About Basingstoke

In this episode, Lou shares actionable insights on how small and medium-sized businesses can move away from traditional, high-pressure sales pitches and instead build meaningful, long-lasting communities. The conversation explores overcoming networking fears, identifying the real problems your business solves, and leveraging local community involvement—such as working with charities or complementa...

In this episode of CLOKE COOKS, Chris focuses on autumnal comfort food 😋 As the cold, wet autumn weather settles in, fancy cooking takes a back seat in favour of proper, hearty comfort food. The drawing-in of dark nights presents the perfect opportunity to embrace slow-cooked stews, rich gravies, and comforting mashed potatoes after a day out in the cold. Embracing autumn cooking does not require...

In this episode of You Are Not Alone: Conversations for Mental Health and Wellbeing , host Marie explores the universal experience of emotional hurt. From altered friendships and ended relationships to unexpected disappointment and rejection, emotional pain affects us deeply and often stays with us longer than physical pain. Marie discusses why hurt lingers, how past experiences can amplify presen...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , host Chris Cloke is joined by K8 from K8Ball Media to talk all things Basingstoke food and drink! Together, they dive into the town's vibrant independent food scene, K8 shares her experiences collaborating with local businesses, reflects on her evolving taste buds, and gives an exclusive look at exciting new local developments. -- Cloke Cooks is produced by Chr...

In this episode, Steve Randall speaks with Rosalind Guy, founder of Unboxed Insights , a female-led organisation specialising in coaching and business transformation, helping leaders redefine their purpose and navigate their professional journeys with confidence and clarity. They discuss how small businesses and solopreneurs can overcome overwhelm and drive sustainable growth. Rosalind shares her...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , recorded live on location at a fishing lodge in Dandy's Ford near Romsey, host Chris Cloke and his friend John break down the myth that outdoor angling food has to be limited to basic instant noodles. From defrosting steaks on the bankside to pre-preparing homemade curries and enjoying cheese boards, they discuss how good ingredients, proper gear, and simple pr...

Lou Eddy shares the strategic decisions and tactical steps behind shifting her business focus toward hyper-local marketing and rebranding to Activ Marketing Basingstoke. The discussion highlights the value of building regional partnerships, maintaining local visibility, and moving away from wasteful broad-spectrum marketing tactics. Lou also outlines the technical and operational precautions neces...

In this episode of You Are Not Alone , Marie explores how simple physical movement, beyond structured exercise or calorie counting, serves as a powerful tool for processing difficult emotions and managing mental health. She breaks down the physiological stress response and explains how movement stimulates neurotransmitters and BDNF to help us adapt, regulate, and process emotional weight. Finally,...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , Chris and his wife Philippa explore the changing landscape of workplace lunch culture in the UK. They discuss the transition from expensive, rushed convenience foods to the financial and wellness benefits of meal planning and homemade meals. Comparing local habits with relaxed European dining customs, they share personal sandwich favorites and tips for bringing exc...

In this episode from Basingstoke’s Expert Network, Steve Randall speaks with Lou Eddy, Branch Director at Activ Marketing Basingstoke. Lou shares insights from her 20+ years in the marketing industry, tracing her journey from recruitment to running her own local franchise. She breaks down why the fundamental rules of marketing haven't changed, how small businesses can cut through the noise of...

In this episode, host Marie explores the subtle ways daily digital habits, specifically doomscrolling and online comparison, impact our mental well-being. Drawing insights from TJ Power’s The DOSE Effect , she breaks down the difference between cheap "fast dopamine" hits from our phones and the slower, more fulfilling activities that genuinely nurture us. The episode also highlights practi...

Host Louise Chandler-Rutt shares a short, insightful "Speaking Space" check-in tailored for small business owners, solopreneurs, and experts. She breaks down the common personal and mental hurdles of running your own business and offers actionable advice on how to navigate them. Key Topics Discussed: The Inability to Switch Off: Why being your own boss often leads to working weekends, late...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks, Chris Cloke is joined by guest Michelle Brewer to discuss the realities of feeding children, handling fussy eaters, and navigating modern food culture in Basingstoke. Key Topics Discussed: The Fussy Eater Phenomenon: Why children transition from eating fresh purees or baby-led weaning foods to demanding plain chicken nuggets and processed snacks. Modern Food Culture...

In this episode of Cloke Cooks , Chris Cloke is joined by Lauren and Sharona from The George & Dragon down in Wolverton near Tadley! They dive into the importance of supporting local British pub culture, their seasonal, locally sourced menu, and all the details on their upcoming bank holiday charity event: DragonFest . Key Takeaways & Topics Covered: DragonFest Details: Date & Time: Au...

In this episode, Louise Chandler-Rutt, founder of Soundbite Media, discusses the reality of running your own business. Beyond sharing marketing tips and resources, Louise opens up about the highs and lows of the solopreneur journey and why protecting your time and setting firm boundaries are essential for long-term success without burnout. Key Highlights: Managing Your Own Workload: How running a...

In this episode, Marie explores the heavy, often unspoken expectations we face to "keep going" no matter what life throws at us. Following up on previous discussions about overwhelm and high-functioning anxiety, this conversation dives into why so many of us feel compelled to wear an "I've got this" mask and how to reframe what "coping" really means. Key Takeaways &...

In this podcast, Natural Basingstoke's Jack is joined in his garden by Jill, leader of the charity, to discuss the key environmental challenges facing the borough of Basingstoke. They dive into the threats posed by rapid housing development, water abstraction from local chalk aquifers, and habitat fragmentation. Jill outlines Natural Basingstoke’s vision for nature recovery, including establis...

In this episode, Chris is joined by good friend Michelle Brewer to take a delicious trip down memory lane. Together, they reminisce about what food was like for them as kids growing up in Basingstoke from strict 80s dinner rules and exotic "sandwich spread" to memorable family trips to the Harvester. They discuss how food culture has changed from the days of Sunday trading laws and 10p swe...

In this second part of this special live event recorded by About Basingstoke, Basingstoke MP, Luke Murphy answers audience questions about key local issues affecting Basingstoke residents. Don't forget to listen to Part 1 as Mark Jones, founder of the Stronger Together Forum, chats with Luke in an informative Mr Blue Sky Conversation. Find out more about the Stronger Together Forum at mrbluesk...

Host: Mark Jones ( Mr Blue Sky Conversations / Stronger Together Forum) Guest: Luke Murphy MP (Basingstoke MP) Venue: The Forge at Anvil Arts, Basingstoke Episode Overview: In Part 1 of this special live event recorded by About Basingstoke , host Mark Jones sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Basingstoke MP, Luke Murphy. They cover a wide range of topics—from political changes in governme...

In this episode, Marie dives into high-functioning anxiety —a experience where someone may look calm, organized, and successful on the outside while struggling internally with constant worry, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Marie discusses how to spot it, why it often goes unnoticed, and practical tools to build healthier mental boundaries. Key Discussion Points What is High-Functioning Anxiety? Al...

Is your business growing faster than expected? While growth is the ultimate goal, rapid expansion often comes with overwhelming workloads, mounting pressure, and the fear of diluting the quality that made your business successful in the first place. In this episode of Speaking Spaces , Louise explores the common scaling pitfalls business owners face and shares practical strategies to help you grow...

Chris is joined by his wife Philippa to talk about their ultimate Spanish road trip! Trading airports for the open road, Chris and Philippa traveled from Santander in northern Spain all the way down to La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol. Along their 575-mile journey, they ditched tourist traps like Benidorm to discover the authentic food, regional wines, and rich history of "real Spain.&#34...

Speaking Spaces is a new podcast for entrepreneurs, SMEs and thought leaders, brought to you by Louise Chandler-Rutt of local business Soundbite Media. In this episode, Louise breaks down how to craft a simple, compelling, and effective elevator pitch. She shares a three-step formula to clearly communicate what you do, who you help, and the value you provide—wherever your conversations take place....

What does it take to cook with true passion? In this episode of Cloke Cooks , Chris Cloke chats with celebrity chef Steven Saunders, owner of The Geranium restaurant, at his beautiful home cookery school at his private finca (farm) in Spain. Steven shares the story of how his mother’s incredible home cooking (and her French heritage) inspired his career, how a school careers adviser set him on the...