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Alchemy Hub Podcast
Alchemy Hub Podcast
Author: Jonathan Mills
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© 2026 Alchemy Hub Podcast
Description
Hosting conversations with people who’ve pushed themselves in different arenas - business, sport, leadership, and life.
The Alchemy Hub podcast explores the stories behind high performance, speaking with entrepreneurs, leaders, and world-class performers about the moments, decisions, and lessons that shape the path they’ve taken.
These aren’t polished success stories or sales pitches. Just honest conversations about the grit, the setbacks, and the often unspoken realities behind building something meaningful.
If you’re curious about what drives people to keep moving forward, you’re in the right place.
19 Episodes
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Send us Fan Mail 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 Bi...
Send us Fan Mail 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 - th...
Send us Fan Mail 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...
Send us Fan Mail 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 ...
Send us Fan Mail 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...
Send us Fan Mail 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...
Send us Fan Mail 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 traged...
Send us Fan Mail 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 en...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Alchemy Hub Podcast, I sit down with Tom Manning, founder of The Pathway Academy—a business redefining leadership through accountability. Tom’s journey is one of precision, execution, and results. His work focuses on helping leaders gain real traction, transforming struggling teams into high-performing units. With clients ranging from 350-person companies to organisations with over 10,000 employees, Tom has spent years fine-tuning a system that delivers...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Alchemy Hub podcast, I sit down with Jordan Smith, co-owner of Seven Studios—a fully equipped podcast and video production studio (the very place where we filmed this episode). Jordan’s story is a brilliant tale of a young man chasing his dreams. He has never settled for second best, continually pushing forward and risking it all along the way. Jordan is a true character with an endless list of incredible stories—from becoming a YouTube sensation in his...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Jenny Holt, a self-employed mortgage broker working under the banner of Your Mortgage Hub. She’s dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the often-complex process of securing the right mortgage solutions. Jenny’s story is nothing short of inspiring. After spending 10 years dealing with irate customers in a call centre, she broke free and reinvented herself as a self-employed mortgage broker. But she’s not...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Louis Harrington, Performance Coach at Sweat & Courage—an organisation dedicated to helping elite athletes and leaders achieve excellence. Louis shares his powerful journey from being a professional golfer to facing a painful downward spiral of self-sabotage fuelled by alcohol and gambling. We dive into his transformation from a struggling golfer to a coach working with elite sportspeople and business leaders...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Kyle Donnachie, the owner of District Four Design—a commercial interior design studio based in the north of England. Kyle and his team specialise in creating stunning workspaces for businesses across the UK. Kyle shares his inspiring journey, from working as a second-hand car salesman to taking the leap into entrepreneurship. We dive into Kyle's bold decision to double down on his business during a market downturn, showcasing hi...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Logan Speight owner of Stride Yorkshire, a specialist organisation with the sole aim of supporting adults with Learning and Social Disabilities on their journey to leading independent lives. This is an incredible story of a young man who has taken his passion and built a business that transforms the lives of young adults with learning and social disabilities in Yorkshire. During this conversation we talk about Logans decision to...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Alchemy Hub podcast, I sit down with Nick Josling, friend, mentor and owner of Bristol Property Partnership, which is a property lettings company based in Bristol. This is an incredible story of somebody who stepped into entrepreneurship when most people were starting to contemplate retirement! During this conversation we talk about Nicks decision to quit corporate life in his forties and start a voyage of travel to South America. Whilst in South...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Stuart Biggs, owner and managing director of Be Recruitment Ltd, a recruitment company based in the midlands. Stuart had various roles as a young man including working at a sports centre and selling beds! Stuart spent over 15 years in the recruitment industry working for some big players but when he found his ceiling he knew that it was time for a change. This is a fascinating story of a man in his mid thirties having th...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode I am interviewed by the lads at B2B Business Club Podcast. We talk through my journey from failed footballer, the mistakes I've made in my entrepreneurial journey as a business and property investor through to the current day. We talk about growing up in Birmingham, football, business, property and all the trappings that pop up along the way! If you enjoy this episode, please like, subscribe, and share Alchemy Hub Podcast with a fellow entrepreneur. Follo...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Keith Newby, owner and managing director of New Mills Properties, Lincolnshire's fastest-growing letting and investment company. Keith, also my business partner and best friend, shares his journey from professional footballer to property tycoon. Keith started his career as a pro footballer with Cambridge United, playing against stars like Scott Parker and John Barnes. After football, he became a self-employed plasterer but foun...
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Alchemy Hub, I sit down with Kevin Randall, owner and managing director of KR Football Academy and 2 x Pro Direct Football Academies in Dunstable & Newcastle Upon Tyne. Kevin talks us through his journey from footballer at Barnet FC into the corporate world and then more recently realising his dream as a business owner working with elite young footballers. Tune in as Kevin discusses his transition, challenges, and the strategies that led to his succes...
Send us Fan Mail In this first episode, I sit down with Erik Hudson, the owner and Managing Director of Pyro Fire, a leading fire risk assessment consultancy agency. Discover how Erik was able to build Pyro Fire into a successful enterprise, culminating in his ability to make a life-changing move to Dubai. Erik's journey is a testament to the power of determination and strategic growth, making this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses. Join us as Erik sha...



