In this episode of Marlow Uncovered, we welcome back Emma Hawkins, the inspirational founder of Marlow Wombles, for a deeper dive into her latest mission: running as an independent local councillor.

Emma shares what compelled her to move from cleaning up Marlow’s streets to challenging its political culture—calling for collaboration over conflict, action over empty promises, and real representation for those too often left unheard. We talk youth engagement, skateparks, societal apathy, political toxicity, and what it really means to walk the walk in community service.

This conversation is about more than politics. It’s about resilience, integrity, and creating ownership in the community—especially for young people and the marginalised. Emma’s voice cuts through the noise with raw honesty and practical vision, offering a refreshing look at what leadership could (and should) be.

👉 Whether you vote or not, this episode will challenge how you view your local representatives—and why grassroots change matters more than ever.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Pike, also known as Magic Pike—an award-winning magician and proud member of the Magic Circle. From mind-blowing close-up tricks to full-scale stage shows, Jason has built a reputation for leaving audiences speechless.

We kick things off with a simple coffee shop trick that completely stumped me (and I still have no idea how he did it). Jason talks about what it takes to keep the magic alive after 20+ years in the industry, his journey into the prestigious Magic Circle, and how he crafts unforgettable moments for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.

We also dive into:

• His recent performances at big events like the Marlow FM Charity Ball and the Blackpool Magic Convention.

• What it’s like performing in front of other magicians who know every trick in the book.

• How he tests and perfects new tricks before adding them to his show.

• His exciting new Titanic-themed show in the works.

• Upcoming events, including the Hurst Family Festival and Henley Christmas Lights Festival.

If you want to experience the magic for yourself, you can book Jason for your next event or catch him at one of his live performances. Contact him at:

• Website: www.magic-pike.com

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 07816 818311

Show Highlights:

00:01 – Jason stuns me with a close-up trick

05:00 – Joining the Magic Circle (and performing for magicians!)

10:30 – How Jason creates and tests his magic

18:00 – New show: Titanic-themed magic and mind-reading

21:00 – Upcoming events and how to book Magic Pike

Don’t miss this one—whether you’re a fan of magic or looking to add something unforgettable to your next event.

In this heartfelt episode of Marlow Uncovered, John sits down with Rebecca Bennett, founder of Jack & Alice Crafts, to explore how creativity and community come together through art. Rebecca’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose—from her early struggles with dyslexia, to a successful career in teaching, and now, as a thriving small business owner and community builder in Marlow.

Rebecca opens up about her journey from secondary school art teacher to running her own arts and crafts workshops under the name Jack & Alice Crafts—named after her two children.

What began as a small needle-felting class during lockdown quickly grew into a much-loved local business, offering therapeutic art experiences for people of all ages and skill levels.

Rebecca shares how her workshops, often held in cosy venues like Costa Coffee and Marlow cafés, not only teach creative skills but also foster connection and wellbeing within the community.

In this inspiring conversation, you’ll hear:

• How Rebecca turned personal challenges—including being a full-time carer for her husband with long COVID—into the motivation behind launching Jack & Alice Crafts.
• The powerful role art plays in mental health, therapy, and personal expression.
• How her workshops build friendships and networks, creating a welcoming space for locals to learn and connect.
• The importance of community spaces in Marlow and how local businesses support each other.
• Rebecca’s experiences homeschooling her children and how it’s influenced her teaching style and approach to running workshops.
• Why needle-felting is surprisingly therapeutic—and why so many first-timers become hooked after one session!

If you’re passionate about arts and crafts, local business, or simply love hearing stories about people following their calling and lifting up their community along the way, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Connect with Jack & Alice Crafts:

Follow Rebecca on Instagram or visit here linktree to learn about upcoming workshops and events.

Like what you hear? Don’t forget to subscribe to Marlow Uncovered, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might be inspired to pick up a craft or support local makers!

In this episode of Marlow Uncovered, John sits down with Fred Parr, founder and driving force behind A17, a digital marketing agency based right here in Marlow. Known for their highly personalised and data-driven approach, A17 has been quietly transforming how businesses—both local and global—connect with their customers and drive real, measurable growth.

Fred shares how A17 crafts bespoke marketing strategies for businesses of all sizes, focusing on what he calls the Client Success Journey. Whether it’s developing hyper-targeted ad campaigns, leveraging AI for content strategy, or helping businesses refine their brand presence, Fred explains how A17’s in-house tools and unique approach remove the guesswork from marketing.

In this candid conversation, you’ll hear:

• Why a one-size-fits-all marketing strategy doesn’t work—and how A17 tailors each solution.
• How local businesses in Marlow can use digital marketing to stand out, generate leads, and boost sales.
• The role of AI in today’s marketing landscape—and why it’s less scary (and more powerful) than you think.
• How Fred’s background in fashion and creative industries fuels his passion for helping businesses grow.
• Real-life examples of campaigns that drove engagement and conversions by combining smart strategy with creativity.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup founder, or just curious about how digital marketing works in today’s fast-paced world, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Fred also opens up about A17’s commitment to supporting Marlow’s business community—making high-quality marketing accessible, affordable, and effective.

👉 Connect with A17:

Learn more about their services and book a consultation at https://www.a17business.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with anyone looking to grow their business in and around Marlow.

Episode 15: Healing from the Inside Out with Sarah Anne Haywood, Founder of Serenity Marlow

In this episode of Marlow Uncovered, we sit down with Sarah Anne Haywood, the heart and soul behind Serenity Marlow, a holistic health and wellness practice helping people reconnect with their mind, body, and spirit.

Sarah shares her deeply personal journey—from discovering her intuitive gift as a child to building Serenity Marlow into a safe space for healing and transformation. Through a powerful combination of therapies including massage, nutrition advice, reflexology, sound therapy, and energy healing, Sarah offers a unique approach that addresses not just physical symptoms but emotional and spiritual well-being.

We explore:

• How everything in the body is interconnected—and why healing must go beyond the physical
• The emotional releases that often happen during nutritional therapy and bodywork
• How Sarah’s work helps people process grief, trauma, and life’s emotional weight
• The importance of balancing the body’s energy systems (chakras) for deeper healing
• Her personal mission to empower clients to take control of their health and trust the process of self-healing
• The role community and giving back play in Sarah’s work through Serenity

Whether you’re curious about holistic therapies, feeling out of balance, or simply interested in the inspiring stories of those making a difference in Marlow, this episode offers insight, comfort, and practical wisdom.

Learn more about Sarah’s work at serenitymarlow.com

Subscribe to Marlow Uncovered for more conversations with the people shaping our community.

#MarlowUncovered #SerenityMarlow #HolisticHealth #EnergyHealing #MarlowCommunity #WellnessJourney

Alex Cheng, a former rugby player and Royal Marines trainee, is making waves in the local sports community with his Elite Rugby Academy.

Cheng founded the academy to instill core values like discipline and teamwork in young players, preparing them for both rugby and life. In a recent interview on the Marlow Uncovered podcast, Cheng highlighted the importance of these values and the contrast in discipline between rugby and football.

Cheng's journey to establishing the academy was marked by challenges, including a setback due to COVID-19.

Despite these hurdles, he has successfully built a program that offers high-quality training to students from both private and state schools, aiming to level the playing field. With plans to expand, including state school and girls' camps, Cheng is committed to providing opportunities for all young athletes.

His story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of sports.

Today, we're joined by Mark Harris, the founder of Enterprise Doctor. Mark's journey from owning an office stationery company to becoming a business consultant is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit.

With years of hands-on experience, Mark now dedicates himself to helping micro-businesses and solopreneurs thrive. His practical approach focuses on aligning business goals with personal objectives, providing actionable advice, and fostering client independence.

Mark's expertise extends beyond consulting – he hosts The Enterprise Doctor Business Show podcast and organizes Laptop Mondays, a free co-working initiative.

Join us as we dive into Mark's insights on building and improving small businesses."

Welcome to another episode of Marlow Uncovered.

Today, we have a special guest, Sarah Jane Cosgrove, who will be sharing her inspiring journey with her franchise business, Arbonne.

Sarah Jane's story is one of transformation and empowerment, showcasing how Arbonne has not only provided her with a flexible source of income but also aligned with her values of health, wellness, and sustainability.

In this episode, Sarah Jane delves into her transition from a busy corporate life to becoming a successful Arbonne consultant. She describes how Arbonne's plant-based, cruelty-free, and vegan products, ranging from skincare to nutrition, have not only improved her lifestyle but also allowed her to help others achieve better health and financial independence.

Sarah Jane emphasises the purpose-driven approach of Arbonne, highlighting its commitment to transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Throughout our conversation, Sarah Jane shares her passion for Arbonne’s products and mission, explaining how they have positively impacted her and her family’s health.

She also touches on the broader benefits of the Arbonne community, which supports both personal wellness and business growth.

Join us as we uncover the benefits of Arbonne and learn from Sarah Jane Cosgrove’s journey of balancing family, corporate life, and her thriving franchise business. Whether you're curious about Arbonne’s offerings or interested in exploring a new business opportunity, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Contact Information:

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone Number: +44 7947 183141

• Instagram: sj_marlow_glowup_mum

In this episode, Flight Lieutenant Daz White of the Royal Air Force shared his journey with darts and its impact on the military community.

Daz started playing darts as a child and rediscovered his passion during the COVID-19 lockdown. Recognizing the sport's potential to enhance mental well-being and foster social interaction, he established a local darts league upon returning to the UK.

The league, which began with just five members, grew to 19, highlighting the sport's growing popularity.

Daz's efforts led to the organization of the first-ever Inter-Station darts match between High Wycombe and Brize Norton, fostering camaraderie and competitive spirit.

Despite facing stereotypes of darts being associated with pub culture, Daz emphasized the professionalism and skill involved in the sport. He noted the significant interest within the military, with 600 registered players and some aiming for professional status.

To further connect and promote the sport, an online defense darts community was established, allowing players to compete and maintain statistics virtually.

Daz highlighted the importance of darts in providing a mental health release and a social outlet for military personnel. He also discussed the top players in the league, their backgrounds, and future aspirations for inter-services competitions.

Overall, Daz White's dedication to promoting darts within the military has created a supportive community, enhanced mental well-being, and fostered lasting camaraderie among service members.

Hayley Mansell is the founder of Marlow Celebrant, a company that specialises in creating personalised ceremonies for life's milestones, including baby namings, weddings, funerals, and celebrations of life.

With a 35-year career in journalism and a passion for storytelling, Hayley aims to craft meaningful ceremonies that capture the essence of individuals and their stories.

She offers a modern approach while respecting traditional elements, giving clients the freedom to include religion or create completely unique ceremonies.

Hayley's mission is to provide a platform for people to share their narratives and commemorate significant events in a profound and celebratory manner.