follow Cariad on via Grief Cast Instagram here You can listen to Cariad’s podcast here Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex is delighted to introduce our latest ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode with the fabulous Ruby Beales. After a varied and interesting path throughout the fashion industry, Ruby worked hard to become the Jewellery Buying Manager at London’s most exclusive and eccentric department store, Liberty London. Ruby and Alex talk through their similarities growing up in the rural countryside and how they were both drawn to the fashion world through the joys of her brilliantly eclectic collection of antique jewellery treasures.  Settle in for a friendly chat between Alex and Ruby as we’re sure you’re curious what a Jewellery Buyer would personally pick to have in her own jewellery box… and spoiler alert, it’s a lot of good stuff! Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Ruby: You can follow Ruby on Instagram and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/rubybeales/?hl=en and https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruby-beales-747a3a9/ You can follow Liberty London here: https://www.instagram.com/libertylondon/ More information of Wedgwood Pottery: https://www.worldofwedgwood.com/ Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex is thrilled to introduce our latest ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode with the multi-talented and brilliant Basma Khalifa. After starting as a stylist in the fashion industry, Basma’s career evolved into documentary and film making based on her own experience growing up with mixed and varied cultural influences. Basma and Alex talk through their views on how race and gender are often portrayed within the media. They discuss in depth her debut documentary, ‘Inside the Real Saudi Arabia: Why I Had to Leave’ for the BBC and how much of a wild but incredible journey it was for her and her contributors. Snuggle up with a cup of tea and listen in as Alex and Basma cover all this, and deep dive into the incredible stories behind Basma’s beautiful personal collection of jewellery. It’s truly a treasure trove from start to finish. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Basma: You can follow Basma on Instagram and Twitter @basmakhalifa. You can watch ‘Inside the Real Saudi Arabia: Why I Had to Leave’ BBC Documentary Clip here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfKuGQeCsRY Visit her website: www.basmakhalifa.com Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are absolutely delighted to introduce our latest ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode, where Alex is joined by the wonderful Alice Vincent @noughticulture. After starting her career as a journalist, Alice has evolved into writing her own novels, including her latest book, ‘Why Women Grow’. Within the novel Alice tackles her personal journey towards motherhood, and details her deep love of all things gardening. She has continued these conversations on her own podcast, with the same name, which features incredible guests including Margaret Howell and Poppy Okotcha. Settle in as Alex and Alice have so much in common, from their shared love of South-East London, to their mutual enthusiasm for bikes and even some stories about Alice’s most treasured jewellery pieces thrown in - it’s a great listen. You can follow Alice on social media @noughticulture. Her book, ‘Why Women Grow’ is available now: www.waterstones.com/book/why-women-grow/alice-vincent/9781838855437 You can listen to Alice's podcast, 'Why Women Grow' on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/why-women-grow/id1659885168 Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For our latest episode of ‘This is a Token’ podcast, Alex is joined by the brilliantly talented and all around lovely Carrie Hope Fletcher. The super clever and multi-faceted Carrie made her West End debut at the tender age of nine and has had a glittering career on and off stage ever since, starring in iconic shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Les Misérables, War of the Worlds, and Heathers, to name but a few. Take a walk down memory lane with Carrie and Alex as they discuss her eclectic selection of rings each representing a colourful life on the West End stage, her recent engagement, and her true passion of telling and sharing stories with others.  Also for all cat fans, there’s even a mention of Carrie’s beloved cat Edgar too! Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Carrie: Tickets for Carrie’s Solo Tour: www.atgtickets.com/shows/carrie-hope-fletcher/ Follow her on Instagram @carriehopefletcher Watch her on YouTube www.youtube.com/carrie Check out what she is getting up to at www.carriehopefletcher.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex kicks off Season 4 with a conversation with the lovely and super stylish Tasha Ghouri. Alex and Tasha discuss her journey before and after her experience on the popular reality show ‘Love Island’, where she not only found love but also became the first preloved eBay ambassador after being on the show. They dive into her lifelong passion for dance, how she’s embraced her challenges with hearing and becoming a key spokeswoman for the deaf and hard of hearing community within the UK and beyond. Her jewellery choices, classic and timeless in their design, are so well loved by Tasha that she never takes them off. In fact one piece, gifted by her close group of friends, became a signal to communicate with her loved ones whilst she was participating on ‘Love Island’. Be sure to listen out for Tasha’s upcoming podcast series, ‘Superpowers’, where Tasha and her guests discuss their personal ‘superpowers’ and how they’ve embraced their challenges to become the people they are today. Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Tasha: You can follow Tasha on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tashaghouri/ TikTok - @tashaghouri1 YouTube - @tashaghouri9868 For information on the charity Deaf Kidz: https://deafkidzinternational.org/ For information about Royal National Institute for Death People (RNID) who Tasha is an ambassador of: https://rnid.org.uk/ illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alex talks to the wonderful author Jessie Burton, to take you on a bejewelled and imaginative literary journey.  Jessie shares the most treasured items from her collection, from antique rings to the sentimental pieces which thankfully have survived both a home robbery and a fire, and an incredibly striking cocktail ring which once belonged to Jackie Collins!   Alex and Jessie discuss the similarities in their art forms, the joy of connecting with people through jewellery and writing, and how wearing pieces close to the skin, can make the wearer feel even closer to loved ones. Be sure to keep an eye out for Jessie’s latest book, The House of Fortune, it is the follow up to The Miniaturist and an absolute must for your reading list! Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex and Jessie: Jessie’s Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/jessieburton/?hl=en Jessie’s Website- http://jessieburton.co.uk/index.html The Lost Children by Valeria Luiselli- https://www.waterstones.com/book/lost-children-archive/valeria-luiselli/9780008290054 Picador Publishing- https://www.instagram.com/picadorbooks/?hl=en Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode we talk to Hazel, who among other talents is the founder of her own floral studio. Alex and Hazel discuss the serenity that can be found in spending time in the garden and surrounded by the natural world. Hazel shares her interest and importance in education, understanding the flowers she works with and the art in bringing the outside world indoors. They talk about the growing need for a connection with nature particularly in light of the past couple of years. Hazel shares her chosen pieces of jewellery from school time brooches to her statement earrings and the power jewellery holds to carry sentiment and change how you feel about yourself. The episode celebrates the natural world, the strength in individually and being exactly who you are! Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex and Hazel: People can follow adventures on Instagram including the journey to Chelsea - www.instagram.com/hazelgardinerdesign/ Hazel's next Daylesford workshop is on the 6th of September - www.daylesford.com/6th-sep-autumn-floral-styling-workshop-with-hazel-gardiner People can also book directly with Hazel for a 1:1 session - www.hazelgardinerdesign.com/classes Hazel is taking part in the Strawberry Hill Flower Festival in Sept - www.strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/flower-festival/ Here is a link to Hazel's collab with Meri Meri - www.hazelgardinerdesign.com/store Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode takes the listener into the heart of the magical world of ballet with the incredibly talented Principal Dancer at The Royal Ballet, Mayara Magri.  Hear about her dedication and passion for dance and the inspiring people she has both met and shared this journey with. A fitting theme of feathers comes through in her chosen jewellery with the delicate motifs featuring necklaces, earrings and rings.  Mayara shares her favourite pieces she has been gifted over the years from the special people in her life (including her partner, Matthew Ball, also a Principal Dancer and Choreographer) often to mark momentous achievements in her career including her Swan Lake debut. We were also delighted to hear our very own Feather and Bumblebee necklace make an appearance and especially the meaning they hold in marking such special memories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Alex talks to Mother & Daughter duo Delia Folk and Alison Bruhn, founders of The Style That Binds Us, a fashion focused lifestyle platform on a mission to ensure their audience lives their most stylish and fearless life.    Alex delves into their shared love of jewellery, exploring the stories behind their favourite pieces, both vintage treasures and contemporary finds. Delia and Alison discuss their love of travel, the sentiment of jewellery shared across generations and the extra special pieces that carry these memories through time. Here are some useful links for further reading on issues, events and artefacts discussed by Alex, Delia & Alison: You can follow Delia and Alison on: Their Youtube Channel: The Style That Binds Us Their Website: www.thestylethatbindsus.com Their Instagram @thestylethatbindsus Their Podcast: The Style That Binds Us You can subscribe to their newsletter: Join The Style That Binds Us Email Newsletter CVC Stones https://cvc-stones.com https://cvc-stones.com/collections/zodiac-new/products/aries Spinelli Kilcollin www.spinellikilcollin.com Aurélie Bidermann www.aureliebidermann.com Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of This is a Token, Alex takes a look at the watch collection of his good friend and neighbour, Jeremy Bowen. Jeremy describes the importance of timing to the absolute second in his job as War Correspondent, and talks of the privilege he feels in witnessing and reporting on history first hand - however upsetting it may be. Hear how a Breitling watch that had survived conflict in Iraq was lost to an elderly watchmaker, and how his BBC-issued ‘Wristlet Stopwatch’ has often garnered the interest of watch enthusiasts on Twitter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founder of Not on the High Street, Holly Tucker is an entrepreneur, ambassador and all-round flag-flyer for creative small businesses everywhere.  Holly’s book, ‘Do what you love, Love what you do’ is her guide on how to take your passions to the next level, and lead a happier, more fulfilled life. In our latest episode of ‘This is a Token’, we dip into self-confessed fanatical jewellery lover Holly’s collection, and discover celebratory purchases, and how Holly went from meeting the Queen to negotiating with French riot police in 24 hours! Along the way, Alex is delighted to hear a noisy charm bracelet inherited from an incredibly glamorous, and like-minded Grandmother, and how her 18ct Gold Alex Monroe Bumblebee symbolises the importance of storytelling. For more information on issues discussed by Alex and Holly: For Holly & Co small business advice and inspiration hub: https://holly.co For Holly’s Conversations of Inspiration podcast with Alex: https://holly.co/podcast/alex-monroe-jewellery/ For Holly’s independent business awards: https://holly.co/campaign-christmas-2021/independent-awards/ For Holly’s book, go to: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-What-You-Love-Empowering/dp/0753558025 For Holly’s Alex Monroe Bumblebee: https://www.alexmonroe.com/bumblebee-necklace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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We are absolutely delighted to introduce our latest ‘This is a Token’ podcast episode, where Alex is joined by the wonderful Josie Fear @josieldn. The brilliantly engaging Content Creator and Influencer founded the globally influential blog ‘Fashion Mumblr’ in 2019, and continues to share her love of all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle (as well as her 700 year old Cotswolds home!) with her circa 785k followers. Listen in, as Josie and Alex discuss the highs and lows of sharing life online, tips on kitchen gardening, and navigating a childhood bursting with creativity. Plus, how Josie combined her love for her late Father’s old fashioned sweet shop, wearing jewellery and determination to make money into a candy jewellery business of her own! Here are some useful links for further reading on topics discussed by Alex and Josie. You can follow Josie on: Her blog www.fashionmumblr.com Instagram @JosieLdn Her home Instagram @OldHouseOurHome Youtube @Josie Discover pieces from Josie’ previous fictional candy jewellery business here! http://www.fashionmumblr.com/2014/02/valentines-gift-guide-introducing.html Amongst Josie’s everyday jewellery collection, she wears the Bark Huggie Hoops with Baroque Pearls https://www.alexmonroe.com/bark-huggie-hoops-with-baroque-pearl-drops and the Strawberry Flower Inspired Posy Twist Ring https://www.alexmonroe.com/posy-twist-ring. Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are so excited to kick off Season 3 of ‘This is a Token’, in conversation with the wonderful and talented Jodie Whittaker. Alongside many brilliant productions, Jodie is perhaps most well known for being the fabulously kooky 13th Doctor in the BBC Doctor Who. Listen in, as friends Jodie and Alex talk us through her most meaningful ’tokens’. From a sneaky ruse that led to a cherished eternity ring, to what it meant for Jodie when she worked with us on her jewellery for the Doctor. Plus, how the two stories entwined when Jodie got into character and temporarily lost one her most precious pieces in a wardrobe! You can find more about Jodie’s filmography here https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2092886/ Alex was delighted to be asked by the BBC’s costume team to create the official Earring worn on screen by Jodie, the first female Doctor. Our Doctor Who Capsule Collection features the exact replica of this iconic Ear Cuff worn by the 13th Doctor, as well as it's perfect galactic accompaniments. The collection can be found here https://www.alexmonroe.com/collections/doctorwho Illustration by Connie Bella Monroe Edited by Emily Sandford Music by Daniel Patrick Cohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.