Explore every episode of the podcast Sofa Stories
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illuminate with Jess Lomas. ✨ | 16 Oct 2025 | 00:39:54 | |
Join “NB and Choc” LIVE STYLE at Brook Lane Coffee Co. Alderley Edge. With our fabulous Training, Development and Coaching Expert and Mentor to teams of professionals in the corporate world as well as children - Jess Lomas. Jess has an infectious energy and passion for helping others build confidence and a wealth of skills and knowledge to thrive in their environment, be it in school or in the workplace, she helps and inspires many and we are blessed to have her on the Podcast. Enjoy the episode , to see and hear more from Jess Lomas, you can visit her IG here; https://www.instagram.com/illuminate_tdc?igsh=YjU3aDVpaHI1azJr Enjoy 🤍✌🏼 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| 5K LIVE FROM ARIGHI BIANCHI - The Boardroom | 02 Oct 2025 | 00:36:11 | |
Join us for a Cheeky little catch up on the sofa at the boardroom at Arighi Bianchi. Perhaps on your morning run. Will kick things off with electrolytes and some padel , but we will take you to places that you won’t expect. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Finding Purpose With Ben Wain | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:55:41 | |
Ladies, Gents and fellow Pod Lovers. Please permit me to grant you access to “The Ben Wain Experience”. A passionate Leader with 20 Years of Retail Sales and Operations Excellence. With two decades of diverse experience in retail sales, performance management, and high-level operations, dedicated to driving success through a people-centric approach. His coaching style emphasises strong support, motivation, and meticulous attention to detail, consistently delivering outstanding results for his clientele. Ben Wain, welcome to The Sofa Stories Podcast… LET’S GET INTO IT. Find Ben on social media. https://www.tiktok.com/@benwaincoach https://www.instagram.com/ben_wain 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Joe Sealey - Business, Boxing and Beating Addiction. | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:47:53 | |
We had the pleasure of welcoming Joe Sealey on the Pod, we talked to Joe who is an ex pro footballer (West Ham) about his fantastic business Mr Whippy (confectionery), Real Housewives of Cheshire and his lovely wife Nicole Sealey, we talked the menopause, padel of course, the untimely death of his late father and Manchester United Goalkeeper Les Sealey, we covered addiction, his busines journey, boxing and more! This episode is a treat, let’s get into it…. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| DEAR STAN… ✍️ an EMINEM special with James Cheng | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:30:15 | |
DEAR STAN…. ✍️ I’m delighted to have recorded a bonus episode of The Sofa Stories Podcast with a true gentlemen and fellow Stan from New Jersey, NY- @chejames1985 (IG) James is an official “Stan” as featured in the Eminem documentary “Stans”, this 30 minute bonus episode will release tomorrow, that’s 26th August, to coincide with the release of Stans streaming on Paramount Plus… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Ready, Fire, Aim… Cheeky 5K with NB and Choc! | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:35:22 | |
Good morning to our wonderful listener and friend! We are delighted to bring you this episode, which is true to form a very cheeky 5K. Which includes a little bit of the following and more…. NB exclusive on Chester Zoo. Choc - the Bobby Davro experience at Palé Hall. A social media masterclass, thanks to el burrito monster. And a seasoning of some other delicious stuff, come on now, let’s get into it. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Ryan Harris - School Of Play | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:44:38 | |
Ryan Harris, a business man who is passionate about development and mindset runs - School Of who as well as running “wrap around childcare” at schools, they also have holiday camps spanning across 8 locations in Greater Manchester. Ryan said “COVID was the reset I needed”. A time in which he focused on his mindset and personal development, since then his business has been flying. Ryan focused on what he loves doing within the business: marketing strategy, planning campaigns, creating content and constantly finding creative ways to wow the children and parents who use School Of Play. In this chat NB and Choc are able to dissect Ryan’s mindset and delve into all the things he’s learnt from business and from his own research. You’ll have to let us know what you take from this episode or what you can relate to already. A biggie that stands out for me is that CURIOSITY is a superpower (Oli). One thing I think we can all agree on though is that play / having fun is the secret to accidental and authentic learning - no matter what age or level you are at. LET’S GET INTO IT…. To Contact School Of Play you can use the links below. https://www.instagram.com/schoolofplay.uk?igsh=MTVsYmNpeGJ4bTh0OA== https://www.schoolofplay.org.uk/ 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Finding The Sweet Spot | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:38:55 | |
It feels good to be back… LET’S GET INTO IT… Choc and NB record a 5K debrief from Choc Studios and wax lyrical about a whole host of topics including the new bi-weekly podcast format, padel (obvs), Sport and NB’s Jerry Maguire moment, Macclesfield FC and Robbie Savage’s departure, future business plans and inspiration from all angles. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Simon Dunn Chocolatier - World Chocolate Day | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:58:12 | |
In celebration of World Chocolate Day, we are proud to invite Simon Dunn Chocolatier on to the Pod, a father and son episode delving into Papa Choc’s journey into confectionery and chocolate production, an insight into life as a Chocolatier and what it was like making the national headlines when closing the Wilmslow shop, the end of an era but the beginning of a new one. Constantly adapting to suit new environments and changing tastes and culture but all with consistent themes of chocolate and passion for making people happy. As one door closes, another door opens. Enjoy this Episode and let Simon take you on a journey for the senses. Sweet Like Chocolate. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Tommy Taylor - Life After Rugby 🏉 | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:48:08 | |
Having Tommy in the studio just made us smile, not only because he's a Rugby Union legend who played for Sale Sharks, Wasps RFC and England in The Six Nations. He's getting married this Saturday so it was a real privilege to get him in Choc Studios on such a big week. So interesting hearing about Tommy's journey, his enthusiasm not just for the sport but for people, for taking his experience and lessons (such as injuries) and using those to help others facing those challenges, he's a top bloke with a great story which is exciting to hear and we can't wait to see him go on and smash this next chapter. All the best Tommy, keep doing you man! 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Announcement 📣 | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:03:05 | |
We are VERY excited for this next chapter of The Sofa Stories Podcast. Thank you for being with us on this journey, we appreciate YOU! NB and Choc xx 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| The Science Of Shopping | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:30:23 | |
Choc’s back from the sun and no he hasn’t completely melted, back in Choc Studios with NB ready for a cheeky 5K catch up with you our fabulous listener, thank you for joining us! 🙏🏼 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Out Of Office | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:40:23 | |
Before flying to Menorca “Choc” managed to grab a cheeky 5K to catch up on all things Padel, Arighi Bianchi and all things planet NB. We hear about; Blackpool, The Soap Awards, Kate Hardcastle - The Science Of Shopping book launch, including a mini interview with Arighi Bianchi’s very own Ella Beattie aka “Beats”. This is how we do.. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| CONFIDENCE - by Oli Dunn aka “Choc” | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:35:59 | |
We reserved a seat for you at Arighi Bianchi’s Brunch Club, vicariously and virtually at least! Hosted by NB, featuring guest speaker “Choc”. Oli’s talk is around his journey from Oli to Oli The Choc, from shyness to confidence, from uncertain to conviction, from apprentice to master, his talk centres around CONFIDENCE as a running theme, as it always has been, along with “the art of repetition”. What will you take away from this talk? We can’t wait to find out, let’s discuss, voice note us on Instagram. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Barcelona to Blackpool. | 30 May 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
Simply a classic episode of sofa stories if I may say so, classic NB and Choc variety and randomness which I think the title suggests! No spoilers here, I think those that listen regularly and know us well will appreciate this one. Let us know how this one goes down in your ears and what you enjoyed the most. Thank you always, NB and Choc. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Ready, Fire…. GRIND | 22 May 2025 | 00:45:04 | |
An eclectic mix as usual for a Choc and NB debrief, aka the “5K” catch up episode. Including an amuse-bouche intro to NB’s trip to the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic “El Clasico”, Oli’s school reunion and a discussion about politics both side of the pond, Starmer, Trump and a surreal conversation about P-Diddy and the artist formerly known as Kanye West. An exclusive mini vox pop interview with Dimitris head of sales at the incredible Grind Coffee. Never a dull moment. Let’s get into it but more importantly let us know your thoughts. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Follow The Sun ☀️ | 16 May 2025 | 00:34:32 | |
Join NB and Choc for a vibey catch up, never a dull moment. Anticipation builds for NB as he prepares to head to the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic and Oli prepares for a big Chocolate Party at Gino D’Acampo restaurant for INNSiDE by Melia Manchester’s 10th birthday. Enjoy the pod, and don’t forget - FOLLOW THE SUN! ☀️ 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Sister Podcast Padel Stories Sneak Peak. | 10 May 2025 | 00:37:28 | |
It’s time for a Padel debrief. We are sharing the first episode of The Padel Stories Podcast with you to give you a taste. If you’re into your Padel like NB and JD hopefully you’ll keep an eye/ ear out for upcoming episodes. 👇🏼 Welcome to The Padel Stories with Nick Bianchi and Jen Dooley , a new exciting weekly podcast (part of the Sofa Stories podcast family) discussing all the juicy bits of the fastest growing sport in the world . Nick is a sports lover, and is absolutely passionate about Padel. He represents the global italian Padel brand Hirostar and has even managed to squeeze in padel coaching course such is his love for the sport .. Jen Dooley is a Fitness and wellbeing expert, a Padel fanatic and real ambassador for the sport. She is a regular at many of the clubs in the North-West and is a real advocate too of the Padel scene at her 2nd home in Tenerife! We will be inviting onto the pod a wonderful mix of guests who talk of their love of Padel and what it means to them and the impact it has on their lives. Nick and Jen will also be doing a cheeky magazine style show aptly named ‘the tiebreak’!! You know how we do, let’s get into it! Follow Padel Stories on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/padelstoriespodcast?igsh=N2k1cTBjNXlycHVq 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Interview with Oli The Choc on Strawberry Radio. 📻 | 08 May 2025 | 00:48:46 | |
Let’s get to know “Choc” a bit better, with a little help from broadcaster extraordinaire Paul Taylor from Strawberry Radio in Stockport. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Safari's, Glamping and Crown Green Bowls. | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:30:29 | |
Come with us on some UK staycation adventures Including a Safari in the Midlands, Glampio Bedo in Anglesey and a beautiful game of Crown Green Bowls at the Union Club Alderley Edge. Check out Glampio Bedo North Wales for relaxing stays and sauna - https://www.instagram.com/glampio_bedo_sawna?igsh=MWlxbzdrYWxkYnVicw== Stay Close… NB and Choc. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Bowie, Bono and Broadcasting - Tony Michealides 🎙️ | 24 Apr 2025 | 01:47:55 | |
Tony Michaelides. Piccadilly Radio / Key 103’s legendary broadcaster. Plugger of the music industry’s most prolific and influential artists. Tony Michaelides aka Tony The Greek shares his story and insight into his journey, the industry and his unique perspective and experience. He’s a Starman! Thank you for being part of the Sofa Stories family my good man. Very Best Wishes, Oli and NB. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Happy Easter Bonus Episode | 20 Apr 2025 | 00:14:53 | |
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 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| This Morning…. | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:29:27 | |
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… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Paul Cheetham - Business Leader, Entrepreneur and Charity Founder. | 10 Apr 2025 | 01:01:01 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Professor Simon Hayward - The Art Of Leadership. | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:45:32 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Dubai Chocolate. Hype worthy? | 27 Mar 2025 | 00:41:16 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Padel Stories 🎙️ | 18 Mar 2025 | 00:50:04 | |
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.instagram.com/officialhouseofrum?igsh=MWM1eml2bTFicXp0Mw== Let’s get into it… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Pub tours, Politics and Prawn crackers. | 13 Mar 2025 | 00:35:21 | |
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…. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Behind The Gary Neville 50th Chocolate Cake | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:25:27 | |
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… 🚀 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Bakery Raves Are A THING | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
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 🫶🏼 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Eclectic 5K | 20 Feb 2025 | 00:35:06 | |
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… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Football Club Owner, Entrepreneur, Disrupter - Carol Shanahan OBE. | 13 Feb 2025 | 01:15:33 | |
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… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Simon Wilson YouTuber. | 06 Feb 2025 | 01:17:47 | |
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 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Living Vicariously. | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:43:56 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| The Padel Revolution with Kris Ball - CEO, The Padel Club. | 23 Jan 2025 | 01:00:35 | |
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… 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Impromptu politics debrief, NB with ex MP Richard Graham. | 17 Jan 2025 | 00:04:42 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| LIVE from The Padel Club Gloucester. | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:36:27 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| The Ripple Effect.. 🌊 | 09 Jan 2025 | 00:34:05 | |
THE RIPPLE EFFECT… 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) 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| The Power Of 0% Alcohol, Intermittent Fasting & Longevity of life with Dr Sam. | 02 Jan 2025 | 01:07:54 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| The BEST of 2024. 🍾 | 26 Dec 2024 | 01:14:53 | |
Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. 2024, what a year it has been. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Accidental Paranormal | 19 Dec 2024 | 00:35:00 | |
We love a 5K debrief, (albeit this is more like an 8k or a 5K walk ;). 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Charlie The Wine 🍷 | 12 Dec 2024 | 01:01:55 | |
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; 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Cannonball. | 05 Dec 2024 | 00:38:33 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Michael Webster - Former Butler to the late Queen and the Royal Family. | 28 Nov 2024 | 01:20:06 | |
The 90’s was a turbulent time and in 1992 our late Queen was remembered for using the famous Latin phrase - Annus Horriblis.
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 As always we go deep and leave no stone unturned, let’s get into it! 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Don’t think, DO! | 21 Nov 2024 | 00:29:41 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| George Blackshaw - The Amputee Golfer. | 14 Nov 2024 | 00:56:47 | |
It’s episode 26 of SS and we are delighted to welcome our friend George Blackshaw onto the Ruxley Sofa at Arighi Bianchi. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Jason Manford. | 07 Nov 2024 | 01:04:33 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Q&A…. Listeners questions. 💬 | 31 Oct 2024 | 00:36:26 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Oli The “c%#k” ! 🤯🤣 | 24 Oct 2024 | 00:43:53 | |
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. 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. 🙏🏻 | |||
| Live From UA92 Manchester. | 19 Oct 2024 | 01:09:14 | |
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. 💯 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. 🙏🏻 | |||