In Conversation With... from the Devon Chamber of Commerce. Supported by Westcotts.

In this episode Stuart discovers exactly what it means to be a Lord Lieutenant for the county.  How do you become a Lord Lieutenant?  What are the duties?  And what are the responsibilities?  David Fursdon has all the answers, as well as tales of some remarkable encounters with the late Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh.  David also recalls his life before becoming Lord Lieutenant of Devon, from his time in the military to becoming a teacher. 

Also in this episode, Jim & Sam McNeill from Global Warriors face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on YMCA Plymouth.

Recording at Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Studios and Production

In this episode Stuart takes a trip around the world, from the comfort of the studio.

Firstly, he chats to husband-and-wife founders of Global Warrior, Jim & Sam McNeill who both have fascinating histories that take in everything from rugby to supplying equipment to blockbuster movies. They now explore some of the world’s most extreme environments from their Devon base.

Stuart then meets Rebecca Day of Rebecca Day 360.  Rebecca scours the globe sourcing ingredients and builds humanitarian projects.  We learn about some of her extraordinary journeys, the communities and individuals she’s helped and how she has experienced the world’s most notorious airport runway!

This episode also sees Simon Hallett, Chair and Owner of Plymouth Argyle Football Club face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on the Primrose Foundation.

Princess Yachts is a legendary Plymouth business that has a global reputation for manufacturing unique, high quality, luxurious yachts.  In this special episode of In Conversation With… Stuart visited their Newport Street HQ in Plymouth and sat down with CEO, Will Green where they discussed the logistics and challenges of manufacturing such an amazing product.

Will also talks about his life, his career and what living and working in Devon means to him.  And as a boat owner himself, Stuart does his best to talk Will into lending him a Princess Yacht.  But will he succeed…?

Supported by Westcotts

Produced by Fresh Air Studios Podcast Production in Plymouth

If you’re a Plymouth Argyle supporter, you’ll be green with envy as Stuart meets Simon Hallett.  They discuss how Simon divides his time between the United States and Plymouth, his plans for Home Park, the arrival of Wayne Rooney and how the fans are always his priority. 

We also discover what Simon’s wife thinks about his playing skills … on the ukelele! 

This episode also sees Dawn Melville & Elinor Eaton of Micronomy face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Plymouth Hub.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, the podcast production company in Plymouth.

Supported by Westcotts

Elinor Eaton & Dawn Melville run Micronomy – an enterprise that looks into the micro-interactions of businesses, in order for them to focus on their bigger picture.  Elinor and Dawn also talk about their past projects, health issues and even stand-up comedy!

This episode also sees Plymouth comedy lagend Suzy Bennett face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Jeremiah’s Journey.

Supported by Westcotts

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production in Devon

Suzy is a legend on the Plymouth comedy circuit and talks about her time in London, working with the likes of Jimmy Carr and Russell Howard, her charity work and her rather bizarre obsession with Torvill & Dean.

This episode also sees entrepreneur Angus Forbes face Stuart Elford’s Chamber of Secrets, whilst the 60 Seconds Charity Pitch spotlight falls on Hearts Together.

Supported by Westcotts

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast and In-Vision Studios in Plymouth

Angus is a businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who is originally from Australia and has now settled in Plymouth.  In between all that, he travelled the world, invested in Mexican food, married Dame Darcey Bussell and has been campaigning for Plymouth to have a democratically elected mayor.

Also in this episode, Food Plymouth is the subject of our latest 60 Seconds Charity Pitch … and we have a brand new feature – Stuart Elford & the Chamber of Secrets, where our first revelation comes from Sir Gary Streeter!

Supported by Westcotts

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Production for Business

Sir Gary Streeter will be stepping down as an MP at the next general election.  After 32 years in the role, he reflects on his achievements in his constituency, his faith, his lighter moments and the remarkable characters he’s met in the UK and abroad.  

He also reveals what advice he’d give to any young people wanting a career in politics … and you might be surprised by the revelation of his favourite film of all time!  

Meanwhile, the Alice Cross Centre in Teignmouth is the focus of our very first 60 Seconds Charity Pitch.

There's something of an environmental theme going on in this episode. Stuart first speaks with Amanda about what it means to be Nature Positive not just Net Zero and how local businesses can get involved with Devon Environment Foundation… just like Coldplay! Then Professor Lindeque talks about how her amazing work has led directly to a ban on microbeads from some cosmetics and outlines the work there still is to do. She then reveals how she acquired some sheep and has renovated an old fire engine. Meanwhile, Nadine Mashingaidze, HR Business Partner of the University of Exeter faces the Chamber Chief's Quickfire Questions!

In this special episode, Stuart talks to Mark Ormrod, the Plymouth-based former Royal Marine Commando who lost three limbs after triggering an IUD in Afghanistan in 2007. Following his recovery, Mark went on to win eleven medals as an athlete competing in two Invictus Games and was given a Pride of Britain Award, as well as receiving an MBE for his services to the Marines and veteran community. Mark's story is told frankly - and he doesn't hold back on the graphic descriptions of his injuries and the suicidal thoughts he had during his recovery. But Mark's amazing humour and determination win through... and he reveals his unique ways of scaring the neighbourhood children at Halloween!