The Good Eggs Podcast

The conversation covers Ger Fowler's life, from his time in the army to his experiences after leaving the army. It delves into the impact of community work and the challenges faced during and after military service. Ger shares insights on discipline, routine, and the pursuit of freedom, providing valuable lessons for listeners. The conversation covers Ger Fowler's journey from a life of crisis and...

The conversation delves into John's early life, experiences, and the impact of significant transitions on his personal and professional development. It explores his resilience, struggles, and the pivotal moments that led to his desire to help others and make a difference. John's journey from rural life to international experiences and his career reset highlights the themes of resilience, personal...

The conversation covers the experiences of joining the Navy at a young age, the challenges of basic training, the role of religion and football in military life, finding meaning and purpose, first deployment experiences, and the drinking culture in the military. It also explores the impact of military life on behavior and mindset. The conversation delves into the impact of military culture on indi...

Fiona Donaldson shares her journey from growing up in Edinburgh to finding her passion in cooking and connecting with people through spirituality and faith. She discusses the challenges of mental health, societal expectations, and the value of soft skills in the workplace. Fiona Donaldson shares her journey as a social entrepreneur, emphasising the value of human connection and the impact of basic...

The conversation covers topics related to work-life balance, career transitions, and personal challenges. It begins with an introduction and background, followed by discussions on growing up and career beginnings. The transition to the North East is explored, leading to a career in HR and recruitment. The conversation then delves into self-employment and business transition, concluding with a segm...

The conversation covers Izzy Howell's journey from her early years to her career in the film industry and the impact of short form video content on marketing. It also delves into the changing landscape of content creation and the importance of authenticity and value in marketing. The conversation concludes with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Howell Media. The conversation covers the impact...

Dr. Michelle Booth shares her journey from a mining village to becoming a social entrepreneur and founder of Side by Side Arts. She discusses the evolution of social enterprise, the challenges, and the importance of sustainable business models. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities for social enterprises in the Northeast region, the importance of collaboration, and the need for...

The conversation covers Emmanuel's journey from childhood in Nigeria to his business ventures and challenges in the North East. It explores his interest in technology, the impact of AI, and the resilience and adaptability required to overcome setbacks. Emmanuel emphasizes the importance of community support and the transformative impact of his work, highlighting the significance of routine and dis...

In this episode we’re joined by Nicola Vallely, entrepreneur and founder of Vallelys, as well as the driving force behind Revive and Survive CIC. Nicola shares her journey into business — the challenges she faced along the way, what motivated her to keep pushing forward, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today. We talk about her passion for supporting people starting their own bus...

In this episode we’re joined by Shane Knox, founder of Not a Statistic North East CIC. Shane shares his powerful and honest story — from the challenges he faced growing up, to his battles with mental health, and his time serving in the Royal Navy. Through it all, Shane talks openly about resilience, the turning points that shaped his life, and the experiences that led him to create Not a Statistic...

In this episode we’re joined by Alfie Joey — former BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast presenter, comedian, writer and artist, now known as The SpeakEasy Guy . Alfie shares the fascinating journey that’s taken him from life in a religious order, to stand-up comedy, broadcasting to thousands across the North East, and now helping people and organisations communicate with confidence and impact. We dive i...

In this episode we’re joined by Zoe Chandler, founder of Weights & Cakes CIC based in Sunderland. Zoe shares her inspiring story of how she created a welcoming, inclusive space for fitness and community — recognising that traditional gym environments weren’t always accessible or comfortable for everyone. We dive into how Weights & Cakes offers not just strength training and movement, but a...

In this episode of The Good Eggs Podcast , we’re joined by Joanne Youngson , founder of SAFC Heaven Branch CIC . Joanne shares her deep love for Sunderland AFC and how that passion became the heart of a unique community dedicated to supporting those who have lost loved ones. Through her own experiences, Joanne opens up about the challenges she’s faced as a neurodivergent individual, and how these...

In this episode we welcome Dan Makaveli, the founder of Media Savvy CIC and its newer venture, Diego’s Joint CIC. Dan walks us through his journey as a social entrepreneur, explaining how Media Savvy has been delivering creative training and employability support for marginalised groups since 2010. He also shares how Diego’s Joint—a community-cafe-bar-events space launched in Sunniside, Sunderland...

In this episode of The Good Eggs Podcast, we’re joined by Holly James, founder of Atlas Theatre Company CIC. Holly shares her passion for making the arts accessible to everyone and talks about the incredible opportunities her company creates for people to develop their confidence, creativity, and careers in the performing arts. From community projects to professional productions, Holly’s work is a...

Welcome back to The Good Eggs Podcast — and hello to Series 2! We’re starting the new season with an incredible guest: James Fildes - founder of Space NE. In this episode, James shares his journey through mental health challenges and how those experiences inspired him to create a space that supports others in their own wellbeing journeys. It’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, purpose an...

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Good Eggs Podcast. This week, we meet Emma and Richard - the energetic duo behind The Sugar Bowl CIC—a community arts initiative in County Durham that's all about dancing, bopping and bringing people together through movement and music. Richar, as a member of The Revolutionaires brings the Rythym. With influences ranging from Louis Jordan to Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Revo...

Welcome to episode 6 of The Good Eggs Podcast. This week, we sit down with David Barnes—actor, creative, and the driving force behind Watling Spaces CIC and the revival of The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate, County Durham. After 14 years on the London stage, David returned to his roots to transform a derelict 1930s cinema into a vibrant, inclusive arts hub. He opens up about his family's hands-on suppor...

Welcome to episode 5 of The Good Eggs Podcast This time, we meet couple Andrew and Bronia, who are just cracking into the world of social entrepreneurship. From unexpected career pivots to passion-fueled purpose, they share what sparked their journey, the challenges they’ve face and the bold steps they’re taking to build something meaningful. Tune in for a raw, honest convo about risk, resilience...

Welcome back to The Good Eggs pod! This time we meet the inspirational Heidi Smith who shares her life story, the challenges along the way and how Learning Abilities CIC came to be. Let us know in the comments what you think of this 'good egg'!

This episode we meet Sarah and Colin. What a lovely pair!!!! They share their life stories, how life blossomed and how their joined focus on supporting good people became The Wiggly Path CIC ..... enjoy!

Welcome to Episode 2! This time we meet Armed Forces Veteran and County Durhams 'man of the people'- it's Chris Scadden!

Welcome to episode one of our little podcast! In this episode we meet Dr Hannah Barraclough of Clear Mind Collective CIC as she shares her life story and what enticed her into the world of social enterprise.