65 episodes

Three northern blokes talk about midlife and growing old disgracefully: the kind of things you want to say, but rarely ever do.

Hosts David Eccles, Phil Birchenall and Andy Hall explore how confronting life head-on - with all the crap it throws your way - makes you stronger, older, bolder and, of course, that little bit wiser.

We’ll share our own experiences and talk to friends about life’s ups and downs, what’s worked, and what definitely didn’t.


Frank, fearless, funny. Talking Cod.

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

    • Society & Culture

Three northern blokes talk about midlife and growing old disgracefully: the kind of things you want to say, but rarely ever do.

Hosts David Eccles, Phil Birchenall and Andy Hall explore how confronting life head-on - with all the crap it throws your way - makes you stronger, older, bolder and, of course, that little bit wiser.

We’ll share our own experiences and talk to friends about life’s ups and downs, what’s worked, and what definitely didn’t.


Frank, fearless, funny. Talking Cod.

    How to be 'Always Free': Financial expert Jason Graystone reframes our money mindset

    How to be 'Always Free': Financial expert Jason Graystone reframes our money mindset

    For the latest episode of Talking Cod, we're joined by investing guru Jason Graystone to talk about unshackling ourselves from unnecessary worry about our finances.

    Jason began his career washing cars to earn money when he was 14. He became financially free at 30 and now is a trader and investor, owning a number of successul businesses. 

    We talk about the importance of having a plan, about valuing your time, and how critical it is to instil sound financial thinking into our kids.

    He also gave us the worst Northern accent we've heard, but given the sound (our kid) advice he gives in the episode, we'll forgive him for that.

    As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

    • 1 hr 7 min
    The Second Half: Luke Staton's Path from Football to Motivation

    The Second Half: Luke Staton's Path from Football to Motivation

    In the latest episode of Talking Cod, Dave and Andy sit down with the awe-inspiring Luke Staton, whose journey from aspiring professional footballer to motivational speaker and children's author captures the essence of transformation and resilience. 

    Luke shares the trials and triumphs of his early days in football, the life-altering times when he had to hang up his boots, and the path that led him to inspire others through his motivational workshops and keynotes. 

    Beyond the field, Luke discusses the idea behind "Credo," a book aimed at empowering the youth, and how his past experiences fuel his passion for change. Join us for a story of passion, purpose, and the power of a positive mindset. 

    As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Ripple Effects: How an accident at sea helped diagnose Will Edge's brain tumour

    Ripple Effects: How an accident at sea helped diagnose Will Edge's brain tumour

    The latest episode of Talking Cod features our good friend Will Edge, a trustee and facilitator at Mentell, a men's mental health charity.We'd originally asked Will to come on to tell us about the charity's work and how he'd first come across the organisation, but then things went strangely quiet.
    It turns out he'd had a scary accident whilst Wakeboarding in North Wales with his daughter, only to find out after an MRI scan that he'd got a tumour the size of a peach growing on his brain.
    It's an incredible story. Had the accident not happened, the tumour might not have been diagnosed for another six years. And had Will not connected with Mentell in the years before the accident, he wouldn't have had the mental preparedness to deal with the trauma.
    To find out more about Mentell, head over to their website at https://www.mentell.org.uk/, find them on Facebook, follow them on Instagram (@mentellcharity)
    As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Mind Over Matter: Bernhard Tewes on the power of hypnotherapy

    Mind Over Matter: Bernhard Tewes on the power of hypnotherapy

    In the latest episode of Talking Cod, we ask you to 'look into our ears' (not sure if that works, but I'm going to leave it and this note in this final copy, intentionally - Phil) with respected Berlin-based hypnotherapist Bernhard Tewes, whose personal transformation from chain smoker to non-smoker through hypnosis was the catalyst to become a master in the field. 
    Bernhard talks about his journey into hypnotherapy, his practice at Kiez Hypnose, and the creation of HypnoBox, a leading self-hypnosis app designed to help people tackle emotional issues.
    Bernhard provides insight into hypnotherapy's potential to support major life changes. He also touches on his role as a mentor and trainer for those entering the field, underscoring the importance of accessible mental wellness tools.
    Join us as we explore the practical applications of hypnotherapy with Bernhard and how it might be relevant to your own life. For more on his work, follow him on Instagram @bernhard.tewes.berlin or visit his website at www.bernhard-tewes.com.
    As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.
    DISCLAIMER: No raw onions were eaten during this recording of Talking Cod.

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Beyond the Pitch: Dean Holden on Football, Loss, and Living in the Spotlight

    Beyond the Pitch: Dean Holden on Football, Loss, and Living in the Spotlight

    We're back with another cracking guest on Talking Cod, none other than footy legend Dean Holden.

    Dean talks about his illustrious career as a player and a manager, most recently of Charlton Athletic, but then opens up with deep authenticity as he talks about the tragic loss of his daughter, Cici. 

    And that triggered something huge in our conversation: as someone in the public eye, how much of your personal life do you have to shield?

    We weren't expecting someone so prolific to approach the episode with such openness and candour, and we can't thank Dean enough for the authenticity he gave us during our chat.

    If you think you know what's going on in a football manager's head, you need to listen to this edition.

    Follow Dean on X: @deanholdenuk and on Instagram: @deanohold.

    As always, if you like what you hear, give us a like, share, and a follow. And maybe a comment. Or, if you want to get involved, email us at hello@talkingcod.com.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Breaking Free Of Booze: How Sober Dave Turned His Life Around

    Breaking Free Of Booze: How Sober Dave Turned His Life Around

    For our first guest of 2024, we're thrilled to have David Wilson, aka Sober Dave, share his raw and inspiring journey. For 40 years, Dave was entangled in an ongoing battle with alcohol, a struggle that nearly ruined his life—but a pivotal moment in January 2019 marked the beginning of an extraordinary transformation.
    Dave opens up about his darkest days – a time when his health deteriorated and alcohol became his master. Following a life-changing text from a friend, his story is a testament to the power of self-realisation and the courage to change. Listen to find out how he bravely embarked on a journey of sobriety, starting with a three-month challenge that evolved into a permanent lifestyle change.
    This episode is not just about overcoming addiction; it's a story of redemption, resilience, and rediscovery. Dave's transformation led him to become a coach, podcaster (One For The Road - Apple Podcasts / Spotify), and author (One For The Road - Amazon), advocating for a life free from alcohol's grip.
    If Dave's story resonates with you, or if you have your own tales of triumph, we're all ears at hello@talkingcod.com. And remember, if you're hooked on our stories, show us some love with a like, share, or follow.

    • 1 hr 17 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

The Interview
The New York Times
Inconceivable Truth
Wavland
Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
Everything Happens Studios
Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan | Cumulus Podcast Network
This American Life
This American Life
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts

You Might Also Like

One For The Road
David Wilson
The Reset by Sam Delaney
Sam Delaney
Sober Motivation: Sharing Sobriety Stories
Brad McLeod
The Shift with Sam Baker
sam baker
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton
Anything Goes with James English
James English