No Straight Lines

Series 2- Episode 4 - Lee Howells

Lee Howells shares a raw and powerful story of ambition, addiction, collapse and comeback. From representing Wales in amateur golf to losing a business, a marriage and nearly his life, Lee’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. Now sober and leading a successful business, he reflects on rock bottom, recovery and the strength it takes to rebuild. A powerful episode about the setbacks that shape us — and why success is never a straight line.

Series 2 - Episode 3 - Mal Pope

Mal Pope is a Welsh songwriter, composer andbroadcaster whose career spans BBC Radio 1, Abbey Road, chart hits and iconic TV themes. A former John Peel guest and early signing to Elton John’s Rocket Record Company, he has worked closely with Elton John, recorded at Abbey Road, and been part of sessions featuring Pete Townshend and Keith Moon. He has written for Cliff Richard and The Hollies, performed with artists including Bonnie Tyler and Aled Jones, and isthe voice behind Fireman Sam and SuperTed. A true musical storyteller with a career fullof remarkable moments — and no straight line through it.

Series 2 - Episode 2 - Bethan Dando

Bethan Dando is a rising force in the wellness and fitness industry, blending expertise in personal training, Pilates, strength, and cardiovascular fitness to deliver sustainable performance solutions. In 2022, she founded Pilates Class UK, a recruitment and consultancy platform connecting top instructors with studios, gyms, hotels, and events nationwide — scaling to over 18,000 bookings in 2024 and earning her Business-to-BusinessService Provider of the Year 2025. After navigating early challenges like cash flow, scaling, and burnout, Bethan pivoted with purpose — launching WEL-B, an AI-powered platform designed to optimise timetables and profitability for wellness businesses. Now backed by pre-seed investment and launching across the UK, US, and Dubai, it marks her move into tech-driven solutions. Today, Bethan is focused on building smarter, more sustainable systems for the global wellness industry — using technology to enhance performance, prevent burnout,and strengthen human connection at scale.

Series 2 - Episode 1 - Andrew Jenkins

“First Responders Said ‘He’s Dead.’ Then He Became a Traitors Finalist | AndrewJenkins” Andrew Jenkins was told he might never walk or talk again after a devastating car crash left him in a coma for four weeks at just 21 years old. Against all odds, he rebuilt his life, became a finalist on BBC’s The Traitors, and later walked 750 miles from Scotland to Wales to raise funds for brain injury charity Headway. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, mental health, purpose, and finding strength when life takeseverything away. In this episode of No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable, Laurence Winmill is joined by Andrew Jenkins,whose life story is a remarkable example of resilience, courage and determination. Many people will recognise Andrew as a finalist in Series 2 of the BBC’s The Traitors, where he finished 4th out of 22 contestants. But long before television, Andrew had already faced a life-changing battle. At just 21 years old, Andrew survived a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma for four weeks. Doctors warned his family he might never walk or talk again. Against all expectations, hefought his way back — relearning to walk and rebuilding his life while quietly battling mental health struggles for more than two decades. After a successful career in banking and commercial insurance, a reunion with Professor Laing, the doctor whohelped save his life, became a defining moment. That meeting gave Andrew a renewed sense of clarity and purpose and inspired him to begin sharing his story publicly. Following his appearance on The Traitors, Andrew used his platform to raise awareness for mental health and braininjury recovery. In 2024 he completed an extraordinary 750-mile charity walk from Scotland to Wales, walking up to eight hours a day for 42 days, raising funds for Headway, the brain injury charity. Today Andrew is a motivational speaker and founder of Strength In You Ltd, helping others overcome adversity, buildresilience and discover the strength they didn’t know they had. In this episode we discuss: • Surviving a life-changing accident • Living with hidden mental health struggles • Finding purpose after trauma • The reality behind The Traitors experience • Andrew’s incredible 750-mile charity walk • What resilience really means About the Podcast - No Straight Lines: Stories of the Unbreakable is hosted by Laurence Winmill and features powerful conversations with people from business, sport, entertainment and the community. Because real success is never a straight line.

No Straight Lines - Episode 7 - Lee Ramsay

In this episode of "No Straight Lines," we explore the theme of resilience in both business and personal life with our guest, Lee Ramsay. Discover how Lee's experiences growing up in a military family shaped his ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. From navigating the complexities of running successful businesses to overcoming personal hurdles, Lee shares insights into the grit and determination required to succeed. Join us for an inspiring conversation about bouncing back from setbacks and the power of resilience in shaping one's journey.