Clive joins the guys to talk about the launch of his debut novel Flood Waters Down, a gripping story set right here in Lincolnshire. He shares how the idea for the book was sparked after visiting Surfleet Seas End, near Spalding, in the aftermath of the 2013 storm surge.

Drawing on his deep connection to the region, Clive explains why Lincolnshire’s vast skies and unique landscape are “in his DNA” and why he felt compelled to set his first novel in a place he knows so intimately. At its core, Flood Waters Down explores themes of survival, moral reckoning, and fragile hope in a world reshaped by climate collapse, with the quiet rise of artificial intelligence adding another layer of tension.

The conversation then takes a turn to the cosmos. In his role as Editor in Chief of ROOM Space Journal magazine, Clive shares his insights on NASA’s latest Artemis II mission to the moon, giving us a glimpse into the future of space exploration.

A brilliant episode that blends local storytelling, global issues, and a touch of the infinite.

Links & Mentions

Clive Simpson: clivesimpson.co.uk

Flood Waters Down by Clive Simpson: thetravellingbookshop.com/products/pre-order-flood-waters-down-by-clive-a-simpson

ROOM Space Journal Magazine: room.eu.com/

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Rainbow Stars is a Lincolnshire-based charity doing incredible work to support children and adults with disabilities, additional needs, and life-limiting conditions, along with their families. In this heartfelt and eye-opening conversation, Jane shares the story behind the charity’s creation, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the real impact Rainbow Stars is having in the community.

It’s an honest, moving, and uplifting episode that shines a light on the power of community and compassion right here in Lincolnshire.

Tune in now and discover the story behind one of the county’s most meaningful initiatives. Follow, share, and support local stories that matter.

Find out more about Rainbow Stars: www.rainbowstarslincs.co.uk

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In celebration of World Autism Day, the duo visit Rainbow Stars in Sleaford where they’re given a warm welcome by their very own super-fan, Stephi. She proudly shows them around the hub, offering a personal insight into the incredible work being done there by all the brilliant volunteers and members. From joining in with a calming mindfulness session to unwinding in the sensory room, it’s an eye-opening and uplifting experience that highlights the incredible work being done to support young people and families in the local community.

All aboard! Next stop, Great Hale, where the action shifts to Hale Magna Village Hall for the NG34 Model Railway Society’s Exhibition. From intricate layouts to passionate hobbyists, Rich and Dan take in the sights and sounds of this much-loved local event, celebrating the craftsmanship and community behind the miniature world of model railways. They meet up for a chat with three of the NG34 members to get the lowdown on this fascinating hobby.

Back in the studio, the conversation turns to the big (and small) screen as film critic Joel James joins the show. He shares his expert picks for upcoming cinema releases and TV series, offering listeners plenty of inspiration for their next watch.

Rounding off the episode on a high note, the wonderfully talented Heather Brackley plays us out with her track Chickenpox, a memorable and unique finish to another vibrant episode.

It’s all here: community, creativity, and connection on this month’s Strong Lincs.

Links & Mentions:

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Rainbow Stars: www.rainbowstarslincs.co.uk

NG34 Model Railway Society: ng34mrs.co.uk

Heather Brackley: instagram.com/heatherbrackleyx

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In this special extended cut of Extra Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan sit down for a longer, more in-depth conversation with Lincolnshire business leadership coach Paul Starbuck of Starbuck Associates.

This episode is all about leadership, not the buzzword version, but the real, lived experience of it. Paul opens up about his coaching philosophy, why self-awareness sits at the centre of effective leadership, and how clarity of purpose can transform both individuals and organisations. The conversation explores how leaders can build trust within teams, navigate difficult conversations, and create environments where people genuinely want to perform at their best.

Rich and Dan dig into the practical side too, asking Paul about the common challenges he sees across Lincolnshire businesses and the patterns that separate thriving teams from those simply surviving. There’s insight into accountability, resilience, mindset and the importance of aligning values with action, all delivered in Paul’s grounded, straight-talking style.

If you’re a business owner, team leader, coach, or simply someone interested in becoming a stronger, more intentional leader, this extended episode offers thoughtful reflection and tangible takeaways. Less stage lights, more substance. This is leadership, the Strong Lincs way.

Find out more about Paul Starbuck and Starbuck Associates: www.starbuckassociates.com

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First up, the duo sit down with Lincolnshire-based business leadership coach Paul Starbuck, founder of Starbuck Associates. Paul brings clarity, straight-talking wisdom and a refreshing lack of corporate fluff to the conversation. The chat explores what leadership really looks like beyond job titles, how strong communication can transform a struggling team, and why self-awareness is the secret weapon most business owners overlook.

It’s thoughtful, practical and grounded in real experience working with organisations across the county and beyond. Whether you lead a company, a community group or just yourself, there’s something in this one that will stick with you.

Then it’s a sharp left turn from strategy to stage lights as Rich and Dan head out to support Heckington Players and their production of The Snow Queen at Hale Magna Village Hall. The show is written and fronted by friend of the podcast Kei Bailey, and it delivers everything you’d hope for from proper community theatre: big characters, bigger laughs and that unmistakable village-hall magic.

But in true Strong Lincs fashion, the night didn’t quite go to script. An unexpected real-life emergency led to East Midlands Ambulance Service being called to the venue, turning a theatrical drama into something far more real for a moment. It’s a reminder that behind every production are real people, real community spirit and sometimes very real surprises. What unfolded next, how everyone responded, and whether the curtain ultimately came down as planned is all revealed in this month’s episode.

Leadership insight, local pride, unexpected twists and a healthy dose of humour, it’s all here. Strong Lincs at its very best.

Links & Mentions:

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Paul Starbuck: www.starbuckassociates.com

Heckington Players: www.heckingtonplayers.co.uk

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Patricia opens up about her journey into sobriety, what led her there, what it’s taught her, and how it’s shaped both her life and her creativity. It’s a candid, thoughtful chat about resilience, identity, and finding clarity through change.

We also dive into her work as an artist: where her inspiration comes from, how Lincolnshire influences her pieces, and why place and perspective matter so much in the creative process.

As always, Rich and Dan keep things warm, grounded, and unmistakably Lincs, celebrating the stories of people who make this county what it is.

Honest. Inspiring. Proper and Extra Strong.

Find out more about Patricia Mellett Brown: www.patriciamellettbrown.com

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Kei Bailey is an award-winning playwright, director, and much-loved pantomime Dame. Known for his sharp wit, bold storytelling, and deep commitment to inclusive theatre, Kei shares his journey through the performing arts, the magic (and mayhem) of panto, and why storytelling still matters more than ever.

Patricia Mellett Brown is a Lincolnshire-based artist whose work is deeply rooted in landscape, memory, and emotion. Patricia talks about her creative process, finding inspiration close to home, and how art can connect communities, especially in challenging times.

Together, this episode explores: The importance of creativity in local communities, Life behind the curtain of theatre and panto, Finding artistic inspiration in Lincolnshire, How the arts build confidence, connection, and resilience. A warm, uplifting conversation with two passionate creatives who prove that Lincolnshire continues to punch well above its weight in the arts. Listen now and be inspired.

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Kei Bailey

Patricia Mellett Brown

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She talks openly about the challenges of being taken seriously, learning to manage staff, customers and suppliers, and balancing long hours with life outside the pub. The conversation also explores the realities of running a modern British pub, the misconceptions people have about the industry, and why community remains at the heart of everything Neve does.

Rich and Dan find out what a typical day looks like, how she handles difficult situations, and what advice she’d give to other young people thinking about following an unconventional path. Honest, inspiring and refreshingly down-to-earth, this Extra Strong Lincs interview is a fascinating insight into ambition, resilience and the future of the British pub served straight from the source.

Find more out about Neve and The New Inn www.thenewinnfolkingham.com

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The episode offers a chance to get to know the Strong Lincs presenters a little better. Dan looks back on his time organising a music festival at Grimsthorpe Castle, while Rich talks about his filmmaking work, the books he’s written, and some of the pitfalls he’s had to navigate as an independent author.

The conversation then drifts into familiar territory, including a curious local investigation the pair undertook as they traced the footsteps of a cinema icon. Along the way, you’ll also hear about the famous playwright Dan once wrote to, and discover who recently had their mug showcased by Peter Levy on BBC Look North.

Rounding off the episode is another track from Sleaford folk act The Band From County Hell.

Links & Mentions:

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 • Joseph Kiel Author

 • The Band From County Hell

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The conversation takes a trip down memory lane as Rich, Dan and Chris reminisce about past creative projects, including their very first key collaboration on the feature film Shadows of a Stranger. From there, Chris opens up about his fascinating career journey, sharing stories from his work on high-profile productions and rubbing shoulders with television icons. Listeners will love hearing about Chris’s experiences working with legendary television characters such as Basil Brush, along with Zippy & George from the classic children’s TV show Rainbow.

He also explains how his career has evolved, and why he’s now widely known in the television and entertainment world as the go-to guy for making and supplying puppets. The puppets you see on screen today? There’s a good chance Chris had a hand in bringing them to life. As always, the chat drifts across all sorts of topics, with plenty of humour, warmth and tangents along the way. This episode of Extra Strong Lincs only scratches the surface of Chris’s stories though. There are clearly many more waiting to be told. Don’t be surprised if this leads to an Extra Extra Strong Lincs in the not-too-distant future…

Chris Clark on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@xmaswoo

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Then it’s this month’s special guest, Rich and Dan’s old pal Chris Clark who is known at this time of year as Christmas Chris. Chris tells us all about the various Christmas songs he's written and performed over the years, as well as his various appearances on BBC One’s regional news show Look North with TV legend Peter Levy. Chris also tells us about his time working with icons from children’s television such as Basil Brush, Zippy & George from Rainbow, and how he got the opportunity to play Bungle on ITV’s This Morning and Dancing On Ice. Chris also brought his guitar into the studio to play a couple of his Christmas songs including Christmas Bubble.

Then it’s curtain up for Byard’s Leap, Strong Lincs' very own festive pantomime, written and performed by Rich and Dan, with performances from Chris Clark, Karen Davey, Laura Davies and Rob Norris.

Rich and Dan wish all the Strong Lincs listeners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and Christmas Chris plays us out with Boom! Boom! It’s Christmas Again which he wrote for TV legend Basil Brush.

Don’t miss our bonus episode, Extra Strong Lincs with even more chat with Christmas Chris, dropping mid-December!

Links & Mentions:

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Christmas at Belton

Chris Clark on YouTube

Making William Alvey Christmas

Sleaford Little Theatre

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A pioneer of the local soul scene and a beloved radio voice, Dave joins us to reflect on a career rooted in rhythm, community, and an unwavering love of great music. From the crackle of vinyl to the clarity of digital broadcasting, Dave has seen (and spun) it all. In this episode, he opens up about his early days behind the decks, digging through crates of soul and funk records, how vinyl culture shaped his sound and the energy, the evolution of local radio, and why soul, funk, and jazz remain timeless, and how they continue to inspire him.

A storyteller at heart, Dave shares warmth, wit, and decades of musical wisdom. Whether you’re a soul devotee, a radio nostalgist, or simply love hearing from local legends, this episode hits all the right notes. Tune in, turn it up, and get Extra Strong Lincs with DJ Dave Bee.

Listen to DJ Dave Bee on SoulGrooveRadio.co.uk

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In this episode, Strong Lincs were invited to Fairfield Community Farm near Ruskington for their weekly coffee morning and a warm welcome from founder Kathy Owen, who took the team on a tour of the farm to discover how the project connects people, produce, and purpose.

From muddy boots to sharp threads, the team then hit the high street to meet Roy Watts, owner of Empra Menswear in the Bristol Arcade in Sleaford. Roy shared insights into his growing business, plans to move into a new, larger premises, and what inspires him to support the local community.

With panto season fast approaching, Strong Lincs also paid a visit to The Playhouse, home of Sleaford Little Theatre, where rehearsals for this year’s production of Mother Goose were in full swing. Rich and Dan caught up with the director Laura Davies for a sneak peek behind the scenes and to hear how the cast are preparing for their festive run.

The Extra Strong Lincs feature this month shines the spotlight on local radio legend Dave Brackley, better known as DJ Dave Bee. Dave talks about his early days spinning vinyl, his journey into radio presenting, and what drives his passion for sharing soul, funk, and jazz with Lincolnshire listeners.

Plus, Rich gives a rundown of what’s inside the November edition of Your Local Lincs Magazine, and there’s brilliant original music from The Band From County Hell.

And don’t miss our bonus episode, Extra Strong Lincs with DJ Dave Bee, dropping mid-November!

Links & Mentions:

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 • Fairfield Community Farm

 • Empra Menswear

 • Sleaford Little Theatre

 • Listen to DJ Dave Bee

 • The Band From County Hell

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With Halloween in the air, the team venture deep into the county’s darker corners, from haunted pubs and mysterious temples, to eerie tales that refuse to fade with time. Tom’s storytelling brings these spooky stories to life, none more so than the chilling account of The Humming Lady of Aby, whose haunting presence still unnerves a quiet Lincolnshire hamlet.

Enjoy the ride! And please don’t have nightmares...

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Then it’s off to the market place in Sleaford to witness the booming voices and eccentric performances at the Town Crier Competition. Expect bells, bold proclamations, and a bit of banter.

Afterwards, they head down to the tranquil setting of Cogglesford Watermill for a chat (and a cuppa!) with Celia, who shares the mill’s upcoming events and local heritage highlights.

In keeping with Halloween this month, things take a spooky turn, as author and supernatural sleuth Tom Warrington joins the show to talk about ghosts, folklore, and the eerie side of Lincolnshire. Inspired by Tom’s tales, Rich and Dan set off on their own ghost hunt, and let’s just say, they weren’t alone out there…

Rounding out the episode is an atmospheric track from Lincolnshire-based musical duo Paradox of Ravens.

Look out for our bonus episode Extra Strong Lincs with Tom Warrington that drops in the middle of October.

Links & Mentions

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps!

Learn more about Cogglesford Water Mill: heartoflincs.com/things_to_do/cogglesford-watermill/

Find out Tom Warrington’s books and investigations: facebook.com/paranormalseekeroftruth

Listen to more from Paradox of Ravens: facebook.com/groups/1387648635973851/

Got a spooky story of your own? Want to suggest a guest or location? Drop us a message on socials or email us at hello@stronglincs.co.uk

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The interview couldn’t have begun more dramatically: just as we sat down to chat, a Lancaster bomber flew directly overhead, providing a spine-tingling reminder of Lincolnshire’s aviation heritage and setting the tone for a truly memorable discussion. Charles takes us through the rich history of the Heckington Show, explaining how it has evolved since its early days in the 19th century while staying true to its community roots. From agricultural competitions and traditional crafts to cycling races and live entertainment, the show has become a unique showcase of both heritage and innovation.

But more than just the events themselves, Charles highlights what the show means to the local community. It’s a celebration of togetherness, a chance for people of all ages to gather, share, and take pride in Lincolnshire’s rural life. Whether you’re a lifelong visitor or discovering the Heckington Show for the first time, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into an institution that continues to bring people together after more than a century and a half.

Image source: Andy Hubbert, Lincolnshire World.

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In this lively debut, the pair set out to champion Lincolnshire, its people, and the amazing things happening across the county. Rich explains the heart of the show – celebrating everything that makes Lincolnshire strong, while Dan reminds him that at some point they’ll need to get organised.

Armed with press passes (and questionable preparation), the duo dive headfirst into the 157th Heckington Show. Expect: a soggy start hiding in the Tea Marquee with fruit bread and a brew, a spin on the big wheel for sky-high views of the showground, chats about Lincolnshire Longwool sheep and majestic Shire horses, an interview with Glynn and Mick from the Lincolnshire Ruffs, a catch-up with show chairman Charles Pinchbeck on the event’s proud history, singing along at the evening concert and bumping into the Take That boys, meeting local businesses including Manchettes Vehicle Repair Centre and Emma from Goodfinds, bumping into a wandering musician with a mandolin, a friendly chat with Jan back in the Tea Marquee, and Rich even has a go at axe-throwing (yes, really!).

It’s chaotic, it’s funny, it’s friendly, and it’s all about Lincolnshire. Join Rich and Dan as they kick off their podcasting adventure in true Strong Lincs style!

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