Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast

James O'Donnell
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Documentary

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast shares inspiring local stories from the people, businesses, and community groups that make Bishop’s Stortford thrive. Hosted by local resident James O’Donnell, each episode spotlights independent shops, charities, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes shaping life in our town.

  1. 1d ago

    O’Brien Coaching: Consistency Beats Perfection - Seán O’Brien

    Seán O’Brien - O’Brien Coaching This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Seán O’Brien joins the podcast to talk about his own fitness journey, losing over 30kg, and how that eventually led to him becoming a personal trainer and starting O’Brien Coaching. Seán runs small group strength and mobility sessions for women over 40, alongside one-to-one personal training and online coaching. We talk about the moment that made him decide something had to change, why mindset matters as much as training and nutrition, and why identity is such a big part of making results last. Seán also explains why a lot of the fitness industry is still built around men, and why his work now focuses on helping women train in a way that actually fits them. Find Seán here: https://www.instagram.com/seanobrien.coach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/obriencoaching Stortford Spotlight Seán’s Jackson Square billboard: “Consistency beats perfection.” His local spot: Home & Eat. https://www.homeandeat.com/ His local shoutout: Babble & Bliss Baby Spa. https://www.instagram.com/babbleandblissbabyspa/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  2. 3d ago

    Finding Your Parenting Village in Bishop’s Stortford - Katie Linard

    Katie Linard - Mama’s Little Black Book and Mamas Who Brunch This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Katie Linard joins James to talk about finding your parenting village in Bishop’s Stortford, and why having other parents to talk to can make such a difference. A mum of two, Katie explains how her own experiences led her to create Mamas Who Brunch and Mama’s Little Black Book. From monthly brunches to a directory of local professionals, her work helps families meet each other and find people who can support them with the challenges of parenting. We talk about raising children during COVID, the pressure to follow conflicting advice, and why what works for one family might not work for another. Katie explains how she checks the experience and qualifications of the professionals in her community, and why she wants parents to feel comfortable turning up as they are. There is also an honest conversation about difficult days, the guilt parents can feel when they are struggling, and the value of a space where nobody needs to pretend everything is going well. Katie shares plans for the Mama’s Little Black Book Family Festival at Jackson Square on Sunday 4 October 2026, from 10am to 3pm. The event brings local families and professionals together, with Tappy Toes, a first aid demonstration, a parent panel, The Little Arts Workshop and mini family photoshoots from Jodie Wilson Photography. Entry is free; pottery purchases and additional photographs are paid extras. Family Festival information and booking: https://www.mamaslittleblackbook.co.uk/events1/family-festival Find Katie here: https://www.mamaslittleblackbook.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamaslittleblackbook/ Stortford Spotlight Katie’s Jackson Square billboard: “Parenting isn't meant to be done alone. So come along and meet your local parenting community and experts who can support you on that journey.” Her local spot: H@ME & EAT, where Katie holds brunches. She loves the easy parking and the unexpected mix of food, shopping and hot tubs. https://www.homeandeat.com/ Her local shoutout: Hayley Harris at Jackson Square, for supporting the family festival and the families it aims to bring together. https://www.jacksonsquareshopping.co.uk/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  3. 5d ago

    Flexible Extra Income Around Family Life - Natalie Beard

    Natalie Beard This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Natalie Beard joins the podcast to talk about flexible work, Utility Warehouse, saving money on household bills, and building extra income around family life. Natalie has lived in and around Bishop’s Stortford since she was five. After taking redundancy from the NHS, she became self-employed and now helps people look at their household bills while also supporting others who want to build a flexible income from home. We talk about why flexibility matters for parents, how Natalie first became a Utility Warehouse customer, how the business model works, and why even a small extra income can make a difference when family costs keep stacking up. Natalie also talks about Florence Walk, The Residence at Wickham Hall, and why working for yourself does not have to mean doing it alone. Find Natalie here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nataliefbeard/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nataliefbeard Stortford Spotlight Natalie’s Jackson Square billboard: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” Her local spot: Florence Walk. https://www.instagram.com/florencewalk.shopping/ Her local shoutout: Karen Tate and The Residence at Wickham Hall. https://www.instagram.com/theresidence_coworking/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  4. Sep 25

    Hypnobirthing and Finding Your Village - Hannah Pearman-Eddon

    Hannah Pearman-Eddon - The Calm Birth Company This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Hannah Pearman-Eddon joins the podcast to talk about hypnobirthing, antenatal support, birth choices and building community for pregnant women in and around Bishop's Stortford. Hannah is an antenatal and hypnobirthing coach, and also runs the Pregnant in Bishop's Stortford 2026 and 2027 Facebook group. We talk about what hypnobirthing actually is, why birth does not have to be something people only talk about with fear, and how preparation can help parents feel more informed, calm and in control. Hannah also talks about the importance of finding your village before the baby arrives, why new parents need connection early, and how local groups can make a real difference. Find Hannah here: https://www.instagram.com/calmbirthcompany/ For friendship, support, top tips and local social events, join the 'Pregnant in Bishop's Stortford 2026-2027' Facebook group. Group Antenatal Hypnobirthing from 20-33 weeks (book from 12) More than a hypnobirthing course: expert preparation and support from enrolment to beyond birth, with the knowledge to advocate for the birth you want and a course designed to create genuine friendships along the way. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thecalmbirthcompany/2323097 Private Antenatal Hypnobirthing for you and your partner. Bespoke hypnobirthing preparation, completely tailored to you, your partner, your experiences and your birth. You'll have personalised support from enrolment to beyond birth, while still becoming part of our social community of local parents-to-be. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thecalmbirthcompany/2207889 Next Pregnancy Retreat - Pregnancy Pose and Pause Be welcomed with a celebratory Nosecco, then connect with fellow local mums-to-be over breakfast, a cosy warm drink and some fun pregnancy and birth games. Enjoy a mini photoshoot with award-winning Rachel Sloan, taking home a beautiful photograph plus GBP 50 off Rachel's services, followed by a deeply nourishing relaxation to leave you feeling calm, connected and more confident for birth. Come by yourself and make new friendships while capturing a beautiful keepsake of you and bump, or come with an expecting friend and take home some gorgeous photo memories of this special time together. You'll also leave with a lovely little goody bag, including exclusive discounts from Bump Drop maternity dress hire, Baby Prints Stansted and Babble and Bliss Baby Spa. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thecalmbirthcompany/2372243 Stortford Spotlight Hannah's Jackson Square billboard: "Your body, your baby, your choice." Her secret spot: the little nook inside The Terrace Cafe. Her local shoutout: Hayley Dean and Mums Matter. Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop's Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  5. Sep 24

    How Bishop’s Stortford College Connects with the Town | Alex Swart-Wilson

    Alex Swart-Wilson - Bishop’s Stortford College This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Alex Swart-Wilson, Deputy Head and Head of Sixth Form at Bishop’s Stortford College, joins James to talk about the people, opportunities and community connections behind the school. We discuss the college’s Invite and Inspire programme, outreach workshops for local children, and why volunteering matters in the sixth form. Alex says that more than 90% of the previous year’s upper sixth students were involved in some form of volunteering, either within the school or outside it. Alex also talks about the town’s wider school community, the mix of day pupils and boarders, and the colleagues who have kept him at the college for twelve years. In Stortford Spotlight, Alex chooses a Nelson Mandela quote for his Jackson Square billboard, shares a quiet walk near Cricket Field Lane, and gives a shoutout to the estates, facilities, catering and IT teams whose work keeps the college running. Find Alex and the college here: https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/ College social links: https://linktr.ee/bishopsstortfordcollege Invite and Inspire: https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/about-us/in-the-community/invite-and-inspire/ Stortford Spotlight Alex’s Jackson Square billboard: “A good head and a good heart is a powerful combination.” His local spot: the quiet back road and walk behind the cricket pitch around Cricket Field Lane. Alex was unsure of the road’s precise name, so no guessed road name or map pin has been added. His local shoutout: the college’s estates, facilities, catering and IT teams. https://www.bishopsstortfordcollege.org/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  6. Sep 21

    Fitness for Overwhelmed Mums in Bishop’s Stortford - Jade Millner

    Jade Millner - Empower Me Women’s Fitness This episode is brought to you by: StortBOX Premium Plastic Moving Boxes in Bishop's Stortford https://stortbox.co.uk/ Jade Millner joins the podcast to talk about fitness, motherhood, overwhelm, and helping women build strength in a way that actually fits real life. Jade has been a personal trainer for over 14 years and now works mainly online, supporting women with training, nutrition, accountability and everyday habits. We talk about why so many mums feel like they have no time for themselves, how to stop chasing instant results, and why training does not have to be perfect to be useful. Jade also explains why she sometimes trains with her children around, why exercise should feel like part of life rather than a chore, and how her 90/10 approach helps people get results without giving up everything they enjoy. Find Jade here: https://www.instagram.com/empowerme_womens_fitness/ Stortford Spotlight Jade’s Jackson Square billboard: “Do what feels hard now to live how you want to later.” Her secret spot: The Terrace Cafe at 9am on a Sunday morning. https://www.instagram.com/terraceparkcafe/ Her local shoutout: Welcome to the Jungle Soft Play. https://www.instagram.com/welcometothejunglesoftplay/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  7. Sep 18

    Cycle Stortford: Fixing the Town That Cycling Forgot - Simon Thorpe

    Simon Thorpe - Cycle Stortford This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Simon Thorpe joins the podcast to talk about Cycle Stortford and the work being done to make walking and cycling safer, easier and more joined up around Bishop’s Stortford. We talk about why the town can feel so different from places like Cambridge, the challenge of narrow roads, and the importance of proper routes to schools, the town centre and the railway station. Simon also explains that Cycle Stortford is not anti-car. It is about giving people more realistic options for short local journeys, especially where safer off-road routes could make a real difference. Cycle Stortford: https://cyclestortford.com/ Stortford Spotlight Simon’s Jackson Square billboard: “Bishop’s Stortford, no longer the town that cycling forgot.” His secret spot: Crumbs, the little cafe by the White Bridge. https://crumbsbakery.co.uk/ His local legend: Jim Tatchell, for his work with Helping Herts and other local community projects. https://www.helpingherts.com/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

  8. Sep 9

    Why More Girls Are Playing Rugby in Bishop’s Stortford - Nikky Wilkins

    Nikky Wilkins - Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club This episode is brought to you by: StortWEB Simple, modern websites for local businesses. https://stortweb.com/ Nikky Wilkins joins the podcast to talk about the growth of girls’ rugby at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club, where she is Minis Chair, Girls Youth Chair and coaches across several age groups. One of the club’s U12 girls groups started last season with just four players and finished with 21. Nikky explains why more girls are discovering rugby, why visibility matters and what the sport can offer beyond the pitch. We talk confidence, resilience, teamwork, friendships and creating a place where young people can completely be themselves. And Nikky has a clear message for anyone who still thinks rugby is just for boys: It isn’t. There is a place for you. Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club: https://bsrfc.co.uk/ Stortford Spotlight Nikky’s Jackson Square billboard: “Try girls rugby. Find your power. Find your pack.” Her secret spot: Birchanger Woods Her local legend: Steve Fisk https://roots2success.org.uk/ Support the Podcast You can support The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast through The Giving Lottery. Every ticket helps fund equipment, recording time, and the ongoing work of telling local stories while also supporting good causes. Support here: https://www.givinglottery.org.uk/support/bishops-stortford-community-podcast-cic

See All (142)

Trailer

About

The Bishop’s Stortford Community Podcast shares inspiring local stories from the people, businesses, and community groups that make Bishop’s Stortford thrive. Hosted by local resident James O’Donnell, each episode spotlights independent shops, charities, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes shaping life in our town.

Information