HEROES AMONG US: PODCAST

For the first time on the podcast, we welcome two extraordinary guests whose lives are stitched together by courage, brotherhood, and the wild call of adventure. 🎙️ Meet John Bathgate and Ian Roberts, both former Royal Marines who’ve taken everything they learned in service and channelled it into a bold mission—one that spans continents, challenges danger, and speaks to the power of purpose. 🔥 From the Scottish Highlands and Dartmoor rivers to the heart of the Amazon jungle, their journey is as thrilling as it is meaningful. John’s quest to complete an expedition his legendary climber father once dreamed of became very...

This week, we sit down with a true game-changer in football and social advocacy—Troy Townsend MBE Hon.D.Sc. For over a decade, Troy led the charge against discrimination in football as Head of Player Engagement at Kick It Out. He worked tirelessly with players, clubs, and governing bodies to tackle racism, promote equality, and create lasting change in the sport. Now, with his own consultancy, Troy continues his mission—educating young players, parents, and staff on the realities of discrimination and the mental pressures of elite football. Beyond the game, Troy’s impact runs deep. From mentoring young athlet...

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with David Keane, a local leader whose deep-rooted passion for Huntingdonshire has shaped a career of service, advocacy, and action. Born in Huntingdon and raised in St Ives, David's journey took him across the UK and Europe in a successful marketing career before returning home to make a difference where it matters most. Since 2016, he’s been a Parish and District Councillor, championing projects like Timebanking, flood prevention, and community-led services in Houghton & Wyton. Now stepping up to the County Council, David shares his vision to fix the basics—potholes, plan...

In this episode of "Heroes Among Us: Sharing Personal Stories of Life and Work." We’re joined by a man who has quite literally talked people out of life-or-death situations. With over 300 high-stakes cases under his belt, from kidnap-for-ransom to cyber-attacks, hijackings, and extortion, Scott Walker is one of the world’s most experienced crisis and hostage negotiators. Scott’s journey began as a Scotland Yard detective, where he spent 16 years working in covert, counterterrorist, and kidnapping operations. Since leaving the police in 2015, he has worked with the United Nations, government agencies, and private clients to negotiate the release of hostag...

Step into the vibrant world of live entertainment, hospitality, and London’s cultural heartbeat with Ray Jones; a man known by many as Mr. London. In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with the legendary Ray Jones, a man whose career has shaped the way people experience London’s vibrant cultural scene. From his early days as Head Concierge at some of the capital’s finest hotels to founding Centre Stage, a pioneering theatre and concert break company, Ray has spent decades at the heart of London’s entertainment world. As Brand Development Director at Superbreak Mini-Holidays, he playe...

In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Tip Cullen, a former Royal Marine Mountain Leader whose journey from the battlefield to the stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in Belfast during turbulent times of the 70s and 80s, Tip sought adventure and challenge in the Royal Marines, where he spent over three decades mastering mountain warfare, reconnaissance, and cold-weather operations. He experienced the intensity of combat, the loss of close friends, and the resilience needed to lead in the harshest conditions. After returning from Afghanistan, Tip made a bold career shift, channelling his...

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Festus Akinbusoye, a true trailblazer who has shattered barriers and led with purpose in business, community leadership, and policing. From arriving in England at 13 and playing professional basketball to building a thriving business from his dad’s council flat, Festus' journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, he scaled his company from four employees to nearly 60, with the support of the Prince’s Trust. Making history in 2021 as Britain’s first black Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus tackled major issues in policing...

This week on Heroes Among Us, we welcome the brilliant Dave Attree, a man whose life has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for storytelling and poetry. From crafting heartfelt, spontaneous poetry with The Poetry Takeaway—a mobile poetry “snack-van” that brought laughter, tears, and amazement to strangers—to raising over £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK through his words, Dave has proven time and again the power of poetry to connect and heal. His ability to turn fleeting conversations into meaningful verse has left a lasting impact on everyone he encounters. His storytelling extends beyond poetry, too. As a Fune...

This week on Heroes Among Us, we are honoured to welcome Mark Lloyd, a leader whose career has been defined by service, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving communities. From his decade as Chief Executive of two councils to leading the Local Government Association for eight years, Mark has been at the forefront of driving change in public services. Now an Executive Director at IMPOWER, he continues to shape the future of local government, ensuring smarter, more effective services for those who need them most. Beyond his executive roles, Mark’s dedication extends to HM Prison & Probation Service, the UK...

This week on Heroes Among Us, we are honoured to feature Garrath Williams, a man whose life is defined by service, leadership, and a steadfast dedication to helping others. A fourth-generation military professional, Garrath’s career began in the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment after graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. From commanding troops in Kosovo and Afghanistan to transferring to the Australian Army and leading a company in combat, Garrath’s military journey is one of courage and excellence. But his story doesn’t stop on the battlefield. Garrath’s unwavering commitment to veterans led him to co-found Veterans C...

In this compelling episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Andrea Quinton, a former police officer whose extraordinary 34-year career has left an indelible mark on the world of policing. Born and raised in Sale, Cheshire, Andrea discovered her passion for public service as a volunteer Special Constable during the Strangeways riots. That pivotal moment set her on a path to an inspiring and trailblazing career. Andrea’s journey took her through a variety of roles, including response policing, neighborhood work, detective duties, and leadership in firearms and critical incident command. She also led the Northwest Armed Policing Co...

In this episode of “Heroes Among Us”, we are privileged to share the extraordinary story of Jonathan Bell, a man whose courage, resilience, and determination have defined his remarkable journey. Born into a military family, Jonathan’s life was shaped by discipline and service from an early age. Attending a military boarding school at just 11 years old and later joining the 1st Battalion the Green Howards, he built a promising career that took him across Germany, Northern Ireland, and beyond. In 1993, Jonathan's life took a dramatic turn when a devastating accident left him paralyzed and severely injured. Yet, he refused to let...

This week, in our final Episode of Series 1 we bring you the incredible story of Gary Pearson, a man whose life exemplifies courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to public service. Born in post-war Manchester, Gary’s journey took him from humble beginnings to an extraordinary career in Greater Manchester Police. Serving with the elite Tactical Aid Group (TAG), Firearms training of international officers, and even protecting dignitaries, Gary’s career was filled with remarkable moments of bravery. In 1983, Gary faced a life-altering challenge when he was shot in the head during a training exercise, resulting in the loss of his left...

In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by the extraordinary Samuel Reddy, whose journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of embracing one’s identity. Born in Mauritius and deeply rooted in his South Asian heritage, Samuel’s life story spans continents, cultures, and careers. From his beginnings on a vibrant and diverse island shaped by a legacy of indentured laborers, to arriving in the UK and starting as a dishwasher at Buckingham Palace, Samuel’s path has been anything but ordinary. A life-changing encounter with the late Queen inspired him to join the British Army, where he serve...

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we welcome Mick Hawkes QCB MSc, a decorated security expert and former SAS operative, who shares his extraordinary journey from military service to becoming a leading voice in the security industry. Mick opens up about his remarkable 24-year military career, including 14 years with the elite 22 SAS. He recounts his covert operations, a harrowing capture in Bosnia, and his time advising MI5, giving listeners a rare glimpse into the high-stakes world of military and intelligence work. Transitioning to civilian life, Mick discusses how his passion for safety and security led him to co-found Hawkesandco...

In this compelling episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Jonny Huntington, a former GB para-athlete and British Army officer, as he prepares for one of the most challenging journeys of his life: a solo, unsupported expedition to the South Pole. Just eight weeks after commissioning as an Army officer, Jonny’s career and life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a massive stroke, leaving him with complete paralysis on his left side. At only 28, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding not only his physical abilities but also his mental resilience. Jonny opens up about the ph...

In this heartfelt episode of Heroes Among Us, we welcome Rev. Becky Dyball, whose story is as inspiring as it is powerful. Becky’s journey began in Sheffield, where she was raised by a family who taught her the true meaning of compassion and generosity. Growing up in a home filled with kindness and open doors, Becky learned early on the power of giving back. Becky shares how her life’s path has been shaped by resilience, from facing bullying in school to overcoming illness. These challenges only strengthened her calling to serve others, which led her into community development work...

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we’re honored to welcome Rob Hinton, founder of the Hold Fast Challenge and former Royal Navy Mine Clearance Diver and Bomb Disposal expert. Rob’s journey is one of grit, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service. He opens up about his experiences in the high-stakes world of underwater bomb disposal, where each mission demanded a steady mind, extreme precision, and total teamwork. With roots in competitive swimming and rugby, Rob has always embraced challenges, pushing his limits both in and out of the military. His time as a commercial diver in the...

In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, host Simon Bywater welcomes the remarkable Alan Chambers MBE, a former Royal Marine, polar explorer, and celebrated leadership coach whose life story is as inspiring as it is extraordinary. With 16 years of dedicated service in the Royal Marines, Alan forged a path of resilience, grit, and determination, culminating in leading the first British unsupported team to the North Pole. Facing relentless winds, frigid temperatures, and countless challenges, Alan's journey to the Pole was one of sheer mental strength and unbreakable resolve—qualities he passionately shares in this conversation. Alan’s impact extends well...

In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, we are honored to feature Tracy Lee Tombides, a remarkable woman whose life has been shaped by resilience, strength, and an unwavering mission to make a difference. Tracy shares her journey from growing up in Perth, Australia, to a successful career as a Senior Casino Manager in global hotspots like the Virgin Islands, Macau, and London. But her story goes far deeper than her professional success. Tracy opens up about her personal life, including the profound joy and heartbreak of being a mother. After the tragic loss of her first son Jordan...

In this compelling episode of Heroes Among Us, host Simon Bywater sits down with Tom Curry, a former police officer whose years of service reveal an inspiring story of resilience, bravery, and unrelenting dedication to justice. Tom Curry embodies the spirit of an old-school cop, tough, dedicated, and unflinchingly loyal to the badge. With over two decades of service, he’s the kind of officer who believes in upholding the law with integrity, relying on instinct, experience, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. Tom is the kind of policeman who comes from an era where the job was...

In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Paul Fullwood a seasoned leader with a remarkable 33-year career spanning both the HM Armed Forces and UK Police Service. Paul retired as Assistant Chief Constable of Specialist Policing Services, where he led teams in areas such as major crime, counter terrorism, and armed policing. Notably, he spearheaded the investigation into the 1994 murder of Rikki Neave, finally bringing justice after 28 years. Paul’s journey took him through various pivotal roles, including serving with Sussex Police, the National Crime Squad, and leading numerous high-profile cases involving kidnappings, murders, and organised cr...

We’re honored to bring you the story of a truly remarkable individual, Ricky Miller, a man whose life is a testament to resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Ricky’s journey began in Rainham, Essex, where he grew up in a loving yet challenging environment. The son of Caribbean immigrants, Ricky’s early years were marked by the warmth of his mother, a dedicated nurse, and the tough hand of his father, a carpenter who demanded strict discipline. Despite these challenges, Ricky excelled in school, especially in sports, where he competed at county level in a variety of ath...

We’re thrilled to welcome Ken Delve to the podcast, a true aviation history legend! With 20 years of service in the RAF as a Navigator on the Canberra and Tornado, Ken’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He is an aviation historian and a trustee of the RAF Heraldry Trust and also a guide at the RAF Marham Aviation Heritage Centre. After leaving the military, Ken was the editor of Flypast magazine for 9 years. He is the founder of the Aviation Research Centre, which aims to document and share aviation history, especially that of the RAF and its WW2 alli...

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Angela Glynn, a true force of passion, purpose, and resilience. Angela's journey begins in Hastings, where she started fundraising as a young girl, and takes us through her brief yet impactful time in the police, which gave her invaluable insights into service and dedication to others. In this episode, Angela talks about how her time in the police deepened her desire to help people, ultimately leading her to spearhead some of the UK’s most successful charitable campaigns. From raising millions for Marie Curie Cancer Care to leading transformative projects that have had a...

In this episode of "Heroes Among Us," we sit down with Chris Strickland, the recently retired Chief Fire Officer of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS). Chris joined the fire service at just 18 and went on to serve for over three decades, leading with vision and passion. After 24 years at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, Chris joined CFRS in 2007 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer and rose to Chief Fire Officer in 2016. Throughout his remarkable career, Chris has been dedicated to improving the culture within the fire service, leaving behind a legacy of excellence as CFRS earned recognition for its positive...

From a handful of GCSEs to a 35-year career dedicated to transforming lives—meet Wendi Ogle-Welbourn, our next incredible guest! 🌟 Wendi's journey began with a passion for the theatre, but life led her to a different stage, a residential children’s home in Huntingdon. That six-month contract turned into a lifelong commitment to social work, climbing the ranks from Residential Care Worker to Executive Director of People Services, shaping the lives of children, families, and communities across the East of England. In this episode, Wendi opens up about the challenges she faced, from turning around failing Children’s Services to navigatin...

In this captivating episode of "Heroes Among Us," we sit down with Pete Lowe, a visionary in youth development and a key figure behind the transformation of Manchester City's Youth Academy into one of the most successful talent factories in global football. With a career that spans from PE teacher to Head of Education and Performance Management at Manchester City, Pete shares the insights and experiences that have shaped his approach to nurturing young athletes and building champions. Pete takes us through his journey, starting with his early days as a PE teacher, where his passion for developing young talent...

Russell's journey began in India, where he and his family faced the unique challenge of navigating life as Anglo-Indians. Moving to the UK as a young boy, Russell found himself caught between two cultures. Despite this, he thrived, eventually becoming the head pupil at his large London secondary school, where he embraced his role in supporting the local community. At just 18 years old, Russell joined the police force, a decision that would set the course for an extraordinary career. Although he admits that his youth sometimes made the job challenging, it was detective work that truly captured his heart and...

We’re honoured to have Daryl Brown MBE, a true leader in emergency care and public service, join us on the podcast. As the Chief Executive of Magpas Air Ambulance and a distinguished figure in charitable, NHS, and local government roles across Cambridgeshire, Daryl’s impact on his community is profound. Born and raised in Cambridge, Daryl’s journey has taken him from his roots at Anglia Ruskin University—where he continues to give back as a founding member of the Alumni Board—to the heights of serving as Mayor of Huntingdon and leading crucial healthcare initiatives. His dedication to improving...