The Catflap Chats Podcast

Mike has probably forgotten more about 7s than I have ever known. Currently preparing for the Olympics 7's with the USA having been there for years, previously working with Kenya, England and enjoying a playing career in his own right. Good to chat about the state of the game, 7's in general, and how the game will grow in the USA. Top career, better bloke!

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...

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! 

What a story, and the best is yet to come. Kickboxing, Football, Boxing. Olympics Gold, World Titles and full senior caps. Despite a tough start to life, Lauren has gone on to be an unbelievable multi disciplined athlete. Currently 6 & 0 as a pro boxer after winning Gold at Tokyo2020, she has her sights set on the world belts this year. I loved this conversation, Lauren's attitude to life, and the...

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...

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 )

'The Referee's a....' really sound bloke! What a top guy. We sat down on the eve of the 6 Nations, 48 hours before he reffed Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff. I Could have chatted for hours. So open about the game from his pov, with real insights as to what referee's go through week to week. Immense highs and lows. Social Media abuse. Respect from the players and coaches, and a desire to be the best h...

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' 👀

Loved this catch up, what a great guy Simon is. He's managed Blackpool twice, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Preston NE, Sunderland, Bradford, Fleetwood Town and just come back from a few years in India. Over 500 games as a professional player. He has forgotten more then I will ever know about being a quality Football Manager. He gives insight in to what it is really like to manage a club, playe...

Fortunate enough to grab a few hours with a genuine football legend, who isn't afraid to speak his mind. We cover everything from footy, goalkeepers, playing the modern way, so society, social media and a bit of politics 🤣 What a top bloke, I could have sat with him for hours and chatted about everything football nostalgia and how the game is played today.  Huge thanks to Ross at The 86 Store for...

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 bl...

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. 

I first saw Josh on TikTok, talking about his business journey with Pask Removals, and how it was born from moving clubs himself. West Ham, Coventry, Newport County and now with TNS. Josh is combining pro footy and a business, with a family too. I loved his outlook and the reality of not chasing the football leagues in order for his business and family to flourish. I can imagine most won't think l...

This one felt personal having known Calvin since he was a teenager. Having brain cancer at 30, an operation to remove 95% of it, and then needing to raise over £200,000 for a new treatment in the next year for the remaining 5%. It has been a whirlwind for him and it really does put things in to perspective in life. Calvin is genuinely inspirational. You can donate here - https://calvinsjourney.com...

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! 

Loved this, what a great guy. He's had some serious highs and frustrating lows during his career so far, but I love his outlook on life and his approach to Rugby. I have no doubt, that at 28 years old, Joey still has his best years ahead of him in Red and in Green. He's a Rolls Royce of a player on his day, and hopefully he can get a run of games when back from Injury. Not one to shirk away from a...

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 cha...

Loved this. A take on the Men's RWC from a content creators pov. Amy works for Canterbury and also creates for other brands too, bringing a fresh voice and energy to both the Men's and Women's game. We caught up ahead of the RWC 1/4's, got some predictions down, but also chatted about Amy's journey into the rugby world, and what it's really like to be a female in what is still a men's dominated wo...

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! 

Great catch up with Joe, who's transitioning well into finance and business, after a career in Rugby. A Wasps legend, and stints with Gloucester, Bath, Saracens and Sale Sharks. Proud of his England cap, but accepts he was in an era of Ben Youngs and Danny Care. Loved Rugby, but also didn't love parts of it. His honesty is admirable and it's great to see that he's realistic in his reflection on a...

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 wil...

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 t...