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Send us Fan Mail Live from Tatton Perk in Cheford, Nick and Gary sit down for another episode of Sofa Stories, catching up in our usual 5K format l! We kick things off with the brilliant Sober dry Wave padel event, arranged by Paul Porter and friends in support of Culture Lab in Stockport and hosted at Soul Padel. A fantastic event for a great cause, made even sweeter by Nick and Scott Hannah taking the win! 🏆 The trophy will now take pride of place on the Sofa Stories HQ mantelpiece! Next up, Nick reflects on the fantastic Tom Gilbey event at Arighi Bianchi, which he had the pleasure of hosting. Just as Nick was about to reveal who joined him as guests, one of them appeared in person… None other than Jon Wilkin! Our very first leading interview guest from the early days of Sofa Stories made a completely unexpected cameo while grabbing his coffee at Tatton Perk. ☕️ A brilliant Sofa Stories moment and great to have him back, even if only for a cheeky few minutes! We also hear how Nick and his business partner John ended up being invited into the old Granada Studios to watch Bullseye 🎯, another story that raised a few laughs around the sofa. A really fun, upbeat episode full of stories, surprises, laughs and the usual lively debate. Hope you enjoy it! 🎧🛋️ Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nick and Gary are back with another 'walk and talk' 5k episode, covering everything from charity padel and cold plunges to economics, politics and the art of negotiation. We kick things off with a look back at our last episode, featuring Paul Porter and Thomas Gibbons at The Farm Club, before turning our attention to Paul's forthcoming charity padel day in support of his Culture Lab, taking place on 24th September at Soul Padel. The Pickmere Piranhas have been out and about again, this time catching up at Kontrast Sauna & Ice Bath in Manchester. After braving the heat and cold, the team head to PKB for a well-earned brunch. Gary then takes us into the world of economics, sharing his experience of being invited to the NatWest Economic Forum and discussing some of the key themes that emerged. From there, the conversation turns to political donations to Reform UK and the wider questions surrounding money and influence in British politics. Is the government really listening to us? And is our country broken? We explore these questions, discussing the challenges facing the UK and what people want to see change. Finally, we are delighted to announce our next leading interview guest, Mark Grice, a global FMCG expert specialising in negotiation.  From the padel court to the boardroom, it's another episode packed with conversation, debate and plenty of food for thought. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail After a fantastic swimming  session at Pickmere lake with Thomas Gibbons and Sofa Stories Royalty Paul Porter, and both great friends and listeners of the show, Nick and Gary settle in for a proper Sunday morning debrief down at the Farm Club. Joined by Thomas and Paul, the four sit down over cortados, cappuccinos and banana bread for an easy-going conversation touching on wellness, lifestyle and everything in between. Good company, great conversation and one of those simple Sunday mornings that sticks with you. A really memorable start to the day and exactly what Sofa Stories is all about. We hope you enjoy  Nick & Gary Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Episode 88 In this episode of Sofa Stories, there is plenty to talk about! We kick things off with the incredible eclipse, before getting into yet more record-breaking heatwaves and the crazy weather we have been experiencing. Then it’s all about Padel, as NB discussed what was the biggest private padel event ever,an amazing day packed with great people, huge energy, plenty of laughs and, of course, some seriously competitive padel with the Worlds greatest players. From eclipses and extreme heat to an unforgettable event in Manchester, it’s another action-packed episode of Sofa Stories. 🌒🔥🎾 As always, thanks for watching.. enjoy the episode! Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail As AI becomes more capable, does being genuinely human become our greatest advantage? In this episode of Sofa Stories, Gary and  Nick talk about two brilliant customer experiences we’ve had with MyoMaster Ice Baths and Mover X : experiences that stood out not because of clever technology, automation or perfectly engineered processes, but because of the people behind them. That personal connection. Someone caring. Someone listening. Someone making you feel like you matter. AI can make businesses faster, smarter and more efficient, but it can’t replace the feeling of a great human interaction. And perhaps the more AI enters our lives, the more valuable those moments become. We also wander, as Sofa Stories tends to, into the subject of swearing.. and share a line from our very good friend Darryl that has stuck with us: “A conversation never suffers by not swearing.” We hope you enjoy  Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode of Sofa Stories, we unpack another extraordinary chapter in British politics as the UK welcomes its seventh Prime Minister in just eight years. What does this constant change at the top say about political stability, public confidence and the country’s direction of travel? We also turn our attention to Gary’s recent family holiday Montenegro, the so called Gem of the Balkans, slightly off piste from the normal Spain and France holiday destinations! Finally, we head to the football pitch to ask one of the biggest questions facing English football: Is Thomas Tuchel the right man to take England forward? We assess his tactical approach, tournament pedigree and whether he’s the coach who can finally help England turn potential into major silverware. Join us for an engaging conversation that blends politics, international affairs and football, with thoughtful discussion, differing opinions and plenty to get you thinking. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Huw Davis set himself an extraordinary challenge: to walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End in just 64 days, covering more than 2 million steps, raising over £20,000 for Parkinson’s which his twin brother has. In this episode, Huw shares the highs and lows of an unforgettable journey. From breathtaking landscapes and unexpected acts of kindness to relentless weather and the physical and mental battles along the way, he reflects on what it really takes to keep moving forward. The walk also became something far more personal. After selling his business in 2008, losing his wife, and now preparing for a new chapter in life and new found love, Huw explains how those 64 days gave him the space to reflect, heal, and rediscover what matters most. This is a story about resilience, endurance, grief, hope, and proving that even the biggest challenges can be overcome one step at a time. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Nick and Gary are joined by Oska Dean, expert and researcher in peptides and biohacking, for an insightful conversation exploring one of the most talked-about areas in health and performance. Together, they unpack what peptides are, how they work, and why they’re generating so much interest across medicine, fitness, longevity and recovery. Oska explains the difference between approved medical peptides and those that remain experimental, discussing the science, the current evidence, and why regulation varies around the world. We hope you enjoy! 🎙️  Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Some peptides are approved medicines, while others are experimental or sold for research purposes only and may not be approved for human use in your country. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any treatment Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Politics, technology, family life and a healthy dose of humour: it’s another wide-ranging conversation This week, Nick and Gary get together to discuss Andy Burnham’s convincing by-election victory and why many now see him as having a genuine path to becoming the UK’s next Prime Minister.  The pair also dive into the “Netflix Effect”—how technology and algorithms are increasingly shaping the content we consume. From personalised recommendations to curated news feeds and entertainment, they discuss whether our digital lives are becoming more convenient or simply more predictable. Along the way, there’s a catch-up on Father’s Day, what they’ve both been up to, and plenty of the usual banter before finishing with their Room 101, where Nick and Gary reveal the everyday frustrations they’d happily banish forever. We hope you enjoy listening Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Kicking off with a walk-and-talk through the countryside, this episode of Sofa Stories covers a wide range of topics, from television and politics to global affairs and personal wellbeing. We begin by reflecting on the impressive performances of Oli the Choc and his father, Papa Choc, on Channel 4’s Bake Off. We discuss how well they came across on screen, their natural charisma, and the positive impression they left on viewers throughout the competition. The conversation then turns to the forthcoming Makerfield by-election, exploring the potential implications and ramifications of the result, what it could mean for the political landscape, and why these contests often tell a bigger story than the headlines suggest. We also spend time discussing what many now regard as the “forgotten war” in Ukraine, reflecting on the remarkable resilience shown by the Ukrainian people and considering how the conflict continues to shape the wider geopolitical landscape despite receiving less media attention than it once did. Later, we dive into the science and benefits of ice baths, exploring how cold-water exposure may influence key neurochemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. We discuss why so many people are turning to cold therapy, the potential mental and physical benefits, and whether seeking discomfort can provide a genuine edge in everyday life. Along the way, there are plenty of other observations, reflections and tangents that make Sofa Stories what it is: a relaxed, thought-provoking conversation covering the stories, ideas and issues that have captured our attention this week. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Sofa Stories, we tried something a little different: taking the podcast outdoors for a relaxed walk-and-talk through the countryside. The change of setting brought a calm, natural feel to the conversation and allowed everything to flow really organically. We covered a wide mix of stories and experiences, including Gary’s cycling trip, where he shared some of the highs, challenges, and reflections from the journey. We also spoke about his time volunteering at a weekend festival, which sounded like a brilliant experience full of good people, community spirit, and memorable moments. The conversation also touched on Oli the Choc and his appearance on a Channel 4 programme, which sparked some interesting chat and a few laughs along the way. Overall, it was an easygoing, honest conversation: less of a formal interview and more like two people catching up while enjoying the countryside. A really refreshing episode with plenty of stories, personality, and feel-good moments throughout  Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail Episode 80 of Sofa Stories marks a brilliant milestone as NB & Gary celebrate hitting the big 8-0 in episodes, and they do it in classic laid-back Sofa Stories style. The episode kicks off with the pair enjoying some excellent 0% alcohol-free beer from Belgium, chatting about the growing quality of alcohol-free options and how good these modern beers have become. They then dive into the fantastic event hosted by Oli the Choc and Kim at #ChocStudios; a vibrant pop-up day packed with creativity, community spirit, and the chance to buy some brilliant choc & #merch...  Gary chats of his latest encounter with comedian and presenter Jason Manford, after NB dropped off some Padel Hirostar merch. The conversation naturally moves onto their shared connection with Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT), with Jason serving as president and Gary continuing his incredible work supporting the charity. The episode also shines a light on Gary’s upcoming charity bike ride, an epic journey taking in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, and parts of Croatia, all in aid of raising money for charity. The lads discuss the challenge ahead, the scenery, and the motivation behind taking on such a demanding ride. As always, there’s time for some box set recommendations. NB talks passionately about a fascinating BBC iPlayer documentary series centred around Silvio Berlusconi and AC Milan, exploring Italian politics, culture, media, and football through the 70s, 80s, and 90s; a perfect mix for someone with a love of Italy and football alike. Meanwhile, Gary has been gripped by Ross Edgley’s incredible Channel 4 series documenting his extreme swimming adventures around Iceland, leading to a conversation about endurance, mindset, and pushing limits. The episode also touches on the success of sister channel Padel Stories, which has recently been shortlisted for an upcoming award, before wrapping up with a chat around Arighi Bianchi and bringing another warm, entertaining Sofa Stories episode to a close. We hope you enjoy! Nick and Gary  Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail This week on Sofa Stories ‘5K debrief’ , we cover a bit of everything: from the madness of the two runners chasing a sub-two-hour London Marathon, to whether we’d ever even attempt it ourselves. Gary shares stories from his three-day gravel bike adventure, and his wild water swimming adventure at the stunning Dorothea Quarry in Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 . We also chat about changing times over a couple of zero beers in the sunshine on Gary’s terrace, and reflect on a big moment for one of our commercial partners, Clearwater, whose own business has just been sold. A relaxed, upbeat conversation about adventure, business, life changes, and making the most of it all. We hope you enjoy  Nick and Gary Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, Nick and Gary sit down with Gail Wolstenholme and Martyn Horleston, two members of the “Old Enough To Row Better” crew; an extraordinary team of endurance rowers preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Training off the coast of North Wales, this mixed crew (with an average age of over 50) is taking on the ultimate challenge: rowing from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean between December 2027 and January 2028, with the goal of setting a world record as the oldest mixed crew of five to complete the crossing. Gail shares her journey from IT professional and teacher to passionate rower, as well as her deep connection to East Cheshire Hospice, the charity she’s supporting after years of caring for loved ones. Martyn, a kitchen fitter, lifelong sportsman, and coach, opens up about his motivation for rowing in support of Men Unite, driven by personal experiences with the impact of men’s mental health struggles. Together, they talk to Nick & Gary about resilience, purpose, and proving that life after 50 is anything but slowing down. This episode is about pushing limits, breaking stereotypes, and showing what’s possible when you aim for the horizon. We hope you enjoy  Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

Send us Fan Mail In This 5k , NB and Gary delve in to their favourite box sets and Podcasts and Gary explains to NB the new hype behind TRT and why it is all the rage right now.. Gary then does a ‘trust pilot’ review of his favourite saunas/ ice baths  he has visited across the UK 🧊🔥 We talk about our wonderful colleague Oli the choc’s move into merchandising and brand building at the ideal Home Show in London (super proud of you #choc!), and NB talks about his latest sporting sweepstakes, including the Masters & the Grand National.. We discuss our forthcoming leading interview guests too!  Lots I hope for you to enjoy listening to.. Many thanks NB & Gary Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻