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 refurbished and given away nearly 400 bikes — all free of charge.

Stuart shares how the project not only brought joy to others but also helped him recover from a deeply challenging period in his life. What shines through is a story of human connection, kindness, and a deep belief that doing good doesn't need to come with a price tag.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why Stuart never charges for the bikes he repairs and gives away
• How cycling became a lifeline through his personal challenges
• Stories of local families and workers whose lives were improved through mobility
• The emotional reward of helping others without expecting anything in return
• Stuart’s philosophy: reuse, repair, and give back — no strings attached
• Why recognition (including a Royal garden party invite!) is just a bonus, not the goal

Highlights & Quotes:

🛠️ “Recycling the cycle — that’s what it’s all about.”

🎁 “When a child rides off on their first bike with a smile like it’s Christmas — that’s why I do it.”

🏆 “I’ve won awards, but I didn’t start this for recognition. I started it because I love it.”

Inspired? Here’s What You Can Do:

• Donate an unused bike
• Volunteer your skills in your local community
• Share this episode to inspire others to give without expecting anything in return

Resources & Links:

🔗 Bourne Bike Donation and Recycle UK on Facebook: 

🌐 More episodes: undercurrentstories.com

Support the Show:

If you’ve been inspired by Stuart’s story, consider donating a bike or volunteering locally. You can also share this episode with someone who you think might like it and please don’t forget to rate and subscribe!

Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

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 acoustic guitar, he has collaborated with top musicians and continues to inspire players worldwide with his unique style and musical storytelling.

In this episode we talk about the upcoming auction of 18 of his guitars (June 10, 2025) — each holding a story from his life on stage and in the studio — and how downsizing, legacy, and creative renewal have shaped his latest chapter.

We also hear about;

• Gordon's early days in the folk scene and friendship with Bert Jansch
• How Heartsong became an iconic theme and national favourite
• Creating music without formal training — and why “doing it all wrong” worked
• Thoughts on gear, tunings, and the role of the delay pedal
• Collaborations with Rick Wakeman, Brian May, and composer Nicholas Hooper
• The personal impact of losing his wife Hilary, and the music that followed
• Why he’s letting go of his guitars — and what he hopes comes next

🎸 Gordon’s Latest Releases:

• Starfield EP
• From Brush and Stone (Re-released on vinyl with Rick Wakeman)
• Travel Notes (with Chris McCormack)
• Scattered Chapters
  → All available via https://www.giltrap.co.uk/

💡 Don’t miss Gordon’s guitar auction on June 10th, 2025 — hosted by Gardiner Houlgate.
Details available on his website.

🎙️ Subscribe for more deep-dive interviews with creative minds at undercurrentstories.com

#GordonGiltrap #Heartsong #BritishGuitarist #GuitarAuction #FolkRock #MusicPodcast #UndercurrentStories

👉 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe if you enjoyed this conversation.

Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

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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 you could imagine.

I was lucky enough to interview Colin back in 2022, right here in our little village in Lincolnshire. With his passing earlier this year, it felt only right to bring that conversation back — this time as one extended episode. It’s funny, chaotic, moving, and full of Colin’s unmistakable charm. He’ll be sorely missed by his family, our community, and classic car lovers around the world. But what a ride he had.

Colin Crabbe, motor-racing driver and entrepreneur. April 14, 1942 - March 7, 2025.

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

🎙️ 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 comes to two of life’s most impactful topics—relationships and finances.

Abby shares her journey from nonprofit and corporate leadership to authorship and coaching, inspired by a Stanford Business School course she took with her now-husband that profoundly shaped their life together. She and co-author Myra Strober developed the “Five C’s Framework” to help others navigate life's biggest crossroads with clarity and confidence.

We dive deep into:

• Why we often avoid talking about money in relationships—and how to break the taboo
• The generational shift in financial transparency and how platforms like TikTok and Venmo /Splitwise are changing conversations
• Understanding System 1 vs. System 2 thinking and how to tap into your rational decision-maker
• A practical walkthrough of the “Five C’s” framework with a personal story about whether to move house during the pandemic
• Why delaying a decision is still a decision—and how to prevent regret
• How AI can be a thought partner in clarifying what matters most

Abby also shares moving stories from her own life and from readers, including those making end-of-life decisions, highlighting the universal value of structured, compassionate decision-making at every stage.

📘 New Release!
The paperback version of Money and Love is now available in both the U.K. and US. —perfect for grads, newlyweds, or anyone at a turning point.

🎯 Key Takeaway:
“Don’t slide, decide.” — The biggest choices in life deserve intentionality. Whether it’s love, career, or where to live, using a clear decision-making framework can lead to more confident, values-driven outcomes.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Visit moneylovebook.com to take the decision-making style quiz and explore resources.
• Find Abby Davisson on LinkedIn and Instagram for more insights.
• Purchase Money and Love at your favorite bookstore or online retailer.

 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.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 months, against all odds, they were crowned champions of the Midland Football League Division 1 at Step 6!  This is a story of resilience, community spirit, and the heart of non-league football.

🗣️ In This Episode:

• How Mark and Russell got into football and their personal connections to Nuneaton
• The financial and logistical collapse of the original club
• What it took to start a new club from scratch (CIC model, volunteer efforts, player recruitment)
• The unique dynamic of joint management between Russell Dodd and Darren Acton
• Achieving success on the pitch faster than anyone imagined
• Building a community-first culture: players, fans, and families all pulling together
• Transparency, budgeting, and sustainable growth strategies
• The ultimate goal: returning home to Nuneaton and building a new stadium
• The long-term vision for youth, women's teams, and local engagement
• Why non-league football is so vital and vibrant

🏟️ Upcoming Highlights:

• Final home game: trophy presentation and club celebration Saturday 19th April 2025
• Cup final at Walsall’s stadium on Wednesday 30th April 2025
• Aiming for a record-breaking crowd of over 1,000 fans

💬 Quotes:

"I'm a custodian. I'm only here for a short period of time—but if we can set the foundations of a strong club, that's what really matters." - Mark

"We are one club—players, fans, volunteers, the board. No egos, just a shared love of football and this town." - Russell

"Starting a football club from scratch is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do—but also one of the most rewarding." - Mark

"We didn’t just want talented players. We wanted the right people—the ones who would stay after the match, chat with fans, and wear the badge with pride." - Russell

🧭 Useful Links:
🌐 Club Website: https://www.nuneatontownfc.co.uk/
📅 Fixtures & Tickets: Check the website for the final home game and cup final details
📸 Follow the club on social media to stay up to date with the journey;

  https://www.facebook.com/NuneatonTFC/

https://www.instagram.com/nuneatontfc

👥 Get Involved:
Whether you’re local or just passing through, everyone is welcome at Nuneaton Town FC. Grab a burger, meet the players, and be part of something special.

Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

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 him most wasn't the physical challenge or stunning views – it was the extraordinary generosity he encountered along the way. From pub owners offering free accommodation when hospitality was struggling to waitresses donating their tips, these acts of kindness planted the seed for something transformative.

Inspired by this David set out to write about his walk in his latest book, 'Miles, Milestones and Memories'   and this September,(2025), David's Challenge for Change invites people worldwide to walk, run, cycle or swim, collectively aiming to cover Earth's circumference (41,000km) while supporting children's charities. The statistics driving this mission are sobering: 333 million children living in extreme poverty globally, a child dying every 10 seconds from malnutrition, and millions without access to education or support for disabilities.

What makes this initiative unique is its inclusive approach combined with local impact. Anyone can participate – from octogenarians walking a mile to ultra-runners covering hundreds – and choose children's charities in their own communities. For businesses, it offers team-building opportunities while supporting communities where they operate. For individuals, it's a chance to improve health while making a meaningful difference.

David's story reminds us that significant change often begins with simply putting one foot in front of another. Whether you're a dedicated walker seeking purpose, a company looking for meaningful team engagement, or someone wanting to support children's causes, Challenge for Change offers a framework to turn physical activity into global impact.

Ready to be part of something bigger than yourself? Visit  challengeforchange.org.uk to register for September's global journey and help children worldwide overcome barriers to education, healthcare, wellbeing, and safety.

David's book 'Miles, Milestones and Memories' is available now. https://www.waterstones.com/book/miles-milestones-and-memories/david-fenton/9781398471320

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

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:

✅ Rob’s personal background, upbringing, and what led him to politics

✅ His experience growing up in Lincolnshire and his deep-rooted family ties to the region

✅ The significance of the upcoming mayoral elections on May 1st 2025

✅ The benefits of devolution and what it means for Greater Lincolnshire 

✅ Key policy areas Rob is passionate about, including education, transport, infrastructure, and economic development

✅ The importance of local decision-making versus central government control

✅ Strategies for improving transport connectivity, including safer roads and better public transport options

✅ The role of education and vocational training in shaping future job opportunities

✅ Views on economic growth, business investment, and job creation in Lincolnshire

✅ The future of policing, crime prevention, and community safety

✅ The role of green energy, sustainability, and the impact of solar farms on agricultural land

✅ Encouraging political engagement and how local government can make a real difference

Notable Quotes:

• “The best policies are those that put people first, whether it's young people, working families, or the elderly.”
• “Devolution isn't about raising taxes locally—it’s about spending government money more effectively for our communities.”
• “Lincolnshire has a rich industrial and agricultural history, and we need to ensure that the next generation has access to well-paying jobs and strong local businesses.”

Resources & Links:

• Connect with Rob Waltham: Website: RobWaltham.uk
• Follow Rob on Facebook: Rob Waltham for Greater Lincolnshire Mayor
• Learn more about Undercurrent Stories and explore past episodes: undercurrentstories.com

Call to Action:
Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to Undercurrent Stories on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! If you have any questions or suggestions for future guests, feel free to reach out.

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

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 and Charlie Munger use books as a secret weapon for smart investing. Cole also discusses market trends, portfolio management, and the role of gold, real estate, and crypto in modern investing.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How reading books can improve your investment strategy 📚
✅ The importance of pattern recognition in stock market success
✅ Warren Buffett & Charlie Munger’s reading habits for investing
✅ Insights on US vs. UK stock markets and economic trends
✅ The role of gold, real estate, and cryptocurrencies in today’s economy
✅ How to build long-term wealth through smart investing
✅ The benefits of active vs. passive investing strategies

Notable Quotes from Cole Smead

📖 "All learning is pattern recognition. Investing is about discovering patterns before the market does."
📊 "The stock market wasn’t created to make everyone rich – it rewards those who think long-term."
💡 "Where your money is, is where your heart is. That’s why we invest alongside our clients."

Resources & Mentions

📚 Podcast: A Book with Legs – Listen Here
🌎 Investment Firm: Smead Capital Management
📖 Recommended Books: Investing: The Last Liberal Art by Robert Hagstrom / You Can Be a Stock Market Genius by Joel Greenblatt

Connect with Cole Smead

🔗 Website: Smead Capital Management
🐦 Twitter/X: @cole_smead
📌 LinkedIn: Cole Smead

📢 Listen & Subscribe!

 Don’t forget to subscribe to Undercurrent Stories on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

To celebrate St Patrick's Day here is another chance to hear this interview with legendary guitarist Eric Bell from the equally iconic and legendary Irish hard rock band, Thin Lizzy.

This episode was originally released in March 2023.

Episode photo attributed with thanks -  By Klaus Hiltscher - https://www.flickr.com/photos/khiltscher/3141138463/in/faves-24788065@N02/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15531140

With it's haunting and mesmerising guitar intro many listeners will be familiar with the Thin Lizzy hit, Whisky in the Jar which reached no. 6 in the UK charts in 1973.

My guest today is the legendary former lead guitarist and founding member of Thin Lizzy, Eric Bell.  As well as playing on that famous song, Eric recorded 3 albums with Thin Lizzy,  'Thin Lizzy,' ' Shades of a Blue Orphanage' and 'Vagabonds of the Western World.'
In our conversation Eric talks about;

1) His introduction to the guitar

2) Playing in Irish Showbands

3) How a chance meeting with Phil Lynott and Brian Downey led to the formation of Thin Lizzy

4) How the trio wrote songs

5) The story of how Whisky in the Jar was never intended to be a single!

6) Reaching success and how Phil Lynott developed his enigmatic stage persona

7) His career after Thin Lizzy, including playing with Jimi Hendrix's bassist Noel Redding

8)The Eric Bell Trio

9) Valuable lessons about performing for other musicians

10) Eric's autobiography, 'Remembering'

11) Songwriting  and much more.

If you are a Thin Lizzy fan I hope that you will enjoy this episode and for those listeners who may not be too familiar with the band but would like to hear a captivating tale from a true gentleman and one of the worlds greatest  guitarists, this is for you. Enjoy!

Eric's links;
https://www.facebook.com/EricBellOfficial
http://www.oftheedgeproductions.com/index.html

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com

Steve Gillson—coach, mentor, educator, and digital marketing expert  shares his incredible journey from a successful corporate boardroom career in sales and marketing to a transformative new path in coaching, mentoring, and digital strategy.

We explore Steve’s fascinating life journey, including:
 ✅ His transition from the corporate world to a more purpose-driven career
 ✅ The challenges of moving to France and starting over
 ✅ How launching a toy bank for children in need sparked his interest in digital marketing
 ✅ His work with https://www.heropreneurs.co.uk/ , mentoring military veterans in business
✅ The power of SEO and digital marketing for small businesses and coaches
✅ His near-death experiences while travelling and how they shaped his outlook on life

Steve also discusses his latest venture, The Coaches Growth Club, where he helps coaches and entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of digital marketing to grow their businesses effectively.

Memorable quotes:

"I bet on myself."

"You need to be the filter."

"SEO is crucial to everything really."

"Networking still matters."

"It's about imperfect action.

"I hit rock bottom at that point."

"Transforming people's business dreams into profitable reality."

"I faced a near-death experience and it changed my life for the better"

Where to Find Steve:

 🌎 Website: https://mindsettomarketing.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gillson2121/
🏛 UK College of Personal Development: ukcpd.co.uk

💬 "If you want to transform dreams into reality, Steve’s insights are invaluable."

Question or comment? Send us a text message.

www.undercurrentstories.com