In this episode we chat to renowned gold prospector David Armstrong-Reed.

David is among the most active gold prospectors in the UK. His YouTube channel is called the 'Secret Gold Hunter' and he shares with us how he got started, the best tools, how to find the best locations and the rich history of gold prospecting the UK.

Is a gold fever coming to the UK or is it here already?

You can find David via his YouTube channel which is below

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBUjEFXOwo5DOauH3JGMR3Q

Music credit - https://dwellerhiphop.bandcamp.com/

In this episode we're joined by local business man Lee Cameron.

Lee is an ex Fire Fighter who turned his hand to fixing bikes and offering training workshops for anyone interesting in developing their bike knowledge and skills.

Lee has run Cotton Town Bikes in Darwen, Lancs for over 10 years and offers bike servicing as well as range of workshops some in association with Cycling UK.

If you're looking to get you and/or your family into the wonderful world of cycling then get in touch with Lee. He's a top bloke who can offer loads of advice and keep you on the road.

We also discuss the most important thing in biking. Are electric mountain bikes a good thing or a bad thing? ;)

Find out more from the links below

Cotton Town Bikes - https://cottontown.bike/

Cycling UK - https://www.cyclinguk.org/

Music credit - https://dwellerhiphop.bandcamp.com/

In the first 10 minutes we talk about the upcoming Darwen Valley Pram race. We're looking for teams of two to get involved but anyone can walk the 3 mile route on the 22nd April and help us raise money for a great cause.

Skip to 10 mins in the podcast to get to the main topic of this episode - CRYPTOCURRENCY. You may have heard about it already, dismissed it as a scam, had a look and decided against it or you may be a complete degen and invested heavily in digital gold.

Wherever you stand or whatever you've heard about cryptocurrency we talk about our two year journey exploring and understanding what it's all about. Nothing in this episode is financial advice but it could be the greatest opportunity to financial freedom you'll ever have!

Do your research and find out and Gav and Mike are happy to help if you have any questions post in socials!!

As always DYOR !!!!

We're back! After two years in the podcast wilderness we've brushed the cobwebs of the mics (and Gav) and got the studio set back up.

The last two years have been hard on many levels but we hope you're still hanging in there and looking at 2023 in a positive way.

In this episode we talk to Si Donnelly founder of Talk Ourselves Well (links below) as Christmas and NY is a difficult time for many....we also announce a great initiative that many of you could get involved with - something to bring a little community spirit and fun and frolicking into your lives this year.

Listen on Hot Podders......it's good to be back!

Talk Ourselves Well - Facebook

Talk Ourselves Well - Instagram

Music credit - https://dwellerhiphop.bandcamp.com/

We're joined by the team (Tom & Mark) at Cuckoo Gin to find out what lockdown has been like and how they have adapted and continued to provide their finest beverages to the nation. It's so hard for a lot of small businesses right now but we love what Cuckoo have done through their socials like virtual tours and make your own cocktails on FB live. They've been down to earth and authentic throughout the pandemic and it's made a big difference!

This approach has really worked as they've connected with loads of new customers up and down the country and managed to increase their online and delivery services. It's been and continues to be hard work but with lockdown easing, the plans they've got to open up the Nest and get the distillery tours and pop up restaurants up and running again is surely going to excite the Cuckoo community.

Find out more here https://www.brindledistillery.co.uk/

Music credit - https://dwellerhiphop.bandcamp.com/

We're back after a bit of break, global pandemics and all that!

In this virtual podcast we're joined by Ste Walker and James Niven, founders of the Facebook group called Northwest Single Parents Group for positivity and socialising. The group has been going from strength to strength and we chat about how the group has supported single parents all over the North West during this really difficult time. From everything from home schooling to bubbles to online discos we've got it covered.

Being a single parent can be hard and lonely at the best of times but with lockdown taking us to new levels of isolation, it was great to hear all the things that lads have been up to supporting the group and providing a lifeline to many.

If you want to find out more and get involved then check out the link and request to join the group.

Facebook Group

Music credit - Dweller Official

In this episode we hit the road for the first ever "Lancashire Hot Pod on Tour".

We visit The East Lancashire Hospice and speak to members of the team and volunteers including two young lads called Jack & Tom. These two lads have single handedly raised over £30K for the hospice.

You can follow the boys and their antics through their Just Giving page here

The hospice plays such an important role in the Lancashire community and whilst there is sadness, there is such a sense of joy and positivity from who ever you speak to.

It has made and continues to make a big difference in people's lives whether you are affected first hand by illness or it's a loved one.

The hospice needs to raise £2.5 million each year in order to provide the services it offers. Please find out more about them and the events they do and show any support whether that be time and volunteering or giving any financial support possible.

It is wonderful place and we're sure the podcast will bring this to life.

To find out more, follow the hospice

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

If you want to get in touch regarding volunteering or getting involved or organising any events please get in touch with Sharon directly

[email protected]

Thanks for listening.

Music credit - Dweller Official

We're joined by Si Donnelly in this episode to talk about a really important subject, mental health.

Si has recently set up a Facebook group called Talk Ourselves Well following a the deaths of two of his close friends. Suicide in the UK is at a 16 year high amongst boys & men and under 25 yr old women.

The way we live our lives, interact with technology, use drugs or use social media are all contributing factors but the biggest way and first step to get help is to talk to someone.

It can be easier said than done however Si believes that the group can provide help, support and advice to anyone who is suffering or know's someone who is struggling with their own mental health. It's a community group to provide help and support to the community and also have a 'family' aspect to it as well.

The conversations ranges from the causes of mental health, to Si's extensive experience in supporting vulnerable people including children and ways in which people can get help and what YOU can do to help others. There are events being organised to raise money for local mental health charities and it's a great opportunity to support an important initiative in the community.

If you're looking for help or know someone who needs help., please sign up to the group and connect with others and check out the resources below

Facebook group Talk ourselves Well

Instagram Talk ourselves Well

And other resources available

Young Minds

Kooth

Stem4

Place 2 Be

Childline

Papyrus

Grassroots (suicide prevention)

Bee prepared for an experience like no other !! In this episode we're joined by Simon and Kath (aka the Drone and the Queen Bee) from The Bee Centre

They have been creating a buzz about bees for over 12 years, since Simon bought Kath a Bee Experience voucher which set off an amazing chain of events which has led to them now having around 10 MILLION BEES in their hives and across Lancashire.

They have created an amazing world of bees at Samlesbury Hall in Preston and run workshops, bee keeping courses, sell bee keeping equipment and have even invented their own bee hives. Not to mention make some of the tastiest honey ever made, Winnie the Pooh would be in his element.

Both Kath and Simon were amazing guests, so knowledgeable and passionate about bees and the work they have done in and around Lancashire to support & nurture local bees and bee keeping is fantastic. The importance of bees in the local ecosystem cannot be underestimated and they also work with local schools as well as do team building days using bees as real life examples and have diversified in to new products and services.

You have got to listen to this episode, you will not BEE disappointed.

Follow them on social below

@TheBeeCentre (Twitter)

The Bee Centre (Facebook)

The Bee Centre (Instagram)

The Bee Centre (website)

Music credit - Dweller Official

Last year we invited George from The WoodsCo-Op420.com to talk about CBD (Cannabidiol) hitting the mainstream. You can listen here.

George had just opened his shop in Darwen, Lancashire and we wanted to catch up with him again to see if CBD has really hit the mainstream.

You can't go in to a garage or off licence of any health shop now without seeing a range of CBD products from powder, to capsules to oils.

George talks us through how the shop and the products he stocks has evolved over the last 12 months; And how his customers have benefited not just from CBD products but his expertise in terms of healthy living and "The Good Life".

George grows his own vegetables, is vastly knowledgeable about diet and how not only CBD but other more harder to come by health products such as Moringa Powder & Shalajit can support diet, recovery and provide relief for many ailments.

Check out the episode and check out the shop

You can also follow George on social media below for pics and product reviews

Facebook

Instagram

Music credit - Dweller Official