The Discussion Podcast

Host Rod Maxwell speaks with Jackie Richards, chair of Friends of Stamford Park, about the volunteer-led projects that have revitalized the park — from the bug hotel and Vinnie the willow duck made with local schoolchildren to repainting park sculptures and winning a Green Flag award.
They discuss working with Trafford Council, accessible play additions, the café and community activities, upcoming family events, and how people can get involved through gardening, events, or behind-the-scenes support.
Also available on Youtube - https://youtu.be/jY40a07CCdg
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Rod Maxwell and James present View from the Street, a discussion on care home provision and social care for the elderly, prompted by Andy Burnham’s pledge for a national care service. The episode focuses on the moment when independent living becomes difficult and families face costly choices.Listeners and street interviews highlight key concerns: affordability, people selling homes to pay for care, unclear pathways and standards of provision, the role of government, and the social benefits of residential communities versus isolation at home.The vox pops reveal mixed feelings—appreciation for the social support care can bring, but frustration over costs and lack of clarity—setting up a promised follow-up to include younger perspectives on who will bear the burden in future.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

On this episode of The Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell interviews Dr. Rebecca Lennon, a mum of two from Timberley who set a world record by swimming the longest Bristol Channel route from Ilfracombe to Port Eynon in 13 hours and 52 minutes.
Rebecca talks training and preparation, the mental and physical challenges of ultra-distance open-water swimming, encounters with jellyfish and marine life, the support crew and safety rules, and her work doing medical checks for endurance athletes.
Also available to watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/jOlwlzZRg-c
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Reports across the media strongly suggest that Manchester City been found guilty of the majority of 115 financial charges, a ruling that has sparked anger among fans, questions about past titles, and calls for heavy sanctions. The club is expected to appeal, meaning the case may drag through the legal system.
This episode of View From The Street features street reactions, discussion of potential punishments (points deductions, transfer bans, relegation), and wider concerns about governance, transparency and the future of English football.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

On The Late Late Lunch Show host Rod Maxwell continues a candid conversation about disability with journalist James Spencer and his friend Jamie, sharing personal experiences of autism, dyslexia, brain injury and late diagnosis.
The episode explores everyday challenges—work, education, communication, triggers and coping strategies—and calls for more predictable routines, reasonable adjustments and greater public understanding. Available on Youtube - https://youtu.be/MabhhXFxiqs?si=NT_Y94fa5F6dQnWh
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

On this episode of The Late Late Lunch Show's View From the Street, reporters James and Rod and members of the public discuss disability awareness, with a focus on hidden disabilities like autism, ADHD and mental health.
The conversation covers personal experiences, the need for reasonable adjustments in education, healthcare and employment, and asks whether society is truly understanding and accommodating of diverse needs.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Rod Maxwell interviews Jo Perotta, founder and managing director of Marmalade Marketing, about the agency’s move to Altrincham and its B2B focus. They discuss how marketing has shifted from traditional channels to data-driven, AI-enhanced strategies, and the importance of CRM, intent signals and authentic storytelling.
Jo explains what makes a strong marketer, how Marmalade supports clients with strategy, lead generation and diagnostics, and mentions upcoming webinars and free consultations for local businesses looking to monetize their customer data and align marketing with sales.
Also available on Youtube - https://youtu.be/MJQFQjh7Pqk
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Rod Maxwell interviews longtime friend Keith McCoubrey about life after a high‑pressure policing career, surviving cancer and heart surgery, and finding new purpose through sailing, beekeeping and parole board work.
They discuss redefining retirement, staying connected to friends, and practical tips for preparing for the next chapter.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

View From The Street on The Late Late Lunch Show explores homelessness in England, sharing interviews from Altrincham with people affected and passersby. On the episode hosts Rod Maxwell and James Spencer discuss the reported 5,000 people sleeping rough, Andy Burnham's pledge, and personal stories that reveal the issue’s complexity.
Listeners hear about causes like addiction, mental health, bureaucracy, and housing shortages, plus charity responses and the limits of short-term solutions such as Christmas campaigns. The show highlights frustration, empathy, and the need for long-term, joined-up action.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Rod Maxwell interviews Bill Burgess from the Cheshire Hash House Harriers about "hashing": a social, inclusive form of cross‑country running that starts at a pub and finishes with a pint.The episode covers hashing history, how trails and false routes work, weekly Tuesday runs across Cheshire for different fitness levels (main pack, dissidents, walkers), the community and retirement benefits, and how to join via cheshirehashhouseharriers.co.uk.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/