From Student Struggles to Clinical Success | Alastair Oxberry on Building a Modern Podiatry Powerhouse🎧 “From Struggles to Success” – The Inspiring Story of Alastair OxberryAt 18, Alastair Oxberry didn’t even know what podiatry was. Today, he leads one of the UK’s most advanced foot and ankle clinics, combining MSK podiatry, ultrasound diagnostics, and clinical innovation under one roof.In this powerful conversation, Andy Thomas dives deep into Alastair’s life story — from missing out on physiotherapy school to building a thriving 22-person clinic driven by clinical excellence, patient care, and passion for education.💡 Watch to discover:How Alastair turned early setbacks into motivation for successThe creation of his “Foot & Gait Bible” – redefining clinical standardsThe rise of ultrasound in podiatry and MSK medicineWhy apprenticeships could save the future of allied health professionsBalancing growth, leadership, and staying hands-on with patients👉 Whether you’re a clinician, healthcare entrepreneur, or simply love hearing real stories of perseverance and purpose — this episode will leave you inspired.🔔 Subscribe to Andy Thomas Life Stories for more raw, honest conversations with the people transforming healthcare and beyond.#AndyThomas #LifeStories #AlastairOxberry #Podiatry #Physiotherapy #HealthcarePodcast #MSK #Ultrasound #ClinicalExcellence #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration #MedicalPodcast #Leadership #FootAndAnkle #Apprenticeships #HealthcareInnovation #BusinessGrowth
--------
52:30
--------
52:30
Andy Thomas Life Stories Podcast Ep.225 | Paul Houghoughi
In this episode, Andy sits down with Paul Houghoughi, better known as The Climbing Physio — a former sponsored climber turned elite sports physiotherapist who’s worked with Olympic athletes, Team GB, and some of the world’s top climbers.From his humble beginnings in North Wales to the bright lights of the Olympic stage, Paul shares how curiosity, connection, and courage shaped his career. He opens up about the moment that changed everything — hearing the words “Busy is the new stupid” — and how that mantra led him to create a simpler, more meaningful life and business.Expect stories about:🧗♂️ Life behind the scenes at the Olympics💬 Building trust and communication as a clinician💡 The power of slowing down to find focus🔥 Lessons from climbing, leadership, and listeningIf you’ve ever felt stuck on the hamster wheel of “busy,” this conversation will make you stop and think.👉 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with people redefining success, purpose, and passion.#AndyThomas #LifeStoriesPodcast #ClimbingPhysio #Physiotherapy #Olympics #Performance #Wellbeing
--------
1:03:01
--------
1:03:01
Life Stories | Ep. 224 | Dave Baker
In this episode, Andy talks with Dave Baker, Owner andClinical Director at Complete Physio, about his remarkable journey from accountancy to physiotherapy and how that unique background helped build one of the UK’s leading private physio practices. Dave shares how his passion for helping people, his love ofnumbers, and his drive for innovation led him to champion ultrasound technology and non-medical prescribing within physiotherapy. He discusses the importance of combining clinical skill with business sense, embracing tech in healthcare, and keeping the patient at the centre of everything. Whether you’re a physio, healthcare professional, or simplylove stories of career transformation and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about what’s possible.
--------
58:22
--------
58:22
Life Stories | Ep. 223 | Dr Eddie Craghill
Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr Eddie Craghill, a GP and sports doctor, as he shares his journey from the rugby pitches of the North West to working with elite athletes and Premier League officials. In this episode, Dr Craghill discusses his path into medicine, the challenges and rewards of general practice, and his transition into sports medicine. We explore the importance of culture in GP practices, the concept of biobanding in youth sport, and the evolving landscape of musculoskeletal care in the NHS.Dr Craghill also reflects on the non-clinical skills essential for doctors, the value of diverse experiences, and the growing role of AI in healthcare. Whether you’re interested in medicine, sport, or the future of healthcare, this episode offers practical advice and unique perspectives from both clinical and sporting worlds.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with leading experts in health and performance!
--------
44:01
--------
44:01
Life Stories | Ep. 222 | Jeff Morton
In this episode of Life Stories, Jeff Morton reflects on why the best learning often comes from questions, not answers.Jeff talks about how curiosity and critical thinking shape his approach as a clinician, and why he’s drawn to people who challenge him to think, rather than tell him what to do.💬 “The people who inspire me most aren’t the ones with the answers, they’re the ones asking the right questions. They make you stop and think about the ‘why’ behind everything you do.”🎧 In this conversation, Jeff discusses:The value of uncertainty in professional growthWhy asking better questions leads to deeper understandingThe importance of reasoning over rigid protocolsHow to stay reflective in a world that often wants quick solutionsA thoughtful and grounded chat about curiosity, learning, and what it means to stay open-minded in your career and beyond.
I have come across many impressive and inspirational people in my time in medical technology education and sales. I have always had the goal to run an interview series with these people, to find out more about them personally and what led them to the career they ended up in. I am genuinely looking forward to each of these! I hope you find it interesting too.
Ireland