Undercurrent Stories

Unlock the power of lateral thinking with our insightful conversation with Paul Sloane,  a distinguished authority on innovation and creative thinking. This episode will guide you through the fascinating concept of lateral thinking, exploring its roots and its applications in diverse fields like business, public service, and the arts as well as our personal lives. We delve into real-world instances where lateral thinking has been employed, from innovative giants such as Uber and Airbnb, to more relatable everyday examples. Get ready to transform your thinking style and approach to problem-solving.Venturing further, we switch our focus to fostering creativity and lateral thinking. Hear about how the most ordinary situations, like Londoners adapting to a tube strike, can inspire unique solutions and new approaches to work and our private lives. Unearth the challenges and shortcomings in our education system's approach to creative thinking, and discover the immense potential of fostering creativity from a young age. As we draw on Paul's extensive experience with lateral thinking projects, we discuss the obstacles to innovation in the workplace and how to overcome them. Get set to spark fresh thinking and kindle innovation in your life and work.Paul is an experienced speaker, course leader and facilitator. A recognised authority on innovation and creative thinking, he speaks and gives workshops to leading corporations around the world. He is also the best-selling author of How to Be a Brilliant Thinker, The Innovative Leader, The Leader's Guide to Lateral Thinking Skills and he has just brought out his latest book, Lateral Thinking For Every Day- Extraordinary Solutions to Everday Problems.Paul's links:https://www.destination-innovation.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsloane/https://twitter.com/PaulSloanePaul's latest book:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lateral-Thinking-Every-Day-Extraordinary/dp/1398607940Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Strap yourself in for a sonic rollercoaster ride with the inimitable Steven Blush, the New York based  author, journalist, record collector and filmmaker who stands as a living monument to alternative rock, grunge, and all things hardcore. Steven navigates us through his personal pursuit of music and journalism, charting a course from the heavy chords of his first Led Zeppelin concert to the underground punk scene where he promoted bands like Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys. Our conversation is a heady mix of music, youth movements, and the ideologies that shaped them. We unravel the complex tapestry of American hardcore music, analysing its roots, its rebellious ethos, and its unmistakable physicality. We venture further, examining the world of tennis through the prism of Steven's latest book on Billy Jean King, and discovering the artistry in his unique writing process.Our journey together is more than just a chronicle of music history. It's a homage to the enduring power of youth and counterculture, from the explosive energy of punk rock to the aggressive thrash of hardcore. So whether you're a die-hard music enthusiast, an aspiring writer, or simply drawn to the transformative power of counterculture, this episode is a symphony you won't want to miss. Tune in, get inspired, and let the music play.Steven's links:https://www.instagram.com/thestevenblush/https://stevenblush.com/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Get ready for an intellectual and hilarious journey through the realm of reason and fallacy! I promise by the end of this episode, you'll have a solid understanding of how logical fallacies are woven into our discourse and how to sidestep these reasoning pitfalls. Join us as we chat with Jim Cliff and Mark Levermore, the brilliant minds behind the popular podcast Fallacious Trump. We explore the fascinating world of logical fallacies and discuss how they are used, and sometimes misused in politics and pop culture.We dive deep into the discussion about the intricate relation between logical fallacies and cognitive biases. The pair also take us back in time, tracing the history of these fallacies and their continuous identification in the present era. With figures like Donald Trump making these fallacies more apparent, the discussion becomes even more captivating. Moreover, we explore the critical role of education in shaping our ability to spot these reasoning errors. Comedy, social media, and their relationship with the spread of misinformation also find a place in our discussion.Lastly, we dissect how logical fallacies are utilised in political discourse. We scrutinise examples from both UK and US politics, including Boris Johnson's 'bent bananas' statement and Trump's endorsement of Hydroxychloroquine as a 'cure' for Covid 19. Our conversation underscores the crucial role of critical thinking in discerning and avoiding these fallacies in our discussions. So, tune in for a lively, enlightening, and educative chat that'll leave you equipped with the tools to navigate the world of reasoning more effectively.Links to all things Fallacious Trump including the Fallacious Trump Podcast;https://fallacioustrump.com/https://feeds.podcastmirror.com/ftrumphttps://twitter.com/fallacioustrumpQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Have you ever wondered what it's like to explore the world's wildest places and embark on life-changing adventures? Join us as we welcome Oli France, an adventurer, expedition leader, and speaker who guides teams through untamed landscapes with his company, Wild Edge. Listen in as Oli shares his incredible journey from growing up in a northern town to completing a degree in outdoor leadership and discovering the true essence of adventure and personal growth.We dive into Oli's extraordinary 2015 journey from Hong Kong to Istanbul, traveling across Asia and climbing at least one mountain in every country he visited. He recounts his experiences of the Tibetan New Year, evading Chinese police officers, and the warm welcome he received from the locals of Langmusi. Ollie also reflects on the diverse people he encountered during his travels, from humble Tajikistan villagers to billionaires and  ex CIA officers.Finally, Oli sheds light on how pushing our boundaries can profoundly impact our resilience and confidence. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and leaving our egos behind when facing challenges, noting that even the most prepared individuals can find themselves questioning their life choices on an expedition. Through Oli's fascinating insights and experiences, we uncover the true essence of adventure and personal growth – a conversation you won't want to miss.--------- HIGHLIGHTS ---------0:02:36 - The Spirit of Adventure (82 Seconds)0:06:55 - Memorable Moments on Solo Expedition (197 Seconds)0:10:13 - Evading Chinese Police (91 Seconds)0:14:05 - Wild Edge Adventure Company (79 Seconds)0:18:40 - Finding Joy in Unexpected Places (106 Seconds)0:22:31 - Wild Edge Adventure Trips Availability (71 Seconds)0:28:29 - Memorable Holiday Stories and Lessons (59 Seconds)0:30:31 - Detained in Uzbekistan for Drugs (122 Seconds)0:43:45 - Oli's Projects and Seven Continents Challenge (75 Seconds)Oli's links;Company :  https://www.wildedge.co/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/oli_france/?hl=enBook: The Trail of the Mountain Folk http://tiny.cc/h3i8vzQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Ever wondered how music journalists navigate the world of interviewing rock stars and their infamous egos? I recently  had the pleasure of chatting with Claire Moat, a music journalist, teacher, and owner of five horses, who gave us some fascinating insights into her experiences in the music industry. Claire shares her organic journey into music journalism due to her love for literature and the company she kept, recounting tales from her interviews with rock legends like David Coverdale, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne, and the strategies she employed to keep their egos in check. Claire opens up about her time as a music journalist  and discusses her role as Editor's Assistant - her day job while she was writing for music magazines. She also shares the challenges she faced in balancing her passion for music journalism with her other commitments. Claire's stories are a testament to her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to maintain that attitude even when dealing with some of the biggest names in the music industry.In this insightful conversation, Claire also talks about the importance of studying journalism, the skills needed to become a successful music journalist, and her thoughts on writing a book. We explore her admiration for authorship and the advice she has for aspiring music journalists. So, if you're curious about the world of music journalism or simply want to hear some fascinating stories from a true industry expert, don't miss this episode with Claire Moat!Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Join me for an incredible conversation with the legendary Ted Carroll as we journey through his 60 plus-year music career. From his start in the early 50s, listening to jazz and discovering Rock and Roll, to managing the band Skid Row, which included the talented Gary Moore, Ted's experiences in the music industry are nothing short of fascinating. Listen in as we reflect on the success of the bands he's worked with, and learn how he began booking gigs for English and Irish bands in the summer of 1968.Ted shares the story of Thin Lizzy's early days and the impact that Slade's tour had on their development – We hear how Lizzy's hit 'The Rocker' included the lyric "Rock on Stall," which was inspired by Ted's own record store. We also discuss the decision that led to Gary Moore's departure from the band and how Ted eventually made the choice to launch Chiswick  Records. Ted's keen eye for talent is evident in the bands he's discovered and helped, including Motorhead and Sniff 'n' the Tears.Finally, Ted opens up about his passion for music and how it led him to open his new Rock On Records in Stamford, using it as a platform to make people aware of great music. We also discuss his charitable work, selling memorabilia from bands like the Sex Pistols and the Clash to raise money for charity. Ted's story is an inspiring example of combining his hobbies and mission to make a difference in the world. Don't miss this captivating episode with the one and only Ted Carroll!Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Growing up as the daughter of notorious mafia boss Vincent 'the Chin' Gigante, Rita Gigante faced unique challenges that most of us could only imagine. What makes her story even more incredible is her journey of discovering her empathic nature and psychic gifts, which she now uses to help others heal. Join me in my conversation with Rita, an acclaimed healer, psychic, author, speaker, and teacher, to explore her fascinating story.In our conversation, we explore the dichotomy between Rita's upbringing and her path to becoming a successful healer and psychic. We delve into her coming out story, her father's expectations for her relationships, and the unforgettable moment when she witnessed a violent event as a young child. Lastly, Rita shares how she is taking her work out on the road and the ways people can connect with her online. Don't miss this fascinating conversation as we explore her incredible life's journey.Rita's link;https://www.ritagigante.net/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Join me in a fascinating conversation with Rob Deeks, the CEO of Together As One, a youth-led charity working to bring communities together through training, youth work, and creative projects.Rob shares his personal journey and the life-changing work he's doing with the charity, which is  based in Slough in the UK.Through a combination of training, youth work, and creative projects they aim to build bridges across diverse communities and foster peace.Listen in as we discuss the origins of Together as One and the challenges they face in addressing tensions within diverse communities.We explore the groundbreaking initiative that empowered young people to help address and resolve the conflict between various  rival groups.Rob also shares his experience of how Together As One becomes aware of and works to address tensions in communities, highlighting the importance of understanding the root of the conflict before finding a solution. We also discuss the impact of social media on young people's lives and the role it plays in exacerbating existing tensions.Finally, we discuss the power of education, sport, music, and art in fostering understanding and cohesion within communities. We learn about the innovative methods Together As One uses to engage and empower young people, such as their spoken word project.Rob provides some invaluable advice for anyone considering a career in youth work and the incredible impact it can have on the lives of young people and their communities.Link below;https://togetherasone.org.uk/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

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 expertise with you.In our conversation, we'll explore the techniques for mastering small talk, from defining it to developing it. You'll get valuable tips for handling these conversations, especially if you're shy or struggle with remembering names. Plus, we'll discuss Debra's book, The Fine Art of Small Talk, which offers great insight into communication skills. Tune in and learn how to elevate your small talk game and make meaningful connections!Debra's links;https://www.debrafine.com/https://www.instagram.com/finedebra/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/DebraFineThe Fine Art of Small Talk Book http://tiny.cc/7w47vzQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

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 the streets of Kolkata.Ēkajana inrēja kībhābē bhāratē giẏēchilēna ēbaṁ śilpēra prati tāra ājībana bhālabāsā ēbaṁ pratibhā kībhābē kalakātāra rāstāẏa basabāsakārī taruṇadēra jībana paribartana ēbaṁ unnata karatē sāhāyya karatē pārē tāra galpa.Steve Carroll, artist, author and teacher tells us about what life is like for people, especially for children on the streets of Kolkata where poverty, drugs and organised crime are rife.We talk about how Steve finally went to Kolkata and how, after experiencing poverty at first hand, he came  to love the city and it’s people. He discovered that his talent for art was not just a commodity but a way to positively influence young people’s lives for the better. Links to:The Charities; https://emcalcutta.org/  https://pursuitinternational.org,Steve's artwork; https://stevecarrollarttutor.uk/kolkata.htmlIf you purchase any artwork from Steve's Kolkata page all monies go to Emanuel Ministries Calcutta and contribute towards their precious work in helping look after children living on the pavements of Kolkata. Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com