We all need to feel safe, and expect to be safe in our own home yet a year ago 9yr old Olivia Corbel Pratt was tragically shot dead when her mother opened their front door. Years early Darren Barden opened his front door and was viciously attacked and left for dead, while his family slept upstairs. Like Olivia, Darren was not the target, how do you ever come to terms with that? Somehow Darren survived, although his physical wounds healed, his mental scars remain. Hear how he is only now over 20y...
Jul 27, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 7
What is enough? We seem to spend our lives thinking we haven't got enough, we aren't good enough or they aren't good enough for us. Michael Ankers and I had a fascinating discussion about this, having just turned 19 Michael feels he is enough and that his one time best friend has caused him enough stress and it is time for him to move on. Hear the song Michael wrote on today's show. Unfortunately much of the recording was corrupted so I have instead answered some of the many questions you, our l...
Jul 13, 2023•8 min
Sam Baynes, describes herself as an adrenaline junkie, she loves skiing, climbing and the mountains. Working as sports physio she had an accident and was given very little chance of survival, yet alone ever being able to speak, ski or climb again. Did she recover, if so what helped her get through it and what is she doing doing? Sam believes we all need a purpose in life and she has found hers following tragedy. After falling down a slope Sam states that Sam died and now the new Sam is falling u...
Jun 29, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Imagine always being the outsider at school. Having to move home every few months Steve struggled forming relationships. By the age of 14 he was a Dad but unable to cope he quickly descended into a life of drugs ending up homeless. But he never gave up and is now secure, clean and helping others. As Steve says living outside the 'drug Bubble' and actually having to deal with your feelings and everyday life is hard but so worth it. #homelessness #addict #mentalhealth #realtalk #unexpectedturns #u...
Jun 15, 2023•56 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Warning: Episode contains references to drugs, violence and abuse. Jack Gregory, poet, film maker, family man and addict. Failed by the UK Special School System, abused by the adults who should have been caring for him he became mentally ill. labelled a homeless junkie and violent criminal. He had lost everything. Determined to be a better man Jack fought his way back. Hear who and what helped him turn his life around. More than anything Jack's story shows no matter what has happened there is al...
Jun 01, 2023•20 min
Today we met Trevor Jones, a promising young athlete who was found coughing up blood at the side of the road, he had now idea how he had got there. Trevor was suffering from a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), broken back and numerous other injuries. Just how do you recover from such a devastating event? Like many of our guests Trevor was determined to return to what he considered 'normal' life. After years fighting his way to a 'new normal', Trevor was content and in his final year of Medical Schoo...
May 18, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Labelled a violent thug and convicted of a contract killing, Kevin Lane was jailed for 22yrs. The press ( papers such as the Sun and Panorama ) gave the clear impression he should never have been released. What really happened? And how did someone with such a strong work ethic and desire to succeed end up in jail? Kevin has written his own story, Kevin Lane 'Book of Innocence'. Today he talks to us about his life and future plans, as well as sharing his own views on the justice system. Instagram...
May 02, 2023•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 2
Trigger warning: Listen with care. This episode discusses addiction, mental health, and violence. Today's guest Jack Gregory was failed by the UK Special School System, abused by the adults who should have been caring for him he became mentally ill. labelled a homeless junkie and violent criminal. He had lost everything. Determined to be a better man Jack fought his way back. Hear who and what helped him turn his life around. More than anything Jack's story shows no matter what has happened ther...
Apr 17, 2023•47 min•Season 2Ep. 1
What is a WASBIE? And why is so little known about this amazing group of women who served alongside the Army in Burma during the Second World War? Probably because, as we have found during this series of interviews with WW2 survivors, they never spoke about their experience. It was only after her Aunt Maria died that Elizabeth discovered her diaries and was able to contact other WASBIES to find out more about their role during WW2. Elizabeth went on the write the book "Front Line and Fortitude"'...
Apr 06, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Trapped in a cycle of success / sabotage Skip Sams gave up his music and voice to feed his drug and alcohol addiction. Having hit rock bottom he fought back and is now helping others. The sheer grit and determination to turn his life around is awe-inspiring. Skip has over 16 years of recovery from crystal meth, alcoholism, and bipolar disorder. In 2004, he was diagnosed with HIV. For over a decade, Skip has been defying these diagnosis and helping musicians and performing Artis who have lost the...
Apr 05, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 23
What made Kimberly Skillett sign up for the toughest sailing race in the world, having never sailed any type of yacht before? She'd worked hard and had a well paid job and a great boss, why give it up? Kimberley Skillett started life in Hong Kong, enjoying a 'pretty feral' childhood before finding herself at an austere boarding school. Kimberley and her family loved the vibrant 'ex pat', lifestyle in Hong Kong but after her father, a pilot with Cathay Pacific, became unwell he had to leave his j...
Apr 04, 2023•58 min
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of extraordinary people, today we hear from another survivor of World War 2 the remarkable Aileen Tattersall. now 90yrs young. As a child she witnessed a pilot being burnt alive in his plane after it was shot and her own home being set on fire by bombs. Today Aileen talks to Julie Tattersall's daughter, Joanne about her life during the war in Bermondsey Street, near Cardiff. We were delighted Aileen was able to share her story having fought back from a stro...
Apr 03, 2023•38 min
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 astonishing what she and her team, including Zack, have a...
Mar 31, 2023•52 min
Covid has turned many lives upside down, today we hear how it affected an Autistic teenager. Michael Ankers is a performing arts student, YouTuber, podcaster and musician. He also has autism and dyspraxia, and has written a song about himself titled "Awesome Autism". It was fascinating talking to Michael and hearing his perspective having spoken to several parents of children with Autism ( Sarah's fight for Sam Ep10 & Emma Seysell : Spectrum of Misconception Ep17 ) Follow Michael on: instagr...
Mar 30, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 21
A child's memory of war. I have always loved listening to my parents and grandparents stories of their childhood, so am delighted my Dad agreed to talk with us today and share his memories of life in the 1930's and 1940's. Was hearing bombs dropping scary, did they worry we would lose? #ww2 #ww2memoirs #livinghistory #conversationswithmyfather #warchild #unexpectedturnspod #unexpectedturns #lifestories #
Mar 29, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Maurice Burton, Briton's first black national champion was a huge talent, so why did he end up going abroad to race? Today we delve into the early life and career of the ground breaking cyclist. Next time we will find out how he managed to overcome sabotage and a lengthy stay in hospital to achieve further success. #unexpectedturnspod #blackchampions #rolemodel #prejudice #sixdaycycling #britishcycling #devercycles #mauriceburton
Mar 28, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Hilary, born in the 1920's to a delighted 50 yr old couple, describes herself as a miracle baby. The church and her faith remain a huge part of her life and as she says she has been very lucky, blessed. Now a remarkable 97yr old she tells us about her life, from the quiet countryside , working underground during the war in Birmingham to South Africa and now Southampton. Hilary's zest for life is infectious and so uplifting. #ww2 #miracles #queenelizabeth #ww2memories #faith #unexpectedturns #une...
Mar 27, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 18
What was it like living under Nazi rule? Today we talk to Anna about her life in Austria before WW2, life during and after the war. The constant fear and lack of knowledge about exactly what was happening. Now in her 95th year Anna is able to reflect on a long and eventful life. #ww2 #realtalk #Austria #survivors #nazirule #unexpectedturns #unexpectedturnspod #livinghistory #WW2survivor #ww2vwteran
Mar 24, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Today we talk to the very glamorous outgoing 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
Mar 23, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 15
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. It is no surprise that Lisa is what Pat is most proud ab...
Mar 22, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Join Anne, Bev and Julie as we delve into the life of Around the World George. Already struggling at school with dyslexia ,George tragically lost his father. Unable to deal with his emotions George made 'some bad choices' ending up dropping out of school after 'a rumble'. With the help of family and friends George set off for a year backpacking around Australia. A change of environment wasn't enough and George continued to try to block out his feelings, suffering anxiety. He continues to work to...
Mar 21, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 others. Contact Chris : Instagram @pwbcoa...
Mar 20, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 11
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 #grandfondo2022 #unex...
Mar 17, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, today we meet Sarah Watkins. Sarah and David had it all, a lovely home, two wonderful boys and another on the way, but her beautiful baby Sam needed more, much more. Diagnosed with Autism a mother's fight for her son began. From taking on the medics, the local authority to setting up Karuna Living Sarah and her family have fought relentlessly to get Sam the support he ...
Mar 16, 2023•48 min
Wandering nomads, Adam Manley and family quit their jobs, sold everything and set off to travel around Europe. No plans just following their hearts. Hear what it’s like being of no fixed abode from the craziness of Life in the Spanish hills, shady job offers, to the most haunted town in Europe. Loving the freedom and quality time together they have no intention of returning to bricks and mortar. Join Anne, Bev and Julie as we delve into the lives of the extraordinary people whose lives have take...
Mar 15, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, today we chat to the amazing Tiara Clarke, A.K.A. Fluffy-soon to be Dr. Fluffy. After almost losing her career and reputation due to an egregious lie she has battled her way back to happiness. Tiara lives by the motto, just try it, you have one life make it a full life. And she certainly is, with a full time job, podcast ( Whatchuheardd) Youtube Channel (Worries & ...
Mar 14, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, today we hear from the truly inspiring Leticia Francis. As a child Leticia was rejected and abandoned by her family. Seeking love and comfort in a series of toxic relationships and alcohol, she narrowly avoided death and gaol before turning her life around. Now happy and successful, Leticia shares her story. Warning this episode does contain material some listeners may...
Mar 13, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, today we hear from the multi talented adventurer Sian Tattersall. In our first episode, (Chris and Gab's World Cycling Tour,) we touched on Sian's adventures in China and several of you were keen to hear more from 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 adventurer...
Mar 10, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave, truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn, today, former World Tour 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 aro...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 5
Lawyer to Comic Cartoonist. How did that happen? Ultra Cyclist, adventurer, writer, comic cartoonist and all round amazing human being, Tegan Phillips, explains all in today's show. Unexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn. Tegan Phillips seemed to have the perfect life but as she describes, it something was not right, it was like travelling through a beautiful landscape with an annoying passenger. That passeng...
Mar 08, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 3
