Strong Lincs

This month on Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan sit down with Lincolnshire-based space journalist and author Clive Simpson for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation that bridges local landscapes and outer space.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 & MentionsClive Simpson: clivesimpson.co.uk Flood Waters Down by Clive Simpson: thetravellingbookshop.com/products/pre-order-flood-waters-down-by-clive-a-simpsonROOM Space Journal Magazine: room.eu.com/

This month on Extra Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan are joined by a truly inspiring guest, Jane Peck, founder of Rainbow Stars.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

If you enjoyed the main March episode, this one goes even deeper.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

March’s episode of Strong Lincs sees Rich and Dan covering serious ground, from boardroom leadership to full-blown panto chaos, and somehow making it all feel very Lincolnshire.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:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps!Paul Starbuck: www.starbuckassociates.comHeckington Players: www.heckingtonplayers.co.uk

This month on Extra Strong Lincs, Rich and Dan sit down with Lincolnshire-based artist Patricia Mellett Brown for an inspiring and deeply honest conversation about art, sobriety, and life in our county.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

In this February edition of Strong Lincs, we celebrate creativity, resilience, and the power of the arts across Lincolnshire with two truly inspiring guests.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.Links & Mentions:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps!Kei BaileyPatricia Mellett Brown

In this Extra Strong Lincs episode, we meet Neve Baker-Wright, who at just 18 years old made national headlines by becoming Britain’s youngest pub landlady. Neve shares the remarkable story behind taking on such a huge responsibility at a young age, from growing up around the pub trade to making the bold decision to step behind the bar as the person ultimately in charge.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

January’s Strong Lincs episode sees presenters Dan and Rich embracing a rare quiet month in. Fresh from the Christmas holidays and the turn of the New Year, they take a moment to pause and reflect as they look ahead to 2026. With World Introvert Day falling on the 2nd, it’s a month of going nowhere and talking to no one… except each other.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:Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: stronglincs • Share and subscribe • Thanks, it really helps! • Joseph Kiel Author • The Band From County Hell