Unexpected Turns
56 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingUnexpected 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
Jon Dibben: Mars bars to Medals
April 18, 2024 04:16 - 47 minutes - 44 MBFinally, 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.
Clive: A chance meeting
April 04, 2024 04:05 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBYou 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.
Lisa: Discarded yet Thriving
March 21, 2024 03:29 - 34 minutes - 32 MBHow 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 #famil...
Max: No Disney Kids Here
March 07, 2024 02:43 - 1 hour - 59 MBLiving 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 #...
Michael: From A Distance
February 22, 2024 05:23 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBMichael, 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 a...
Liam: Conquering the Green tunnel.
February 08, 2024 09:19 - 1 hour - 76.6 MBUnexpected 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 #men...
Max: It'll all be for the best
January 25, 2024 06:50 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBToday 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
Precieux Noka: There's still hope
January 11, 2024 01:55 - 47 minutes - 43.9 MBHow 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
Mark Ind : Heartbeat
October 22, 2023 15:10 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBHow 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
Chloe Evans : Wild Tracks
October 05, 2023 02:53 - 39 minutes - 36.9 MBHow 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 Afri...
Chris: Broken Heartbeat
August 24, 2023 00:06 - 42 minutes - 39.7 MBHow 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 ...
Darren Part 2 : Left to die yet thriving
August 10, 2023 02:51 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBStabbed 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
Darren Barden: Skip to the Good Bits
July 27, 2023 04:52 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBWe 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 ov...
Enough
July 13, 2023 04:05 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MBWhat 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, ...
Sam Baynes: Falling Upwards
June 29, 2023 04:53 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBSam 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 fallin...
Steve Murray : Crime Scene Cleaner
June 15, 2023 04:20 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBImagine 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 #unexpectedturn...
Jack Gregory Part 2: Hope & Healing
June 01, 2023 04:49 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBWarning: 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 ther...
Trevor Jones: A New Normal
May 18, 2023 04:37 - 39 minutes - 36.8 MBToday 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 S...
Kevin Lane : Fitted Up & Fighting Back
May 02, 2023 19:12 - 59 minutes - 55.2 MBLabelled 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. ...
Jack Gregory: A Personal Apocalypse
April 17, 2023 21:46 - 47 minutes - 44 MBTrigger 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 ...
Memoirs of a WASBIE with Elizabeth Lockhart Mure Ep 24
April 06, 2023 22:03 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MBWhat 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 Fortit...
Skip Sams: God, drugs & music.
April 05, 2023 22:01 - 50 minutes - 46.9 MBTrapped 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...
Kimberley Skillett
April 04, 2023 09:59 - 58 minutes - 54 MBWhat 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...
Aileen Tattersall: Living through WW2 in Wales
April 03, 2023 21:58 - 38 minutes - 35.5 MBUnexpected 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...
Emma Saysell: Spectrum of Misconception
March 31, 2023 21:31 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBDoes 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, ha...
Michael Ankers: Awesome Autism
March 30, 2023 21:33 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBCovid 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: inst...
A child's memory of war: Jim Jamieson
March 29, 2023 21:19 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MBA 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 #
Maurice Burton: Prejudice & Perseverance
March 28, 2023 21:17 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBMaurice 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
Hilary: Faith & Miracles
March 27, 2023 21:03 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBHilary, 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 #unexpectedtur...
Anna :WWII Living Under Nazi Rule
March 24, 2023 22:22 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBWhat 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
Jane James: Menopause Champion
March 23, 2023 22:20 - 54 minutes - 50.4 MBToday 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
Pat Brambani:WWII Evacuee
March 22, 2023 22:39 - 55 minutes - 51.8 MBWe 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...
George's Journey Death, Drugs & Dreams
March 21, 2023 22:07 - 52 minutes - 48.7 MBJoin 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 wor...
Chris Reeves: ‘Be your own hero’.
March 20, 2023 22:05 - 57 minutes - 53 MBJoin 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 : Inst...
Les: Filling the void.
March 17, 2023 22:06 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBJoin 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...
Sarah's fight for Sam
March 16, 2023 22:04 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBUnexpected 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 ...
Wandering Nomads: Adam Manley of no fixed abode.
March 15, 2023 22:04 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBWandering 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 peop...
Tiara, “Make it a full life “.
March 14, 2023 22:46 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBUnexpected 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 & ...
Leticia Francis: survival is not the destination
March 13, 2023 20:36 - 48 minutes - 44.9 MBUnexpected 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 liste...
Sian's China adventure : outside the comfort zone.
March 10, 2023 22:42 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBUnexpected 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 adve...
Ian Boswell:Building a new identity
March 09, 2023 21:00 - 59 minutes - 55.5 MBUnexpected 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 discussi...
Unexpected Turns Tegan Phillips: Determining my own path
March 08, 2023 20:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBLawyer 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 pa...
Q&A with Brian Wheeler-defying the medics
March 07, 2023 19:00 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MBDid Brian complete his challenge? Today he tells us how he got on and answers some of the many questions you sent in. But what has he been up to since? Listen in and find out at the end of this episode. Join Anne, Bev and Julie in the first of our Question & Answer shows. Today Brian Wheeler a competitive runner, rower and pilot who became paralysed overnight is back to answer your questions. Having been told he was unlikely to ever walk again Brian set about defying medical logic. Not onl...
Unexpected Turns Brian Wheeler: defying the odds
March 06, 2023 14:13 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MBUnexpected Turns delves into the lives of the bold, brave truly inspirational people whose lives have taken an unexpected turn. 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 resulte...
Unexpected Turns: Chris & Gabs Cycle the World
March 03, 2023 15:40 - 46 minutes - 43.5 MBThis 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 amazing stories, of camping under bridges in th...
What's happening? Birthdays&More
March 03, 2023 08:25 - 1 minute - 1.57 MBWhat's happening? When is the next show? Lots of you have been asking what are we up to? What are our season 1 guests up to right now? Listen in to find out.
It’s all Communication-
January 26, 2023 16:13 - 1 minute - 1.52 MBWe are social animals, we reach out to others from birth using smiles and cries, but what is it like communication fails? We set up this podcast to reach out and share our stories. Like us many of our guests share how often communication breaks down and how that makes them feel. Www.speechand language.org.uk, www.autism.org.uk,
Aileen Unedited
January 12, 2023 05:45 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBToday we publish the unedited version of Joanne interviewing her grandma, Aileen. We were lucky enough to have Aileen Tattersall tell us about her experience of WW2 in Wales. Aileen is an amazing woman, after the war she took up fencing and represented her country internationally, before having a family and becoming an extremely popular teacher. After publishing her episode in November, several people asked about her recovery from a stroke and the difficulties she has overcome. We also...
Ep 18 Trailer , WW2 Hilary: Miracle baby
September 15, 2022 05:20 - 2 minutes - 2.34 MBA sneak preview of next week's episode with the very regal, Hilary, who was a very welcome unexpected turn in the lives of her recently retired parents. Talking to Hilary I was constantly reminded of Queen Elizabeth II, for whom Hilary had huge respect.
Preview Unexpected Turns part 2
June 30, 2022 06:53 - 4 minutes - 3.81 MBWe are back with a host of extraordinary guests whose inner strength and determination has seen them navigate unexpected turns triumphing over adversity to achieve success. Join Anne, Bev and Julie as we explore the lives of some truly remarkable people. Whatever life brings our guests are ready to triumph.