
Local Heroes Podcast
We are platform for local entrepreneurs, sports people, health and wellbeing coaches, TV producers, garage warriors and everyone in between. These are their stories. The podcast is out every week. Thank you for listening.
Episodes
22 episodes
#22 Bov: How Dance Saved Me: From the Hitman and Her to Michael Jackson
When we began the podcast, we were excited to learn about Bov, a well respected, no nonsense, disciplined dance tutor at the top of his game. His hip hop and break dancing career spans from dancing with Jason Orange (pre Take That) appear...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:39:12

#21 Pro Fitness Model Tracey Cranshaw: Advocating Women's Health
In this inspiring episode, Tracey Cranshaw shares her journey from battling anxiety and burnout to becoming a pro bodybuilder in her 40s. Tracey talks about navigating perimenopause, discovering fitness as a lifeline, and stepping onto the body...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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53:03

#20 Bonnie Milnes: Behind the Scenes: Musician, Actor and The Last Screenwriter
In this episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Bonneville (Bonnie Milnes), a multi-talented artist, musician, and actor. Bonnie shares her journey from writing music and fronting her own band to stepping into TV and Film acting d...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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53:55

#19 Christian Laing: Stand Out Socks - Building a Movement, Not Just a Business
In this inspiring episode, Christian from Stand Out Socks shares how he transformed a simple product into a powerful movement. Driven by a mission to provide employment opportunities for individuals with Down’s syndrome, Stand Out Socks is abou...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:08:05

#18 Sarah Halpin: Everton and England Football Presenter on Passion, Recovery, and Resilience
In this inspiring episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, Sarah Halpin, an award-winning presenter and content creator, opens up about her journey from passionate Everton fan to trailblazing media figure in women’s football. Sarah shares ...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:27:20

#17 Joe Reeve: Mastering the Music Industry - Lessons from a Touring Saxophonist
In this episode, we dive into the world of professional saxophonist Joe Reeve, who shares the reality behind the “rock and roll lifestyle” and the challenges of building a creative career. From starting out with just business cards in hand to e...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:06:32

#16 Jess Davies: Pioneering Confidence and Communication Through Messy Play
In this episode, we sit down with Jess Davies, the inspiring founder of Messy Babes, a sensory and messy play class for children aged 5.5 months to 4 years. Jess shares her journey from working in nurseries and special education to building her...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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53:16

#15 Jill Reeves: Reflexology and Natural Health
In this episode, Jill Reeves, an experienced reflexologist, shares her journey of working in reflexology for over 21 years and how it became a key part of her life, especially after her daughter’s cancer diagnosis. Jill explains the benefits of...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:01:25

#14 Liam Croker: Life on the Road - Award Winning Singer Songwriter
In this episode of Local Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Liam Croker, the charismatic lead singer of the rock band Winachi. Liam opens up about the band's journey from their early days in Warrington to living out their dreams in LA. Liam...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:00:02

#13 Dave Parker: Leading Edge Cyber Security and Defending the Threats of Tomorrow
In this insightful episode, Dave Parker, co-founder of Parker Neal, shares his mission to provide cutting-edge cyber security and data governance services, designed to defend against future threats while delivering sustainable business value. W...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:02:35

#12 Carleen Leyland: Building Alexandra George Clothing and Raising Awareness for Disabilities
In this heartfelt episode, Carleen Leyland, founder of Alexandra George clothing, shares her incredible journey of balancing life as a business owner and carer for her son, George, who has Crouzon syndrome. Carleen talks about the inspiration b...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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54:39

#11 Sam Small: Inked with Personality
In this episode of Local Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Sam Small, a quirky and creative tattoo artist based in Warrington. Sam takes us through his journey—from rocking turquoise skinny jeans and bright pink hair in high school to o...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:05:50

#10 Phil Kivell: Unlocking the Power of Calisthenics
In this episode, Mark sits down with Phil Kivell, the passionate founder of Warrington's only calisthenics gym, Body Project. Phil shares his journey from a childhood to becoming a leader in the calisthenics community, and how his gym is transf...
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1:07:01

#9 Laura Cannon: Muay Thai Fighter, Trainer, and Athlete Nutritionist
In this episode, we sit down with Laura Cannon, a personal trainer, nutritionist, and professional Muay Thai boxer who has faced and overcome numerous physical challenges. Laura shares her inspiring story, from battling through severe injuries ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:26:17

#8 Kieran Driscoll: 24/7 Bodybuilding and Transforming Lives.
In this powerful episode, we delve deep into the life of a dedicated bodybuilder and coach who lives by the principle that bodybuilding isn’t just a sport—it’s a 24/7 commitment. From the discipline required to meticulously plan every meal to t...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:44:52

#7 Martina Bencova: Holistic Health and Rehabilitation Specialist
In this episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, we dive deep into the world of comprehensive wellness with Martina Bencova, a multi-talented practitioner with expertise in a wide array of therapies. From sports rehabilitation, strength and conditi...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:23:53

#6 Conquering Peaks and Plates: A Chat with Weightlifting Coach Josh Summersgill
In this episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, we sit down with British weightlifting and performance coach Josh Summersgill. Join us as Josh shares his incredible journey from martial arts to CrossFit and finally into the world of competitive we...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:28:22

#5 Lucy Patel: A Local Hero Transforming Women's Health
In this riveting episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Patel, a Registered Nutritionist, Certified Health Coach, and Women's Health Specialist who made a bold shift from project management to transforming women's health. Lu...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:36:51

#4 Reviving Ramp One: A New Era of Extreme Sports with Activity for All
In this episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, host Mark Dickson sits down with Neisha and Scott, the dynamic duo behind the revitalisation of Ramp One Skate Park. Join us as we dive into the exciting journey of transforming the largest indoor sk...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:13:19

#3 From Turkey to the UK: The Story of LoKal Gastro Bar
In this episode, we dive into the story behind LoKal Gastro Bar, the vibrant eatery founded by Baby B and Dalma in the heart of Warrington. Discover how Dalma brought her unique vision to life, blending Turkish culinary traditions with modern t...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:16:38

#2 Behind the Scenes with Jess Mills: A Journey in TV Production
In episode 2 of the Local Heroes Podcast, host Mark Dickson sits down with Jess Mills, a seasoned producer at Prism Studios. With years of experience in television, Jess has contributed to some of the industry's most beloved shows. Tune in as s...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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59:51

#1 Meet the Champions: Matt 'The Beast' Bonner & Dan 'The Bomber' Bonner
In the debut episode of the Local Heroes Podcast, host Mark Dickson, owner of Liberalis Skateboards, sits down with two extraordinary athletes and coaches, Matt 'The Beast' Bonner and Dan Bonner. Matt, a former CW middleweight champion, shares ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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55:17
