show episodes
 
Your starting line doesn't have to define you. My upbringing wasn't great. But I remember thinking - I have to, and I CAN - break the cycle. That single thought changed my life. At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the violence and chaos of my family council house without a penny to my name, determined to rewrite my story. By 30, I was a successful PR agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brand ...
  continue reading
 
Loading …
show series
 
Gloucester lost out in the last pre-season game up in Edinburgh but all indications are the team and management are happy with the progress and performance. We chat through where we see the first block of fixtures going, the potential of a 'surprise' win over Saracens this weekend and the danger for George Skivington if things don't go well. We als…
  continue reading
 
This week we review the start of the Premiership with the gritty but points-profitable win away at Newcastle. Was it a solid start with a few leanings or rather as good as you might expect given the time of year, the weather and the fact that they are coached by Steve Diamond? We read out listener thoughts, both poetic and prosaic, give our views o…
  continue reading
 
As we slowly get ready for the 2024/25 Premiership Season to start, we begin this week with a review of the Summer Rugby including the Olympic Sevens and England's tour of New Zealand. We then chat through the rumours and news around Gloucester - including some of the little frustrations we have had in the last couple of weeks, the Challenge Cup an…
  continue reading
 
The boys get Season 6 (yes 6!) off to a solid start from the world famous Bristol Beer Factory and 'talk about' the following things: The Big Day out - good, bad or a bit of both? The new home and away kit - obviously good but just how good? The pre-season game vs Dragons - Miles and Pete report back along from a wet night at Clifton RFC with a bon…
  continue reading
 
We are back and we start this season and series with an interview between Ed and former Gloucester Rugby CEO Lance Bradley. They chat about the challenges of running a Sports business, the difference and surprises compared to the Automotive industry; guiding the club through COVID and probably the toughest times in the teams history, the growth of …
  continue reading
 
Homelessness is up 14% this last year alone, with more than 300,000 homeless people according to latest figures.But, can we really end homelessness? This charity boss believes so, and says it's a political choice not to.P3 is a charity than improves the lives and communities of tens of thousands of people a year, by delivering services to support p…
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday ==This week's guest is a true pioneer of mixed martial arts.Mark 'the Wizard' Weir etched his name into the history books with the fastest ever knockout on his UFC debut, the first time the promotion came to the UK in 2002.That night, UFC boss Dana white told Mark: ‘Years from now you remember th…
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday == This week's guest is comedian, poet, performer and one half of BBC Radio 4's The Infinite Monkey Cage, Robin Ince. We talked about everything from his love of books, comedy and science through to his time on tour with Ricky Gervais, working with Professor Brian Cox, his upbringing, family and …
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday ==This week's guest is super prime estate agent Alex Bourne (joined on and off by his lovely dog, Noodles). - Oh, and forgive the pesky gremlins and the weird intro glitch, thank you, please -Alex had a starring role in Netflix's Buying London, giving viewers a glimpse at the houses and the prope…
  continue reading
 
The final pod of the season and a big thank you for sticking with us! A great one to finish on as Gloucester-Hartpury win their second consecutive PWR title, beating Bristol Bears in an exciting encounter down at Sandy Park. We discuss the day, the game and the after party! We also chat about the failure of GB Sevens men to reach the Olympic games …
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday == Dudley 'Tal' Stokes was the captain and founding member of the Jamaican bobsled team the hit Disney movie Cool Runnings was based on. He competed at the 1988, 1992, 1994 and the 1998 Winter Olympics, and after his competitive career, became a coach and the president of the Jamaican Bobsleigh F…
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday == You know he loves a Chinese. You know he loves a bosh. In this interview, filmed at Chariots fish and chip shop in Romford (NOT ESSEX RICH, you blithering idiot), you'll get to know the real Big John. He dismisses the idea of being an influencer, and that's one of the reasons I wanted to have …
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! == This week’s conversation is with American writer, producer, director, voice actor, and radio personality Lazlow. In a fitting request, I was asked that this episode was audio-only. Alongside his radio work, Lazlow is perhaps best known for his in-game radio shows and ads across the Grand Thef…
  continue reading
 
The lads finally manage to organise a time to meet up and record their final thoughts on what turned out to be yet another roller coaster season for the Bears. They run through the season and their memories of each game, reveal the results of the listener vote and outline one final Lee-related Goat. Has he managed to secure a seat for next season o…
  continue reading
 
== Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! == Today's episode is with one of the most exciting and unorthodox talents rugby has ever seen, Gloucester and England backrower James Forrester. James is now the CEO of Gloucester-Hartpury - reigning Premier 15s champions. Having burst onto the scene for Gloucester, in 2002, at just 21, Forrest…
  continue reading
 
*-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! --* Today's episode is with 19 year old British racing driver Zak O'Sullivan, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Zak currently races in the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix, and has his sights set firmly on racing in Formula 1. With only 20 seats available each season, you hav…
  continue reading
 
The eggs were all in one basket, but they were left scrambled by the Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. We chat through Gloucester's defeat in the Challenge Cup Final, where we think it went wrong and our experiences of the day and the final. The lads also discuss Toulouse winning their sixth Champions Cup in one of the all time great finals, as …
  continue reading
 
-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! -- Nearly 40% of teenage girls in the UK who spend over 5 hours on social media per day score as clinically depressed. Anxiety diagnoses among 18–25-year-olds have increased by 92%. Self-harm and suicide rates continue to increase around the world, beginning to spike in line with the rise of pho…
  continue reading
 
Following an awful league campaign, Gloucester signed off at Kingsholm with a win over Newcastle Falcons. We chat through the game, the positives and how we should view a win over an obviously poor opposition. Meanwhile, Gloucester-Hartpury continue their unbeaten run and secured top spot in the PWR. Finally we continue the Challenge Cup final buil…
  continue reading
 
-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! -- *Please note, we talk about depression and the big S word for a short period of time. Also, Wynne does say the C word once - so probably avoid watching/listening with kids.* Wynne Evans was an opera star for 18 years before he was cast in 2009 in the GoCompare ads, one of the most famous ads …
  continue reading
 
In this week's pod we re-live our epic journey to SW London on the Supporters Coach where we experienced, quite simply, one of the best rugby away days ever. We loved the Stoop... We loved the running rugby... We loved the ale and the Chicken Caesar burger (albeit a bit pricey) And one of us loved the cheeky little techno DJ... What a day, what a w…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode, Pete, Miles and Lee review the defeat against Saracens at Ashton Gate. Despite a good start the Bears ultimately lost control of the game in the face of an incredibly experienced, focused and effective opposition who delivered a classic 'been there, seen that and worn the T-shirt' sort of performance led by the mercurial Owe…
  continue reading
 
Just when we thought it couldn't get any worse...A record all-time defeat for Gloucester, losing 90 points to nil away to Northampton Saints. There have been plenty of excuses trotted out to account for the dreadful league form and in particular this most embarrassing defeat. We discuss them and try to work out if any are 'legitimate'. We also chat…
  continue reading
 
-- Subscribe for new episodes, released every Monday! -- Ellie Simmonds was awarded an MBE at the age of 13 - and still holds the record for being the youngest ever recipient. She now has an OBE, five Paralympic gold medals, eight World Championship gold medals and 10 European Championship golds under her belt. In this interview with swimming star,…
  continue reading
 
Gloucester Rugby are heading to Tottenham after beating Benetton Treviso in the European Challenge Cup Semi-Final. We discuss the vast improvement on the previous week and the key performances, before running through our opponents in the Final - Sharks after their comeback win over Clermont. We also chat about the Champions Cup Semi finals before p…
  continue reading
 
Undefeated professional boxer Nina Hughes, born in Essex, UK, became bantamweight world champion at the age of 39 - having come back into the sport and only gone pro after having two children. Nina spoke about everything from Ebanie Bridges and Shannon Courtenay ducking her, US Boxing's decision to allow trans women to box biological women - callin…
  continue reading
 
Firstly an apology as we have decided to leave a lot more of the swearing in this weeks pod, but we are sure you understand why. Gloucester lose another league game, this time to Exeter Chiefs, but it was the manner of the defeat and the apparent contempt shown to the Season ticket holders that grates most. Four very angry Cherry Jammers discuss th…
  continue reading
 
This week we pick over the carcass that was the massacre in BS3 and we’re not talking about the hammering of Falcons at Ashton Gate last weekend. No, we’re talking about the first ever live pod at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom. We look back on an evening of structured chaos, discuss the learnings and then move quickly on to more pressing matters…
  continue reading
 
The second series of interview podcast The Starting Line kicks off with an exclusive conversation with star of screen, stage and film, two-time Olivier Award winner Brian Cox. Recorded in his north London home around new year, Cox spoke about everything from religion, politics, cannabis, the actor he’d most like to act alongside, whether he'll repr…
  continue reading
 
Back to the league again and another defeat - this time expected as a young and much changed Gloucester side lost away to Saracens. However a plucky final 10 minutes took advantage of some sloppy Sarries play and secured a Try bonus point. We chat through the game, whether the squad selection was the correct one is probably still to be decided, but…
  continue reading
 
It's a carnival atmosphere down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom this week as having constantly 'talked about' doing a live pod the lads actually execute one straight after the 13-try massacre of Newcastle Falcons at Ashton Gate. It's raw and it's raucous but the lads try their best to analyse the game despite 10% off the beers and 50% of the ch…
  continue reading
 
The Starting Line Podcast is BACK. The first episode of series 2 is being released next Monday - Monday 29th April - and this time, you can choose to watch on YouTube or listen on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You won't want to miss it - it's an exclusive conversation with star of stage, screen and film, Brian Cox, record…
  continue reading
 
Gloucester's incredible run in knock out competitions continues with a Quarter Final win over Ospreys. It means a Semi Final against Benetton Treviso in early May. We chat through the game and how the club might need to prioritise the Cup at the expense of the remaining league games. We also round-up the whole weekend of European fixtures, includin…
  continue reading
 
In this week's episode we formally announce our first ever live pod, in the sense that we are inviting an audience to the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom post Falcons at 6.30pm next Sunday. If you are interested in finding out more, and even contemplating joining us, then complete the Eventbrite registration below (it's free but it helps us get an ide…
  continue reading
 
After a week off, we are back to review the whole weekend of European Rugby as Gloucester reach the Quarter Finals of the Challenge Cup following a hard fought win over Castres at Kingsholm. We also chat through the previous weeks league defeat to Bristol, before discussing all the games and the Quarter Final prospects in both European competitions…
  continue reading
 
You’re listening to Bears Beyond the Gate, a Bristol Bears podcast made by fans for fans. We’re two and a half season cardholders at Ashton Gate who love the club, the game and all things Bears. Well, Miles is happy as Pat listens to his selection advice from the ski slopes of France and moves Max to full back, Noah Howard to the wing and gives Gen…
  continue reading
 
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Ruby Cole, a young Gloucester supporter who tragically passed away last week. All our thoughts are with Jo and Neville at this difficult time, as well as all of Ruby's family and friends. There is a Go Fund Me page, in memory of Ruby, aiming to raise funds for Great Western Air Ambulance. The link can be f…
  continue reading
 
In this week’s episode Pete and Miles dial in from their respective ski resorts whilst Lee shakes his head at the whole middle classy-ness of it all. That said, it was worth the effort as the boys chew over the fantastic victory against Saints on Friday and give their thoughts on what was very close to being the elusive 80- performance. They discus…
  continue reading
 
In this weeks's episode we preview the return of the Prem with help from the Telegraph's Charlie Morgan. It's been a long break but there's all to play for and as we're only three points off 6th and six points off 4th can we dare to dream? We also comment on Pat's interview on Bears TV this week and then try and pick the team for Friday. With a lot…
  continue reading
 
After 9 long years, Gloucester once again win some silverware after beating Leicester in the Premiership Cup Final at a raucous Kingsholm. We chat through the game, the performances that made a difference, the atmosphere and even the music. We also discuss the final weekend of Six Nations action, including a review of another encouraging England pe…
  continue reading
 
In the second of our occasional 'doc-pods' we head towards the end of this long fallow period by hearing from Paul Morgan, who is the Communications Lead of PWR and previously Communications Director at Premier Rugby and before that editor of Rugby World. He talks about the rebranding of the PRW this season, his thoughts about Bears Women team and …
  continue reading
 
After five long years of generally seeing England put in average performances (all be it, with some good results) finally a performance to be proud of as the men in white ruined Ireland's Grand Slam dreams. The lads chat through all the Six Nations action, including Italy's deserved win over Scotland and a resurgent French side hammering Wales. Mea…
  continue reading
 
In this week's slightly delayed pod (technical difficulties) we hear from Bristol legend and current Galway resident Joe Joyce . He gives us some insight into what it's like getting a bit of niggle going with some of your best mates in the European Cup, speaks candidly about why he left his home town for pastures new and 'talks about' his future as…
  continue reading
 
A massive thank you to everyone who sent in some questions over the past week. We have decided to focus on the quick fire ones this time round as we want to make sure we have a full house for the more 'in-depth' questions. Gloucester Hartpury continued their unbeaten run in the league, making it 12 from 12 - Jim gives us the lowdown on the game and…
  continue reading
 
It's only Pete and Lee this week down at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom supping a couple of cheeky beers, as Miles calls in sick at the last minute. However, they still manage to fill the time, with help from listener posts, discussing the Bears Women victory against Loughborough Lightening in particular and how their season is hotting up more ge…
  continue reading
 
A hard fought win for Gloucester over defending Champions Exeter means the Cherry and Whites have reached their first Final since 2018 - a win for Leicester away to Ealing, means that Kingsholm will be the venue. We discuss the performances, the win and how the cup competitions continue to give us hope for the season. The lads also chat through the…
  continue reading
 
In this week's BUMPER episode we hear from Dave Attwood about: His life since retirement... His time at the Bears and what it was like working under Pat... THAT semi final defeat and why it all went wrong... What he thinks about Bristol's season so far AND how we are not 'a million miles away from clicking' and finally... His answers to some incred…
  continue reading
 
Loading …

Quick Reference Guide