The Catflap Chats Podcast

This is a difficult listen at times, and there's graphic talk of Suicide.  Perry is a Dr, training to be a GP, and talks of his story living with depression, which spiralled, and working in the NHS too. He's written a new book 'The Cost of Caring' which can be bought on Amazon, at Waterstones etc too.  Please reach out. You're never alone. Thanks always Dragon Signs UK and Tiny Rebel Brewery

20 years a Ref! Great chatting with someone on the other side of the whistle, and to get their views on rugby today, law interpretations, but in an engaging way. RWC07, Tri Nations, 6 Nations, the 7s Series, Celtic League and Heineken Cup - There isn't much Hugh hasn't seen on the pitch! That includes team consulting and working with Governing Bodies too. Thanks always Dragon Signs UK and Tiny Reb...

I knew my Aunty had been through some stuff. I never understood the duration/complexities or severity of her conditions, nor how common they were amongst women. This was tough for me. I heard things I hadn't heard before, and it hits closer to home when it's family. It was also tough as I felt guilt for not knowing, and probably not making enough of an effort either.  Thank you to Aunty Victoria,...

What hasn't this guy seen or done? Played with and against the best players the world had to offer. Won it all as a team and individually. One of the best Rugby League players England have produced, who did it his way.  I loved this one, and could still see a little spark in the belly when he was talking about facing those old teams. Would have loved to have played with him, and hated playing agai...

Angus is an incredible young man. We met by chance at a wedding a few weeks ago, and it amazed me, not only how good he was, but his journey. We spoke then, and in more detail on the pod, about growing up with various conditions, in a different country, and how finding magic saved his life, quite literally. Expect a few highs and lows on this episode, but his attitude is fantastic.  Thanks always...

Having known Lloyd for years, it's easy to not appreciate the longevity and what Lloyd has achieved in the Super League. Couple that with him being Welsh, he has probably gone under the radar. Over 200 professional games, and lining up against England, New Zealand, and Australia. He's been there and done it all, with his sights set on more seasons and RLWC 2022 for Jamaica! Thanks always Dragon Si...

Maybe one of the hardest players in the game - the guy absolutely loved melting people in half! It was class to catch up with Jacques, and chat about a stellar career, some of the things holding Namibian rugby back despite him playing at 3 RWC's, and some of the teams and players he loved playing with and against. Great player, better bloke. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery, Healthy Hangout Cardif...

Absolutely loved this, and what a great bloke Eorl is. Both Union and League as a kid, Eorl grew to be a one club legend with Huddersfield Giants in the Super League, getting his England caps on the way, and now working as part of the Giants commercial team. Great attitude and outlook on life, I already can't wait for the next podcast with him! Funny bloke and a budding entrepreneur  Thanks always...

Absolutely loved this, and what a great bloke Eorl is. Both Union and League as a kid, Eorl grew to be a one club legend with Huddersfield Giants in the Super League, getting his England caps on the way, and now working as part of the Giants commercial team. Great attitude and outlook on life, I already can't wait for the next podcast with him! Funny bloke and a budding entrepreneur  Thanks always...

I won't lie, this was tough to record, and edit back. Dayfdd was a superstar of the Game. Lions 01 (3 Test Starts), one of the top scorers ever in the H-Cup. But since leaving Rugby, he has struggled, and is still struggling.  I am so grateful for his honesty, and I hope he finds the enjoyment he's looking for. If you ever feel the same, please reach out.  Thanks always Healthy Hangout, Dragon Sig...

This episode is different to a few others I've done. The Healthy Hangout, based in Trade Street, Cardiff, have come on board as a partner, to help me finally shift some weight! They will be providing my meals for the next few months, and keep me on track! I open up about my relationship with food, current weight, goals and how The Healthy Hangout are helping. Who knows, I may even see a 6 pack in...

You know when it's a good one, when you could have sat for hours, even after 90 mins of chatting. Phil was a 46 cap Wales 2nd and back row, who's also spent 20+ years coaching at the top too. Teams in England, Wales, France, and Namibia across two RWC's, there isn't much he hasn't seen or done. Love his enthusiasm still, and how he tries to build good men and teams, rather than just focus on the w...

Lloyd Ashley (@livingwellwithlloydashley) • Instagram photos and videos Great catch up with Lloyd. Over 150 professional games for the Ospreys and Scarlets, and his fair share of injuries, low points and career highlights, but it's his work in Mental Health we spoke most about I have attached Lloyds 'Living Well with Lloyd Ashley' Instagram, so you can see the great stuff he is doing in both clubs...

Fascinating to see Rugby through the eyes of a successful coach. Gareth is currently plying his trade up in Scotland, but previous has coached Fiji 15's, taken Fiji 7s to a World Series win and the Olympics in 2021, and coached Cardiff Rugby, Hong Kong 7s, and more.  Open and honest about the cultures he tries to create, and what he looks for in a team and player.  Thanks always Dragon Signs, Mans...

What a treat this was. Simon really lifted the lid on what it was REALLY like to be a professional footballer, brutally honest about having to retire with injuries in his prime, and THAT trip to the Euro's in 2016.  I'd say injuries robbed him of his best years and moments, but looking at him smiling all the way through this podcast means I'd 100% be wrong Thanks always Manscaped.com, Dragon Signs...

Enzo is a funny bloke with plenty of stories to tell. A multiple weight, champion boxer, who has had his fair share of up's and downs over the years. Was great to learn about his journey in to boxing, what he's up to now, the World Title and others, and some funny stories along the way. Love his no nonsense attitude and view on the world!  CATFLAP20 for 20% off at Manscaped.com Thanks always Drago...

Great to catch up with Ben, who I watched growing up on the 7s circuit, becoming the all time top points scorer on the World 7s series - Something I don't think will be beaten for a while. I love his outlook on life - Wanted to travel the world, took his boots everywhere, and played both 15's and 7's at the top level. He played with and against the best in the world, and looks back fondly on a gre...

V funny episode. I love how Ryan is so open about his experiences as a pro at club and international level, and says it all with a smile on his face. He's now coaching at Plymouth Albion, after a career at Gloucester, London Irish, Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers, Worcester Warriors, La Rochelle, the Scarlets and England through the age grades into senior squads. There's not much he hasn't se...

Mike's book, 'Half Truths' is out now on Amazon, and I highly recommend it! Some of the stories are unreal! We spoke about his career at both club and international level, and his frustrations around the game he grew up in. Not only a brilliant career with Wales and Lions, but also backed that up at club level too, in Wales, France and England.  www.catflapchats.com Thanks always Dragon Signs, Mot...

Good to catch up with Gary, a year on from our last Pod together. We chat about all things in his stable, his boxers, his journey through boxing, some Welsh legends, and the state of the game at the Heavyweight division. He also delves in to the differences in coaching boxing to boxers, and MMS fighters.  Thanks always to Dragon Signs, Motazone Cwmbran, Tiny Rebel Brewery. www.catflapchats.com

Fortunate to steal an hour with one of the most talented Welsh players to have played the game. A man who's skill and ability to play where needed was immense, but maybe hindered an 81 cap test career Loved the honesty, his outlook not only on playing, but life, the clubs he represented, the silverware won, and his decision to retire on his terms. He's becoming a respected coach in his own right,...

If you have listened to the High Performance Podcast, you'll know who Damian Hughes is. Fascinating insight in to a world of High Performance, and cultures in Sport. There's so many lessons in this episode, and I love that he grew up in a boxing environment, surrounded by elite level operators. Author, Host, Key Note Speaker, Professor, Coach Couldn't have asked for a better guest, for the 100th E...

What a gent Dan is. When you think of the world of Bare Knuckle Boxing, you might think the film Snatch, or some underground shady types. Dan couldn't be more different. A horrific upbringing brought a desire to do better, be better, and help others. It just so happens he's hard as nails, as slick in the ring as they come, and is making the most of his talents and background, as the pro boxing gam...

Loved this with Scott Young - Cardiff debut as a teenager, and having to retire at 28. THAT goal against Leeds. An attempted come back at Newport County. Managing throughout the divisions in Wales, and that brief stint at Cardiff City with Gabbidon, before becoming the Assistant Manager. There's not much Scott hasn't seen or done in Welsh football, and it was great to have a laugh with him on the...

Loved this with Scott Young - Cardiff debut as a teenager, and having to retire at 28. THAT goal against Leeds. An attempted come back at Newport County. Managing throughout the divisions in Wales, and that brief stint at Cardiff City with Gabbidon, before becoming the Assistant Manager. There's not much Scott hasn't seen or done in Welsh football, and it was great to have a laugh with him on the...