Talking Cod: a survivor’s guide to middle age

For the second episode of Season Four, we're joined by an unexpected yet pretty damn interesting guest - ChatGPT.

We tackle the complexities of technology, from the intrusive nature of notifications to the health-monitoring capabilities of our smart devices.  We discuss the need for digital detoxes, the irreplaceable element of human authenticity, and how we can better navigate our relationship with tech. 

And as we offer our take, ChatGPT chimes in using the spooky new Voice Conversation feature, bridging the gap between human opinions and machine perspectives. You've really GOT to hear this.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or want to connect, email us at [email protected].

Yup, you read that right. We're going real world. The first ever Walking Cod is coming on Friday 13th October, 2023, and we'd love you to join us.

Book your place by heading to https://walkingcod.eventbrite.co.uk now. It's free, and it's better than most things you could be doing in work on a Friday morning. That's a Cod promise.

Walking Cod

📅 Date: Friday, October 13, 2023

🕙 Time: 10:00 AM

📍 Location: The Drop Off Cafe, 42 Market St, Edenfield, Bury BL0 0JN

Step into the world of Walking Cod, our brand-new event. Join us for a refreshing outdoor experience that combines the natural beauty of Northern England with the camaraderie of fellow Talking Cod listeners.

What to Expect:

🌲 Scenic Walk: Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of the North. Our 2-hour walk will take you through breathtaking terrain that's perfect for unwinding.

🗣 Conversations: Connect with like-minded individuals, and share stories, experiences, and life's challenges along the way.

😂 Laughter: Just like the podcast, expect plenty of laughs. And we can't promise Bonkers Dave won't make an appearance.

🍽 Grub: After the walk, we'll gather over a delicious lunch or enjoy a nice slice of cake and a warm brew. It's an excellent opportunity to continue the conversations. You'll have to put your hand in your pocket for food and drink, mind.

Why Walking Cod?

Walking Cod is more than just a walk in the park; it's a chance to build connections, relax in nature, and share life's ups and downs with others.

Reserve Your Spot:

Secure your spot today and be part of the Walking Cod community. We can't wait to walk, talk, and laugh with you on Friday, October 13th. 

Friday 13th? What could possibly go wrong....?

It's the Season 4 premiere of Talking Cod, and we're back with a fresh brand plus exciting plans for our first live event, "Walking Cod." (Join us!)

But the real star of this episode is our incredible guest; 50-year-old sports industry veteran and streetwear dad, Ben Elkington.

Join us for one of our most poignant conversations to date as Ben candidly shares his remarkable recovery journey. He bravely discusses his battle with trauma, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder, highlighting the transformative power of finding the right therapist. The story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of confronting the issues that hold us back.

Discover how Ben found solace and healing in an unexpected hobby: baking bread. We explore how this simple yet profound act helped shift his perspective and nurture resilience. Don't miss this deeply moving and insightful discussion on the path to recovery and personal growth.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, please like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or connect with us, drop us an email at [email protected].

After 'Hooked on Brainthoughts' and 'Now That's What I Call Cod', it's time for the third and final instalment of our 'Best Of' series, 'Blabber Gold'.

And what a cracker it is.

We start with the sage-like legend that is Jindy Mann (Leader.Brother.Son.) as we ponder what masculinity means in modern society. With Rev Nick Bundock, we dive deep into religion and the power of community, and then New Order's Tom Chapman joins us to talk about finding fame in mid-life.

If that wasn't enough, author and writer Richard Askwith helps us understand the impact of running in later life: spoiler alert, it's really good for you, but it hurts, too. This leads us to the frankly nuts escapades of Oldham teacher Steve Hill MBE, who, when we published this episode, has just run 14 marathons in 16 days: in Costa Rica, then Tajikistan!

Sprinkled between, we take time to chat food, friendship and fatherhood.

Fearless. Frank. Funny. It's Talking Cod.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].

It's time to get back in the car, set the satnav for Memory Lane [ref: N05 7LGA], and hear some of the 'best bits' from Talking Cod, Season 2. 

We discussed thoughts on education with our good pals Dan Fitzpatrick and Ben Whitaker (aka The Edufuturists), keeping our inner chimp in check and imposter syndrome at bay. With Daniel De La Cruz (Dan The Agency Man), we chatted about the lies we construct around our personas, while financial mentor Nick Thompson provided some sage thoughts on the ever-present challenge that is money.

The legend that is Bo Stehmeier joined us once again on the subject of Big Dick (...Energy, dear reader...!), and, in true Cod style, we wrapped up chatting about our favourite grub.

Fearless. Frank. Funny. It's Talking Cod.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].

Join us on a trip down memory lane as we head back to where it all started, season 1.

We’re so pleased to bring you this compilation, there are so many great conversations here - and some mad ones, but what would you expect?

We talk about getting fit, making time in our lives for ‘random’, music's emotional connection, finding our place in our community and our families (with our first ever guest, the Oscar-winning TV supremo Bo Stehmeier), and the power of friendships. We also find time to discuss our school nicknames, and squeeze in a few impressions.

Fearless. Frank. Funny. It’s Talking Cod.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].

Two and a half years. That's how long it's been since we hit record on our first episode of Talking Cod.

It’s tempting to wonder: Were we the same people then as we are now?

As we wrap with Season Three, we took time to talk about some of the great guests we’ve had on the show recently. Rev Nick Bundock sharing spiritual wisdom, coach Jindy Mann’s new fatherhood journey, Tom Chapman from New Order talking about his path to rock stardom, and the unstoppable force of nature that is Steve Hill. 

While navigating our own, seeing their journeys has helped our personal growth - massively.

But here's the thing – while we take a moment to look back, our eyes are firmly set on the future. Season Four? We've got some plans up our sleeve that we're buzzing to share.

From where we began to where we're headed, this podcast isn't just about talking. It's about evolving, learning, and becoming stronger. And we owe a lot of that to you, our listeners, and the awesome guests who've shared our platform.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or just want to connect, email us at [email protected].

In the latest episode of Talking Cod, we delve into a profound and often overlooked principle - the Path of Least Resistance. Life invariably throws a myriad of challenges our way, but do we always need to face them head-on? Sometimes, wisdom lies not in resistance but in acceptance, not in struggling...but in letting go.

As we navigate life, deciding which battles are worth fighting is essential. Phil, Dave, and Andy share their personal experiences, where choosing to do nothing was the most challenging decision they had to make, the trials they faced, the introspection it provoked, and the peace it eventually brought.

Join us as we explore this intriguing concept and its application in our daily lives, as we ask the pivotal question: Is your aim to win every battle, or to ultimately win the war?

As always, if you enjoy the episode, do like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 

In the latest episode of Talking Cod, we welcome back an esteemed guest and newly minted father, Jindy Mann of Leader Brother Son.

Join us as we delve into the transformative journey of becoming a dad, share our cherished memories, and reflect on fatherhood's invaluable lessons.

Becoming a father is a rite of passage, filled with emotions, unexpected challenges, moments of pure joy, and - occasionally - Beef Hula Hoops...

Phil, Dave, Andy, and Jindy dive deep into this vast ocean of experiences in a heartfelt chat about what it truly means to be a dad. There are tears.

As always, if you enjoy the episode, do like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you're eager to contribute or simply want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 

Don't miss our tender exploration of fatherhood's trials, tribulations, and triumphs.

In the latest episode of Talking Cod, Phil, Dave, and Andy examine the delicate tapestry of relationships that surround us in middle age. 

As we transition through life's milestones, our family, intimate friends, and mentors often become the pillars of our identity.

Through the usually lively chat, some pretty deep anecdotes, and a dash of humour, the trio unpack how our bonds evolve and how, as our social spheres get smaller, the quality and supportiveness of these connections get deeper.

And we look at the comfort we get from knowing we have a backup when the brown stuff hits the fan. Whether it's a pat on the back or a shoulder to lean on, the 'inner circle' becomes our safe haven.

As always, if you like what you hear, don't hesitate to like, share, follow, or drop a comment. For those keen to participate or learn more, reach out to us at [email protected].