Undercurrent Stories

Do you currently meditate? Is it something that you are curious about? Well for me as a child of the 1960s and 1970s my original incorrect perception of meditation was a mixture of Eastern religions, psychedelic music, joss sticks, sitting cross legged, people going to India and ‘finding themselves,’ clearly a lot of misconceptions however, more recently the subject of meditation has become more talked about and mainstream. I was keen to invite a guest on the show who could explain about the practice of meditation and I am delighted to be joined by Claire Billings. Claire is a well being-centred leadership coach and consultant with an emphasis on helping women develop their skills and attributes into their first time leadership roles. In the episode we discuss;The history of meditationDifferent types MindfulnessThe benefits of meditationMeditation for beginnersClaire also gives a live 2 minute mini meditation which you are invited to join in! Claire's links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-billings-2217846/https://www.instagram.com/maketheleap222/https://www.instagram.com/clairebillings7/Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Robert J. Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this  episode I'm delighted to welcome the Reverend Ainsley Swift , Vicar of St Michael’s Church, Bray, England, to the show.Growing up in Penny Lane Liverpool, (Made famous by The Beatles!),  Ainsley started his work as teacher and took a keen interest in community development work working in and around the docklands area of Liverpool. More recently Ainsley was nominated an honorary Canon for distinguished service to the Church of England.Our conversation includes;What life was like for Ainsley growing up in 1960s Liverpool and accompanying his sister to George Harrisons houseThe history and meaning of 'The Vicar of Bray' satirical descriptionHis 'Calling' to the ChurchDiffering religions and their placeThe dynamic of Prayer and silent contemplationAdvice for those contemplating a career in the ChurchI hope you enjoy this episode. It covers many more topics than those above and I think it  will be of interest to both members of the Church  and those curious to discover more.Links:https://www.achurchnearyou.com/Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Robert J. Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Ever thought about starting your own podcast?This is an excerpt from the April edition of the U3A Podcast when I was interviewed by Lee Wellbrook.In the conversation we discuss the resources available and basic technological requirements for  starting your own show. There is a lot of information available both online and in book form to help you get started and the podcast community itself is very helpful.So if you are thinking about starting a show or are just curious I hope you enjoy this episode.Links:https://www.u3a.org.uk/U3A is UK wide collection of a thousand plus charities that provide the opportunity for those no longer in work to come together and learn for fun.Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Robert J. Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Delighted to welcome back and continue my conversation with Steve Snow a former senior manager for British Airways and who now runs his own training and coaching company.We hear about Steve's first management role, his work overseas for the airline, his move to Scotland and how he faced and overcame challenges in the face of redundancies and a terrorist attack.However, this inspirational conversation is much more than  a biography. Steve shares his thoughts and insights on what to expect to face as a successful leader, not just in the aviation industry but in all businesses and in all walks of life where there are people.There really is something for everybody to take away from this I believe.I hope you enjoy the show.Steve's Links;Training and Coaching Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snow-aa212812/Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Robert J. Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

You have probably been  to various functions and nights out where the music was provided by a solo artist. If they performed well you may have considered them to be as good or if not better than a well known artist. You might ask why they haven’t  had their lucky break and reached the dizzy heights of stardom?To answer that question I am joined by a man who in his own words has spent ‘30 years on the bottom rung of the showbiz ladder.’ His name is Dave Dawson and today he is a full time care home musician, author and  has just brought out his latest book entitled ‘Pop Idle: 30 years on the Road as a Professional Singer. Dave has banked a wealth of experience on the live music circuit and he reveals how along the way, he’s had brushes with fame and fandom, strippers, stalkers, crooks, inebriated punters, prima donnas and various other colourful characters!The real moving part  of this interview however, is how Dave has found a truly wonderful vocation playing his music to the residents of care homes. His wide repertoire of songs, stagecraft and music skills are bringing joy and pleasure to residents  and he's loving it too!Dave's links:https://www.facebook.com/davedawsonentertainer/https://twitter.com/DerekPhilpotthttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Pop-Idle-years-professional-singer/dp/B0CYT4S142Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Robert J. Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Do you want to achieve improved mental and emotional well-being through natural remedies? Discover the solution to boost your mental health naturally and find your path to emotional wellness.My special guest is Brigitte Mars, a herbalist and Naropa University professor who has dedicated her life to exploring natural remedies for mental and emotional well-being. With a passion for holistic healing, Brigitte's extensive knowledge and experience in herbal medicine have led her to author 18 books, including her latest, "Natural Remedies for Mental and Emotional Health." Her unique approach to self-care therapies emphasises the connection between mind, body, and soul, offering practical and accessible insights that draw from centuries of traditional wisdom. Brigitte's down-to-earth approach and genuine commitment to helping others make her a trusted and relatable authority in the world of herbal medicine and holistic health.'Keep learning your whole life and have fun with it. And what's really so rewarding is our planet really needs our help.'- Brigitte MarsIn this episode, you will be able to:·       Discover natural remedies for mental health to improve your well-being.  ·       Uncover the benefits of herbal medicine for mental and emotional wellness.  ·       Learn how to grow medicinal herbs at home for your mental health toolkit.  ·       Explore the impact of diet on emotional well-being and how it can enhance mental health.  ·       Delve into the historical use of plants in medicine and its relevance to mental health today. Listeners are encouraged to explore growing medicinal herbs as a sustainable and accessible way to promote health and well-being. Brigitte Mars advocates for individuals to take responsibility for their health by learning about local plants and herbal medicine. The conversation inspires listeners to consider growing their own herbs, even in limited spaces, to incorporate natural remedies into their lifestyles for improved mental health.The resources mentioned in this episode are:·       Brigitte Mars' website: Visit Brigitte Mars' website to explore her courses, books, and herbal wisdom. The website offers a range of resources for learning about herbal medicine and natural remedies. (brigittemars.com)·       Herbal Kitchen Wizardry Course: Check out Brigitte Mars' course on herbal kitchen wizardry, a valuable resource for learning about the practical applications of herbs in cooking and wellness. This course provides hands-on knowledge for incorporating herbs into everyday life.·       Phone App: Download the iPlant with Brigitte Mars app, designed to provide information about various herbs, their uses, and potential precautions. This app is a valuable tool for learning about different herbs and their applications.·       Sacred Science Course: Explore Brigitte Mars' course Kitchen Wisdom through Sacred Science, offering insights into the medicinal and nutritional benefits of herbs. This course provides in-depth knowledge about using herbs for health and wellness.Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Discover how the people of Nuneaton are using the power of creativity to revitalise their community, improve their well being and embrace the challenges and opportunities  of the modern world.GRIT is an artist led programme of creativity culminating in  'Art On The Streets' in August 2024 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, England. Grit are Alisha Miller, Nathan Parker and Simon Winterman.In this episode, you will be able to:·       Understand the transformative power of street art in community regeneration·       Discover the unique impact of visual art on mental health and well-being·       Explore how engaging with art programs can revitalise and strengthen communities.·       Learn valuable tips for emerging artists embarking on their creative journey·       Uncover the intriguing world of transit art and its role in urban expression·       Hear how creativity could be an essential ingredient to new forms of work where 'jobs for life' are replaced by new work practisesMy special guests are Alisha Miller and Nathan Parker.Alisha is an award winning Nuneaton artist famous for her transit art, paint and steel for public places and painting on canvas and paper as well as digital and vinyl print at large scale.Nathan, a passionate graffiti artist, found his calling at a young age and has since become a prominent figure in the street art scene. Drawing inspiration from the New York hip hop culture, Nathan's work reflects the fusion of urban art and self-expression. Links:GRIT https://grit-art-central.co.uk/Alisha Miller https://www.alishamiller.co.uk/Nathan Parker https://www.instagram.com/n_4_t_4/Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' by Bob Wells © 2020Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

You've dropped the car off at the airport car park, been processed  through security, boarded the plane and you can now relax  and look forward to your flight. You observe the cabin crew helping passengers , closing the overhead compartments and preparing for the pre-flight safety demonstration. Have you ever wondered what it must be like working for an airline? Here to answer that question I'm joined by  Steve Snow. Steve has spent his career in the airline industry with British Airways right through from trainee to senior management. You'll  hear how chance conversations and serendipity led to Steve’s first roles, you will understand what it takes to make cabin crew and through some of Steve’s many stories, sometimes very humorous, you will get a unique behind the scenes look at how things work within a major international airline.Steve's Links;Training and Coaching Ltd https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-snow-aa212812/Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' by Bob WellsThanks to ;Song: Flight Cabin ChimeLink:    • Flight Cabin Chime | Notification Rin...  Channel: RubricksQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

The inspiring story of how two music loving brothers from the English medieval market town of East Grinstead, defied music industry sceptics and created a worldwide smash hit!Cast your mind back to 1991, (If you were around!) Do you remember the collapse of the Soviet Union? The start of the first Gulf War? What about the hit film Robin Hood Prince of Thieves and the accompanying hit record, 'Everything I do I do for You' by Bryan Adams? It stayed at no. 1 in the UK charts for 4 months!Nestling right behind the chart topper at no 2 for 6 weeks in the UK chart was the hit, 'I'm too Sexy' by the band Right Said Fred. It went on to be a major hit worldwide and charted at no. 1 all over the world.Fast forward to 2024 and I'm delighted to be joined by Richard and Fred Fairbrass the duo that is Right Said Fred.In this insightful and gently humorous conversation you will learn;The amusing story behind the lyrics to 'I'm too Sexy'The Jimi Hendrix guitar riff that largely went unnoticed in 'I'm too Sexy'How it felt being thrust into the limelight with a worldwide smash hitWhat it was like working with David Bowie and Bob Dylan, (The human side of celebrity, 'They are just blokes.')Cancel culture. Being 'cancelled' by book publishers and radio for speaking outWhat it is to be truly 'indie'The joy of the creative process over successPerseverance in the face of scepticism Advice for aspiring musicians in today's music industryTheir continued success with new releases, upcoming festival dates and 'Still Too Sexy' their new biographyThis conversation is a look at the determination and self-belief that fuel a musician's journey to the top however, above all the interview reveals the strong bond between two brothers bound by their love of music and how this special relationship gave them their grit and relentless spirit needed to break through.Links:https://rightsaidfred.com/https://twitter.com/TheFredshttps://www.instagram.com/rightsaidfredofficial/https://www.youtube.com/RIGHTSAIDFREDUKhttps://www.tiktok.com/@official_rightsaidfredBook: 'Still Too Sexy' https://www.amazon.co.uk/Still-Too-Sexy-Surviving-Right/dp/1913172503Undercurrent Stories links:https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstoriesIntro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee' by Bob WellsQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Most of us suffer at some point from a body condition that causes an issue. You may have to wear glasses or contacts, you may have a bad back or you may have had work done on your teeth to straighten them. Have you ever wondered why?Here to answer those questions  I am joined by Alex Bezzerides. Alex is a professor of biology at Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho and he recently brought out his first book called, (Evolution Gone Wrong The Curious Reasons Why Our Bodies Work or Don’t).Expect to learn the surprising ways in which our bodies have evolved.Links:http://alexbezzerides.com/https://twitter.com/alexbezzeridesBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Evolution-Gone-Wrong-Curious-Reasons/dp/1335690050Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com