When Your Father Joins a Cult: Lily Dunn's Exraordinary Story

Trillions of invisible organisms produce every other breath you take — and almost no one talks about them. This week, that changes.Bob is joined once again by Vincent Doumeizel — UN food and ocean advisor, food innovation expert, and author of The Power of Plankton — for a deep dive into the most overlooked organisms on the planet. Vincent explains how plankton produce half the world's oxygen despite making up just 0.02% of Earth's biomass, why they've never once been mentioned at a COP climate summit despite driving a third of global carbon absorption, and how understanding them could be the key to fixing some of our biggest environmental problems.Along the way: the 100-metre-long animal you've never heard of, why diatoms can build glass shells in freezing water using none of the energy we need to make glass on land, how plankton clean your drinking water, the surprising rise of jellyfish, and why Vincent thinks we should be teaching kids about plankton instead of dinosaurs.It's a conversation that reframes how you'll think about a single drop of water and makes a genuinely hopeful case for what's still left to discover.In this episode:Why Vincent moved from working on world hunger to seaweed, and then to planktonWhat plankton actually is (it's a behaviour, not a species) — and why jellyfish, viruses, and bacteria all countHow phytoplankton invented photosynthesis billions of years ago — and once poisoned the planet with oxygenWhy half of all the oxygen we breathe comes from organisms that make up almost none of the planet's biomassThe Plankton Manifesto: bringing 30 of the world's top scientists together to put plankton on the UN's radarHow plankton could help us cut carbon, replace plastic packaging, fuel planes, and even light citiesWhy Vincent remains optimistic about the future of the ocean, despite the scale of the crisisAbout the guest: Vincent Doumeizel is an advisor to the United Nations, a food innovation expert, and the author of The Power of Plankton and The Seaweed Revolution. He has spent his career working at the intersection of food systems, ocean health, and climate, and recently spoke to an audience of nine million listeners on the BBC about the importance of plankton.Links & resources:📖 The Power of Plankton by Vincent Doumeizel — [link]📖 The Seaweed Revolution by Vincent Doumeizel — [link]🔗 Vincent Doumeizel Profile — [link]🔗 The UN Plankton Manifesto — [link]Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What happens when a parent leaves not just their family, but the entire world they once knew?In this episode, I talk with author and memoirist Lily Dunn about her powerful memoir Sins of My Father. When Lily was six years old, her father abandoned the family to join a spiritual movement that would shape the course of both his life and hers. We discuss the lasting effects of childhood abandonment, the allure of cults and alternative communities, the complicated nature of love and forgiveness, and why understanding our parents doesn't always mean excusing them.Lily also shares insights into the craft of memoir writing, including how to write honestly about family, navigate difficult memories, and transform personal experiences into stories that resonate with others.Whether you're interested in family dynamics, personal growth, or the art of storytelling, this is a fascinating conversation about making sense of the past and finding meaning in the stories we tell ourselves.Highlights from our conversation:Why Lily's father left his family to join a spiritual communeThe hidden effects of childhood abandonmentBoarding school syndrome and its lifelong impactHow cults attract people searching for belongingThe difference between understanding and forgivingWhat makes a compelling memoirWhy everyone may have a story worth tellingThe ethics of writing about family and personal historyLily's links:https://lilydunn.co.uk/Books - https://lilydunn.co.uk/books/Substack - https://lilydunn.substack.com/Writing Courses - https://www.londonlitlab.co.uk/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What do you do when life suddenly changes direction?In this episode I'm joined by author and former production editor David Hermakowski. David talks about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose after unexpected challenges. Following a major health scare and brain surgery, David faced questions about identity, recovery, and what comes next.We explore major life changes as a new beginning, the importance of mindset and meaning, the power of creativity, and why life's greatest setbacks can become opportunities for growth.A thoughtful conversation about courage, purpose, and writing the next chapter when life doesn't follow the script.Link to book: https://www.amazon.com//dp/B0GFP8FZTT   Sign up for the Undercurrent Stories weekly News Letter hereQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

What happens when the life you've built no longer fits?In this episode we hear from author, journalist, and book coach Carolyn Flynn to discuss her memoir Boundless and the unexpected opportunities that can emerge during life's biggest transitions.As a single mother preparing to send her twins off to college while facing uncertainty in her journalism career, Carolyn found herself confronting a question many people face but few discuss: Who are you when your core identities begin to change?Carolyn discusses the difference between memoir and autobiography, the power of storytelling, and why personal reinvention isn't just for the young. Carolyn shares insights on emotional agility, resilience, creativity, and what she calls "the second adulthood"—a stage of life where experience, wisdom, and freedom can combine to create entirely new possibilities.Whether you're interested in writing, navigating change, or simply curious about what comes next in life, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on transformation, purpose, and the courage to begin again.In this episode:Why Carolyn wrote BoundlessThe difference between a memoir and an autobiographyHow journaling can help us understand our livesThe role of storytelling in personal growthEmotional agility and navigating uncertaintyWhy reinvention becomes possible at any ageThe concept of a "second adulthood"Lessons from journalism, writing, and creativityAdvice for aspiring memoir writersAbout Carolyn FlynnCarolyn Flynn is an author, journalist, and book coach. Her memoir Boundless explores identity, change, and the possibilities that emerge when life takes an unexpected turn. She works with writers around the world, helping them turn their stories into compelling books.Links:https://www.carolynflynn.com/https://www.instagram.com/carolyn_flynn/Book - Boundless https://www.undercurrentstories.com/If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on your favourite platform. Your support helps more listeners discover these conversations.#Memoir #Writing #PersonalGrowth #Reinvention #LifeTransitions #Storytelling #AuthorInterview #Boundless #CarolynFlynn #UndercurrentStoriesQuestion or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Animal welfare expert Laura Foster joins host Bob Wells to reveal the hidden realities behind dog rescue, rehoming and responsible pet ownership in the UK.If you've ever adopted a rescue dog, worried about your pet's behaviour, or wondered what really goes on inside animal welfare organisations like Dogs Trust and the RSPCA this episode is for you.Laura Foster is a senior animal welfare professional and behaviour specialist at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog rehoming charity. With a Master's degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and a background spanning management consultancy, the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, and 22 Dogs Trust rehoming centres across the UK, Laura brings rare insight into what modern animal welfare actually looks like, behind the heartwarming headlines. In this episode we cover:The post-COVID dog behaviour crisis and why thousands of UK dogs are being surrendered right nowWhat animal cruelty really looks like — and why most owners don't recognise itThe truth about breed-specific legislation and the XL Bully banWhy farm animal welfare is the biggest — and most ignored — issue in the sectorHow to get involved in animal welfare as a volunteer, foster carer or career professionalThe Dogs Trust behaviour services that could save your dog from being rehomedWhether you're a dog owner, animal lover, aspiring vet or welfare professional, this is a conversation that will change the way you think about the animals in our lives.Links:https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this episode we meet pioneering wolf biologist and author Diane Boyd who talks  about her extraordinary four decades studying wolves in the remote wilderness of Montana near Glacier National Park.In the 1970s she was the only female biologist in the United States researching and radio-collaring wild wolves. With her two dogs for company she faced the rigours of the Montana winter in an isolated cabin without running water or electricity.In our conversation we  discuss what wolves are really like, how wolf packs function, the myths and fears surrounding these animals, and the dramatic return of wolves to the American West. Diane also shares stories of tracking wolves through deep snow, living off-grid in bear country, and the challenges of balancing conservation with human conflict.The conversation is based around Diane’s memoir, A Woman Among Wolves — a fascinating account of life spent among one of nature’s most misunderstood predators.Resources:https://www.dianekboyd.com/Book: A Woman Among Wolves Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

We’re back in Stamford with historian Bill Cunningham, uncovering the town’s hidden past.From Burghley House to the famous George Hotel. Expect wild stories of bull runs, political corruption, and unforgettable local characters in one of England’s most beautiful towns. Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Most of us like to think our decisions are grounded in facts. Whether it’s in medicine, business, or everyday life, we assume the “best” option rises to the top through clear evidence.But for most of history — and even today — that hasn’t really been the case.In this episode, I talk with science journalist Helen Pearson, author of Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works, about the surprisingly recent rise of evidence-based thinking, why it transformed fields like medicine, and why it still struggles to take hold in others.We discuss how doctors once relied more on authority than data, why a single study can be misleading, and how systematic reviews became the gold standard for figuring out what actually works. Helen also explains how these ideas have spread into social policy and business — with mixed success — and why human nature often resists evidence, even when it’s right in front of us.Along the way, we get into how to spot bad claims, why misinformation spreads so easily today, and how you can become a sharper, more evidence-minded thinker in your own life.Show HighlightsWhy evidence-based medicine is a surprisingly recent developmentThe two pioneers who helped change how doctors make decisionsWhat was wrong with the old “eminence-based” approachWhy one study rarely tells you the truthWhat a systematic review is and why it mattersHow the Cochrane Collaboration helps doctors cut through information overloadThe challenge of dealing with millions of new studies every yearWhat COVID revealed about our evidence systems under pressureHow evidence-based thinking moved into social policy and reduced povertyWhy most policies and programs still aren’t properly testedThe problem with “HIPPOs” (Highest Paid Person’s Opinion) in businessWhy management is especially vulnerable to fads and trendsHow AI is both helping and complicating scientific researchWhy evidence alone isn’t enough to make decisionsHow to teach kids (and yourself) to spot bad claimsSimple “evidence hacks” you can use in everyday lifeResources Related to the PodcastBeyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works by Helen PearsonThe Cochrane CollaborationHelen PearsonIf you’re looking to make better decisions — in your work, your health, or your everyday life — this episode will give you a clearer lens for separating what works from what just sounds good.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

In this re-released episode of Undercurrent Stories, we revisit our powerful conversation with Rita Gigante — author, healer, psychic, and daughter of the infamous mafia boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante.Rita shares her extraordinary journey growing up in the shadow of one of New York’s most feared crime families, the trauma and secrets she carried from childhood, and how those experiences led her toward a life of healing, spirituality, and personal transformation.This is a remarkable story of resilience, redemption, and finding light in the darkest places.Originally released as one of our earlier episodes, this conversation remains as compelling and thought-provoking today as ever.https://www.ritagigante.net/Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Imagine sitting down at a gig in Stockholm, striking up a conversation with the person next to you, and realising you’re talking to a man who didn't just witness music history—he helped package and sell it. From the tactile era of vinyl to the invisible world of streaming, he’s seen it all.Today’s episode is a special one. It’s the result of a chance meeting at a Quint Starkie gig with a man named Sven Ake Peterson. Sven spent his entire career as a music executive for EMI in Sweden.We’re talking about a career spent in the company of icons—David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner—but more than that, we’re talking about the soul of the industry. We dive into the transition from physical records to the digital age, what it actually takes to 'make it,' and where the music world is heading next. Beyond the industry talk, this conversation is a testament to why you should always talk to strangers. You truly never know what you might learn or whose hand you’re shaking. Here is my conversation with the incredibly warm and insightful, Sven Ake Peterson.Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com