Jacky and Pete sit down with the soulful vocalist and beautiful spirit Abi Flynn, whose story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the healing power of creativity.

Abi opens up about her courageous battle with cancer, revealing how she channelled her pain and vulnerability into some of the most powerful music of her career. She shares the emotional journey of navigating illness while nurturing her artistry, turning what could have been a breaking point into a profound creative breakthrough.

The conversation also explores the challenges artists face in today’s music industry, particularly around the use of sample packs and the struggles of getting rightful recognition for original vocals. Abi offers a raw and honest perspective on what it means to protect your voice—both literally and metaphorically—in a world that can sometimes commodify creativity.

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Jacky and Pete are joined by Elliot Awin, a former rugby player turned endurance rower from Dorking, Surrey, who has not only overcome significant health challenges but also shattered expectations. Diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, Elliot's journey took an incredible turn when he had a pacemaker fitted in 2020, a situation that reshaped his life and athletic pursuits.

Elliot shares the thrilling details of his solo row across the Atlantic, a 3,000-mile journey from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Setting off on 13 December in his boat aptly named "Pacemaker," Elliot completed the challenge in 44 days, becoming the first person with a pacemaker to attempt and conquer this feat. His story is not just about sports but a testament to human spirit and resilience.

Beyond the physical journey, Elliot discusses the emotional and psychological battles he faced, including a swift descent into depression during his recovery from the pacemaker surgery. His comeback to competitive sports, choosing CrossFit and rowing, symbolises a message of hope and capability against the odds.

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In this introspective episode of Bare Chat, Jacky and Pete welcome Leicester-based artist Jack Halford, renowned for his unique fusion of psychology and microbiology in his paintings. Jack shares his artistic journey including the initial inspiration drawn from damaged cell tissues.

Delving deep into his personal history, Jack discusses overcoming the challenges of growing up with Asperger's, a diagnosis that clarified many of his early struggles. He opens up about the profound impact of losing his father, a pivotal moment that pushed him towards stoicism and physical fitness, reshaping his approach to mental and physical health.

Jack also touches on his passionate advocacy for men's mental health, inspired by his own experiences with vulnerability and societal expectations. His book "Man Up," encapsulates his thoughts on redefining masculinity and breaking the stigma surrounding male depression.

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Jacky and Pete sit down with Charlie Allen, the visionary founder of Friday Night Lights, a unique concept that blends the exhilaration of nightlife with the wholesomeness of running. Charlie discusses how his passion for both fitness and music led him to create an event where party vibes and athletic endurance collide, offering a sober alternative to traditional clubbing.

Charlie shares stories from the early days of Friday Night Lights, from its humble beginnings in a small community park to becoming a city-wide phenomenon. He opens up about the challenges of organising such unique events, the surprising moments of human connection and transformation that occur, and the vibrant community that has sprung up around these nighttime running parties.

Charlie also talks about the personal and communal impacts of Friday Night Lights, emphasising how it promotes mental health and physical well-being while providing a safe, inclusive environment free from the pressures of alcohol and drugs.

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Jacky and Pete are joined by Will Robinson, an endurance athlete whose extraordinary feats have taken him from the loops of Queen's Park to the expansive landscapes of India. Will shares his journey into running, revealing how a simple hobby evolved into an addiction to ultra-endurance sports.

Will delves into his most mind-bending experiences, including running 200 miles around a 480-meter loop in Bristol - an astounding display of mental and physical stamina. He also recounts the hallucinations that haunt him during these gruelling races, from vividly seeing a deceased person chasing him through a Scottish forest during a night bike race, to imagining a bed appearing out of nowhere.

Highlighting his dedication, Will discusses his remarkable run across India, covering 740 km in just 7 days, limited only by the annual leave from his job.

Top lad and an incredible athlete.

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Jacky and Pete welcome Raphi to the Bare Chat hot-seat to discuss her journey through the music industry. Raphi shares her unconventional entry into DJing, originally a singer and songwriter, she adapted quickly when an unexpected opportunity turned her into a DJ overnight. Her passion and quick learning led her from impromptu gigs to playing major venues in Ibiza and beyond.

Raphi talks about the challenges and pressures of maintaining authenticity in an industry dominated by social media metrics and the constant push for more content. She highlights her commitment to health and wellness amidst a hectic tour schedule, emphasising the importance of balance and self-care to sustain her creative energy.

The conversation also covers her recent initiative, Running Heads, a label that champions new artists, underscoring her dedication to giving back and nurturing new talent in the electronic music scene.

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Jacky and Pete catch up with Ed Davis, in a frank discussion about the evolution of his career and the real grind behind the glamorous facade of Ibiza's party scene. Ed shares his humble beginnings as a rogue ticket seller on the beaches of Ibiza, evolving into a relentless professional managing a marathon of 150 consecutive parties without a proper day off.

Ed opens up about the personal toll this lifestyle took on him, highlighting a turning point in 2019 when the continuous cycle of work and minimal rest led to significant health and mental challenges. He candidly discusses his journey towards incorporating fitness back into his life and finding a balance between the chaos of nightlife and his well-being.

This episode delves into the themes of authenticity and self-care within the demanding entertainment industry. Ed stresses the importance of being genuine and building a community based on trust and real connections, offering insights into personal growth and the necessity of looking after one's mental and physical health in a high-pressure environment.

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Jacky and Pete explore the transformation of clubbing culture with Geoff Kirkwood, known artistically as 'Man Power'. This episode delves into the repercussions of the 'business techno' model that prioritises profit over community, fundamentally altering the essence of clubbing.

Geoff discusses his initiative at 'King Street Social', a venue that champions the original communal spirit of the electronic music scene. This project, born out of his disenchantment with the industry's shift towards commercialisation, emphasises human connections over digital interactions, encouraging patrons to disconnect from their phones and engage more deeply with the experience.

Through candid insights, Man Power criticises the current state of electronic music, influenced heavily by corporate interests that prioritise spectacle over substance. He shares his personal shift away from relentless touring to create spaces that resonate with the authentic values of clubbing, discussing his appearances on mainstream media platforms where he advocates for the preservation of true clubbing culture.

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In this gripping episode, Jacky and Pete sit down with Alastair Stewart, who shares his tumultuous journey through the highs and lows of addiction and his eventual path to recovery. Alastair recounts his early struggles with ADHD and how his relentless pursuit of a high-flying lifestyle led him to heavy drug use and managing a nightclub, which only amplified his destructive habits.

Alastair opens up about the stark realities he faced—from near-fatal injuries to the dark solitude of using substances alone during lockdown. His turning point came when he realised he had lost the status and life he had fought so hard to maintain, leading him to seek help and ultimately achieving over two years of sobriety.

Today, Alastair is not only maintaining his sobriety but also helping others on their journeys. He co-founded Clear Minds, a hypnotherapy and meditation app/resource that has aided thousands in overcoming their struggles through the tools that helped him transform his life. His story is a powerful reminder of how embracing a new identity can radically reshape one's future, proving that change is possible, no matter the past.

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Jacky and Pete kick off a new chapter in their podcasting journey with the inaugural episode at Streamline Studios, their freshly minted recording space born out of urgent necessity. In this candid session, they share the whirlwind experience of losing their previous studio and the rapid transition to creating a new home for their beloved show & many other podcast hosts.

The duo reflects on the resilience and determination required to turn a crisis into an opportunity, highlighting how a desperate situation led to the birth of a space that already feels like home.

They also dive into personal struggles and triumphs, discussing recent turbulent times in their businesses and personal lives, and the lessons learned from these challenges.

The lads maintain their characteristic humour and deep reflections, making it not just a recount of recent events but a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of adaptability in the face of unforeseen changes.

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