Life Stories

Andy Thomas

I have come across many impressive and inspirational people in my time in medical technology education and sales. I have always had the goal to run an interview series with these people, to find out more about them personally and what led them to the career they ended up in. I am genuinely looking forward to each of these! I hope you find it interesting too.

  1. 8 APR

    Life Stories | Ep.247 | Tom Lamb

    This week on Life Stories, I sat down with Tom Lamb -  a senior physiotherapist with a seriously unique journey – and we covered a lot more than just rehab and performance.   We got into how the physio world is evolving fast,especially with the rise of technology, AI, and data-driven rehab. Tom shares how tools like force plates and AI notetaking are changing the way clinicians work, but also why keeping things simple and human still matters most. We alsotalk about the shift in private practice, the growing demand for faster, higher-quality care, and why patients are becoming more invested than ever in their own health.   But what really stood out to me was Tom’s story. From beinga visually impaired athlete to representing England, playing in World Cup finals, and now working as a physio in elite environments – it’s an incredible journey. We talk about identity, resilience, learning to embrace challenges,and how those experiences shaped the way he now treats patients.   There’s also an honest conversation about the value ofhealthcare, why physios often undervalue themselves, and how the industry needs to evolve without losing its core – empathy, communication, and trust.   Loads of insight in this one – whether you’re in healthcare,sport, or just interested in how people build meaningful careers and overcome adversity.   Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Full Episode out now

    48 min

  2. 1 APR

    Life Stories | Ep.246 | Dr Dan Bunstone

    What does it really take to build a meaningful career -  and stay ahead in a changing profession? In this episode of the Life Stories Podcast, I’m joined by DrDan Bunstone  for a deep dive into careergrowth, leadership, and navigating the realities of modern healthcare.   Dan shares his journey -  the decisions, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped his path -  andwe explore what separates those who progress from those who stay stuck.   This is an honest conversation about more than just clinicalwork. It’s about mindset, adaptability, and taking ownership of your career.   In this episode, we discuss: -    The key moments that shaped Dan’s career journey -    The challenges clinicians face as they progress -    Why technical skill alone isn’t enough anymore -    The importance of leadership, communication, and self-awareness -    How to adapt and grow in a constantly evolving profession -    Lessons learned from experience - and what Dan would do differently   Whether you’re early in your career or looking to take thenext step, this episode offers practical insights and real perspective from someone who’s been through it.

    51 min

  3. 25 MAR

    Life Stories | Ep.245 | Priya Shinde

    Why do so many clinicians feel stuck in their careers - andhow do you fix it?  In this episode of the Life Stories Podcast, I sit down withphysiotherapy career coach and leadership advocate Priyanka Shinde to unpack what it really takes to build a successful, purpose-driven career in healthcare.   Priya shares her journey from struggling to land her firstrole to stepping into leadership and ultimately building her own coaching business. But more importantly, we dive into the mindset shifts that changed everything.   This conversation goes beyond clinical skills - it’s about clarity,confidence, and taking control of your career.   In this episode, we explore:   ⚡ Why applying for more jobs isn’t the answer (and what to do instead) ⚡ The biggest mistakes clinicians make when navigating their careers ⚡ Why purpose and direction matter more than ever ⚡ The gap between clinical expertise and leadership skills ⚡ How mentorship and the right environment can change everything ⚡ Reframing “sales” as service - and why that matters   Priya also breaks down her mission to help 100,000physiotherapists build meaningful, successful careers - and the simple frameworks she uses to make that happen.   If you’re a clinician who feels stuck, undervalued, orunsure about your next step, this episode will challenge the way you think about your career.

    54 min

  4. 18 MAR

    Life Stories | Ep.244 | Sarah Jane Mc Donnell

    What does it really take to build a career in elite sport?   In this episode of the Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast, Isit down with Sarah-Jane McDonnell to talk about her journey through more than two decades working in high-performance sport.   SJ is the Head of Rehabilitation at the Sport IrelandInstitute, supporting Olympic and Paralympic athletes across multiple Games cycles. In our conversation, she shares how her career started almost by chance and the lessons she’s learned along the way.   We talk about the value of broad clinical experience, therealities of working in elite sport, and why leadership, relationships, and mentorship matter just as much as clinical expertise.   If you’re interested in physiotherapy, leadership, or whathappens behind the scenes in high-performance sport, this episode is packed with insight.   🎧 Watch the full conversation now.

    49 min

  5. 11 MAR

    Life Stories | Ep.243 | Karen May

    What does it really take to build a lasting career inhealthcare?   In this episode of the Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast,host Andy Thomas sits down with respected physiotherapist and healthcare leader Karen May for a powerful conversation about leadership, career growth, and the realities of working in healthcare.   Karen shares the experiences that shaped her journey - thechallenges, the turning points, and the lessons that only come from years working at the frontline of patient care and professional leadership.   Together they dive into the topics many clinicians thinkabout but rarely talk about openly.   In this episode you’ll discover: -        The mindset shifts that shape successfulhealthcare careers -        The biggest leadership lessons Karen haslearned along the way -        Why reflection and curiosity are essential forgrowth -        The challenges clinicians face as theyprogress in their careers -        How to create real impact for patients, teams,and the profession   This is an honest and insightful conversation about what ittakes to grow, lead, and stay motivated in a demanding profession.   If you’re a physiotherapist, clinician, or healthcareprofessional thinking about the next stage of your career, this episode is packed with perspective and inspiration.   🎧 Watch the full conversation now.   👇 Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments 👍 Subscribe for more powerful stories from leaders shaping healthcare   #LifeStoriesPodcast #HealthcareLeadership #Physiotherapy#AndyThomas #KarenMay

    53 min

  6. 4 MAR

    Life Stories | Ep.242 | Nell Mead

    This week on the Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast, AndyThomas sits down with specialist physio Nell Mead for a bold conversation about pricing, value, and confidence in healthcare.   Nell shares why she charges premium rates, how shecommunicates price rises transparently, and why being fully booked isn’t luck - it’s clarity of value. From expectation setting to protecting profit margins, this episode challenges the mindset holding so many clinicians back.   If you’ve ever questioned what you’re worth, this one willshift your thinking.   🎧 Watch now.

    1hr 4min

  7. 25 FEB

    Life Stories | Ep.241 | Paul Wimpenny

    On this episode of the Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast,Andy Thomas sits down with Paul Wimpenny for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about career pivots, leadership, and staying grounded whileworking at scale.   Paul shares his journey from frontline care into seniorleadership - opening up about the pressure that comes with responsibility, the importance of building strong teams, and why purpose always has to come before position. This isn’t a polished highlight reel… it’s real talk about setbacks,growth, and learning to lead with authenticity.   In this episode, you’ll hear about:   -        Moving from clinical work into leadership -        The mindset shifts required to grow yourinfluence -        Why people matter more than job titles -        Lessons learned the hard way -        Staying human in high-pressure environments   Whether you’re a clinician, healthcare professional, orsomeone navigating your own career path, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about success and impact.   🎧 Watch now -  and get inspired to lead better.   👇 Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments 👍 Like & subscribe for more real stories from healthcare leaders

    56 min

  8. 18 FEB

    Life Stories | Ep.240

    From Failing Exams to Building a National HealthcareBusiness | Andrew Walton on Life Stories   In this episode of the Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast,Andy sits down with Andrew Walton, founder of Cora Health and First ContactHealth, to explore an incredible journey from struggling at school to becomingone of the UK’s leading MSK healthcare entrepreneurs.   Andrew shares his story growing up in Newcastle, failingexams, finding his way into physiotherapy, and eventually building large-scalecommunity MSK, diagnostics, and surgical services across the UK. Along the way,he opens up about resilience, imposter syndrome, leadership, and why cliniciansmust start valuing themselves properly.   You’ll hear about:   ✅ Turning academic setbacks intofuel ✅ Moving from NHS clinician tobusiness founder ✅ Building teams smarter thanyourself ✅ Lessons from failure, growth,and mergers ✅ Why MSK care is undervalued - andhow that can change ✅ His bold new vision for privateMSK with First Contact Health   This is an honest, inspiring conversation for clinicians,healthcare leaders, and anyone thinking about doing things differently.   🎧 Tune in and getinspired.   👇 Share your thoughts inthe comments 👍 Like & subscribefor more real-life stories from healthcare leaders   #LifeStoriesPodcast #AndyThomas #AndrewWalton #Physiotherapy#HealthcareLeadership #MSK #Entrepreneurship

    54 min
See All (248)

About

I have come across many impressive and inspirational people in my time in medical technology education and sales. I have always had the goal to run an interview series with these people, to find out more about them personally and what led them to the career they ended up in. I am genuinely looking forward to each of these! I hope you find it interesting too.

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Thomas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andy Thomas
  • Show Website
    Life Stories

You Might Also Like