Tall Boy Radio

Pull up a stool and get comfortable! In this episode of Tall Boy Radio, Beans sits down with Thomas Vosper, the author and historian behind the acclaimed series of books on Historic Pub Crawls.

Thomas has spent years documenting the architecture, folklore, and liquid history of the UK’s most iconic watering holes. Today, he shares that wealth of knowledge with us as we dive deep into the culture of the Great British Boozer.

• The State of the Pub: We tackle the sobering reality of the challenges facing our local pubs today—from rising costs to changing social habits—and why preserving these "community living rooms" is more important than ever.

• Walking Through History: Thomas takes us on a verbal tour of some of his favorite historic routes, sharing stories of highwaymen, literary legends, and the ancient ales that fueled them.

• The Ultimate Road Trip: Beans is joined by his cousin Beau this May for an ambitious, epic pub crawl spanning from London to Edinburgh. Thomas weighs in with expert advice on how to survive the long trek, which "must-see" historic stops they can't afford to miss, and how to pace oneself when the route is hundreds of miles long.

• What’s Next for Thomas: We get an exclusive look at his upcoming projects and where his research is taking him next.

Whether you're a craft beer connoisseur, a history buff, or someone who just loves a good local, this episode is a celebration of the heritage found at the bottom of a pint glass.

"A pub isn't just a place to drink; it’s a living museum of the British soul." — Thomas Vosper

Follow Thomas Vosper: Check out his latest books on historic pub routes at all major retailers and from Thomas' website

Historic Pub Crawls

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Get ready to plunge into the fascinating world of magnet fishing! This week on Tall Boy Radio, we're joined by the incredibly keen and successful magnet fisherman, Lewis Bright, who you might know better as @callmemagnetic on Instagram.

If you've ever been curious about the hobby of treasure hunting using a powerful magnet, this episode is your perfect introduction! Lewis dives deep, giving us the essential hints and tips for anyone looking to get started. He covers the necessary gear, safety precautions, and the best places to drop your line and see what treasures lurk beneath the surface.

But that's not all—Lewis shares some of his most memorable and favourite finds, including everything from forgotten tools and relics to some truly shocking discoveries. Prepare to be amazed (and a little nervous!) as he recounts finding numerous explosive items during his expeditions.

Lewis isn't just a hobbyist; he's a passionate advocate for the sport. Hear how he’s continuing to build his social media following to further promote the engaging and rewarding hobby of magnet fishing and treasure hunting to a wider audience.

• Key Topics:

  • The basics of magnet fishing: what you need and how to start.

  • Essential safety tips (especially when dealing with unexpected finds!).

  • Recounting incredible and dangerous historical finds.

  • Using social media to champion a unique hobby.

Don't miss out on this magnetic conversation! Follow Lewis's adventures on Instagram @callmemagnetic and be sure to check out what he pulls up next!

instagram.com/callmemagnetic

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Get ready for one of the most fascinating episodes of Tall Boy Radio yet! Hosts Beans and Gaz are honored to welcome a true veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kenneth Strange.

In this deep-dive conversation, Ken gives us an unparalleled look behind the curtain of his distinguished career, offering insights that feel ripped straight from a thriller novel. We start by exploring his work in Counter-Terrorism, discussing the realities of the threat landscape before the pivotal events of 9/11 and how the bureau operated in a less-publicized era of domestic and international security.

But the conversation takes some truly unexpected turns as Ken recounts some of the more unusual cases he was tasked with—the kind of assignments that stretch the imagination and challenge the very definition of law enforcement.

The highlight of the episode, however, might just be Ken's incredible firsthand account of what it was like to have Hollywood royalty in the classroom. Ken shares stories from his time at the FBI Academy when a young Jodie Foster was embedded with his training group, meticulously studying for her iconic role as Clarice Starling in the blockbuster film The Silence of the Lambs. He reveals the surprising level of detail and dedication she brought to the preparation, and the impact her presence had on the trainees.

Finally, we discuss the transition from badge to book, delving into the compelling works Ken has written since leaving the FBI, and how his real-world experiences continue to inform his storytelling.

Prepare to be captivated by a life spent in service, secrecy, and fascinating detail. You won't want to miss this one!

Visit Ken's blog at

Publishing New Book: “A Cop's Son” – Kenneth Strange Jr

Pick up Ken's book - A Cop's son

A Cop’s Son: One G-Man's Fight Against Jihad, Global Fraud and the Cartels eBook : Strange Jr., Kenneth: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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🧠 The Impossible Questions: Gaz Takes the Hot Seat!

Get ready for an episode that will truly test the limits of general knowledge—and Gaz's patience! In this highly anticipated annual segment, Beans dusts off his notepad to pose his famously perplexing, completely random, and borderline impossible questions to Gaz.

This isn't your average pub quiz; these are the queries designed to make even the smartest Tall Boy sweat. From the deepest corners of the universe to the most complex aspects of human biology, no topic is off-limits. Can Gaz navigate the minefield of mind-benders and prove he's still the sharpest tool in the shed? Or will he crash and burn spectacularly?

The lads dive headfirst into a whirlwind of intellectual challenges, including:

• 🌌 Astrophysics & The Cosmos: Gaz is confronted with questions about the scale of the universe and its most mysterious phenomena. Get ready for some wild guesses from the kids in the nebulae!

• 🧬 Chromosomal Conundrums: A deep-dive into the complex functionality of the human brain. Which specific chromosomes are responsible for controlling our intellect and function? Gaz will have to put his biology hat on for this one!

• 🎨 Art & Culture: From obscure historical movements to modern masters, Beans throws some curveballs from the art world. Will Gaz recognize a Renaissance painting from a modern abstract piece?

• 🍕 And, of course... PIZZAS: It wouldn't be a Tall Boy Radio quiz without the most crucial category of all. Expect fiery debate on toppings, crusts, and the philosophical implications of a well-made Margherita.

Join the laughter as Gaz struggles, strategizes, and occasionally stumbles through the quiz. Hear his increasingly desperate reasoning, the truly baffling answers he conjures up, and the merciless scoring from Beans. It's an episode packed with the classic Tall Boy banter you love, proving that sometimes, the journey of guessing is far funnier than the answer itself!

Tune in for Episode 311—It's time to see if Gaz is a genius... or just incredibly lucky!

🔬 Topics Under the Microscope:🤣 A Hilarious Battle of Witstallboyradio.com

Join hosts Beans and Gaz for a thrilling and unfiltered journey back into the heart of New York's gritty, demanding, and unforgettable 1970s. For this episode, we are once again immensely privileged to welcome back the legendary Ret Lt Cmdr Vernon J. Geberth to share more jaw-dropping stories from his decades-long, decorated career in law enforcement.

This time, the conversation shifts to Lt. Cmdr. Geberth's formative and intense years working within the Narcotics division. Geberth pulls back the curtain on what it was truly like to patrol and work the streets of Harlem during this volatile era—a time marked by both cultural revolution and stark, unrelenting street crime.

Prepare to be captivated as Geberth recounts the seismic event of the 1977 New York City Blackout. He provides a visceral, first-hand account of the chaos, the widespread riots, and the explosive surge in crime that gripped the city and specifically his precinct. We hear about the harrowing demands placed on officers, the impossible decisions made in the moment, and the pure grit required to maintain order when the lights—and the social fabric—went out.

Beyond the streets, Geberth dives into the frustrating, yet all-too-common, reality of dealing with incompetence from above. He details the bureaucratic hurdles, the ill-informed directives, and the political pressures that often hampered effective police work. Yet, as always with Vernon J. Geberth, this is a story of ultimate triumph. Hear how he and his team navigated the internal politics, relied on their street-level intelligence, and ultimately succeeded in their vital mission, proving that dedication and smart policing can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

This is more than a true-crime story—it's an essential history lesson from a man who lived and shaped it. You won't want to miss a second of this incredible conversation.

Available wherever you get your podcasts.

• Topics Covered: 1970s Harlem, NYC Narcotics Division, 1977 Blackout, Riots and Crime Wave, Police Bureaucracy, Law Enforcement History.

Pick up Vernon's book "The Godfather of Homicide" on Amazon

THE GODFATHER OF HOMICIDE: VERNON J. GEBERTH A COP'S COP eBook : Cardillo, Vince: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

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Get ready for an episode that is as packed and colourful as a tin of festive chocolates! This week on Tall Boy Radio, your hosts Gaz and Beans are diving headfirst into one of the most anticipated beer releases of the year: Vault City Brewery's "Quaffable Treats" collection. That's five unique, decadent sour and stout beers, each one themed on a classic Quality Street chocolate!

We go can-by-can, giving our honest, unfiltered thoughts on whether these brews truly capture the spirit of the iconic sweet treats. Will the Gold Standard imperial stout be worth its name? Does the Orange Chocolate Crunch truly crackle? Tune in for the definitive taste test that will either delight your palate or leave you desperately searching for a glass of water.

After the sugar rush, we're taking a nostalgic look back at the biggest highlights that made 2025 a truly unforgettable year for the podcast. We revisit some of our most fascinating interviews and madcap segments, including:

• The Lou Ferrante Phenomenon: Relive the best moments from our powerful conversation with the former Gambino crime family associate and author, as he shared wisdom and raw stories from 'The Life.'

• Celebrity Wine Warriors: We pour over the hilarious highs and lows of our celebrity wine taste test—which star's vintage lived up to the hype, and which one tasted like a regrettable decision?

• The Final Trace Crossover: Hear the standout clips from when we welcomed Hopper Daley of The Final Trace podcast, discussing all things true crime, cold cases, and the art of podcasting.

Finally, we turn our eyes to the future and lay out our big, ambitious plans for Tall Boy Radio in 2026. From new segments and guests to bigger, bolder topics, we share what you can expect in the new year.

But then, things get very interesting. Mid-discussion, the Tall Boy Radio hotline lights up, and a mysterious offer comes through live on air for a major outside broadcast opportunity! Listen in as Gaz and Beans react in real-time to an offer that could change the future of the podcast forever. Will they take the plunge? Don't miss this genuinely surprising, end-of-episode cliffhanger!

Tap In. Tune Out. Get Tall.

⭐ The Best of 2025: A Look Back at a Blockbuster Year🚀 Look Ahead to 2026: A Live, Unexpected Offer!tallboyradio.com

🚨 Tall Boy Radio hosts Beans and Gaz crack open a cold one for one of their most compelling and intense conversations yet, welcoming special guest Jenn Benjamins!

Jenn is the founder of the Undercover TRaining firm Covert Blue LLC and is a true law enforcement legend, having retired as a Sergeant from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. She takes us deep inside the shadows of Sin City, sharing extraordinary, unfiltered stories from her time as an undercover detective investigating vice. Get ready for a rare look behind the glitz and glamour into the gritty realities of policing Las Vegas.

But the conversation takes a somber and profound turn as Jenn recounts her harrowing first-hand experience of the 2017 Mandalay Bay shooting. She was present on the strip when the gunman opened fire from the 22nd floor of the hotel, and she shares her perspective as an on-duty officer thrust into chaos. Listen as she details the immediate aftermath, the critical decisions made under unthinkable pressure, and the immense mental and emotional toll of surviving one of the deadliest mass shootings in modern American history.

This is a powerful, candid, and often gripping episode that goes beyond the headlines, offering respect, insight, and a deep look at resilience in the face of danger. You won't want to miss this essential chat with a genuine everyday hero.

• 🎙️ Inside Undercover Vice: Hear Jenn's incredible stories from her years investigating vice as a Las Vegas undercover detective.

• 👮‍♀️ Rising Through the Ranks: Discussing her journey from the streets of Vegas to retiring as a Sergeant.

• 🤯 First-Hand Account: A raw, visceral retelling of her experience of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino during the 2017 shooting.

• 💙 Covert Blue LLC: Learning about her transition to a security and consulting role after retirement.

Grab a beer, kick back, and let's chat!

Check out Covert Blue LLC here :

Covert Blue Training

Check out Jenn and Covert Blue LLC on Instagram :

(3) Instagram

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🧲 Tall Boy Radio is back with another dive into the extraordinary! Hosts Beans and Gaz crack open a cold one and are joined by special guest, the celebrated magnet fisher Matt Sibley. If you thought fishing was just for catching carp, prepare to have your mind blown as Matt unveils the fascinating, often surprising, and sometimes dangerous world of magnet fishing.

Matt takes us on a journey through his muddy, metal-detecting adventures, sharing the highs and lows of his unique hobby. From historical treasures to bizarre everyday objects, you'll hear first-hand accounts of the most incredible finds he's hauled out of rivers, canals, and ponds across the country. What's the biggest, oldest, or strangest thing to ever latch onto his powerful magnet? Tune in to find out!

Thinking of giving it a go? Matt provides invaluable advice on the essential equipment you'll need to start your own aquatic treasure hunt, from the right type of magnet and rope to the often-overlooked safety gear. He also generously shares the rookie mistakes to avoid, saving listeners the embarrassment (and potential danger) of a failed first attempt.

It’s not all fun and games! The guys get serious as Matt discusses the real dangers involved in magnet fishing, particularly when operating near open waters. He details the crucial safety precautions every magnet fisher must take, including what to do when you encounter truly unsettling or hazardous items—like unexploded ordnance! .

Grab a tall one, kick back, and prepare for a captivating conversation that will make you look at your local waterway in a whole new, metal-detecting light!

Check out Matt's Tik Tok

Magnetboyz_History🦅 (@magnetboyz_history) | TikTok

Use Matt's discount code MAGNETBOYZ10 to get 10% off your equipment below

Magnetar Magnets® - Magnet Fishing - Strong Neodymium Magnets

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The boys are back on the juice! This week, Beans and Gaz put their palates (and livers) to the ultimate test as they wade into the weird and wonderful world of Celebrity Wines. But they're not going it alone! Joining the tasting panel for this grape-fueled gauntlet is Beans' own brother, Jon, who brings his unique brand of... wisdom to the table.

Prepare for an unpretentious, hilarious, and potentially ill-informed journey through four bottles with some very famous faces on the labels. The lineup is as star-studded as a Hollywood afterparty:

1. Dolly Parton's Rose: Will this wine be as sweet and charming as the Queen of Country herself? Expect a full analysis of the Jolene energy.

2. Gordon Ramsay's Pinot Grigio: Will the famously fiery chef's white be a delicious triumph, or a bleeping raw disaster? Don't worry, there'll be plenty of amateur critiques.

3. Miraval Studio Rose (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie): From the vineyard that launched a thousand headlines, is this Provence Rose still a symbol of amour or just a relic of a legendary tête-à-tête? The boys sniff out the celebrity drama in every glass.

4. Iron Maiden's Darkest Red: Can a band known for blood, sweat, and heavy metal successfully bottle up the perfect blend of rock 'n' roll? Get ready to raise your horns... and a glass of something heavy.

Each wine will be rigorously Tall Boy Radio-style tested, scored out of ten based on taste, bouquet, label design, and general vibe, before the trio crown their Celebrity Wine Champion!

Will a multi-millionaire chef beat a country music icon? Does a divorce-fueled rosé reign supreme? Or will the Dark Lord of Heavy Metal wine leave the rest in the dust? Tune in to find out which famous fermentation is worth your hard-earned cash!

Grab a glass, settle in, and prepare for the most honest (and least sophisticated) wine review you’ll ever hear!

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You’ve booked the trip, you’re looking forward to a week of sun, sea, and relaxation... but how safe are you actually on a cruise ship?

In this eye-opening and powerful episode of Tall Boy Radio, hosts Beans and Gaz are joined by Jamie Barnett, a passionate advocate for victims of crime on cruise ships and the founder of the International Cruise Victims Association.

Jamie shares her deeply personal and tragic journey that led her to advocacy—the devastating loss of her daughter, Ashley, on a cruise ship in 2005 under mysterious circumstances. Jamie's story is one of a mother's relentless quest for truth and justice in the face of a system that often seems designed to protect the cruise lines over the passengers.

We dive into the pressing questions:

• Why don't we hear about these crimes? Jamie exposes the industry's complex jurisdictional loopholes, the lack of transparency, and why cruise lines often go to great lengths to conceal incidents.

• What are the true dangers and statistics? We discuss the unsettling reality of crime on the high seas, from sexual assault to disappearances, and the complications of investigation when a ship is in international waters.

• We discuss the popular Netflix docuseries Amy Bradley is Missing, in which Jamie appeared, and the ongoing, unsolved mystery of Amy's 1998 disappearance.

• What can you do to keep yourself safe? From being aware of your surroundings to the very real dangers of alcohol in a cruise environment, Jamie offers essential advice for anyone considering a cruise holiday.

This is a must-listen episode that strips away the glitz of the cruise industry and shines a harsh light on the need for accountability and passenger safety. Tune in to hear the crucial information the industry doesn't want you to know and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Please check out the International Cruiser Victims website

Home - International Cruise Victims

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