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/

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/

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 !!!!

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/

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/

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

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

Sharon.Crymble@eastlancshospice.org.uk

Thanks for listening.

Music credit - Dweller Official

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)

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

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

We're off to a flying start at the hot pod as we introduce comedy star Lewis Costello as our 1st guest of 2020.

Lewis Costello is an English comedian, writer, and actor. Lewis began his comedy career at the tender age of just 15 and now just over 10 years later he has a string of accomplishments to his name.

Fresh off his first tour, Lewis talks to us about his experiences as a young comedian, the great gigs and the flops, his hop hop roots, his unique ability as a story teller and his plans for his first one man show at Edinburgh fringe this year.

The future is bright for Lewis so join us and give it a listen and get an injection of the Lewis Costello experience.

You can find out more at

website - Lewis Costello Website

Twitter - @LewisCostello

Facebook - Lewis Costello

For enquiries and bookings contact

lewis@lewiscostello.co.uk

Fast forward a few decades and the science and research have shown massive physical and mental benefits that floatation pods can provide.

There are now more floatation centres across the UK and we have our very own in Preston, Lancashire. The Mandala Flotation Centre

We Invited owner, Paul Burrows on to the hot pod to talk about our own experience (you can watch the video here) and to dig deeper in to the science and heath benefits and how floatation pods work and can be used to help recovery and treat certain ailments and conditions.

Paul is a really knowledgeable chap and we loved talking about this as it's a really interesting subject. Paul has also kindly offered anyone who books a float and mentions the Lancashire hot pod a whopping 20% off the price! You can contact Paul and team here

If you're interested in learning more check out these great resources. Happy floating!

https://www.clinicalfloatation.com/publications

https://floatconference.com/videos/

and follow them via

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Music Credit - Dweller

https://dwellerofficial.bandcamp.com/

Natasha and Scott have won awards for their work and are two of the most talented film makers in Lancashire if not the UK. They candidly talk about their journey in to film making and how Northern Heart films came about, their early years in film making and the exciting projects they are now working on.

The future is bright for this talented pair of story tellers and if you want to find out more, explore an idea or have a story you want bringing to life....

Follow & connect with them on social and why not get in touch with them and have a brew...

Happy listening.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Music Credit - https://dwellerofficial.bandcamp.com/

http://www.brindledistillery.co.uk/

Tom joins us to tell the heart warming story of the award winning Cuckoo Gin. How it came to be and how it's gone from an idea and a cow shed in the middle of a farm in Lancashire; to a thriving business supporting the local economy, making Brindle a tourist destination and creating some of the best tasting gin in the WORLD!

We know coz we've tried it but also the accolades and awards speak for themselves...

As well as being our #1 fan, Tom and the crew are some of the most passionate people you could meet who have taken an idea and worked their socks off to turn that idea in to a reality. Not only creating 4 amazing and unique gins using all their own home grown ingredients, but also opening their doors for distillery tours (the workshop) and opening their very own micro pub "The Cuckoo's Nest" .

Each gin has a story behind it, with their most recent gin created from a family health issue but finishing with a heart warming ending with Cuckoo Gins raising over £25K for charity Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, as well as raising a cowshed load of awareness!

If you love gin, love Lancashire and want to support our local economy, listen to the podcast, buy the gin and visit the Distillery - get your Cuckoo on......

Music Credit - https://dwellerofficial.bandcamp.com/

This is the wonderful tagline for Lanx Shoes, who design proper shoes for men and women right in the middle of the Lancashire countryside. 

In this episode, we're joined by Lanx founder, Marv (check out his bio, he's one interesting dude) who talks to us about where his passion for shoes comes from and how he nurtured this passion on his travels around the world from concept to design and the ups / downs of running a start up business. 

Marv's sole purpose is to make beautiful shoes with international influence using locally sourced materials with designs including the Lancashire rose and the ballsy British White bull. 

They really are a thing of beauty and it's a wonderful and fascinating story that is filled with adventure and inspiration. If you haven't had a look at Lanx Shoes please check them out and give the podcast a listen to.

https://lanxshoes.com/

Our streets are filthy, people drop litter like f'bombs, bins are either non-existent or over-flowing and council budgets are been squeezed like never before. Fly tipping is on the rise, drug cartridges, needles and fast food boxes lie on the floor and pile up in back streets and sadly dog crap is still a problem for anyone who walks down a street or in parks where our children play.

Does anyone give a crap about the communities we reside in and have pride in where we live?

Is it always 'someone' else's job to clean up after 'us'?

This isn't just about dropping litter it's how we look after where we live and a reflection on society and sadly far too many people just turn the other way.

But not two super heroes in this episode - Janet Pearce runs Keep Darwen Tidy and Jane Edyvean run Keep Bury Clean

These ladies give up their time to organise volunteer litter picks to improve the communities we live in and share their stories, frustrations and apathy that they face on a daily basis. Social media has been hugely successful in bringing people who do care together and are making a difference but it's a drop in the polluted ocean.

It is everyone's responsible to keep litter of the streets but as we hear in this episode it is far from what's happening. Perhaps it is a societal shift, poor parenting, lack of education and awareness, drugs and laziness.

The question is do we accept this or do we all do something about. 

Give this episode a listen, we'd welcome any thoughts on the topic, ideas, solutions and if you want to get involved and make a difference. Get in touch with these groups or your local Keep XX Tidy clean group 

Amost 18 months ago, Graham said goodbye to the corporate life and with his redundancy decided to start his own business and opened a Micro-Pub with his good friend. Fast forward 18 months and the Brig N Barrel has just been added to the Camra Good beet Guide 2020 which is an amazing achievment. 

We chat about what makes a good ale and the challenges & opportunities in the pub trade and all the experiences it brings with it. Graham and Kasha are passionate about what they've created and now play a big role in the local community and have great plans for the future.

If you fancy checking it out then head over and enjoy the ales and gins on offer as well as the mango / tropical cider! 

Enjoy Hop Podders.....

Gaz did it in style knocking Antony down 3 times in the first round to win the match and become world champion for the first time. To but this in to context, Anthony Dunn Skrypek was unbeaten in this format. 

So Gaz has a lot to tell us about the lead up to the fight, his preparation, what was going through his head as he walked in to the ring, how he felt when he won and how the haters are gonna hate.

Gaz also let's us know when his next fight is and what we can expect from a format we've dubbed 'the death match'

Find out more and give it a listen - as ever hit us up with any comments or questions 

Shaun shares with us his rise to the stand up stage, which started during his training in the armed forces over 15 years ago when he was taking the mick out of his training sergeants and making everyone laugh. Fast forward to the present and Shaun is now a regular on the comedy scene. 

From Preston to Burnley and numerous other towns to the bright lights of the Frog & Bucket and Comedy Store in Manchester, Shaun tells us stories of the competitions he's been in and won and also the gigs that have bombed. It takes big 8@115 to get up on stage and be funny and sometimes is goes really well and sometimes it doesn't but it's all an experience and every gig is different. 

Shaun is now planning his own gigs and has another competition coming up - bit like the champions league, where previous winners all go up head to head. 

If you love to laugh, give it a listen and you never know, we might see Shaun on Mock the Week pretty soon. 

Now retired, and working in Border Control, Mick talks openly and honestly about life in the force. Mick shares how and why he decided a life in the force was for him, and describes how the police has changed over the last 30 years depending on the government in charge, the Theresa May years and plans for an extra 20K officers under Boris. 

Political correctness, racism, war on drugs (or not), human rights, equal opportunities are all up for discussion as well as an honest look at the role the media has played in since the mid 80's.

It's a fascinating insight in to the Lancashire constabulary and Police in general over the last 30 years and given the sad news that a police officer died in a recent burglary, it's worth remembering that that police men and women put their lives at risk in the line of duty on a daily basis.

Enjoy Hot Podders and if you have any thoughts and opinions on the topic please let us know in comments.

Well there is a very good reason for that, as Gav and I found out when we put both our boys in front of the mic to talk about the transition from primary to secondary school.

Both boys are off to St Bedes in Blackburn and we wanted to get the boys in the studio to talk about their school experience, SATS and preparing for the next big challenge - heading off to BIG school.

We managed to get some sense out of them (but not much) and where they have mentioned their friends names or people in their stories we've bleeped them out in fairness and respect to people's identities. 

If your kids are off to big school this time or you just want to listen to me getting quite irate at one point then it's worth a listen - a fascinating insight to the brains (or lack of them) of 11 yr old boys ;)

Enjoy School's out for Summer 

In this episode we chat to single parent Ste Walker, who has recently set up a Facebook group dedicated to bringing single parents together across the North West.

The group has been set up to create a support network for other single parents and Ste's vision is to reduce isolation and loneliness for single parents and create great opportunities to meet up with others in a similar situation. It is not a dating site but serves to connect people who can share from their experiences and help others and make new friends for both them and their kids!

In just a few weeks the group as reached over 250 members and we talk about the purpose of the group, how you can get involved and find out more.

You can find a link for the group below. If you're a single parent then why not take a look or share with anyone you know who might benefit from being a member.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/919709128389283/

It doesn't matter if you don't know what that means, she made it all up any way! Jennifer was a fantastic guest, really entertaining and performs a number of Manchester Ballads and even treats us to some clog dancing.

Jennifer tells us how she discovered her passion for 19th century Industrial Revolution broadside ballads and Lancashire dialect work song. Not only sharing her passion through recitals, events, schools and even taking her knowledge to the Indian Sub-continent where she has researched the link between Bangladeshi and Mancunian weaving songs. 

You can find out more about Jennifer and upcoming events from her website http://jenniferreid.weebly.com

It's a fascinating part of history that Jennifer now brings to life in many different guises and has released a CD recently with her work. She has made a number of TV appearances and now teaches workshops for young adults in the UK and in the US.

Give it a listen and watch out for a competition soon and let us know what you think in comments as always we'd love to hear from you.

We talk to Gaz about how the fight came about and his training and preparation. As well as a fierce daily training regime Gaz has got to keep in diet in check and has a whole team around him getting him to peak physical fitness.

As well as chatting about his own upcoming fight we get an insight in to what Gaz thinks of the current Heavyweight Boxing division as well as the low down on Prize Fighter and fellow Lancashire boxer, Stevie Taylor who Gaz tips for a future British champion.

Gaz also explains why he's donating his entire purse after losing a close friend and his own battles losing family members under difficult circumstances. Despite these challenges, Gaz has turned them in to positives and has many interesting stories to share from working the doors in Magaluf and doing security for some of the biggest bands in the 90's, to his recent trek up Mount Kilimanjaro with some close friends.

This life and almost death story will have you at the edge of the seats hot podders!

We're sure you'll love this podcast and be rooting for Gaz for his fight in July!

For tickets contact Gaz Corran on Facebook or @Gaz_Crush

If you have been affected by of the things discussed in the podcast remember there is always someone to talk to 

Something a bit different in this podcast as two podcasts from Lancashire join forces and create one bumper episode.

Cue an off-the-cuff freestyle, chats that range from nuclear disasters to Eurovision to who would play Highlander in a modern day re-make - plus a whole load more.

Recorded in one of the best man cave / music studios EVER built. A mecca of 1980's memorabilia, props and toys including a full size replica of Hans Solo frozen in carbonite.

Amish Phil and Amish Ben were great hosts and we hope you enjoy the episode and give them a subscribe on podbean here

AKA Dweller. You can check out his music here https://dwellerofficial.bandcamp.com/ 

There is a funny story to how we hooked up but we'll leave that for the podcast. 

Al has got his finger on the pulse when it comes to hip hop but his love for the genre goes back many years and this shows in the care, thought and artistry he puts in to every radio show. Hosted on Bolton FM The Realness Radio show has gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months and it's far bigger than Bolton and in fact international. Al has got big plans for the future and with his own producing and music getting recognition the future is looking very bright indeed. 

You can access everything single episode from the mix cloud website and we recommend working your way through them all. Also follow the Facebook group for updates and links.

You can check Dweller out performing at Darwen Live, on the main stage on 26th May and has plenty of gigs on the and plans for world domination are afoot.

Enjoy the episode and keep it REAL....

Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/WayneDixonwalkingtheUK/

Twitter 

https://twitter.com/WayneKoda 

After the 1st episode we wanted to find out more about Wayne's adventures so this episode covers the first stage of his walk and some of the funny stories he has to tell from his 3000+ mile journey. 

Wayne is out and about picking up litter so please get behind him and support where ever you can - he might be coming to a town near you soon. Why not join him and put some pride back in to where we live!

Who knows you might even feature on the next episode in one of Wayne's stories :)

Don't forget to follow @KeepBritainTidy for updates and events 

100% natural and vegan friendly, nootropics are classed as a food supplement and can be purchased online or even via health shops like Holland & Barrett. If you want to find out more about nootropics check out this article.

https://www.mindlabpro.com/blog/nootropics/what-are-nootropics/

The two products we tested were from BrainZyme and BrainPower 

You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out what we thought of the different products and if they worked, but let's say we were very impressed and would recommend them ;)

If you give the podcast a listen and want to try them out for yourselves then you can get a great discount from BrainZyme using the discount code HotPod20

Enjoy and stay smart..

The story was published in the printed paper and online and Amy did a great job and we got chatting through social media. The story is here if you want to take a look

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/17360946.darwen-duo-launch-podcast-to-talk-all-things-lancashire/

One area of interest for me and Gav is media in general and how it’s changed over the last few years and we invited Amy to come on the podcast to talk about the change in journalism, the role social media now plays and the impact on the printed press. Supporting our local is so important and plays a vital role in the community so we hope you enjoy the conversation and as always, we’re keen to hear your thoughts and views!

We hope you enjoy this episode…..

As an ambassador for @KeepBritainTidy, Wayne is a fantastic role model for others and his experience in social work as provided a platform to support and promote @MindCharity which provides support for any type of mental health.

We wanted to understand Wayne's motivation and where his litter picking inspiration came from, so we invited Wayne to come on the podcast. Wayne talks about his early years and struggles growing up and the good and bad choices he makes which leads him an a roller coaster of emotions and life challenges. Through adversity and battling with his own mental health, Wayne has used his experiences and turned them in to a positive mission, that is making a difference right across the country.

We hope this story inspires you like it's inspired others throughout the UK and across the world.

Not all heroes wear capes!

Instead taking a trip round the world to Mexico to explore a more natural and alternative therapy. 

There are some elements to this story that you may or may not agree with but we would encourage you to do your own research and make up your own mind. This is a real story involving real people and Dave will return to provide an update on his mum's and uncle's health. 

Here are some links to the resources and research referred to in the podcast.

Big Pharma and suppression of natural medicine 

https://www.naturalnews.com/056168_cannabis_Big_Pharma_medical_marijuana.html#

How Rockafeller founded big pharma and destroyed natural cures

https://anonhq.com/how-rockefeller-found-big-pharma-and-destroyed-natural-cures/

The Truth about Cancer - a Global Quest 

https://youtu.be/KqJAzQe7_0g

Hoxsey : The quack who cured cancer 

https://youtu.be/DTh4NjL40vo 

** The recording of this podcast was done at La Corsia Studios, editing and mastering including the use of music done by Mike Collins & Gav Scott**

Their mission : To work towards a better life for people with disabilities and their families, that all people with disabilities feel valued, are included and have real choice. Everything they do is about ensuring all people are included in their local community. 

This podcast demonstrates the passion and innovation that lives in our great County, with amazing people doing fantastic work in the community. The team have reached the final of a national competition with their 'Dating Agency' concept giving those who need it, a little extra support finding the love of their lives.

Fantastic stories, great humour and a mission to both admire and respect.

Come and meet the team and find out more about their work.

Find out more and get in touch https://www.embracewiganandleigh.org.uk/

Philip has some great stories and talks with passion on the subject....so check it out and help the REAL Lancashire stand up!

Love it or loathe it it's important to understand the differences across the cannabis plant species and how this natural ancient plant continues to offer benefits in so many ways. What ever your views, give it a listen and let us know what you think. 

You can check out Sid's work over on his website here http://www.sidcalderbank.co.uk/