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Extraordinary Life Stories
Extraordinary Life Stories
Author: John Reynolds
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John Reynolds talks with some of the world’s most extraordinary individuals discussing both the highs and lows of their life stories.
Each ‘lived experience’ is shared in an informal and candid conversation providing inspiration, thought provoking topics and actionable takeaways. Mental health is at the core of these conversations with guests being transparent about their mindset, how they keep motivated, juggling family, business and time for themselves.
Each ‘lived experience’ is shared in an informal and candid conversation providing inspiration, thought provoking topics and actionable takeaways. Mental health is at the core of these conversations with guests being transparent about their mindset, how they keep motivated, juggling family, business and time for themselves.
159 Episodes
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In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Antony Parkinson MBE, known as Parky.'Parky' is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished pilots in the UK. He was the first pilot to gain 1000 hours flying the Euro Fighter Typhoon with the RAF, having also gained the same amount of hours in the F4 Phantom and Tornado F3. He was also a display pilot for the world famous 'Red Arrows'. Parky is now the Main Pilot for all Spitfire Operations with Aero Legends, a company that gives the general public a chance to fly in and sometimes take the controls of, what is arguably the most iconic aircraft to have ever been built - the Supermarine Spitfire.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Harvey Armstrong.A former star of the reality TV show Made In Chelsea, Harvey is now the Co-Founder and CEO of Prime Time Beers, a British-brewed low calorie, award-winning beer brand.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Ruby Wax.Ruby is an American-British actress, comedian, writer, television presenter, and mental health campaigner. A classically-trained actress, Wax came to prominence as a comic interviewer, playing up to British perceptions of the strident American style on television shows including The Full Wax. She was a script editor for the BBC sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.In 2013, Ruby gained a master's degree in mindfulness based cognitive therapy from Kellogg College, Oxford. In 2015, she was appointed a Visiting Professor in Mental Health Nursing at the University of Surrey.Wax was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Special Honours for services to mental health.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Rob Parsons OBERob is an international keynote speaker and bestselling author of over 25 books.He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Bristol and a PhD from the University of Plymouth. He is the founder of Care for the Family, a national charity which aims to strengthen family life and help those who face family difficulties.In 1988, Rob resigned as a joint senior partner in a large legal practice in order to start Care for the Family, which is now one of the UK’s leading family charities. In 2012, Rob was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for services to family life. Rob is married to Dianne and they have two adult children and five grandchildren.
In this episode John Reynolds invites Jeff Mostyn back into the studio for the first ever second recording.From the Brink: AFC Bournemouth Football Club's Extraordinary Revival. We discuss an incredible football club transformation from near-liquidation to Premier League success, sharing a dramatic narrative about saving the club and overcoming significant financial challenges.In partnership with Legends Global
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Will Carling OBEWill is a former England rugby union captain widely credited with transforming the national side in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Appointed captain at just 22 (the youngest England captain in the history of the sport), he led England to three Five Nations Grand Slams, two additional championships, and the 1991 Rugby World Cup final. Known for his sharp leadership, professionalism, and ability to modernise team culture, Carling became one of the sport’s most recognisable figures. Since retiring, he has worked as a commentator, leadership consultant, and speaker, continuing to influence rugby and high‑performance environments beyond the pitch.This episode is powered by Legends Global.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds speaks with broadcaster and Heart Radio presenter Katrina Ridley, whose career has spanned radio, live events, and the acclaimed podcast The Rethinkers. Katrina opens up about her passion for exploring sustainability, mental health, and challenging everyday norms — as well as the realities of life behind the microphone.Inspirational, candid, and deeply human — Katrina’s journey is a powerful reminder that extraordinary stories often come from the most unexpected chapters.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Rob Pierre.Rob is one of the UK’s most successful media leaders. Rob co-founded digital marketing business Jellyfish in 2005 and as CEO, he grew the business to over 2000 employees, working across 28 global offices on clients including Google and Netflix. Jellyfish was acquired by The Brandtech Group in June 2023 for a figure quoted as over £500 million.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Ashley Cain.Ashley is an English reality TV personality and former footballer who played for Championship side Coventry City.Ashley’s lost his daughter at 8 months old after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia at just 8 weeks.In this programme we discuss overcoming life's challenges, personal transformation, and finding strength through difficult experiences, including navigating profound personal loss and maintaining a positive perspective.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories John Reynolds sits down with Sir Stephen Fry.Stephen is an English actor, broadcaster, comedian, director, narrator, and writer, renowned for his wit, intellect, and diverse contributions to entertainment and literature.In 2025 Stephen was knighted by King Charles III "for services to mental health awareness, the environment and to charity".
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Rob Rinder MBE. Sometimes known as Judge Rinder, Rob a British criminal barrister and television personality.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with English rugby legend and former international fly-half, Jonny Wilkinson CBE.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with three-Michelin Star celebrity chef & TV personality Heston Blumenthal.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Sir Kenneth Olisa.Sir Kenneth is a British businessman, philanthropist and Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.He founded and led the AIM-listed technology merchant bank Interregnum and now leads Restoration Partners.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Caroline Stanbury.Caroline is an English television personality and businesswoman. She is known as an original main cast member on the Bravo reality television show's Ladies of London and the Real Housewives of Dubai.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Rory Sutherland.Rory is a British advertising executive. He is the vice chairman of the Ogilvy & Mather group of companies and social media sensation.Sutherland writes a fortnightly column in The Spectator and has written several books, including Alchemy: The Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with founder of SKN TO SKN Sara Stokes.Sara struggled with her skin during pregnancy with intense sensitivity and hormonal acne, she I had no idea that the skincare products she was using was making it worse AND some were not pregnancy-safe. It wasn’t until she was 6 months pregnant that she found out you shouldn’t use certain skincare ingredients like retinol, salicylic acid and hydroquinone, all of which she was using.After looking for pregnancy-safe skincare products and being told there wasn’t any and to go speak to her GP, Sara felt like women like all women in this situation were sidelined and overlooked. SKN TO SKN was created to address this with pregnancy-safe skincare designed to support hormonal skin.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with British DJ, hype man, producer and TV presenter, Charlie Sloth.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with British dancer, choreographer and TV personality AJ Pritchard.From 2016 to 2019 AJ appeared as a professional dancer on the BBC dance series Strictly Come Dancing . In 2020, he participated in I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here.
In this episode of Extraordinary Life Stories, John Reynolds talks with Steve Tappin.Steve is a British leadership coach, author, the co-founder CEO of Beyond Unity and in 2013 Tappin became host of the BBC business programme, CEO Guru.




