The Amazingstoke Podcast

In this lively and eclectic episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBAC) “Amazingstoke” Podcast , host Mark Jones sits down with long-time friend and respected hotelier Paul Fearon , General Manager of the Apollo Hotel. Paul shares his 10-year journey at the independent, family-owned Apollo Hotel, his deep roots in the Basingstoke community, and the surprising history of the...

In this episode of the AmazingStoke Podcast from the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community, host Mark Jones talks with Mark Henderson , Principal of Queen Mary’s College (QMC) — one of Basingstoke’s most cherished institutions. Mark shares his journey from being a struggling student to leading a college that has educated over 100,000 students in its 50-year history . He talks about what mak...

What happens when you invite a cybersecurity expert on your podcast… and the power goes out? In this episode, Mark Jones chats with Chris Cooper , founder of Rougemont Security , about why cybersecurity isn’t just for big corporations anymore — and how small businesses (and even households) can take simple steps to stay protected. Chris has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity across indus...

In this episode, host Mark Jones sits down with Lou Eddy , a local marketing consultant and franchise owner with activ Marketing . After more than two decades in corporate IT marketing, Lou took the leap to run her own business — and now helps local organisations grow with clear, down-to-earth marketing support. Lou shares her journey from secretary to marketing leader, the mentor who changed her...

In this episode of the Amazingstoke Podcast, Mark Jones sits down with Jez Nash, Chief Executive of Centerprise International, a major IT solutions provider headquartered in Basingstoke. Jez shares his fascinating journey: from growing up in North Wales to joining the RAF at just 16, serving for over two decades, then moving into the world of business and eventually leading Centerprise. He talks o...

In this moving episode of the Amazingstoke Podcast , host Mark Jones sits down with the remarkable Fiona Eastman , CEO and co-founder of Victoria’s Promise . Born out of a daughter’s wish to support young women through their cancer journey, Victoria’s Promise has grown into a beacon of hope across Basingstoke, Winchester, and beyond. Fiona shares her deeply personal story — the heartbreaking loss...

The Basingstoke Bison are back! In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Amazingstoke Podcast , host Mark Jones sits down with Danny Kimber , co-owner of the newly revived Basingstoke Bison Ice Hockey Team. Danny shares the journey of bringing the Bison back to the NIHL, rebuilding the team and rink, and why community is at the heart of everything the Bison do. From the excitement of the fir...

In this special episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassador Community (DBCA) Podcast , Mark Jones sits down with Luke Murphy MP , Basingstoke’s first-ever Labour MP, to reflect on a whirlwind first year in office. 🎤 Topics covered include: What it’s really like being a new MP Balancing national challenges with local priorities Behind the scenes at PMQs – including the mysterious art of “bob...

Mark Jones visits the heart of community rugby in North Hampshire — Basingstoke Rugby Football Club — and sits down with its passionate chairman, James Jagged . James shares his journey from sideline dad to club chairman, how he accidentally "got the job," and the challenges and triumphs of running a grassroots sports club in the modern era. From post-COVID recovery to funding challenges,...

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Amazingstoke Podcast , Mark Jones chats with Ryan Houston, a born-and-bred Stokie and founder of Houston Broking Group. Ryan shares insights on his journey from starting out in insurance in 1998 to launching his own successful business in 2023. They discuss the vibrant and evolving business scene in Basingstoke, the importance of supporting local busi...

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, host Mark Jones welcomes Kimberley Barber, Regional Editor for Newsquest, who oversees seven local newspapers, including the beloved Basingstoke Gazette. Kimberley shares her journey from holiday rep to senior journalist, offering candid insights into how local journalism has changed over the years—technologically, culturally, and physically. Tune in fo...

In this jam-packed episode, Mark Jones heads out to the countryside to meet with Roger Walker, the founder of Experience Hampshire , a platform that curates hundreds of unique experiences across the county. From alpaca walking to penguin feeding, foraging to wing-walking, and even exploring hidden medieval vaults under Southampton, Roger shares how his passion for Hampshire evolved into a thriving...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the DBAC AmazingStoke Podcast , host Mark Jones is joined by Marie Greenhalgh, Innovation and Development Director at Inclusion Education and local lead for Baton of Hope Basingstoke. Marie shares the story behind the Baton of Hope – a national campaign raising awareness around suicide prevention and mental health – and details the exciting plans for B...

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke AmazingStoke podcast, Matt Holman, founder of Simpila Wellbeing, shares his personal journey with mental health and the importance of community support. He discusses with host Mark Jones, the significance of Mental Health Awareness Week, the need for ongoing education, and the role of training in breaking down stigma. Matt emphasizes the importance of...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones is joined by Andy Brown, Business Partnerships Manager at Treloar’s in Holybourne near Alton, a unique place supporting young people with complex physical disabilities and communication needs from across the UK. Treloar’s isn’t just a school or a college—it’s a community, a launchpad for independence, and a place...

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, Mark Jones chats with Darren Higgs about the growth and future plans of Swingate Marketing and Design, a company he acquired four years ago. He shares insights on the importance of Basingstoke as a business hub, the challenges and rewards of networking, and his personal interests outside of work. The conversation highlights the company's focus on le...

Following up on our special episode about local government, Mark Jones speaks more to Cllr. Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council about his 23 years of public service, how the area has changed over the years and much more.

In this special episode of the podcast, with changes coming to the way local government in the Basingstoke & Deane area and across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Mark Jones speaks with council leader Cllr. Paul Harvey about what this will mean for the area.

In this episode of the Amazingstoke podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Stevens, the head of marketing at Castle Trust Bank, based in Basingstoke. Jeremy shares his journey in the financial services industry, from starting as an administrator to leading marketing initiatives at a bank that has become a staple in Basingstoke. We discuss Castle Trust's community involvement, including their support...

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Ambassadors Community 'Amazingstoke' podcast, we welcome Matthew Cleaver, the chief executive of Anvil Arts. Matthew shares his journey from marketing director to leading one of Hampshire's largest performing arts organisations. He discusses the evolution of the Anvil, Haymarket, and Forge venues, their diverse programming, and the signifi...

In this episode, we journey into the world of law with Jack Gardener from Phillips Law, who shares his unique path from the bustling city to the heart of Basingstoke. Discover the evolution of Phillips Law, the challenges of transitioning to a paperless office, and the importance of community involvement. Jack's insights into balancing a demanding profession while nurturing a family provide a...

In this episode, we have an inspiring conversation with Christine Griffiths, the Fundraising Events Manager at the Pink Place cancer charity. Christine shares her journey in the charity sector, the vital services Pink Place provides, and how they support individuals affected by cancer. With a focus on community engagement, fundraising challenges, and personal stories, this episode highlights the i...

In this episode of the Destination Basingstoke Amazingstoke podcast, we sit down with Anthony Bravo, principal & CEO of Basingstoke College of Technology. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from retail to leading a college, discussing the impact of great teachers, the importance of community, and the transformative power of education. With a humorous take on his experiences and a deep love f...

Welcome to 2025! In this episode, we kick off the new year with Tim Smith, a tax advisory partner at Shaw Gibbs, as our special guest. Join us as we delve into the vibrant business community of Basingstoke, the entrepreneurial spirit that drives local businesses, and how Shaw Gibbs has quickly established itself as a key player in the area. Tim shares insights on the importance of community suppor...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we delve into the incredible journey of an extraordinary fundraising run titled 'You'll Never Run Alone'. Covering nearly 200 miles from Basingstoke to Liverpool, this heartfelt endeavour honours the memory of Debbie Froud, raising funds for Victoria's Promise and St Michael's Hospice. Discover the challenges, teamwork, and emotional moments...