The Curious Cats Podcast

Episode 025 - Simon Honywill

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:15:00 -0500

Simon is a good friend and work colleague who has 40 years experience as a professional sound engineer in the live events industry under his belt!

This episode is a shoutout to our industry (live events, theatre, touring, broadcast and entertainment). We talk headspace, Simon's journey, Glastonbury Festival, the psychology of touring, technology and more...

Enjoy X

www.simonhonywill.com

Facebook

Episode 024 - Shaun Sookoo

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In todays episode we meet Shaun Sookoo, founder and director of Winny's Meals. Winny's Meals is a Meal Prep company providing tasty, healthy and convenient home cooked meals to people across the UK.

We chat through Shaun's journey and business as well as race...

Enjoy X

Episode 023 - Dave White

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Tue, 19 May 2020 00:15:00 -0500

Dave White is a British Contemporary Artist who's work celebrates popular culture. Dave's sneaker art has had him collaborate with the likes of Nike / Air Jordan whilst his wildlife art captures his connection and passion for some of the planets most beautiful animals.

In this episode Dave talks us through his journey and his creative flow - a real insight into how he creates...

Enjoy x

www.davewhiteart.com

Instagram

The stay at home diaries - Episode 002

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:15:00 -0500

I catch up with Becky Pell (Rock 'n' Roll Yogi) and we talk lockdown in Australia where becky lives, new routines and mindsets for our current situations. Becky shares with us a very useful exercise to which the questions for are below...

Enjoy x

Follow Becky on Instagram Facebook and her website

The questions to ask yourself from the reflection and intention setting exercise...

1) What 5 things are you most proud of from the last decade?

2) What am I ready to leave behind from the last decade?

3) What do I do for fun?

5) What gives me energy?

6) When do I feel most balanced?

7) When do I feel most me?

8) What would I like to invite more of into my life in the next decade?

9) What is something I would really like to do that I could take the first baby steps towards today?

10) Put yourself 10 years into the future, now tell me about your life?

11) Picture yourself in your final days. You are old and have lived your life, you are surrounded by your loved ones and know you only have days left. The youngest member of the family asks you... "What should I do with my life?"

The stay at home diaries – Episode 001

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0500

Me and Chris catch up after being at home for two weeks during the pandemic. We talk business during these times and how we are doing plus staying healthy and not gaining weight whilst we stay at home. Below are some books that Chris endorses on the subject of health and fitness.

Enjoy x

Strength training anatomy- Frederic Delavier

Starting Strength- Mark Rippetoe

Strength training for Fat Loss – Nick Tumminello

Burn the Fat/Feed the Muscle – Tom Venuto

How not to diet – Michael Greger

How not to die – Michael Greger

The Hungry Brain – Stephan J. Guyenet

The End of Overeating – David A. Kessler

Episode 022 - StrongMen

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 00:15:00 -0500

Efrem Brynin is one of the Directors of StrongMen, a charity that aims to tackle emotional and mental health issues caused as a result of bereavement, something that Efrem has personal experience of.

Efrem along with one of co-Directors Dan were both contestants on channel 4's 'SAS: Who Dares Wins'.

We talk about his story, the positive effect StrongMen is having on peoples lives after suffering a loss as well as his experience on the show...

Enjoy x

Episode 021 – Youngr

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 00:01:00 -0500

Youngr is a Musician and Singer / Song Writer who's literally the full package involved in the writing, playing, singing of, and recording of tracks - he's an incredible talent who definitely leads with his passion.

We talk about his journey, the music business, social media and psychedelics!

enjoy x

Episode 020 – Mike Millen

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 11 Nov 2019 00:01:51 -0500

We welcome Mike Millen, Mike is a retired Engineer, now Personal Trainer as well as a sports and fitness Model. Mikes out look on life is really one to aspire too and at 65 he’s in better shape than most 30 year olds! We talk comfort zones, gratitude and refusing to grow up.

Enjoy x

Mike’s Instagram

Episode 019 – Grenade CEO Alan Barratt

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:01:19 -0500

Today the curious cats talk to Alan Barratt the CEO of multi million pound company, Grenade – a Sports Nutrition brand responsible for the CARB KILLA.

Alan and his wife have a bold ethos that runs deep through their business and its contagious. Some real life and business gems in this episode… enjoy x

www.grenade.com

@grenadeceo

@grenadeofficial

Episode 018 – One of 7 billion ideas!

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:01:36 -0500

In this episode we sit down with David Harkin, a school friend of Chris’s who created an exciting company called 7billionideas all about connecting people through their ideas.

We talk about Davids journey from the initial idea and getting started using crowdfunding to where and what the company is today. We also discuss the importance of finding your why plus the importance of listening and hearing each other (there is a difference)…

Enjoy x

Episode 017 – Ash Perrin, the power of play

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Sun, 21 Apr 2019 21:45:28 -0500

In this episode we sat down with Ash Perrin the founder of The Flying Seagull Project a charity dedicated to spreading laughter to those in need. Ash and his team travel the world visiting mostly refugee camps to provide some entertainment and relief to those caught in awful situations. His new book the real play revolution is all about why we need to be silly with our kids – and how to do it.

Find Ash on Instagram and Facebook

The Flying Seagull Project

Ash’s Book The Real Play Revolution

Episode 016 – Books that have impacted our lives

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 08 Apr 2019 00:01:22 -0500

In this episode we catch up after lots going on and try something a little different and talk about some books that have impacted our lives…

Episode 015 – Chris Impey… Life in our universe

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 00:01:03 -0500

“If the universe is sending us a message it’s get over yourself you’re not special!”

This is probably our favourite quote from this podcast with Chris Impey an Astronomer, Educator, Author and Faculty Member at the University of Arizona.

We talk the size of the universe, that burning question is there life out there, black holes plus much more…

Enjoy x

http://chrisimpey-astronomy.com

@ImpeyChris

Chris’s Books

Episode 014 – Vicki Anstey – SAS: Who Dares Wins

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 00:01:47 -0500

Vicki Anstey was a contestant on the latest series of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. For those of you that haven’t seen it, it’s a reality TV show whereby ex British Special Forces soldiers put a group of civilians through the gruelling selection process. This was the first time women were allowed on the show and they really did themselves proud! Listen in to hear Vicki’s take on the show and what she learnt from it…

In this episode we also talk grit, mental fortitude, how we can do far more than we realise and of course everything SAS: Who Dares Wins. Enjoy x

Follow Vicki and her Barre studio on Instagram @vickianstey @barreworks

And her Facebook

Barre works facebook

Barre works website www.barreworks.co.uk

Episode 013 – Dan Keeley, speak up when you’re suffering…

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 00:01:20 -0500

Dan Keeley is the Founder of #AREWEOKUK, a social-impact business he launched to empower the UK to speak up when we’re suffering. In this episode Dan shares his story with Bipolar Disorder and how in 2012 he had a full-scale manic episode which led to spending time in psychiatric wards. Dan boldly shares his full story, including the manic highs the desperate lows and the long journey of recovery that followed. We also talk about Rome To Home, Dan’s 1250 mile solo running adventure he took on as a huge platform to share his story! We talk about sharing our struggles, depression and the power of running in nature for positive mental wellbeing. We also share a little of our own struggles too… enjoy x

Follow Dan on Instagram & Twitter @iamdankeeley and @areweokuk

His business AREWEOKUK

Facebook

Dan’s run Rome to home

The Ted talk we spoke about Why I’m done being man enough

5 second rule Mel Robbins

Ricky’s favourite documentary The Defiant Ones

Insanely simple – The obsession that drives apple’s success

Episode 012 – Damon Beesley, the man behind The Inbetweeners…

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 00:01:33 -0500

In this bonus episode we sat down with half the writing genius behind The Inbetweeners, Damon Beesley! Following The Inbetweeners massive success Damon went on to create White Gold, a comedy series set in the 80’s which follows a group of double glazing salesman – Damon has just finished the second series which I can’t wait to watch as the first series was brilliant!

In this episode we talk about the story behind the hit show that has now ingrained itself firmly as a classic in British Comedy and British culture. We learn about Damon and his partner Iain Morris’s writing process and the early grind of getting the show aired plus more about the super talented and driven man behind the comedy writers facade.

Not to mention loads of shit banter!

Enjoy x

You can’t follow him as he doesn’t do social media but find his business partner Iain Morris on Twitter

Freedom software Damon advises

Screen writing software Damon uses

Climbing documentary Touching the void

Watch The Inbetweeners in the UK

White Gold is available on Netflix in the UK

The tv shows and Movies are also available on YouTube

Episode 011 – Heather Mills, a life shaped by extraordinary circumstances

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 11 Feb 2019 00:01:48 -0500

Heather Mills has managed to push through incredible boundaries to become a very successful entrepreneur, charity campaigner, World record holder and Paralympic ski racer amongst many other things…

In this episode we talk about her early life, first business, charity work, Heathers very refreshing views on Veganism as well as her amazing work ethic. Enjoy x

You can learn more about Heather on her website

Her Business VBites

Her Instagram

Her Facebook

Episode 010 – Nick Osipczak from the UFC to selling CBD

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 00:01:37 -0500

Nick Osipczak is a former UFC Welterweight athlete. His time in the UFC began on the Ultimate Fighter, a reality TV show where athletes compete for a UFC contract. After hanging up his MMA gloves he has moved into human development and now runs his own company selling organic CBD and Hemp products.

In this episode you can hear more about his story and fight career, the stresses of running your own business and the multiple health benefits attached to CBD and Hemp…

You can follow him on Instagram @raisedspirit

Facebook Nick Osipczak

Twitter @NickOsipczak

His website www.raisedspirit.com

Episode 009 – Becky Pell the Rock & Roll Yogi

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 00:01:42 -0500

Becky Pell is a fellow roadie, she tour’s the world as a Sound Engineer with top pop acts such as Take That and Kyle Minogue. Becky also teaches Yoga on the road and back home in Australia.

In this episode we talk about the touring industry and how she got into it as well as taking care of yourself and staying healthy whilst working away and out of a routine. We also talk about our minds being maniacs, the benefit of meditation and how her journey into Yoga has helped her with eating disorders and physical abuse from her past…

Follow Bex on Instagram @rocknroll_yogi

Website www.rocknrollyogi.com

Pema Chodron

The untethered soul

Carl Jung

Episode 008 – Joe Birch, The Fat Loss King

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 31 Dec 2018 00:01:42 -0500

In this episode we welcome Joe Birch. Joe is a Personal Trainer at the Better Body Group, Sevenoaks. Joe has over 10,000 hours personal training under his belt and a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology.

Joe has a very refreshing relaxed and realistic – what works for you approach to fat loss and exercise and in this episode he helps us cut through the noise and focus on what really works and getting results… and obviously loads of really shit banter!

You can follow Joe on Instagram @joebirchy

Episode 007 – Your words have power with Ricky Manetta

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 00:01:48 -0500

In Episode 007 we sit down with Ricky Manetta… Ricky is the founder and senior instructor of MMA KRAV MAGA which he teaches out of his gym, Synergy Fitness in Essex. Ricky also runs an anti bullying campaign spreading awareness of this in schools and places of work worldwide. On top of this Ricky also teaches self defence to large corporations and multiple taxi organisations – he fits all of this in when he isn’t coordinating for the UFC!

We talk to Ricky about his background and how he was bullied as a kid, getting in to gangs and crime, wake up calls, bullying, his coordination role for the UFC, his teaching plus much more… You can learn more about Ricky at his website – MMAKRAVMAGA.COM

His face book Ricky Manetta

Insta @mmakravmaga

And his Gym Synergy Fitness

Episode 006 – Being the best version of you! With Dame Kelly Holmes

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 00:01:37 -0500

In our sixth episode Chris and I get the chance to sit down with Dame Kelly Holmes awarded a DBE and MBE for her efforts and achievements over the years.

Kelly is not only a kind and very inspirational woman who founded her own charity, the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust but also a retired Olympic athlete, Double Gold medalist and British record holder in Middle Distance Running!

Kelly still continues to train like an athlete now whilst running her charity and business.

We talk about what her training consists of now, her army career, never giving up on her dream of olympic gold plus much much more…

Best place to follow Dame Kelly Holmes is on her instagram @realkellyholmes1500

Enjoy X

Episode 005 – Learning from our monsters with Hazel Gale

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 08:10:27 -0500

We’re all stuck in our own heads and we’re all a little bit crazy! That’s why todays guest is Hazel Gale…

Hazel is a Cognitive and Sports Hypnotherapist, has won multiple World and European titles in Kickboxing and Boxing and is also the author of ‘FIGHT: Win Freedom From Self Sabotage’.

I have personally worked with Hazel after deciding that I’d had enough of my own negative self talk and decided to do something about it… In this episode we talk about Hazels #MindMonsters project and how to learn from said monsters, Hypnotherapy, Hazels career, anxiety, the good and bad sides of social media and much more… you can follow Hazel on Instagram @hazel.gale.therapy

HazelGale.com

Fight:Win Freedom From Self Sabotage

Mindmonsters

Episode 004 – Succeeding in the fight game with Kieran Keddle

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 18:33:19 -0500

I’m excited to share this episode with Kieran Keddle… Kieran is a 3x World Muay Thai Champion, Founder of Double K Gym, CEO of Muay Thai Grand Prix, Coach at Elite Martial Arts Academy in Calgary, Canada and Head of Operations at MTK MMA – a busy man! He is also known for training actor, Idris Elba in the Discovery Channel documentary series ‘Idris Elba: Fighter’ and we have also had the pleasure of training with Kieran at Semtex Gym in Kent.

In this episode you can hear about his story, learn a little more about the fight game, the mindset behind his own success and also about his time with Idris…

You can follow Kieran on Instagram @coachkierankeddle or on Facebook Coach Keddle enjoy!

http://www.doublekgym.com/

https://muaythaigp.com/

https://www.calgarymartialarts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/semtexgym/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Idris-Elba-Fighter-Season-1/dp/B01NCWEQ8W

Episode 003 – Putting things in perspective with Donna Waters

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 17:58:54 -0500

Today’s guest is Donna Waters, Donna I am proud to say is my cousin and also one of the coolest people I know. Donna is a Probation Officer and a trained Polygraph Examiner and has a degree in Community and Criminal Justice. Donna is also a DJ for Ipswich Community Radio. In this episode we talk about taking the positives from negative events which Donna has had her fair share of in recent years. You can follow Donna on Instagram @donaldwaters80 enjoy!

Episode 002 – Chris Wharton and Jason Crow

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:58:16 -0500

Chris is my very good friend and co host on the curious cats podcast but as well as this, together with his business partner Jason they own a Personal Training Facility and Gym called The Better Body Group. We talk about the progression of their business, goal setting, visualisation and Chris' story. You can follow The Better Body Group on Instagram @betterbodygroupuk or visit their website here www.betterbodygroup.co.uk

Episode 001 – My Story

Ricky Spiers & Chris Wharton — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 08:46:44 -0500

In this episode we talk a little about my story and why I started the podcast, my failed first attempt at starting my own business and what it taught me... We also talk about fitting in workouts where we can and the importance of exercise to us both. You can follow me on Instagram @rickyspiers