Small Actions Big Ripples

Ep. 09, with guest Johnny Themans from Good2Great

In this episode of the Small Actions, Big Ripples podcast, I am joined by Johnny Themans, co-founder of Good2Great, a purpose-driven organisation on a mission to boost local economic prosperity by helping businesses thrive through coaching, training and consultancy.Johnny shares what drove him to co-found Good2Great and the personal experiences that shaped his passion for supporting founders on their journey.We also explore:The recurring challenges founders face in the early stages of building a business.Why Good2Great’s, people-first approach to business support is so crucial in the early stages of a business journey.How equipping founders with the right tools, confidence and know-how strengthens not just individual companies, but creates a powerful ripple effect across the wider local economy.If you’re starting out, scaling up, or supporting others on their business journey, this episode is for you.Find out more about Good2Great and their work here https://good-2-great.co.uk/Like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps the message reach even further.

Ep. 08, with guests Seb Slater & EJ Hopson-VandenBos from Shrewsbury BID

What happens when purpose, collaboration, and vision lead to national recognition? In this episode of the Small Actions, Big Ripples podcast, I sit down with Seb Slater and EJ Hopson-VandenBos, the driving forces behind two award-winning Shrewsbury-based not-for-profit partnerships: Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District) and Work in Shrewsbury.In this episode, Seb and EJ share behind-the-scenes insights into the ideas and actions that, over the past 12 months, led to:Shrewsbury being shortlisted twice in the prestigious Visa “Let’s Celebrate Towns Awards”Securing nearly £800,000 in UKSPF funding for the Work in Shrewsbury and Shrewsbury Moves initiativesWe explore how the projects and services delivered by Shrewsbury BID and Work in Shrewsbury:Promote the town nationallyImprove the local environmentSupport businessesGive the business community a strong, united voice on key issuesWe talk community impact, purpose, collaboration, and what it truly takes to create meaningful, lasting change for Shrewsbury and its people.If this episode inspires you, please like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps the message reach even further.

Ep. 07, the story of Julia Buckley, Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury.

In this special ep. of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I welcome to the Opus Media Productions studio Dr. Julia Buckley, Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury, for a candid conversation about her life and work in public service.Julia speaks passionately about community, leadership, and the deep ties that guide her work in Shrewsbury.Highlights include:➡️ Her journey into politics and commitment to local representation.➡️ A powerful story of saving a local youth club from closure, through a community crowdfunding campaign.➡️ Honest reflections on challenges and what keeps her motivated.She also revealed exciting plans and insights into upcoming projects that will shape the town's future. If you ever wondered what it takes to step into public service, and find out what sacrifices sit behind that choice, this ep is for you.Like, subscribe, and share if this episode inspired you. Your support helps the message reach even further.

Ep. 06 The story of Paul and Sam from the charity Aquarius

What happens when people dedicate their lives to helping others rebuild theirs?In the latest ep of the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast, I am joined by Sam Perry and Paul Wilson from the charity Aquarius https://aquarius.org.uk/ for a powerful and uplifting conversation about community, recovery and hope. We find how Paul and Sam, turned their personal struggles with addiction, into a powerful source of inner strength and courage. Their decision to seek help didn’t just transform their lives. It sparked a ripple effect that’s now empowering them to help others overcome addiction, and turn their lives round.In this ep, we discuss: - Sam's and Paul's own personal journey to recovery and what led them to become involved with Aquarius and its mission. - The life-changing impact of free, confidential support on individuals and communities.- The challenges of stigma attached to addiction.- How Aquarius continues to reach and help more people who need support to overcome addictive behaviours.Our conversation left me feeling hopeful, energised, and reminded of the ripple effect we all create when we use our own lived experiences to help others.Like, subscribe, and share if this episode inspired you. Your support helps the message reach even further.

Ep.05 The story of Emma Loat, 5th gen owner of Forsyths Music Shop in Mcr

🎹 What does it take to keep a Manchester cultural icon alive since 1857?In this special episode of Small Actions Big Ripples, recorded on location in Manchester, I sit down with Emma Loat, 5th-generation owner of Forsyth Brothers, the legendary music store on Deansgate in Mcr city centre. We recorded right on the piano floor, surrounded by the rich and illustrious history, atmosphere, and melodies that have been a feature of Manchester’s music scene for over 160 years.As a former RNCM student who spent countless hours here browsing sheet music, chatting with musicians, and soaking up the vibe, this conversation felt like a homecoming. Emma shares candid insights into:🎶 The triumphs & challenges of running a family business in a changing retail world🎶 How Forsyths thrives despite online competition🎶 The store’s remarkable history & vision for the future🎶 The power of music to strengthen community spiritThis is a story of resilience, heritage, and keeping culture alive through a genuine love of music.Learn more about Forsyths: https://www.forsyths.co.uk/🎥🎧 Follow the Small Actions Big Ripples podcast here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mLm5ROJMfjjPq9eeFPnjrYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OpusMediaProductionsUK/podcastsApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-actions-big-ripples/id1796370318Want to appear as a guest in a future episode?The Small Actions Big Ripples podcast is all about creating social value, championing positive change, and showing that everyday actions can make a meaningful impact. If your work resonates with these themes and you'd like to be featured as a guest, send an email to stavros@opusmediaproductions.co.uk with a short description of your work and why you think it’s a good fit.Because small actions can create big ripples!