Recorded on 16/09/2025

As a Health and Lifestyle Coach with over 20 years' experience in medical research, including a BSc in Biomedical Science and a PhD in Drug Metabolism, Louise Guilfoyle is passionate about using science to empower people to take control of their health.

Through personalised, evidence-based coaching, Louise helps her clients cut through the confusion of conflicting health advice and make sustainable changes that boost energy, reduce stress, and support long-term wellbeing.

As a working mum Louise understands how hard it can be to prioritise your own health amidst the demands of work, family and life. That’s why her approach is practical, compassionate, and rooted in real life; no fads, no gimmicks, just small, consistent changes that lead to lasting results.

Most chronic illness is preventable, Louise’s mission is to help educate and empower people to prevent it and feel better, stronger, and more in control of their own health every day.

Prior to setting up on her own, Louise worked in medical research for nearly 20 years at The University of Leeds, Yorkshire Cancer Research and most recently was the Head of Research at The Stroke Association.

Through this work, it became clear to her that, whilst we know that 80-90% of heart disease, 90% of strokes, around 40% of cancers and nearly all type 2 diabetes are preventable through lifestyle changes, all the money and resources are channelled into the treatment of chronic diseases rather than preventing them in the first place.

Louise wants to be able to educate and empower people to take control of their own health and make lifestyle changes that are achievable and sustainable so they can ultimately live longer healthier lives.

https://www.instagram.com/thebalance.healthcoach/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-guilfoyle-phd-358251b6/

Recorded on 04/08/25

Derek Miller is native of Chicago where he got his background in acting and improv at Improv Olympic, Second City and Piven Arts. Derek spent 20 years in Hollywood, teaching and performing at The Second City, iO West, and UCB. His improv show Opening Night! ran for 20 years with over 1,000 (mostly) sold-out performances.

He used his improv chops on shows like Scrubs, The Goldbergs, Wedding Band, and Drunk History; in movies like Transformers 3; and in over 100 commercials. He’s also written on three TV series, a sketch show, and a feature film released on Amazon last year.

Since moving to the UK, Derek has taught improv all over Europe, been on the BAFTA nominated Packed Lunch - which shot here in Leeds, and has written for Nickelodeon in London. You can catch him this summer in Wednesday on Netflix (directed by Tim Burton), and this autumn in The Running Man—where he got to work with another bucket-list director, Edgar Wright!

He currently is a gigging actor and writer based in Leeds and teaches screen acting and screen skills at Leeds Beckett University and Met Film Leeds.

https://www.firsttakeworkshops.co.uk/derekmiller

https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2479885/

And if you're going to Amsterdam, make sure you check out Boom Chicago:

https://boomchicago.nl/

Recorded on 22/05/2025

Asma Khanum is a pioneering Speech and Language Therapist of Bangladeshi heritage and the CEO of Chatterbug Speech and Language Therapy Service. With a wealth of experience, Asma is deeply committed to supporting children with SLCN, drawing from her unique perspective as a neurodivergent individual and a mother of neurodivergent children. Her work has earned her the ASLTIP Leadership Award, recognising her dedication to high quality, tailored support for every child with SLCN.

Join Asma in this talk to explore our innovative solutions and learn how you can make a profound impact on children’s lives across the UK. Discover how, together, we can provide the support that ensures every child has the opportunity for a bright and successful future.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmaceo/

https://www.instagram.com/asma.ceo/

https://www.instagram.com/chatterbug_slt/

Recorded on 03/09/2025

Dave Pike joined the Trades Union Conference (TUC) from the NEU (National Education Union) where he was leading on activist development and mobilisation. Dave has worked on several high-profile campaigns, including leading the NEU's response to Covid in the East Midlands and mobilising around pay campaigns, as well as a number of local disputes - including with a large education service seeking to restrict the voice of LGBT+ educators.

Further, Dave has a wealth of experience in organising with care workers and delivery drivers. He also brings to the TUC valuable experience in building resistance against the far right, and supporting the LGBT+ community.

https://www.tuc.org.uk/neyh

https://www.instagram.com/tucneyh/

https://bsky.app/profile/davepikesheff.bsky.social

https://x.com/TUC_NEYH

Jin-Theng Craven recorded on 03/10/2025

Infinitely curious and endlessly imaginative, Jin-Theng Craven thrives at the crossroads of art, culture, and storytelling. A former broadcast journalist, banker, and artists’ agent, she brings a rare multi-lens perspective to her work as a filmmaker and arts producer. Her projects span art exhibitions, international festivals, and documentary films — all driven by a desire to excavate hidden stories and bridge the worlds of “East” and “West.”

From co-producing Singapore Uncovered with Asia House in London to creating documentaries like Being and Becoming Chua Ek Kay (2013) and Ahmad Zakii Anwar: Edge of Obedience (2017), Jin-Theng has built a body of work that celebrates bold vision and meaningful collaboration.

Her latest venture, Bills and Beats, is a 360° initiative blending film, community, and financial literacy to empower young creatives.

Whether leading ambitious projects or amplifying the visions of others, Jin-Theng brings precision, imagination, and a globally informed eye to every collaboration.

Check out Bills and Beats:

https://billsandbeats.com/

https://www.instagram.com/billsandbeats/

Buy tickets for Bills and Beats: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bills-and-beats-how-money-goals-work-for-musicians-and-makers-tickets-1554914524199?aff=oddtdtcreator

Follow Jin Theng:

https://www.instagram.com/jin_theng/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jin-theng-c-creative/

Recorded on 27/06/2025

Laura Stubbs runs social media agency, Coucou Social Media, helping small businesses and charities in Leeds get their message out to a wider audience online.

She has worked in marketing for 15 years and is also a Trustee of Made with Music, a charity which bring accessible music events to families in Yorkshire. Laura formed her social media agency in 2023 to enable her to support her autistic son. Her family flexi-schools (part home educates) and are passionate advocates for SEND reform.

https://www.instagram.com/coucousocial

https://www.coucousocial.co.uk/

https://www.designmyfuture.eu/

Listen to the Ahead Partnership episode here: https://the-working-hours-podca.captivate.fm/episode/Olivia%20Collins

Recorded on 05/08/2025

Emlyn Hagan was born in Liverpool and has lived in Leeds for nearly 28 years.

Leaving school at 16 Emlyn completed an apprenticeship with Ford Motor Company in Liverpool, following which he worked as an Electrician – Control Specialist. In 1994 he took voluntary redundancy and moved to Ware in Hertfordshire to work as an Electrical Technician in a pharmaceutical factory.

A brief spell as a Technical Support Manager in Newcastle followed before he moved to Leeds to complete a 4 years BSc in Business Information Systems. In year 3 of his degree Emlyn found a placement with a corporate insolvency data software company which led to a permanent position as a Data & Development Manager. Emlyn left this position due to a period of poor mental health following years of managing depression, anxiety, social phobia and body dysmorphia. He took a year or so off work and during this time decided that he no longer wanted to work in the private sector or full time. He found employment with Mencap Pathway, first as a Job Coach, moving up to being a Senior Education & Employment Coordinator by the time he left. Emlyn’s next step came as a result of seeing an advert for an Employment Specialist for Community Links/Leeds Mind.

Emlyn has worked for Leeds Mind for around 16.5 years in a variety of roles – Employment Specialist, Job Retention Specialist, Employment Peer Support Coordinator and since 2022 has been the Lived Experience & Peer Support Team Leader. His current roles involve managing a variety of lived experiences projects within the charity, this gives him an environment where he can make a difference and be his authentic self.

Emlyn’s had a variety of part time jobs or additional jobs over the years including running market stalls, driving a delivery van for a flower shops, managing a charity shop and helping to run a CIC. Alongside working for Leeds Mind Emlyn manages his own business, Emlyn Hagan Coaching & Change, which offers therapeutic coaching with a focus on sessions in nature for people wanting to make changes in their life. He lives in his partner Chris and their cat Rita.

Follow Leeds Mind:

https://www.instagram.com/leedsmind/

https://www.facebook.com/LeedsMind

Join the Befriending Service:

https://www.leedsmind.org.uk/services/befriending-leeds/

Follow Emlyn's Coaching Business:

https://www.facebook.com/emlynhagancoaching

https://www.instagram.com/emlyn_hagan/

Follow Emlyn's Bike Powered Events:

https://www.facebook.com/Grassrootsevents

https://bike-power.co.uk/

Recorded on 22/06/2025

In this engaging episode, join Kirsty Elton as she shares her unique journey from aspiring teacher to Viking-inspired business coach.

Kirsty opens up about her early dreams, her experiences in healthcare recruitment, and the pivotal moments that led her to where she is today. She dives into the challenges of her MS diagnosis, her perspectives on social media, and her passion for making a lasting impact through her work and her recently published book.

Discover the wisdom behind her leadership style, her thoughts on work-life balance, and what drives her to keep pushing forward.

You can find Everwyk Consulting at: https://www.everwyk-consulting.co.uk/

Or follow her on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstyelton/

Kirsty's book: https://amzn.eu/d/f5JMaX6

Listen to Alan Thompson's episode: https://the-working-hours-podca.captivate.fm/episode/work-is