LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: Three Chords, a Tube Amp, and a Nottingham Doorway
A 1988 Georgia Satellites gig at Nottingham Rock City leads to a cold shop doorway and a lesson in midlife reinvention. Why we need to stop overcomplicating the Second Act.
JOINING THE DOTS: My Dad’s Musical Map
A nostalgic journey from McVitie’s rock tapes and Bradford record shops to a lifelong love of vinyl. Discover how a father’s musical map shaped a legacy.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Richard Clarke, Fifty Dad Tales
A story of Yorkshire grit and resilience. Damien Wilkinson reviews Richard Clarke’s memoir of football, teaching, and fatherhood against the odds.
HOLD MY BEER: Navigating the Shift to a Dry Compass
After 40 years, Damien Wilkinson decided to hit "reset." Discover the physical and mental benefits of a 12-month alcohol-free journey and the books that helped.
LIFE, WELL ADJUSTED: A Year With A Rescue Dog
Thinking of adopting? Read Damien Wilkinson's heart-warming journey of re-homing Jasper, a Show Cocker Spaniel, via Spaniel Aid, and their life in the Yorkshire Dales.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Patrick Grant, Less
Is our love for fast fashion a crisis? Damien Wilkinson reviews "Less" by Patrick Grant. Explore the history of craft and why "buying well" matters more than ever.
FINDING TRUE NORTH: The Second Act
Standing at a crossroads at 56? Damien Wilkinson explores the "Second Act" of life—trading a 35-year finance career for creative writing and personal reinvention.
SETTING THE COMPASS: The North of Here Charter
Not a retirement, but a step-up. Damien Wilkinson presents the North of Here Charter—a 6-point manifesto for authenticity, curiosity, and creativity in the Second Act.
SIGN POSTS: The Mixtape
A deep dive into the analogue era of the mixtape. Damien Wilkinson explores the nostalgia of TDK tapes and his 5-year tradition of romantic monthly compilations.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Rick Rubin, The Creative Act: A Way of Being
More than a music memoir. Damien Wilkinson explores Rick Rubin’s "The Creative Act," a succinct guide to the creative process and an essential toolkit for life.
BETWEEN THE LINES: Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
A shepherd's journey and a career pivot. Damien Wilkinson reviews Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist and explores how its message of following dreams rings true today.