Undercurrent Stories (2025)

12/09/2025

Heroes, Villains, and Everything In Between: Steve Carroll. Episode Live!
Listen at: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/ or search Undercurrent Stories on Spotify, Apple etc.

Delighted to welcome back Steve Carroll— artist, lecturer, and author of the Diaspora science fiction series.

In this episode, Steve opens up about the creative process behind his writing, and we dive deep into the role of characters in storytelling — how they evolve, why they matter, and what they can teach us about resilience, belonging, and transformation.

It’s an inspiring discussion not just for writers or sci-fi fans, but for anyone interested in how creativity reflects real life. You’ll hear insights on:

🔹 Finding inspiration from everyday people

🔹 Why flaws and struggles make characters — and us — stronger

🔹 The importance of keeping imagination alive at every stage of life

If you’re looking for a dose of creativity, hope, and storytelling wisdom, this episode is for you.

Links
https://stevecarrollarttutor.uk/
Purchase 'Diaspora' https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1578918
https://www.instagram.com/stevepaintprint/

Steve Carroll - Art Tutor

03/09/2025

The Untold Stories of Tudor Women with Tony Riches Author Episode Live!

Acclaimed historical fiction author Tony Riches returns to Undercurrent Stories to discuss his latest Tudor novels, Bess: Tudor Gentlewoman and Frances: Tudor Countess. We explore the hidden influence of Elizabeth I’s ladies-in-waiting, the challenges of bringing real historical figures to life, and why these women’s stories still resonate today. Perfect for fans of Tudor history, historical fiction, and untold stories from the past.

Listen at https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

Tony's links:
Website: https://www.tonyriches.com/

Writing blog: https://tonyriches.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonyriches

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyriches.author

Podcasts: https://tonyriches.podbean.com/

28/08/2025

Why Some Teams Fly and Others Fall Apart: Dr Colin Fisher.
New Episode out now!
Listen at;
https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Colin Fisher, author of the book The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups. Colin’s journey is a fascinating one—starting out as a professional jazz trumpet player before becoming a leading scholar in organisational behaviour. His research digs into the dynamics of how groups and teams really work, why they so often succeed—or fail—and what leaders can do to harness their true potential.

We talk about everything from sports and music to corporate life and family dynamics, exploring why some teams thrive while others stumble, the balance between individual ego and collective success, and even how AI and remote work are reshaping collaboration today.

Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or just curious about why groups behave the way they do, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

So, sit back and enjoy my conversation with Dr. Colin Fisher.

25/07/2025

Calling all the Guitar Heroes! Finding Your Voice with Quint Starkie. Episode out now!
Hear the episode; https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

As a guitarist myself it's always a great pleasure to welcome back Quint Starkie to the show and talk music. His two albums 'Ghost in My Heart' and 'Quintessential' are fantastic listening and if you haven't already I would urge you to listen to them. West Coast chilled vibes, authentic lyrics and beautiful melodies.

I caught up with Quint during his UK tour earlier this week. Having spent his life in the music industry Quint is an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. In this episode Quint talks about music, meaning, and finding his true voice. From growing up in Lancashire to playing Hollywood clubs, and from house concerts in Sweden to emotional returns to the UK, Quint shares his journey with warmth, humour, and honesty.

🎶 Hear about:

*His early days learning classical guitar
*A life-changing offer on a yacht in Norway
*Recording with Francis Dunnery, (It Bites) and learning to “be authentic”
*The creative process behind singles like "Georgie" and "That’s When It Gets You"
*Why “Brightness in My Soul” brings audiences to tears
*Finding beauty in tea, scones, and sausage rolls

Quint also reflects on AI, DAWs, and why songwriting still matters in the age of streaming.

🎸 Plus: behind-the-scenes stories from his current tour with Dorie Jackson and Remco Engels, and what's next for his third album.

And finally what got me about this interview was the sheer joy that Quint talked about. Playing with people he loves and seeing how his songs delight audiences as he takes them on a shared musical journey!

✨ Discover more about Quint and his music at https://www.quintstarkie.net/

15/07/2025

🎧 NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!
The Secrets to Making Hit Records: A Masterclass with Stephen Lipson

What really makes a hit record?
Is it the vocals? The rhythm? Or maybe what you leave out?

🎙️ In this episode we hear from Stephen Lipson—Grammy-winning producer behind legendary tracks from Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Annie Lennox, Grace Jones, Hans Zimmer and more.

From recording in a cabin in Scotland to shaping iconic film scores, Stephen shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories, lessons from Trevor Horn, and brutally honest advice for anyone dreaming of a music career today.

🎵 Whether you're a music lover, bedroom producer, or just curious about how hits are made, this episode is packed with insight, laughs, and surprises.

✅ Topics we cover:
🎚️ Secrets to crafting hit songs
🎸 Playing guitar on iconic records
🎬 Working with Hans Zimmer on film scores
🧠 Why tech makes music easier—but not better
💡 What he 'never' does after finishing a record

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or at 👉 https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

04/07/2025

🚨 New Podcast Episode!

Feeling unsure about AI? 🤖 You're not alone. In this episode of Undercurrent Stories, I speak with award-winning journalist Gary Rivlin, author of AI Valley, about what’s really happening behind the AI boom—and why it’s not as scary as it seems.

✅ What AI means for your job, thinking, and future
✅ How to stay ahead (without being a tech expert)
✅ The human stories driving the AI revolution

🎧 Listen here: https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

27/06/2025

Beneath the Canvas: The Hidden World of Art Conservation with Rachel Barker.
Episode 154 Out Now. Listen at https://www.undercurrentstories.com/ or Spotify/Apple etc.

In this episode, I’m delighted to speak with Rachel Barker, a leading expert in art conservation and the founder of Rachel Barker Associates. With a career spanning decades — including over 20 years at the Tate Gallery — Rachel has restored some of the most iconic works of modern art, from Lichtenstein’s Whaam! to the vandalised Rothko Seagram mural.

Rachel shares her personal journey from growing up amid the Troubles in Belfast to developing a deep love of art and science that led her into the world of restoration. We explore how her early exposure to art, her academic path, and her technical skillset came together in a career that balances meticulous science with deep respect for creative legacy.

Whether you're an art lover, a science enthusiast, or just curious about what goes into preserving cultural heritage, this episode will open your eyes to the unseen side of the art world.

19/06/2025

# 🎧 This episode is different...

How to Lead, Grow Your Career and Why People Matter – With Neil Lawrence

Amazing conversation with Neil Lawrence for episode 153 of the podcast. Sure, he's got an amazing career story (former top man at Jewson, where I worked), but what really got me was how much of what he shared applies to... well, everything in life!

You know those conversations where someone drops wisdom that makes you think "I wish I'd known this years ago"? That's exactly what happened here.

# # The life lessons that really stuck with me:
💡 How to handle difficult people (whether it's your boss, your neighbour, or that person at the school gates!)
💡 Building genuine relationships that actually last
💡 Why being honest and putting people first works in every situation
💡 Dealing with setbacks and bouncing back stronger
💡 The power of just being yourself, even when it feels risky

Neil's got this brilliant way of talking about leadership, but honestly? It's really about being a better human being. The way he handles conflict, builds trust, and stays grounded - it's stuff we can all use whether we're dealing with work stress, family drama, or just trying to navigate life's curveballs.

Plus, his humour and down-to-earth approach had me laughing out loud. Sometimes the best life advice comes from people who've been through it all and can still crack a joke! 😂

Whether you're juggling work and family, dealing with difficult relationships, or just want to feel more confident in how you handle life's challenges, this conversation is pure gold.

Give it a listen - I guarantee you'll come away with something that'll make your day-to-day a bit easier.
Listen here: https://linktr.ee/undercurrentstories

What's the best life advice someone's ever given you? The kind that actually stuck and changed how you do things? 👇

12/06/2025

Rockin' All Over the World: The John Coghlan Story from Status Quo to Quo Reimagined
Episode Live!

In this live episode of Undercurrent Stories, I sit down with John Coghlan, the legendary original drummer of Status Quo. From "Caroline" to "Rockin’ All Over the World," John recounts the highs, lows, and beat-driven tales of a life lived on stage, on the road, and in rhythm.

Recorded in a cosy Cotswolds pub, this intimate conversation dives deep into:

* How a school Air Cadet turned into a global rock icon
* Wild stories from tours with Slade, Lindisfarne, and Led Zeppelin
* Life as a "Tax Exile" on the Isle of Man in the '70s
* Behind-the-scenes of the Frantic Four reunion
* Jazz-infused Status Quo reinterpretations in Quo Reimagined
* Why John still chooses a classic Ringo-style kit over flashy double bass drums

🔥 Key Topics Covered

Status Quo history and legacy

1970s British rock scene

Influences (Ringo Starr, John Bonham, Buddy Rich)

Quo Reimagined jazz project

Frantic Four reunion tour stories

Behind-the-scenes rock tour life

Isle of Man and UK rock taxation exile stories

Life after rock stardom

Tips for aspiring drummers

Hear the episode on Spotify, Apple or wherever you get your podcast links below;
https://www.undercurrentstories.com/

📚 Resources & Links

📘 Spud – John Coghlan’s Biography: Info and Orders email [email protected]
💿 Quo Reimagined CD: Info and Orders email [email protected]
📸 John Coghlan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnCoghlanOfficial
📩 Booking/Info: Gillie Coghlan – [email protected]

06/06/2025

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: George Underwood Artist – Bowie, Bolan & Iconic Album Covers🎨

We’re thrilled to welcome George Underwood to the show—painter, illustrator, and lifelong friend of David Bowie. You may know his iconic album covers for T. Rex, Bowie, and others—but his stories go even deeper.

In this fascinating episode:
✨ Hear how a mischievous prank and resultant punch helped shape Bowie’s signature eye look
🎸 Discover what it was like touring with Ziggy Stardust in 1972
🎨 Explore George’s surreal art and the mystery behind his otherworldly faces
📀 Learn why vinyl album covers were once as powerful as the music inside them

Whether you’re into music history, visual art, this episode will inspire and surprise you.

🎧 Listen now: \Link in comments
📸 Plus, see George’s upcoming art show in the Cotswold at the Fosse Gallery from 8th to 28th June. Details in the show notes.

05/06/2025

Podcast Episode · Undercurrent Stories · 04/06/2025 · 44m

23/05/2025

Bruce Woolley : From Video Killed the Radio Star to Music, Innovation and the Theremin. Episode Live!

This episode features music pioneer Bruce Woolley, best known for co-writing the groundbreaking hit Video Killed the Radio Star. But as this conversation reveals, that’s just one highlight in a storied and continually evolving career. From his roots in Leicestershire and his early inspiration from Led Zeppelin to forming The Camera Club with a young Thomas Dolby, Bruce shares his journey through innovation, collaboration, and sonic experimentation.

You’ll hear the story behind iconic songs, his adventures in synth pop, working with Grace Jones on Slave to the Rhythm, and his passion project, the Radio Science Orchestra, which brings the theremin to the forefront of 21st-century audiovisual performance.

Bruce also gives an honest and insightful perspective on how AI and new technologies are reshaping the music industry, and reflects on what it means to be a true artist in the age of digital creation.

🎼 Highlights:

-The story behind Video Killed the Radio Star and its surprising sci-fi roots
-Forming The Camera Club and working with Thomas Dolby
-Writing and producing Slave to the Rhythm for Grace Jones
-Thoughts on AI, virtual pop stars, and the future of music creation
-The mystique and magic of the theremin
-The legacy of The Radio Science Orchestra and immersive audio-visual shows
- Bruce’s latest release: Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club – The Definitive Anthology (1977–1981)
🔗 Resources & Links: In Comments
🎧 Listen now — link in bio or search Undercurrent Stories on your podcast app.

Undercurrent Stories