The Catflap Chats Podcast

Ep194 - Mike Friday - USA 7's Coach and general 7's legend

April 01, 2024 13:39 - 1 hour - 119 MB

Mike has probably forgotten more about 7s than I have ever known. Currently preparing for the Olympics 7's with the USA having been there for years, previously working with Kenya, England and enjoying a playing career in his own right. Good to chat about the state of the game, 7's in general, and how the game will grow in the USA. Top career, better bloke!

Ep193 - Rocky Clark - England Rugby Legend

March 25, 2024 15:00 - 47 minutes - 64.9 MB

What a whirlwind catch up with World Cup Winner, Rocky Clark. Great to chat about all manor of things Rugby, but also ADHD, working in the media, coaching, and life in general. She's been through her ups and downs, but continues to have a positive outlook and strive to be the best version of her self she can be. Being authentic is her super power for sure!

Ep192 - Victims of a serial r*pist - Hannah Reid & Jennifer McCann

March 18, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

I sat down with 2 of 5 girls who found each other through being r*ped by the same man. They came together to put him behind bars, but the story is mental and horrific in equal measures. From the act's themselves, to dealing with the police, judicial system, and going public. I can't thank the girls enough for their bravery and willingness to chat around the subject. We must educate men, and young men, even better.

EP192 - Victims of a serial r*pist - Hannah Reid & Jennifer McCann

March 18, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 145 MB

I sat down with 2 of 5 girls who found each other through being r*ped by the same man. They came together to put him behind bars, but the story is mental and horrific in equal measures. From the act's themselves, to dealing with the police, judicial system, and going public. I can't thank the girls enough for their bravery and willingness to chat around the subject. We must educate men, and young men, even better.

Ep191 - Marc Pugh - 'The Foodie Footballer' & Ex Premier League Footballer

March 04, 2024 16:28 - 1 hour - 91.8 MB

Great to catch up with Marc and chat all things health, fitness, and playing in the Premier League. He's making a name for himself on social as 'The Foodie Footballer', which he started whilst still playing professional football. Over 450 professional games, he's only one of a handful of players who have score in all of England's top 5 divisions!

Ep190 - Lauren Price MBE - 'The Lucky One'; Professional Boxer with Olympic Gold and multiple World titles

February 26, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour - 103 MB

What a story, and the best is yet to come. Kickboxing, Football, Boxing. Olympics Gold, World Titles and full senior caps. Despite a tough start to life, Lauren has gone on to be an unbelievable multi disciplined athlete. Currently 6 & 0 as a pro boxer after winning Gold at Tokyo2020, she has her sights set on the world belts this year. I loved this conversation, Lauren's attitude to life, and the fact she is so humble and down to earth despite being a killer in the ring!

Ep189 - Becky Adlington OBE - Olympics Golds, Swimming, Social Media, Hate & Real Life

February 19, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

This was an emotional rollercoaster. We spoke about everything, from growing up swimming, to winning Olympic Gold. Resilience in spades. From fitting in (or not) at school, to years of online hate and trolls due to her looks. Miscarriage and dealing with loss, to being the best version of herself she can be. What a great human being, who is continuing to inspire the next generation of swimmers and her own family 🙌🏽

Ep188 - Dave Attwood - Rugby, Aperol, and Philosophical Conversations

February 12, 2024 13:31 - 1 hour - 98.4 MB

Interesting fella is Dave! Philosophical in his outlook and speaks a lot of sense. Has thrown men about on the pitch for years, playing for Bristol, Gloucester, Bath, Toulon and England. A great career on it, genuine highs and lows both on and off the field, and carving a new direction off it with Farleigh Performance and Apero (Check that out theaperobar.com )

Ep187 - Ben O'Keeffe - Rugby Union 6 Nations & Test Match Referee

February 04, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 97.6 MB

'The Referee's a....' really sound bloke! What a top guy. We sat down on the eve of the 6 Nations, 48 hours before he reffed Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff. I Could have chatted for hours. So open about the game from his pov, with real insights as to what referee's go through week to week. Immense highs and lows. Social Media abuse. Respect from the players and coaches, and a desire to be the best he can be. Great speaker, articulate with some good banter too. This is a must if you love Rugby

Ep186 - Rachael Burford - Harlequins Rugby, England Women and making an impact off-field

January 29, 2024 17:03 - 1 hour - 106 MB

What a player. What a person. 84 England Caps, and in her final season as a professional rugby player, still owning the 12 shirt at Harlequins - But, it's equally as impressive the career and opportunities Rachael is forging off the field too. Making an impact in genuinely growing the game, helping the next generation of girls, and spilling all on her 'Shut Up Juice' 👀

Ep185 - Simon Grayson - Over 1200 games as a Football Manager and Player

January 22, 2024 17:20 - 1 hour - 93.4 MB

Loved this catch up, what a great guy Simon is. He's managed Blackpool twice, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Preston NE, Sunderland, Bradford, Fleetwood Town and just come back from a few years in India. Over 500 games as a professional player. He has forgotten more then I will ever know about being a quality Football Manager. He gives insight in to what it is really like to manage a club, players, transfers, CEO's, agents and the media, all with a smile on his face!

Ep184 - Neville Southall - Everton and Wales Football Legend

January 17, 2024 16:30 - 1 hour - 158 MB

Fortunate enough to grab a few hours with a genuine football legend, who isn't afraid to speak his mind. We cover everything from footy, goalkeepers, playing the modern way, so society, social media and a bit of politics 🤣 What a top bloke, I could have sat with him for hours and chatted about everything football nostalgia and how the game is played today. Huge thanks to Ross at The 86 Store for putting us both in touch, and Dan at Cardiff Classic Shirts for coming on board for this p...

Ep183 - Tom Johnson - Exeter Chiefs, England, & Living Well

January 01, 2024 16:46 - 1 hour - 116 MB

Great chat with Tom who had a class career on the pitch, and he's forging a new career off it too. We could have sat for hours putting the world to rights around a load of subjects. It was great to get an understanding on Tom's journey, his mindset, and how he approaches life's challenges. Plenty of highs but also some serious lows too which he wasn't afraid to touch on. Top player and a better bloke!

Ep182 - Graham Coughlan - Newport County Manager & Over 500+ Professional Appearances

December 22, 2023 07:30 - 1 hour - 113 MB

Fortunate to catch Graham leading into the xmas period where Newport County play Wrexham and Forest Green Rovers. I absolutely loved him, and what they're trying to do at Newport, built from graft, grit and resilience. I didn't know Graham from before, but remember him as an ever present for Plymouth Argyle as I was growing up. Top player, evolving manager and a better bloke.

Ep181 - Josh Pack - Juggling Professional Football and a Removals Company

December 18, 2023 17:23 - 1 hour - 147 MB

I first saw Josh on TikTok, talking about his business journey with Pask Removals, and how it was born from moving clubs himself. West Ham, Coventry, Newport County and now with TNS. Josh is combining pro footy and a business, with a family too. I loved his outlook and the reality of not chasing the football leagues in order for his business and family to flourish. I can imagine most won't think like him, but he will have something to fall back on that most players won't.

Ep180 - Calvin Nap - Brain Cancer at 30 & needing to raise £200,000 to live

December 11, 2023 11:33 - 1 hour - 83 MB

This one felt personal having known Calvin since he was a teenager. Having brain cancer at 30, an operation to remove 95% of it, and then needing to raise over £200,000 for a new treatment in the next year for the remaining 5%. It has been a whirlwind for him and it really does put things in to perspective in life. Calvin is genuinely inspirational. You can donate here - https://calvinsjourney.com/ - £200,000 DCVax-L Cancer Vaccine Fundraiser. Follow his journey on Instagram here https...

Ep179 - Mark O'Brien - Professional Football & 2x Open Heart Surgeries

December 04, 2023 16:54 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Newport County, Derby County, Luton Town and more. Open heart surgery at 16 and 27 years old. Told you only have a certain amount of time to live. Told you won't make it in professional football. Playing over 200 pro games. This is part one of a class conversation with Mark O'Brien, 3 years after retirement, and 13 years after making his debut for Derby County at 16. One hell of a journey!

Ep178 - Joey Carbery - Calling the shots at Munster, Leinster and Ireland Rugby

November 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 103 MB

Loved this, what a great guy. He's had some serious highs and frustrating lows during his career so far, but I love his outlook on life and his approach to Rugby. I have no doubt, that at 28 years old, Joey still has his best years ahead of him in Red and in Green. He's a Rolls Royce of a player on his day, and hopefully he can get a run of games when back from Injury. Not one to shirk away from a challenge, something he will face head on for both Munster and Ireland!

Ep177 - Looseheadz Rob Shotton - Placing a mental health lead in every Rugby Club in the world

October 24, 2023 14:49 - 56 minutes - 78.3 MB

Great catch up with Rob at Looseheadz. They are doing some unbelievable work in Rugby, and with Mental Health. Their aim is to put a mental health lead in every rugby club in the world. They are approaching 1,000 clubs, but there's over 16,000 in the world! Remember, there is good mental health, and then poor mental health, and we are all somewhere on that sliding scale. If you've ever need to chat, please reach out.

Ep176 - @RugbyWithAmy - Amy Humphries, the Men's Rugby World Cup quarters, & being a female Content Creator in a male dominated arena

October 13, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 110 MB

Loved this. A take on the Men's RWC from a content creators pov. Amy works for Canterbury and also creates for other brands too, bringing a fresh voice and energy to both the Men's and Women's game. We caught up ahead of the RWC 1/4's, got some predictions down, but also chatted about Amy's journey into the rugby world, and what it's really like to be a female in what is still a men's dominated world. Search @rugbywithamy to find her on all channels!

Ep175 - Jon Watts - Chef, lockdowns, social media and how Prison made him.

October 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 112 MB

What a story - I love Jon's vulnerability and honesty. Wrong choices as a kid, early adulthood behind bars, to working for one of the most famous Celebrity chefs, and then going it alone. Jon has just released a book, and his story should be inspiring for anyone that has made wrong choices before. What a top bloke, and what a journey!

Ep174 - Joe Simpson - Transitioning from Rugby after Wasps, Gloucester, England and more

October 02, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 109 MB

Great catch up with Joe, who's transitioning well into finance and business, after a career in Rugby. A Wasps legend, and stints with Gloucester, Bath, Saracens and Sale Sharks. Proud of his England cap, but accepts he was in an era of Ben Youngs and Danny Care. Loved Rugby, but also didn't love parts of it. His honesty is admirable and it's great to see that he's realistic in his reflection on a game that still has so much more to do if it's to grow.

Ep173 - Sam Davies - Grenoble, Dragons, Ospreys and Wales Rugby

September 25, 2023 10:13 - 59 minutes - 82.6 MB

Loved catching up with Sam. Such a good guy and he's genuinely happy about his move out to France. Recently married, a Gin business that's growing and the freedom to enjoy his Rugby again. Frustrating at times for him playing in Wales, such is the depth of talent at 10. Good on him, and best of luck for the future.

Ep172 - Big Herc 916 aka Marcus Timmons - Robbing a Bank at gun point, porn star, selling drugs and doing good with the Fresh Out Series

September 11, 2023 15:33 - 1 hour - 143 MB

What a story. Quite possibly the most mental background of anyone I have met. From straight A student and avid Skateboarder and Basketball player, to selling drugs on the streets, starring in Porn films, and robbing a bank at gunpoint, followed by a high speed chase in California. Big Herc is now a successful business owner and started his YouTube channel, Fresh Out Series 10 years ago! What a wild ride. https://www.bigherc916.com/ , https://www.freshoutseries.com/ , https://www.youtube.co...

Ep171 - Matthew Jarvis - Ex Premier League Footballer; Wolves, West Ham, Gillingham, Norwich and Walsall

August 28, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 117 MB

What a great guy Jarvo is, and he's more than just a footballer. Over 400+ professional appearances, an England cap at a time when they had an abundance of talent, and played with and against some of the best players to grace the Premier League. Promotions. Relegations. Injuries. Dark days and unreal highs. He keeps himself busy now, and looks back on his playing days with a smile on his face.

Ep170 - Matt Jay - Colchester Utd FC and Exeter City FC Legend

August 21, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

A class conversation about professional football, away from the riches of the Premier League. Matt is an Exeter legend, having spent the majority of his career there. His move to Colchester United has seen him steo out of his comfort zone, and he's working hard to make a positive impact. I get the feeling he's different to most professional footballers, and definitely different to the stereotype that footballers get.

Ep169 - Sisilia Tuipulotu - Wales Women, Premier 15s winner with Gloucester-Hartpury Rugby

August 15, 2023 16:44 - 42 minutes - 57.9 MB

Great to catch up with Sisilia after a whirlwind 18 months or so for her. Winning the league with Gloucester-Hartpury, getting her first Welsh Cap, playing in a Women's World Cup, and being nominated for Player of the Tourn in the 2023 Women's 6 nations. All that, and she's only 20! Quiet on camera, but she makes up for that on the pitch, and I'm looking forward to seeing her career develop in dominating teams for years to come.

Ep168 - Cardiff Classic Shirts - Kit Culture, Vintage Shirts & Chinese Fakes

August 07, 2023 16:28 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Bit of a different one this week - Catching up with Dan who owns Cardiff Classic Shirts - We spoke about everything Kit and Collector Culture, vintage classics and teams that never get it right. I absolutely love collecting shirts and it seems to be a growing trend atm, with Football and Fashion seemingly interacting more too. An exciting space as a football fan. https://cardiffclassicshirts.co.uk/

Ep 167 - Natalie Dau - Ultra Athlete, Author, Mum

July 31, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MB

Natalie's energy is infectious, and we covered a vast array of topics. Menopause, women's safety when running, running ultra's, being a mum, Social Media and writing a book. She lives a pretty busy life but finds time to have that 80/20 balance so that Instead of lean and cheat meals, it's more of a lifestyle and balance.

Ep166 - Tom Halliwell OBE - Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Winner & England Captain

July 24, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 83.3 MB

From freak accident, broken leg and in to a wheelchair, to captaining your country at the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. A wild ride for Tom who's still only 24, yet he's won it all already. It sounds like a humbling sport, and much harder than people may give it credit for! www.catflapchats.com

Ep165 - Ashton Hewitt - Dragons RFC, The WRPA, Racism, Social Media & Trolls

July 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

A heavy chat with the Dragons RFC winger about some really important topics, both on and off the Rugby pitch. Ashton is a clever bloke, articulate in his words, and he's using his platform to speak up on subjects that make people feel uncomfortable, but need talking about. On the field he's still after that Welsh cap, and is fighting fit going in to pre-season this year.

Ep164 - Lauren Louise Davey - Welsh Heptathlete, Big Dreams, Creepy DM's

July 11, 2023 17:15 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MB

I learned so much about heptathlon today, and where the future of the sport lies. It's amazing to hear about the lack of funding, having to work 4 part time roles, and try to become a doctor, as well as dreaming of the Commonwealth Games 2026, and the next Olympics! We also chat about being vegan, dating, and Instagram DM's in 2023.

Ep164 - Lauryn Louise Davey - Welsh Heptathlete, Big Dreams, Creepy DM's

July 11, 2023 17:15 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MB

I learned so much about heptathlon today, and where the future of the sport lies. It's amazing to hear about the lack of funding, having to work 4 part time roles, and try to become a doctor, as well as dreaming of the Commonwealth Games 2026, and the next Olympics! We also chat about being vegan, dating, and Instagram DM's in 2023.

Ep163 - Nick De Luca - Scotland Rugby, Edinburgh, Biarritz, Wasps, & Battling Demons

July 03, 2023 17:02 - 1 hour - 103 MB

A great chat with a top bloke. Nick is carving out an exceptional career in Education since hanging up his boots, developing the next wave of kids both on and off the field. 43 caps for Scotland, & played in some great club games, and yet it was fascinating to hear that he doesn't always look back on his career with the fondest of memories or a focus on the positives. Philosophical, insightful and a thought provoking conversation about Rugby and Mental health.

Ep162 - Chris Cooke - Glamorgan Cricket's Safe Hands

June 26, 2023 14:19 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MB

I love Chris, such a good bloke, and he's been around a long time at Glamorgan too, with this season arguably up there with his best. We chatted about leaving South Africa, grafting for a spot at Glamorgan, and playing the different formats, including franchise cricket. Plenty of highs and some lows too, we are both in agreement from different sides of the coin, that Glamorgan are not a million miles away form picking up silverware in every format!

Ep161 - Gwen Crabb - Wales Women and Gloucester Hartpury Rugby

June 12, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 121 MB

Loved this chat. Gwen has a drive and determination to succeed, and absolutely believes in her own abilities. Her outlook is class, and it's proving a good navigation for her - 29 cap's for Wales Women, and she'd have had more if it wasn't for some pretty bad injuries. She's on the rehab train now, after almost back to back breaks/tears, and yet it's not holding her back!

Ep160 - Steff Hughes - Dragons RFC, Scarlets Rugby, and THAT Judgement Day try

May 08, 2023 11:23 - 1 hour - 99.4 MB

Loved having Steff over. Fresh off his first season at the Dragons, it was interesting to hear his story so far. Plenty of ups and downs, and that's just the last few years since c*vid. A shift at the Scarlets, and now enjoying the Dragons and what they're creating! Wouldn't be surprised to see him play abroad at some point too!

Ep159 - Harri Morgan - The Ospreys, Mental Health, & stepping away from Rugby

May 01, 2023 15:20 - 1 hour - 96.1 MB

Fresh off his first 10:31 challenge this morning, Harri came over after for a chat. It's only been 10 or so days since he announced he would be stepping back from rugby to protect his mental health, and the utcome has been so positive for him. There are themes of suicide, depression, mental health and anxiety throughout this Podcast. Please reach out if you're in a dark place. These numbers may be useful. Gall un alwad helpu'r rhai mewn angen. Samaritans 116123 Mind Charity 0300 123...

Ep158 - Richard 'Baz' Barrington - Saracens Rugby, and enjoying Agen in Pro D2

March 27, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 91.7 MB

Baz is a legend - Great catching up with someone who's done it all in the club game. 4 Prem titles, 3 European cups, and a whole lot of songs in the back catalogue #Remiiiiiix Now plying his trade and going well in ProD2 with Agen, he's loving his rugby, and life. Fingers crossed they continue to go well, and see them go up to the Top14! Search 'Catflap Chats' on socials and wherever you download Podcasts.

Ep157 - Simon Muderack - Scarlets Rugby Executive Chairman

March 12, 2023 15:11 - 1 hour - 85 MB

After a mental few months in Welsh Rugby, it was an interesting chat with the Scarlets Regional boss. He lifts the lid on the last few weeks and talks about what they need for the future, for both the Scarlets, and the WRU... www.catflapchats.com / @catflapchatspodcast

Ep156 - Jamie Jones-Buchanan - PART 2! Leeds Rhino's legend, and one of my favourite chats!

March 06, 2023 14:07 - 1 hour - 96.1 MB

Round two with the great and powerful JJB. We tried to chat Rugby League, but like the first pod we did, the convo went off on a tangent again, albeit relevant in today's society. Rugby League or not, he's just a bloody good bloke! Thanks always FourFive UK and Tiny Rebel Brewery

Ep155 - Casey Laulala - All Black & Cardiff Rugby fav, gracing the Crusaders, Munster & Racing 92 too

February 27, 2023 12:46 - 1 hour - 86.3 MB

Having met Casey briefly over a beer approx. 10 years ago, it was great to catch up again, post Rugby. A quality career in Super Rugby, playing for the All Blacks, and then gracing Cardiff, Munster and Paris with Racing 92. Plenty of wins, a few lows, and carving a career now in Real Estate too. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery and FourFive UK.

Ep154 - Will Skelton - Winning Rugby with La Rochelle, The Wallabies, Saracens & The Tahs

February 20, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 101 MB

One of Rugby's biggest men, but also one of the nicest. Great to catch up with Skelt's after LA Rochelle's recent success. Pretty much everywhere he goes, cups follow! Interesting to hear him talk about growing up in NZ and Australia, and his journey across the northern hemisphere too. I can see another successful year for La Rochelle, and Australia could do bits with Eddie at the helm! Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery and FourFive UK (FLAP15 for 15% off online)

Ep153 - Sean Long - St Helens and Rugby League legend

February 13, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 99.6 MB

What a guy, and what a career. Sean has won it all on the pitch, and done it all off the pitch. If you know Rugby League, you'll know Longy. Since retiring he's been earning his trade as a No2, but now has the Head Coach job at Featherstone. St Helens Legend. GB and England. The wildest of highs and some serious lows. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery and FourFive UK

Ep152 - Sean Maitland - Scotland Rugby winning vs England, Saracens, The Lions & more

February 06, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 105 MB

Fresh off Scotland winning another game vs England Rugby, I caught up with Sean who was back at the team hotel. Class win for them, and great to chat about all things Scotland, Lions, & the Baa Baa's. On the club stage he has won it all with Saracens, London Irish, Glasgow and in NZ with Canterbury and the Crusaders. There isn't much he hasn't done in rugby, and who knew so many famous players came from Tokoroa?! Thanks always FourFive CBD and Tiny Rebel Brewery

Ep151 - Matt Le Tissier - Southampton FC legend, part of the Premier League 100 club. & free speech

January 30, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 134 MB

It's not everyday you sit down with one of the best players to grace the Premier League. Whilst never properly getting his opportunities for England, he was the first midfielder to enter the Premier League 100 Club, and was an anomaly in being a 1 club man at Southampton. We also chatted about some of todays issues in society, which Matt is all too happy to talk about. He's been seen a controversial figure over the last few years, but not everything he says is a 'conspiracy theory'

Ep150 - Jamie Jones-Buchanan - Leeds Rhinos, purpose, and paying it forward

December 19, 2022 17:42 - 1 hour - 94 MB

I cannot wait to do a part two with JJB! What a bloke. We spoke a lot about what he is up to since hanging up the boots. His purpose post playing. His vision, values and morals. They type of blokes he's built a career around, and what they have taught him over the years. I dare you not to be inspired to be a better person after this! Part 2 will be coming in the new year. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery and FourFive UK

Ep149 - Jason Tovey - Spilling the Tea - Dragons, Cardiff Rugby & Edinburgh

December 12, 2022 15:50 - 1 hour - 118 MB

Class chat and followed a different format - Jason only retired in the summer and is now playing amateur rugby, but he had so many questions come up on our Instagram and twitter, we thought we would use those as the basis to form our convo. Insightful, no holds barred, both scathing and funny at times - Here's a lad that's seen it all in Welsh Club Rugby Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery and FouFive UK

Ep148 - Dave Radband - Special Forces, Operations, Suicide & Surviving

December 05, 2022 19:09 - 1 hour - 100 MB

What a mental chat with Dave. A career in the military. Over 10 tours in hostile environments, being shot at and blown up. Paratrooper and Special Forces. PTSD and Personality Disorder. Multiple suicide attempts. And now a new career, a family, and a life left behind. It never fails to amaze me what people go through and come out the other side of. What a story. What a bloke. I can't wait to read his book when it comes out next year. Thanks always Tiny Rebel and FourFive CBD

Ep147 - Will Evans - Newport County Footballer, Wales C, and The Welsh Prem Football

November 15, 2022 17:40 - 1 hour - 99.7 MB

Loved this Ep - What a grounded and top bloke Will is. He didn't take the normal route in to football, instead grafting, going to Uni, working, and playing in the Welsh Prem. Then came that Wales vs England game. Now he's creating waves over at Newport County, and things look good for Will. Keep an eye on this lad if you love footy! Thanks always Whitson Prestige, FourFive UK and Tiny Rebel Brewery

The Catflap Chats Podcast

Episodes