Talking Cod: a survivor’s guide to middle age Phil Birchenall, David Eccles, Andy Hall

In our latest episode of Talking Cod, we're chuffed to introduce Krish Patel, whose journey is a remarkable blend of ambition, adversity, and awakening. From the streets of Bolton to the professional football fields, Krish's childhood dream of becoming a footballer took him on a bit of a rollercoaster.

His career began with promise at Bury, but injuries soon threw a wrench in the works, leading him down a path marked by depression and disillusionment. The lure of a football scholarship in California seemed like an escape, but it was the start of a profound journey of self-discovery.
He talks about his transformation from a materialistic mindset to a life dedicated to giving back through Tales to Inspire.

Join us as we explore Krish's journey, his perspective on life, and the impact of community service. 

If you're moved by Krish's journey or want to share your own, we'd love to hear from you at hello@talkingcod.com. As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, a share, or a follow.

In our latest episode, we touch on a subject close to the heart – the impact of friends from different chapters of our lives passing away suddenly. Friends are the family we choose, accompanying us through life's journey, but what happens when they leave us without warning?
Phil, Dave, and Andy open up about personal experiences, the feelings that follow, and the importance of remembering the good times that friends leave behind. We also delve into how such losses prompt us to reflect, reassess, and deepen our appreciation for the connections we still hold.
This episode is also a celebration of friendship and the indelible marks it leaves on our lives. It's about the shared laughs, the adventures, and the bonds that continue to shape us.
If this conversation strikes a chord, or you just want to share your journey, our inbox at hello@talkingcod.com is open. And give us a like, share, and follow for more stories and reflections.

In this awe-inspiring episode of Talking Cod, we welcome back the incredible Steve Hill, author of "What Next Sir?," fresh from an unimaginable feat of endurance. 
Brace yourselves for a story that will leave you breathless. Literally.
Steve's just completed an astounding 14 marathons in 16 days. He began by running seven marathons along Costa Rica's coast, from the Pacific to the Caribbean. Picture this - eight to nine hours of running every day, in sweltering 30 to 35°C heat, and humid conditions that would make most of us give up.
But Steve didn't stop there. He hopped continents to Tajikistan, stepping into another challenge: seven more marathons, this time in scorching 40°C "dry" heat, amidst rugged and mountainous terrain.
Steve shares the heartwarming stories behind his charity work and how his incredible challenges inspire the kids he teaches.
Prepare to be inspired by Steve's unwavering determination, passion, and his relentless commitment to making the world a better place.
If you're as amazed by Steve's feats as we are, give us a like, share, and follow, or leave a comment. And if you'd like to connect or contribute, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

For the second episode of Season Four, we're joined by an unexpected yet pretty damn interesting guest - ChatGPT.
We tackle the complexities of technology, from the intrusive nature of notifications to the health-monitoring capabilities of our smart devices.  We discuss the need for digital detoxes, the irreplaceable element of human authenticity, and how we can better navigate our relationship with tech. 
And as we offer our take, ChatGPT chimes in using the spooky new Voice Conversation feature, bridging the gap between human opinions and machine perspectives. You've really GOT to hear this.
As always, if you enjoy the episode, give us a like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or want to connect, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

Yup, you read that right. We're going real world. The first ever Walking Cod is coming on Friday 13th October, 2023, and we'd love you to join us.
Book your place by heading to https://walkingcod.eventbrite.co.uk now. It's free, and it's better than most things you could be doing in work on a Friday morning. That's a Cod promise.
Walking Cod
📅 Date: Friday, October 13, 2023
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: The Drop Off Cafe, 42 Market St, Edenfield, Bury BL0 0JN
Step into the world of Walking Cod, our brand-new event. Join us for a refreshing outdoor experience that combines the natural beauty of Northern England with the camaraderie of fellow Talking Cod listeners.
What to Expect:
🌲 Scenic Walk: Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of the North. Our 2-hour walk will take you through breathtaking terrain that's perfect for unwinding.
🗣 Conversations: Connect with like-minded individuals, and share stories, experiences, and life's challenges along the way.
😂 Laughter: Just like the podcast, expect plenty of laughs. And we can't promise Bonkers Dave won't make an appearance.
🍽 Grub: After the walk, we'll gather over a delicious lunch or enjoy a nice slice of cake and a warm brew. It's an excellent opportunity to continue the conversations. You'll have to put your hand in your pocket for food and drink, mind.
Why Walking Cod?
Walking Cod is more than just a walk in the park; it's a chance to build connections, relax in nature, and share life's ups and downs with others.
Reserve Your Spot:
Secure your spot today and be part of the Walking Cod community. We can't wait to walk, talk, and laugh with you on Friday, October 13th. 
Friday 13th? What could possibly go wrong....?

It's the Season 4 premiere of Talking Cod, and we're back with a fresh brand plus exciting plans for our first live event, "Walking Cod." (Join us!) But the real star of this episode is our incredible guest; 50-year-old sports industry veteran and streetwear dad, Ben Elkington.
Join us for one of our most poignant conversations to date as Ben candidly shares his remarkable recovery journey. He bravely discusses his battle with trauma, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder, highlighting the transformative power of finding the right therapist. The story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of confronting the issues that hold us back.
Discover how Ben found solace and healing in an unexpected hobby: baking bread. We explore how this simple yet profound act helped shift his perspective and nurture resilience. Don't miss this deeply moving and insightful discussion on the path to recovery and personal growth.
As always, if you enjoy the episode, please like, share, follow, or leave a comment. If you'd like to contribute or connect with us, drop us an email at hello@talkingcod.com.