HEROES AMONG US: PODCAST

Simon Bywater
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Discover the inspiring journeys of those who have dedicated their lives to service and leadership on "Heroes Among Us: Sharing Personal Stories of Life and Work." Each episode delves into the extraordinary experiences of military veterans, law enforcement officers, business pioneers, and local government officials, revealing the challenges they’ve faced, the triumphs they’ve achieved, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. Join us as we explore the human stories behind the uniforms, the badges, and the titles, offering a unique perspective on resilience, courage, and the spirit of community. Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking to understand the complexities of service, or simply enjoy hearing powerful life stories, "Heroes Among Us" provides heartfelt and thought-provoking conversations that will inspire and resonate. Tune in to hear from the heroes who walk among us and discover the remarkable tales of life and work that shape our world.

  1. "Ambushed in the Amazon: Survival, Resilience, and the Unfinished Expedition" John Bathgate and Ian Roberts

    04/25/2025

    "Ambushed in the Amazon: Survival, Resilience, and the Unfinished Expedition" John Bathgate and Ian Roberts

    For the first time on the podcast, we welcome two extraordinary guests whose lives are stitched together by courage, brotherhood, and the wild call of adventure. 🎙️ Meet John Bathgate and Ian Roberts, both former Royal Marines who’ve taken everything they learned in service and channelled it into a bold mission—one that spans continents, challenges danger, and speaks to the power of purpose. 🔥 From the Scottish Highlands and Dartmoor rivers to the heart of the Amazon jungle, their journey is as thrilling as it is meaningful. John’s quest to complete an expedition his legendary climber father once dreamed of became very real when pirates forced him and Ian to flee for their lives. But their mission didn’t end there. Through Summit to Sea, they’re planning a return—not just to finish what they started, but to shine a light on environmental protection, mental health, and the untold stories of the people of the Amazon Basin. https://www.summittosea.org.uk/ This episode is packed with raw honesty, wild landscapes, and the kind of human spirit that refuses to quit. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to see adventure, challenge, and purpose in a whole new light.

    57 min
  2. "Troy Townsend: Fighting for Equality, Mental Health & Change in Football"

    04/18/2025

    "Troy Townsend: Fighting for Equality, Mental Health & Change in Football"

    This week, we sit down with a true game-changer in football and social advocacy—Troy Townsend MBE Hon.D.Sc. For over a decade, Troy led the charge against discrimination in football as Head of Player Engagement at Kick It Out. He worked tirelessly with players, clubs, and governing bodies to tackle racism, promote equality, and create lasting change in the sport. Now, with his own consultancy, Troy continues his mission—educating young players, parents, and staff on the realities of discrimination and the mental pressures of elite football. Beyond the game, Troy’s impact runs deep. From mentoring young athletes to producing the powerful documentary It Was All A Dream: The Football Academy Journey, his work sheds light on the harsh realities of the academy system. His personal journey—from losing his own football dream at 16 to receiving an MBE for services to football and social change—is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of speaking out. 🎙 In this episode, we discuss: ⚽ The fight against racism in football 🧠 Mental health and the pressures of young players 🏆 His own journey from heartbreak to becoming a leading advocate 🎧 His work shaping football’s most powerful documentaries Troy Townsend is a voice football—and society—cannot afford to ignore. Don't miss this conversation.

    58 min
  3. "Community First: David Keane on Grassroots Change and Local Leadership"

    04/11/2025

    "Community First: David Keane on Grassroots Change and Local Leadership"

    In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with David Keane, a local leader whose deep-rooted passion for Huntingdonshire has shaped a career of service, advocacy, and action. Born in Huntingdon and raised in St Ives, David's journey took him across the UK and Europe in a successful marketing career before returning home to make a difference where it matters most. Since 2016, he’s been a Parish and District Councillor, championing projects like Timebanking, flood prevention, and community-led services in Houghton & Wyton. Now stepping up to the County Council, David shares his vision to fix the basics—potholes, planning, public services—while tackling the bigger picture: overdevelopment, environmental protection, and cutting through bureaucracy to get things done. We talk candidly about what it’s really like being a Councillor, how to get people more engaged in local democracy, and the hopes and fears surrounding the proposed shake-up of local government. If you care about where you live and want to understand how local leadership really works, this is a must-listen.

    55 min
  4. Scott Walker – The World’s Go-To Kidnap Negotiator

    04/04/2025

    Scott Walker – The World’s Go-To Kidnap Negotiator

    In this episode of "Heroes Among Us: Sharing Personal Stories of Life and Work." We’re joined by a man who has quite literally talked people out of life-or-death situations. With over 300 high-stakes cases under his belt, from kidnap-for-ransom to cyber-attacks, hijackings, and extortion, Scott Walker is one of the world’s most experienced crisis and hostage negotiators. Scott’s journey began as a Scotland Yard detective, where he spent 16 years working in covert, counterterrorist, and kidnapping operations. Since leaving the police in 2015, he has worked with the United Nations, government agencies, and private clients to negotiate the release of hostages worldwide—putting his extraordinary ability to influence, persuade, and defuse conflict to the ultimate test. Beyond crisis negotiations, Scott is a highly sought-after speaker, trainer, and author. His Sunday Times bestselling book, Order Out of Chaos: A Kidnap Negotiator’s Guide to Influence and Persuasion, has changed the way businesses and individuals think about negotiation, communication, and decision-making under pressure. His expertise has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, BBC, CNN, and Sky News. He has trained teams at some of the biggest organisations in the world—including Amazon, Apple, Deloitte, and the United Nations—helping leaders navigate uncertainty, resolve conflict, and make critical decisions when the stakes are sky-high. And in May 2025, his next book, Eye of the Storm: How to Make Good Decisions in Bad Situations, will take us even deeper into the art of thinking clearly under pressure. So, how do you negotiate with a kidnapper? What does it take to stay calm when the pressure is unbearable? And how can we all apply these skills in our daily lives? Let’s find out. Welcome to Heroes Among Us, with Scott Walker. 🎧🔥

    52 min
  5. 🎭 RAY JONES: THE MAN BEHIND LONDON’S LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE 🎶

    03/07/2025

    🎭 RAY JONES: THE MAN BEHIND LONDON’S LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCENE 🎶

    Step into the vibrant world of live entertainment, hospitality, and London’s cultural heartbeat with Ray Jones; a man known by many as Mr. London. In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with the legendary Ray Jones, a man whose career has shaped the way people experience London’s vibrant cultural scene. From his early days as Head Concierge at some of the capital’s finest hotels to founding Centre Stage, a pioneering theatre and concert break company, Ray has spent decades at the heart of London’s entertainment world. As Brand Development Director at Superbreak Mini-Holidays, he played a key role in making London the go-to destination for unforgettable experiences, curating top-tier theatre, concert, and event packages. His journey didn’t stop there. At Time Out, Ray launched The Time Out Card and transformed Time Out Live, creating unique, unmissable events that brought the city’s entertainment to life. But his true passion? Live music. In 2017, he founded TALENTBANQ, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to championing the best independent artists and giving them the stage they deserve. Ray’s energy and enthusiasm remain boundless, and he credits much of that to being surrounded by young, passionate musicians and creatives. Their drive keeps him motivated, reminding him of why he fell in love with live entertainment in the first place. Join us as Ray shares incredible stories from his career—behind-the-scenes moments from London’s entertainment industry, the evolution of live music, and his mission to support the next generation of talent. #HeroesAmongUs #RayJones #LondonEntertainment #LiveMusic #Theatre #Talentbanq #SupportingNewTalent #Podcast

    58 min
  6. "Tip Cullen: From Royal Marine Mountain Leader to Actor – The Power of Theatre and Veterans' Voices"

    02/28/2025

    "Tip Cullen: From Royal Marine Mountain Leader to Actor – The Power of Theatre and Veterans' Voices"

    In this powerful episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Tip Cullen, a former Royal Marine Mountain Leader whose journey from the battlefield to the stage is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in Belfast during turbulent times of the 70s and 80s, Tip sought adventure and challenge in the Royal Marines, where he spent over three decades mastering mountain warfare, reconnaissance, and cold-weather operations. He experienced the intensity of combat, the loss of close friends, and the resilience needed to lead in the harshest conditions. After returning from Afghanistan, Tip made a bold career shift, channelling his experiences into acting. From earning a drama degree to landing roles in Ready Player One and Kingsman 2, he discovered the transformative power of storytelling. Now, as an Assistant Practitioner at Theatre Royal Plymouth, he helps veterans find healing and purpose through performance in the Our Space program. We explore how the rich culture of storytelling, something deeply ingrained in military tradition has become a lifeline for veterans, helping them process experiences, connect with others, and find new meaning beyond service. We also discuss his latest and powerful film, “Sunray” a deeply personal film that brings his journey full circle, blending his military past with his passion for storytelling. This episode is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of human connection. Tune in to hear Tip’s incredible honest story and learn how he’s using theatre to inspire and uplift others.

    59 min
  7. Festus Akinbusoye: Breaking Barriers, Leading Change, and Shaping the Future

    02/21/2025

    Festus Akinbusoye: Breaking Barriers, Leading Change, and Shaping the Future

    In this episode of Heroes Among Us, we sit down with Festus Akinbusoye, a true trailblazer who has shattered barriers and led with purpose in business, community leadership, and policing. From arriving in England at 13 and playing professional basketball to building a thriving business from his dad’s council flat, Festus' journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. Inspired by his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, he scaled his company from four employees to nearly 60, with the support of the Prince’s Trust. Making history in 2021 as Britain’s first black Police and Crime Commissioner, Festus tackled major issues in policing—overseeing budgets, boosting officer recruitment, and championing crime prevention initiatives. His leadership earned him national recognition, a seat on the College of Policing Board, and an exclusive feature with Sky News’ Beth Rigby. Beyond policing, we explore his views on tackling youth crime, the role of mentorship, and his vision for creating safer communities. Festus also shares lessons from his academic journey and how diplomacy, business, and public service intertwine. This is an inspiring conversation about leadership, determination, and making a real impact. Tune in to hear Festus' remarkable story and his passion for driving change.

    56 min
  8. Dave Attree – Finding Joy in Words, Creativity, and Resilience

    02/14/2025

    Dave Attree – Finding Joy in Words, Creativity, and Resilience

    This week on Heroes Among Us, we welcome the brilliant Dave Attree, a man whose life has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for storytelling and poetry. From crafting heartfelt, spontaneous poetry with The Poetry Takeaway—a mobile poetry “snack-van” that brought laughter, tears, and amazement to strangers—to raising over £1 million for Prostate Cancer UK through his words, Dave has proven time and again the power of poetry to connect and heal. His ability to turn fleeting conversations into meaningful verse has left a lasting impact on everyone he encounters. His storytelling extends beyond poetry, too. As a Funeral Celebrant, he crafts deeply personal tributes that honour lives with authenticity and warmth. During lockdown, his poetry was commissioned by the BBC Make a Difference campaign, providing comfort and reflection during uncertain times. Every week, his spoken-word segment Week in Words on BBC Sussex, Surrey & Kent reminds listeners of the power of words to inspire and uplift. But Dave’s story is also one of immense personal resilience. In 2003, he underwent life-saving open-heart surgery, and in 2023, just weeks before hosting his Alive event with Bob Harris, he survived a stroke. Yet, true to his nature, he carried on—focusing not on limitations, but on what can be achieved. His approach to life is simple but powerful: celebrate being alive, find joy in every moment, and always focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. It’s a mindset that fuels both his creative work and his personal journey, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always an opportunity to inspire and uplift others. We also dive into the art of writing, creativity, and the challenge of overcoming that daunting blank page. Whether it’s poetry, storytelling, or personal reflection, Dave shares his insights on pushing past self-doubt, letting creativity flow, and finding the words that truly matter. And to close out the podcast, Dave treats us to some fantastic poetry, leaving us with words that will stay with you long after the episode ends. 🎙️ Join us for an incredible conversation about poetry, creativity, overcoming adversity, and making every day count.

    54 min
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About

Discover the inspiring journeys of those who have dedicated their lives to service and leadership on "Heroes Among Us: Sharing Personal Stories of Life and Work." Each episode delves into the extraordinary experiences of military veterans, law enforcement officers, business pioneers, and local government officials, revealing the challenges they’ve faced, the triumphs they’ve achieved, and the invaluable lessons they've learned along the way. Join us as we explore the human stories behind the uniforms, the badges, and the titles, offering a unique perspective on resilience, courage, and the spirit of community. Whether you're looking for motivation, seeking to understand the complexities of service, or simply enjoy hearing powerful life stories, "Heroes Among Us" provides heartfelt and thought-provoking conversations that will inspire and resonate. Tune in to hear from the heroes who walk among us and discover the remarkable tales of life and work that shape our world.

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