Swindon 105.5

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Channel • 2 Shows

Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Monthly
Society & Culture

Society & Culture

Updated Semiweekly

JAN 10

Lorenzo Payman

James sits down with Lorenzo Payman, born in Afghanistan, raised in Vietnam, and now a Canadian expat. Lorenzo recounts his family’s escape from Afghanistan as a child, travelling on foot after a family betrayal left them without passports and forced them to evade Communist soldiers. Now a podcast producer, Lorenzo works with people who have incredible stories and helps others launch their own podcasts. He shares how this work gave his life meaning — and ultimately saved it.

Jan 10

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52 min
03/14/2025

Ozge Koca

In this episode, James sits down with Ozge Koca, a headhunted immigrant whose journey from Türkiye to the UK has been nothing short of remarkable. Now a British citizen, Ozge is dedicated to enhancing happiness in both customers and employees. As the founder of a pioneering startup, she developed innovative software to measure happiness levels, a breakthrough that led to her company being the first from Turkey to be invited to expand to the UK by the British government. Alongside her entrepreneurial success, Ozge is also a talented stand-up comedian, blending humor with her mission to promote positivity in both business and life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on innovation, happiness, and the power of laughter!

03/14/2025

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31 min
05/19/2025

Paul Gotel

This week James is joined by Paul Gotel, a transformational coach, speaker, and author whose journey from worldly adventurer to spiritual guide is nothing short of inspiring. With decades of experience traveling the globe and diving deep into the human experience, Paul shares powerful insights on living with purpose, aligning with your truth, and embracing the present moment. He and James explore what it really means to be authentic, how to break free from limiting beliefs, and why the answers we seek are often already within us. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself and with what truly matters. Whether you're on a path of personal growth or simply curious about how to live more consciously, Paul's wisdom will leave you feeling grounded and inspired.

05/19/2025

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52 min
04/09/2025

Lynne Hughes

In this episode, Stephen sits down with Lynne Hughes, a passionate and resilient entrepreneur whose journey through the hospitality industry has been anything but ordinary. From launching and running restaurants to navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lynne has faced each twist and turn with determination and grace. As the world changed, so did Lynne's focus. In the wake of the pandemic, she pivoted toward self-care and lifestyle ventures—building spaces and experiences that prioritize well-being, connection, and personal growth. Through her work, Lynne aims to bring people together and help them reconnect not just with others, but with themselves. Join us as Lynne shares her entrepreneurial story, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how she continues to evolve her mission of community, care, and conscious living.

04/09/2025

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30 min
02/17/2025

James Dakin

Stephen Gillen, a former gangster turned peacemaker and broadcaster, meets with inspiring individuals who have overcome adversity. In this conversation, he talks with James Dakin, who rose from an abusive childhood to become a motivational speaker and mentor. James now helps others navigate their challenges, offering hope and guidance. Together, they discuss the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative journey from hardship to healing.

02/17/2025

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44 min
03/03/2025

Lara Wildman

In this episode, Stephen speaks with Lara Wildman, who shares her incredible journey from a seemingly perfect life in Vancouver to the devastating experiences of abuse, family suicide, and abandonment. Despite these challenges, Lara found a way to turn her financial crisis into a thriving business, all while prioritizing a healthy work-life balance. Through candid conversation, Lara reveals how she rebuilt her life and now helps others achieve personal and professional well-being. Tune in for a powerful story of resilience, strength, and the pursuit of balance amidst adversity.

03/03/2025

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37 min
05/07/2025

Baiba Ziga

In this month’s episode, James sits down with Baiba Ziga, a globally experienced professional originally from Latvia. Having lived and worked in 15 different countries, Baiba brings a rich and well-rounded perspective on cultures, communities, and educational systems from around the world. Despite her international journey, Baiba remains deeply connected to her Latvian roots. She is passionately dedicated to transforming Latvia’s education system, which she believes is currently in crisis. Drawing on her global insights, Baiba is committed to introducing innovative practices and fresh ideas that can help build a more inclusive and effective learning environment back home. Beyond her work in Latvia, Baiba is also keen to foster meaningful relationships with community-based organisations in England. She views collaboration as essential to lasting change and is eager to share knowledge, build partnerships, and work alongside others who are equally committed to educational reform and community empowerment.

05/07/2025

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39 min
05/28/2025

Talia Fox

In this powerful and inspiring episode, James Dakin sits down with Talia Fox — a dynamic author, acclaimed speaker, and fearless trailblazer — to explore her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to the highest levels of leadership. Raised in Las Vegas in a struggling family, Talia began supporting her father's small business at just eight years old, stepping in to help with tasks he couldn’t manage due to his inability to read. This early responsibility shaped her resilience, work ethic, and fierce sense of purpose. Talia shares how these formative experiences laid the foundation for a ground breaking career that led her to helm a major company, secure critical contracts with the Federal Government, and work directly with the White House. Her story is one of grit, transformation, and breaking barriers — especially for women and underrepresented voices in leadership. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply someone who values stories of perseverance and vision, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that your starting point does not determine your destination.

05/28/2025

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45 min
03/03/2025

Lisa Holmes

In this episode, Stephen speaks with Lisa Holmes. Lisa shares her unique journey, from growing up in an RAF family and leaving school at 16, to her early career working at Gatwick Airport in flight planning. At just 18 years old, Lisa was already proving her dedication and skill in a male-dominated industry. However, despite her hard work, she was denied a well-deserved promotion simply because of her gender. Lisa sits down with Stephen to discuss the challenges and obstacles she faced throughout her career, offering powerful insights into the importance of valuing your workforce and building strong interpersonal business relationships. This conversation is not just about overcoming adversity, but about the essential role that respect, recognition, and support play in creating an inclusive and thriving work environment. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, empowerment, and the true meaning of professional growth.

03/03/2025

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30 min
09/08/2025

Sarah-Frances McCormick

In this episode, James is joined by Sarah Frances McCormick—an accomplished writer, speaker, and storyteller based in Carolina. Sarah Frances has built her work around honesty, vulnerability, and the belief that sharing personal experiences can spark connection, healing, and inspiration in others. Through her writing and public speaking, she explores life’s challenges with raw openness, transforming moments of struggle into stories of hope and resilience. James describes Sarah Frances as “brave,” a word she fully embraces. She reflects on what bravery means to her—not as the absence of fear, but as the willingness to speak truthfully, even when it’s uncomfortable. Their conversation explores the power of storytelling, how lived experience can become a tool for empowering others, and why courage often looks quieter, and more personal, than we expect. This episode is for listeners who appreciate authenticity, who value the art of storytelling, and who want to be reminded that sharing our truths can be one of the most powerful ways to inspire change.

09/08/2025

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39 min

The very best of Swindon 105.5 your local community radio station, now in podcast form.

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Swindon 105.5

Top Shows

Lorenzo Payman

Ozge Koca

Paul Gotel

Lynne Hughes

James Dakin

Lara Wildman

Baiba Ziga

Talia Fox

Lisa Holmes

Sarah-Frances McCormick

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