Explore every episode of the podcast Sofa Stories

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The radio used to play in the background, while the TV was the main focus of attention.
Now, whether we like to admit it or not, the TV plays in the background and the phone/ mini computer we have glued to our hand is where the attention is, in my opinion anyway. (Oli).

We are privileged to be joined by Social Media Stars Alannah and Victor, who share their stories of how they became cutting edge content creators, connecting their loyal audience with elite brands who align with their values and who they would genuinely spend their own money with.

Authenticity sits at the top of their content strategy, along with creativity, passion and most importantly enjoying what they do. Alannah and Victor have created and continue to curate the life they want, through being very specific about their goals. “Manifesting” some might say, but not for lack of hard work and meticulous planning.

In Episode 12 we discover how the unlikely worlds of fashion, law, corporate finance, POP (think X-Factor and music videos) and football  all somehow connected to create this true love (and combined career success) story with exciting future prospects of commerce, marriage and so much more…

No more spoilers, this is a very good listen, you have my word, so without further ado, let’s get into it.

Please comment, like, follow, subscribe and share your takeaways, thoughts and stories with us on Instagram.

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Join Nick and Oli for a “full debrief” of recent goings on. If you’re running your 5K to this you might want to take it nice and slow 😉

We’re talking;
Nicks Ibiza Trip
Oli’s 40th 
Storm Dana
Episode 10 - Bill Roache debrief
TikTok 
Sinking boat conspiracy theories 

And lots more… If you enjoy the show please do subscribe/ like/ follow and keep following the Sofa Stories journey.

Thank you, Nick and Oli 🙏🏼

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In this mini episode, we wanted to show some gratitude to everyone who has taken time to listen in so far. We don’t take your attention for granted and your feedback is invaluable.
We are really excited to share this mini ep so you know where we’re at. Please leave us a review if you can, we really appreciate it.
Share your stories with us on voice notes WhatsApp or Instagram DM.
Big thanks, Oli and Nick. 🙏🏼🎙️

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In this first episode we wanted to give you a flavour of who we are and what we are all about.
 The vibe was incredible in the studio while we recorded this show and the energy is high, starting as we mean to go on with meaningful, flowing conversation, delving into Nick and Oli, our “why” and sharing stories.

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An interview with William Roach OBE a.k.a. my mate Bill.

You can expect to hear some of the following and more …

• His journey to becoming Ken Barlow.
• Our shared passion for Finding childlike enthusiasm.
• The importance of the little things in life. 
• The role of “play” and being a big kid.
• Sky diving at 90 years old. 

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It was a real privilege and incredibly thought provoking to have Oli Webb on the sofa. 

Learning all about what it’s like being a professional racing driver and what really goes on behind the scenes, from a business sense and from a mental perspective.

No surface level chats here, we take a real behind the scenes look into Oli’s interesting and exciting life both on and off the track.

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A cheeky catch up, mid-week debrief, perfect with your 5K run or dog walk… 

Oli and Nick talk about Nick’s passion for Padel merch, Oli’s love for ALL the merch and his childhood nickname “Mr Merchandise” (by his Dad - Papa Choc), Oli and Kim’s trip to Perth Scotland, that emerald green Little Lies dress worn by Taylor Swift (you didn’t expect to hear us talking about), Oli wearing sequin trousers in a social club in Perth, a big game of hide and seek in Gibraltar and some “wiki leaks” of upcoming guests.

Enjoy and let us know your thoughts and related stories which we can feature next time. 💭 

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The FULL debrief episode with our hosts Nick Bianchi and Oli Dunn.. 

We’ll be talking about our key takeaways from the previous episode with Samia, Nicks 51 hours in Andratx, Mallorca, Oli’s thoughts on manifesting, Jurassic World chocolate, the Olympics, fantasy football, using emotion to power us and a lot more. 🎙️ 

Give us a listen and please do share your thoughts with us …. #SofaThoughts #SofaStories 💭

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Our dear friend Samia Longchambon joined us on the sofa for an inspiring and uplifting conversation.

We spoke about everything from Samia’s 24 years in Coronation Street right through to the tools she has learned to combat any potential negativity, including CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and reflexology.

Samia shared her own story, reflecting back to some pivotal moments such as when her star talent was initially spotted in a Kwik Save supermarket and the day she found out about an opportunity to feature in the classic movie “There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble”.

Samia also speaks of her dreams of one day opening her own tea room, how she felt going in to “uncharted territories” when joining shows   ‘Cooking With The Stars’ and ‘Dancing On Ice’ as a contestant, re the latter of course we heard all about when she first met her husband Sylvain Longchambon.

Without further ado, get yourself a cup of tea and join us ON THE SOFA. 🛋️
Let’s get into it.

Relevant Links;

https://tv.apple.com/gb/movie/theres-only-one-jimmy-grimble/umc.cmc.ycvfn8vxlrz82osckoowdspd

https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/contact.html

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Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

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Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our listeners to join the conversation. 🙏🏻

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We are delighted and very excited to welcome our very first guest on the sofa stories podcast.
Business owner podcast presenter and rugby league International Jon Wilkin.

We hope you enjoy, please be sure to subscribe to the podcast and let us know what you think.

Best, Oli and Nick.

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OD and NB, LIVE from Choc Towers… a cheeky 5K debrief with a few surprises..
Including a mini interview with a special guest linked to Cricket and Dancing On Ice, any guesses?
A wiki leak of an upcoming guest whose creativity with food grabs the attention of the likes of Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver.
Nicks story of a Mallorca reunion after 35 years!!
Oli’s still vibing from being on stage with Lisa Stansfield at Cheshire Fest. 😉
And as always, a whole LOT more.
Let us know what you took from the show, send us a text via this podcast or DM us on IG.
https://www.instagram.com/the_sofastories_podcast?igsh=MTQ3cGJxNXJlaTJ2Zw==

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An absolute privilege to interview Sandy Lindsay MBE in our forthcoming episode on Sofa Stories Podcast 🎙️🛋️ .

Sandy has had a remarkable journey from growing up in one of the toughest council estates in the UK to becoming one of the most successful businesswomen in the communications and digital marketing arena.

Hear how she started Award winnning Social Media and creative agency Tangerine in 2002, and was the first agency in the country to start apprenticeships through the The Juice Academy which has created more than 600 digital marketing jobs for young people to leading firms nationwide including ourselves at AB’s.

She also put her business Tangerine into an employee-owned trust in 2017, which again was one of the first PR firms to do so, following the John Lewis model. Sandy sits proudly now as Chair to Tangerine.

A proud adopted Mancunian, she also sits as Vice Chair of Forever Manchester which is the only charity that raises money to fund and support community activity across Greater Manchester and she donated all the proceeds from the sale of Juice Academy to Forever Manchester.

Sandy was honoured in the Queen’s Honours list in 2015 with an MBE for services to Business and Young people. She also now sits on the Governing Board of Directors The Rugby Football League which she absolutely loves and admits is one of the best things she has ever done.

Entrepreneur, pioneer, philanthropist and most of all a fantastic person!. Thank you for a brilliant interview Sandy 🙌🏻

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Episode 15.
A cheeky 5K debrief.
What have you been up to? People may ask.
Where do you begin? “Not much” , “everything”
“Do you really want to know?”…
Well in case you did ask, wonder, or were slightly curious, in this episode you’ll get the full “download” of what NB and Choc have been upto, from Padel (obvs) , ice baths and a trip to Marbs, to speaking engagements, business awards and photography.
Take us with you on your run, bike ride, walk or even into the cold water if that’s your bag, enjoy! Ciao !

Shout outs 🔊

Abi Chilton 📸
https://www.instagram.com/abi.chilton?igsh=d3N3cDA1MzlwdXR0

Andy Barrow 📸
https://www.instagram.com/andybarrow1?igsh=MWRudWdhcXRkYm9rMQ==

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Episode 14 of Sofa Stories Podcast.

Oli and I were privileged to be joined on this episode by Clearwater Corporate Finance Head of Impact, Jo Daley , who shines a light on the importance of creating a ESG (Economic, Social and Governance) policy within businesses.

As the CEO Mark Taylor says, it is much more than planting trees!!

Clearwater are the only company in the mid market Corporate Finance space to have a fully holistic, integrated ESG policy for their staff based on the following pillars:
Sustain
Inspire 
Impact
Vision

They also lead the way way in advising all their clients (as a fully value added service) on producing ESG documents for them, whether this be a young entrepreneurial backed entity or well established business carrying valuations in excess of £100m.

Jo attends all these introductory meetings with the senior clearwater management team which underlines their sincere commitment to offering the best advice, particularly when a business may come to sell...an ESG policy in place will definitely enhance the value of your business.

Sit back and enjoy this fascinating topic. A must for all business leaders and those wanting to push their companies who they work for to do more..

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If this episode was a burrito 🌯 it would be delicious, juicy, and cram packed with tasty bites.

Oli aka “El Burrito Monster” entered unknown waters during lockdown and almost by accident stumbled upon something which would change the director of his life forever.

Oli shares his story of how content creation and his world of social media has not only provided him with a career in which he’s works with top brands such as Pepsi, Doritos, Harvester, MyProtein and more but he’s connected with the likes of Jamie Oliver and shared by Gordon Ramsay on TikTok.

Oli’s drive and ambition is inspiring and infectious, a great example of someone who is relentlessly following his own inspiration, in his creative flow and making it happen for himself, what you put in, you get out. No one else is going to do it for you. 

Social media for Oli is a positive force, he’s built an army of cheerleaders and fans who he’s accountable to bringing value and entertainment to on a regular basis. His focus on his A-game ensures he’s in the best shape mentally and physically and here he shares a tonne of value on his approach to life and content creation.

I’ll stop writing about it now, let’s bite into it. 

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A very cheeky debrief, slow 5K run or a 10k if you’re fast! 💨 
In this episode NB and Oli catch up and share some stories inspired by Nicks latest TV appearances 😜, a Padel trip to Portugal for Vaughany’s 50th, Oli’s take aways from El Burrito Monster in the last episode and a nice precursor to the next episode featuring Derek Lilley. So without further chit chat, let’s get into it. 

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An absolute privilege to sit down with Derek Lilley for this weeks Sofa Stories episode. 

Derek and Edwina Lilley were regarded as visionaries in the hospitality industry after founding, operating and selling Est Est Est, Piccolino and the Bar & Grill’s.

Prior to the serious world of hospitality,  Derek has enjoyed one the most colourful of careers you can imagine, spanning many years in the dangerous industry of saturated deep-sea diving around the world (pic attached modelling his 1960’s diving helmet!) living in Singapore, Monaco, Nigeria and being air lifted off a sinking oil rig in the North Sea! 
Derek and his best friend, Alan Maxted, then opened a beach bar in Portugal called the Contented Sole and a water skiing school!

Derek and Edwina then went on to found the Restaurant Magazine  and subsequently the ‘Top 50’ restaurant awards, which was sold to William Reed publishing and is now globally recognised as the benchmark for the best places to dine (and stay) in Europe and beyond. 

Edwina having understood the lack of back office automation in their restaurant businesses began a journey of software development and with Derek's support and a chance meeting with Ben Hood in the Knutsford Wine Bar, the family moved into tech - That company, Fourth is now a billion $ business operated out of Austin, Texas! 

Today, the Family are totally committed to building The Edwina Lilley Charitable Trust  created as a lasting legacy and memory to Edwina. The Trust works in collaboration with charities to support & fundraise for initiatives which make a difference to children's lives globally.

So without further ado, let’s get into it. 

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A cheeky 5K debrief with NB and CHOC. 🎙️ 

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A fantastic privilege for us to sit down with Andy Reid MBE for Episode 21 of our Sofa Stories Podcast.🎙️

Army veteran, survivor, fundraiser, author and celebrity motivational speaker.
Andy’s story is so inspiring and moving.  

While serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan with The Royal Yorkshire Regiment  Andy’s life changed forever on Tuesday 13 October 2009, when he was blown up by a Taliban improved explosive device (IED) losing both legs and his right arm.

Andy’s resilience, positive mindset, determination and courage has seen him raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Armed Forces charities before setting up his own fantastic Standing Tall Foundation which promotes the mental and physical health of all community groups, through the provision of counselling, addiction support and physical activity initiatives.

Andy has climbed Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, done multiple skydives and even cycled from Land End to John O Groats all to raise awareness and inspire others in similar situations that hope can triumph over despair.

Andy is a proud Brand Ambassador for Morson Group after a chance meeting with Ged Mason, OBE, HonDBA in Sir Alex Ferguson’s office after a Man United vs Wigan game through his friend Warren  Joyce. Andy and Ged are now firm friends, and through Andy, Morson leads the way in recruiting ex servicemen for their company.

Andy also works with other brilliant leading companies such as  Princess Cruises 
Menzies Distribution 
Money and Me Solicitors  
TVS Supply Chain Solutions 
Health Med. Wellness + Performance   
inspiring their clients and their workforce. 

It’s a privilege for us to share Andy’s story. 
He truly is Inspirational, motivational and humble.. An incredible man and a fantastic episode. Give it a listen.

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Such a privilege to have, legend, comedian, actor, singer, padel tennis ambassador, all round Entertainer, man of wisdom and a true gentleman - Jason Manford on the sofa with us. Give this episode a listen, you won’t regret it. Let’s get into it. 

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In this episode, we  delved into some uncharted Territories thanks for some fantastic questions from our listeners. we were equally surprised by our answers as we were by the questions and some cases. We had a fun time. I hope you will join us. If anyone has any other questions, we will do part two.

Happy Halloween! 👻 

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This episode of The Sofa Stories Podcast is nicknamed “The Michael Jordan”,  not because we speak about the Chicago Bulls or the NBA, but because of its number.

We’re not talking about Oli’s only fans account as the the title may suggest.

This week’s topic is “Negativity on social media”..

Along with much more lyrical waxing, including NB’s Padel business trip to Milan with John Birtwistle (of Premier Padel), Oli’s GB News segment for national Chocolate week, dips in the high seas and a whole lot more.

Our favourite way to start the day, why not join us (NB and Choc) for a cheeky 5K debrief episode.

 Let’s get into it…

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The University Academy founded by The Class Of 92 under world class football manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

UA92 is an absolute credit to its founders - Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.

It was a total privilege to host a live Podcast at University Academy 92 (UA92) as part of their wellbeing festival this week.

Incredible energy from the start, we engaged with students in the studio audience during the live episode which made for a unique episode.

The students were full of enthusiasm, loaded with thought provoking questions, we left the auditorium feeling inspired and fired up.

“UNLOCK YOUR GREATNESS” a philosophy of UA92 inspired by The Class Of 92 and of course Sir Alex Ferguson, this really resonates with us.

Until next time, keep unlocking, doing the reps and going through your fears. 💯

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NB and Choc with a cheeky 5K debrief. Let us know your thoughts and takeaways on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/the_sofastories_podcast?igsh=MTQ3cGJxNXJlaTJ2Zw== or text us via Spotify. 

Don’t think, DO! think, do! 

As promised here’s the newsroom clip 🇺🇸 as mentioned by NB/ from Ed Rowlinson in the last part of this episode.
https://youtu.be/wTjMqda19wk?si=TllytCSfmbWd21QE

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It’s episode 26 of SS and we are delighted to welcome our friend George Blackshaw onto the Ruxley Sofa at Arighi Bianchi.

George is a real life example of how to “flip it”, we can’t always control what happens to us in life but we can control how we react to it.

George had an accident at 2 years old which led to him being “disabled” (right leg and right arm amputee) this doesn’t define him, by that I mean it doesn’t restrict him, the only way in which it defines him is by his character, turning this into his strength, playing sports such as golf, tennis, padel and football, and his to a standard better than most too! Also a philanthropist raising substantial funds for the charities which have helped him on his journey.

George is a hugely inspiring individual and an unstoppable force of positive energy and talent.

We are blessed to have George in to tell his story…

So on that note….

LET’S GET INTO IT…

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The 90’s was a turbulent time and in 1992 our late Queen was remembered for using the famous Latin phrase - Annus Horriblis.

For a year involving. 

•   A serious fire at Windsor Castle
•   The divorce of the Princess Royal
•   The separation of the Duke of York from his wife
•   Marriage problems for the Prince of Wales

Former butler to the late Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and the Royal Family inc Princess Diana, gave us a valuable insight into this era, as well as sharing with us how he has since pivoted into a special educational needs expert and ambassador for the incredible Witherslack group

Michael Webster is a true gentleman with a wealth of experience within the Royal Family and in Education. It was a real privilege to have him on the sofa sharing his story, thought provoking and inspirational.

It was fascinating to have Michael on the sofa to absorb his wisdom and completely unique perspective on a family and an establishment like no other.

As always we go deep and leave no stone unturned, let’s get into it!

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Stop what you’re doing and listen, it’s a wholesome 5K episode not to be missed. We’ve covered some tracks here from the Cheshire Business Awards to the Manchester Art Fair and everything inbetween, including notes to one’s future self and boozing clever?! Stay Classy. 

Ps as mentioned in the Pod. Good Luck to Wilmslow Youth and Becki Petrondas.
Thanks to everyone for your support and well done Becki.

Links as promised.

Here you go: www.wilmslowyouth.com/biggive

And this is the raffle one: www.wilmslowyouth.com/raffle

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It's a pleasure to welcome on to the sofa a great friend of NB and OD - Charlie Womersley aka;

Charlie The Wine. 🍷 

Charlie specialises in wine tastings and consultancy, with 45 years in his field, his passion is infectious as is his charisma.

What makes a good wine? What should we look for? What should we avoid?

What is best with Italian, Indian, Christmas dinner? Charlie breaks it down for us.

Keep rocking our good man, and in your words, stay - "Forever Thirsty".

Special thanks to;
Premier Padel Hub Cheshire - https://chat.whatsapp.com/LULJRpzxjZmC2kzraWXSLh
For sponsoring this episode of The Sofa Stories Podcast.

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We love a 5K debrief, (albeit this is more like an 8k or a 5K walk ;). 

Lapland advertures for NB and a British Airways Corporate event for Choc.

Romy’s first nativity for Daddy Choc, NB’s visit from 40 Beijing business students at Arighi Bianchi.

We love a good tangent on this show and in this episode we made the ultimate pivot/ segue from discussing the BBC visiting Arighi Bianchi filming a new drama to discussing paranormal activity inside Arighi Bianchi’s grade 2 listed building. 

We promised it wouldn’t be boring. 😜 👻 🧵 

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Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. 2024, what a year it has been.
Thank YOU for being here and for listening to The Sofa Stories Podcast , it truly means the world.
Let us know your highlights and takeaways so far via Instagram @the._sofastories_podcast 

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We kick 2025 off with not only the best intentions but with knowledge and biology hacks from medical expert Dr Sam, we talk about the reality that exists in alcohol free and unlocking the best version of YOU. Along with longevity and how Oxford Natural Clinic are using cutting edge A technology, tests and treatments for their clients so they can not only live longer, but happier and healthier,  we can all learn so much from their ethos and approach.

LET’S GET INTO IT…

IG; https://www.instagram.com/oxfordnaturalclinic?igsh=b3F3M3FkbHhvOXFx

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THE RIPPLE EFFECT…

No this isn’t Oli talking chocolate bars (this time), we are referring to the knock on effect of The Sofa Stories Podcast. Amongst other hot topics in this weeks 5K NB and Choc fantasise what the ripple effect could look like in the future, for us and for our awesome listeners (you) too. There are bound to be some ripples, some small but some tidal waves too no doubt. 🌊 

Oli speaks from the heart regarding definitive habit changes coming direct from subliminal messages from The Sofa Stories Podcast. 

Have you felt any ripples or maybe even waves from listening to our Pod? Perhaps you’ve started your padel journey, switched for 0.0% beers, taken the plunge into  the ice bath or chased tides like NB?

Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

You can’t add days to your life, but you can add days to your life (and ripples)…

Enjoy the show..

NB & OD (Choc)

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As we (NB and Choc) build towards our interview with The Padel Club CEO Kris Ball, we pour out our excitement by way of a 5K Debrief. We just can’t help it. 
We cover a lot here so it’s not available for synopsis, you just have to listen to find out what’s inside (unapologetic plea) we hope your curiosity gets the better of you and we promise it will be worth it, so… let’s get into it!

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In our first bonus episode, NB has a quick impromptu chat with XMP Richard Graham about politics, padel and podcasts. It is all going down at The Padel Club Gloucester Quays.Since 2012 Richard has served Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak since November 2012 as their Trade Envoy: first to Indonesia, then also to ASEAN, Malaysia and the Philippines.

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NB & Choc take a little look behind the scenes at Oli’s Chocolate Smash Cake for Gary Neville’s 50th amongst many other stories this week local and global including, leadership, confidence, Trump, Young Voices, MC Grammar, The Pollen Club Manchester, Snore-proof beds, Mr Chows Parkgate and believe it or not MORE. So rather predictably…. LET’S GET INTO IT… 🚀 

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Casual 5K…

Including Bakery Rave rumours - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAbhuWAAuh6/?igsh=MWJqNjk1d3M0dDY2bA== manifesting themselves within the sofa stories multiverse, nudge, hint Jon Wilkin (Half Dozen Other). 

OLI’S order for Gary Neville. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGaRuH8sTkm/?igsh=MW9rM3YxdnRjZW9jaw==

Padel Tripper - https://www.instagram.com/padeltripper?igsh=NGUweHZqd2xpMnFj

And frankly LOADS more, listen in and let us know (DM us on the gram) what you notice. 

NB and Choc 🫶🏼

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High energy catch up with NB and Choc.

Including;

A nostalgic and impromptu rendition of “Come On You Reds” reminiscent of The Class Of 1994 at Man United.

The origins of art forms Hip-Hop and Podcasting  you didn’t know you needed. 

Chitter chatter about MC Grammar, Young Voices and yet even more of an ECLECTIC mix of convo to run/ walk or do the house work to.

Join the chat on Instagram @the_sofastories_podcast 

LET’S GET INTO IT…

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We are absolutely thrilled to interview Carol Shanahan OBE, welcoming her to The Sofa Stories Family.

EFL Football club owner, entrepreneur, disruptor and a passionate builder of communities.

From her upbringing in Lincolnshire and West Bromwich (the latter where she discovered her love of football), to going straight from school into a career, applying for a job as main frame IT operator despite the description stating that it wanted a man! She went for it and got the job!

We talk to Carol about founding a business (Synectics Solutions which was sold to Synova Capital in 2024) which became the global market leader in counter fraud technology to then taking the decision in May 2019 to buying Port Vale Football Club which had become a passion for her since Synectics relocated to Burslem in 2009. 

We hear of the highs and the lows, promotion, relegation, even having Robbie Williams on board as one of the club’s Life Presidents! Carol is most certainly a disruptor.

What is a constant however throughout Carol’s life is her sincere commitment to helping and serving the community. The Hubb Foundation that she and her husband Kevin founded, explemifies this commitment, with delivery of activities and free meals during school holidays to the children in the Burslem area of Stoke on Trent. 

Furthermore, the Foundation, together with the Port Vale Foundation, helped deliver over 375,000 meals to the local community during Covid-19 and lockdown.

As the esteemed Dr Sally Harris (reknowned in the sports industry) said:

“Carol is the only football owner I know who has really invested for the community and made the the community part of her world. She is such a positive force in the world of sport”.

This interview is a fantastic listen for those who are interested in business, sport, education and overall inspiration.

Let’s Get Into It… 

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Film maker, YouTube sensation, content rebel, travel inspirer, Floyd Mayweather fight sneaker-in’er 🥊, zero dollar traveller (think NY to LA), does Simon Wilson need an introduction? Surely not! But he does deserve a good old fashioned “BIG-UP”! 🙌🏻🤩

Don’t take our word for it, listen for yourself.

If the way Simon speaks about travel doesn’t make you want to emulate some of it, nothing will. His passion for experiencing the world, its people and sharing its stories will fill you with endless inspiration.

His storytelling is completely infectious, in this podcast - in equal measure to his videos, give it a listen, you will not regret it, this episode is riddled with golden nuggets of pure awesomeness. 

Enjoy!!

NB & CHOC.

Big thanks to Producer Compton Harry Photography for making this happen. -https://www.instagram.com/comptonharryphotography?igsh=OHQzemxraHRmZ3lz

Follow Simon Wilson’s travels;

IG https://www.instagram.com/simonjwils?igsh=MXUxcHFjd2plbjFueg==

YT https://youtube.com/@simonwilson12?si=iyWmhznkCGpuN4ST

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There’s been a LOT going on with NB and Choc (SHOCK) lately. While NB has been on a Padel trip to Alicante for 30 or so hours, Oli has been joining the travels vicariously. In this Episode NB interviews Ian Ryder of Padel Tripper, live-style in Alicante along with more behind the scenes look at what’s going on in Cheshire, Manchester and beyond from The SS team.

Episode includes an NB Padel masterclass.
As always we venture to places we did not anticipate, we hope you will be as excited and delighted to listen as we were to hit record.

Let’s get into it.

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PADEL - what’s all the fuss about?

If you’re not playing Padel yet, chances are you know someone who is. In this episode of Sofa Stories, NB and Choc speak with Kris Ball - CEO of The Padel Club. 

We delve into why Padel is the fastest growing sport in the UK and learn about origins of The Padel Club and how Kris Ball turned a vision into reality thanks to his resilience, drive and help from a stellar team of investors from the sporting, business and lifestyle world.

A unique and inspiring story we’re sure you’ll agree.  

Let’s get into it…

Padel Hub what’s app link - https://chat.whatsapp.com/LULJRpzxjZmC2kzraWXSLh

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It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Professor Simon Hayward onto our Sofa Stories podcast a as part of our leading interview series.

Simon is very much a doyen in Leadership. In his career, he has built and sold two award-winning international consulting firms (Academy & Cirrus) , both focused on leadership, and has had two best selling books published:

- Connected Leadership (Financial Times Publishing).

- The Agile Leader (Kogan Page Publishing).

In our leading interview, we discuss everything from Trump's leadership and the dismantling of democracy in the US , to the impact of Covid.

and how this has changed leadership and what agile and connected leadership both look like.

Simon is passionate in his belief that creating psychological safety in the workplace helps foster greater collaboration, giving confidence for individuals to ask questions and feel in a secure environment to do so.

Simon now divides his time holding the post of Professor of Leadership Practice at the esteemed and highly respected Alliance Manchester

Business School and is spearheading the creation of an exciting youth centre in

Macclesfield called Our Space (via Youth Fed).

Thanks to Simon for joining NB on the Podcast, to you, our listener, we hope you enjoy the episode.

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Sofa Stories. Choc Stories. Van Stories. Padel Stories.

We are ALL about those stories this week !!

As always! Including;

NB Family Business Conference In London with Arighi Bianchi.

Oli’s new Chocmobile and ambitious plans.

Dubai Chocolate. Hype worthy?

Padel News, all things Trafford Park and Rick Piper’s Chiquita. IYKYK.

Macclesfield League Champions. Savage.

What is premium Padel apparel and where to find it.

Rich Myers. - Get Baked Northern Quarter Manchester. 

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Join NB, Choc and our very Special guest this week - Jennifer Dooley. There’s a very good reason why Jen is on the sofa with us and it coincides with an exclusive announcement this week. No spoilers here.

This episode is filled with a variety of topics including - a recent corporate padel tournament, the importance of stretching, coffee preferences and potential alternatives, a deep dive on chocolate, a bit of vicarious rum tasting and more.

Contributors;

Jamie -https://www.instagram.com/the_stretch_station?igsh=MXFuNWljZDM4ZGpheQ==

David Howarth - House Of Rum

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhowarthhouseofrum?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

https://www.instagram.com/officialhouseofrum?igsh=MWM1eml2bTFicXp0Mw==

Let’s get into it… 

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Come with NB and Choc on a journey from Choc Towers to the Oval Office (figuratively) to the pubs of The Wirral and back. No strong opinions or bias here (except for the beers) we are just curious and chatting things through. But as always we’d love to hear your thoughts. 

DM us on IG either just for a direct chat or share or to feature on our next episode.

https://www.instagram.com/the_sofastories_podcast?igsh=MTQ3cGJxNXJlaTJ2Zw==

Let’s get into it…. 

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This week, we were delighted to welcome business leader, entrepreneur and charity founder Paul Cheetham onto our podcast for our leading interview.

Paul is the true essence of an entrepreneur, starting his business advisory firm Sedulo 16 years ago from scratch. Today Sedulo boasts offices in Manchester, London, Liverpool and Birmingham (soon to be international based), is one of the UK’s leading and fastest growing mid tier firms with 220 staff and a turnover in excess of £25 million.

As with everything Paul does, he does with a purpose and he has set up a Charitable Foundation , The Sedulo Foundation, whose mission is to tackle poverty for children and young people across London and the North of England. 

He has also, together with his close friend Kevin Sinfield CBE has set up an exclusive private business club called Be The Standard, which aligns the world of sport and business, attracting world champions in their respective fields to have open and honest conversations.

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Happy Easter from NB and Choc! 🐣 

We hope you enjoyed the last edition featuring Harrison Bianchi and the previous episode with Paul Cheetham, it was a great listen, I had my pen and paper out for that one!Let me know your takeaways from that episode.

I did an interview on the 18th April with Dan Westwood from Gorgeous radio and I played it to  NB last night and we both agreed that it would be good to share it with you all.

Dan asked some  powerful questions which really got me thinking on my toes and it was an interesting listen for me to be honest to find out how I was going to answer them. 

Let me know what you think. You can message us on Instagram at Sofa Stories, but most importantly, Happy Easter, love to you and the family and thank you so much for listening to the podcast. 

NB and Choc.

Ps big thanks to Dan Westwood for the content https://www.instagram.com/westwooddan?igsh=ZjJmNDZ1dDNtbXZz

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NB and Choc Sync up following Oli’s debut on ITV’s This Morning and Nick’s announcement regarding Premium Padel brand Hirostar.

With a very special featuring - Harrison Bianchi.

This is how we do. 

Let’s get into it…

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