Undercurrent Stories

Ever struggled with making small talk at a networking event or social gathering?  You're not alone - but fear not, because today we're chatting with communication expert Debra Fine! As a sought-after keynote speaker and author, Debra has helped clients like Google, Hyatt, and the International Fire Chiefs Association hone their communication skills, and she's here to share her exper...

To celebrate 3 years of Undercurrent Stories we are re-releasing one of our most popular episodes! Ānḍārakārēnṭa sṭōrijēra 3 bachara udayāpana karatē āmarā āmādēra sabacēẏē janapriẏa parbagulira madhyē ēkaṭi punarāẏa prakāśa karachi! The story of how an Englishman visited India and discovered how his lifelong love and talent for art could help change and improve the lives of young people living on...

Would you like your audience to really absorb and remember the next presentation or speech you make? How often have you watched a presentation,  been overwhelmed with facts and figures and come away barely recalling anything about it? My guest argues that by incorporating a story into a corporate presentation for example, the audience is much more likely to stay motivated and the presentation  wil...

This episode features best selling and  award winning author Wendy Orr. Wendy’s many books for children have been published in 27 countries and won awards around the world. Prominent among them is Nim’s Island , which was made into the 2008 film of the same name, starring Jodie Foster; a 2013 sequel, Return to Nim’s Island , was loosely based on Wendy's book Nim at Sea . As well as discussing...

Bill Cunningham, Historian and tour guide walks and talks us through the  streets of the historic county town of Oakham in Rutland, England's smallest county.  Bill explains how Oakham has gained either fame or notoriety on a national scale due to its association with several prominent personalities including; Titus Oates (1649-1705), ‘the biggest liar in Christendom’,   Sir Jeffrey Hudson (1...

Today's show features the legendary Gary Moat who was best known as the drummer in the famous 1980s rock band Heavy Pettin.’  The band toured alongside Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, Magnum and many more. Today Gary is the lead singer,  frontman and musical creator for rock band, Burnt out Wreck. Gary talks about his lifelong passion for music, how he started playing drums, his life in Heavy Pettin&apo...

In today's show we hear the inspiring story of  Rick Long. Rick was the most successful sidecar passenger in the Isle of Man TT’s history with eight victories in total. Then in 2008 at the legendary Hockenheim race track, Germany, he lost his left leg and his driver, Steve Norbury in a tragic racing accident. Following his recovery Rick tells the story of rebuilding his body, his return to ra...

With it's haunting and mesmerising guitar intro many listeners will be familiar with the Thin Lizzy hit, Whisky in the Jar which reached no. 6 in the UK charts in 1973. My guest today is the legendary former lead guitarist and founding member of Thin Lizzy, Eric Bell.  As well as playing on that famous song, Eric recorded 3 albums with Thin Lizzy,  'Thin Lizzy,' ' Shades of a B...

This episode of Undercurrent Stories features a conversation I had with Geoff Holt MBE. I first met Geoff in 1984 at Salisbury Spinal Treatment Centre through a mutual friend, Tim Clare. The episode is one of the most inspirational conversations that I have ever had. On 5th  September 1984 eighteen year old Geoff dived into an idyllic tropical sea and his life changed forever. A broken neck cut sh...

This episode features Stephen Bentley, who tells the story of how as a young detective in the hot summer of  1976, he went undercover as part of a large UK national operation called Operation Julie. Under the pseudonym of 'Steve Jackson,' he describes his life as a dope smoking, hard drinking hippy with the aim of tracking down the hippies and scientists known as the 'Microdot Gang,...

Are you thinking about retirement? Have you just retired? Are you already retired? This episode is for you. In today’s show I am joined by Cate Gregory. Cate spent over 20 years as a marketing professional in the corporate world and now works as a coach helping individuals reach their true potential, through her company, Attain.  As well as coaching people to develop their careers, set up their ow...

This episode  features one of Britain's greatest rock drummers, Clive Edwards.  Clive is best known as a member of UFO, Wild Horses, ( Brian Robertson ex Thin Lizzy and Jimmy Bain ex Rainbow),  Back Street Crawler and many other rock acts. His drumming can be found on recordings with acts such as Phil Lynott, Pat Travers, John Cale, Lionheart, Toyah and many many others. The interview include...

Nestled safely behind  strong railings alongside the London to Edinburgh East Coast main line railway, just south of Grantham, lies a little known hidden treasure! In this on site live interview Dr Patrick Candler tells us the inspiring story of how 5 acres of woodland was transformed into an adventure playground . Once used as a source for local clay the land had been disused for a number of year...

In today’s show I'm joined once again by Quint Starkie. Quint is an English musician originally from Accrington, Lancashire now based in  Stockholm, Sweden. Quint is about to embark on a UK tour with Francis Dunnery's It Bites from 18th January '23. We talk about Quint's latest solo album, his recent UK tour with blues based Tombstone Dunnery, his musical career and how he ende...

James Cooper, a Christmasologist, (Yes there is such a word!), reveals the history of Christmas traditions in the UK over the last 1500 years. From the origins of the mince pie, the banning of Christmas and the secret of the mistletoe, James takes us on a journey of discovery as he shares the unexplained stories behind the celebration of Christmas. Find out more on James's website; https://ww...

The amazing story of how a disused quarry was bought for £1.00 and is being transformed into a wildlife haven. Set in the English Lincolnshire village of Langtoft, Augy Harrison takes us on a guided tour of Penfield Nature Reserve. We hear how a team of village volunteers are working to maintain and develop the former quarry into an area where wild plants, insects, birds and animals can flourish....

Today's show features Lisa Westcott Wilkins. With her interest and passion for archaeology, Lisa is founder and CO-CEO of DigVentures, a social enterprise, which organises crowdfunded archaeological excavation experiences. Always wanted to try archaeology? This is your chance! Lisa explains how you can become involved and  can get hands-on and support great archaeology. The digs are all lead...

In today’s show  I am joined by Alex Gardiner ex SAS Squadron Commander and author of ‘The Devil’s Magistrate’ his first book. Alex  served as an officer in the Royal Greenjackets, and then as a troop and squadron commander in 22 SAS before leaving the British Army to command 1st Regiment The Sultan’s Special Force in Southern Oman. Since then, he has covered conflict in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afgh...

In today’s show we welcome Barbara Calvano. Barbara  is an intuitive angel and life coach as well as being an actor and artist. In addition  she also hosts her own weekly podcast, ‘Lets ask the Angels.’ We have covered many topics on Undercurrent Stories and this is the first time that we have explored a spiritual theme. The conversation was enjoyable and interesting and one in which I am sure wil...

In today’s show  I am once again delighted to be joined by Colin Crabbe.  Colin is a former Formula 1 Team owner, a racing driver and an eminent restorer and dealer of historic classic racing cars.  In this interview Colin talk’s about how he became known as one of the last privateer’s in Formula 1 setting up his own team for the 1969 and 1970 Formula 1 seasons with the first race being the Monaco...

Tucked away just 2 miles east of the famous Great North Road near Clipsham in Rutland, lies one of England’s great hidden gems, Yew Tree Avenue. Yew Tree Avenue is over 200 years old, consisting of over 150 clipped Yew Trees in all manner of unusual shapes. Once the carriage driveway to Clipsham Hall, the Avenue was a famous tourist destination until lack of funding and maintenance caused it to fa...

Today’s show features international Record Producer Mark SevenV and international Soul Music presenter, Garry Williams. In the show we discuss Mark’s musical journey. First raised on classical music and big bands as a drummer in his native country of France, Mark’s life has been involved in  music production in the UK, USA and other countries where he has worked with many artists. Mark tells us ab...

Francis Dunnery operates as a Multi-Media Artist. His work combines music, humor, video, literature, performance art, philosophy and blistering electric guitar.  Francis first hit the public stage back in the eighties as lead vocalist and guitarist for the popular progressive rock band ‘It Bites’ and enjoyed early chart success throughout Europe and Asia. He has since enjoyed a diverse musical car...

Described as, "The new brewing superstar," on the cover  of CAMRA's latest  beer magazine, today's show features Jaega Wise, Head Brewer of East London's Wild Card Brewery.  Jaega gives a unique insight into her life as a TV & Radio Presenter, the brewing industry and her work  as a campaigner.  She talks about her new book, 'Wild Brews' released 19th May and...

Zal describes the influences that got him playing guitar in the 1960s. We hear how he found fame during the heyday and excesses of the 1970s playing on hits such as Delilah, Boston Tea Party and the Faith Healer with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band.  We learn the reasons behind his iconic white mime makeup! We hear stories about his guitar work with Nazareth, Elkie Brooks, Bonnie Tyler and Midge...