Undercurrent Stories

Hear this inspiring conversation with William Adkins  his intriguing journey from art school graduate to a remarkable teacher in Dallas ISD and his adventures in retirement. His fascination with art and global education was not only unique but also extremely impactful, leading him to a Fulbright Fellowship and a journey to Japan that would dramatically shape his approach to teaching. As he opens up about his experiences, it's hard not to be inspired by how he globalised his classroom, encouraging young people to think beyond their immediate surroundings and gaining international fellowships along the way.As William transitioned into retirement, he adopted a fascinating mantra - "negative split". This mantra, along with his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, shaped his outlook on retirement. In our chat, we discuss these influences, his thoughts on retirement, and his newly found love for hiking Camino de Santiago, a challenging pilgrimage route in Northern Spain. The tales of his hike, the challenges he faced on the trail, and the invaluable lessons he learned about slowing down and truly living in the moment, provide a compelling insight into his life post-retirement.William's journey doesn't stop there. His future plans include a potential move to Mexico, running another marathon, and expanding his YouTube channel titled "I'm Not Dead Yet!" Inspired by a Monty Python reference, it's clear that William’s sense of humour and zest for life are guiding him through his retirement journey. His captivating blend of artistic pursuits, global education, challenging hikes, and unique retirement plans make for a truly captivating conversation. So join us as we explore William’s fascinating journey, wishing him the best as he embarks on this new chapter of life.William's blog;https://www.nobodog.com/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

(Another chance to listen to one of our most popular episodes!)Prepare yourself to be transported back to 16th and 17th century England, where religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics were at fever-pitch. We promise to unveil the untold story of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, an event in British history often shrouded in myth and misinformation. With esteemed historian Bill Cunningham as our guide, we'll walk you through the gripping tale of how a group of Catholic conspirators, led by the charismatic Robert Catesby, planned to blow up the Houses of Parliament.As we journey through this fascinating period, we'll shine a spotlight on each key player - from the misunderstood Guy Fawkes, often mistakenly identified as the plot's mastermind, to the lesser-known conspirators such as the Wintour Brothers, Thomas Percy, Francis Tresham, and Everard Digby. Bill helps us unravel the intricate web of their interrelationships, as well as the clandestine meetings where they hatched their audacious plot, a plot born from deep-seated resentment and the desire for religious freedom. Together, we'll expose the nail-biting aftermath of the plot - the swift apprehension of the conspirators, their chilling trials at the Tower of London, and the ingenious way Guy Fawkes managed to dodge an even more gruesome fate. We'll reflect on the tragic repercussions for the families left behind, shedding light on the true cost of this historic event. If you've ever wanted to peel back the layers of Britain's bonfire-night tradition and explore the real story beneath the smoke and fireworks, this episode will not disappoint. So, buckle up and let's dive deep into the annals of history.Episode Highlights(00:08 - 00:42) Guy Fawkes and Catesby(05:42 - 07:01) The Gunpowder Plot and Religious Conflict(12:27 - 13:25) Plotting Against Queen Elizabeth(15:45 - 17:09) The Gunpowder Plot(23:43 - 24:35) Blow Up Parliament, Install Catholic Queen(29:13 - 30:17) Gunpowder Plot Conspirators' Trials and Executions(33:54 - 34:47) Origins and Paradoxes of Bonfire Night(38:03 - 38:56) Feelings About the Failed PlotEpisode Chapters(00:05) The Gunpowder Plot and Religious FrictionWe discuss the Gunpowder Plot, religious tensions, Robert Catesby and restrictions on Catholics during Elizabeth's reign.(11:46) The Gunpowder Plot and Key CharactersRobert Catesby, Guy Fawkes, Wintour Brothers, Thomas Percy, Francis Tresham, Everard Digby, and Queen Elizabeth are discussed in relation to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.(16:13) The Gunpowder Plot of 1605Robert Catesby was a charismatic leader who recruited for the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605, with Lord Montego and Robert Cecil playing key roles and Guy Fawkes being the most famous member.(27:59) The Gunpowder Plot and Its AftermathRobert Catesby recruited followers, including Guy Fawkes, to plot the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, leading to their trials, punishments, and tragic aftermath.(This episode is a repeat from Nov. 2020)Bill's Instagram page  https://www.instagram.com/williamdavidcunningham/Stamford Mayors Guides https://www.thestamfordtownguidedtours.co.uk/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Ever wondered how a punk band leader evolves from hardcore rock to Americana? Join us as we welcome the charismatic Blag Dahlia, founder of the iconic American punk band, The Dwarves. This high-energy conversation takes us on a musical journey through Blag's roots, his varied influences and the significant shift in his music style with his latest album release under the name Ralph Champagne. We also dive into the much-anticipated release of The Dwarves 'Concept Album' set for release on November 17th and their coinciding US tour.We then unpack The Dwarves musical evolution, exploring their genre transitions from hardcore punk to pop punk, 60s garage, and thrash metal. Get a sneak peek into their upcoming 'Concept Album' that boasts an eclectic collection of artists including Nick Oliveri on bass, Josh Freese on drums, and  Salt Peter. In a lighter vein, enjoy our chat about the humorous Ralph Champagne track 'Girlfriend', a delightful homage to the quintessential American sound.Finally, we take a look at Blag's solo endeavors and collaborations with producer Andy Carpenter. From 70s glam bands to country, Americana  and acoustic guitar-focused music, the range of genres is impressive. Blag shares exciting details about the upcoming Dwarves tour opening at The Rock in Tucson on 2nd November 2023, a potential UK visit, and moonlighting as an author. The conversation concludes with a preview of the band's future gigs with Bad Religion, their participation in the Punk in the Park Festival, and the re-release of the famous 'Blood, Guts, and Pussy' album. Don't miss this fascinating glimpse into the ever-evolving punk music scene.Dwarves Links;https://thedwarves.com/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Prepare for an enlightening journey as we sit down with Rob Moore, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Progressive Property and the voice of one of the UK’s most followed podcasts, 'Disruptors.' Rob’s unique story of overcoming early struggles with loneliness and conflict-avoidance to build a real estate empire is sure to inspire. But it's not just about his climb to success; it's about the lessons learned on the way and the wisdom he’s eager to share with us all.Immerse yourself in an engaging conversation about the complex world of finance and economics. Rob’s insights into the governmental role in taxation and debt, the power struggles amongst big banks, and the urgent need for a competitive banking sector promise to reshape your perspective. We also challenge the biases in mainstream media's coverage of monetary policies, and explore the potential of decentralised currencies and cryptocurrencies to disrupt the traditional financial system. Brace for a hard-hitting discussion on the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI). We delve into the dual use paradox of AI, highlighting its revolutionary role in diagnosing ailments and creating cures, as well as its potential misuse in creating potent diseases. Rob caps off the conversation with news on his upcoming projects and his ambitious goal of becoming a top recognised specialist in money. Join us for a captivating chat that promises thought-provoking insights and actionable advice.Rob's links:https://robmoore.com/https://www.instagram.com/robmooreprogressive/https://twitter.com/robprogressiveDisruptors Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/disruptors/id1076679649Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Imagine opening a restaurant that becomes a local legend - a place where the dishes are made with love, where the ambience feels like home, and where memorable stories are shared over plates of delicious Italian food. This is the inviting world our guests, Maria C. Palmer and her father Joseph Costanzo Jr., welcome us into as they share their story about the legendary Primadonna Restaurant that Joseph crafted in Pittsburgh. For seventeen years, Joseph owned and operated The Primadonna Restaurant in McKees Rocks, PA. The Primadonna was frequently voted the best Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh, receiving glowing acclaim in local the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and City Paper as well as national publications like The New York Times, New York Daily News, and Playboy. Joseph used his marketing genius to create his own bottled Italian salad dressing sold in stores and offered a Primadonna apparel line, essentially turning supporters into walking billboards. The restaurant’s recipes have been published in many cookbooks, including critically acclaimed food critic Mike Kalina’s Pittsburgh Cookbook. In 2001, The Primadonna became known across the nation as one of the premiere Italian restaurants, earning the prestigious DiRōNA Award. In 2005, after a targeted public investigation, Joseph lost his restaurant and spent time in federal prison. His life and the lives of his family members have never been the same.Writing a book isn't a walk in the park, as Maria and her co-author Ruthie Robbins found out. Spending many years to meticulously put together their labour of love, On the Rocks (The Primadonna Story).  they faced many challenges along the way. Maria opens up about the changes they made, the feedback they received, and the cutthroat competition they faced in the book publishing world. She also gives us a generous helping of the secrets behind the unique recipes included in the book, most of which are family heirlooms or inspired by the vast menu of their restaurant.Joseph, shares his encounters and experiences and stresses the significance of creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere and how it contributes to a restaurant's success. Maria discusses her experiences teaching Italian cooking classes and provides some invaluable advice to budding restaurateurs and authors. This episode is a savory mix of insights from the worlds of cooking and writing, garnished with personal anecdotes and lessons learnt along their journey. So, pull up a chair, and join us for this heartwarming chat with Maria and Joseph.Links:https://mariacpalmer.com/https://www.instagram.com/joecostanzoprimadonna/https://www.facebook.com/JoeCostanzoPrimadonna/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rocks-Primadonna-Story-Maria-Palmer/dp/B0C67L5P2Yhttps://www.amazon.com/Rocks-Primadonna-Story-Maria-Palmer/dp/B0C67L5P2YQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Ever wondered why buses often come in threes or found yourself captivated by the inherent beauty of numbers and patterns? Join us as we unravel these mysteries with our guest, Rob Eastaway, acclaimed author and one of the UK's leading promoters of mathematics. Rob shares his intriguing journey into the world of numbers, from his childhood filled with puzzles and games, to his significant contributions as a mathematics promoter and author. He also reveals his unconventional approach to numbers, using the allure of puzzles to encourage maths education.In this episode, we delve deep into the fascinating patterns that govern our daily lives and the world around us. With Rob as our guide, we explore the intriguing phenomena of bus arrivals, the power of threes, and the dynamics of traffic flow on motorways. Rob provides captivating insights into these occurrences and unveils how game theory and driver behavior influence the traffic dynamics we encounter every day. We wrap up the episode with Rob discussing his work as founder and Director of  Maths Inspiration, a theatre-based lecture programme designed for teenagers. He sheds light on his use of interactive games, such as the black and white hat game, to captivate his audience and illustrate the power of logic and deduction. Rob also shares his unique approach to engaging adult audiences, by blending maths and magic. He offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, 'Headscratchers' and other projects. Whether you're a maths enthusiast or just curious about the hidden patterns in everyday life, this episode is a must-listen!Rob's links:https://robeastaway.com/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rob-Eastaway/e/B0035XGEQS/ref=aufs_dp_fta_an_dskRob's latest book, Headscratchers is out on 5th October '23 Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

As a child growing up in South West London, the great outdoors seemed like a world away for Deon Barrett. Fast forward today, he's not only a passionate outdoor adventurer himself, but also a trailblazing inspiration for young people from urban communities. The first part of our conversation journeys through Deon's transformative path from a life on the outskirts of London, enmeshed in gang culture, to finding security and purpose in the British Army. Along the way, Deon discovered a love for the outdoors that has become his therapy and driving force.Out of his passion for the outdoors, Deon founded the True North Project. His ambition? To encourage young  people, especially those from ethnic groups and local communities, to embrace the mountains and Mother Nature. He shares the story behind his daring goal to summit Mount Everest by 2025 and his hopes to inspire others to take on their own expeditions, despite their background. But Deon’s story isn’t just about reaching the top of a mountain, it's about transcending societal limitations. It's about showing every individual out there that they too can have their "Everest", their high point, their ultimate goal. Their 'True North.'We wrap up our conversation discussing outdoor education for urban youth in the UK. Deon speaks effusively about his vision to bring outdoor education to students with limited access and resources. He shares the poignant impact of his recent expedition with a group of students to the Yorkshire Dales and how it has reinvigorated his commitment to his cause. Deon’s inspiring journey serves as a powerful reminder that the outdoors isn't just for thrill-seekers, but a powerful catalyst for personal growth and empowerment. Tune in for a tale filled with determination, resilience, and unrivaled passion.Deon's links;https://www.truenorthproject.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/truenorth_project_/https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/truenorthproject?utm_term=VJpZePZ36https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyH9VpEYmk51u7B-Qv1NlhwQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Growing up in Fulham, South-West London, Peter Jones, founder of Foyne Jones, embarked on a fascinating journey that saw him transform from a market stall worker to a prominent figure in the recruitment industry. Peter joins me to share his compelling story and valuable insights on the ever-changing recruitment landscape. He takes us through his career progression, from his early days at a builder's merchant to becoming a regional sales manager and finally, the London Sales Director at Jewson.Peter's  approach to recruitment is a breath of fresh air. He believes in using storytelling, video, and a mix of online and offline strategies to identify candidates that are the right fit for a job. He also emphasises the partnership and transparency that Foyne Jones Recruitment Group maintains with their clients, which has become a key element in earning their reputable status within niche sectors. But success doesn't come without its own set of challenges. We discuss the shifting work and recruitment landscape, and how the pandemic has drastically altered how businesses attract and recruit talent.Through our vibrant conversation, we explore how to recruit for the long term amid the current job market’s complexities. Peter strongly advocates for showing salary information in job postings and genuinely committing to diversity. We also delve into the emotional aspects of the workplace, managing emotions, and the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind. Wrapping up, Peter reveals what motivates him to dream big and the benefits of having a clear, consistent plan. Join us on this journey as we delve into the world of recruitment with Peter Jones, a man who has built his career on innovation, passion, and a tireless pursuit of success.Links;https://www.foynejones.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-jones-4bb7a434Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Ever wondered how the fading painted signs on old buildings tell stories of a bygone era? Curious about the hidden cultural narratives they hold? Join us on Undercurrent Stories as we dive into fascinating tales of ghost signs with Sam Roberts, an expert in the field. Sam takes us on a global tour, unearthing the history of ghost signs and how they've withstood the test of time in various parts of the world. From the UK to Egypt, we uncover narratives that these signs hold, the history of commercial paint on walls dating back to Pompeii and Herculaneum, and the oldest ghost sign in Bath, England, from the 1820s.In our deep-dive conversation, Sam enlightens us on the intriguing palimpsest effect of ghost signs, where multiple layers of paint can be seen underneath older signs, and the impact of UV light on these pigments. We also navigate the ethical questions surrounding outdoor advertising and its role in shaping our field of vision, providing a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of public advertising. Sam also shares his insight on different global regulations concerning advertising in public spaces, giving us a fresh look into how various cultural contexts shape this dialogue.The journey doesn't stop there! We explore the preservation of these unique signs with Sam. He introduces us to his methods, including local listings, conservation zones, and the crucial role of educating property owners about the historical and cultural value of these signs. We also get a sneak peek into Sam's book on ghost signs, the process of creating it, and his tips for those interested in discovering ghost signs. Join us as we unravel the world of ghost signs, their preservation, and the iconic narratives they hold within them. Tune in, look up, and let's uncover some stories!Sam's links:https://ghostsigns.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/mrghostsigns/Chapters:(0:00:06) - Exploring Ghost Signs(0:10:11) - Ghost Signs(0:17:52) - Ghost Signs(0:30:43) - Preservation of Ghost Signs(0:45:26) - Publishing a Book on Urban Signs(0:50:57) - Discovering Ghost Signs in Urban Areas(0:56:24) - Preservation and Conservation of Ghost SignsQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Join us on a journey through Elizabethan England with our guest and acclaimed UK author, Tony Riches.  He's here to unravel the narrative of his latest release, 'Penelope Tudor Baroness', the fourth installment in his captivating Elizabethan series. We explore Tony's meticulous research methods, including his fascinating visits to historical locations and his use of primary sources. He also takes us through his writing process, tracing the steps from a brilliant idea to a bestselling novel.We hear how Lady Penelope was one of the most beautiful and sought-after women in Elizabethan England. A complex and fascinating woman, her life is a story of love, betrayal and tragedy. Caught up in her brother Robert’s fateful rebellion discover how Penelope charms her way out of serious charges of treason, adultery, and forgery, and becomes one of the last truly great ladies of the Tudor court.A maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth, Penelope outlives the end of the Tudors with the death of the old queen and the arrival of King James, becoming a favourite lady-in-waiting to the new queen, Anne of Denmark. Join us, as we celebrate the strength of a woman in a world of men, and how her legacy was carried forward through her progeny.Tony's links:Website: https://www.tonyriches.com/ Writing blog: https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonyriches Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyriches.author Podcasts: https://tonyriches.podbean.com/ Tony's previous episode on this show;https://www.buzzsprout.com/856252/episodes/5102128Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com