This week’s episode is a big one. We’re joined by two of our good mates, Ben Ward and Ben Kirkham, for an honest conversation about growing up, stepping into fatherhood, and everything life throws at you along the way.

We catch up with Wardy after a year living in Australia, hear all about the snakes, spiders and life Down Under, while Kirky shares a raw and refreshing take on men’s mental health, social media, and the pressure to always look like you’ve got it all figured out.

And finally, the biggest news of all… Fish is just months away from becoming a dad for the very first time. From excitement and nerves to everything in between, this one’s packed with laughs, honest conversations, and a reminder that none of us really have it all worked out.

This week we’re back with a Bat & Fish Chat, it’s been a while since the two of us have sat down alone catching up on life the only way we know how… by going off on about 17 different tangents.

We chat about what we’ve been up to recently, the excitement (and disasters) of our first lads’ holidays abroad,our first jobs being accused of stealing 3k. whether England can actually bring football home, grown men in full kits, is Ben Howard a wet wipe ? and how a week of sunshine has somehow made the whole country turn in to Costa del carpark.

Plus the fish man makes a major life changing announcement.

Lee Renner is the founder of Pilgrim, but his journey started long before launching his own brand. A footwear designer by trade, Lee built his early career working with iconic names like Umbro and retailers such as JJB, gaining invaluable experience and insight into the industry that would later help shape his own business journey.

In this episode, Lee takes us back to those early days, sharing the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that influenced his path from designer to founder. We dive into the highs and lows of building a brand, the reality of taking risks, and what it takes to keep moving forward when things don't go to plan.

Lee also opens up about one of the toughest challenges of his life—his cancer diagnosis—and the resilience, mindset, and determination that helped him through it. Away from business, he's a passionate runner and a strong advocate for the growing weighted running community, and we discuss how movement, discipline, and community have played an important role in both his personal and professional life.

Jon Tye is a former Royal Air Force Vulcan bomber pilot whose career placed him at the sharp end of the Cold War. Flying the iconic Avro Vulcan as part of Britain's V-Force nuclear deterrent, Jon operated during one of the most tense and strategically significant periods in modern history, when crews stood on constant readiness for a conflict that, thankfully, never came.

Beyond the aircraft and operations, Jon reflects on how society has changed since his RAF service, offering thoughtful observations on leadership, values, resilience, and the modern world. He also recounts encounters with some of the remarkable, eccentric, and unforgettable characters he met throughout his military career—individuals whose stories help bring the RAF of that era vividly to life, plus close calls in his own career including mid air collisions and ejecting from his own aircraft.

Adding another intriguing dimension, Jon discusses a mysterious close encounter involving what appeared to be advanced and potentially classified aerospace technology, an experience that continues to raise questions decades later.

From the rugged coastline of North Wales to some of the world’s most demanding wave breaks, Phil Horrocks has built a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected windsurers. A multiple-time UK wave sailing champion and longtime competitor on the international PWA circuit, Phil is known for explosive jumping, powerful wave riding, and a relentless passion for life on the water.

Originally from Manchester and now based around Rhosneigr, Anglesey, Phil’s career has taken him from teaching watersports in Wales to competing against the world’s elite in places like Cape Town, Gran Canaria, and Maui. Along the way, he’s become a leading figure in British windsurf culture, inspiring the next generation through his dedication, authenticity, and love of the sport.

In this episode, Phil shares stories from decades chasing wind and waves, the mindset required to compete at the top level, and why the ocean still keeps him hooked after all these years.

This episode, we’re joined by friend of the pod and gym owner Luke Fidler for a deep dive into 9 years of running a successful fitness facility. We chat about the OG CrossFit era, building a loyal community, his infamous Tuesday night Instagram story antics — and to finish, we hit him with a stack of embarrassing questions submitted by his own members 😂

This week we sat down with Mark Murray, founder of mental health service provider Whysup.

Mark opened up about how Whysup grew from an idea written on a Post-it note into an organisation now working with companies, schools, and businesses across the UK, delivering training and support around mental health and addiction.

Mark also shared his own personal experience with addiction, the impact it had on him, his mental health, and his family, as well as his journey through recovery. Today, he gives back by helping others as the face of Whysup.

Paul (Pod) O’Dee is a Salford-born gym and retreat owner, and a professional combat sports coach.

After serving time in prison in his younger years, Pod opened his functional fitness and combat sports gym in Salford, which quickly became home to some of the world’s elite fighters and fitness athletes.

Over the years, the gym has remained a solid pillar of the Salford community and has welcomed many pro boxers, footballers, and sports stars for charity events. Listen to Pod talk about growing up on the hard streets of Salford, navigating time in jail, and then giving back by helping some of the area’s most deprived children lead better lives through his teachings of health and fitness, as well as his new venture to Spain, where he has just opened his retreat.

Fresh off the back of our pod with snowboard OG @theb00bytrap & feeling inspired.. we headed out to 🇫🇷,, what followed was 4 days of sun, snow and shred, but that was expected …. What we didn’t plan on was sunburn, having a scrap in a lift with some dudes, nearly missing our flight home, getting stopped by French police & 🐠 having a slash on a car wheel while we got fined 😂.

Anyway we break it all down & more, in this weeks 🦇 & 🐠 chat

Allez 🤙

This week we caught up with previous guest and friend of the pod Chris Middleton. We talk all things about his Gap year, reality tv, building his profile as a house DJ & the dangers of the manosphere. Plus general bat & fish chat around some current world affairs.