Zoo keeping looks magical from the outside — but behind the scenes are emotional battles most people never see. In this conversation, Lewis Kross sits down with zookeeper Chad to explore the realities of animal care, the heartbreak of loss, and the deep bonds formed with the animals he works with. This honest discussion highlights the resilience, compassion, and strength required to work in wildlife management — and the emotional aftermath that comes with it.

This podcast is for educational and conversational purposes only. Any views expressed about animal care, wildlife management, or zoo-keeping practices are based on individual experience and should not be considered professional or institutional guidance.

Lewis Kross sits down with Michael Steer — known to many from Channel 4’s Educating Yorkshire — for an honest and heartfelt conversation about teaching, learning, and the future of education. With over 24 years in the classroom, Michael reflects on the real work of an educator: inspiring curiosity, building trust, and helping young people find their place in the world.

They explore why a love for learning matters far more than exam scores, how the current system fails students on the edges of the bell curve, and why mental health pressures on teachers have never been higher. The discussion moves through experiential learning, the limitations of standardised testing, the role of AI and technology in classrooms, and the importance of preparing young people for real life rather than just hitting grades.

This is a deep, human, and necessary conversation about what education could be — and the teachers fighting to make it better.

This podcast features personal opinions and lived experiences. It is not intended as professional educational, psychological, or legal advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding decisions related to schooling, mental health, or child welfare.

Seb Smart joins Lewis Kross to trace his journey from the rugged surf breaks of Cornwall to the inner worlds shaped by consciousness, creativity, and chaos.

They dive into the realities of addiction and recovery, the healing and spiritual nature of surfing, and how art became Seb’s outlet for expressing what he couldn’t put into words. From near-death experiences to personal transformation, Seb opens up with raw honesty about the moments that shaped him.

The conversation moves through psychedelics, DMT experiences, UFO encounters, ancient mysteries, government secrecy, and the search for purpose in a world that often feels unmoored. A deep, human, and unfiltered exploration of life, death, meaning, and the strange beauty of being alive.

This podcast discusses psychedelics, consciousness, and drug policy from personal and cultural perspectives. Nothing in this episode is medical, psychological, or legal advice. Psychedelic substances remain illegal in many countries and can pose risks, especially without proper support or context. Always follow the law and consult qualified professionals for matters related to mental health or substance use.

In this powerful episode of the Cut The Sh*t Podcast, Lewis Kross reconnects with Erica Siegel — 16 years after their paths first crossed — to explore the intersection of psychedelics, healing, and community in a rapidly changing world.

Erica shares her journey working with psychedelic-assisted therapy, the importance of informed consent, and how set, setting, and integration shape transformative experiences. Together, they dive deep into the commercialization of psychedelics, the spiritual connection between nature and consciousness, and the role of authenticity, belonging, and emotional discipline in personal growth.

This conversation moves beyond the hype to examine what healing really means, and why community, education, and connection are more vital now than ever.

🎧 Full episode available now on Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere else.

The Cut The Sh*t Podcast does not promote or encourage the use of illegal substances. This episode is intended for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. Always seek professional medical advice before engaging in any therapeutic or psychedelic practices. The experiences and opinions shared are personal and do not constitute medical or psychological guidance.

In this episode of the Cut The Sh*t Podcast, Lewis Kross sits down with Avry Truex, a country and folk artist whose songwriting is fuelled by raw honesty, resilience, and the relentless need to create.

They explore the madness behind creativity, how sobriety and solitude shaped Avry’s perspective, and why music and storytelling remain the truest forms of expression. From chasing meaning to embracing the chaos, this conversation dives deep into what it really means to live an artistic life.

In this episode of the Cut The Sh*t Podcast, Lewis Kross sits down with Doran Binder, known as The Bearded Water Sommelier, for an eye-opening conversation about hydration, discipline, and the hidden truths behind what we drink.

Doran shares his journey from everyday life to becoming one of the UK’s most respected voices in natural spring water, explaining how minerals, purity, and balance affect our body and mind far more than we realise.

They dive deep into topics like sobriety, fasting, the impact of alcohol, and how routine and discipline shape both mental and physical health. From tap water misconceptions to the healing power of mineral-rich spring water, this episode challenges what we think we know about hydration and well-being.

In this episode of the Cut The Sh*t Podcast, Lewis Kross sits down with Jackson to have an open, honest conversation about what masculinity really means in today’s world.

They dive deep into accountability, purpose, and the loss of rites of passage that once helped boys become men. The discussion touches on how shame and guilt often lie beneath anger, how disrespect shapes identity, and why the absence of true masculine guidance is leaving men directionless.

Jackson and Lewis also explore the balance between masculine and feminine energy, the role of community and brotherhood, and how authentic connection and fear can become powerful tools for personal growth.

This episode challenges stereotypes around toxic masculinity, celebrates emotional strength, and reminds men that leadership starts from within.

#CutTheShitPodcast #LewisKross #Masculinity #MensMentalHealth #Accountability #Brotherhood #Purpose #Authenticity #Relationships #RitesOfPassage #PersonalGrowth #ToxicMasculinity #MindsetMatters #Spirituality #ModernMan #PodcastUK #RealConversations #SpotifyPodcasts #YouTubePodcasts

In this episode of the Cut The Sh*t Podcast, Lewis Kross sits down with Jake Swindells — Adventurer, Hunter, Fisherman and Digital Creator — to talk about the power of the great outdoors to change how we see life.

They unpack the lessons learned through hunting, fishing, and adventure, and how connecting with nature builds mental resilience, purpose, and clarity. From outdoor education and conservation ethics to the realities of renewable energy, spearfishing, and the rise of outdoor influencers, Jake and Lewis explore what it means to live authentically in an age of distraction.

Jake opens up about coping with loss, fatherhood, and the ways adventure has forced him to reevaluate life choices. This is a grounded, honest conversation about personal growth, decision-making through experience, and the therapeutic benefits of nature.

🎧 Full episode out now on Spotify & YouTube — tune in and reconnect with what really matters.

Jake Swindells, adventurer, hunter, fisherman, digital creator, outdoor adventures, personal growth, nature connection, outdoor education, conservation, hunting ethics, renewable energy, spearfishing, adventure lifestyle, mental resilience, coping with loss, outdoor activities, extreme sports, therapeutic benefits of nature, Cut The Sh*t Podcast

#CutTheShitPodcast #JakeSwindells #LewisKross #Adventurer #Hunter #Fisherman #DigitalCreator #OutdoorAdventures #NatureConnection #PersonalGrowth #OutdoorEducation #Conservation #HuntingEthics #Spearfishing #AdventureLifestyle #MentalResilience #CopingWithLoss #ExtremeSports #TherapeuticNature #MindsetMatters #GetOutside #RealConversations #PodcastUK #SpotifyPodcasts #YouTubePodcasts

In this deep-dive conversation, Adrian Rose, Mycologist, Master medicinal herbalist, bushcraft instructor and community educator, joins Lewis Kross to explore the remarkable world of mushrooms, wellness and our human connection to nature.

From forest floors to lab benches, Adrian has spent years studying how fungi can transform the way we think about health, healing and consciousness. Together they unpack the history, science and future of mushrooms, from lion’s mane for cognitive health and turkey tail’s immune-boosting power, to cordyceps for energy and the therapeutic promise of psilocybin.

The discussion goes far beyond supplements. Adrian and Lewis talk about government overreach, education and the growing movement of citizen science challenging outdated regulations. They explore the cultural shift around psychedelics, the controversy over mushroom bans in the UK, and how communities can reclaim ancient knowledge that modern systems have long ignored.

Expect honesty, humour and a few wild theories along the way, from panspermia and the origins of life to mycelium as the planet’s hidden network. This episode isn’t about selling quick fixes; it’s about re-learning how nature works and how much we still don’t know.

Key Themes:
Mushrooms • Medicinal fungi • Wellness • Bushcraft • Outdoor education • Lion’s mane • Turkey tail • Cordyceps • Psilocybin • Citizen science • Government regulation • Natural medicine • Extraction methods • Cultural perceptions • Historical uses • Panspermia • Environmental healing

Content Advisory:
This episode includes discussions of psychedelic substances and natural medicines that may be restricted or illegal in some regions. Listener discretion is advised.

Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Any reference to psychedelic or alternative therapies is purely anecdotal and not an endorsement of illegal activity. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions related to your physical or mental health.

In this wide-ranging and brutally honest conversation, Tom Pickup, a local councillor with Reform UK, joins Lewis Kross to cut through the noise of modern politics and talk about what’s really going on at the ground level.

From media manipulation to local government inefficiency, immigration, digital ID, and the housing crisis — nothing is off the table. Tom opens up about the frustrations of trying to create real change inside a system that often feels designed to fail.

The conversation dives into the polarization of UK politics, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and how transparency and accountability are critical for rebuilding trust between voters and politicians. Tom speaks openly about the realities of local governance, financial mismanagement, and the daily struggles of serving communities while navigating red tape and bureaucracy.

We also explore the digital ID debate and its implications for civil liberties, the impact of immigration and asylum policies on local areas, and the state of local journalism struggling under financial pressure. Through humour, honesty, and hard truths, Tom and Lewis discuss what it takes to stay grounded, communicate effectively, and actually make a difference in a political landscape that’s increasingly disconnected from everyday people.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind closed doors in local politics, or how much influence the media really has over the national narrative, this episode will make you question what you think you know about democracy in the UK.

Key Themes:
Politics • Media influence • Immigration • Digital ID • Reform UK • Local governance • Accountability • Transparency • Youth in politics • Cultural differences • Renewable energy • Housing crisis • Community engagement • HMOs • Government efficiency • Public trust • Political reform

Content Advisory:
This episode includes frank discussions on immigration, government accountability, and the challenges facing local communities. Listener discretion is advised if political debate or sensitive social issues may cause distress.

Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organisation or political party. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as legal, political, or professional advice. All discussions around policy, governance, or public issues are based on personal experience and interpretation. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek additional sources before drawing conclusions.