This podcast is definitely unique. The concept, 4 old friends and a member of the Cheshire landed gentry discuss growing up in a town they no longer live in, really shouldn't work. Yet here we are. Join the hosts as they take a surreal, irreverent walk through modern life, the Administrative Centre of Somerset, strange animal encounters and a load more. There is even some serious content. Occasionally. This Podcast is designed to make you laugh, reflect and see the humour in the world around ...
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Episode 29 - We're back! Turning 40, achieving stuff and boasting about it
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57:51
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Welcome to episode 29. It's been a while! We discuss turning 40 - what it means and doesn't mean. How it feels to be getting older. Matt loses his mind at the achievements of others. Taunton Matters continues to amuse. https://linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap Twitter: @thehottap
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Episode 28 - Ukraine, Part 3. An interview with a Ukrainian interpreter
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45:28
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This is part 4 of our series of podcasts about Ukraine. In this episode we are privileged to be joined by Pavlo who is currently in Ukraine. Pavlo worked with Paul Biddle as an interpreter during his mysterious work there a few years ago. Pavlo talks about the current situation, the build up and what it’s like living with the fear and stress of the…
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Episode 26 - Ukraine Part 2 - What next for Europe & how dangerous is this?
1:04:21
1:04:21
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Welcome to a sombre Part 2 of our Ukraine focused series of episodes. This is both fascinating and also sobering. As the Ukraine conflict develops, Matt, Paul and I discuss what this means for Europe, what the West can do next, and how dangerous this really is. The conclusions are evident in the podcast – this is serious. Please give us a rating on…
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Episode 26 - Ukraine part 1. When we thought it wouldn't happen
1:05:13
1:05:13
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In this episode we welcome friend of the show Paul Biddle - a man who knows about Ukraine because he's been there for major events, looked into the whites of the eyes of Russian troops and Ukrainian fighters. We recorded this episode as events were escalating and generally concluded that an invasion was unlikely to actually happen. Well, we were wr…
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Episode 25 - Remembrance Day, war and Nigel Farage
48:44
48:44
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In episode 25 of Straight from the Hot Tap we discuss the evolution of remembrance day, what it meant and what it means, war in general and we dig up some old history lessons. We also discuss what a visit to Taunton by Nigel Farage might look like.....
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Episode 24 - Motivational quote merchants, millennials and humblebragging
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53:51
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Welcome to Episode 24 of Straight from the Hot Tap! After an extremely challenging few weeks where life very much took over, we finally managed to record some content, and I guess after all the stress of work it was always going to boil over into some chaos on the podcast! In this ‘interesting’ mélange of the topical and the ridiculous, we discuss …
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Episode 7 - Matt doesn't like Bridgerton, who's the biggest narcissist and finding a sponsor for the Podcast
1:00:10
1:00:10
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Episode 23 - Workplace drudgery, discovering creativity and we welcome ITV News Anchor Gamal Fahnbullah
1:22:23
1:22:23
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After a challenging summer period for the team we're delighted to welcome our listeners to episode 23. In this feature length, slightly more serious than usual episode we discuss the lack of fun in our adult lives and and society as a whole. We delve into the importance of laughter and relaxation for creativity and our special guest interview is a …
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Episode 22 - Afghanistan Special with Paul Biddle MBE
1:12:17
1:12:17
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In this episode we welcome back Paul Biddle to discuss the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Paul gives us a rich and detailed description of his work in Afghanistan, the challenges and experiences he has. We reflect on the last 20 years of conflict and explore some of the reported information in detail. Twitter: @thehottap Insta: @str8fromthehottap lin…
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Episode 20 - Part 2. We welcome Leah from She Will Rock You and discuss music that we love, and some we hate
55:39
55:39
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In Part 2 we interview the very excellent Leah from She Will Rock You, one of the best music history podcasts out there. We discuss our love of music, and our hatred of certain songs. As usual things get silly. Twitter: @thehottap Facebook: @straightfromthehottap Linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap To listen to the brilliant She Will Rock You Podcast, look…
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Episode 20 - Part 1. Management Speak, Wrong'un of the Week and Rock and Roll
53:36
53:36
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In this 2 part double header, things get a little silly with Jonny's Wrong'un of the week, Matt's Rants turns to the business world and we re-create Woodstock in Taunton. We have another SMB update, Josh hits on Lou and we discuss strange celebrity Taunton encounters. Definitely not for the easily offended. Twitter: @thehottap Facebook: @straightfr…
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Episode 19 - Parenthood, 18-30s holidays and some controversial stuff
1:21:17
1:21:17
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In this episode we welcome Sam Lupson, ex Taunton holiday industry guru. We discuss 18-30s holidays and the rep life alongside the usual segments. In Josh and Jonny's absence we make a pigs ear out of a sows purse by trying to replicate the Taunton Matters format with a twist, we discuss the misery and joy of parenthood and explore the trans debate…
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Episode 18 - One of the most incredible interviews we've ever done. Paul Biddle MBE
53:57
53:57
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Paul Biddle has an MBE Paul was also: In the French Foreign Legion Negotiating with separatists in the Ukraine In one of Saddam's Palaces Drinking Rum and Smoking Cigars with Cuban aid workers in Haiti In charge of a prison. He also had varicose veins and lost his wedding tie. What a loser. This is such an amazing episode; even though the sound qua…
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Episode 17 - Taunton meets Taunton, pistol whipping and terrible politicians
1:11:53
1:11:53
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In this very special episode, Straight from the Hot Tap links up with Taunton Massachusetts to compare notes, learn all about the USA and a town founded by our ancestors. We learn about crazy, disease-ridden presidents, how Taunton, MA deal with public urination and Matt gives us an alternative history lesson. Oh and Josh underwhelms everyone with …
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Episode 15 - Part 2. Special Guest Interviews, Ben Bowley
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58:12
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Ben Bowley has had a fascinating career largely in the sailing industry. Ben has shared his passion for the seas, boats and teaching others with hundreds of people over the years. The pinnacle of his experience was a remarkable Around the World Yacht Race as a skipper with Clipper. He took a team of inexperienced people and turned them into ocean s…
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Episode 15, Part 1 – Isle of Wight Ferries, we save the environment and Matt antagonises the Chinese.
57:53
57:53
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Welcome to Episode 15. In this wide-ranging episode we discuss how to make Taunton a beacon of environmental friendliness, Lou does some revolting but strangely interesting research and Matt steals other Matt’s slot to rant about the crooks and bandits running crossing to the Isle of Wight. We discuss the environment and our impact, normal service …
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Episode 14 - Revolting Pranks, Matt's deportation and scaring pigs in Tonga
1:11:54
1:11:54
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In this episode we interview Author Simon Michael Prior. An old Tauntonian and avid traveler, Simon gives us a facinating walkthrough of his colourful life and writing. We discuss pranks, the insidiousness of social media, Matt's immigration challenges and probably a bit too much about recent royal scandals. Lou gets some stick in Lou's reviews and…
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Episode 13 – A story in 2 parts. A special guest interview, a brush with a real life Russian Spy, watersports gone wrong and Matt won’t read your script.
1:03:44
1:03:44
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In this very special episode 13, we welcome Jonny Manners, an old friend and survivor of the Taunton Experience. Jonny gives us a fascinating walkthrough of his career and route through life from his Taunton beginnings, in addition to some interesting anecdotes from his public and private life. We have an important business discussion about sponsor…
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Episode 12 - Remembering Prince Phillip, Taunton Style, hay bales, hating on dogs and Josh and the Sound Engineer
58:32
58:32
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Welcome to Episode 12 of Straight from the Hot Tap. In this very regal episode, we discuss the Duke of Edinburgh's death, his legacy, Empire and how to honour him, Taunton style. We diss dogs, revisit the Hungry Horse and enjoy a particularly ridiculous Taunton Matters. This episode's business shout out goes to www.berryscoaches.co.uk As we can't p…
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Episode 11 - The unpleasant reality of adulthood, burying pets, Lou's rally dreams and we introduce Traffic Island Discs
1:09:50
1:09:50
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In this episode, we explore the terrible reality of adulthood, what drives us (or otherwise), how not to dispose of dead pets and why medieval castle builders would be horrified by modern Britain. We discuss Van Morrison, Snoop D.O.G.G. and Taunton Matters throws up yet more surprises. This episode's shout out is Staggs Farm - the best flavoured mi…
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Episode 10 - Country pubs, Christmas tree disposal and the highs and lows of customer services. Matt is going to need a bigger cup
57:06
57:06
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Episode 10 discusses the quirks and joys of British pubs. We also take aim at the misery of the all you can eat carvery, Matt's TripAdvisor artistry and our experiences of receiving, and giving some pretty shoddy customer services. Episode 10 shout-out to Taunton Ladies Rugby Club (www.tauntonrfc.co.uk) Produced in partnership with Duppy Media (www…
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Episode 9 - Special Edition - We discuss male violence towards women following the recent press and social media discussions on the subject
49:00
49:00
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In this special edition of Straight from the Hot Tap, we tackle a very challenging subject. This is not our usual light nonsense, but a serious take on a difficult subject. This may make uncomfortable listening. It was challenging to talk about and put together, but we all felt it was necessary to use our growing platform to say something, anything…
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Episode 8 - Special Guests, Matt doesn't care about Meghan and Harry, Jonny insults the Camra Mafia, Letter writing and Lou Dredges up some dirt from the past
1:04:15
1:04:15
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This is a special episode as we welcome some old friends to the podcast. Sarah and Laura give us their take on Taunton. We get an update on the Garbage Truck Killer, discuss workplace pranks and give important recommendations about Taunton fast food. This podcast is produced in partnership with DUPPY MEDIA. For more information, please visit: www.d…
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Episode 6 - Jonny's Costa Rican conservation efforts, Matt's App and Josh nearly gets arrested.
37:45
37:45
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In this special 'wildlife' edition, the team recount their random encounters with vermin. Super-Fan Lou digs up some reviews from some new listeners (and some familar names) and Josh takes method acting a step too far. We also introduce a new section; The Airing of Grievances.
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Episode 5 - The Dunster Dog Race, Lou's Reviews, World War Two and Josh hasn't seen The Wire
53:22
53:22
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In this episode we introduce a brand new section, Lou's Reviews. Super Fan Louise trawls the internet for show reviews, we discuss what Taunton did for us, the benefits of a a good Golf Swing Thought and a range of other weird and wonderful things.
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Episode 4 - The dangers of mass vaccinating pensioners at a racecourse, the Defecating Fox strikes again, the Taunton Olympics and Matt's Casino
45:09
45:09
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In Episode 4, Josh speculates about the risks of vaccinating pensioners, more animal stories and how to invest £24m of regeneration money. Matt's plans for Taunton take a ridiculous turn, things get political and we learn why there are no red chairs at Essex County Council.
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Episode 3 - The never ending mysteries of Pompeii, future paleontology and the horrors of funraising
31:56
31:56
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In this shorter episode, the team discuss learning Latin, Matt's terrible diary management and why fundraisers are rant-worthy. Those of a nervous or sensitive disposition should exercise caution when listening to this episode!
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Episode 2 - Fantastic Mr. Defecating Fox and Dennis the Menace
49:04
49:04
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49:04
In episode 2, we discuss place that really should be better than Taunton, but for some reason aren't. Jonny updates us on the ongoing fox wars, Josh updates us with the current affairs of Taunton and Matt regales us with the unfortunate tale of Dennis, the next door neighbour's cat.
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Straight Outta Taunton - Blowing up dad, Star Wars and Films set in Taunton
46:56
46:56
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This is the first episode of a brand new podcast. (RE-MASTERED) Join Matt B, Matt G, Josh and Jonny as they stumble their way through their first ever podcast. In this episode, the hosts discuss their childhoods, reflect on their friendship and growing up and look at new and interesting ways to promote Taunton; a typically average market town in En…
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