The Discussion Podcast

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...

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...