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Welcome to the Catflap Chats podcast. My name is Mikey, but lots call me Catflap, Flap, or Flapper, and I'm fortunate enough to call some pretty interesting people my mates - Professional sports, Rugby, Boxing, MMA, Football, Actors, Singers, and Business, in Wales and beyond. I'm going to have a beer with a different mate each week, and delve in to their professional and personal lives. Expect some distinctly average chat, funny stories, and insights in behind the scenes. Basically, I am ab ...
The Rugby Bricks Podcast is about speaking with some of the brightest minds, smartest coaches and most talented athletes from all around the world. We're breaking down their habits of what's made them successful and sharing their insights, tips, and quirks from their fields to make you the best you can be whether that's on or off the pitch.
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep126 - Ed Jackson - Broadcaster, Adventurer, Ex Rugby Player, Optimist.
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One of my fav episodes to date - What a guy Ed is. From professional Rugby player to Quadriplegic. From never walking again, to scaling mountains a year later. Resilience in spades. Who knew, wiggling your toe would lead to so many adventures. I love his resilience, his willingness to push boundaries, and the ability to say yes, and figure it out a…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep125 - Don Armand Pt2 - Exeter Chiefs Legend (We actually talk a bit of Rugby here)
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Great to talk to Don a second time, this time with a sprinkling of Rugby, his back ground, and what it takes to be in the mind of a professional athlete. I'm not sure he would have made it as a boxer mind ;) The guy is infectious, and I can't wait to see where his post rugby career goes, after winning it all in England with Exeter. Thanks always Su…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep124 - Don Armand Pt1 - Exeter Chiefs legend, and being a good bloke (in general & rugby)
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An hour flew by without even realising! Part 2 coming soon. 9 years a Chief, a few caps, winning the LV, the Premiership, and the European Champions Cup, after a few tussles with a certain team, but we hardly spoke about Rugby in this hour. Social Media, Mental Health, transitioning to business, and being a good bloke in general were all covered in…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep123 - Owen Carrick - Eating...Or Not? Living with a Male Easting Disorder
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Bit of a different one. Whilst we normally associate Anorexia and Bulimia with eating disorders in Women, 1 in 3 men have an eating disorder of some type. Owen has lived with this condition for over 6 years now, and got down to only 6 stones, at 5"4 tall. Whilst he's doing better now, it lead to depression and more. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep122 - Jarrod Evans - Cardiff Rugby and Wales Rugby Fly-Half
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I absolutely bloody love Jar. A top lad with the world at his feet Rugby wise. All the talent in the world, but happens to have been playing at a time when there's so much competition for the 10 jersey in Wales. Only 25, he has his best years ahead of him, after achieving so much already for Club and Country. You could tell he was frustrated with r…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#58: Owen Franks | The Secret Behind Becoming A Legendary 100 Test All Black & Mastering The Front Row.
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Owen Franks is a current New Zealand rugby union player, he is a part of the 2022 Hurricanes squad looking to make his debut late in the season. Frank’s first significant playing role was for the Canterbury provincial team, then he moved on to play for the Crusaders where he won three consecutive Super Rugby titles in 2017,18 & 19. During his Super…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep121 - Lisa Marie Brown - Pinkspiration, Formula Women, and her love of owning and designing Supercars
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I got a chance to have a whirlwind 30 mins with Lisa, fresh off her being all over the press as the lady who's about to design Katie Price's new supercar! We spoke about being a women in predominantly male orientated industries, owning and driving Supercars, competing in Formula Racing for Women, and social media trolls. Her passion is infectious a…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep120 - Dr Perry Crofts - The NHS, Depression, and Suicide...The Cost of Caring?
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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 alw…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep119 - Hugh Watkins -Former Professional Rugby Referee
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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 Bodi…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep118 - @Ginge_Unhinged (My Aunty) - Endometriosis. Early Menopause. Mental Health
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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 o…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep117 - Leon Pryce - Over 500 Pro Rugby League Games - GB & England Rugby League, Bradford Bulls, St Helens, Catalan Dragons, Hull and more
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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 love…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep116 - Angus Baskerville - Becoming a Magician; Living with ADHD, Asperger's, and Autism
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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 episo…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#57: Peter Breen | The Launch Of Rugby Bricks Going Live in Europe & UK
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We are excited to announce this long-awaited launch in the UK & Europe. Rugby Bricks is now live in the UK & Europe with the full range of kicking tees in all colours and styles. We have been working hard to get this across the line to give you access to tees without all of the hassle of shipping costs, customs charges and courier delays. This epis…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#56: Kale & Peter | The Launch Of Our New Exclusive Community Group The Bricks Club.
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We are super excited to bring you our newest project. The Bricks Club is our new Facebook group where the goal is to give back to the community and the game. The two brains of Rugby Bricks talk through the creation of the Bricks Club and how it has become an interactive community for people to learn, engage and seek deeper information on rugby topi…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep115 - Lloyd White - 200+ Super League and Wales RL Caps - Crusaders, Widnes Vikings and Toulouse Olympique
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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 …
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep114 - Jacques Burger - Saracens and Namibian Rugby Legend
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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…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep113 - Eorl Crabtree - Rugby League and Huddersfield Giants legend
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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! Fun…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep112 - Dayfdd James - Lion, Wales, Heineken Cup Hero, and struggling to find a sense of purpose, post Rugby
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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 reac…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep111 - The Healthy Hangout & going on a fat loss transformation
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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 a…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep110 - Phil Davies - 46 Caps for Wales Rugby, 2 RWC's as a Coach, and creating great Rugby cultures
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1:23:58
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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 g…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep109 - Lloyd Ashley - 150 for Ospreys Rugby, and Mental Health Champion 'Living Well with Lloyd Ashley'
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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…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep108 - Gareth Baber - Edinburgh Rugby Coach, Fiji Rugby, Fiji 7s 2020 Olympics and World Series 7s winning coach, and more...
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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 t…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep107 - Simon Church - Wales Footy, Euro2016, and being a Professional Footballer
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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% b…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep106 - Enzo Maccarinelli - Former World Champion Boxer, who says it how it is...
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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…
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Ep105 - Ben Gollings - England 7s Legend, & World 7s Top Points Scorer
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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…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#55: Jase Ryan | The Secret Art Of The Scrum & Creating A Winning Legacy & Culture Within The Most Successful Super Rugby Franchise.
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Jase Ryan is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the forward’s coach of the Crusaders and assistant coach to Fiji. Ryan’s first significant coaching role was for the Canterbury provincial team originally as a scrum coach and then became assistant in 2015-16 and went on to win back to back titles those years. Ryan is now com…
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Ep104 - Ryan Lamb - Still having a laugh after 17+ years in Professional Rugby
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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…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep103 - Mike Phillips - Wales & Lions Scrum Half, with an immense career on the pitch, & and a story or two off it
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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…
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Ep102 - Gary Lockett Returns - Boxing, UFC and Managing Fighters
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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 Cwmb…
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Ep101 - James Hook - Rugby and Writing. Mercurial or Maverick. Either way, the game needs more of him!
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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. …
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Ep100 - Damian Hughes - The Liquid Thinker, The Barcelona Way, The High Performance Podcast, and more!
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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 Could…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep99 - Dan Chapman - World Champion BKB Bare Knuckle Boxer, missing out on London 2021, and giving back to the community
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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…
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Ep98 - Scott Young - Cardiff City FC Legend #CCFC #Bluebirds
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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,…
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Ep97 - Paul Stromberg - Convicted, Ex International Drug Smuggler
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1:58:37
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What a chat. I have never had a conversation like this. Drug Smuggling, both Hash and Cocaine. Over 14.5 years in Prison. Venezuela. Columbia. Portugal. The UK. The Cali Cartel (In Columbia). Getting caught. Being a transporter. It is honestly mind blowing, and that is only the stuff he's allowed to talk about. Thanks always Tiny Rebel Brewery, Nat…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#54: Chloe Dalton | Dealing With The Pressure Of Being A Triple Sports Elite Athlete & Being A Change Maker For The Paralympian's.
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Chloe Dalton is one of Australia’s few triple sports athletes. She has been a part of the WNBL with the Sydney Uni Flames. Chloe then represented Australia in rugby sevens and made her debut in 2014 on the Dubai women's sevens circuit. Chloe won a gold medal as a part of the women’s sevens team at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was recognised as Austral…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep96 - Zack George - UK's Fittest Man, Professional Crossfit Athlete, and Author
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Loved the honesty from Zack. He may be a professional athlete now (and look like he was carved out of Handsome Granite), but has spent years growing up having a bad relationship with food, which is actually really relatable. He's risen to the top of the Crossfit community through grit, resilience and a determination based on his WHY, and after a di…
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Ep95 - Luke Rowe - Ineos Grenadiers (Formerly Team Sky), Cycling, & the Tour De France
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One of my favourite episodes. The ones where you're an hour in without realising, and could chat for way longer. Luke is superb, giving honest insight in to Team Sky, Ineos Grenadiers, life in the TDF and other Grand Tours. The brutal realities of professional cycling and more - All a few days before the UCI Worlds in Flanders, for Team GB. www.row…
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Ep94 - Dad the Dish - Cooking up a storm on Instagram/Tiktok, being homeless, and helping others
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This episode had every emotion going. Dad the Dish has spent the last year showing everyone how to cook amazing meals at home, with step by step guides on Instagram and Tiktok. It has gone that well, he's grown to 124k followers on Insta, 74k on Tiktok, and has helped loads of people in the community by giving back. That's incredible, for a guy who…
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The Rugby Bricks Podcast
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#53: Peter Breen & Kale Panoho | The First Release Of The New Limited Edition Rugby Bricks Gold Rare NFT
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Firstly, we can't wait to launch our first NFT on Friday the 17th of September 2021 and we wouldn’t have been able to get this across the line without the ongoing support of our community and the interest in the project so the thanks goes out to the Rugby Bricks community. This episode of the Rugby Bricks podcast is a bit different. The podcast str…
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Ep93 - Rob Jones - British Lions, Wales Rugby, Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and Western Province
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Good to catch up with Rob, reflecting on a quality career. 2 Lions Series, 3 RWC's, and played with and against the best players in the world. One of only 5 Welsh scrum halves to reach the 50 cap mark, and even got a Lions Test start, before his first Lions tour...A Club career spanning 3 countries, with some great highs and lows too. A thanks alwa…
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#52: Wayne Smith | Creating a Winning Formula In The All Blacks Environment & Becoming A Tactical Genius
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Wayne Smith is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player, currently the Director of Rugby for the Japanese Top League club, the Kobelco Steelers. Smith’s first significant coaching role was for the Crusaders in the 1997 season and went on to win back to back titles in 1998 and 1999, before being appointed the head coach of the All Blacks in…
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Ep92 - Alaw Haf Pritchard - Only Fans, Law Degrees, and Internet Weirdo's
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Only Fans is something I get asked about a lot, so it was great to have Alaw on to discuss all things OF, especially as it has been in the news the past few weeks. She talks about some of the myths around it, what life is like as a content creator, dating whilst on OF, and the -ve's that come with the +ve's too. People and the internet are weird, t…
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The Catflap Chats Podcast
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Ep91 - Nicky Robinson - Wales, Cardiff Rugby, Gloucester, Wasps, Bristol, Oyonnax (And even talk of the Lions)
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Loved this one. Having met Nicky recently, he's a good bloke, and I can see why he was so popular with his former teams. An amazing club career, which never quite rewarded him with what I feel he deserved at international level, but no regrets all the same. Great attitude, took himself out of his comfort zone, and reaped the rewards away from the W…
