The Discussion Podcast

Recorded live in Altrincham after Remembrance Sunday, this episode features street interviews with locals reflecting on what remembrance means to them. Guests discuss cenotaph services, veterans, poppies, and whether younger generations will keep the tradition alive amid modern conflicts. It’s a short, heartfelt look at gratitude, memory, and how we teach the value of freedom to the future. The Di...

Hosts James and Rod hit the streets to ask listeners whether fireworks should be reserved for organised public displays or remain widely available for private use. Guests—including pet owners, a retired firefighter and long-time residents—share personal stories about injuries, animal distress, antisocial behaviour and the strain on emergency services, with many favouring stricter controls and offi...

Musician Kieran McMahon is attempting an extraordinary challenge: 100 gigs in seven days across Manchester to raise funds and awareness for Dr Kershaw's Hospice. He will perform solo, setting up a PA and playing at a wide range of venues — from pubs and clubs to hairdressers and tattoo shops — with short hourly sets over the week. The event begins on Saturday 28 November and culminates in a ticket...

This episode follows Ken Garrity and a group of travel agents aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas on a whirlwind trip from Shanghai to Japan. Highlights include Shanghai’s modern skyline and historic water villages, VIP access to the Shanghai Masters tennis, and immersive shore excursions across Japan. Onboard, guests experience specialty dining, high-energy shows like Silk Road and Show...

Daniel from Distinctive Americas joins Ken to share two decades of travel expertise, recounting recent trips to Chile and Patagonia and highlights from Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina. The episode covers wildlife encounters, hands-on experiences, tailored itineraries, working with travel agents, and practical tips for travellers exploring Central and South America. The Discussion Podcast - inte...

James Spencer takes View From The Street to Altrincham to ask locals about record petrol and diesel prices. People discuss higher pump costs, the impact of global conflicts on supply, rising home energy bills, and how families, commuters and businesses are changing habits. The episode highlights electric vehicle owners, cost-cutting strategies, worries for the elderly, and calls for more governmen...

Rod Maxwell visits Cafe in the Park at Stamford Park and talks with manager Kelvin Lau about the cafe’s role as part of the Counselling and Family Centre (CFC). Kelvin shares how the cafe supports community bonding, volunteering, and helps newcomers from Hong Kong adapt to life in the UK. The episode highlights the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere, events like Halloween and Christmas activities, attemp...

In this episode Rod Maxwell talks with soprano Cally Yodel and pianist Simon Passmore about launching the Altrincham Youth Choir. They discuss their musical backgrounds, the benefits of choir for young people, vocal development, and the joy of singing together. The choir welcomes ages 7–18, holds a "Come and Sing" day featuring music from Frozen, and starts regular rehearsals in January. The conve...

Rod Maxwell chats with Lewis Kirk, the founder of Owl Town ( https://www.instagram.com/owltownuk/ ) — a coffee, vinyl and craft beer caravan now set up in Altrincham’s Newmarket Square. They discuss Lewis’s journey from TV production to running the caravan, sourcing records and craft beers, the resurgence of vinyl among younger listeners, and how Owltown contributes to the local market community....

On The Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell interviews Dylan Miller, a young poet and self-published author from Sale. They discuss Dylan’s early start in writing, his influences and creative process, and how a short poem evolved into his 2025 book The Friends. The episode covers self-publishing, promotion, community events, the responsibility of writing about sensitive topics like bullying and sexual...

Steve Berman recounts his journey from law to founding ComposerWorks, an agency representing composers for TV, film and video games. The episode covers his jazz beginnings, studying in the U.S., and building a Manchester-based business that negotiates contracts, secures rights and connects composers with global media opportunities. Topics include the economics of theme tunes and royalties, copyrig...

This episode of View From The Street on The Lunch Discussion, marks ten years since the Brexit vote and brings together street interviews from Altrincham with James Spencer and Rod Maxwell. People of different ages share candid views on how Brexit has affected daily life, business, travel and Britain’s place in the world. Conversations explore changed geopolitics, economic fallout, claims of forei...

Host Rod Maxwell speaks with Jackie Richards, chair of Friends of Stamford Park, about the volunteer-led projects that have revitalized the park — from the bug hotel and Vinnie the willow duck made with local schoolchildren to repainting park sculptures and winning a Green Flag award. They discuss working with Trafford Council, accessible play additions, the café and community activities, upcoming...

Rod Maxwell and James present View from the Street, a discussion on care home provision and social care for the elderly, prompted by Andy Burnham’s pledge for a national care service. The episode focuses on the moment when independent living becomes difficult and families face costly choices. Listeners and street interviews highlight key concerns: affordability, people selling homes to pay for car...

On this episode of The Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell interviews Dr. Rebecca Lennon, a mum of two from Timberley who set a world record by swimming the longest Bristol Channel route from Ilfracombe to Port Eynon in 13 hours and 52 minutes. Rebecca talks training and preparation, the mental and physical challenges of ultra-distance open-water swimming, encounters with jellyfish and marine life, t...

Reports across the media strongly suggest that Manchester City been found guilty of the majority of 115 financial charges, a ruling that has sparked anger among fans, questions about past titles, and calls for heavy sanctions. The club is expected to appeal, meaning the case may drag through the legal system. This episode of View From The Street features street reactions, discussion of potential p...

On The Late Late Lunch Show host Rod Maxwell continues a candid conversation about disability with journalist James Spencer and his friend Jamie, sharing personal experiences of autism, dyslexia, brain injury and late diagnosis. The episode explores everyday challenges—work, education, communication, triggers and coping strategies—and calls for more predictable routines, reasonable adjustments and...

On this episode of The Late Late Lunch Show's View From the Street, reporters James and Rod and members of the public discuss disability awareness, with a focus on hidden disabilities like autism, ADHD and mental health. The conversation covers personal experiences, the need for reasonable adjustments in education, healthcare and employment, and asks whether society is truly understanding and acco...

Rod Maxwell interviews Jo Perotta, founder and managing director of Marmalade Marketing, about the agency’s move to Altrincham and its B2B focus. They discuss how marketing has shifted from traditional channels to data-driven, AI-enhanced strategies, and the importance of CRM, intent signals and authentic storytelling. Jo explains what makes a strong marketer, how Marmalade supports clients with s...

Rod Maxwell interviews longtime friend Keith McCoubrey about life after a high‑pressure policing career, surviving cancer and heart surgery, and finding new purpose through sailing, beekeeping and parole board work. They discuss redefining retirement, staying connected to friends, and practical tips for preparing for the next chapter. The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLat...

View From The Street on The Late Late Lunch Show explores homelessness in England, sharing interviews from Altrincham with people affected and passersby. On the episode hosts Rod Maxwell and James Spencer discuss the reported 5,000 people sleeping rough, Andy Burnham's pledge, and personal stories that reveal the issue’s complexity. Listeners hear about causes like addiction, mental health, bureau...

Rod Maxwell interviews Bill Burgess from the Cheshire Hash House Harriers about "hashing": a social, inclusive form of cross‑country running that starts at a pub and finishes with a pint. The episode covers hashing history, how trails and false routes work, weekly Tuesday runs across Cheshire for different fitness levels (main pack, dissidents, walkers), the community and retirement benefits, and...

On The Late Late Lunch Show with Rod Maxwell, guests Adele and Mark from ABC Warranty discuss the shortfall in UK housing, the role of structural warranties, and how modern construction methods and regulations affect builders and buyers. The episode covers social and affordable housing, government funding targets, the importance of building standards and consumer protection, and how housing policy...

Rod Maxwell interviews Liverpool-based artist Rob Heron about his musical life — from early piano and Prince-inspired four-track experiments to lo-fi vinyl singles, signing to Hut, and a long hiatus after a paralysed vocal cord. The conversation covers the making of his new album Underground Sky, his DIY home-studio approach, mastering and release stories, limited vinyl availability, and his ongoi...

As part of a week long focus into homelessness & rough sleeping in Greater Manchester and the UK in general, Rod Maxwell speaks with Christa MacIver of Just Life ( https://justlife.org.uk)  and Jimmy Dunn of LifeShare ( https://www.lifeshare.org.uk/ ) about the realities of homelessness in Manchester and beyond, focusing on the transition from rough sleeping into temporary accommodation and th...