The Idea Junkies Podcast

Nishma Patel Robb has transformed storytelling into a superpower. The former head of marketing for Google and Youtube, she is a champion of creativity, of building a personal brand, and is now on a mission to empower women to own their narratives. She discusses how standing out beats fitting in, why financial empowerment is essential for real change, and how embracing your uniqueness is the key to success.

Episode 008 - Show Notes

Episode Title:Owning Your Narrative with Nishma Patel Robb

Episode Description:In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by Nishma Patel Robb, former Head of Marketing for Google and a trailblazing entrepreneur now leading the charge to empower women through her new venture, The Glittersphere. Nishma has spent years transforming the digital landscape for brands like YouTube and Google, and is now focused on helping women be seen, heard, and celebrated in leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship.

This conversation is a behind-the-curtain peek into Nishma’s journey from corporate titan to visionary founder, revealing her passion for storytelling and creativity as tools for change. Nishma shares her candid insights into the advertising industry’s “blandemic,” the urgent need to amplify women's voices, and her dedication to providing practical solutions for women to thrive in male-dominated spaces.

We dive into:

* How creativity and authenticity remain the most powerful tools for connection in a content-saturated world.

* The Glittersphere’s mission to empower women to build their personal brands, access investment, and take control of their economic futures.

* Why innovation and creativity are essential to breaking the cycle of boring, forgettable content.

* How ensuring women aren’t left behind in the AI revolution and embracing continuous learning is key to staying relevant.

Nishma’s practical approach to storytelling, empowerment, and leadership proves that embracing your uniqueness is the key to real success.

Episode Breakdown:Laura begins by introducing her guest, Nishma Patel Robb, highlighting her impressive career journey from Head of Marketing at Google to founding The Glittersphere, a platform dedicated to empowering women to own their narratives and thrive in leadership, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The conversation starts with Nishma sharing her background, from launching YouTube as a commercial platform in the UK to her current mission of providing women with the tools to amplify their voices and achieve economic empowerment. She explains how her passion for storytelling and creativity has shaped her approach to leadership and innovation.

Nishma then discusses the concept of the “blandemic” in advertising and creativity. She explains how the drive for efficiency and conformity has led to uninspired content and why storytelling and authenticity are more important than ever for connecting with audiences and creating lasting impact.

Next, Nishma introduces The Glittersphere and its mission to support women in building their personal brands, accessing investment, and embracing their uniqueness. She shares practical advice on standing out, building confidence, and finding your voice in a crowded world.

The conversation also explores the importance of economic empowerment and how financial independence is essential for creating real change. Nishma emphasises the need for women to control their careers, investments, and personal growth to truly thrive. Nishma and Laura then touch on the intersection of gender and technology, with Nishma warning of the dangers of women being left behind in the AI revolution and stressing the importance of continuous learning.

The episode wraps up with Nishma’s key takeaway: standing out is more important than fitting in. She encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness, own their stories, and use their voices to create the change they want to see.

Links and Resources:

* Join the Glittersphere: glittersphere.com

* Follow the Glittersphere on Instagram

* Follow Nishma on Instagram

* Connect with Nishma on LinkedIn

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to step into their brilliance.

Adventure isn’t about where you go, it’s about how you see the world. In this episode, professional adventurer and bestselling author Alastair Humphreys joins Laura Richards to explore the power of adventure, from cycling across continents to embracing microadventures and the doorstep mile. He breaks down why stepping outside your comfort zone - whether through an epic expedition or a single night under the stars - can transform your perspective, reconnect you with nature, and spark a deeper sense of fulfilment.

Episode 007 - Show Notes

Episode Title:The Art of Adventure, with Alastair Humphreys

Episode Description:In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by professional adventurer, author, and filmmaker Alastair Humphreys. Alastair has cycled around the world, rowed across the Atlantic, and trekked across deserts… but perhaps most inspiring of all is his mission to make adventure accessible to everyone.

From epic global expeditions to the power of microadventures and the doorstep mile, Alastair shares how stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t have to mean spending months away or spending a fortune. Whether it’s wild camping near home, sleeping under the stars midweek, or simply taking a different path on a daily walk, this episode is packed with ideas on how small acts of adventure can change your perspective, reconnect you with nature, and enrich your life.

We also explore the philosophy behind embracing discomfort, why adventure isn’t about geography but mindset, and how breaking free from routine (even in the smallest ways) can spark joy, creativity, and resilience. If you’ve ever dreamed of adventure but thought it was out of reach, make sure you hit subscribe. This conversation might just change the way you see the world around you.

Episode Breakdown:Laura kicks off the episode by introducing Alastair Humphreys and discussing his incredible career in adventure. Alastair shares his journey from undertaking extreme expeditions, such as cycling around the world and rowing across the Atlantic, to redefining adventure through the concept of microadventures.

The conversation turns to the barriers people face when it comes to adventure: lack of time, money, confidence, and the belief that adventure is reserved for elite explorers. Alastair breaks down why adventure is a state of mind rather than a destination and explains how anyone can start small, whether it’s an overnight camp near home or a new local route.

Laura and Alastair discuss his trek across Spain without money, relying solely on his ability to busk with a violin - a trip that, despite being smaller in scale than previous journeys, became one of his most powerful experiences. They explore how the challenge of stepping into vulnerability, whether through physical endurance or social discomfort, can be transformative.

From here, they dive into the rise of extreme endurance challenges like cold-water swimming and ultra-marathons, and why more people are embracing physical and mental discomfort to reconnect with a sense of achievement and self-discovery. Alastair shares why seeing others push boundaries helps shift our own beliefs about what’s possible.

The discussion then moves to comparison culture, particularly on social media, and how it can either inspire or paralyse. Alastair emphasises the importance of focusing on your own journey rather than measuring experiences against others. He shares why the best adventure is the one you actually do, not the one you only dream about.

Laura and Alastair then explore his latest project, Local, which focuses on finding adventure within a single map square. He shares how exploring his immediate surroundings gave him a deeper appreciation for nature, local history, and even political issues like land access and conservation. They discuss how small actions like litter picking, exploring neglected areas, and engaging with local spaces, can collectively make a significant impact.

As the conversation wraps up, Alastair shares his final thought: “One day or day one. You decide.” A reminder that adventure, change, and new experiences don’t have to wait for the perfect moment - the best time to start is now.

Links and Resources:

* Learn more about Alastair Humphreys: www.alastairhumphreys.com

* Read Microadventures

* Read Local

* Watch My Midsummer Morning documentary:

* Follow Alastair on Instagram

* Connect on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/Al_Humphreys

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little more adventure in their life!

Karthik Puvvada (KP) turned transparency into a superpower by building in public, growing online communities, and embracing permissionless giving. He shares how openly sharing your work accelerates growth, why helping others without expectation creates deeper connections, and why playing the long game is the key to success.

Episode 006 - Show Notes

Episode Title:

How to make the internet a better place, with KP

Episode description:

In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by Karthik Puvvada (KP), a builder, community leader, and advocate for building in public and permissionless giving. KP has spent years cultivating online communities, sharing his work transparently, and helping others navigate the startup and creator journey.

This conversation explores how building in public can transform not only your career but also your mindset. KP shares the lessons he's learned from launching multiple startups, growing an audience, and leveraging online spaces for meaningful connections. If you’ve ever wondered how to gain traction for your ideas or how to feel better when online, KP offers a wealth of insight.

We dive into:

* Why building in public is a powerful way to accelerate feedback loops, engage an audience, and create stronger connections.

* The concept of permissionless giving and how small, intentional acts of generosity can compound over time.

* Why playing the long game is the real key to success in startups, content creation, and life in general.

* The role of community in overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and how surrounding yourself with the right people can be a game-changer.

* Why the biggest mistake founders and creators make is expecting overnight success rather than embracing the process.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in your creative process, or wondered how to make your online presence more impactful, this episode is for you. KP’s approach is refreshingly simple yet deeply effective; he proves that trust, generosity, and consistency can take you further than any growth hack ever could.

Episode breakdown:

Laura begins by introducing the topic of the episode and her guest, KP, highlighting his experience in building in public, online communities, and startups. KP shares his background, from launching side projects to his current work at Paddle, where he runs the AI Launchpad accelerator.

The conversation moves to the concept of building in public. KP explains how this approach helps founders and creators receive faster feedback, engage an audience, and refine their ideas more effectively. He shares his own experiences of launching projects and discusses why transparency builds trust.

Next, KP introduces permissionless giving - the idea of helping others without expecting anything in return. He shares examples of small yet impactful actions, such as engaging with people’s content, making introductions, and offering support, that can create a more positive online space and lead to meaningful connections.

KP then discusses the importance of playing the long game. He reflects on his journey of growing an audience and building trust over time, explaining why many people quit too early. He highlights how embracing a long-term mindset leads to sustainable success and deeper relationships.

As the discussion continues, KP and Laura explore the challenges of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. KP shares how joining the right communities (whether through mentors or peers) can provide the support and encouragement needed to push past limiting beliefs.

The episode wraps up with final thoughts from KP, who leaves listeners with a key takeaway: play the long game. Whether launching a startup, building an audience, or learning a new skill, patience and consistency will always win.

Links and resources:

* Visit KP’s website: thisiskp.com

* Subscribe to his Substack: KP

* Follow KP on X/Twitter: @thisiskp_

* Listen to KP’s Building in Public podcast: YouTube

* Learn more about Paddle’s AI Launchpad: paddle.com

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love you to share it with someone who needs to hear that success is about the long game, not the quick wins.

Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid walked away from corporate careers to launch a global movement to help people become the best versions of themselves. They break down how quantum physics and neuroscience shape our identities, beliefs and transformations, explaining how reprogramming our minds can shift our reality and help us unlock our full potential.

Episode 005 - Show Notes

Episode Title:

The Science of Spirituality, with Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid

Episode Description:

In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid, co-founders of Now Is Your Time, TEDx speakers, Amazon bestselling authors, and transformational coaches who have impacted thousands of lives worldwide - including Laura’s.

This conversation bridges the gap between science and spirituality, making complex ideas accessible for both sceptics and believers. If you’ve ever been curious about the science behind manifesting, or questioned whether there’s more to the universe than what we see, Donna and Cheryl have answers that will challenge and inspire you. They explore the principles of quantum physics, neuroscience, and the power of thought, explaining how our beliefs shape our lives in ways we might not even realise.

For those who have dismissed affirmations and manifestation as just another TikTok trend, this discussion uncovers the real science and psychology behind these ideas. From Imposter Syndrome to identity shifts, this episode is about breaking limitations and stepping into your power.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your own potential, or wondered if there’s more to life than what you’ve been told, then this episode is the permission you've been waiting for to live life on your terms.

Episode Breakdown:

Laura begins by introducing the topic of the episode and her guests, Donna Elliott and Cheryl Reid, highlighting their backgrounds in mindset, neuroscience, and spirituality. Donna and Cheryl reflect on their journey from corporate leadership to transformational coaching, discussing how they made the shift and what inspired them to create Now Is Your Time.

The conversation then moves to the pivotal moment that led to the launch of Now Is Your Time. Donna and Cheryl share how personal events triggered their decision to leave the corporate world, the importance of role models in seeing what’s possible, and the limiting beliefs that initially held them back from embracing entrepreneurship.

Next, they break down the link between science and spirituality, explaining the Observer Effect and how our thoughts actively shape reality. They provide a straightforward introduction to quantum physics and discuss how neuroscience supports the idea that changing our beliefs can change our lives. They also explore the deep connection between identity, mindset, and manifestation, showing how practical science and metaphysical ideas align.

As the discussion deepens, they tackle the topic of limiting beliefs, particularly Imposter Syndrome. They reveal how subconscious programming keeps us stuck in repeating patterns, why our brains resist change, and the methods we can use to challenge and rewrite these internal narratives. The conversation then shifts to the impact of energy on our lives, explaining what energy healing is and how our thoughts create fields that influence our reality. They address the longstanding overlap between ancient spiritual wisdom and modern scientific findings.

Donna and Cheryl then explore the idea of the ‘Witch Wound’—the historical and cultural factors that have discouraged women from embracing their full power. They discuss why more women are reconnecting with ancient wisdom, how societal conditioning has played a role in suppressing intuitive and spiritual knowledge, and the current shift as more women step into leadership and self-trust.

To help listeners put these ideas into action, Donna and Cheryl outline practical steps for transformation. They discuss how to consciously shift mindset and energy, the importance of community and coaching, and why it’s never too late to rewrite personal stories. They emphasise the role of self-belief and practical strategies in stepping into a more empowered life.

The episode closes with final thoughts from both guests. Cheryl leaves listeners with the reminder, “Don’t believe everything you think,” while Donna encourages everyone to recognise their own potential, saying, “You are more powerful than you give yourself credit for. Get smart and learn how to use that power.”

Thanks for listening to The Idea Junkies Podcast. Subscribe for free to be the first to hear about new episodes.

Links and Resources:

* Learn more about Now Is Your Time at nowisyourtimeto.com

* Follow Donna Elliott & Cheryl Reid on Instagram

* Join their free online community, The Soul System on Facebook

* Connect on LinkedIn: Donna Elliott | Cheryl Reid

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that they are more powerful.

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Mel O’Connor spent over a decade working on an idea that no one else believed in - until the science proved him right. In this episode, he shares how Okkulo is transforming the way athletes train by sharpening their vision, decision-making, and reaction times, and reveals the unexpected benefits beyond sport.

Episode 004 - Show notes

Episode Title:

Turning milliseconds into game-changing moments, with Mel O’Connor

Episode Description:

In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards is joined by Mel O’Connor, CEO of Okkulo, a sports technology company transforming how athletes train. But Okkulo’s impact reaches beyond sport.

Mel’s journey is one of perseverance. He started out his career as a semi-professional footballer, shifting into costume design for film and TV, and ultimately ended up pioneering a system that challenges the way we think about reaction times, decision-making, and human performance. The science behind Okkulo shows that training the way we perceive movement can give players more time to think, act, and execute under pressure.

Athletes who train with Okkulo see the game differently, literally. The results speak for themselves, but the applications go further than elite sport. Mel shares how this approach is showing incredible potential for people with ADHD, sensory processing challenges, and even brain injury recovery.

Mel shares how decades of persistence turned a wild idea into a scientifically backed innovation which is now being used by top sports teams around the world, and how vision training could soon be a household essential - just like wearable fitness trackers.

This conversation is about pushing boundaries, backing bold ideas (even when other people say “no”), and reframing what’s possible when we look at performance through a new lens. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of science, tech, and human performance, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

What We Cover:

* How vision training influences decision-making and reaction times

* The story behind Okkulo and the research that shaped it

* What happens when you challenge an athlete’s perception of speed

* Unexpected benefits—ADHD, sensory processing, and rehabilitation

* The role of perseverance in bringing game-changing ideas to life

* The future of vision training in sport and beyond

Links and Resources:

Learn more about Okkulo: www.okkulo.comFollow Mel O’Connor on LinkedIn: Mel O’Connor

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes (like us!) in the power of perseverance and game-changing ideas.

TW: This episode talks about topics which some listeners may find distressing, including domestic and sexual violence, exploitation, trauma, the criminal justice system, and child removal. If you are struggling and need to talk, please reach out to someone who can help. Support is listed below.

Why do our support systems so often fail the people who need them most? Laura Seebohm joins The Idea Junkies Podcast to explore radical listening, systemic change, and how we can build services that truly work for women.

Episode 003 - Show notes

Episode Title:

Why our systems fail women (and how we fix them) with Laura Seebohm

Episode Description:

In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards sits down with Laura Seebohm, a long-standing advocate for systems change with decades of experience working in prisons, domestic violence support, and women's rights advocacy.

Laura shares powerful insights into how our justice, social care, and mental health systems often fail the very people they are designed to support - especially women. She unpacks the structural misogyny, policy failures, and barriers to support that leave vulnerable women trapped in cycles of poverty, abuse, and exploitation.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about social change, advocacy, and rethinking how we design support systems. Laura’s work is proof that real change starts with listening - not just hearing, but radically listening and using that insight to reshape the way services operate.

What We Cover:

* Why so many women in prison are victims before they are offenders

* The hidden exploitation within the criminal justice system

* How systems fail women—and what needs to change

* The power of co-creation and why services should be designed with (not for) those they support

* How systemic poverty, abuse, and lack of trust keep women out of traditional support systems

* Why data and risk assessments don’t always lead to better outcomes

* How grassroots organizations are leading the way in holistic, relationship-based support

Links and Resources:

* Follow Laura Seebohm on LinkedIn

* Learn more about Changing Lives and their advocacy work on their website

* Resources for support: Wearside Women in Need, Women’s Aid, Mind, Refuge

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to understand how real change happens.

Episode Title: How to be a better ally, with angel investor David Fogel

Episode Description: In this episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards sits down with David Fogel, a venture capitalist who is rewriting the rules of investment through his groundbreaking work with Alma Angels.

David offers a refreshing perspective on allyship - especially as a straight, white venture capitalist! He talks about challenging the traditional narrative around funding for women entrepreneurs, and offers practical ideas for anyone who wants to be a better ally. Through Alma Angels, David (along with two female co-founders) is actively trying to creating change, with a huge mission to generate £1 trillion in women-led wealth by 2050.

The conversation covers systemic barriers in the tech and investment ecosystem, the unconscious biases that plague venture capital, and explors how seemingly neutral decision-making processes can perpetuate inequality. David shares candid insights from his own journey, demonstrating how allies can meaningfully support underrepresented founders without falling into performative activism.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply someone interested in creating meaningful social change, this conversation offers actionable insights into building a more equitable business landscape.

What We Cover:

* The systemic challenges women face in venture capital and entrepreneurship

* David's journey from traditional venture capitalist, to ally and changemaker

* Practical approaches to creating inclusive investment ecosystems

* The concept of 'social business 3.0' – where impact is embedded in the revenue model

* Strategies for amplifying underrepresented voices in tech and investment

* How Alma Angels has invested in over 200 startups with female founders (and why they aren’t done yet)

Key Insights:

* Only 1.7-2% of venture capital funding goes to female-founded companies (still!)

* Alma Angels has supported startups that have raised close to £300 million in funding (wow!)

* The importance of creating diverse investment pools rather than enforcing quotas

* How affinity bias impacts investment decisions at both conscious and unconscious levels

Links and Resources:

* Find out more about Alma Angels here.

* You can connect with David Fogel on LinkedIn.

* Recommended reading: "Invisible Women" by Caroline Criado Perez

If you enjoyed this episode, we’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone you know would love to listen too.

Produced by: Laura Richards

Studio: Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio

NB: Occasionally we share affiliate links which means we may make a small commission on books, resources or products we share. Everything we share has been mentioned organically in the podcast episode, so you know it’s an actual recommendation!

Episode 002 - Transcript

🎵 Music 🎵

Laura: Welcome to the Idea Junkies Podcast, where we dive into the ideas and the incredible people behind them that are changing the world. I'm your host, Laura Richards. Get ready to be inspired by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are pushing boundaries across business, science, technology, sports, spirituality, politics, and more.

In this episode, I sit down with David Fogel, an experienced venture capitalist, startup advisor, and the former Chief Commercial Officer of the tech-for-good platform WeFarm. David is also the co-founder of Alma Angels, a community with a bold mission to generate $1 trillion in women-led wealth by 2050.

This episode is a candid conversation about allyship, from David's perspective as, in his own words, a straight white man. We discuss the systemic barriers women face in entrepreneurship, the persistent biases in funding decisions, and why women's voices are often ignored by the very people who need to hear them the most.

We also discuss the groundbreaking work of Alma Angels—from offering practical support, like childcare at events, to empowering a global network of angel investors. David's advice for aspiring allies is simple yet powerful: take action, amplify underrepresented voices, and embrace the discomfort of learning. If you've ever wondered how to be a better ally or how to address inequalities in startup funding and beyond, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Hi David, thank you so much for joining us on the Idea Junkies Podcast. It's great to have you here.

David: Thank you for having me, Laura. Really excited to be here.

Laura: Amazing. And we've got some quite meaty topics, I think, to dive into today. But just before we really get into the weeds of talking about allyship, representation, and systemic challenges around funding and technology, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up where you are now?

David: Cool. It may take me a while because I'm old!

Hi, my name is David, and I’m 45. I started my career in Israel, building FinTech B2B. At that time, it was the financial industry—basically taking and building software products for banks, insurance companies, profit, and pension funds. I grew the team to about 60 employees and then moved into venture, where I’ve spent about 12 years.

I started as an associate in a small B2B fund, and then I moved into buy-side and sell-side roles with conglomerates. I spent about three years working with huge companies that make tens of billions in revenue, helping them learn and build a strategy to engage with early-stage startups. That role was a great segue when I found an opportunity with Telefónica in the UK, leading early-stage venture and managing their accelerator.

I spent about three years doing that, building and supporting a portfolio of about 140 startups. Those startups ended up raising about $300 million in follow-on funding, which was a great experience. From there, I started my own fund with four other partners. We raised £150 million to invest in early-stage startups in the UK as a generalist fund. I spent four years doing that but eventually realised that my partners and I didn’t see eye-to-eye on how to move forward.

I also realised that I missed “doing stuff.” When you build a venture firm, most of your work is analysing and investing in companies that do things, but you’re not doing much yourself. So, I decided to step aside and joined a startup as Chief Commercial Officer and later CEO. We scaled that startup to 150 employees across 10 different countries and 3.5 million users. Unfortunately, in 2022, when the economy turned, our lead investor in a funding round suddenly dropped out. We had the dubious pleasure of learning how to close down a company of that size and scale.

Since then, my day-to-day work has been advising funds and startup founders on everything from commercial product strategy to fundraising. I’m also one of the co-founders of Alma Angels. We started Alma about four and a half years ago, while I was still a partner in the fund. Alma’s mission is to generate $1 trillion in women-led wealth by 2050.

We see women-led wealth from both sides of the table—either as angels who invest and take equity in companies or as founders of companies with at least one female founder holding double-digit equity ownership. Our goal is to support business growth so that equity creates future wealth. And that’s it!

Laura: I am really excited to find out more about what you’re doing with Alma Angels, but I want to touch on a couple of other things first. As an outsider, what I’ve always admired about the public view of your career is the opportunities you’ve taken and created. It feels like there’s this thread running through them, where you’re doing something a little bit different a lot of the time. Maybe not so much in the early days of B2B FinTech, but certainly more recently with Accelerated Digital Ventures—that was the UK’s first patient capital fund—and then with WeFarm, which was Tech for Good on a global scale. And now, of course, with Alma Angels. Does that feel fair? Has that been a conscious decision on your part?

David: Definitely conscious. I think when you look at decisions in your career, the thread you build over time in the narrative makes a lot more sense in hindsight than it does day-to-day. I’d say the day-to-day felt much more hectic, but I eventually got to a position where I was privileged enough to have options and could choose what I wanted. What I realised is that I want to work on a mission I care about—something that can actually make a difference. I want to focus my time and energy on something that can scale and create impact.

Over the years, I’ve developed a personal belief that impact and commercial success don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Most people think of it as an either/or choice—commercial or impact. But I believe there’s a middle ground, which I call "social business 3.0," where impact is embedded in the revenue engine. So, the more money a business makes, the bigger its impact. That was true with Accelerated Digital Ventures, it was true with WeFarm, and it’s true with Alma Angels.

For me, it’s about building systemic change. It’s about aligning the mission, the decisions in the business itself, and the revenue model in a way that works together. That’s definitely been clearer in the last decade of my career because I’ve had the optionality to look around and say, “This is where I want to focus my time, energy, and resources.” It’s what matters to me, and if it works globally, it will deliver an amazing return for me financially as well.

Laura: There have been lots of different trends and approaches over the years—people trying to brand impact, like “purpose-driven businesses” or “Tech for Good.” But this feels like more than that. It seems like you’ve developed a personal thesis: you don’t have to sacrifice doing well commercially to make an impact.

David: Definitely. The challenge is that it’s not applicable to everything. There’s room for philanthropy and charity, especially where the infrastructure doesn’t exist to allow for commercial solutions. In those cases, philanthropy can be the right approach. But if you want to create sustainable change, philanthropy alone isn’t enough.

Philanthropy often acts as a crutch rather than a solution. It can disappear when one person changes their mind, or when their heirs decide to focus on something else. But if you create a system where people benefit from using the products or services, and it’s sustainable without being dependent on one person or company, that’s how you build something that can create long-term systemic change.

Laura: That makes a lot of sense. And it feels like Alma Angels aligns closely with that philosophy. Is that fair to say?

David: Yes, I think so. Alma is very much built on that principle. When we looked at the challenges in venture funding, most of them aren’t coming from a malicious place. They stem from the way people naturally connect. Early-stage investing is very relationship-driven. People invest in those they feel a connection with, which often means individuals who look, sound, and think like them.

This isn’t about someone saying, “I don’t like women founders.” It’s about subconscious affinity bias. If you’re an early-stage investor and you meet five founders, and one of them went to the same school as you, you’re more likely to connect with them and give them the benefit of the doubt—even if their idea sounds a bit crazy. That’s how humans are wired.

The solution isn’t to fight human nature. It’s to increase the diversity of the investor pool. If we have more diverse investors, they will connect with a broader range of founders. At Alma Angels, our mission is to create a global community of 10,000 angels who care about this mission, with 75% of them being women. Today, out of roughly 450 angels in Alma, about 330 are women.

These women will naturally connect with founders who look like them. Again, it’s not about malice—it’s about nature. And yes, there is misogyny and sexual harassment in the system. I’ve heard horrible stories from female founders about fundraising experiences. But addressing those specific issues doesn’t necessarily move the needle on funding. It might discourage bad behaviour, but it won’t encourage investment.

Our thesis at Alma is that the way to create systemic change is to build a community that scales. Instead of creating one fund or syndicate where my co-founder Roxanne and I choose which deals to back, we empower a community of angels to find and support the best startups they connect with.

If we do this globally, we can invest in 1,000 female-led startups every year. By default, that changes the system. It increases the number of female-founded businesses going to VCs, and instead of 50 deals a year, they’re suddenly seeing 500. And because we fundamentally believe that women tend to be better business leaders on average, the numbers will speak for themselves over time.

Laura: I think that’s so powerful. From my perspective, I got my break working for a VC firm 10 years ago. I very quickly became interested in things like gender lens investing and the gender gap in terms of VC funding. That statistic—hovering somewhere between 1.7% and 2% of all VC funding going to female-founded companies—has been stagnant for over a decade, probably much longer.

It feels like so many of the conversations in the space revolve around the challenges, the biases, and the barriers. The problem with only focusing on those is that it becomes very difficult to bring people with you. If I’m sitting here saying, “More money should go to female founders,” it can feel like I’m attacking male investors, accusing them of doing something wrong.

What I love about your approach is that you seem to sidestep all of that and instead say, “Okay, we know affinity bias exists, so let’s create a wider pool of investors who can connect with diverse founders.” It feels like a very productive way to address the issue.

David: Yes, absolutely. And you’re spot on. I think there’s a perception that many people hold about the way investments are made. The truth is that affinity bias plays a huge role, and it’s not inherently malicious. It’s just the way humans are wired.

One thing I want to clarify is that I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t tackle the bad behaviour in the system—misogyny, sexual harassment, or any other forms of discrimination. But addressing those issues doesn’t necessarily result in more funding for female founders. It might discourage bad actors, but it doesn’t tackle the root issue, which is increasing investment in underrepresented groups.

What Alma Angels is doing is about taking a scalable approach. We don’t need to rely on quotas or try to push people into situations where they feel attacked. Instead, we’re building a community of angels who naturally connect with underrepresented founders.

Laura: That makes so much sense. But I do have to address something here. I’ve invited you, a man, to come on to a podcast to talk about allyship with female founders. I’m sure some listeners might wonder, “Why didn’t Laura invite Roxanne or another female founder instead?”

From my perspective, the fact that you look and sound like many of the male founders and investors who may not yet have this awareness is incredibly powerful. You’re in a unique position to reach people who might not otherwise engage with these conversations. Is this something you’re aware of or have thought about?

David: Absolutely, and I think it’s a valid point. I’m one of several co-founders of Alma Angels. When we started, it was me, Ella, Dipali, Christine, and Roxanne. I often jokingly call myself the “token white guy” because, let’s face it, you sometimes need one.

At first, I wasn’t looking to take on a spokesperson role. I’ve built my reputation fairly well in this ecosystem, and I wasn’t trying to take the spotlight. But over time, I realised the impact I could have. I started hearing from female founders and investors saying, “It’s so refreshing to see a middle-aged white guy speaking up about this. It shows we’re not alone in the room.”

There’s something powerful about hearing the same arguments, but from someone who doesn’t look like the usual advocates. It lands differently, especially when it comes from someone with my background—a middle-aged white guy who has been a VC and a startup operator.

I’ve come to see it as a privilege. My voice can contribute to this mission in a way that complements what others are doing. But it’s not about me; it’s about changing the system and showing what’s possible.

Laura: That’s really insightful. I want to pivot now to some of the practical things you’re doing at Alma Angels. Recently, we’ve seen examples from the tech sector where funding for women hasn’t been allocated as promised. There was the Y Combinator conference incident, where a woman was asked to move to a different room because she had her baby with her.

What I find inspiring about Alma is how you’ve embraced practical approaches to make your events and community as inclusive as possible. Could you share some of those approaches?

David: Definitely. One of the key things we recognised early on is that a lot of events are designed with the assumption that the attendee is a man who has support at home with childcare.

One of the first things we did was to make it clear that it’s okay to bring your kids to our events. We partnered with a portfolio company, CocoRio, that provides childcare services at events. They set up spaces where attendees could leave their kids in a safe and engaging environment, allowing them to focus on networking and participating in the event.

It’s a small change, but the impact has been huge. At our Alma Summit in June, we had five pregnant women attend, two founders with babies under one year old, and several others with toddlers. It was amazing to see how the community came together to support them. Angels helped carry food for founders juggling their babies, and no one batted an eye.

Laura: That’s incredible. And hats off to you, because as someone who’s organised events, I know how difficult it can be to find venues willing to accommodate those kinds of setups.

David: It’s definitely challenging, but it’s also a mindset shift. A lot of things in the business world were designed with assumptions about the audience. Those assumptions often exclude people. One of the best books I’ve read that articulates this is Invisible Women. It helped me frame these issues in a way that’s practical and accessible.

For example, when Apple launched their first watch, it didn’t work properly for people with darker skin tones because the team hadn’t considered that. It wasn’t malice—it was a lack of diversity in the design and testing teams. Similarly, when colour film for cameras was first developed, the "standard" for colour balancing was based on white skin tones. As a result, for decades, photographs of Black and brown people didn’t come out properly. These weren’t malicious decisions, but they were still problematic.

It’s the same with events. The average event assumes the attendees have no caregiving responsibilities. So, we proactively changed that by offering childcare. We also reconsider the timing of events. Not everything has to be on a Thursday evening. Early evening or breakfast events can be more accessible, and we’ve seen how small changes like these can make a huge difference.

Laura: That’s such a great example of systemic change—recognising the assumptions baked into the system and actively working to challenge them.

David: Exactly. And it’s not just about childcare. It’s about creating spaces where people feel comfortable. At the Alma Summit, we decided not to record any of the sessions. We leaned into that limitation and used it as an opportunity to create a safe space where people could have real, candid conversations without worrying about being on camera. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive because it encouraged open dialogue.

Laura: That’s such a good example of turning a limitation into a strength. I want to ask now about the bigger picture. Looking ahead, what do you think are the biggest challenges when it comes to addressing funding inequalities and systemic barriers for underrepresented groups?

David: One of the biggest challenges right now is the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion work. In the US, there’s been a lot of noise about "anti-woke" movements. It’s leading to situations where people throw the baby out with the bathwater. DEI initiatives are being dismissed as performative, and budgets for this work are being cut in tough economic times.

But this isn’t just a trend; it’s part of a broader cycle. Economies and societies go through phases, and we’re in a pendulum swing right now. While the current environment might feel more challenging, the mission doesn’t change. We need to find better ways to communicate the value of inclusion without antagonising people.

Laura: That’s so important—finding ways to bring people into the conversation instead of pushing them away.

David: Exactly. One of the biggest hurdles is the perception of privilege. When people hear the word "privilege," they often think it diminishes their hard work. But privilege doesn’t mean you haven’t worked hard; it means you didn’t face certain systemic barriers while doing that work.

We need to have open conversations about these nuances. A lot of people shut down because they feel attacked, so the challenge is finding ways to have these conversations constructively.

Laura: That’s such a good point. And it’s worth noting that we’ve been talking predominantly about women as an underrepresented group in this conversation, but the same principles apply across all aspects of intersectionality, don’t they?

David: Absolutely. Intersectionality is embedded in everything we’re talking about. No one is just one thing—I’m not just a white man, and you’re not just a white woman. But while intersectionality is important, I also believe in focus.

You can care about a lot of things, but you can’t effectively act on all of them. Impact requires time and resources, and those are limited. For me, Alma Angels is where I’ve chosen to focus because it’s where I believe I can make the most difference.

Laura: That makes sense. So, for men listening who want to be better allies but aren’t sure where to start—what would your advice be?

David: First, accept that you’ll make mistakes. Allyship is a learning process. As long as you come from a good place and are willing to learn, apologise, and improve, you’re already on the right track.

Second, amplify underrepresented voices. It’s such a simple thing to do. If you see a woman or someone from an underrepresented group posting about something important, share it. Add a comment about why it matters to you, or even just reshare it without commentary.

When I started as a partner in ADV, one of the first things I did was refuse to sit on panels with no diversity. When people told me, “We don’t know any women VCs,” I created a list of 40 women in VC and offered to introduce them. Little actions like that make a difference.

Laura: That’s great advice.

David: And lastly, find other allies to connect with. Allyship can feel isolating sometimes, especially if you're one of the only voices speaking up in certain spaces. But there are always others out there. Reach out to people you see championing these issues, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.

It’s also important to focus your time and energy on what you’re passionate about. No one can fix every problem, but everyone can make an impact if they choose a mission they care about and act on it. Alma Angels is a good example of that. In four and a half years, we’ve created a community that has invested in over 200 startups with at least one female founder. Those startups have gone on to raise close to $300 million in follow-on funding.

Laura: That’s incredible. And what’s particularly inspiring is how intentional you’ve been about building a community and creating systemic change, rather than just focusing on one-off fixes.

David: That’s the thing—if you focus on systemic change, the ripple effects are enormous. For instance, Alma isn’t just about angel investing. We’ve had about 14 Alma members go on to raise their own funds and another 20 join VC firms after starting as Alma Angels. By creating opportunities for individuals, we’re also changing the broader system.

But systemic change takes time, and it’s important to focus. You can’t spread yourself too thin. If you want to make a real difference, you have to commit your time and resources to something specific.

Laura: That brings us nicely to my final question. If there’s one idea or takeaway you want listeners to leave with, what would it be?

David: Start acting. Stop overthinking it. Just caring isn’t enough—you have to take action.

Laura: Take action. That’s such a powerful message to end on. Thank you so much for joining me, David. I’ve really enjoyed our conversation, and it’s been amazing to learn more about the work you’re doing with Alma Angels. We’ll add links in the show notes to the organisations you’ve mentioned and the resources we’ve discussed today.

David: It was my pleasure. Thanks so much for having me, Laura. I hope my answers weren’t too long!

Laura: The editors will let me know if they were!

Laura: Today’s episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast was produced by me, Laura Richards, with the help of the amazing team at Flamingo Heights Podcast Studio. Thank you for listening to today’s episode.

If you like what you heard, please hit subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. We’d also love for you to leave a review so other people can find our show and hear about the ideas that are changing the world.

If you’ve been inspired by what you heard today, why not join our community of Idea Junkies over on Substack, where you’ll also find all the show notes and links discussed in this episode.

We hope you’ll join us again for another episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast.

TW: This episode talks about attempted suicide, mental ill-health and injury. If you are struggling and need to talk, please reach out to someone who can help.

Contact The Samaritans free on 116 123 (UK) or 999 if you feel you are a danger to yourself or others.

Episode 001 - Show notes

Episode Title: How Cycling Saved My Life, with record breaker Josh Quigley

Episode Description:In the very first episode of The Idea Junkies Podcast, host Laura Richards sits down with endurance cyclist Josh Quigley, whose journey from personal despair to professional triumph is, quite frankly, remarkable.

Josh opens up about how a breakup in 2015 plunged him into a mental health crisis, leading to a suicide attempt that became the catalyst for change. Inspired by Sir Chris Hoy, he bought a bike - despite not having cycled since childhood - and set out to cycle around the world.

During their conversation, Josh reflects on the highs and lows of his journey, including six failed round-the-world attempts, battling mental health struggles, and surviving a near-fatal accident in Texas where he was hit by a car travelling 70 mph. He also shares how cycling became his lifeline, taking him from his darkest moments to breaking world records and becoming a professional athlete.

This episode is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, determination, and finding purpose in the face of adversity. Whether you’re chasing your own dreams or simply need a reminder that anything is possible, Josh’s story will leave you motivated to push beyond your limits.

What We Cover:

* Josh’s decision to cycle around the world after hitting rock bottom.

* The near-death accident that became a turning point in his journey.

* Breaking world records for the North Coast 500 and the greatest distance cycled in seven days.

* How cycling helped Josh overcome alcohol dependency and transform his life.

* His dreams of competing in the Tour de France and the challenges of professional racing.

Links and Resources:

* Follow Josh Quigley on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

* Watch the BBC documentary Cycling Saved My Life.

* Resources for mental health support: Mind, Samaritans, CALM.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a dose of inspiration.

Episode 001 - Full Transcript

🎵 Music 🎵

Laura: Welcome to The Idea Junkies Podcast, where we dive into the ideas—and the incredible people behind them—that are changing the world. I'm your host, Laura Richards.

Get ready to be inspired by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are pushing boundaries across business, science, technology, sports, spirituality, politics, and more.

In today's episode, I'm joined by Josh Quigley, an endurance cyclist whose story is a literal case study in resilience, determination, and the power of getting back up after failure.

Josh didn't start out as an athlete. In fact, in this episode, he talks about how he hadn't been on a bike since he was a kid before deciding he was going to cycle around the world.

What I love about Josh's story is how he shows that even ordinary people can go on to achieve extraordinary things, pushing physical and mental limits to new heights.

In our conversation, Josh opens up about the profound personal challenges he's faced, from overcoming mental health struggles and alcohol dependency to his multiple attempts at cycling around the world, each teaching him something new. From near-death accidents—including a collision with a car going 70 miles an hour—to being stuck during lockdown, Josh's resilience in the face of adversity is nothing short of inspiring.

If you've ever doubted your ability to achieve something big, Josh's journey will show you that anything is possible with enough grit and determination.

I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

Laura: Hello and welcome Josh to The Idea Junkies Podcast. It is amazing to have you with us today.

Josh: Well, first of all, thanks for having me. Thanks for inviting me onto the podcast.

Laura: I have been following your journey as you've been sharing it on LinkedIn from one of your very early attempts at cycling around the world, and I am really, really excited to be able to ask you a bit more about it today, and for our listeners to be able to find out a bit more about you.

Josh, your journey didn't start out as someone who thought they would be a professional athlete, did it? So can you maybe start by introducing yourself and in your words, how did you end up here as a professional cyclist training to compete in the Tour de France?

Josh: Yeah, you're definitely right in the sense that I wouldn't have ever believed when I was younger that I would be doing what I'm doing now. That's certainly for sure. I think that really all started for me, to be honest, coming from quite a dark place.

I'd been through a breakup with my long-term girlfriend around 2015—we'd got together in high school, kind of classic high school sweethearts, been together for about seven or eight years from about the age of 15 to just over 21. After that breakup, I was just in quite a dark place mentally. I never really expected to go through that.

Just after going through that for quite a few months in 2015, I decided to try and take my own life. I just felt that how I felt at that time, I was going to feel like that forever, and I just kind of lost all hope, really.

It was after surviving that attempt that I kind of had a wake-up call. I had been inspired by Sir Chris Hoy—had heard him at an event where he was sharing his story and journey as an Olympic champion, and I thought, "I'm gonna cycle around the world." That was really how it all began, and my life kind of changed in that moment.

Laura: And had you cycled before at all? Were you someone who enjoyed getting out on your bike?

Josh: No, I definitely wasn't a cyclist at that time. I think when I was a wee boy, really young like in primary school, maybe four or five years old, I used to always have bikes and going out on my bike, but that was about it—I'd never really been on a bike since I was a wee boy.

Laura: So how do you go from that really dark place, attempting suicide, to going out and buying a bike and setting off to cycle around the world? That feels like such a huge leap, and I'm sure many people listening would be sitting there thinking, "Oh, I could never do anything like that." How did you do it? Did you train before? Was it just a case of going one day at a time?

Josh: It's a good question. I think I've always been quite an extreme person. I've always been quite ambitious as well. That says a lot about me, that I even believed I was capable of cycling around the world when I wasn't a cyclist.

I guess I just took the first step, really, which was to try and make it all happen. At the time, I was running my own business, but I wasn't really fulfilled in that anymore. So I left that and managed to get some sponsors on board and people that were helping me out. I got a bike and basically had all the things to try and cycle around the world.

I just set off and took that first step, starting from Scotland and trying to cycle around the world. I was only doing maybe about 50 miles a day at the time, which felt like a lot—it was really challenging. It's funny now, if I was to go and do 50 miles, that would be like a day off almost. That's like an easier day. I wouldn't even really think about going out and doing 50 miles as a big thing, though at the time, it was obviously huge for me.

I think if I look back at that time in my life as well, a lot of people ask me, "How were you able to do that?" I think the way that I saw life back home at that time was really challenging. There was a lot of pain. I found it quite hard living in Scotland where I grew up, because I'd kind of been on this new journey with personal development and trying to feel better.

A big part of that was stopping drinking alcohol. I came from a working-class community in Scotland where I had a huge group of friends…

Welcome to The Idea Junkies Podcast

Get ready to explore incredible stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. In Season 1 of The Idea Junkies Podcast, we’ll hear from visionaries, innovators, and disruptors across a variety of fields, sharing their journeys of perseverance, resilience, and big ideas that are changing the world.

Follow or subscribe to join the journey!

Transcript: The Idea Junkies Podcast ep. 000 [Trailer]

🎵 Music 🎵Welcome to The Idea Junkies Podcast, where we explore the incredible stories of what happens when ordinary people choose to be extraordinary.

In each episode, we'll hear from visionaries, innovators, and disruptors who are pushing boundaries across business, science, technology, sports, spirituality, politics, and more.

You'll hear stories from people who've undertaken huge feats—like cycling around the world:

"I just knew that it was time for me to pick one thing, commit to it, and finish it, just for the sake of finishing it."

...to those working to change laws and make the world a better place:

"I got really interested working with these women, and I had a strong sense that the criminal justice system completely misunderstood them and their experiences."

...and stories of individuals breaking out of molds to reach new heights:

"I had this whispering in me for so many years, Laura. It wasn’t a new thing—it was really more, ‘How long are you going to keep denying it?’"

What I’ve loved about these conversations is that each person has an incredible story of perseverance, resilience, hard work, and sometimes even a little luck, enabling them to accomplish great things.

I hope you’re inspired by these conversations—and maybe they’ll help you start thinking differently about the world around you.

So, join me, Laura Richards, as we dive into The Idea Junkies Podcast.Follow or subscribe wherever you listen.

If you like what you hear, we’d love your help in sharing The Idea Junkies Podcast with more people 🙏