Straight from the Hot Tap

Welcome to Episode 24 of Straight from the Hot Tap!After an extremely challenging few weeks where life very much took over, we finally managed to record some content, and I guess after all the stress of work it was always going to boil over into some chaos on the podcast!In this ‘interesting’ mélange of the topical and the ridiculous, we discuss the nefarious role of wellness influencers and business gurus, pumping out ‘motivational’ guff and end up giving millennials both barrels. So essentially we show our hand as bitter and twisted 40 year olds, blaming everything on the younger generation.We look at plans for Taunton, and how it could host a world wellbeing summit, and Taunton Matters is the usual blend of small town life and the surreal.If you enjoy the podcast, please, please please take a moment to like, share and give us a review on Apple Podcasts or GoodPods. Follow us on Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: www.facebook.com/StraightfromthehottapInsta: @Str8fromthehottapwww.linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap

After a challenging summer period for the team we're delighted to welcome our listeners to episode 23.In this feature length, slightly more serious than usual episode we discuss the lack of fun in our adult lives and and society as a whole. We delve into the importance of laughter and relaxation for creativity and our special guest interview is a cracker.Gamal Fahnbullah was a colleague in Taunton and he talks about his journey from the west country to Manchester where through hard work and dedication he became a popular news anchor for ITV. In this fascinating interview we hear about the challenges, the benefit of hard work and the cultural frustrations for a black person in a white, middleclass world.Twitter: @thehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottap

In this episode we welcome back Paul Biddle to discuss the withdrawal from Afghanistan. Paul gives us a rich and detailed description of his work in Afghanistan, the challenges and experiences he has.We reflect on the last 20 years of conflict and explore some of the reported information in detail. Twitter: @thehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottaplinktr.ee/str8fromthehottap

In Part 2 we interview the very excellent Leah from She Will Rock You, one of the best music history podcasts out there.We discuss our love of music, and our hatred of certain songs. As usual things get silly.Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: @straightfromthehottapLinktr.ee/str8fromthehottapTo listen to the brilliant She Will Rock You Podcast, look them up on Castbox, Itunes, Spotify and the usual hosting sites. Here's there website. Give them a listen:https://shewillrockyou.com/To sponsor Peter Wilson on his trip to Morocco, click on:https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saharatrek2021-peterwilson

In this 2 part double header, things get a little silly with Jonny's Wrong'un of the week, Matt's Rants turns to the business world and we re-create Woodstock in Taunton.We have another SMB update, Josh hits on Lou and we discuss strange celebrity Taunton encounters.Definitely not for the easily offended.Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: @straightfromthehottapLinktree: www.linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap

********STOP PRESS********Now contains a special dedication from Matt G to the girl who first identified his 'problem'.In episode 7, no-one can shoot straight, Matt works out how to use sound effects, Jonny's golf range bad behaviour and we discuss how best to engage with sponsors. We also have regular features including:Matt's RantsLou's ReviewsAnd Taunton Matters.Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: @Straightfromthehottap  

In this episode we welcome Sam Lupson, ex Taunton holiday industry guru. We discuss 18-30s holidays and the rep life alongside the usual segments.In Josh and Jonny's absence we make a pigs ear out of a sows purse by trying to replicate the Taunton Matters format with a twist, we discuss the misery and joy of parenthood and explore the trans debate without cancelling ourselves for all eternity. @str8fromthehottap

Paul Biddle has an MBEPaul was also:In the French Foreign LegionNegotiating with separatists in the UkraineIn one of Saddam's PalacesDrinking Rum and Smoking Cigars with Cuban aid workers in HaitiIn charge of a prison.He also had varicose veins and lost his wedding tie. What a loser.This is such an amazing episode; even though the sound quality isn't amazing, it is well worth putting on some headphones for to listen in. You won't regret it!Follow us on Twitter: @thehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottapFacebook: @straightfromthehottapFor more episodes: linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap.

In this very special episode, Straight from the Hot Tap links up with Taunton Massachusetts to compare notes, learn all about the USA and a town founded by our ancestors.We learn about crazy, disease-ridden presidents, how Taunton, MA deal with public urination and Matt gives us an alternative history lesson.Oh and Josh underwhelms everyone with Taunton Matters.Follow us on Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: www.facebook.com/straightfromthehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottapTo appear on the show, contact: maff2@hotmail.comBrought to you in conjunction with Fireside Society:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7SZLKr3EmrlSt2JvxaR4Gw

Ben Bowley has had a fascinating career largely in the sailing industry.Ben has shared his passion for the seas, boats and teaching others with hundreds of people over the years.The pinnacle of his experience was a remarkable Around the World Yacht Race as a skipper with Clipper. He took a team of inexperienced people and turned them into ocean sailors, finishing 3rd after a year at sea.Ben now works for West Peak Partners, a training business specialising in team building, coaching and leadership development. Links to his website are below.https://www.westpeakpartners.uk/about-usTo listen to the Straight from the Hot Tap Playlist, visit:https://music.amazon.co.uk/user-playlists/d4485d0e948f493298a1bd00573175b2engb?ref=dm_sh_867f-7d18-8299-43db-d0ca9

Welcome to Episode 15.In this wide-ranging episode we discuss how to make Taunton a beacon of environmental friendliness, Lou does some revolting but strangely interesting research and Matt steals other Matt’s slot to rant about the crooks and bandits running crossing to the Isle of Wight.We discuss the environment and our impact, normal service is resumed in Taunton Matters and Matt goes missing. Then comes back in true Narcissist style.Twitter: @thehottapFacebook: StraightfromthehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottapLinktr.ee/str8fromthehottapEpisode 15 shout out goes to the Isle of Wight Agricultural Society: https://www.riwas.org.uk/

In this episode we interview Author Simon Michael Prior.An old Tauntonian and avid traveler, Simon gives us a facinating walkthrough of his colourful life and writing.We discuss pranks, the insidiousness of social media, Matt's immigration challenges and probably a bit too much about recent royal scandals.Lou gets some stick in Lou's reviews and Josh finds yet more work for Jonny's Windows.Follow us on Facebook: @straightfromthehottapTwitter: @thehottapInsta: @str8fromthehottap or just click:www.linktr.ee/str8fromthehottapTo purchase Simon's excellent and acclaimed books: The Coconut Wireless:smarturl.it/thecoconutwirelessAn Englishman in New York:smarturl.it/anenglishmannewyork

In this very special episode 13, we welcome Jonny Manners, an old friend and survivor of the Taunton Experience. Jonny gives us a fascinating walkthrough of his career and route through life from his Taunton beginnings, in addition to some interesting anecdotes from his public and private life.We have an important business discussion about sponsorship options sparked by a request for a collaboration and Lou finds some of the more ridiculous reviews to date.Jonny invents the Ocular Scrub, Matt throws his sister under a bus and Taunton Matters asks for a vetinary miracle.Please leave us a review on PodchaserFollow us on FacebookTwitter: @thehottap Insta: @str8fromthehottap

Welcome to Episode 12 of Straight from the Hot Tap.In this very regal episode, we discuss the Duke of Edinburgh's death, his legacy, Empire and how to honour him, Taunton style. We diss dogs, revisit the Hungry Horse and enjoy a particularly ridiculous Taunton Matters.This episode's business shout out goes to www.berryscoaches.co.ukAs we can't play songs in Traffic Island Discs, we have created a special 'Straight from the Hot Tap' Playlist that will be added to as we go along. Find it here:https://music.amazon.co.uk/user-playlists/d4485d0e948f493298a1bd00573175b2engb?ref=dm_sh_2df3-5047-dea6-7ff2-e6673Find us on Twitter: @thehottapInstagram: @str8fromthehottap

In this episode, we explore the terrible reality of adulthood, what drives us (or otherwise), how not to dispose of dead pets and why medieval castle builders would be horrified by modern Britain.We discuss Van Morrison, Snoop D.O.G.G. and Taunton Matters throws up yet more surprises.This episode's shout out is Staggs Farm - the best flavoured milk in the UK - https://www.facebook.com/staggsfarmmilk/Produced in partnership with www.duppymedia.co.ukFollow us now on instagram: @str8fromthehottap