Undercurrent Stories

Today I’m joined by returning guest Steve Carroll — artist, lecturer, and author of the Diaspora science fiction series.

In this episode, Steve opens up about the creative process behind his writing, and we dive deep into the role of characters in storytelling — how they evolve, why they matter, and what they can teach us about resilience, belonging, and transformation.

It’s an inspiring discussion not just for writers or sci-fi fans...

 Acclaimed historical fiction author Tony Riches returns to Undercurrent Stories to discuss his latest Tudor novels, Bess: Tudor Gentlewoman and Frances: Tudor Countess. We explore the hidden influence of Elizabeth I’s ladies-in-waiting, the challenges of bringing real historical figures to life, and why these women’s stories still resonate today. Perfect for fans of Tudor history, historical fiction, and untold stories from the pa...

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Colin Fisher, author of the book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. Colin’s journey is a fascinating one—starting out as a professional jazz trumpet player before becoming a leading scholar in organisational behaviour. His research digs into the dynamics of how groups and teams really work, why they so often succeed—or fail—and what leaders can do to harness their true...

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer  Quint Starkie joins us from his UK  tour to talk about music, meaning, and finding his true voice. From growing up in Lancashire to playing Hollywood clubs, and from house concerts in Sweden to emotional returns to the UK, Quint shares his journey with warmth, humour, and honesty.

🎶 Hear about:

• His early days learning classical guitar
• A life-changing offer on a yacht in Norway
• Recording w...

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to produce a classic hit? Or what goes through a producer’s mind when they're building a song from the ground up—or tearing it down to start again?

 Here to help us understand that process is Stephen Lipson. Stephen is the legendary producer and creative mastermind behind iconic tracks from Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Grace Jones, Annie Lennox, Simple Minds and many more including coll...

In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, we sit down with Pulitzer prize winning journalist and bestselling author Gary Rivlin to explore the trillion-dollar race to dominate artificial intelligence. Gary, a former New York Times correspondent and veteran Silicon Valley reporter, shares insights from his latest book, AI Valley, which tells the behind-the-scenes story of tech giants, ambitious founders, and the complex world of AI d...

In this episode, I’m delighted to speak with Rachel Barker, a leading expert in art conservation and the founder of Rachel Barker Associates. With a career spanning decades — including over 20 years at the Tate Gallery — Rachel has restored some of the most iconic works of modern art, from Lichtenstein’s Whaam! to the vandalised Rothko Seagram mural.

Rachel shares her personal journey from growing up amid the Troubles in Belfast to ...

Today, I’m joined by Neil Lawrence—someone who’s been at the heart of the UK’s builders merchant scene for decades. From starting out in South London with £20 a week to becoming Chief Operating Officer of Jewson and running some of the country’s biggest brands, Neil’s journey is full of lessons, laughs, and a few hard truths.

If you’re building a career, leading a team, or just want some no-nonsense advice about work and life, this ...

In this live episode of Undercurrent Stories, host Bob Wells sits down with John Coghlan, the legendary original drummer of Status Quo. From "Caroline" to "Rockin’ All Over the World," John recounts the highs, lows, and beat-driven tales of a life lived on stage, on the road, and in rhythm.

Recorded in a cosy Cotswolds pub, this intimate conversation dives deep into:

• How a school Air Cadet turned into a global...

In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of British artist George Underwood — a name that resonates not only in the world of fine art but also in rock history. From designing iconic album covers to painting otherworldly portraits, George's work blends the mythical with the emotional in ways few can match.

But George’s story is more than just brushes and canvas — it's also deeply tied to the evolution of British p...

This episode features music pioneer Bruce Woolley, best known for co-writing the groundbreaking hit Video Killed the Radio Star. But as this conversation reveals, that’s just one highlight in a storied and continually evolving career. From his roots in Leicestershire and his early inspiration from Led Zeppelin to forming The Camera Club with a young Thomas Dolby, Bruce shares his journey through innovation, collaboration, and sonic...

In a world where so much is driven by profit, Stuart Wills reminds us of the quiet, powerful difference one person can make — without asking for a penny in return.

In this heartwarming episode, I visit Stuart at his home to hear how a few unused bikes in a garage became a grassroots movement to support families, children, refugees, and low-income workers. Since founding Bourne Bike Donation and Recycle UK in 2021, Stuart has refurbi...

Gordon Giltrap MBE is a British guitar virtuoso known for his innovative fingerstyle technique and genre-blending compositions. With a career spanning over five decades, he has released numerous acclaimed albums, including the iconic Perilous Journey (1977), featuring the hit instrumental Heartsong. Giltrap's music fuses folk, rock, and classical influences, earning him a dedicated global following. A true master of the acoust...

Colin Crabbe was the kind of man who could spot a priceless vintage car under a pile of chicken wire in Paraguay — and somehow drive it home. A flamboyant racing driver, Formula One team owner, and classic car hunter with a taste for adventure (and a knack for trouble), Colin lived life in the fast lane — sometimes literally. From smuggling D-type Jaguars out of Cuba to crashing out of races in style, his stories were as wild as yo...

🎙️ Undercurrent Stories Podcast — Episode:  How to Make Life’s Toughest Decisions with Abby Davisson
📚 Featuring: Abby Davisson, Social Innovation Leader & Co-author of Money and Love: An Intelligent Roadmap for Life’s Biggest Decisions

Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, we meet Abby Davisson, social innovation leader and co-author of Money and Love, to discuss how we can improve decision-making when it com...

📅 Episode Summary:
This episode features two key figures behind one of English football’s most inspiring turnarounds: Mark Lacrouts and Russell Dodd of Nuneaton Town Football Club. Following the club’s liquidation and collapse in early 2024, a determined group of fans and community leaders rebuilt the club from the ground up—literally.

With no players, no ground, and just a vision, the new Nuneaton Town FC was born. And within...

What drives a marketing executive to walk 600 miles across England during a pandemic? For David Fenton, it began with gratitude for the hospital care his premature twins received 22 years earlier and transformed into something much bigger.

In this episode David recounts his remarkable journey that took him through picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains as he navigated the shifting COVID lockdowns. But what struck ...

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, host Bob Wells sits  down with Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council and recently selected Conservative candidate for Greater Lincolnshire Mayor. Recorded at the historic George Hotel in Stamford, this insightful conversation delves into Rob’s journey into politics, the upcoming mayoral elections, and his vision for the future of Lincolnshire.

Key Topics Discussed:

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Episode Summary

In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, host Bob Wells welcomes Cole Smead, CEO and portfolio manager of Smead Capital Management and host of A Book with Legs podcast. Cole shares powerful insights on how reading influences investment decisions, the importance of pattern recognition in the stock market, and how history, economics, and psychology shape financial success.

Discover how top investors like Warren Buffett ...