Unexpected Turns - podcast cover

Unexpected Turns

Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear their amazing stories, be it surviving a prison cell in Myanmar, or learning to walk and even fly again after being paralysed. Jolted out of their comfort zone our guests have gone on to achieve great things.
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Episodes

Bob: Life at 102yrs young

It was a real privilege to spend an afternoon with 102yr veteran Bob and his wife June. Bob loves life and enjoys every day, chatting , playing the piano, games and the occasional dance with his wife. Listen in to find out what keeps him young and his opinions about life today.

Mar 20, 20251 hr 4 min

Top 10-Chris Reeves: 'Be your own hero".

No.1 Chris Reeves, 'Be your own hero'. Join Anne, Bev and Julie as they delve into the life of Chris Reeves, consumed with guilt Chris became so exhausted he would get out of bed to go downstairs to sleep on the sofa. Knowing something had to change he became his own hero, gaining energy and motivation by helping others do the same. Having set up 'Win the Morning, win the day', Chris is now known around the world, yet feels there is still so much work to be done, on himself personally and for ot...

Aug 16, 20241 hr

Top 10-Emma: Spectrum of Misconception

Top 2 Emma founder of spectrum of Misconception.. Does my child have Autism? Emma was positive her newborn Zach had Autism, and if he did what next? Frustrated at every turn, Emma set out to gain the knowledge and support Zack and other children with complex needs and disabilities deserved. Now the founder of Spectrum of Misconception, a social enterprise whose Ambassador, Dame Laura Kenny, is recognised world wide and an advisor for Hertfordshire Local Authority. Listening to Emma it is astonis...

Aug 15, 202452 min

Top 10-Pat Bambini 'War evacuee'

Our Top 3 episode and definitely one of our favourites. We were honoured to talk to the indomitable Pat Brambani about her life as a penniless child in the 1930s to finding happiness and respect as a young adult. Along the way Pat survived severe beatings and cruelty as an evacuee before finding love and friendship. Listen to her story, from the slums to hobnobbing with millionaires. AND today's episode only takes us to the birth of her daughter, Olympian and all round superwoman Lisa Brambani. ...

Aug 14, 202455 min

Top 5-Chris & Gabs 'Cycle the World'

Next up at No. 4 the inspirational Chris and Gabs. This was our 1st episode and now a few thousand downloads later we are republishing it with a quick update. Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, none more so than our first guests, Chris O'Hare and Gabs Gratrix, who are cycling around the world, well they are currently holed up in Georgia due to Covid restrictions. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear their a...

Aug 13, 202451 min

Top 10-Brian: Defying the Odds

Next up Top 5, Brian Wheeler. Brian describes his journey as a catalogue of failure and rejection, yet against all odds and defying medical logic he has truimphed. A competitive runner and rower Brian became paralysed overnight. Join Anne, Bev and Julie to hear his incredible story, of overcoming paralysis in order to run and fly again. His determination to walk and support others has resulted in him raising thousands of pounds for Aerobility, the Charity which enables all abilities to fly. This...

Aug 11, 202445 min

Top 10-Jane : Menopause Champion

Since this episode was released Jane has achieved masses, including getting her dream job! Jane James, always up for a laugh and fiercely protective of her friends and family Jane was a joy to be around. Then suddenly she ‘hit a brick wall’ , becoming anxious and a tyrant to live with. Find out why and what Jane has done about it. #menopause #menopausemandate #hrt #womenshealth #mentalhealth #unexpectedturns #unexpectedturnspod #realtalk #menopausematters

Aug 08, 202454 min

Alice: The House That Sat Down

One summer's day Alice arrived home, stepped out of the car, and stared as her beloved cottage slowly crumbled. Artist, mother, writer, school librarian, Alice May. Instagram : @alicegmay www.alicegmay.com What happened, and how did it change all their lives?

Aug 01, 202459 min

Top 10-Les: Filling the Void

Next in our top 10! Join Anne, Bev and Julie as we delve into the life of photographer, stunt man, adventurer and code writer Les Morales. After a relationship ended badly Les bought a camera to fill the void. Despite photographing Bradley Wiggins urinating he is respected throughout the world for his work documenting cycling and surfing. Find out why Tom Piddock questioned whether it was bad luck when Les photographed him earlier this year. #photography #mentalhealth #unexpectedturns #cycling #...

Jul 31, 202443 min

Top 10-Ian Boswell: A New Identity

One of our most popular episodes! Professional cyclist and now 'Gravel King' Ian Boswell joins us along with former World tour Teammate, Jon Dibben. Ian, 'The Bos', was destined to join the elite group of Grand Tour winners when a crash ended his career. Suffering severe concussion Ian left the sport. We discuss the impact of concussion in elite sport In a candid discussion around the emotional impact of losing both your job and part of your identity Ian explains how he has found new purpose and...

Jul 30, 20241 hr

Top 10-Tegan: " What if???"

Tegan " What if my whole life goes by and I get to the end thinking 'what happened?'" This episode also showcases why we started this podcast.

Jul 29, 202443 min

Top 10-Sian "Outside the Comfort Zone"

At No. 10. the amazing Sian. One of the strongest people I know Sian bravely set off having successfully negotiated the many hoops needed to get a work visa. As with all adventurers Sian appreciates the little things and does not dwell on bad experiences, referring to them as life lessons. In response to a recent show, several people have asked about our most popular shows. Today we are starting a countdown of our top ten from Season 1. Are these your favourites?...

Jul 26, 202449 min

Unexpected Turns Trailer; What's up?

Ever wondered which are our most downloaded episodes from Season 1 ? We will be releasing a count down tomorrow! And hopefully we will be back with our latest Episodes from Season 2 very soon. Thank you for sticking with us. Anne, Bev & Julie.

Jul 25, 202446 sec

Future & Favourite shows

What is coming up next on the show? We are excited about our next show, 'The House that sat down'. Unfortunately due to a few technically issues, this won't be published until the end of July. Meanwhile do take the opportunity to listen to some of our previous episodes, and let us know what you think. A couple have generated lots of discussion. Heather's show 'A safe space', has got lots of you messaging us, despite it having only a few downloads. Our most popular show by far this season, Jon Di...

Jun 27, 20243 minSeason 2Ep. 23

Forca-Strength

What gives you strength? Forca against Cancer is giving cancer warriors strength and support. It was started by a group of friends to support, the truly inspirational Carla Whitbread. Today the charity has grown and is supporting cancer warriors from Southampton to Dorset. It is a charity close to my heart and run completely by unpaid volunteers. To find out more follow them on instagram @forcaagainstcancer. ,

Jun 13, 20245 minSeason 2Ep. 23

Sam: "There are Worse Addictions"

Sam is a determined, successful woman, who oozes positive energy, so what prompted her to say, "There are worse addictions to have?" Listen to find out how Sam went from skipping PE to winning body building competitions.

May 30, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 2Ep. 22

Robert: Pampered Pooches to Wild Bears

How did Robert go from training pampered pooches, and their even more pampered owners to dealing with wild animals and rivers in deepest Alaska. And what is he planning next?

May 16, 202432 minSeason 2Ep. 21

Heather: A Safe Space

Her life in the country surrounded by farms sounded idyllic. Waking up to the sounds of birds and animals, no one worried about locking their doors, or cars, so why did Heather swap it for a home in a rundown city where she woke up to the sound of sirens and gunfire? And more importantly just how did she manage to bring the farm to an inner city neighbourhood.

May 02, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 24

Jon Dibben: Mars bars to Medals

Finally, I get to chat with Jon about his love of racing, the highs and lows and the determination needed to succeed . Listen in to find out how Mars bars led to the World Championships.

Apr 18, 202448 minSeason 2Ep. 19

Clive: A chance meeting

You think you've got it all, beautiful family, home and a very successful buisness when suddenly everything unravels and you end up homeless. How do you cope? Clive's positivity and zest for life was not going to let anything hold him back, like Richard Branson he is in his early 70s and looking forward to everything life still has to share. Listen in to hear his story.

Apr 04, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 2Ep. 18

Lisa: Discarded yet Thriving

How do you cope when your mother discards you to pursue men and money? Having been thrown out of her home as an 11yr old Lisa moved in with an older cousin and thrived. But life has not been straight forward. Now Lisa and her family are living full time in their motor home, 2 adults, 4 children and 2 dogs! Just how did that come about? We catch up with Lisa and her family in Spain and hear her story. #hope #nevergiveup #travel #campervanlife #unexpectedturns #realtalk #mentalhealth #family...

Mar 21, 202435 minSeason 2Ep. 17

Max: No Disney Kids Here

Living in Uganda, you don't get to be a 'Disney kid', you have to work from the 'get go'. Today we welcome back Max (Listen to his first Episode Max: It'll all be for the best ) who tells us how following his arrest he got involved with the Uphill Trust school in Uganda and what difference it is making to both the students and local community. It's not easy, but Max and the team have raised thousands and achieved huge success. Find out more here: https://www.uphilltrust.org/ #uphilltrust #raisin...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 2Ep. 16

Michael: From A Distance

Michael, describes himself as a musician, writer, actor and autistic. Today he shares some of the changes in his life and how he deals with them, particularly unexpected changes, without allowing them to 'freak him out'. This is the 3rd time we have spoken and although he has not found things easy he is always inspiring and has a huge amount of gratitude for everything in his life. This episode is coming out between Valentine's and Mother's Day. As a mum it is wonderful to hear how much he appre...

Feb 22, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 15

Liam: Conquering the Green tunnel.

Unexpected Turns with Liam Lethern. Getting started is the hardest bit, there are always reasons not to, you just have to balance it out and go for it. Then to keep going when your head and body start messing with you. What is it like stepping out of your "normal life" and travelling half way across the globe to hike the Appalachian Trail. Listen in to find out how Liam conquered the "Green Tunnel" We all say, tomorrow, another day/year, why not now? Do you agree? #unexpectedturnspod #mentalheal...

Feb 08, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Max: It'll all be for the best

Today we meet Max MacDonald , whose life has taken him all over the world, overcoming numerous set backs and unexpected turns. He thought he had it made having won a scholarship to become a pilot with British Airways but life got in the way, yet he says even if he could turn back time he would not do anything differently and treasures the experiences he has had. #unexpectedturns #pilot #africa #arrested #expatlife

Jan 25, 202437 minSeason 2Ep. 14

Precieux Noka: There's still hope

How did Precieux Noka go from County lines drug runner to National Champion? Getting into County lines drug running is easy, getting out not so much. But to then completely turn your life around and become both an inspiration to others and a National Champion is pretty spectacular. #drugs #unexpectedturns #glovesnotguns #countylines #grooming #boxing #unexpectedturnspod #hope

Jan 11, 202447 minSeason 2Ep. 12

Mark Ind : Heartbeat

How do you cope when your son is dying? What can you do? Mark and his family trusted the experts and as a family they have fought through, becoming stronger together. Now Mark tells his side of the story. Follow : @wessex_heartbeat instagram & Facebook www.heartbeat.co.uk

Oct 22, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Chloe Evans : Wild Tracks

How does an aspiring Tech CEO end up removing Rhino Horns? All in the hope of saving them. Chloe has had some journey, I first met her at the biggest, and arguably best Bike races for youngsters-Assen Jeugd Tour. Chloe was there with Welwyn Wheelers, Dame Laura Kenny's old team. Now living and working in Dubai, having moved there straight after University, Chloe has made a name for herself in the Tech industry but she has always loved animals and is now very much involved with preserving African...

Oct 05, 202340 minSeason 2Ep. 10

Chris: Broken Heartbeat

How do you cope when your body fails? Today we talk to my nephew who despite a broken heartbeat is thriving, his motto never give up We tend to think of heart attacks happening to 40-50 year adults yet today we talk to my nephew, the super resilient Chris Allenby who survived multiple heart failures before he completed primary school. I can still remember our shock when we heard he had Long QT, also known as SADS-Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Now in his 30s, very little was known about his heart ...

Aug 24, 202343 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Darren Part 2 : Left to die yet thriving

Stabbed and left to die in his own home, while his family slept upstairs Darren talks about his recovery. Physically he appeared fine but to survive the day to day he buried his anxieties, refusing to recognise he had a problem until he tried to take his own life. Today he shares how he coped and is using his knowledge to help others. #menshealth #realtalk #mentalhealth #survivors #knifecrime #unexpectedturns #trauma

Aug 10, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 8
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