The Discussion Podcast

The Lunch Discussion - 12-Year-Old Songwriter Drops Stunning Debut Album 'Where Am I?'

This episode of "theLateLateLunchshow" features 12-year-old singer-songwriter Sophia Bacall, who wrote, performed and recorded her debut 10-track album, Where Am I?, while still at school. Rod Maxwell discusses her songwriting beginnings, instruments she plays, musical influences and the recording process.
Sophia shares how a birthday recording session sparked her career, how she balances home recordings with studio sessions, the support from the Music Place in Altrincham, and her hopes to continue releasing singles and performing live.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

The Lunch Discussion - Little Green Sock: Keeping Trafford's Children Warm and Confident

On this episode of "theLateLateLunchshow", presenter Rod Maxwell speaks with Jed Carter, trustee and Trafford councillor, about Little Green Sock Project — a local baby bank providing clothing, footwear, toys, books and safety equipment to children from birth to 16.
Jed explains the charity’s referral-only model, how bundles are prepared and delivered, the rise in demand, and the vital role of volunteers, corporate partners and community fundraising that saved the charity with a £200,000 appeal.
Listeners are invited to donate good-condition children’s items, volunteer, or fundraise (including running the Great Manchester Run). More information is available at littlegreensock.org and via their social channels.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

The Lunch Discussion - Record Store Day Rush: Vinyl Fans Brave the Queue at Tasty Records

Rod Maxwell (#theLateLateLunchshow) visits Tasty Records on Record Store Day to meet early-morning vinyl collectors. The episode captures conversations about the warmth of vinyl, the ritual of dropping the needle, rare finds, and why physical albums still matter to different generations.
Through interviews with shoppers and local vendors, listeners hear personal collection stories, festival and gig memories, and reflections on how vinyl complements today’s digital music landscape.
 
The Lunch Discussion on #theLateLateLunchshow - supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

Voices Reunited: Inside Di Voci — South Manchester’s Award-Winning Women’s Choir

Rod Maxwell from "theLateLateLunchshow" on RadioAlty.co.uk speaks with Ben Nicol, musical director of Di Voci, an award-winning women’s choir based in South Manchester. They discuss the choir’s focus on upper-voice repertoire, inclusive rehearsals, and the joy of communal singing after the pandemic.
Ben explains his approach to teaching, blending technique with emotion from the start, the social and mental-health benefits of choir participation, and how Di Voci balances classical and contemporary pieces. He also previews upcoming concerts, including the “Hope for Peace” show with Wessex Choir (9 May) and a performance at Sale Festival (11 June), and invites new members to join.
For more info on the choir visit - https://divoci.co.uk/
To hear the whole show including the choir singing listen to - https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioAlty/thelatelatelunchshow-with-guest-ben-nicoll-musical-director-di-voci-choir-fri-17-apr-2026/
The Lunch Discussion is supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - nature inspired child led nurseries in South Manchester - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

RadioAlty & Me - From Travel Desks to Radio Waves: Ken Garrity’s Journey

Rod Maxwell (#theLateLateLunchshow) interviews Ken Garrity about joining RadioAlty.co.uk during lockdown, his long career in travel, and his community role as Provost of Altrincham. They discuss how Ken learned radio on Zoom, developed his show, mentors younger presenters, and brings local stories to air.
The conversation covers travel highlights, changing holidays like cruising, the resilience of the travel industry, and Ken’s love of people and community — plus his wish to visit Antarctica.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

RadioAlty & Me - Ed Pugh: From Pirate Radios to Radio Alty Breakfast

Rod Maxwell (#theLateLateLunchshow) speaks with Ed Pugh, the voice of RadioAlty’s Monday Big Breakfast, about his lifelong love of radio and his creative career in children’s TV.
Ed reflects on early influences like Radio Luxembourg, his work on shows such as Grange Hill and Jossie’s Giants, and how changing technology has reshaped broadcasting — all while curating an eclectic mix of music, comedy clips, and personal stories.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

The Lunch Discussion - From Taipei to Trafford: Frank Wang - the Erhu Virtuoso of Manchester

Rod Maxwell talks with Frank Wang, a Taiwanese-born 'Erhu' master now living in Manchester. The episode covers Frank's musical heritage, the unique sound and technique of the erhu, his move to the UK, settling in Trafford, and his performances and teaching work.
the Late Late Lunch Show with Rod Maxwell. Kindly supported by... Back To The Garden Childcare - Childcare Learning in Nature's Playground - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

The Lunch Discussion - From Moss Side to the Gallery: Andrew Alan Matthews Paints Manchester

Rod Maxwell interviews Manchester artist Andrew Alan Matthews about his journey from a Moss Side childhood to becoming a painter inspired by L.S. Lowry, and the cityscapes and football scenes that shape his work.
They discuss how art became a form of therapy for Andrew, his mental health recovery, charity work, and current exhibitions around Greater Manchester, plus a poem about Manchester United.
Find his work at local exhibitions and online, and learn how he uses art to preserve heritage, raise funds, and connect with the community.
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 Podcast - A Taste of Altrincham Special - Feb 2026

Taste of Altrincham has landed once again with an array of mouthwatering deals.  But just how passionate is Altrincham about food and how much does it matter to them?
James and Rod went to find out.
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/

The Lunch Discussion with Owen Miekle-Williams - After All Festival - Feb 2026

Rod Maxwell speaks to Owen Miekle-Williams about After All Festival 2026 - the annual music festival that he curates and organises (https://afterallmusic.co.uk/).  They discuss the music scene in Manchester and beyond and the bands he has lineup for the festival in May with stages across the Northern Quarter in Manchester.  
Listen to the full radio show - https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioAlty/thelatelatelunchshow-with-guest-owen-miekle-williams-afterall-festival-fri-27-feb-2026/
 
The Discussion Podcast - interviews from the radio show #theLateLateLunchshow on RadioAlty.co.uk - kindly supported by Back To The Garden Childcare - https://backtothegardenchildcare.com/