Find Your Magic

• Behind The Magic 01: Our First Gay Men's Retreat

  In this very special episode—the first in our Behind the Magic series—we turn the mic on ourselves. Fresh from hosting our first Find Your Magic retreat exclusively for gay men, we sit down just days after the retreat to reflect on everything that went down: the magic, the messiness, the late sign-ups, and the moments of deep connection that reminded us why we do this work.This is the real, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create spaces of transformation, joy, and deep reset. If you've ever wondered what happens on a retreat, how we choose the program, or what it's like to hold space for a group of gay men from all over the world—this one’s for you.We talk about:The stress and uncertainty that led up to the retreat (and how we handled it)What actually happens on the first day and how a group of strangers became a familyThe magic of structured spontaneity and why we don’t share the schedule in advanceCreating space for joy, intimacy, and expressionWhat we learned as facilitators (and as partners)Our dreams for the future of FYM retreats for gay men—and mixed groupsThis is the first of our ‘Behind the Magic’ conversations—a new format within the podcast where we’ll share real talk about the work we do, how we do it, and what we’re learning as we go.Next gay men’s retreat: June 5–12, 2026 | Crete, GreeceThe Midlife Reset retreat: September 20-27, 2025 | Crete, GreeceLet us know what you think of this new format. We’d love to hear from you.Ed & Rob xx

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• Mark Guest on Magic, Mentalism and the Power of Doing What You Love

  In this heartwarming episode, we talk with Mark Guest—aka Marky B, aka Magic Mark—about what it means to return to your joy later in life. Once a young magician performing at film premieres (including Jurassic Park for Steven Spielberg!), Mark took a detour through a 20-year corporate career before finding his way back to magic—this time through the world of mentalism and mind-reading.He shares how grief, burnout, and a deep desire to feel alive again sparked a powerful return to the stage. Now selling out shows in London, Mark is living proof that it’s never too late to reconnect with your magic—literally.About MarkAt just eight years old, Mark discovered his passion for magic, turning professional by the remarkable age of twelve. He began performing at children’s parties, but after the passing of his beloved magic rabbit, he pivoted his style to close-up magic, captivating audiences at high-profile events ranging from corporate gatherings to film premieres. Notably, he performed at the world premiere of Jurassic Park, where he astounded director Steven Spielberg with his magical prowess.After a successful 21 year detour into corporate life, Mark has triumphantly returned to his first love—the mystifying art of magic—now focusing more on mentalism and bringing with him a lifetime of experience and wonder. He is currently writing and producing his first-ever West End show, transforming his grief over losing one of his best friends to cancer into something positive. The show is scheduled for Monday, September 22nd, at the Phoenix Arts Club, located at 1 Phoenix Street, Soho, WC2H 8BU.Tickets will be going on sale soon and are likely to sell out quickly, as evidenced by the swift sell-out of two of his shows in Waterloo, which sold out in just 72 hours.Connect with MarkInstagram: @magicmark15TikTok: @magicmark15

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• Steph Weatherill on Mid-Life Reinvention, Canine Joy & Building the Soho House for Dogs

  In this episode of Find Your Magic, we sit down with Steph Weatherill—former TV producer turned founder of House of Dog, a soulful and sustainable dog-care business that's helping London’s dogs live their best lives.From producing acclaimed series like Don’t Tell the Bride and A Place in the Sun, to building a business from scratch in her 50s, Steph shares the real story of mid-life reinvention—from perimenopause to Portobello Road. We talk creativity, freedom, canine joy, and what it really takes to start over and thrive.This conversation is full of warmth, wit and wisdom for anyone standing on the edge of something new.About Steph WeatherillAfter nearly three decades producing TV for the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV, Steph swapped edit suites for nature trails and founded House of Dog. Her business combines enriching dog adventures with eco-conscious, joy-fuelled retail—and is fast becoming a favourite among West London’s dog lovers.Steph lives in West London with her teenage daughter Maggie and her rescue collie cross Bandit, who has final say on every product she sells.What we coverWhy she walked away from a 28-year career in TVHow grief, menopause, and lockdown sparked a major life pivotThe unexpected power of dog-walking as a creative and therapeutic practiceWhat she’s learned about community, retail, and sustainable growthWhat it really looks like to run a purpose-led business in midlifeWhy joy and play are non-negotiable (and contagious)The big goals she's aiming for in year four of House of DogConnect with StephInstagram: @houseofdog.clubWebsite & Online Shop: houseofdog.clubNewsletter: The Woofington Post → subscribe via her websiteVisit Steph: Fridays & Saturdays at the top of Portobello Road (corner of Golborne Rd)About Find Your MagicWe’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic—a company supporting midlifers and gay men to reset, reconnect, and reignite their spark through retreats, coaching, and transformational tools.Website: findyourmagic.co.ukInstagram: @findyourmagiclife

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• Dominic Franks on Reinventing Yourself, Viral Success & Cooking with Passion

  In this episode, we sit down with Dominic Franks, food writer, content creator, and the force behind Dom in the Kitchen. From working in fashion and experiential events to becoming one of Instagram’s favourite home cooks, Dominic’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. We talk about following your passion, the moment his career took off, and the realities of social media success.About Dominic:Originally from London, Dominic Franks now lives in Lincolnshire with his husband Andy. He is a food writer for Lincolnshire Life Magazine, the go-to food expert for BBC Radio Lincolnshire, and the creator of Dom In The Kitchen, a beloved food blog that has been feeding the internet since 2010. Dominic's love for food started young, inspired by Delia Smith, his Jewish heritage, and the vibrant cultural mix of London.What We Cover:Dominic’s early creative career in fashion and eventsHow he transitioned into food blogging and InstagramThe viral moment that changed everythingThe challenges of social media successHow to embrace reinvention and find your magic at any stage of lifeListen now and let us know your biggest takeaway!📲 Follow Dominic:Instagram: @dominthekitchenWebsite: dominthekitchen.comAbout the PodcastWelcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers and gay men to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. Website: ⁠www.findyourmagicretreats.com⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats

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• Alexis Gregory on the Magic of Storytelling, Queerness & Taking Risks

  In this episode, we welcome Alexis Gregory, a playwright, performer, and theatre-maker whose work explores queerness, identity, and the power of storytelling. Alexis is known for creating bold, thought-provoking work that blends activism with humour, heart, and connection.Alexis shares his journey from being a fearless child performer to carving out his own space in the theatre world—overcoming challenges, taking risks, and staying true to his artistic voice. We dive into the magic of self-expression, the impact of telling untold stories, and how queerness can be a superpower that fuels creativity and resilience.Join us as we explore how Alexis has found and is living his magic, proving that true self-expression requires courage, risk, and an unwavering belief in your own voice.About Alexis GregoryAlexis Gregory is an acclaimed playwright, performer, and theatre-maker known for his work focused on LGBTQ+ stories and themes. His hit solo show, Riot Act, based on real-life interviews with queer activists, has toured the UK and was adapted into a digital production. His plays, including Slap and Safe, have been widely performed and praised for their powerful storytelling.His work includes ‘Slap’, ‘Safe’, ‘Sex/Crime’, ‘Riot Act’, ‘FutureQueer’, ‘Neon Divine’, and ‘Smoke’, performed in the West End, across London and the UK, translated for international performance, and adapted as online ‘digital’ theatre. His plays have been Top Picks in Evening Standard, Metro, Time Out, Attitude, i-D Magazine, Sunday Express, and are published by Bloomsbury Publishing.Beyond writing and performing, Alexis is passionate about mentoring emerging artists and creating work that challenges, inspires, and connects communities.Connect with AlexisFollow Alexis on Instagram: @Alexis.GregoryVisit his website: www.alexisgregory.co.ukAbout the PodcastWelcome to Find Your Magic. We’re Ed Pike and Rob Sykes, co-founders of Find Your Magic, a company dedicated to supporting mid-lifers and gay men to create an exhilarating next chapter. This podcast is a series of in-depth conversations with individuals who are living or actively pursuing their magic: the thing or things they love to do either through their work, personal life, or both. We explore their journeys, the ups and downs, setbacks and successes. Website: www.findyourmagicretreats.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/findyourmagicretreats

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