Olly Smith (Part Two)
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In this heartfelt second part of the Walking the Dog podcast, host Emily Dean continues her conversation with wine expert and author Ollie Smith, accompanied by his dog Busby and Emily’s dog Ray. The episode delves into Ollie’s journey from screenwriting on classics like Wallace and Gromit to becoming a beloved TV personality through Wine Idol, which launched his career in food and wine media. He reflects on the pivotal role of his friend Mark Huckabee in steering him toward wine as a career, and shares the emotional and financial challenges of transitioning from screenwriting to presenting, especially during the birth of his first child. Ollie discusses his debut crime novel, *Death by Noir*, a genre he’s coined as 'wine crime,' set in the Sussex countryside and blending his passion for wine, storytelling, and local culture. He reveals the inspiration behind the book’s characters, including the fiery climate activist Pearl and the austere villain Maurice LeBrock, and shares how the story emerged fully formed during a flight to Bhutan. The conversation also touches on Ollie’s personal growth—his meditation practice, his evolving relationship with fame, and his deep friendships with figures like Gary Barlow and Pierre Novelli. He reflects on the power of presence, authenticity, and connection, both in life and on screen, and ends the episode with a joyful ice cream stop, celebrating the simple, unfiltered joy of friendship and nature.
Ollie Smith’s career pivot from screenwriting to wine presenting was catalyzed by a friend’s honest feedback and a win at Wine Idol, which opened doors to major TV shows.
His debut novel *Death by Noir* blends wine culture and crime fiction, set in the Sussex countryside, and was inspired by a fully formed vision during a flight to Bhutan.
Authenticity and presence are central to Ollie’s success—his ability to be himself on screen, embrace imperfection, and connect deeply with people, including celebrities and fans.
He emphasizes the importance of mental well-being through meditation, fitness, and movement, especially after personal loss.
Friendships with people like Gary Barlow and Pierre Novelli reveal how values like kindness, sincerity, and shared purpose build lasting bonds.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
From Screenwriting to Wine Idol: The Career Pivot
“I was doing that. I was definitely doing that, yeah. There was nothing else on the horizon. It was actually my friend Mark Huckabee who was a fellow screenwriter who... in the nicest possible way, pointed out to me that much as I was, you know, alright at screenwriting he said the thing is all you ever talk about is wine and I've got to be honest I'm so bored hearing about it. You've got to do something with it.”
The Birth of 'Wine Crime' and the Making of 'Death by Noir'
“On that plane, the four central characters of the bottle bank were just downloaded into my brain. The setting was like looking down on a valley that was shrouded in cloud and bit by bit this mist just moved and I could see the locations and I understood the whole clock of the piece. Everything sort of came at once.”
Authenticity, Presence, and the Power of Connection
“I think being present is massive actually. Yeah. I would say that is something that I take very seriously is yeah just trying to be actually here right now.”
The Emotional Weight of Fame and Personal Loss
Ollie opens up about the emotional toll of personal loss, including the deaths of his sister and parents, and how walking became a healing ritual. He discusses the quiet sadness he feels about global issues but emphasizes the power of focusing on what he can control—his own presence and actions.
Friendships, Identity, and the Joy of the Ordinary
The conversation turns to Ollie’s deep bonds with Gary Barlow and Pierre Novelli, highlighting how shared values and sincerity build real friendship. He reflects on being mistaken for Mr Tumble and the joy of being seen for who he truly is, not just his public persona.
“On that plane, the four central characters of the bottle bank were just downloaded into my brain. The setting was like looking down on a valley that was shrouded in cloud and bit by bit this mist just moved and I could see the locations and I understood the whole clock of the piece. Everything sort of came at once.”
“I think it's not that they happen to you. It's because of you that they happen.”
“I was doing that. I was definitely doing that, yeah. There was nothing else on the horizon. It was actually my friend Mark Huckabee who was a fellow screenwriter who... in the nicest possible way, pointed out to me that much as I was, you know, alright at screenwriting he said the thing is all you ever talk about is wine and I've got to be honest I'm so bored hearing about it. You've got to do something with it.”
Host
Guest
Ollie Smith
person
Emily Dean
person
Busby
person
Ray Ray
person
Death by Noir
book
Gary Barlow
person
Pierre Novelli
person
Saturday Kitchen
other
Roger Moore
person
Wine Idol
other
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