To mark the European heavyweights from Dublin's visit to Ashton gate on Sunday, former Bristol Bear and Leinster player Ian Madigan joins us for an episode packed with insights and nostalgia. 

He shares treasured memories from his time at Bristol, revealing what it was like to play under Pat Lam's leadership and how it shaped his approach to rugby. We also talk about Ian's transition to life off the field, where he's now navigating the worlds of television and marketing, and the exciting news of expecting his first child. 

Plus, Ian spills the beans on Leinster's strategies ahead of their Champions Cup face-off with the Bears, giving fans something to chew on before the big game.

And he thinks Jordie Barrett will play.

Ever wondered what goes into making a rugby commentator tick? We also discuss the art of punditry with Ian as he outlines the delicate balance between live analysis and setting expectations pre-match. Ian reflects on his journey from Bordeaux to Bristol, motivated by Pat Lam's compelling team vision, and shares insights into the changing dynamics between top leagues and the English championship. His anecdotes about building a team from the ground up offer a rare glimpse into the challenges and rewards of creating a winning dynamic, even if that meant playing in driving snow at Rotherham in front of one man and his husky.

So grab a pint of the dark stuff (Guinness or even BBF nitro stout) and join us for a stroll down memory lane as Mads takes us through unforgettable moments with the Bristol Bears, highlighting the camaraderie and mentorship that defines the sport, the competitive edge between the Pro 14 and the English Premiership, and the pressures faced by coaches in these high-stakes environments. 

As we wrap up with anticipation for the upcoming Leinster match, it's clear that the ties within the rugby community run deep, and the bonds formed on and off the pitch are what truly make the journey worthwhile. 

Cheers to the weekend and the enduring spirit of rugby!...

Up the European bears!

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Ever wondered how professional rugby players navigate the transition from one team to another while maintaining their game and sanity? 

Join us as we chat with Callum Sheedy and Dan Thomas, ex Bears who recently set up shop in Cardiff. They share what it's like to move from familiar territory, the emotional rollercoaster of starting anew, and how commuting together helps them stay connected to their roots. You'll hear a personal story or two about their first days at ther new club, the nerves, the laughs, and the camaraderie that makes rugby life worth it.

The 2021 season was a rollercoaster for the Bears, and Callum and Dan give an insight into what happened behind the scenes and candidly discuss the aftermath of the crushing semi-final loss and how it affected the team's confidence and strategic direction. These insights reveal the intricacies of professional sports, where game plans are as much about mental resilience as they are about physical prowess.

But it's not all on-field drama. Off the pitch, Callum and Dan share their unwinding rituals, from arm wrestling to unforgettable nights out. We get into the nitty-gritty of their lives beyond rugby, including amusing tales of teammates and the quirks of international selection rules. Whilst they still harbor dreams of playing for Wales, both players remind us that while rugby is a game, it's also a career filled with personal aspirations and challenges. 

Whether you're a Bears fan or just curious about the lives of top level athletes, this episode promises a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and laughs.

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What happens when you mix a makeshift dining room studio with lively rugby banter? 

You get a fun-filled episode of Bears Beyond the Gate! 

Join us as our usual podcast space at the Bristol Beer Factory Taproom is commandeered by the BBC, forcing us into the homely pod studio.

Miles shares his up-close experience from the England versus Australia clash at Twickenham but despite England's loss, the electrifying atmosphere, seamless pint access, and scrumptious street food made it a day to remember.

We also review the previous night's exhibition match vs Australia A including a light-hearted mention of the Dame Edna look-a-like cam which stole the show and ponder which international touring team could actually fill the stadium next year.

Celebrating Bristol Bears' rising stars is a must, so we (very) briefly review the two Prem Cup game as well as the recent exploits of the Bears Women team, plus, we tease our listeners with plans for future episodes and our excitement for upcoming internationals. 

So, grab a drink, sit back, and immerse yourself in the Bears Beyond the Gate experience!

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In this week’s episode we discuss the extent to which Ashton Gate is on its first steps to becoming a fortress after the first home win of the season against Saints despite our general lack of historical knowledge and the fact that the boys had to dig deep from 15-0 down.

We also analyse TNT’s official post match interview with Joe Batley as well as our own unofficial one with pod favorite AJ ‘Adge’ MacGinty.

As well as the regular ‘poet’s corner’ we introduce a new angle with ‘relatives corner’ - where current players tell us which of their relatives listen to the pod.

Finally, we run through a number of shout-outs based in various meetings with listeners and fellow Bears’ fans at location ‘in and around’ Ashton Gate.

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

Running order:

0:00

Intro

3:08

Bats and Adge’s post match interviews

12:44

Our review of the game

43:52

Poets’ corner

48:46

Relatives’ corner

51:33

Shout outs, a gentle GOAT and guerrilla marketing

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In this week's episode we re-live the agonising defeat against Sarries, who are now well established as our Ashton Gate bogey team.

We were much the better side but just couldn't put the game to bed when in front and on top. However it was a great spectacle for the 18K fans who turned up for the family day double header and long may the fast flowing and exciting rugby continue.

We talk about both games and have soundbites from James Dun, fans from both teams and also, for the first time ever, post match comments from some of the Bears Women and Head Coach Dave Ward. Be warned the sound quality is a bit fuzzy as they were all dressed in lederhosen and on a post match social in the Bristol Beer factory Taproom.

We preview the Saints game with help from our friend Tom Vickers from the Northampton Echo and finally we run through some shout outs and a few final AOBS.

Join us for a cheeky beer and some rugby banter

Running order:

0:00

Intro

4:28

James Dun

5:30

Our thoughts

29:48

Sarries and Bears fans and a limerick

34:27

Womens' game report with help from players and Dave Ward

43:05

Saints preview with Tom Vickers

1:06:27

AOBs - shout outs, Apero Bar, more Walking Rugby and a mystery job for us at the Gate on Friday

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This week the boys break down yet another away win for the Bears down at Sandy Park. 

At 32-12 down with all stats against us and only 14 minutes left on the clock, we somehow snatch victory from the jaws of defeat leaving us in dreamland and top of the table after four games.

We try to make sense of the mayhem whilst opening cans of beer and marveling at how sometimes fact is stranger than fiction.

After that we look forward to Family day next Saturday and the double header vs Sarries with help from our good friend Jez from the Saracens Supporters Club Fezcast pod. 

Finally we run through some AOBs that include travel updates, an 'anti-goat', a reminder of cocktail related discount opportunities and a shout out for the Silver Ravens, who are the Nailsea and Backwell rugby club's walking rugby team.

Join us for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter.

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We can bearly contain ourselves this week as the Boys went to the Rec on Saturday as underdogs but left it with a wholehearted Blackbird ringing in their ears. It was a game of passion, purpose and no little skill on both sides but for the 145th time in the history of this fixture the Bears were triumphant.

We break down the events at the Rec and then look forward to the next game at Chiefs with the help of SW Rugby writer John Evely. 

We've had to cut down on the acrostics this week as we have enough for an anthology, but we do read out three (plus one) and acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this burgeoning art form

It was also the start of the PWR this weekend with the Bears Women winning at Loughborough Lightnings as they aim to go one better than runners-up last year. We doff our cap to double hat-trick merchants!

Finally, we refer ourselves to the IGCC - the  Independent Goats Complaints Commission - and make a public apology to a humiliated listener....

Join Pete, Lee and Miles for a cheeky beer and a bit of rugby banter

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In this week's show Pete and Miles review the Friday night harem scarum defeat to Gloucester with help from many listener contributions and the Deputy Manager of the Bristol Bear Factory, Lewis.

It was one of those games where every single statistic was in our favour apart from the one that matters, that is, the final score and perhaps on another day we would have strolled to victory. But we didn't.

That said, the Cherry and Whites played with purpose and passion and undoubtedly forced us into frustrating errors that gifted them a lot of points. We give our views as well as comment on the general atmosphere of this season's first home game back at the Gate. Fortress or Forgettable?

The good news is that we are currently sitting third in the table but have to visit them down the road next Saturday. Are there grounds for optimism? You bet there are.

We also reveal further commercial link ups with the Apero Bar, comment on Gengey's contract extension and finish with the return of a fan favorite - what gets my goat?

There are at least four!

All this and more.

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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 on the game and forensically analyse Bennard Janse Van Rensburg's post match interview in full.

Next stop is Ashton Gate for the first renewal of the Rifles Cup and we hear from Ed Price from the Cherry Jam pod before discussing our predictions for the game. 

We also plug a brand new alcoholic drink offering that you'll see on Friday but you'll have to listen right up to the end of the pod to find out which ex-player will be setting out his stall for the faithful.

All this and more on Bristol's premier (and only) fan pod.

Up the Bears!

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