The Catflap Chats Podcast

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.

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!