No Straight Lines

In this episode of No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable , I sit down with Paul Gwilym, Founder and CEO of Boomerang Cardiff — a community-led charity built on dignity, responsibility and practical action. Paul’s leadership is shaped by lived experience. He has faced business failure, financial loss, homelessness and a moment of profound personal crisis that brought him to the very brink....

In this episode of No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable , I sit down with Tim Edds, Partner at Browne Jacobson and one of Wales’ leading experts in public and administrative law. Growing up in Milford Haven with no family background in law, Tim discovered his passion through courtroom TV programmes and pursued his ambition with determination — sending over 50 letters to law firms before f...

Lee Howells shares a raw and powerful story of ambition, addiction, collapse and comeback. From representing Wales in amateur golf to losing a business, a marriage and nearly his life, Lee’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Now sober and leading a successful business, he reflects on rock bottom, recovery and the strength it takes to rebuild. A powerful episode about the setb...

Mal Pope is a Welsh songwriter, composer andbroadcaster whose career spans BBC Radio 1, Abbey Road, chart hits and iconic TV themes. A former John Peel guest and early signing to Elton John’s Rocket Record Company, he has worked closely with Elton John, recorded at Abbey Road, and been part of sessions featuring Pete Townshend and Keith Moon. He has written for Cliff Richard and The Hollies, perfo...

Bethan Dando is a rising force in the wellness and fitness industry, blending expertise in personal training, Pilates, strength, and cardiovascular fitness to deliver sustainable performance solutions. In 2022, she founded Pilates Class UK , a recruitment and consultancy platform connecting top instructors with studios, gyms, hotels, and events nationwide — scaling to over 18,000 bookings in 2024...

“First Responders Said ‘He’s Dead.’ Then He Became a Traitors Finalist | AndrewJenkins” Andrew Jenkins was told he might never walk or talk again after a devastating car crash left him in a coma for four weeks at just 21 years old. Against all odds, he rebuilt his life, became a finalist on BBC’s The Traitors , and later walked 750 miles from Scotland to Wales to raise funds for brain injury chari...

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we explore the theme of resilience in both business and personal life with our guest, Lee Ramsay. Discover how Lee's experiences growing up in a military family shaped his ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. From navigating the complexities of running successful businesses to overcoming personal hurdles, Lee shares insights into the grit and deter...

Jane Blackwell: From Police Officer to Multi-Franchise Entrepreneur On this episode of No Straight Lines , we explore the remarkable journey of Jane Blackwell — from aspiring actress to police officer, and now a highly successful entrepreneur running a multi-million-pound McDonald’s franchise business. Jane’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and fearless ambition . From facing the toughest...

Join host Laurence Winmill as he chats with Phil Steele, a renowned broadcaster and former rugby player, about resilience and success. Phil shares his journey from teaching to commentary, emphasising the power of perseverance and embracing life's unpredictability. Tune in for a conversation filled with humour, wisdom, and the spirit of never giving up.

🎙️ Inside Rugby… Life at Pontypool. 🔥 Ringo the magician. Bish the hardman. And a front-row seat to the legends of Welsh rugby. In this short clip from No Straight Lines , Martyn Madden shares a powerful glimpse into his early rugby days at oneof the sport’s most iconic clubs — Pontypool RFC . 💥 From the raw physicality to the unexpected genius behind the game, Martyn talks about the characters,...

In this episode of No Straight Lines , we explore the true meaning of resilience through the remarkable personaljourney of Rob Summerhill . Rob was a Wales Under-15 football international and an apprentice at Northampton Town and Everton FC , before ultimately finding his true passion in rugby . His path has never been linear. Join host Laurence Winmill as he unpacks the highs and lows that have s...

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," host Lawrence Winmill sits down with Neil Boobyer, a celebrated rugby player whose journey from humble beginnings in Bridgend to international rugby stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Neil shares candid stories about his early days in school rugby, the drive that pushed him from the B and C teams to the top, and the resilience required to overcome setbac...

Join host Laurence Winmill on "No Straight Lines" as he chats with Paul Wong, an architect turned project manager. Discover Paul's journey through high-profile projects like the Energy Glass Factory and the Children's Hospital for Wales. Learn about his insights on resilience, teamwork, and balancing work-life with health. Tune in for a compelling discussion on thriving amidst ch...

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we sit down with Dr. Rosie Oretti to explore her remarkable journey from a determined young student to a consultant psychiatrist and entrepreneur. Dr. Rosie shares her experiences in medicine, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life, and her unexpected pivot into the world of sustainable business. Discover how resilience, passion, a...

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we delve into the transformative power of coaches and mentors in shaping careers and lives. Join us as we explore Martyn Madden's journey from a talented young rugby player to a seasoned professional, guided by influential figures like Gareth Jenkins and David Bishop. Discover how their belief and mentorship helped Martyn navigate challenges, hone his skills...

Authentic conversations with leaders who understand success is never linear. Host Laurence Winmill brings together exceptional individuals from business, sport, entertainment, and community leadership to share real stories of resilience, setbacks, and determination. In the opening episode, Laurence shares his own journey of business setbacks, personal loss, and rebuilding from depression to demons...