The Discussion Podcast

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...

On this episode Rod Maxwell and View From The Street's James Spencer take to the streets of Altrincham to talk with residents and people affected by homelessness, responding to a reported 5,000 people sleeping rough in England and Andy Burnham’s pledge to tackle the issue. The conversations reveal the complexity of homelessness — personal stories about the impact of addiction, mental health challe...

This is the Late Late Lunch Show with Rod Maxwell. Today’s guest is Nick Hine, skipper of the 62‑foot yacht Stormbird, who has spent three years circumnavigating the globe with changing volunteer crews. The episode covers Nick’s route from the UK through the Atlantic, Pacific islands, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, the logistics of long‑distance sailing, crew dynamics...

On this episode of The Lunch Discussion podcast, Rod Maxwell speaks with Abrar and Vicky from Radfield Home Care about supporting people to remain independent in their own homes across Altrincham, Sale and Trafford. They discuss a range of services — hourly companionship visits, personal care, 24-hour live-in support, and the new Radfield Club day service launching at St Luke’s in Bowdon on 8 Sept...

In this episode of View From The Street on theLateLateLunchShow, James Spencer and Rod Maxwell examine whether university degrees are still worth the time and cost, sparked by a report that only 27% of this year’s graduates had secured jobs by September. Through street interviews, expert views and personal stories, they explore degree apprenticeships, trades, work experience, the rise of AI and re...

Show host Rod Maxwell talks to Artist Andrew Alan Matthews (aka Andy) who discusses his Lowry-inspired, colourful cityscapes and pub portraits, his journey from textile design to full-time art, and how he pairs paintings with short stories and poetry.   The episode covers his Manchester exhibitions and pub residencies, art trails, an online shop and commissions, and his aim to make original art ac...

On this short edition of Talkin' Travel, travel expert Ken Garrity has the latest news on the upgrades taking place at Manchester airport and also news on changes Cunard are making to their Queen Victoria ship in time for winter 2026.   The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backt...

"View From The Street" on theLateLateLunchshow hears street views from Altrincham as Andy Burnham takes office, debating whether his Manchester record, communication style and northern roots can translate into national success. Interviewees express cautious optimism, frustration with rapid political turnover, and concerns over crime, immigration and energy policy as they consider what Burnham's Br...

Live festival coverage from BritFest 2026 featuring backstage interviews: Mark Ratcliffe on his folk roots, the Fisherman’s Friends’ sing-along heritage, choir highlights from Absolute Belters, and rising acts like Amii Alexx. The show also spotlights festival services — Sherpas’ camping comforts, Purple Heart Wishes charity work, and the Samaritans’ support team. The episode celebrates music acro...

On this episode, Rod is talking to Rebecca Peacock from local film production company Top and Tail Productions about the Altrincham Film Academy.  A 4 day course aimed at local teenagers who have an interest in the film and TV industry.  With Rebecca is Ruby who has attended a previous course and talks about the benefits she experienced that are applicable to general life as well as any potential...

On The Late Late Lunch Show, Rod Maxwell speaks with Adam Horner about Legacy Locker ( https://www.legacylocker.cloud/ ) — a secure digital platform to store important documents, videos, passwords and family memories for sharing during life and after death. They discuss practical uses, data security, legal links, charity partnerships and how personalised messages and family archives can bring peac...

Archi is back with another guide for what's on in the Alty area this summer..... Today’s feature celebrates the outdoors — don’t miss the Sunflower Trail at Dunham Massey, and the Stables restaurant on Sundays for a relaxed family adventure in the open green space. Catch up weekly with Archi's suggestions on what to do in the Altrincham area - broadcast on #theLateLateLunchshow every Wednesday on...

Stanley Chow discusses growing up in Altrincham, his childhood drawings on chip-shop paper, art-school experiences, and how he built a career as an illustrator known for portrait-based gig posters and commissions. He explains the difference between an artist and an illustrator, his creative process and use of digital tools, notable collaborations (including the White Stripes and a New York Times T...

On this episode of Talkin' Travel, Ken Garrity talks to tourism representatives from Whistler and Iceland about what these destinations have to offer for travellers, tourists and holiday makers alike. The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

On this episode of the Lunch Discussion, show presenter Rod Maxwell caught up with Trafford teenager Josh Hossain about his songwriting, singing and performing.  Full show available from Mixcloud - https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioAlty/thelatelatelunchshow-with-guest-josh-hossain-mon-29-june-2026/   Follow Josh via TikTok @jo5huahossain and YouTube channel @Joshhossainofficial The Discussion Podcast...

Recently on #theLateLateLunchshow Rod Maxwell was talking with Paul Dillon — the artist PMAD — calling in from Portumna, County Galway. They discuss growing up with 80s music, the Galway scene, PMAD’s post‑punk/gothic indie sound, DIY recording in the digital age, his albums and latest single, and the drive to make honest music today. The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLat...

On this episode of the Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell and Ken Garrity visit the Royal Cheshire County Show. Featuring Ray Brown of Bidlea on family farming, dairy products, and a new distillery run by a 19‑year‑old, plus live demonstrations at the Bidlea AgCentre. Segments cover farm diversification, community projects, modern farming challenges and innovation, regenerative advice, rural service...

Host Ken Garrity returns from a long trip and chats with Luke from ANZCRO Holidays about travel to New Zealand and the South Pacific. They cover booking trends, airline routes, and practical tips for long-haul travel. The episode highlights North and South Island must-sees—Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Abel Tasman, Kaikoura, Franz Josef, Queenstown and Milford Sound—plus activities like tramping, g...

With the World Cup America upon us, James and Rod hit the streets to gauge local reaction to the tournament. Interviews reveal mixed emotions — subdued hype, worries about late kick‑off times and football saturation, but plenty of optimism for England. The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare...

Rod Maxwell speaks with Alexander Josephson, founder of Partisans ( https://partisans.com/ ), about how culture, politics and technology shape architecture — from his early inspirations to Toronto projects like Ontario Place and the RBC Amphitheatre. The conversation covers brutalism, homogenization in global design, sustainability, the politics of commissioning buildings, and the challenges of cr...

Rod Maxwell visits Weetwood Ales ( https://www.weetwoodales.co.uk/ ) in rural Cheshire and talks with brewer Matthew Knop about the brewery’s history, brewing process and the taproom experience. The episode explores recipe development, pilot brews, beer styles (including a notable non‑alcoholic lager), distribution and the distillery side—how spirit is distilled, casked and aged into Cheshire sing...

Rod Maxwell was speaking with Nicola Goddard and Zoe Bowring from the Altrincham branch of Back To The Garden Childcare about the funding that is available to support families pay for childcare places and also discuss how messy play, and meal times helps get the children thinking about the environment through play and engagement with the outdoors.   The Lunch Discussion on #theLateLateLunchshow -...

Join Rod Maxwell on "theLateLateLunchshow" as he speaks with Maisie Green, the official matchday photographer for Altrincham FC. Maisie shares her journey from early inspiration and home education to college and working professionally in sports photography. She discusses her approach to action shots, building relationships with players, adapting to digital technology, managing social media and con...

Join Ken as he explores Vancouver’s unique blend of city life and wild nature, from Stanley Park’s seawall and city beaches to nearby mountains and whale-watching adventures. Highlights include Granville Island’s foodie scene, Capilano and Grouse Mountain, Alaskan cruise departures from Canada Place, escorted Rocky Mountain tours and the ultra-luxe Sonora Resort island escape—made easy with Air Ca...

This episode previews the Christmas Musical Spectacular, a star-studded arena concert at Manchester’s AO on 22–23 December featuring West End talent, a 30‑piece Manchester Camerata orchestra, choir, and debut duets. Producers, musical director and artists discuss the show, preparation and ticket sign-ups. The launch highlights the family-friendly, feel-good spirit of the event, the large-scale pro...