The Catflap Chats Podcast

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! 

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. 

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! 

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 🙌🏽

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 )

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' 👀

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!

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. 

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! 

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. 

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!