No Straight Lines

Mal Pope is a Welsh songwriter, composer andbroadcaster whose career spans BBC Radio 1, Abbey Road, chart hits and iconic TV themes.A former John Peel guest and early signing to Elton John’s Rocket Record Company, he has worked closely with Elton John, recorded at Abbey Road, and been part of sessions featuring Pete Townshend and Keith Moon.He has written for Cliff Richard and The Hollies, performed with artists including Bonnie Tyler and Aled Jones, and isthe voice behind Fireman Sam and SuperTed.A true musical storyteller with a career fullof remarkable moments — and no straight line through it.

Bethan Dando is a rising force in the wellness and fitness industry, blending expertise in personal training, Pilates, strength, and cardiovascular fitness to deliver sustainable performance solutions.In 2022, she founded Pilates Class UK, a recruitment and consultancy platform connecting top instructors with studios, gyms, hotels, and events nationwide — scaling to over 18,000 bookings in 2024 and earning her Business-to-BusinessService Provider of the Year 2025.After navigating early challenges like cash flow, scaling, and burnout, Bethan pivoted with purpose — launching WEL-B, an AI-powered platform designed to optimise timetables and profitability for wellness businesses. Now backed by pre-seed investment and launching across the UK, US, and Dubai, it marks her move into tech-driven solutions.Today, Bethan is focused on building smarter, more sustainable systems for the global wellness industry — using technology to enhance performance, prevent burnout,and strengthen human connection at scale.

“First Responders Said ‘He’s Dead.’ Then He Became a Traitors Finalist | AndrewJenkins”Andrew Jenkins was told he might never walk or talk again after a devastating car crash left him in a coma for four weeks at just 21 years old.Against all odds, he rebuilt his life, became a finalist on BBC’s The Traitors, and later walked 750 miles from Scotland to Wales to raise funds for brain injury charity Headway.This is a powerful conversation about resilience, mental health, purpose, and finding strength when life takeseverything away.In this episode of No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable, Laurence Winmill is joined by Andrew Jenkins,whose life story is a remarkable example of resilience, courage and determination.Many people will recognise Andrew as a finalist in Series 2 of the BBC’s The Traitors, where he finished 4th out of 22 contestants. But long before television, Andrew had already faced a life-changing battle.At just 21 years old, Andrew survived a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma for four weeks. Doctors warned his family he might never walk or talk again. Against all expectations, hefought his way back — relearning to walk and rebuilding his life while quietly battling mental health struggles for more than two decades.After a successful career in banking and commercial insurance, a reunion with Professor Laing, the doctor whohelped save his life, became a defining moment. That meeting gave Andrew a renewed sense of clarity and purpose and inspired him to begin sharing his story publicly.Following his appearance on The Traitors, Andrew used his platform to raise awareness for mental health and braininjury recovery. In 2024 he completed an extraordinary 750-mile charity walk from Scotland to Wales, walking up to eight hours a day for 42 days, raising funds for Headway, the brain injury charity.Today Andrew is a motivational speaker and founder of Strength In You Ltd, helping others overcome adversity, buildresilience and discover the strength they didn’t know they had.In this episode we discuss:• Surviving a life-changing accident• Living with hidden mental health struggles• Finding purpose after trauma• The reality behind The Traitors experience• Andrew’s incredible 750-mile charity walk• What resilience really meansAbout the Podcast - No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable is hosted by Laurence Winmill and features powerful conversations with people from business, sport, entertainment and the community.Because real success is never a straight line.

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we explore the theme of resilience in both business and personal life with our guest, Lee Ramsay. Discover how Lee's experiences growing up in a military family shaped his ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. From navigating the complexities of running successful businesses to overcoming personal hurdles, Lee shares insights into the grit and determination required to succeed. Join us for an inspiring conversation about bouncing back from setbacks and the power of resilience in shaping one's journey.

Jane Blackwell: From Police Officer to Multi-Franchise EntrepreneurOn this episode of No Straight Lines, we explore the remarkable journey of Jane Blackwell — from aspiring actress to police officer, and now a highly successful entrepreneur running a multi-million-pound McDonald’s franchise business.Jane’s story is one of resilience, self-belief, and fearless ambition. From facing the toughest realities of life in the police force to taking bold risks in business, she has proven that success rarely follows a straight line.Jane is living proof that with determination, courage, and hard work, you can break barriers and lead your own story.Tune in for a conversation full of grit, growth, and defining moments.

Join host Laurence Winmill as he chats with Phil Steele, a renowned broadcaster and former rugby player, about resilience and success. Phil shares his journey from teaching to commentary, emphasising the power of perseverance and embracing life's unpredictability. Tune in for a conversation filled with humour, wisdom, and the spirit of never giving up.

🎙️Inside Rugby… Life at Pontypool.🔥 Ringo the magician. Bish the hardman. And a front-row seat to the legends of Welsh rugby.In this short clip from No Straight Lines, Martyn Madden shares a powerful glimpse into his early rugby days at oneof the sport’s most iconic clubs — Pontypool RFC.💥 From the raw physicality to the unexpected genius behind the game, Martyn talks about the characters, the culture, and the moments that built his mental toughness and shaped him as a player.🏉 It’s a tribute to old-school rugby… where grit met greatness.🎧 Listen to the full conversation on No Straight Lines —

In this episode of No Straight Lines, we explore the true meaning of resilience through the remarkable personaljourney of Rob Summerhill.Rob was a Wales Under-15 football international and an apprentice at Northampton Town and Everton FC, before ultimately finding his true passion in rugby. His path has never been linear.Join host Laurence Winmill as he unpacks the highs and lows that have shaped Rob’s life — from his early career in the fire service, to his work in media and entrepreneurship, and the defining moments that tested his strength beyond measure.Rob speaks candidly about the sudden loss of his mother, navigating major career transitions, and the profound impact of family life — including the success of his son Aled as a professional rugby player with Cardiff Blues, and the devastating loss of his eldest son Robert to sudden illness. Managing his own mental health while continuing to show upfor others in the face of such grief is nothing short of remarkable.The conversation also shines a light on Rob’s outstandingcommunity work as part of the hugely successful backroom staff team at Rhondda Schools Rugby, where he continues to play a vital role in developing young people through sport and community values.This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, camaraderie, and the never-give-up mindset that defines true strength.

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," host Lawrence Winmill sits down with Neil Boobyer, a celebrated rugby player whose journey from humble beginnings in Bridgend to international rugby stardom is nothing short of inspiring. Neil shares candid stories about his early days in school rugby, the drive that pushed him from the B and C teams to the top, and the resilience required to overcome setbacks like injuries. Discover how Neil's passion for the game and his community work have shaped his life beyond the field. Tune in for an engaging conversation about grit, determination, and the unbreakable spirit that defines true success.

Join host Laurence Winmill on "No Straight Lines" as he chats with Paul Wong, an architect turned project manager. Discover Paul's journey through high-profile projects like the Energy Glass Factory and the Children's Hospital for Wales. Learn about his insights on resilience, teamwork, and balancing work-life with health. Tune in for a compelling discussion on thriving amidst change.

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we sit down with Dr. Rosie Oretti to explore her remarkable journey from a determined young student to a consultant psychiatrist and entrepreneur. Dr. Rosie shares her experiences in medicine, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life, and her unexpected pivot into the world of sustainable business. Discover how resilience, passion, and a love for learning have shaped her path, and gain insights into the power of adaptability and innovation. Join us for an inspiring conversation about life's winding roads and the strength to forge new paths.

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we delve into the transformative power of coaches and mentors in shaping careers and lives. Join us as we explore Martyn Madden's journey from a talented young rugby player to a seasoned professional, guided by influential figures like Gareth Jenkins and David Bishop. Discover how their belief and mentorship helped Martyn navigate challenges, hone his skills, and ultimately succeed both on and off the field. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the lasting impact of mentorship.

Authentic conversations with leaders who understand success is never linear. Host Laurence Winmill brings together exceptional individuals from business, sport, entertainment, and community leadership to share real stories of resilience, setbacks, and determination.In the opening episode, Laurence shares his own journey of business setbacks, personal loss, and rebuilding from depression to demonstrate the unbreakable spirit that emerges from adversity.Each episode explores the drive behind peak performance, the defining moments that shaped their path, the setbacks that tested their resolve. For professionals dealing with challenges, these conversations reveal what true leadership means.