Small Actions Big Ripples

Stavros Kokkinos @opusmediaproductions

Welcome to the ‘Small Actions, Big Ripples’, a podcast that shines a spotlight on individuals whose small, intentional actions create waves of positive change. In every episode, we celebrate the innovators and problem-solvers working within their organisations or purpose-driven businesses to make a meaningful difference in the wider community. From sustainable initiatives that protect our planet, to community support programs that uplift lives, you will hear stories that will inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect. Produced and recorded at Opus Media Productions studio.

  1. Jun 1

    Building stronger communities through acts of kindness | Joanna Morris & Ruth Martin

    How do Community Foundations create life-changing impact for individuals, families and local communities? In this episode of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I sit down with Ruth Martin (Trustee) and Joanna Morris (CEO) from Shropshire Community Foundation to explore how small actions, community support and local philanthropy are creating meaningful social impact across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin. Ruth and Joanna share their personal journeys into the Foundation, what inspires their passion for community work, and how they help connect people, businesses and organisations to create positive change where it matters most. We discuss: ✅ What Shropshire Community Foundation does and how it supports local communities ✅ How community grants help grassroots organisations make a real difference ✅ The inspiring story behind Zach's Fund and its impact on families facing cancer ✅ Why volunteering, giving and community partnerships matter ✅ How businesses can create social value through local investment ✅ Building stronger, more connected communities across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ✅ The power of kindness, collaboration and small actions that create big ripples This uplifting conversation highlights the incredible work being done by local charities, volunteers and community leaders who are helping people thrive through support, compassion and action. Whether you're interested in community development, social impact, volunteering, charity leadership, local giving, philanthropy or creating positive change in your own community, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights. #CommunityImpact #SocialImpact #ShropshireCommunityFoundation 🎙️ Guests: Ruth Martin – Trustee, Shropshire Community Foundation Joanna Morris – CEO, Shropshire Community Foundation Visit https://www.shropshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk/ 📍 Recorded at the Opus Media Productions studio. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment and subscribe to help us share more stories of people making a difference.

    16 min
  2. Mar 2

    How to build stronger local economies through purpose-driven business support | Johnny Themans

    How do you build stronger local economies by supporting founders with coaching, training, and a truly people-first approach? In this episode of the Small Actions, Big Ripples podcast, I’m joined by Johnny Themans, co-founder of Good2Great, a purpose-driven organisation on a mission to boost local economic prosperity by helping businesses thrive. We explore what inspired Johnny to co-found Good2Great, and the personal experiences that shaped his passion for supporting founders on their business journey.We also discuss how small, intentional actions in business support can create powerful ripple effects across entire communities and local economies. Johnny shares his journey, including: - What inspired him to co-found Good2Great-The real challenges founders face in the early stages of business - Why a people-first approach to business support is so important - How coaching, training and consultancy help build confidence and capability in founders - How supporting individual businesses strengthens wider local economic prosperity If you're a startup founder, SME owner, or someone who supports entrepreneurs on their journey, this episode is packed with business insights. 👉 Stay inspired, share and subscribe. Follow the 'Small Actions, Big Ripples' podcast on my YouTube channel for more eps and inspiring stories of people who do good things for the community and the planet https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFdaZx1prsDnb1Xh1C9gCvLT2VNr_OfzR&si=EWy6DAiqZdp_shsJ

    15 min
  3. 08/13/2025

    Keeping the music alive since 1857 | Emma Loat

    🎹 What does it take to keep a Manchester cultural icon alive since 1857? In this special episode of Small Actions Big Ripples, recorded on location in Manchester, I sit down with Emma Loat, 5th-generation owner of Forsyth Brothers, the legendary music store on Deansgate in Mcr city centre. We recorded right on the piano floor, surrounded by the rich and illustrious history, atmosphere, and melodies that have been a feature of Manchester’s music scene for over 160 years. As a former RNCM student who spent countless hours here browsing sheet music, chatting with musicians, and soaking up the vibe, this conversation felt like a homecoming. Emma shares candid insights into: 🎶 The triumphs & challenges of running a family business in a changing retail world 🎶 How Forsyths thrives despite online competition 🎶 The store’s remarkable history & vision for the future 🎶 The power of music to strengthen community spirit This is a story of resilience, heritage, and keeping culture alive through a genuine love of music. Learn more about Forsyths: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/ 🎥🎧 Follow the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mLm5ROJMfjjPq9eeFPnjr YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpusMediaProductionsUK/podcasts Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-actions-big-ripples/id1796370318 Want to appear as a guest in a future episode? The Small Actions Big Ripples podcast is all about creating social value, championing positive change, and showing that everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. If your work resonates with these themes and you'd like to be featured as a guest, send an email to stavros@opusmediaproductions.co.uk with a short description of your work and why you think it’s a good fit. Because small actions can create big ripples!

    23 min

Trailer

About

Welcome to the ‘Small Actions, Big Ripples’, a podcast that shines a spotlight on individuals whose small, intentional actions create waves of positive change. In every episode, we celebrate the innovators and problem-solvers working within their organisations or purpose-driven businesses to make a meaningful difference in the wider community. From sustainable initiatives that protect our planet, to community support programs that uplift lives, you will hear stories that will inspire and maybe even spark your own ripple effect. Produced and recorded at Opus Media Productions studio.