Undercurrent Stories

25/01/2025

Stand Out From the Crowd with These 12 Habits: William Vanderbloemen. Episode Live!
Listen at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

As the 21st century rolls on with a competitive workplace, an ever changing working environment and the increasing use of AI you might well be asking how you stand out and how you can make yourself irreplaceable.

One man that has been asking these questions over the past 15 years while running one of the world’s top executive search firms is my guest William Vanderbloemen.

Through extensive research of over 30,000 top leaders Wiilliam has identified the 12 habits that the best of the best have in common. His book, Be the Unicorn looks at such traits as authenticity, responsiveness, agility, and the ability to problem solve.

About William;
William Vanderbloemen is an entrepreneur, pastor, speaker, author, and CEO and founder of Vanderbloemen Search Group, an executive search firm serving churches, ministries, and faith-based organisations.

William's links;
Book - Be the Unicorn
https://www.vanderbloemen.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wvanderbloemen/

24/01/2025

https://podcasts.apple.com/cy/podcast/how-to-beat-ai-and-become-irreplaceable-william/id1508727524?i=1000685193791

Podcast Episode · Undercurrent Stories · 23/01/2025 · 51m

17/01/2025

America's Trusted Etiquette Expert: Thomas P. Farley. Live!

Episode Summary in comments.

Hear the episode:
Spotify: http://tiny.cc/oe56001
Apple: http://tiny.cc/ye56001

24/12/2024

History of Christmas. Episode Live!

James Cooper, a Christmasologist, (Yes there is such a word!), reveals the history of Christmas traditions in the UK over the last 1500 years.

Speaking to me in this episode first aired in 2022, James takes us on a journey of discovery as he shares the unexplained stories behind the celebration of Christmas.

Episode at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

19/12/2024

A Timber Merchant's Tale: The Road to Poetry with Chris Porcas.
Episode out now!
Hear the episode: Spotify http://tiny.cc/nj22001
Apple http://tiny.cc/rj22001
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Chris Porcas, a timber merchant by day and a poet by night, who shares his fascinating journey into the world of poetry. Chris reveals how a chance encounter at a local poetry club ignited his passion for writing, eventually leading to the publication of his first book, The Road to Poetry.

Chris discusses his creative process, how he balances his career and artistic pursuits, and the joys of performing poetry at open mic nights and poetry clubs. He also opens up about how he overcame personal doubts, navigated public performance nerves, and connected with others through his heartfelt rhyming couplets.

Listen in as Chris shares his influences, his approach to self-publishing, and exciting plans for the future, including music projects, another book, and even a potential podcast of his own!

Quotable Moments:
“You don’t have to follow society’s script for slowing down. Your inner child never grows up if you have passion, hope, creativity, and humour.”

“Why should we keep the gems of wisdom inside us to ourselves? If you’re frustrated with something, put it into poetry—you might just help someone else out there.”

https://chrisporcaspoetry.co.uk/
Book: The Road to Poetry is available on Amazon (Paperback & Kindle). http://tiny.cc/0q02001

Episode Image - Sarah Garrod Photography

12/12/2024

The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Armin Schmitt Episode Live:

In this episode we’re travelling millions of years into the past to uncover the secrets of Earth’s ancient history. My guest is Armin Schmitt a renowned palaeontologist based at Cambridge University and author of the book, ‘The Lost World of the Dinosaurs.’

We discuss the fascinating world of dinosaurs, their evolution, and their lasting impact on our understanding of life on Earth. Armin explains the definition of dinosaurs, their size and duration on the planet, and how birds are their modern descendants.

We hear about the significance of feathers, the global distribution of dinosaurs, their dietary habits, and the catastrophic asteroid impact that led to their extinction. Armin emphasises the adaptability and innovation of dinosaurs, challenging common misconceptions about their extinction.

The episode concludes with some surprising aspects of dinosaur life, including their feeding habits, social structures, and intelligence. Armin also shares insights into the challenges of paleontological research and offers advice for aspiring paleontologists, emphasising the importance of curiosity and continuous learning.

Listen to the episode: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/armin.schmitt/
https://x.com/ArminSchmitt
https://www.youtube.com/

05/12/2024

From Radio Caroline to Classic FM: Nick Bailey. Episode Live!

Listen to episode here: https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

In this episode we meet broadcasting legend Nick Bailey, who shares his remarkable journey from pirate radio with Radio Caroline to becoming the first voice on Classic FM.

Nick shares his adventures and travels around the world living and working in countries such as Australia, Germany and Hong Kong and we hear stories about some amazing characters on his journey. We get an insight into world events through the eyes of a traveller. Living on Gibraltar in the time when Franco's dictatorship was at its height through to the changes that were happening in Hong Kong as it was taken back by China.

Nick also provides valuable advice for aspiring broadcasters and shares his future plans.

I can thoroughly recommend Nick's book, 'Across the Waves: From Radio Caroline to Classic FM.' In fact I couldn't put the book down and read in 5 days!
Nick's website - https://www.nickbaileyradio.com/
Link to book- 'Across the Waves: From Radio Caroline to Classic FM' http://tiny.cc/ciczzz

28/11/2024

SURFING THE SEVERN BORE with SI CALE. Episode Live!

Hear the episode:
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

If you haven't yet witnessed the incredible spectacle that is the Severn Bore, make a date to do so, it's well worth it.

One of Britain's few natural phenomena, the Severn Bore is a large surge wave that can be seen in the estuary of the River Severn, where the tidal range is the 2nd highest in the world, being as much as 50 feet (approx. 15.4m). Graded from 1* to 5* the power of the wave is truly spectacular to witness, especially when there are many surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders surfing it (or trying to).

But what is it actually like to take a ride with nature and surf this incredible wave?
Today on the show I'm joined by one of those surfers. His name is Si Cale. Si is an experienced sea kayaker and surfer of the Bore with over 40 years kayak experience to date.

Links:
Si Cale Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/
https://www.severn-bore.co.uk/

22/11/2024

The Art of Getting the Success You Deserve: Alison Fragale.
New episode out now!
Apple: http://tiny.cc/zfowzz
Spotify: http://tiny.cc/4gowzz

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Alison Fragale, behavioural scientist, professor, and author of the groundbreaking book, 'LIKEABLE BADASS.' http://tiny.cc/8iowzz (Book cover in comments.)

Alison shares her expertise on what it takes to build respect, wield influence, and navigate the challenges of modern workplaces with confidence and authenticity.

We discuss the fascinating psychology behind status, unpack the balance between warmth and competence, and learn why self-promotion isn’t just important—it’s essential. Plus, Alison offers practical exercises to help you negotiate better, advocate for yourself, and build meaningful relationships.

Whether you’re aiming to level up in your career, strengthen your personal brand, or simply understand the science of influence, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Links:
https://alisonfragale.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonfragale/
https://www.instagram.com/alisonfragale/

15/11/2024

Inside the Exclusive World of Executive Jet Travel with Captain Nick Glover. Episode Live!
Spotify.com http://tiny.cc/afhvzz
Apple http://tiny.cc/hfhvzz
Listen as I sit down with Nick Glover, a former executive jet captain with an impressive career in business aviation and instructor at Aerobility, a unique charity offering people with disabilities the opportunity to fly.
Hear about;
*The exclusive world of VIP and celebrity air travel.
* Flying Royalty and high-profile public figures.
* Amusing stories including Gordon Brown and President Jimmy Carter

07/11/2024

Breaking Barriers: How Lucy Dawson is Redefining Autism.
New Episode out now!🎤🎧
Spotify: http://tiny.cc/414uzz
Apple: http://tiny.cc/g14uzz

This week's guest is Lucy Dawson, a writer, autism advocate, and ambassador for Wiltshire Council, who shares her inspiring journey navigating life as an autistic person. Lucy opens up about her experiences growing up, the challenges of self-acceptance, and her path to embracing her neurodiversity. From her unique family dynamics to the solace she found in music, Lucy discusses how her life was shaped by her autism diagnosis, finally received in her early forties.

Key Topics Discussed:

Growing Up Undiagnosed: Lucy talks about her childhood and the difficulties of fitting in, her father's probable autism, and how the lack of understanding in the 1970s and 80s affected her sense of self.

Self-Discovery and Diagnosis: She shares the journey to her autism diagnosis at age 43, which brought clarity and relief after years of being misdiagnosed with mental health conditions.

Finding Community: Lucy recalls the sense of belonging she found in the fan community of the band Cardiacs and how this helped her express her identity.

Challenges with Social Interaction: The episode explores Lucy’s struggles with social situations, the importance of planning, and how autism affects her ability to connect with others.

Wiltshire Council Advocacy: Lucy discusses her work with Wiltshire Council, where she uses her experiences to improve inclusion for autistic people, providing insight into autistic-friendly practices and digital content initiatives.

Advice for Parents and Self-Advocates: Lucy offers tips for parents who suspect their children may be on the autism spectrum and encourages self-advocacy for those seeking diagnosis and support.

Benefits of Neurodiversity: The episode touches on how autistic traits like intense focus and unique problem-solving abilities contribute positively to society, with examples from notable figures and the tech industry.

Quotes:
"Receiving my diagnosis was a relief... I finally understood why I struggled with things that seemed easy for others."
"Autism is a spectrum, and every autistic person is different. We’re all on our unique paths."
"Neurodiversity allows us to approach problems from angles that others may not see, making our contributions invaluable."
Links and Resources:

Lucy Dawson’s Substack: https://substack.com/
National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/
Wiltshire Council Autism Resources: https://adults.wiltshire.gov.uk/Services/1575/Wiltshire-Autism-Hub

01/11/2024

Spots and Speed: The Race to Save Cheetahs with Sue Heim.
Episode Live!

Hear the episode: https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

In this inspiring episode we hear from Sue Heim, an interpretive volunteer at the San Diego Zoo and dedicated volunteer with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF). Fresh from a month-long trip in Namibia, Sue shares her firsthand experiences in cheetah conservation, discussing the unique traits, challenges, and conservation strategies for cheetahs.

Key Topics Covered:
- Sue's Journey to Conservation: Learn how Sue's passion for cheetahs led her from San Diego to Namibia, working alongside experts at CCF.
- Understanding Cheetah Characteristics: Sue discusses the unique behaviours and physical traits of cheetahs, including their unparalleled speed and distinctive “tear marks.”
- Cheetah Conservation Challenges: Key threats to cheetah survival include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal pet trade. Sue explains how these factors impact cheetah populations.
- Innovative Conservation Efforts: From livestock-guarding dogs to anti-poaching initiatives, discover how CCF and local communities collaborate to protect cheetahs and educate the public.
- A Day in the Life of a Volunteer: Sue recounts her diverse experiences at CCF, including feeding cheetahs, training livestock-guarding dogs, and helping with the "Dancing Goat Creamery" at the centre.
- Get Involved: Sue shares actionable steps listeners can take to support cheetah conservation from anywhere in the world, including donations, virtual challenges, and zoo volunteering.

Notable Quotes:
"Cheetahs rely on speed rather than brute force—an incredible animal that runs up to 70 miles per hour."
"They are non-confrontational, even in the wild. If you see a cheetah, it’s more likely to hiss and run away than to attack."
"We’re teaching local farmers sustainable ways to protect livestock and reduce conflicts with cheetahs, from specialised fencing to livestock-guarding dogs."

How You Can Help:
1. **Donate to the Cheetah Conservation Fund**: Your contributions help fund critical conservation efforts across Africa.
2. **Spread Awareness**: Educate friends and family about the plight of cheetahs and the ongoing conservation efforts.
4. **Volunteer Locally**: Many zoos and conservation organisations offer opportunities to support big cat conservation.

Resources:
- Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) https://cheetah.org/
- Follow Sue Heim's Journey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sue.heim for insights and photos from her experiences at CCF.

18/10/2024

The Hidden Side of Edwardian Britain that You Never Learned in School: Alwyn Turner.
Episode available at https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

10/10/2024

All You Ever Wanted to Know about Black Holes with Marcus Chown. Episode Live! http://tiny.cc/zcqpzz

What is a Black Hole? How many are there in the Universe? How are they formed? What size are they and what would the consequences be if we were able to travel to a Black Hole?

To answer these questions and many more join me in conversation with Marcus Chown, an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brunel University. His books include The Ascent of Gravity, which was The Sunday Times Science Book of the Year; and he has just brought out his latest book A Crack in Everything: How Black Holes Came in From the Cold and Took Centre Cosmic Stage. As well as writing, Marcus was a regular guest on the BBC4 comedy-science show, It’s Only A Theory, and often appears on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.

Marcus's links:
https://marcuschown.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crack-Everything-Black-Cosmic-Centre/dp/1804544329

08/10/2024

03/10/2024

BONHAM, COMPOSING AND BEER: IAN HATTON
Episode out now!
Listen: https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

This episode features Ian Hatton, English guitarist and former member of the hard rock band Bonham.

Our conversation starts with the story about the foundation of the band in 1988 with Jason Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham.
We discuss Ian's journey into composing for TV and film scores and we learn what it was like playing alongside Paul Rodgers, Jeff Back, Brian May and many more rock icons.

The episode concludes with a deep dive into Ian's latest project, Old Glenham Brewery. Producing British cask ales for the American market Ian talks about the inspiration for producing UK style beer as he reminisces about living in the UK and his eventual move to the USA.

Ian's links:

https://www.ianhatton.com/

https://www.oldglenhambrewery.com/

Connect with Undercurrent Stories:
- Website: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/undercurrentstories

27/09/2024

Live from the Edinburgh Fringe: Sam Bates, Award Winning Playwright. Episode Live!🎭
In our latest episode of Undercurrent Stories, we sit down with award-winning playwright and director Sam Bates, live from the Edinburgh Fringe! 🌟 Sam opens up about his challenging journey from a troubled youth to finding redemption through the power of theatre. We dive deep into his latest play, *Sessions*, which explores themes of masculinity, transformation, and second chances.

Join us for a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, art, and the power of storytelling. This is an episode you won’t want to miss! 🎙️

👉 Listen now: https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories