After a brief time at drama school and a stint working in fashion in her early twenties, Gemma Cairney is now a BBC broadcaster, magpie and life enthusiast who has won awards for making documentaries on subjects such as young people in violent relationships. She presented The Surgery on BBC Radio 1 and co-produced and presented internet entertainment show The Fox Problem. Gemma has presented shows and one-offs for BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, 2, 3, 4, 4 Extra, 6 Music and BBC World Service. She is also founder of boutique production company Boom Shakalaka Productions. She likes to write, explore the planet, trek mountains and DJ garage classics.

Gemma's book Open Your Mind and it's companion volume Open Your Heart are must-have practical guides to navigating the ups and downs of life.