About:
Tom is a podcast producer at New Thinking. He has a BA in Music and History from Royal Holloway, University of London. When people ask "‘Is that just the history of music?" The answer is always “No.” Despite the drama this has caused, it turns out to be a great degree for podcasting, providing expertise and creativity in audio, thorough research skills, and editing skills.
Besides this, you may spot Tom scatting or playing the saxophone at jazz jams in London and Kent.
We asked Tom Platts some quirky questions to get to know him a little better—here’s what he shared:
🍽 What person living or dead would you invite to your dream dinner party and why?
Stevie Wonder… because he’s Stevie Wonder. His music is the absolute best and I’m sure he’s got some great stories.
🎷 What is your theme song?
Englishman In New York by Sting. I’m an Englishman—not in New York, admittedly—but I have been a few times. Incredible soprano saxing from Branford Marsalis on this track, which makes it one of my favourites.
🚲 If you had chosen another path in life, what might you be doing now?
I was very into sports as a teenager and a decent runner. I then took up cycling fairly seriously and on the first duathlon race the Southeast Championships I managed to win. It’s a bit of a cliché, but if I focused my energy entirely on cycling, not studying, doing music, acting, etc. and didn’t start working in pubs after school, becoming fond of beer, maybe I could have been in the Tour de France?
But I admit… that is a lot of ifs!
📚 Which books do you recommend to others?
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. It’s a real eye-opener on habitual behaviour, ultimately resulting in great success over time. We’ll see if I can stick to the things I learned and whether it works.
I remember really enjoying Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet—a fantastic bit of historical fiction.
I’m a bit cut-throat with books; if it’s not engaging me, I won’t finish it.
I was recommended Winston Churchill’s My Early Life. Whilst the reader must bear in mind the time it was written and Churchill’s personal colonialist attitudes that are problematic today, it is incredibly well-written, fun and insightful.
❤️ Name three self-care practices you have adopted to treat yourself well?
Listening to music: mostly jazz, soul, and funk and I particularly like Raye’s new album My 21st Century Blues.
Breathing: you must breathe. Intentionally, not just unconsciously.
Exercise: you never regret it when it’s done.
