Undercurrent Stories

How much do you know about what’s going in Ukraine? Obviously we get daily news bulletins from the mainstream media which give  a view on major events but what about the stuff we don't hear about?What everyday life is like for civilians? Why people from other countries volunteer either on a humanitarian basis or as a soldier? What are their backgrounds? How are they received?How do the Ukrainian people see an end to the war?To help answer these questions and many more, I am joined by Matt Gallagher. Matt is a US Army veteran who volunteered and helped civilians at the start of the war in 2022 and then returned again in  2023 as a journalist. His experiences led him to publish his fourth novel, Daybreak which takes place in present day Ukraine and features a disillusioned  American volunteering for the war and to reconnect with a woman from his past.I found the novel very powerful as it is set in the present with a war still going on. It certainly helped me understand it from a human level. I hope you enjoy the episode, that it helps further your own understanding and answers some of those unanswered questions.Links:http://mattgallagherwriter.com/about/https://www.instagram.com/mattgallagher0/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Gallagher_(author)https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Daybreak/Matt-Gallagher/9781501177859Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Do you enjoy curries particularly those available in Indian restaurants or takeaways? Have you tried making them at home? If like me you have and they are ok,  but never quite taste as authentic as the chef made ones in restaurants, then this episode is for you...Al Constantinou is host of Al's Kitchen which is one of the most popular and successful BIR, (British Indian Restaurant), style cooking channels on YouTube. With over 200 videos to choose from,  Al teaches how to make all your favourite curries at home.Expect to learn the secrets behind base gravies, the importance of using the correct equipment and how the correct use of heat with garlic and spices is so important.Let Al teach you in his unique and affable style and manner and you will see how he has become so popular.Then let the results speak for themselves. This is a game changer!Al's links;https://www.youtube.com/@AlsKitchenhttps://alskitchen.uk/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Penny Mallory was the first woman in the world to compete in a Ford Focus World Rally Car and remains the only woman to have achieved this. She is an author, highly sought after Keynote Speaker and recognised as one of the world leading authorities on mental toughness.Successful people are mentally tough. No one can avoid the minefield of setbacks, crisis, tragedy and challenge that is part of being alive. Life throws obstacles in your path daily, but mentally tough people can manage the stress and pressure. They see challenges as opportunities. They persist no matter what. They pick themselves up and go again. They are confident, humble, in control and 100% committed to what they set out to achieve.T hat may sound as if mentally tough people are special, but they’re not. No one is born with mental toughness.Expect to learn how to improve your confidence, increase motivation and discover your winning mindset. Listen to  Penny’s story from teenage runaway, homelessness in London and how this  developed her resilience. Drawing on these extraordinary experiences Penny now shares her techniques and formula to develop mental toughness giving talks and coaching groups including F1, Coca-Cola, Microsoft and TEDX.Links:https://pennymallory.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennymallory/https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

When you were a child did you ever have a particular passion or interest? Did it fade away as life and making a living took over? Or is it something that you have put off and you have been meaning to get back to? If you would like some renewed inspiration this episode is for you! Welcome to a captivating exploration of the harmonious marriage of art and industry, where the rhythmic hum of machinery provides the soundtrack to the dance of watercolor. In this episode, we journey into the world of David Poxon, a maestro of the brush whose vibrant works are a testament to the unexpected beauty found in the gritty, metallic landscape of industry and agricultural machinery.From his boyhood fascination with the rawness of his industrial surroundings, David now masterfully blends the austere beauty of machinery with the delicate nuance of watercolor. His work, an artful conduit between the severe precision of industry and the fluidity of pigment and water, invites us to explore the power of art to transform and to connect. We delve into the story behind his creations, the solace found in the rhythms of his brush strokes, and the strong ties that art can weave between the artist and the observer. With his journey serving as our canvas, you will hear about the sheer joy of creating something. Something that David encourages us all to experience.The principles that David talks about can be applied to any creative pursuit whether that be art, writing, music, anything in fact!Hope you enjoy the episode.Bio - David Poxon is a highly sought after  international water colour artist He is an elected member of the The Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and a signature member of the National Watercolour society of America. In addition to this  David is the organiser of the 2024 International Watercolour Masters show which takes place in Lilleshall Hall in Shropshire, England 15th - 24th May 2024.Links:https://internationalwatercolourmasters.com/https://davidpoxon.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/davidpoxonwatercolours/https://www.facebook.com/david.poxon.520https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this repeat from one of the show's most popular episodes  you are invited  to join us on a stroll down the historic lanes of Stamford, where the tales of Saxon settlers and Georgian grandeur intertwine, brought to vivid life by my guest, local historian and raconteur, Bill Cunningham. As Bill peels back the layers of time, we wander from the River Welland's influence on the town's inception to the stone-crafted beauty that defines its aesthetic today. We muse over the significance of Stamford's position on the storied route from London to York, where ancient inns like The George have quenched the thirst of travelers for a millennium, and we peek into the future with  The Mayors Guides, set to continue the tradition of sharing Stamford's historical riches.The architectural splendour of St George's Square serves as a backdrop for tales both inspiring and sinister; it's not just a setting for period dramas but a stage where the drama of history itself unfolded. Bill shares the gripping stories of Arnold Leese, whose love for camels and fascism painted a complex portrait of Stamford's past, and Edward Edwards, whose naval legacy is forever entwined with the Bounty's mutiny. These narratives are testament to the fact that beneath the town's resplendent facade lie stories of intrigue and the human condition in all its shades.Our journey wouldn't be complete without the chilling tales of Stamford's darker denizens, notably Thomas Bacon, whose life story reads like a Victorian gothic novel. As Bill recounts the accusations of murder and arson that followed Bacon from Stamford to London and beyond, one can't help but shiver at the grim chapters written into the town's history. Yet, the conversation isn't all gloom; we wrap up reveling in the town's architectural triumphs, void of the macabre overtones associated with characters like John George Haigh. With Bill's encyclopedic knowledge and lively banter, your appreciation for Stamford's historical and structural fabric will be irreversibly enriched.Please note error at 17.25. Date should be 1842 not 1642.For more information about Stamford and on Bill Cunningham please see;https://www.thestamfordtownguidedtours.co.uk/https://www.facebook.com/groups/408182023445227/https://www.instagram.com/williamdavidcunningham/?hl=enThis episode was recorded a few weeks before the Covid -19 Lockdown.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Have you ever looked up at the moon in the night sky and wondered why it’s there, how it was formed and  what effect it has had on us humans and animals down on Earth?Here to answer those questions and many more I’m joined by Rebecca Boyle. Rebecca is an award winning science journalist contributing to Scientific American, The New York Times and many other publications. She is author of the book, Our Moon: A Human History. How Earth’s Celestial Companion Transformed the Planet, Guided Evolution, and Made Us Who We Are.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Our-Moon-Celestial-Companion-Transformed/dp/1529342783Rebecca regales us with tales of the Moon's enigmatic origins and its silent yet profound influences on our planet—from the length of our days to the evolution of terrestrial life. Her book paints a stark portrait of the Moon's desolate beauty, and during our talk, she brings that imagery to life, reflecting on how this celestial body is a cornerstone of life as we know it.The dance between Earth and its Moon is a ballet of celestial mechanics and evolutionary impulses, one that Rebecca eloquently elucidates. She shares how the Moon's elliptical orbit and slow retreat from Earth have vast repercussions, from tidal forces that may have nudged vertebrates onto land to the synchronisation challenges between lunar and solar calendars that have fascinated human cultures for millennia. Our conversation wades through the interplay of light and time, considering how this relationship might even sway the rhythms of our own biology, affecting everything from plant behavior to human health.Our lunar odyssey concludes by casting an eye toward the future, questioning the implications of a Moon-less Earth and the current pulse of space exploration. As Rebecca and I discuss, space agencies are reigniting their lunar ambitions with programs like Artemis and international moon landings, paving the way for potential lunar tourism and the utilisation of Moon resources like water and helium-3. Yet, as we gaze ahead, we're mindful of the hurdles—environmental challenges like abrasive moon dust and the untapped mysteries of the Moon's far side. Join us to unravel these lunar enigmas and discover why our connection to the Moon is more than just a tale of tides and time, but a narrative deeply interwoven with the essence of our humanity.Links:https://rebeccaboyle.com/https://www.instagram.com/by.rebecca.boyle/https://www.undercurrentstories.com/https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstoriesQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Embark on a captivating journey through the depths of our oceans as we uncover the hidden wonders of seaweed with Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Advisor to the United Nations Global Compact and Director of the Food Programme  for the Lloyd's Register Foundation. Prepare to have your perceptions of this oceanic flora reshaped as Vincent guides us from its role in battling global hunger to its remarkable environmental advantages. Discover how this underappreciated resource could hold the key to a sustainable future, offering nutrient-rich alternatives to traditional crops and a solution to ecological challenges. Our conversation reveals the often-overlooked potential of the ocean's flora and why it deserves a prime spot in both our diets and agricultural strategies.As we wade deeper into the world of seaweed, we're not just talking about a plant; we're exploring an entire ecosystem's backbone that teems with life-sustaining properties. Vincent shares with us the exceptional nutritional profile of seaweed, its sustainability as a protein source, and debunks myths about its potential for toxin accumulation. We consider the environmental impact of seaweed farming, from its capacity to recapture nutrients and prevent ocean eutrophication to its role in a circular economy. This episode is an eye-opener for anyone concerned with the delicate balance of our planet's health and the quest for responsible, nutritious food sources.Finally, we celebrate the culinary renaissance of seaweed, savouring its unique umami flavor that's making waves in the gastronomy world. From traditional dishes to avant-garde cuisine, chefs are finding innovative ways to incorporate seaweed into their menus. This episode isn't just about advocating for a sustainable food source; it's about embracing the delicious diversity of our oceans. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just beginning to navigate the seas of sustainable eating, there's a place at the table for you in the seaweed revolution. Join us for an enriching discussion that might just inspire your next meal or even a career in marine agriculture.Links:https://www.safeseaweedcoalition.org/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seaweed-Revolution-Shaped-Past-Future/dp/1915643856https://twitter.com/doumeizel?lang=en-GBhttps://www.undercurrentstories.com/https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstoriesQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Join us as we sit down with John McGlothlin, a former US Army paratrooper turned author, to discuss the invaluable lessons from his military experience that translate into everyday life. John shares his compelling personal journey from his youth, living with his grandmother, to his post-9/11 military service as an Arabic linguist, JAG officer, and eventually an adjunct professor. Listen in as we unravel the five key traits  that John has identified and cultivated throughout his career, all of which he masterfully ties into his book, "How to Deal with Damn Near Anything: The Paratrooper's Guide to Life."Through John's captivating anecdotes, we uncover not only the strength forged in the camaraderie of a 'battle buddy' but also how military discipline can shape the way we form relationships and set boundaries in every aspect of life. From the transformative power of learning to speak up to the critical role of feedback in personal growth, John's reflections offer a blueprint for personal development that resonates beyond the military sphere. As we chart a course through the challenges of AI and social media's impact on today's youth, John's insights serve as a beacon, guiding us toward a more resilient and adaptable future. Don't miss this deep dive into the profound lessons that John has to offer; it might just change the way you face your daily battles.John's links;https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmauthor/https://www.johnmcglothlin.com/Undercurrent Stories Links;https://www.undercurrentstories.com/https://open.spotify.com/show/1UVol5gkqWKltoi5PrJ4F9?si=beeaa5b354bd42f8https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/undercurrent-stories/id1508727524https://www.instagram.com/undercurrentstories/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Feel the rhythm of a bygone era as I sit down with the charismatic Danielz of T.Rextasy, the acclaimed and world's only officially endorsed T.Rex tribute band. In our heart-to-heart, we peel back the layers of nostalgia, tracing the influence of the legendary Marc Bolan on a generation of music enthusiasts. Danielz recounts his own transformation from a sports-loving teenager to a dedicated musician under the spell of Bolan's "Jeepster," drawing parallels to my own discovery of T-Rex's magnetic sound. We take you back to the thrill of flipping through vinyl at the record shop, where the anticipation for B-sides was as tangible as the grooves on the LPs. This is more than a chat; it's a journey through the very fibres of our musical souls.Venture behind the studio glass with us as Danielz describes the enigmatic partnership between Marc Bolan and producer Tony Visconti, which sculpted the soundscape of T.Rex's most celebrated hits. The intricate dance of Bolan's raw energy and Visconti's meticulous craft emerges through anecdotes, like the covert tuning of a guitar or the layered genius of "Metal Guru." This episode is a treasure chest of insider tales for fans and musicians alike, brimming with the what-ifs and might-have-beens of rock history.Closing our conversation we explore the trials and triumphs of paying tribute to T.Rex, from battling with record labels to the euphoria of planning a monumental 50-show tour. Danielz shares the essence of bringing T.Rex's hits and cherished B-sides to life on stage, ensuring every note resonates with nostalgia and authenticity. We celebrate the abiding allure of T.Rex's music as it continues to captivate fans across generations, proving that the boogie isn't just a dance—it's a legacy that keeps on grooving. Whether you're a long-time devotee or a newcomer to the cosmic energy of Bolan and T.Rex, this episode is a backstage pass to the undying spirit of glam rock.Danielz links:http://www.trextasy.com/https://www.instagram.com/trextasymarcbolan/https://www.facebook.com/t.rextasyQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Join us on a journey to the heart of Ireland as we welcome the extraordinary David Keohan, better known as Indiana Stones, to share his transformation from a life of revelry to a champion in kettlebell sport and a pivotal figure in resurrecting the ancient tradition of stone lifting in Ireland. Listen in as David recounts the rigorous training, dedication, and profound personal growth he encountered on his path to success. His tale isn't just about physical strength; it's a rediscovery of a rich cultural heritage that had been lying dormant for centuries, awaiting revival by those who honour the legacy of the land.Our conversation then takes us across the sea to Scotland, where we immerse ourselves in the history of the clach cuid fir, or manhood stones.  Hear about the emotional weight of lifting the Fianna Stone, and the broader context of standing stones and megalithic structures that dot the British Isles. These are not just stones; they are stories etched in granite, marking rites of passage and connecting us to a time when physical prowess intertwined with spiritual significance.Finally, as we wrap up we explore the captivating search for Ireland's lifting stones, including the Limo Flautist stone, a narrative that beautifully weaves together themes of strength, memory, and the cycle of life. Celebrate with us the moment when David's quest to lift a storied stone reaches a triumphant crescendo, uniting the threads of folklore and reality in a community's embrace. David's insights leave us reflecting on the undercurrents of life, the tales that live beneath the surface, urging us to keep the spirit of these stories alive for generations to come. Don't forget to engage with our community on social media and become a part of preserving these legacies.David's links;https://www.instagram.com/_indiana_stones_/?hl=enhttps://www.patreon.com/IrishstoneliftingandresearchQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com