Blanchard House expands team with acclaimed producers

Independent, female-led documentary production company Blanchard House has announced the addition of two acclaimed producers, Alex Gatenby (right) and Maddie Hickish (left), to its growing team. The hires mark a significant period of expansion for the company, which is set to release five new shows this year in partnership with major distribution platforms.

Maddie Hickish brings over a decade of experience in crafting successful, narrative-driven podcasts for Audible, iHeart, the BBC, and others. Known for her sharp research and distinctive storytelling voice, Maddie blends investigative depth with creative innovation. Her Audible series Buying Time was praised as “compellingly well told” (The Sunday Times), while Radioman was described as “dazzling” (The Guardian), and Chasing Boaz Manor as “a captivating story” (The Independent).

Alex Gatenby is a seasoned journalist and producer with a background in hard-hitting television documentaries. Drawn to the intimacy and depth of longform audio storytelling, she quickly made her mark in podcasting. Her most recent podcast series, Sea of Lies, was a global chart-topper—reaching number one in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Alex has produced work for CBC, BBC, Channel 4, The Guardian, and The Telegraph, reporting on topics ranging from Russia’s HIV/AIDS epidemic to cold-case murders and high-stakes cons. Her passion lies in telling untold stories that give voice to the unheard and resonate long after the final episode.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alex and Maddie to the Blanchard House team,” said Rosie Pye, Creative Director and Co-Founder. “With such an exciting and demanding year ahead, bringing on two exceptionally talented individuals is a huge boost. We’re looking forward to launching some incredible shows in collaboration with our amazing partners.”