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Share Your Story on Coalface Stories Podcast
Coalface Stories is a podcast about the journeys behind the people.
The successes, failures, dead ends, breakthroughs, lessons learned and unexpected twists that shape who we become.
For years I’ve been fascinated by people’s stories. Not just what they do, but how they got there. The experiences that changed them, the challenges they overcame, the risks they took, and the moments that shaped the direction of their lives.
My name is Ian Wilson and I originally launched Coalface Stories to capture and share those conversations. Life, business and COVID eventually put the podcast on hold, but the stories never stopped inspiring me.
Now, as I approach my 60th birthday in 2026, I’m relaunching the podcast with a special project called 60 for 60 — sixty meaningful conversations with sixty remarkable people.
Who have lived, learned, struggled, succeeded, failed, adapted and grown. Because their experiences may help someone else navigate their own journey.
And because great stories deserve to be shared.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.
You don’t need to be famous.
Or with millions of followers.
You just need to have a story or experience that may help someone else navigate their own journey.
Because great stories deserve to be shared.
If that sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you.
Why is the podcast called Coalface Stories?
The name Coalface Stories comes from the old phrase “working at the coalface” : doing the real work, often unseen, under pressure, solving problems and making things happen.
This podcast celebrates today’s modern coalface: the entrepreneurs, leaders, educators, creators, tradespeople, coaches, consultants, side-hustlers and everyday people whose experiences can inspire others.
What Makes a Great Guest?
We are looking for real people, with real stories, about their journey through life. The lessons, the experiences and the insights gained. How you’ve created and shaped life on your terms. Even if you still think you are a work in progress.
It doesn’t matter whether you are 18 or 80 or anywhere in between.
You don’t need:
- to be famous
- thousands of followers
- a bestselling book
- a huge business
- a perfect success story
You do need:
- experiences worth sharing
- lessons learned
- moments that shaped your life
- a willingness to have an honest conversation
The Types of Stories We’re Looking For
Here are a few examples, just to get your creative juices flowing.
- Starting a business
- Reinventing yourself
- Overcoming setbacks
- Career changes
- Building something from nothing
- Following a passion
- Recovering from failure
- Leadership lessons
- Life-changing decisions
- Hidden side projects
- Personal challenges
- Adventures and achievements
- Community impact
What Happens If I’m Selected?
Why Share Your Story?
Every journey leaves lessons behind.
Some are learned through success. Others through mistakes, setbacks, unexpected opportunities and difficult decisions.
Taking part in Coalface Stories gives you the chance to reflect on your own journey, share the experiences that shaped you, and perhaps help someone else who is facing similar challenges today.
It’s also an opportunity to capture your story as it stands right now — where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and where you’re heading next.
More Than Success Stories
Some of the most valuable lessons come from the things that didn’t go to plan.
- The failed businesses.
- The wrong turns.
- The careers that ended unexpectedly.
- The opportunities that disappeared.
- The setbacks that eventually became turning points.
We believe these stories matter just as much as the successes.