Does Juicy Fruit gum kill moles?

As a writer, you never know where interviews might take you...

I’ll never forget the first time I had to interview someone as a journalist. It was London in the 1980s – and a very simple assignment. I had to attend a press reception at a hotel in the West End where a new product was being unveiled. I then had a 10-minute interview slot with two of the company’s executives.

The product they were launching was a toilet roll. I was very nervous. It was car crash stuff. I was so anxious and tongue-tied about my first shot at the big time that I struggled to get my words out, and froze as they shot marketing babble back at me.

They must have wondered who on earth this young idiot was. On the plus side, I got some free toilet rolls, and ended up with a short news piece in Convenience Store – the fortnightly for neighbourhood retailers. Whoop whoop!

Since that awkward debut, I’ve probably interviewed north of 7,000 people ­– and I’m looking forward to interviewing many more in 2026 and beyond. It never gets boring. For instance, yesterday I wrapped up my last interview of 2025 with a fascinating chat about salmon. Hearing from people who are passionate about their work is always a little voyage of discovery.

So for anyone interested in a career in content, I’d say that the experience of interviewing people and hearing them tell their story is a massively rewarding part of the job. It’s also something that humans are much better at than robots – so get in before they eat us all.

One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that, while interviewing a celebrity or a business leader is fun, it’s often the calls with fellow ‘civilians’ that are the most interesting. For instance, I interviewed a chap this month who’s transforming building waste materials into properly sustainable, beautifully designed bricks. His wisdom, enthusiasm and storytelling were infectious.

Another thing I’ve discovered is that asking questions can take you to some unexpected places. I’ve found myself on manoeuvres with the Turkish Army, being the sound man on a Japanese film about hazelnuts, drinking fizz in 11 Downing Street, having a kick-about in Wembley Stadium, and exploring the sewage networks of north-west England.

And as for the attached pic, what other profession gives you the opportunity to attend a ‘medieval-themed’ corporate bash in 80s Majorca while dressed like the keyboard player in a Kajagoogoo tribute band?

This journalism lark has even led me to the other side of the microphone. On one occasion, I was interviewed by BBC Radio 5 Live about a claim that Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum kills moles by sending them into an uncontrollable ‘mating frenzy’. I don’t think it does, but I’ve never got close enough to try.

It’s a funny old world.