Strong Lincs

Strong Lincs

Welcome to Strong Lincs, the podcast all about Lincolnshire! Join hosts Rich Dutton and Dan Sumpton as they chat with local legends, uncover hidden stories, and celebrate everything that makes our county strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Autism Awareness, Model Railways & The Film Critic

    4 DAYS AGO

    Autism Awareness, Model Railways & The Film Critic

    April’s episode of Strong Lincs is packed with heart, community spirit, and a touch of creativity as Rich and Dan head out across the district to mark a very special day. In celebration of World Autism Day, the duo visit Rainbow Stars in Sleaford where they’re given a warm welcome by their very own super-fan, Stephi. She proudly shows them around the hub, offering a personal insight into the incredible work being done there by all the brilliant volunteers and members. From joining in with a calming mindfulness session to unwinding in the sensory room, it’s an eye-opening and uplifting experience that highlights the incredible work being done to support young people and families in the local community. All aboard! Next stop, Great Hale, where the action shifts to Hale Magna Village Hall for the NG34 Model Railway Society’s Exhibition. From intricate layouts to passionate hobbyists, Rich and Dan take in the sights and sounds of this much-loved local event, celebrating the craftsmanship and community behind the miniature world of model railways. They meet up for a chat with three of the NG34 members to get the lowdown on this fascinating hobby. Back in the studio, the conversation turns to the big (and small) screen as film critic Joel James joins the show. He shares his expert picks for upcoming cinema releases and TV series, offering listeners plenty of inspiration for their next watch. Rounding off the episode on a high note, the wonderfully talented Heather Brackley plays us out with her track Chickenpox, a memorable and unique finish to another vibrant episode. It’s all here: community, creativity, and connection on this month’s Strong Lincs. Links & Mentions: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps! Rainbow Stars: www.rainbowstarslincs.co.uk NG34 Model Railway Society: ng34mrs.co.uk Heather Brackley: instagram.com/heatherbrackleyx Follow us and get in touch: Facebook Instagram www.stronglincs.co.uk Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  2. Extra Strong Lincs with Paul Starbuck

    15 MAR

    Extra Strong Lincs with Paul Starbuck

    If you enjoyed the main March episode, this one goes even deeper. In this special extended cut of Extra Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan sit down for a longer, more in-depth conversation with Lincolnshire business leadership coach Paul Starbuck of Starbuck Associates. This episode is all about leadership, not the buzzword version, but the real, lived experience of it. Paul opens up about his coaching philosophy, why self-awareness sits at the centre of effective leadership, and how clarity of purpose can transform both individuals and organisations. The conversation explores how leaders can build trust within teams, navigate difficult conversations, and create environments where people genuinely want to perform at their best. Rich and Dan dig into the practical side too, asking Paul about the common challenges he sees across Lincolnshire businesses and the patterns that separate thriving teams from those simply surviving. There’s insight into accountability, resilience, mindset and the importance of aligning values with action, all delivered in Paul’s grounded, straight-talking style. If you’re a business owner, team leader, coach, or simply someone interested in becoming a stronger, more intentional leader, this extended episode offers thoughtful reflection and tangible takeaways. Less stage lights, more substance. This is leadership, the Strong Lincs way. Find out more about Paul Starbuck and Starbuck Associates: www.starbuckassociates.com Follow us and get in touch: Facebook Instagram www.stronglincs.co.uk Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  3. The Leadership Coach and Panto Plot Twists

    4 MAR

    The Leadership Coach and Panto Plot Twists

    March’s episode of Strong Lincs sees Rich and Dan covering serious ground, from boardroom leadership to full-blown panto chaos, and somehow making it all feel very Lincolnshire. First up, the duo sit down with Lincolnshire-based business leadership coach Paul Starbuck, founder of Starbuck Associates. Paul brings clarity, straight-talking wisdom and a refreshing lack of corporate fluff to the conversation. The chat explores what leadership really looks like beyond job titles, how strong communication can transform a struggling team, and why self-awareness is the secret weapon most business owners overlook. It’s thoughtful, practical and grounded in real experience working with organisations across the county and beyond. Whether you lead a company, a community group or just yourself, there’s something in this one that will stick with you. Then it’s a sharp left turn from strategy to stage lights as Rich and Dan head out to support Heckington Players and their production of The Snow Queen at Hale Magna Village Hall. The show is written and fronted by friend of the podcast Kei Bailey, and it delivers everything you’d hope for from proper community theatre: big characters, bigger laughs and that unmistakable village-hall magic. But in true Strong Lincs fashion, the night didn’t quite go to script. An unexpected real-life emergency led to East Midlands Ambulance Service being called to the venue, turning a theatrical drama into something far more real for a moment. It’s a reminder that behind every production are real people, real community spirit and sometimes very real surprises. What unfolded next, how everyone responded, and whether the curtain ultimately came down as planned is all revealed in this month’s episode. Leadership insight, local pride, unexpected twists and a healthy dose of humour, it’s all here. Strong Lincs at its very best. Links & Mentions: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps! Paul Starbuck: www.starbuckassociates.com Heckington Players: www.heckingtonplayers.co.uk Follow us and get in touch: Facebook Instagram www.stronglincs.co.uk Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  4. Panto to Paintbrush: Stories from Heckington’s Creative Scene

    5 FEB

    Panto to Paintbrush: Stories from Heckington’s Creative Scene

    In this February edition of Strong Lincs, we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the power of the arts across Lincolnshire with two truly inspiring guests. Kei Bailey is an award-winning playwright, director, and much-loved pantomime Dame. Known for his sharp wit, bold storytelling, and deep commitment to inclusive theatre, Kei shares his journey through the performing arts, the magic (and mayhem) of panto, and why storytelling still matters more than ever. Patricia Mellett Brown is a Lincolnshire-based artist whose work is deeply rooted in landscape, memory, and emotion. Patricia talks about her creative process, finding inspiration close to home, and how art can connect communities, especially in challenging times. Together, this episode explores: The importance of creativity in local communities, Life behind the curtain of theatre and panto, Finding artistic inspiration in Lincolnshire, How the arts build confidence, connection, and resilience. A warm, uplifting conversation with two passionate creatives who prove that Lincolnshire continues to punch well above its weight in the arts. Listen now and be inspired. Links & Mentions: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps! Kei Bailey Patricia Mellett Brown Follow us and get in touch: Facebook Instagram www.stronglincs.co.uk Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  5. Extra Strong Lincs with Chris Clark

    15/12/2025

    Extra Strong Lincs with Chris Clark

    Back in the studio for an extra helping, Rich and Dan are joined once again by a familiar and much-loved face, their good friend Chris Clark. In this festive edition of Extra Strong Lincs, the trio settle in for a relaxed, laughter-filled chat that’s packed with memories, behind-the-scenes stories and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The conversation takes a trip down memory lane as Rich, Dan and Chris reminisce about past creative projects, including their very first key collaboration on the feature film Shadows of a Stranger. From there, Chris opens up about his fascinating career journey, sharing stories from his work on high-profile productions and rubbing shoulders with television icons. Listeners will love hearing about Chris’s experiences working with legendary television characters such as Basil Brush, along with Zippy & George from the classic children’s TV show Rainbow. He also explains how his career has evolved, and why he’s now widely known in the television and entertainment world as the go-to guy for making and supplying puppets. The puppets you see on screen today? There’s a good chance Chris had a hand in bringing them to life. As always, the chat drifts across all sorts of topics, with plenty of humour, warmth and tangents along the way. This episode of Extra Strong Lincs only scratches the surface of Chris’s stories though. There are clearly many more waiting to be told. Don’t be surprised if this leads to an Extra Extra Strong Lincs in the not-too-distant future… Chris Clark on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@xmaswoo Follow us and get in touch: Facebook Instagram www.stronglincs.co.uk Email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

About

Welcome to Strong Lincs, the podcast all about Lincolnshire! Join hosts Rich Dutton and Dan Sumpton as they chat with local legends, uncover hidden stories, and celebrate everything that makes our county strong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.