Best Narrowboat Podcasts (2025)

1
Little Miss Sunshine: Music, Mishaps and Life Aboard a 70ft Narrowboat 34:37

1d ago34:37

34:37

Maxine chats with Patrick, who has lived on his 70-foot narrowboat Little Miss Sunshine for over a decade. They discuss the joys & challenges of canal life, the tight-knit boating community, practical realities of living afloat and some memorable moments — from sinking mishaps to a swimming squirrel. Patrick also explains how he & friend Timothy tu…

1
Conversations on a Twinkly Autumn Narrowboat: Questions, Confusion & Curiosity About Perimenopause 1:03:10

14d ago1:03:10

1:03:10

In this cosy autumn episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we chat with Charlotte - a narrowboater joining us from her twinkly canal home as fireworks crackle in the Diwali night sky. Though we’re not there in person (sadly!), the warmth of the conversation travels across the water. Charlotte had never even heard the word perimenopause until a friend men…

1
Morton's Rise (A canal story for Halloween) 1:25:46

6d ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Send us a text Welcome to Halloween on the canal. It’s a perfect night to turn down the lights, curl up in comfy chair with a warm mug, and listen to a spooky tale. Can anyone explain what really did happen on that celebrated (or notorious) section of canal at Morton’s Rise under the glowering presence of Draid Hill? Journal entry: 31st October, Fr…

1
In Celebration of World Menopause Day... Embracing Every Change, Challenge & Charmed Chapter 33:44

21d ago33:44

33:44

In Celebration of World Menopause Day… Embracing Every Change, Challenge & Charmed Chapter It’s World Menopause Day and we’re pausing to celebrate - every change, every challenge and every charmed chapter of this wild midlife ride. Since January, Wild, Wise & Curious has been a space for women to share their stories of perimenopause, menopause and …

1
Never Too Late: Life Afloat on a Converted Fishing Boat 23:09

21d ago23:09

23:09

Maxine chats with Michelle, who left a 14-year rented home to live on a 35ft converted fishing boat at Denton Island near Brighton. Permanently moored and mains-plumbed, Michelle describes the cosy setup with a wood burner, shower, shed with appliances, and a close-knit community of liveaboards. She still works part-time delivering, enjoys the rela…

1
A Common Thread (Sunday at the moorings) 38:01

25d ago38:01

38:01

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it was like to visit a ‘moorings’ along one of Britain’s waterways and to stand and watch and listen as this small world flows to its own daily rhythms? Although every 'mooring' is different, we explore the common thread that unites them. Why not join us for a sunny autumnal Sunday and listen to the day un…

1
Finding a Holistic Path Through Chemical & Surgical Menopause After Cancer 50:05

1M ago50:05

50:05

In this episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we hear from Tash, who was just 34 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Chemotherapy brought on a chemical menopause, and soon after, genetic testing revealed the BRCA gene — leading to surgery and a surgical menopause in quick succession. With little guidance from medical professionals, Tash turned to…

1
The Uncultivated Mind - Episode 9 46:26

1M ago46:26

46:26

Join us for a ramble through our award-winning allotment garden's woes, wins and beyond. We have a good moan about the F-word (and social media), and discuss everything from canal water shortages to our struggle with mosquitos and this year's hot, hot summer. We’ll also be sharing what we're reading now and how many books we’ve managed to get throu…

1
Widebeam Living: Sunrises, Woodstoves and Raising Kids on the Cut 24:23

1M ago24:23

24:23

Maxine chats with Jen, who lives on a 65ft widebeam with her two children and runs holistic therapies while navigating the realities of off-grid boat life. They cover continuous cruising, finding a mooring, winter challenges, solar power, family routines, and Jen’s YouTube channel Whole Again that shares honest, practical insights into living slowl…

1
That Very Particular Joy of Friday Nights (and crisps) 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

Send us a text It's a blustery, moonless, and nearly starless night tonight, with the ever-present hint of rain in the air. So, why not come aboard the Erica for a while and reminisce about inconsequential things, the joy they bring, and how they form such strong bedrocks to our lives in an unsteady world? Journal entry: 17th September, Wednesday “…

1
Perimenopause: Learning to Rest, Learning to Rise 54:11

2M ago54:11

54:11

Episode Blurb: Our guest, Claudia, shares her journey through the often confusing landscape of perimenopause. For years, it felt like a process of elimination — heightened anxiety, forgetfulness and shifts that didn’t seem tied to her period. “I didn’t even know what perimenopause was,” she admits. Over time, Claudia began piecing things together: …

1
From Bungalow to Bow: Building a 55ft Dream on the Canals 34:40

2M ago34:40

34:40

Host Maxine chats with Amy and Will about leaving rented life to live on a 36ft narrowboat while building a custom 55ft hull. They share stories of cruising, marina life, wildlife encounters, and the freedom of life on the water. The episode covers DIY refit work, electrics and solar plans, choosing diesel, painting challenges, documenting the buil…

1
Down to the River (On this blue and grey September day) 42:22

2M ago42:22

42:22

Send us a text Tonight, for a little while, let’s leave the sleeping canal in peace as it slowly recovers and heals after the summer long drought. Instead, let's go down to the river where the water is alive with light and chuckles and laps under rowing boats and let us see what we can see. Journal entry: 4th September, Thursday “Clouds pillow and …

1
The House Within: A Journey Back to Joy 1:06:07

2M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Episode Blurb: When perimenopause arrived, Emily felt as though the map of her life had been snatched away. Her energy waned, emotions surged and the life she once knew no longer fit. Searching for a way forward, she turned inward — not realising that what she’d discover would transform everything. In this soulful and inspiring conversation, Emily …

1
Four on a 50ft: Family Life Afloat 38:08

2M ago38:08

38:08

Maxine chats with Andy — known as Four Boys on a Boat — about life aboard a 50ft narrowboat with his three sons. He describes the transition after the boys moved on board, how the family copes in a small space, and the strong canal-community support that helps them thrive. Andy also covers homeschooling decisions, earning a living through photograp…

1
Under a Canopy of Trees ('Your word') 45:49

3M ago45:49

45:49

Send us a text A newly born moon is still below the horizon and the parched ground breathes in the quiet of a summer's night. The water levels may be low, but you're assured a welcome that is full and warm aboard the NB Erica as we catch up on life with all its ebbs and flows, and unfuriating complexities that make it all so worthwhile. Journal ent…

1
Early Periods, Ablation & Panic Attacks. When Did Peri Really Begin? 44:34

3M ago44:34

44:34

Sarah started her periods at 9. Years later, she had a uterine ablation to manage heavy bleeding — and then, in her late 30s, everything began to shift. Mood swings, vertigo, anxiety, an internal thermostat gone rogue, and a nervous system that completely rejected driving in the dark. In 2019, she was told it was perimenopause. But a question kept …

1
From Rage to Renewal: One Woman’s Brave Midlife Awakening 50:14

3M ago50:14

50:14

This week on Wild, Wise & Curious, we meet Lainey, who hit her breaking point—and then chose to rebuild. A seasoned therapist, she had all the tools... but when rage and emotional chaos took over, even her best practices weren’t enough. After trying HRT and realising it wasn’t her path, a chance encounter with Dr. David Hamilton’s work on How Your …

1
Handstands, Harmonies and Good Vibes 59:32

3M ago59:32

59:32

In this intriguing episode Rachel O’Connor, Associate Professor in Legal Education, Academic Lead for Personal Tutoring, University of Leeds and Music Director, Patrick Steed, take us into the welcoming, supportive communities of musical theatre and CrossFit, providing safe yet stretching spaces to find and express our authentic selves and do that …

1
Wide Space on a Narrowboat 55:28

3M ago55:28

55:28

In this soothing episode Paul Kleiman, Senior Consultant at Ciel Associates, explains how he found a slower pace and a feeling of space and calm through narrowboating. We hear how Paul and his partner renovated a narrowboat, remarkably without previous expertise, allowing the gently-paced restoration process to bring calm, focus and a deepening enj…

1
I come from academia with a banjo on my knee 51:54

3M ago51:54

51:54

In this episode, Professor Helen King, Director of Learning Innovation, Development & Skills, Bath Spa University and Richard Bale, Senior Teaching Fellow in Educational Development at Imperial College, share their experiences of diving into new hobbies. From strumming the banjo and playing the violin to lifting weights and hitting the trails, they…

1
I only cycle to support my cake habit 58:50

3M ago58:50

58:50

In this episode, Russell Brookes, Online Futures Manager at Plymouth University, and Jacqueline Barker, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Operations Management at UWE Bristol, share their delightful cycling adventures. They show how cycling can be a peaceful solo ride or a lively group outing, perfect for everyone from university students to young pa…

1
Redefining Life on the Water: A Journey of Loss and Freedom 28:37

3M ago28:37

28:37

In this episode of Alternative Living Chats, host Maxine welcomes Paula, a liveaboard boater, who shares her inspiring journey of living on a narrowboat with her husband and their dog, Daisy. After experiencing the profound loss of her eldest son, Paula made the courageous decision to re-evaluate her life priorities and embark on a path filled with…

1
Surgical Menopause: Thrown In, Speaking Out... 1:10:22

3M ago1:10:22

1:10:22

What happens when menopause doesn’t knock gently, but kicks the flipping front door down? In this powerful episode, we meet Lisa—a woman who was catapulted into surgical menopause overnight, with no roadmap, no guidance and a body she no longer recognised. From battling crippling anxiety, tinnitus and skin-crawling sensations, to navigating the cha…

1
From Narrowboats to New Beginnings: Roz's Journey Continues 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

Join Maxine on this captivating episode of Alternative Living Chats as she reconnects with Roz, who shares her ongoing journey aboard a narrowboat with her husband and two playful cockapoos. Having lived on their narrowboat for over three years, Roz opens up about the changes and challenges they've faced since first appearing on the podcast. Discov…

1
Back from Blacking (And the ingenuity of drydocks) 36:23

3M ago36:23

36:23

Send us a text Could the humble drydock be the perfect example of canal engineering ingenuity? Find out why in our latest episode and join us back afloat onboard the Erica as we explore some surprising facts about this often-overlooked marvel. Journal entry: 1st August, Friday (Lammas Day) “Fields the colour of linen and calico Under turbulent skie…

1
Festival Special: Through the Fog – Grief, Hormones & the Healing Path 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

In this Wild, Wise & Curious Festival Special, we invite you into the heart of Barefoot Festival, where we shared a magical, intimate moment inside a bell tent with one of the most soul-stirring women we’ve had the joy to sit with. Surrounded by jingling bells, drifting melodies from nearby stages and the earthy energy of the festival, we talked wi…

1
Through the Ages: A Mother-Daughter Talk on Hormones, Hair Loss & Hanging Out 47:13

4M ago47:13

47:13

In this warm, honest, and laugh-out-loud episode, a mother and daughter share their very different journeys through perimenopause and beyond. One navigated anxiety, aching bones, and exhaustion—struggling to get out of bed—before finding relief and renewed energy, mostly thanks to HRT, with testosterone making the biggest difference. The other reca…

1
With Tom Rolt on the North Stratford Canal (Summer Readings) 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text It’s been a long sweltering day. Darkness is reluctantly beginning to fall, and a restless heat lies heavy over the canal. Let's settle down and listen to some echoes from the canal-side past as we hear Tom Rolt’s account of his journey up the Stratford upon Avon Canal (North) and the ‘battle for Bridge Number 1 (Lifford Lane).' At a…

1
Filming on My Narrowboat Home in London - Plus Additional Canal Stories and Some Surprisingly Rude History 32:27

4M ago32:27

32:27

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of Episode 8 of Canal Boat Diaries, Season 6, recounting my past journey from northwest to east London. Did I think we really captured what it’s like to be a continuous cruiser in London? What challenges did I come across? And how did the old working boat families actually have space to er... have a…

1
Finding the Words: Periods, Pregnancy & Perimenopause (Maybe) 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

In this remote episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we connect with Sarah — a British woman living in the U.S, who only recently discovered the word perimenopause… at age 50. Until she stumbled across this very podcast, it simply wasn’t on her radar. After removing her coil, Sarah was suddenly hit with intense, heavy periods that felt like a flashback …

1
Living Life on the Road: From Software Engineer to Full-Time Musician 35:58

4M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of Alternative Living Chat, Maxine delves into the adventurous life of Alex, a former software engineer who has turned his passion for music into a full-time career. They discuss his unique journey from the tech world to living in a 2006 Vauxhall Movano van, previously a speed camera police van, and his experiences as a musician on …

1
A Summer Wind among the Alders (Speaks of Lludd and Llefelys) 52:43

4M ago52:43

52:43

Send us a text Stories have always been part of our world. From antiquity, stories create the light that help us find our way through the darkness. We need to rediscover those stories to help us face the dragons in our lives. Join us tonight as we listen closely to the summer wind play among the alders and hear a very old story that understands our…

1
The Garden of Change: Growing Through What I Didn’t See Coming! 47:50

4M ago47:50

47:50

In this episode of Wild, Wise & Curious, we meet Dawn, whose early reproductive years were smooth—regular periods, minimal discomfort and no issues while on the pill. But in her 40s, things began to shift: mood changes, ovulation pain, joint aches, itchy skin, UTIs, tummy pain and brain fog. While caring for her unwell mother, Dawn began to feel in…

1
My Dad's Apple Cake, Bumping into Boats and Saving People from the Canal 33:17

5M ago33:17

33:17

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of Episode 7 of Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6, traveling from Weybridge to Stonebridge Park. Joining me is my Dad, who brings along his legendary apple cake. We tackle the Hanwell flight and experience vibrant Diwali celebrations in Southall, where fireworks light up the night sky. I also share a wild st…

1
Left in the Dark: One Woman’s Story of the Hidden Impact of Surgical Menopause 52:22

5M ago52:22

52:22

After years of heavy periods, endometriosis and passing clots, our guest, Jill, underwent a hysterectomy at just 44—only to be thrust into surgical menopause with no information, no guidance and no idea what to expect. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Jill shares the reality no one warned her about: the hormonal chaos, the mental health cras…

1
Life Afloat: Narrowboat Living with Sarah Kent 37:48

5M ago37:48

37:48

Welcome back to Alternative Living Chat — the podcast where we explore the paths less traveled and the people living them. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sarah Kent, a transformational coach who’s embraced life on the water. From the cozy charm to the daily challenges, Sarah shares what it’s really like living on a narrowboat — the joys, the woe…

1
Unsettled at the Still-Point (Of the year) 35:28

5M ago35:28

35:28

Send us a text It is a hot midsummer night of warm winds that makes the Erica creak at her moorings. Tonight, we find ourselves at a year’s turning point — caught between the stillness and the unsettling. Join us as we explore the solstice, the shifting seasons, the rhythm of carnival swings, and the restless nature of the mind, uncovering the conn…

1
Creativity, Clarity & the Midlife Rite of Passage 1:09:26

5M ago1:09:26

1:09:26

In this episode, we sit down with Luanne to talk about the powerful shift many women experience during perimenopause and beyond—a time marked by deeper reflection, rising creativity and a stronger sense of purpose. Luanne introduces us to Konenki, a Japanese word that beautifully captures this stage of life as a meaningful rite of passage. With chi…

1
The One Where I Almost Gave Up... Twice 37:01

5M ago37:01

37:01

In this episode, I dive into the wild ride of filming Series 6, Episode 6 on the Basingstoke Canal, where I nearly threw in the towel thanks to relentless weed, a cracked rib, and a bridge disaster. You’ll also hear from my mate Jamie, whose help and positivity saved the day! Don’t forget, you can watch Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 on the U&Yesterd…

1
Pizza on the Water: Life Aboard Lola with Keith & Claire 28:12

5M ago28:12

28:12

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Keith and Claire, the warm-hearted duo behind Lola, the charming café boat serving up fresh pizza, coffee, and cakes along the canals. They share what it’s really like to live and work on the water — from firing up the pizza oven to finding community on the towpath. Come aboard and hear how they turned a narr…

1
Goggleboxed 18:56

5M ago18:56

18:56

In this episode, I chat about being featured on Channel 4's Gogglebox over the weekend, with celebs throwing shade at my canal boat life and the behind-the-scenes of getting on the show. I also talk about the need to be thick skinned and how I’ve learnt not take harsh feedback to heart. Plus, I reveal which Gogglebox celebrities I’d trust to take t…

1
Falling in and Meeting Timothy Spall 28:19

5M ago28:19

28:19

In episode 5 of Canal Boat Diaries series 6 you see me fall in, you see me meet Timothy Spall, and you see me struggle with a mystery battery problem. What you don’t see on camera is how the Naughty Lass could have burnt down, the real reason for the drain on my batteries and a licensing loophole that I discover only after spending hundreds of poun…

1
A brooding sky and mirrored waters (Fen Country) 42:32

5M ago42:32

42:32

Send us a text Join us on a quiet night of summer rain as we listen to rooks and explore the beauty and ambiguities of two liminal places with a lot in common. We learn about the web-footed fenmen and are guided by Luke Sherlock to a ruined church under haunting skies. Journal entry: 6th June, Friday “We walk through the sheep field As the rain pou…

1
Rebirthing the Self: Art, Energy & the Midlife Unfolding 56:37

5M ago56:37

56:37

In today’s episode, we’re joined by the radiant Helen, who is right in the heart of perimenopause — and allowing this transition to reshape her life in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. From sending memes in the family WhatsApp group that capture the chaos and comedy of it all, to tuning in deeply to her body’s needs, Helen shares her raw, re…

1
Thunderstorms, toilet seats, and Thames tales 27:25

5M ago27:25

27:25

In this episode, you'll hear about my misty morning start, navigating the challenges of drone filming in fog, my nomadic life on the move and a near-miss with rowers on the River Weaver. Canal Boat Diaries, Series 6 is broadcasting each Monday and Tuesday on the U&Yesterday channel and on the free U app which currently hosts all episodes from serie…

1
From Land to Water: Tracy's Boat Living Adventure 24:39

5M ago24:39

24:39

Welcome to this week's episode of the Alternative Living Chat podcast! Join us as we dive into the captivating journey of Tracy, a former occupational therapist who, together with her husband, traded a traditional home for a life aboard a narrowboat. Discover the adventures, challenges, and joys they encountered as they embraced this unique lifesty…

1
Windows, weeding, and rock 'n' roll 27:45

5M ago27:45

27:45

Behind the scenes on episode 3 - Oxford to Reading. In this podcast episode, you'll hear how I spruce up the Naughty Lass with new bespoke windows, chat about growing up on a garden centre weeding for pocket money, breaking my sink off camera and some rock and roll history including Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and George Michael! Canal Boat Diaries…

1
Erica's Place 39:40

6M ago39:40

39:40

Send us a text Welcome to tonight’s episode where ‘Erica’s Place’ by Mindshambles awakens a kaleidoscope of reminiscences about Mum and ‘elevensies’ and her never ending supply of fresh scones. As the different memories flow and glide past, it slowly becomes clear how much of ‘Erica’s place’ and Mum’s philosophy still lives on and unconsciously sha…

1
A Canal Programme Inspired by Skateboarding and Comedy... 30:52

6M ago30:52

30:52

Believe it or not the making of Canal Boat Diaries draws its ins from many different other genres of filmmaking. Not only the personal self-shot vlogging style taken from my YouTube videos, but also skate videos from the 90s and a fledgling stand up comedy career! You’ll even find out where the phrase ‘let’s crank it’ came from and I tell a funny s…

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