The Discussion Podcast

Hosts James and Rod hit the streets to ask listeners whether fireworks should be reserved for organised public displays or remain widely available for private use.

Guests—including pet owners, a retired firefighter and long-time residents—share personal stories about injuries, animal distress, antisocial behaviour and the strain on emergency services, with many favouring stricter controls and official displays.

Musician Kieran McMahon is attempting an extraordinary challenge: 100 gigs in seven days across Manchester to raise funds and awareness for Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

He will perform solo, setting up a PA and playing at a wide range of venues — from pubs and clubs to hairdressers and tattoo shops — with short hourly sets over the week.

The event begins on Saturday 28 November and culminates in a ticketed finale; supporters can follow updates and donate via the 100 Gigs in 7 Days social channels.

Also available on Youtube to watch - https://youtu.be/c4O3KtHwQbw

This episode follows Ken Garrity and a group of travel agents aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas on a whirlwind trip from Shanghai to Japan. Highlights include Shanghai’s modern skyline and historic water villages, VIP access to the Shanghai Masters tennis, and immersive shore excursions across Japan.

Onboard, guests experience specialty dining, high-energy shows like Silk Road and Showgirls, adrenaline attractions (FlowRider, iFly), and a spirited Halloween party. The trip was part of the “Fortune Awaits” training competition designed to educate agents and inspire sales.

The episode captures first-hand reactions from agents and Roya...

Daniel from Distinctive Americas joins Ken to share two decades of travel expertise, recounting recent trips to Chile and Patagonia and highlights from Peru, Panama, Brazil and Argentina.

The episode covers wildlife encounters, hands-on experiences, tailored itineraries, working with travel agents, and practical tips for travellers exploring Central and South America.

James Spencer takes View From The Street to Altrincham to ask locals about record petrol and diesel prices. People discuss higher pump costs, the impact of global conflicts on supply, rising home energy bills, and how families, commuters and businesses are changing habits.

The episode highlights electric vehicle owners, cost-cutting strategies, worries for the elderly, and calls for more government support as residents grapple with the wider cost-of-living squeeze.

Rod Maxwell visits Cafe in the Park at Stamford Park and talks with manager Kelvin Lau about the cafe’s role as part of the Counselling and Family Centre (CFC). Kelvin shares how the cafe supports community bonding, volunteering, and helps newcomers from Hong Kong adapt to life in the UK.

The episode highlights the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere, events like Halloween and Christmas activities, attempts to introduce Hong Kong-style dishes, and how the cafe fosters a sense of belonging among customers of all ages.

In this episode Rod Maxwell talks with soprano Cally Yodel and pianist Simon Passmore about launching the Altrincham Youth Choir. They discuss their musical backgrounds, the benefits of choir for young people, vocal development, and the joy of singing together.

The choir welcomes ages 7–18, holds a "Come and Sing" day featuring music from Frozen, and starts regular rehearsals in January. The conversation covers repertoire, rehearsal structure, performance plans and how to join.

Watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/ql-s-DgEQ1A

Rod Maxwell chats with Lewis Kirk, the founder of Owl Town (https://www.instagram.com/owltownuk/) — a coffee, vinyl and craft beer caravan now set up in Altrincham’s Newmarket Square. They discuss Lewis’s journey from TV production to running the caravan, sourcing records and craft beers, the resurgence of vinyl among younger listeners, and how Owltown contributes to the local market community.

Listeners learn about Owltown’s curated record selection, house beers, local suppliers, and the convivial atmosphere Lewis aims to create with turntables and outdoor seating opposite the Everyman Cinema.

Watch on Youtube...

On The Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell interviews Dylan Miller, a young poet and self-published author from Sale. They discuss Dylan’s early start in writing, his influences and creative process, and how a short poem evolved into his 2025 book The Friends.

The episode covers self-publishing, promotion, community events, the responsibility of writing about sensitive topics like bullying and sexuality, and Dylan’s plans to balance writing with studying early years teaching.

Also on Youtube - https://youtu.be/HwNne31Y9Ls 

Steve Berman recounts his journey from law to founding ComposerWorks, an agency representing composers for TV, film and video games. The episode covers his jazz beginnings, studying in the U.S., and building a Manchester-based business that negotiates contracts, secures rights and connects composers with global media opportunities.

Topics include the economics of theme tunes and royalties, copyright challenges in the digital age, the role of music in branding and storytelling, and practical advice for aspiring composers navigating a changing industry.

Available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/m415oZuXcXM

or as the...

This episode of View From The Street on The Lunch Discussion, marks ten years since the Brexit vote and brings together street interviews from Altrincham with James Spencer and Rod Maxwell. People of different ages share candid views on how Brexit has affected daily life, business, travel and Britain’s place in the world.

Conversations explore changed geopolitics, economic fallout, claims of foreign interference, and whether the UK would vote differently today — including surprising opinions from older and younger generations alike.

View From The Street - every Monday on theLATELATELUNCHshow - RadioAlty.co.uk.

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

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...

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

On The Late Late Lunch Show with Rod Maxwell, guests Adele and Mark from ABC Warranty discuss the shortfall in UK housing, the role of structural warranties, and how modern construction methods and regulations affect builders and buyers.

The episode covers social and affordable housing, government funding targets, the importance of building standards and consumer protection, and how housing policy impacts communities and the construction workforce.

Also available via Youtube - https://youtu.be/qNla2FCZnO0

Rod Maxwell interviews Liverpool-based artist Rob Heron about his musical life — from early piano and Prince-inspired four-track experiments to lo-fi vinyl singles, signing to Hut, and a long hiatus after a paralysed vocal cord.

The conversation covers the making of his new album Underground Sky, his DIY home-studio approach, mastering and release stories, limited vinyl availability, and his ongoing electronic projects while rehabilitating his voice.

As part of a week long focus into homelessness & rough sleeping in Greater Manchester and the UK in general, Rod Maxwell speaks with Christa MacIver of Just Life (https://justlife.org.uk) and Jimmy Dunn of LifeShare (https://www.lifeshare.org.uk/) about the realities of homelessness in Manchester and beyond, focusing on the transition from rough sleeping into temporary accommodation and the support services that help people stay housed.

The episode covers the psychological and practical challenges of temporary housing, the role of charities and volunteers, and the need for coordinated policy and long‑term solutions to...

On this episode Rod Maxwell and View From The Street's James Spencer take to the streets of Altrincham to talk with residents and people affected by homelessness, responding to a reported 5,000 people sleeping rough in England and Andy Burnham’s pledge to tackle the issue.

The conversations reveal the complexity of homelessness — personal stories about the impact of addiction, mental health challenges, veterans, failed shared accommodation and bureaucratic barriers — and highlight how one-size solutions often fall short.

The episode raises awareness of the human stories behind the statistics and previews further discussions with charities and local...

This is the Late Late Lunch Show with Rod Maxwell. Today’s guest is Nick Hine, skipper of the 62‑foot yacht Stormbird, who has spent three years circumnavigating the globe with changing volunteer crews.

The episode covers Nick’s route from the UK through the Atlantic, Pacific islands, Australia, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean to Cape Town, the logistics of long‑distance sailing, crew dynamics, technical challenges and memorable wildlife and cultural encounters as he prepares for the final leg home.

Also available on Youtube - https://youtu.be/kJLi7dMyzns

On this episode of The Lunch Discussion podcast, Rod Maxwell speaks with Abrar and Vicky from Radfield Home Care about supporting people to remain independent in their own homes across Altrincham, Sale and Trafford.

They discuss a range of services — hourly companionship visits, personal care, 24-hour live-in support, and the new Radfield Club day service launching at St Luke’s in Bowdon on 8 September — plus training, safeguarding, tech help and local partnerships.

Listen to the podcast, or the whole show on Mixcloud or watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/Y8VZHJr5eo0

In this episode of View From The Street on theLateLateLunchShow, James Spencer and Rod Maxwell examine whether university degrees are still worth the time and cost, sparked by a report that only 27% of this year’s graduates had secured jobs by September.

Through street interviews, expert views and personal stories, they explore degree apprenticeships, trades, work experience, the rise of AI and recruitment trends to help listeners weigh their post‑18 options.

Show host Rod Maxwell talks to Artist Andrew Alan Matthews (aka Andy) who discusses his Lowry-inspired, colourful cityscapes and pub portraits, his journey from textile design to full-time art, and how he pairs paintings with short stories and poetry.

The episode covers his Manchester exhibitions and pub residencies, art trails, an online shop and commissions, and his aim to make original art accessible and rooted in local history and community. To see for yourself visit - https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk.

Also available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/6tT08em1ehA

On this short edition of Talkin' Travel, travel expert Ken Garrity has the latest news on the upgrades taking place at Manchester airport and also news on changes Cunard are making to their Queen Victoria ship in time for winter 2026.  

"View From The Street" on theLateLateLunchshow hears street views from Altrincham as Andy Burnham takes office, debating whether his Manchester record, communication style and northern roots can translate into national success.

Interviewees express cautious optimism, frustration with rapid political turnover, and concerns over crime, immigration and energy policy as they consider what Burnham's Britain might look like.

Live festival coverage from BritFest 2026 featuring backstage interviews: Mark Ratcliffe on his folk roots, the Fisherman’s Friends’ sing-along heritage, choir highlights from Absolute Belters, and rising acts like Amii Alexx. The show also spotlights festival services — Sherpas’ camping comforts, Purple Heart Wishes charity work, and the Samaritans’ support team.

The episode celebrates music across generations, community spirit, and festival life with short artist conversations, practical tips for attendees, and local stories that capture the weekend’s energy.

Kindly supported by ABC+ Warranty - official sponsor of RadioAlty.co.uk.

The LUNCHDiscussion Podcast - a LATELATE...

On this episode, Rod is talking to Rebecca Peacock from local film production company Top and Tail Productions about the Altrincham Film Academy.  A 4 day course aimed at local teenagers who have an interest in the film and TV industry.  With Rebecca is Ruby who has attended a previous course and talks about the benefits she experienced that are applicable to general life as well as any potential interest in the film industry.

For more information about Altrincham Film Academy visit - https://topandtail.productions/

The Lunch Discussion on #theLateLateLunchshow - RadioAlty.co.uk...

On The Late Late Lunch Show, Rod Maxwell speaks with Adam Horner about Legacy Locker (https://www.legacylocker.cloud/) — a secure digital platform to store important documents, videos, passwords and family memories for sharing during life and after death.

They discuss practical uses, data security, legal links, charity partnerships and how personalised messages and family archives can bring peace of mind and reduce disputes.

The episode explains how the service works, its charitable model and why building a digital legacy can preserve stories and simplify estate matters for loved ones.  Also available on Youtube - htt...

Archi is back with another guide for what's on in the Alty area this summer.....

Today’s feature celebrates the outdoors — don’t miss the Sunflower Trail at Dunham Massey, and the Stables restaurant on Sundays for a relaxed family adventure in the open green space.

Catch up weekly with Archi's suggestions on what to do in the Altrincham area - broadcast on #theLateLateLunchshow every Wednesday on RadioAlty.co.uk

Stanley Chow discusses growing up in Altrincham, his childhood drawings on chip-shop paper, art-school experiences, and how he built a career as an illustrator known for portrait-based gig posters and commissions.

He explains the difference between an artist and an illustrator, his creative process and use of digital tools, notable collaborations (including the White Stripes and a New York Times Trump balloon), and his thoughts on Manchester’s creative scene, music, and football.

On this episode of Talkin' Travel, Ken Garrity talks to tourism representatives from Whistler and Iceland about what these destinations have to offer for travellers, tourists and holiday makers alike.

On this episode of the Lunch Discussion, show presenter Rod Maxwell caught up with Trafford teenager Josh Hossain about his songwriting, singing and performing.  Full show available from Mixcloud - https://www.mixcloud.com/RadioAlty/thelatelatelunchshow-with-guest-josh-hossain-mon-29-june-2026/

Follow Josh via TikTok @jo5huahossain and YouTube channel @Joshhossainofficial

Recently on #theLateLateLunchshow Rod Maxwell was talking with Paul Dillon — the artist PMAD — calling in from Portumna, County Galway.

They discuss growing up with 80s music, the Galway scene, PMAD’s post‑punk/gothic indie sound, DIY recording in the digital age, his albums and latest single, and the drive to make honest music today.

On this episode of the Late Late Lunch Show Rod Maxwell and Ken Garrity visit the Royal Cheshire County Show. Featuring Ray Brown of Bidlea on family farming, dairy products, and a new distillery run by a 19‑year‑old, plus live demonstrations at the Bidlea AgCentre.

Segments cover farm diversification, community projects, modern farming challenges and innovation, regenerative advice, rural services like fencing and animal bedding, crime prevention for farms, and local businesses including healthcare and holiday cottages.