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In this episode of the Alchemy Hub, I sit down with entrepreneur and investor James Ashford, whose incredible business journey includes building and selling a SaaS company from zero investment to a life-changing 8-figure exit.

But behind the headline numbers was a complex and solitary path.

James opens up about growing up in a volatile home where he learned self-reliance early and how his career has been anything BUT conventional.

Driven by a desire to "Scale Fast, Exit Big," he bet heavily on his own development- once paying £4,000 for a 15-minute call with Gary Vee and dropping £30,000 to visit Necker Island. But he also reveals the void that came after the sale of his business and his struggle to find purpose
James now helps founders scale, systemise, and turn their businesses into valuable, acquirable assets. You don't want to miss this episode!
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Ryan Jenner’s story isn’t a straight line - it’s chaos, pressure, and a fight back from rock bottom.

In this episode, Ryan opens up about growing up on a council estate in Stevenage, losing both parents young, and building a life for himself through sheer drive. That drive took him into the nightlife scene, running major events, making serious money, and living fast.

But behind it all, things were starting to spiral.

Ryan talks candidly about the reality of that world - the pressure, the cocaine, the threats that came with it, and the moment everything caught up with him. The death of his brother became a turning point, triggering a descent into addiction, debt, and the breakdown of his personal life.

What follows is the part most people don’t see - the rebuild.

From rock bottom and suicidal thoughts to recovery, structure, and starting again. Ryan shares how he rebuilt his life, repaired relationships, and shifted his mindset completely.

Today, he’s the founder of Shine Assured and is focused on building something sustainable, with a clear head and a different perspective.

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England rugby legend Mike Brown’s career has been fuelled by a relentless drive to silence the doubters.

In this episode, Mike pulls back the curtain on the side of rugby that fans rarely get to see. He opens up about the "disaster" of the World Cup, the loneliness of being on tour, and his own mental well-being journey.

But the hardest battle came after the boots were hung up. Mike speaks candidly about the reality of retiring from rugby, the struggle of a high-performance corporate role that didn't work out and the anxiety of wondering what comes next when you've given everything to a game you can no longer even bring yourself to watch.

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In this powerful episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with professional rugby league player Gil Dudson, whose 17-year career includes winning the Super League and Challenge Cup with Wigan Warriors and representing Wales on the international stage.

But behind the success was a darker story.

Gil opens up about his battle with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and a pattern of self-sabotage that led to brushes with the law and multiple court appearances. Known for moving between top clubs as a reliable gap-filler, his career started to fade in his late twenties - until a heart-to-heart with his wife convinced him to keep going.

Then Covid hit. A 3-day drinking binge nearly cost him everything

That moment changed his life.

In this raw and powerful episode, Gil shares:

• The mental health struggles behind a career in elite sport

• How alcohol addiction and low self-worth derailed his progress

• The challenges of financial insecurity in rugby league - including working part-time jobs to support his family

• The comeback story that reignited his playing career

• His transition from athlete to entrepreneur through Futurity Finance

Gil now plays semi-professionally while building a future beyond the game, using the lessons he’s learned to support others on their own journey.

👉 If you’re passionate about sport, mental health, addiction recovery, or entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a raw look at what it really takes to survive and succeed at the highest level - both on the field and beyond.

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#MentalHealthInSport #AddictionRecovery #AthleteToEntrepreneur #RugbyLeagueLife #MenTalkMentalHealth #FromRockBottomToRise #ImposterSyndrome #LifeAfterSport #ResilienceStory #AlchemyHubPodcast

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In this powerful episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Carla Raads – an international contemporary artist originally from the Eastern Cape of South Africa, now based in the UK.

Carla’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From studying interior design to building a 12-year modelling career across the UK, her path took a dramatic turn following the birth of her son. After facing anxiety, insomnia, and the emotional weight of new motherhood and IVF, Carla turned to painting as a form of therapy and emotional release.

Using only her hands and makeshift canvases in her basement, she began pouring her emotions onto the canvas - unintentionally creating artwork that deeply moved those around her. What began as a private healing process quickly became a professional breakthrough.

In 2023, Carla was named a “Driven by Dreams” ambassador by Porsche, and her art has since been exhibited across Europe, including a successful solo show at the Jumeirah Hotel in Sóller, Mallorca.

This episode explores how creativity can become a tool for healing, purpose, and reinvention. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a mother navigating personal transformation, or someone looking for inspiration, Carla’s story shows how art can truly change your life.

🎨 Topics Covered:

• Carla’s transition from modelling to contemporary art
• Using art as therapy for anxiety and insomnia
• The emotional journey of IVF and new motherhood
• Becoming a Porsche “Driven by Dreams” ambassador
• Building a career as a self-taught female artist
• Exhibiting art across Europe

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In this inspiring episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Andy Heald - a talented footballer, serial entrepreneur, and passionate leader in children’s physical education and youth sport development in the UK.

Andy has spent over a decade building a successful physical education franchise under the Premier Education brand. Today, he works as a consultant to some of the UK’s largest stakeholders in the sport and education sector, driven by a powerful mission to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation through physical activity and mentorship.

Before launching his own business, Andy rose through the ranks from entry-level roles, quickly proving himself as an essential contributor in every organisation he joined. As a young talent, Andy signed professional football terms with Morecambe FC and went on to build a respected semi-professional football career, spanning 15 years.

In this raw and honest conversation, Andy speaks openly about overcoming mental health struggles, including a deeply personal moment when he nearly ended his life. He shares what sparked a turning point, how he reignited his purpose, and the steps he took to rebuild a brighter future — both in business and in life.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a sports professional, or someone interested in the real-life journey behind success, this episode delivers valuable insights into resilience, leadership, and personal transformation.

Listen now to discover how Andy Heald turned adversity into impact and why he’s more committed than ever to making a difference through sport, education, and entrepreneurship.

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#EntrepreneurJourney #YouthSportDevelopment #MentalHealthAwareness #LeadershipThroughAdversity #InspiringConversations #SportAndEducation #ResilientMinds #FromFootballToFounder #EmpowerTheNextGeneration #PurposeDrivenLife

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In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Jamie Hawthorn, founder and CEO of Multisport Distribution - a sports distribution business bringing high-quality products to the UK market. Their portfolio includes the Danish sportswear brand Fusion, the US electrolyte supplement Saltstick and Amp Human PR lotion, a performance-enhancing lotion that helps athletes perform and recover more effectively.

Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Jamie experienced a tragedy no one should ever have to face -the murder of his brother, Lee. While most would crumble under the weight of such pain and resentment, Jamie has found a way to transform this devastating loss into a driving force for living fully. He’s committed to appreciating the small things, staying present, and making the most of every moment. Jamie is a beautiful soul - forever helpful, always kind, and overwhelmingly upbeat. His energy is truly contagious.

Jamie speaks openly and authentically about the realities of entrepreneurship - from operating hand to mouth, to funding the business for an extended period using credit cards. His unwavering determination to follow his passion and build something meaningful is genuinely inspiring for anyone dreaming of starting a business.

If you’re interested in business and want to understand what it really takes to succeed, this is a must-listen.

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#EntrepreneurMindset #ResilienceInBusiness #PurposeDriven #RealTalkEntrepreneurship #FromTragedyToTriumph #StartupStories #FoundersJourney #InspiringEntrepreneurs #BusinessWithHeart #AlchemyHubPodcast

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In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Dean Howell, founder and CEO of The Real Health Store, an online holistic nutrition store specialising in cellular longevity, health, and wellness.

Dean lives and breathes health and wellness, turning his passion into a business that helps people live their healthiest lives. He has never wavered from his authenticity and values, and this shines through in our conversation.

Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Dean enjoyed a brilliant career as a professional footballer, making over 350 appearances over a 15-year period. A highlight of his career was an FA Cup appearance against Manchester United, where he played alongside legends such as Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Paul Scholes.

Dean speaks candidly about the challenges of life as a footballer—dealing with verbal abuse, injuries, managerial changes, and the constant uncertainty of securing his next contract. After retiring from football, he quickly transitioned into the world of business and shares his journey, detailing the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Dean is incredibly knowledgeable and a true maverick in the health and wellness industry. His story is both fascinating and inspiring—one that every aspiring business owner should hear.

🔥 This episode is proudly sponsored by TheRealHealthStore.com, your go-to for premium holistic nutrition and wellness products. 🔥

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