Send us a text Ever pondered whether you'd choose to go completely bald or let your hair grow wild forever? Join me for a lively ride as I wrap up Series 5 of Infinite Prattle with an unscripted Q&A extravaganza. The episode is packed with whimsical musings, including a cherished memory from the 2006 Download Festival where showers were a distant dream, and my duel of ideal weekends that toggles between action-packed adventures and serene home retreats. As I reflect on the spontaneous journe...
Jan 19, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 24
Send us a text What does success truly mean to you? As I reminisce about my own winding path—from dreaming of a career in the army and the music industry to unexpectedly finding fulfillment in the rail sector—I invite you to ponder the unpredictable nature of achieving one's goals. Join me on this episode of Infinite Prattle, where I share how adapting to new social environments and connecting with diverse individuals can lead to unforeseen opportunities. This is a heartfelt exploration of the c...
Jan 12, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 23
Send us a text The episode encourages listeners to shift their perspective from traditional New Year’s resolutions to more achievable daily goals. It covers topics like personal and work-related ambitions, the importance of organisation, health management, and the value of self-care in achieving long-term success. • Focusing on daily achievable goals instead of rigid resolutions • The impact of vague goals on motivation and satisfaction • Balancing personal and professional aspirations • The sig...
Jan 05, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 22
Send us a text Can the holiday season be truly joyous without the pressure of gift-giving? Join me as I unpack the complex world of gifts, reflecting on how societal norms and commercial pressures can overshadow genuine gestures of love and appreciation. Drawing from personal memories where gifts were linked to behavior and budgets, I explore how these experiences shaped my understanding of giving and receiving. As the fifth season draws to a close, I'm eager to share the exciting plans for the ...
Dec 29, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 21
Send us a text Ever wondered what it's like to work in an industry that doesn't take a break for the holiday season? Join us as we explore the unique challenges and rewards of balancing work in the UK railway sector during Christmas. I share my personal story of managing the demands of shift work while juggling family obligations, especially during a particularly tough holiday season when my wife was in the hospital. Even as passenger services pause, the railway doesn't sleep, and neither do the...
Dec 22, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 20
Send us a text What happens when a band’s name is inspired by a random book selection? Join me, Stephen, as I unveil the amusing transformation of our band’s identity, from "Lasers to Sun" to the quirky "Octagon Temple." Inspired by our bass player's wife's national trust heritage book randomness, this name oddly perfectly encapsulates our unique sound and style. Experience the thrill and chaos of our debut performance at the Earl of Chester in Crewe, a gig secured through our guitarist Steve's ...
Dec 15, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 19
Send us a text Have you ever found yourself identifying with a TV character so deeply that they feel like an old friend? Join me, Stephen, as I share my journey growing up alongside some of the most iconic characters from "Friends." This episode invites you into my living room, where Chandler's wit and Ross's lovable awkwardness mirrored my own adolescent experiences. We'll reminisce about the show's influence during my formative years and reflect on the emotional farewell to a series that felt ...
Dec 08, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 18
Send us a text On this episode of Infinite Prattle allow me to take you on a journey through some of my cinematic favourite shocking moments. I kick things off with a heartfelt homage to "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," a film that not only rescued the Star Trek series for many fans but also etched an emotional scar on my childhood with the unforgettable demise of Spock. I delve into the unexpected impact of Spock's death, a narrative twist that left me yearning for more of his story in the St...
Dec 01, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Send us a text Ever found yourself questioning if that daily latte is a justified luxury or a sneaky budget breaker? Join me as we embark on a caffeinated journey through my coffee adventures, from the humble beginnings of freeze-dried college brews to the utterly rewarding purchase of my first espresso machine while financially floored...We'll unravel the curious habit of frequenting big-name coffee chains like Starbucks, Nero, and Costa, exploring why we just can't seem to resist their allure ...
Nov 24, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 16
Send us a text Have you ever wondered if automation is genuinely improving our lives, or is it just making things more convenient? Reflecting on a recent shopping trip to Matalan, where a human cashier outpaced the self-service lanes, I dive into the world of automation and its role in modern society. From the growing presence of self-checkouts in the UK to the frustrations they often bring, this episode questions the balance between convenience and quality of life. Personal stories and experien...
Nov 17, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Send us a text Is it worth waiting weeks for a bargain, or is speedy delivery the real hero of online shopping? Join me on Infinite Prattle as I navigate the fascinating world of Temu, the Chinese retail titan offering incredible savings at the cost of a little patience. From lavalier mics to motorbike cleaning brushes and even a craft stand, I recount my own buys and weigh them against competitors like Amazon and AliExpress. We explore not just the allure of the price drop, but also the quality...
Nov 10, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Send us a text Welcome to my world on Infinite Prattle, where this week [amongst tackling ongoing tech struggles] settle into this episode that takes you on a nostalgic journey through some of cinema's most unforgettable plot twists and reveals that have captivated our imaginations. SPOILER ALERT! From the jaw-dropping reveal of Darth Vader's true identity in "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back" to the chilling climax of "Seven," each film has left a lasting impression on my youth and beyond. We...
Nov 03, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Send us a text Picture this: Just before turning 40, a chance meeting at the Heritage Centre in Crewe led me to an unexpected musical adventure with two fantastic bands. Join me as I share the exhilarating and sometimes nerve-wracking journey with 'Dad's' Band and 'Lasers 2 Stun'. From alternating guitar and singing duties with Steve, to navigating the complexities and joys of working with talented musicians like Rhys, Tom, and Adrian, this is a story of passion and camaraderie. Together, we dis...
Oct 27, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Send us a text Ever had a simple shopping trip turn into a comedy of errors? That's exactly what happened when I set out on a mission for nacho ingredients, only to find myself swept up in a whirlwind of pre-Halloween and Christmas chaos. Picture me, an introvert at heart, dodging holiday-crazed shoppers and navigating unexpected road closures that sent my plans spiraling. It’s a tale of thwarted plans and unexpected laughs as I reminisce about shopping experiences in the UK versus the US, where...
Oct 20, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 11
Send us a text Celebrating a birthday should be a time of joy and relaxation, but turning 41 amidst a chaotic schedule has left me yearning for some downtime. The past week have been a rollercoaster, from rushing to Manchester to visit my brother in the hospital, to supporting Sarah through her CF symptoms—all while feeling the bittersweet thrill of the British Superbikes. These experiences have drained my energy, yet I find myself paradoxically anxious about resting. With a December trip to Sco...
Oct 14, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Send us a text What happens when you let a random topic generator dictate your podcast episode? Join me, Stephen, on Infinite Prattle as I embark on this spontaneous adventure. I'll share my aspirations and dreams for the next two years, from jet-setting travels to America and Japan to climbing the professional ladder with new courses and a potential promotion. Plus, there's a book about my dog in the works, as well as five other writing projects simmering on the back burner. Balancing all this ...
Oct 06, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Send us a text Ever found yourself chatting with your stuffed animals or imagining you're a hero in an action movie? You're not alone! Join me in this engaging episode of Infinite Prattle as I share my lifelong habit of talking to myself and how it has been a creative outlet and mental comfort. From childhood adventures with animated toys and pretend radio shows using a Hitachi ghetto blaster, to my adult musings about possibly having ADHD and experiencing hyper-focus, self-talk has always been ...
Sep 29, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Send us a text Can fan service ruin an otherwise brilliant film? Join me, Stephen, as I tackle this contentious question on today's episode of Infinite Prattle. We're diving headfirst into the highly anticipated Alien Romulus, where I share my complex feelings after watching it in theaters for the first time. While the film dazzled visually, especially in IMAX, it left me grappling with its over-reliance on fan service and recycled ideas like the infamous Black Goo. Hear my personal journey with...
Sep 22, 2024•42 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Send us a text Growing up with James Bond films as weekend TV staples, I, Stephen, found myself captivated by the world of espionage, gadgets, and suave sophistication. This episode of Infinite Prattle takes you through my childhood memories associated with the series, including my controversial pick for the best Bond—yes, I said ***************! I'll also dispel the common myth that only six actors portrayed Bond, revealing the overlooked seventh. From Sean Connery's groundbreaking debut in "Dr...
Sep 15, 2024•22 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Send us a text Ever wonder if today's Gen Z is getting the same hands-on culinary education we did growing up? Reflecting on my childhood, I share cherished memories of learning to cook with my mum, where her practical kitchen philosophy—help out or stay out of the way—instilled in me essential cooking skills and an enduring passion for the kitchen. From the mastery of a simple bechamel sauce to the foundational lessons that shaped my culinary journey, these moments with my mum were more than ju...
Sep 08, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Send us a text Ever wonder how those Saturday morning chores and the pocket money you earned as a kid have shaped the person you are today? Join me on Infinite Prattle as I recount my own childhood experiences growing up in a semi-detached house in the UK. From the meticulous yet sometimes inconsistent way I tidied and organised my room to the broader socio-economic context of my upbringing, I explore how early family responsibilities and dynamics can leave lasting imprints on our adult lives. L...
Sep 01, 2024•24 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Send us a text Ever wondered what makes the ultimate superhero? Let's imagine blending the best traits of Wolverine, Superman, and Cyclops to create an unbeatable force! What if you could have any superpower you desire? Join me as we explore the exhilarating world of superhuman abilities, from classics like invisibility and flight to the unique powers of Marvel icons such as Spider-Man and Wolverine. I reflect on why Marvel heroes resonate more with me than their DC counterparts. I also share so...
Aug 25, 2024•21 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Send us a text Imagine being stranded on a desert island with only five albums to keep you company—what would you choose? Join me on this episode of Infinite Prattle as I reveal my top five Desert Island discs, starting with the game-changing "Bat Out of Hell" by Meatloaf and Jim Steinman. Discover the magic behind its record-breaking chart success and hear why the humorous intro to "You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth" has only gotten better with age. These albums aren't just music; they'r...
Aug 18, 2024•23 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it would be like to merge unscripted chatter with deeply under researched content? (I jest!) Welcome to Season 5 of Infinite Prattle! Which promises a rich mix of spontaneous discussions and insightful topics. We are going to talk about everything from personal heroes to fascinating what-if scenarios. Plus, I've introduced a new feature that lets you send feedback via text message, making it easier than ever to engage and share your thoughts. Join me on...
Aug 11, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Send us a text Can a few seconds of internet fame change your life forever? This week on Infinite Prattle, we dissect the whirlwind world of viral videos and social media trends. From the Harlem Shake to the latest TikTok phenomena, we explore how these sensational moments shape our culture and language. Join me as we question whether the benefits of going viral outweigh the chaos it often brings, all while seeking your thoughts on the podcast’s direction. Sudden internet stardom: a dream come t...
Jun 23, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Send us a text Ever find yourself overwhelmed by the ever-growing list of streaming subscriptions and miss the simplicity of owning physical media? This week's episode of Infinite Prattle springs from my recent reflections on this very dilemma. Fresh from an eventful weekend at the British Superbikes in Knock Hill, Scotland, and after wrestling with some technical gremlins, I take you through the nostalgic charm of CDs and DVDs versus the modern-day convenience of services like Netflix and Disne...
Jun 17, 2024•23 min•Season 4Ep. 22
Send us a text What do you do when faced with the emotional turmoil of a loved one's health crisis while balancing a demanding career? This week's episode of Infinite Prattle takes you on a heartfelt journey as I record from the Stena line ferry amidst a week of intense personal and professional events. I open up about the harrowing experience of my mother's recent heart attack and supporting her in Ireland, all while grappling with work. Through this raw and unpolished recording, you'll hear ab...
Jun 09, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 21
Send us a text What does it feel like to live through a global crisis while protecting a loved one who is particularly vulnerable? We recount our personal journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating the early days of uncertainty and the drastic shift to a remote work lifestyle. With my wife having cystic fibrosis, we took extreme precautions, only to find that when we both contracted the virus, her symptoms were surprisingly mild compared to mine. As companies scrambled to establish remote ...
Jun 02, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 20
Send us a text Prepare to have your mind stretched beyond the ordinary as we embark on an extraordinary adventure of discovery, where the weight of the internet's electrons and the astonishing size of a hippo's jaw are just the tip of the iceberg. Get ready to unravel the perplexing probabilities of birthday-sharing among groups, This episode promises jaw-dropping trivia that will leave you giddy with curiosity. Strap on your trivia helmets, as we dive into a world where bullets proof armadillos...
May 26, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 19
Send us a text Step back in time with me to the cozy corners of Rimini's, my own slice of Café Nervosa nostalgia, where every sip of mocha brewed stories and friendships that linger like the aroma of fresh coffee. As I recount the intimate connections that blossomed over the counter with Simon, Karen, and the familiar faces that became the backdrop of my daily ritual, you'll feel the warmth of a community that once gathered not just for a caffeine fix, but for the shared moments that turned a si...
May 19, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 18
