Episodes

This episode features Topic UK founder and editor Gill Laidler. Susan and Gill talk about the aims of the non profit magazine and how it came into being over 7 years ago. Gill and her business partner were handling PR, marketing accounts and graphic design when they became aware that there was a lack of affordable platforms upon which local SMEs could share their information. Initially the magazine was just for Wakefield and district, however the demand for further coverage prompted the developm...

This episode comes to you from Mozambique. Susan was surprised to discover that the conversations she had been having with Sam Hollis during networking meetings were actually taking place remotely from Mozambique. The story behind Sam's move to relocate, with his wife and two children, as organised a decision and process as that could be, took an unexpected turn when they were warned that South Africa was about to close down its airports due to lockdown. No spoiler alert here...they did make it ...

An interesting episode going behind the scenes discussing the challenges of editing a local monthly magazine. In this episode we talk with Mike Barden who has taken on the role of editor for the Reeth and District Gazette. This is a challenging role and Susan and Mike discuss his individual take on it. The conversation ranges from mental health issues, homeworking and Fujitsu, to Monty Python and UFOs. Never a dull moment behind the scenes in the production of the Gazette. About the Guest: Mike...

In this episode Susan interviews Johnny Pawlick from Mantra Media in Sheffield, an ethically driven digital marketing firm. The company is headquartered in both the UK and Japan and they have had the privilege to work with over 400 organisations across the globe.In today's episode Johnny discusses the relevant benefits of different social media platforms and the changes he has witnessed whilst working in the industry. He is very concerned about the current global situation we are experiencing an...

Fairhursts catering has, like many other businesses,been hit by the current lockdown. They have been in the business of providing delicious food since the 80's and specialise in catering for events and weddings. Working out from their kitchen in Swinithwaite, in Wensleydale, they would usually be busy serving teas and catering for weddings at Bolton Castle as well as running their popular farmshop and cafe at Berrys. This year was projected to be one of their best so far with over 30 weddings an...

This episode is all about the wonderful support network being run by Herriot Hospice Homecare, Saint Michael's Hospice and the Just 'B' Here to Help lines. Tony Collins is the CEO overseeing all this activity with a team of 200 staff members and 6-700 willing volunteers. They provide 40-60 hours per day of support in the homes. Tony talks today about the range of services available, in Harrogate district as well as Hambleton and Richmondshire. These are expanding to meet the current and foreseea...

In this episode Susan is in conversation with Stewart Leahy, the founder of Yorkshire Powerhouse and Powerhouse Networking. If you are curious about what drove Stewart to set up the not for profit company, then listen in. He talks about his business journey and what drove him to set up Powerhouse after selling his design and marketing company. He is in semi retirement now but you wouldn't guess that when you hear what he gets up to. You'll be amazed at the quantity of information and support av...

Have you ever wanted to own an English pub but couldn't afford the investment? Well 167 investors have bought shares in a pub in the Yorkshire dales and can now say that they part own the King's Head pub in Swaledale. Gunnerside's popular pub has had a chequered history and in this episode Susan talks with Tracey Westgarth about the process the local community went through to turn their village pub into a community owned one. The King's head is now tenant run and community owned but faces the c...

In this episode Susan talks to Julian Norton who is one of the vets featured in The Yorkshire Vet television programme on Channel five. This popular series is currently into its tenth series airing weekly on Tuesday evenings. The filming of series eleven has unfortunately been halted temporarily due to the coronovirus pandemic. In this episode Julian talks about his new book A Yorkshire Vet - The Next Chapter, which documents his move from his old practice in Thirsk to his present employment in...

In today's episode Susan interviews Daniel Northcott. He runs Access North in Huddersfield and is actively working to supply much needed PPE equipment and disintectant, helping our vital services combat Covid 19. Realising how vitally our country now needs viral disinfectants and PPE, Daniel has pivoted his skilled workforce and in conjunction with Pestfix are importing and supplying Viroshield disinfectant and bulk supplies of FFP2 and FFP3 masks, visors, gowns and gloves.There is a plane with...

The guest in this episode is Adam Fisher and he talks to Susan about his impression of the ghost town of Pripyat during his scientific tour of Chernobyl. Animals have taken over the area, moving in after humans moved out. Wildlife such as lynx, elk and wolves now roam the wasteland. At night wolves could be heard howling outside the hotel where he was staying and during his visit Adam was intrigued by the number of stray dogs who followed them travelling through the area. About the Guest: Adam ...

In this difficult time that we are all facing, doom and gloom all around, Susan talks about reasons she is grateful. Not everyone can be lucky enough to live in the Yorkshire dales, where our host resides, but hopefully you can take something from this episode to help you through. We reflect on something positive and hope it helps you take the opportunity to stand and stare. Leisure Poem by W.H.Davies What is this life if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare. No time to stand benea...

In this episode Susan talks about the impact of Coronavirus in the Dales and how future episodes will have to be recorded remotely. She also talks about the fear of it spreading due to the influx of visitors to the National Parks. About the Host: Susan is actively involved in promoting Yorkshire businesses with audio production and on social media. She has been living in Yorkshire for over 30 years. She is passionate about the county she has adopted as her home and she never ceases to be amazed...

Have you ever wondered what cones do when you are not looking at them? Susan talks in this episode to Chris Madeley, author of The Cones series of children's books. These books are full of stories about the cones, their adventures, and stories to help children to see the world in a better way. About the Guest: Chris Madeley was born and brought up in the Old Vicarage in Darton, near Barnsley. Until Chris was 18 the family had no television, so she was well used to making her own entertainment. ...

In this episode we are introduced to Keith Madeley, who is 'Mr Yorkshire'. The title was given to him when he was working for a digital media company and has stuck due to the untiring work that he does connecting and promoting Yorkshire businesses and educational establishments. About the Guest: Keith is Yorkshire born and bred having been born, brought up and educated in Bradford. At the age of 16 he joined British Rail and rose to the dizzy heights of Station Master in record time, being prom...

Susan chats with Carol Tetlow in this week's episode about her life as a GP and her journey to becoming a published author. Carol persevered sending off her manuscripts to publishers and resisted the temptation to self publish. She was eventually rewarded with a contract from a Canadian publisher for her medical series set in fictitious Lambdale and the Teviotdale medical centre. Since this episode was recorded, Carol's new series about tennis club intrigue, written originally for her sister, h...

In this episode Susan talks to Paula Richardson about her consultancy; she is the Better Business Bee.They talk about the one certainty everyone in business can agree on, the need to continually change to both survive and to grow. No matter what business you are in, you will need to make some changes along the way. As Paula says "when you have your head down working in your business every day it's very difficult to take the time to look up and see the bigger picture". She talks about how she can...

Organising the programme for the annual Swaledale Festival is a huge task and Malcolm Creese, Artistic Festival Director, talks to Susan about the history and running of this event. He works with a small team throughout the year and then, during the festival, they are assisted by a willing band of volunteers. About the Festival: The annual Swaledale Festival encompasses 60+ high-quality music, arts and walking events throughout Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale, including classical, fol...

In this episode Susan and Jackie discuss her skill in crafting a bespoke ceremony written for the individuals taking part, which can be tailored to be completely personal and unique. We learn about the differences between being a registrar and a celebrant and the variety of celebrations that she covers. She is professional and caring, and as an excellent listener, can help you focus on the important aspects of your celebration whilst taking the stress out of managing it. About the Guest: Jackie...

Susan goes behind the scenes today with award winning artist Lucy Pittaway. Lucy talks about the ups and downs of growing a successful business and shares some of the challenges she faced along the way. She has a global business, shipping products worldwide, and after the surprise of winning her first award in 2015 for 'Best in Show' now has quite an array to her name, most recently.winning 'UK's Most Popular Published Artist' in 2018 and 2019. The Lucy Pittaway Limited Business was formed in M...

In this episode we feature two tracks from Fourum's popular music and Susan talks to Jim Jack about how the band started in 1972 and quickly grew in popularity. The name of the band came initially from the latin word Forum meaning a meeting place, with the addition of the extra letter U to distinguish from other groups. It also reinforces the setup of the band which over the years has predominantly had four main performers. About the Guests: The group began with four members: Allen Miller, Jim ...

In this episode Susan talks with Dawn Clarkson who runs a successful accountancy firm and also operates as a business coach. She has a unique and extremely supportive coaching business running effective workshops and retreats. About the Guest: Dawn set up and ran her accountancy firm, Dawn Clarkson Associates, based in Thornborough Hall in Leyburn. She now operates as a consultant within that business while she concentrates on her coaching work. Dawn was trained and worked as a business coach ...

In this episode Susan is talking to three members of the Gingertree Holistic Skin and Lifestyle Clinic, Kathy Scott, Kate Airey and Katie Vaioleti. Ginger Tree is located in the tranquil setting of Aske Stables just outside Richmond with plenty of free parking and a beautiful garden seating area to enjoy. Ginger Tree is a special place, a cocoon away from the stress and strain of everyday life. It’s a place where time and attention is dedicated to you and your needs. Together the team discuss t...

In this episode Susan is talking to Leona Deakin about her newly released book, Gone, the first of a series, featuring psychologist investigator and private detective Dr Augusta Bloom. The mystery to solve is where have four apparent strangers disappeared to and what is the game that has enticed them away? This is an addictive debut thriller with an ingenious hook that turns the missing person plot on its head. What if the missing people are the dangerous ones? No answers in this episode...you w...