Takeaways

• Short form video content has revolutionized the marketing landscape.
• Authenticity and value are essential in content creation and marketing.
• The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on live events and the business landscape. Pandemic impact on business
• Pivot to virtual events
• Development of Howell Studios
• Importance of having fun in life and business

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Inspiration
• 06:07 Interest in Film and Storytelling
• 13:19 Evolution of Content Creation and Marketing
• 19:04 The Marketing Mix and Frequency of Advertising
• 24:18 Transition to Howell Media and Impact of COVID-19
• 45:42 Importance of Having Fun

Takeaways

• Social enterprise evolution
• Imposter syndrome Collaboration in the social enterprise sector
• The importance of financial viability and self-belief in entrepreneurship

Chapters

• 00:00 Journey to Social Enterprise
• 08:10 Transition to Social Enterprise
• 17:07 Founding Side by Side Arts
• 24:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Social Enterprises in the Northeast Region
• 29:51 The Value of Making Money to Do Good
• 36:00 The Significance of Self-Belief in Entrepreneurship

Takeaways

• Adaptability
• Community support Tech and digital revolution impact
• Adaptability and flexibility in business

Chapters

• 00:00 Importance of Routine and Discipline
• 21:24 Loyalty and Trust in Business Relationships
• 27:49 Transition to Social Entrepreneurship

Nicola shares her journey into business — the challenges she faced along the way, what motivated her to keep pushing forward, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today.

We talk about her passion for supporting people starting their own businesses, particularly girls and young women who may not always see entrepreneurship as a path open to them. Nicola explains why confidence, encouragement and the right support networks can make all the difference.

We also dive into her exciting new venture, Vallelys Bar, and what inspired her to take on a brand new challenge.

This is a brilliant conversation about backing yourself, supporting others to succeed, and building something that creates real opportunities for the next generation.

Enjoy!

We’re starting the new season with an incredible guest: James Fildes - founder of Space NE. In this episode, James shares his journey through mental health challenges and how those experiences inspired him to create a space that supports others in their own wellbeing journeys.

It’s a powerful conversation about perseverance, purpose and the impact of turning personal struggles into something that helps others.

Tune in and enjoy!

From community projects to professional productions, Holly’s work is all about opening doors and empowering others through theatre.

It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity, inclusion, and the power of the arts to change lives.

Tune in and enjoy!

Shane shares his powerful and honest story — from the challenges he faced growing up, to his battles with mental health, and his time serving in the Royal Navy. Through it all, Shane talks openly about resilience, the turning points that shaped his life, and the experiences that led him to create Not a Statistic North East.

We dive into the mission behind the organisation and how Shane is now using his own journey to support others — particularly young people and those facing difficult circumstances — showing them that their past does not define their future.

This conversation is about resilience, second chances, and the impact one person can have when they decide to turn their struggles into support for others.

Enjoy!

He also shares how Diego’s Joint—a community-cafe-bar-events space launched in Sunniside, Sunderland—gives people opportunities to gain skills, employment and confidence through creative and social enterprise activities.

Join us for a fascinating conversation about creativity, enterprise with a purpose and how one person’s vision can open doors for many.

Find out more at diegosjoint.co.uk

Tune in and enjoy!

Alfie shares the fascinating journey that’s taken him from life in a religious order, to stand-up comedy, broadcasting to thousands across the North East, and now helping people and organisations communicate with confidence and impact.

We dive into the power of storytelling, what makes someone truly memorable when they speak, and why communication is one of the most underrated skills in business, leadership and life.

This conversation touches on creativity, reinvention, and the courage it takes to change lanes — proving that it’s never too late to follow a different path and find your voice.

Enjoy!

This time we meet the inspirational Heidi Smith who shares her life story, the challenges along the way and how Learning Abilities CIC came to be.

Let us know in the comments what you think of this 'good egg'!

This week, we sit down with David Barnes—actor, creative, and the driving force behind Watling Spaces CIC and the revival of The Roxy Theatre in Leadgate, County Durham. After 14 years on the London stage, David returned to his roots to transform a derelict 1930s cinema into a vibrant, inclusive arts hub. He opens up about his family's hands-on support, his artistic journey and the passion fueling this ambitious community project. From upcycled projectors to state-of-the-art studios, it's a story of grit, vision and heart.​

Learn more about Watling Spaces and The Roxy at watlingspaces.co.uk and follow their journey on Facebook: Watling Spaces – The Roxy.

They share their life stories, how life blossomed and how their joined focus on supporting good people became The Wiggly Path CIC ..... enjoy!

This time, we meet couple Andrew and Bronia, who are just cracking into the world of social entrepreneurship. From unexpected career pivots to passion-fueled purpose, they share what sparked their journey, the challenges they’ve face and the bold steps they’re taking to build something meaningful. Tune in for a raw, honest convo about risk, resilience and redefining success on your own terms.

We dive into how Weights & Cakes offers not just strength training and movement, but a true community hub: supporting neurodivergent people, the LGBTQ+ community, older adults, and those recovering from mental health struggles or eating disorders.

This conversation touches on empowerment, belonging, and the difference one person’s vision can make when they centre people’s experiences and break down barriers.

Enjoy!

Through her own experiences, Joanne opens up about the challenges she’s faced as a neurodivergent individual, and how these have shaped her empathy, drive, and the inclusive approach she brings to her work.

It’s a heartfelt and powerful conversation about football, friendship, and finding connection through shared experiences of grief, hope, and belonging.

Tune in and enjoy! ❤️🤍