Welcome to the Catflap Chats podcast. My name is Mikey, but lots call me Catflap, Flap, or Flapper, and I'm fortunate enough to call some pretty interesting people my mates - Professional sports, Rugby, Boxing, MMA, Football, Actors, Singers, and Business, in Wales and beyond. I'm going to have a beer with a different mate each week, and delve in to their professional and personal lives. Expect some distinctly average chat, funny stories, and insights in behind the scenes. Basically, I am absolutely winging this! www.catflapchats.com Search 'Catflap Chats Podcast' on Instagram, Threads, TikTok and X, or catflapchats.com for our back catalogue, Merch etc
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.
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/...
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.
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.
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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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.
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...
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...
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!
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!
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.
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!
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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
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
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.
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...
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