Emma Burke, founder of Laceeze and Defiance, joins us to share her incredible journey from a simple idea to pitching on Dragons’ Den — and securing a deal with investor Touker Suleyman.

In this episode, Emma talks about:

⚽ How the Laceeze bands were invented to stop children’s laces coming undone

📈 Her growth aspirations for Laceeze & Defiance

🎤 What it was really like to face the Dragons in the Den

💡 Lessons from building a business from scratch

Emma’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and ambition — a must-watch for entrepreneurs and sports lovers alike.

Meet Jamie Riding – pantomime dame, Punch and Judy enthusiast, and full-time bringer of joy. Diagnosed with Asperger’s at a young age, Jamie talks openly about growing up, finding comfort in performance, and turning his love of theatre into a lifelong passion. From working with stage legends to performing magic tricks for fun and entertainment, this episode is bursting with laughs, honesty, and theatrical flair.

Whether you're into comedy, community theatre, or just love a good story, this one will have you grinning from start to finish.

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In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Grant-Braham — a man with one of the most diverse CVs in Dorset. From photographing high-octane races and leading Bournemouth University's Motorsport Research Group to serving as the Mayor of Poole and supporting the Poole Sea Cadets, Bruce shares stories from his life in service, sport, and community. Another brilliant conversation that captures the spirit of Dorset — dedicated, passionate, and full of surprises.

In this powerful episode of Your Voice | Dorset, we meet Magic by Alfie — a local magician whose career has taken him from Dorset weddings to the prestigious Magic Circle, and even a win at The Wedding Industry Awards.

But behind the applause is a deeper story.

Alfie opens up about his battle with depression and anxiety, and how magic became more than a performance — it became a lifeline. We talk about the healing power of creativity, the reality behind the illusions, and how personal challenges can sometimes be the driving force behind success.

🎩✨ A must-listen for anyone who loves magic — or just needs a reminder that transformation is always possible.

🎧 Hosted by Jecs Davies

In this episode of Your Voice | Dorset, we sit down with Vikki Slade, MP for North Dorset, for an open and wide-ranging conversation.

From her journey into politics to deeply personal reflections, Vikki shares what drives her — and why local issues matter so much. We discuss the growing wildfire risks in Dorset, the controversial topic of banning disposable BBQs, and how community engagement plays a vital role in shaping policy.

Whether you’re into politics or just care about your local green spaces, this is an episode worth tuning into.

🎧 Hosted by Luke Graham

In this compelling episode of Your Voice | Dorset Podcast, host Luke Graham sits down with Simon Hoare, Conservative MP for North Dorset, for an in-depth conversation about his years serving in Parliament.

Simon shares candid insights about his experiences as an MP, the challenges of political life, and his honest views on major global issues. From his thoughts on Donald Trump's presidency ("I don't think I'm on his Christmas card list") to the complex situation in the Middle East, this is a rare glimpse into the mind of one of Dorset's key political figures.

Whether you're interested in local politics or want to understand how global events affect our community, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from someone at the heart of Westminster politics.

Rod Kennedy’s journey through the world of opera is nothing short of remarkable. From performing alongside legends like Pavarotti to directing the Dorset Opera Festival, Rod shares stories from the stage and his passion for bringing opera to new audiences.

In this episode, host Luke sits down with Sam Everard, founder and CEO of the Bournemouth-based charity SAMEE (Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship), and Wayne Ingram, to discuss their groundbreaking work in supporting disabled and neurodivergent individuals to explore self-employment as a viable career path.

Sam shares insights from her recent trip to Vienna, where she presented SAMEE's innovative employment programme at the Austrian Parliament as part of the Zero Project 2025 Conference. This prestigious recognition highlights SAMEE's impact, being one of only two UK organisations selected for this honour, alongside the BBC.

The conversation also touches on lighter moments, including Sam's memorable encounter with Dave the dog, adding a personal touch to the inspiring narrative.

Discover how SAMEE is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those often overlooked in the traditional employment landscape.

In this episode, Marilyn chats with singer-songwriter Polly Morris, a Dorset talent known for her witty lyrics, heartfelt tunes, and infectious energy. From writing songs that make you laugh to those that make you think, Polly opens up about her inspirations, her journey to album number eight, and what it really feels like to share her music with the world.

In this episode, Marilyn speaks with Peter and Linda Thornton, who turned personal tragedy into a powerful legacy. After losing their son John in the Afghanistan war, they founded the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation – a charity that offers support and grants to young people chasing their dreams. It’s an inspiring story of love, resilience, and making a difference.