In this engaging episode of What's Your Stori?, James welcomes Tracy Pike MBE, Chief Executive Officer of CYCA.

Tracy delves into her extensive career in youth wellbeing, discussing the wide-ranging services offered by her charity, including mental health support, social prescribing, and family therapy.

She highlights the importance of addressing trauma, forming secure attachments, and empowering families. Tracy also shares her thoughts on resilience, the critical role of continued education, and her personal experiences, including receiving an MBE.

Tune in to learn about the impactful work Psych is doing and discover practical insights into improving youth mental health and wellbeing.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to What's Your Stori? Podcast00:38 Meet Tracy Pike MBE: A Local Charity Leader01:22 James Joins as a Trustee02:24 A Week in the Life of a CEO and Wellbeing Practitioner05:13 Making a Difference in Children's Lives13:40 The Role of Trauma in Child Development16:44 The Importance of Secure Attachments29:06 Continuous Learning and Professional Growth31:55 Reflections on Retirement and Future Goals32:45 Insights from Lifelong Learning and Writing35:41 The Importance of Language in Emotional Health37:32 Recognition and Achievements43:55 Challenges and Strategies in Charity Work45:59 Connecting with the Community and Future Plans52:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of What's Your Stori?, James sits down with Huw Edwards, the co-founder of Tidy Tea, to explore the journey of creating a sustainable tea brand from West Wales. From farming roots and challenges in the food industry to coming up with the idea during lockdown and navigating the complexities of production, Huw shares the inspiring story behind Tidy Tea. Learn about their unique plastic-free pyramids, the family's involvement, and their ambitious plans for the future. Discover how a small Welsh brand is making a mark on the national and potentially global stage.00:00 Welcome to What's Your Stori?00:34 Introducing Today's Guest: The Tea Boy aka Huw01:28 The Birth of Tidy Tea01:58 From Farming to Tea: A Journey of Innovation03:04 Challenges and Opportunities in the Tea Business03:52 Creating a Family-Driven Brand07:30 The Importance of Welsh Identity in Branding15:03 Navigating the Food and Drink Industry in Wales18:27 Expanding the Product Line: From Tea to Coffee19:14 Exploring Tidy Tea's Unique Products20:27 Exploring Tea Preferences21:05 Sustainability in Tea Production22:52 Innovative Tea Packaging24:02 Business Growth and Challenges28:50 Cybersecurity Concerns33:05 Lessons Learned from Scams35:08 Future Aspirations and Reflections37:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Meet Alun Jones, a self-professed social media geek and business owner, shares his journey in the world of digital marketing.

Alun discusses the inception and growth of his media marketing agency, Libera, founded in 2023, and elaborates on their content creation, paid ads, and strategy services. He also highlights the creation and success of the Social Media Conference Cymru, driven by the need for accessible industry learning within Wales.

He shares his passion for rugby refereeing and its role in maintaining his work-life balance.

The episode encapsulates insights into evolving digital trends, the importance of targeting audiences effectively, and the need for specialised local industry events.

In this episode of What’s Your Stori?, James chats with Celyn Lazenby, owner of The Strength Hub in Capel Hendre, Wales.

Celyn shares her journey from a young athlete dealing with an eating disorder to becoming a successful gym owner and personal trainer. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of opening a community-focused gym, the importance of mental health in fitness, and how her personal experiences shape her approach to coaching.

Learn about the innovative ways Celyn and her team support their clients’ physical and mental well-being, and the incredible growth of The Strength Hub in less than a year.Don't forget to subscribe and like this episode for more stories like this

In this episode of the What's Your Stori? James sits down with 16-year-old entrepreneur Lewis, the winner of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 award in the Carmarthenshire Business Awards, Chickwood Poultry. Lewis shares his inspiring journey of starting his poultry business at the age of 13, discussing the challenges he faced, his triumphs, and the various aspects of running a successful poultry farm. From selling eating eggs and breeding groups to expanding his operations, Lewis offers valuable insights into his day-to-day activities and future plans. Tune in to hear how this young business owner manages his time between college, farming, and other pursuits like fishing and football while maintaining a passion for his family's farming legacy. Timestamps00:00 Welcome to What's Your Stori?00:35 Introducing the Young Entrepreneur00:58 Lewis Thomas Early Business Journey01:58 The Birth of Chickwood Poultry03:17 Expanding the Business06:01 Understanding Poultry Breeds and Practices11:26 Challenges and Regulations in Poultry Farming17:57 Achievements and Future Plans21:49 Working on the Farm22:37 Balancing Hobbies and Business23:21 College Life and Future Plans24:41 Learning from Mistakes28:16 Public Speaking and School Life31:25 The Future of Farming41:01 Expanding the Business42:21 Where to Find Chickwood Poultry

In this riveting episode of the What's Your Stori?, James converses with Dr. Wyn Thomas who is a historian, author, and musician from Wales. They delve deep into the history of Cwm Tryweryn and the tragic flooding that displaced a Welsh community, while exploring its profound impact on Welsh political landscape and cultural identity. Dr. Thomas also shares insights from his personal journey, including his extensive work in mental health and his passion for music and storytelling. Discover the lessons from history that shape today's Wales and the importance of preserving these stories for future generations.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

00:55 Introducing Wyn Thomas

02:36 A Family Holiday in North Wales

04:38 The Story of Capel Celyn

08:58 Political and Cultural Impact

12:53 Liverpool's Justification and Controversy

16:55 Protests and Artistic Expression

20:58 The Rise of Welsh Nationalism

29:53 Militant Actions and Media Attention

31:26 Overview of the Trilogy

31:32 Hands Off Wales: A Historical Perspective

32:45 John Jenkins and the Bombing Campaign

33:10 A New Dawn: Post-Industrial Wales

33:25 Welsh Natural Resources and Governance

34:43 Children's Books and Historical Education

35:06 The Joy of Writing and Music

37:21 Christian Values and Historical Lessons

38:25 The Complex Relationship Between Wales and England

41:32 Creative Inspirations and Collaborations

44:11 Defining Success and Personal Fulfilment

45:50 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

47:59 Teaching, Lecturing, and Public Engagement

In this delightful episode of What's Your Stori? podcast, we sat with Lucy Hughes, fourth-generation senior director of Joe’s Ice Cream, a century-old brand based in Swansea, Wales. Lucy shares the inspiring history of Joe's Ice Cream, from its founding by Giuseppe Cascarini in 1922 to becoming a staple in South Wales. They discuss the challenges and successes of maintaining a family business, the importance of customer experience, and exciting future plans for expansion. Tune in to hear about the unique recipe that has kept generations coming back for more and learn about Lucy’s personal journey in continuing the family legacy.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

00:49 Introducing Lucy and Joe's Ice Cream

01:36 The Legacy of Joe's Ice Cream03:16 A Century of Ice Cream Excellence

05:42 The Family Behind the Business

10:34 Lucy's Journey and Return to the Family Business

14:12 The Importance of Customer Satisfaction

17:40 Valuing Employees and Family Culture

19:53 The Irreplaceable Passion of Our Team

21:05 The Secret Behind Joe's Vanilla Ice Cream

23:32 Expanding Joe's Ice Cream Parlours

27:26 The Importance of Branding

34:47 Inspiration and Legacy

In this episode of What's Your Stori?, James sits down with Kathryn Devonald-Davies, a renowned solicitor and entrepreneur, who shares her inspiring journey of running DPA Law Firm. Kathryn discusses the varied nature of her day-to-day work, the importance of offering world-class legal advice, and how personal experiences have shaped her career. She also delves into lessons learned in leadership, the power of authenticity, and the value of seeing crises as opportunities. Full of practical advice for business owners, this episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.TimeStamps00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:37 Meet Kathryn Devonald-Davies: The Best Solicitor Ever01:25 A Day in the Life of a Solicitor02:09 The Importance of Welsh Language in Law04:40 Kathryn's Journey: From Accusation to Aspiration06:25 Balancing Academia and Practice11:43 Resilience and Overcoming Challenges19:00 The Power of Clothes and Support Systems21:05 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey21:22 Creating a Networking Hub for Entrepreneurs23:12 Building and Leading an Effective Team27:03 Empowering Young Entrepreneurs34:17 The Importance of Legal Advice for Startups36:12 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode of What’s Your Stori?, James sits down with Lisa Fearn, founder of Y Sied Coffee and the original Pumpkin Patch Cookery School. Lisa shares her inspiring journey from working in financial services, to raising five children, to becoming a food educator, author, TV and radio guest, and coffee shop owner in Carmarthen.We dive into the realities of running a coffee and food business in Wales, from navigating VAT challenges to supporting local suppliers, and the passion behind teaching kids (and adults!) vital cooking skills. Lisa also talks about the importance of food education, community, family traditions, and sustainability, values that drive the Y Sied brand today.If you love entrepreneurship, food, coffee culture, or inspiring business stories, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Lisa Fearn01:00 – Lisa’s day-to-day running Y Sied02:20 – From The Pumpkin Patch to Y Sied Cookery School04:30 – Lisa’s career shift: finance to food & family06:55 – Early entrepreneurial spirit at 1808:50 – Starting a cookery school from her own kitchen10:40 – Why pumpkins? Branding lessons learned12:25 – Teaching kids (and parents) the importance of food14:40 – Growing the business beyond the kitchen16:20 – Building credibility through books, media & festivals17:25 – Challenges of running coffee shops today19:00 – VAT struggles & thin margins in hospitality21:00 – Coffee shop vs food business – which is harder?23:10 – The importance of local sourcing & supporting suppliers26:00 – Future plans for Y Sied & new projects28:50 – Why food education will always be at the core30:00 – Family meals, connection & mental health benefits34:00 – Who inspires Lisa & whose story she’d love to hear35:40 – Where to find Lisa & Y Sied Coffee

In this episode of What's Your Stori, James sits down with Duke Al Durham, a talented spoken word poet based in South Wales. They discuss the transformative power of poetry, particularly spoken word, and its ability to provide self-therapy and expression. Duke shares his journey with OCD and Type 1 diabetes, explaining how these experiences have shaped his work and life. They also delve into the differences between page poetry and spoken word poetry, and the creative intricacies involved in Duke's writing process. Tune in to hear about Duke's work with young people, his inspirations, and his imaginative book 'Imagine We Trade Bodies with Sheep.'Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:36 Meet the Guest: Duke Al Durham01:39 Understanding Spoken Word Poetry04:01 The Art of Page vs. Stage Poetry07:20 Creative Techniques in Poetry12:44 Influences and Inspirations17:39 Musical Collaborations and Projects19:10 Balancing Passion and Profession23:31 Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges24:59 Understanding OCD: Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions26:44 Personal Challenges: Living with Type 1 Diabetes27:09 Using Poetry to Cope and Connect28:29 The Power of Suffering and Perseverance29:53 Raising Awareness and Breaking Stigmas34:54 Creativity as a Therapeutic Outlet38:25 Advice for Young People: Finding Passion and Expression40:09 A Conversation on Influences and Inspirations42:55 Publishing and Promoting: The Journey of a Poet45:32 Final Thoughts and Future Collaborations