Recorded on 11/09/2025

Jessica Spencer runs Aladdin’s Cave Jewellery, a third-generation family run business in Queens Arcade Leeds, alongside her mum, Roberta. The shop has been in the same location for over 45 years.

From being a little girl, Jessica always loved 'treasure hunting'. She’s always loved the stories that antique and vintage Jewellery pieces carry, the idea that someone wore and cherished each piece long before it reached their shop.

That’s why Aladdin’s Cave focus on sourcing unusual, one-of-a-kind treasures for people who want something with meaning, not just another mass-produced trinket.

The shop itself is crammed full, every corner bursting with curiosities and a window display packed to the brim! it really does feel like stepping into a treasure trove.

From Art Deco engagement rings to Victorian mourning jewellery, and even quirky little finds like silver napkin rings, their collection is a celebration of history, beauty, and craftsmanship.

Run in the early days by Jessica’s grandpa and auntie, before her parents took it over in the late 90s. Sadly, though, Jessica’s Father died in 2003, which is when Jess stepped in and started her antique jewellery journey proper.

She had just finished a Broadcast Journalism degree at Leeds Uni and was still trying to make it in the highly competitive TV industry. Jessica says, “I always thought I would go back to it, but over 20 years later I'm still here, and love my job now, way more than I did in my 20s and 30s”.

For a long time, Jessica worked in the shop itself, but after maternity leave and having two kids it made more much more sense for her to work from home and concentrate on the website, marketing and everything needed behind the scenes.

Her favourite part of the job though, is still sourcing beautiful antique jewellery at auctions and fairs. From everyday jumble sales and car boots up to the more prestigious end of art and jewellery fairs. Jewellery really is in Jessica’s blood.

You can find Aladdin's Cave online at:

https://www.instagram.com/aladdinscaveleeds/

https://www.facebook.com/aladdinscaveleeds/

https://www.aladdinscavejewellery.co.uk/

Recorded on 31/10/2025

J Warren Jones was born in Leeds in the early 70s and lived in Wakefield for most of his life. Travelling extensively in his late teens and early twenties and working in the gambling trade for 20 years before starting Mrs Atha’s cafe in Leeds in 2012. A fresh start doing something to make people happy rather than the morally corrupt world of gambling. He ran the popular café for 12 years serving the city centre and surviving a global pandemic before closing it's doors in 2024.

Warren in his own words is, "now attempting to be a professional musician" by the sounds of his single Daylight Robbery he's certainly got the chops, it's worth listening to the episode just to hear it.

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/

If you're interested - UK life expectancy since 1765 https://www.statista.com/statistics/1040159/life-expectancy-united-kingdom-all-time/

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