For this final episode we gathered at the roof terrace of our usual haunt to reflect on our first series of 50 WTF?!

We discussed our prolific journey so far (6 episodes in 12 months...), the surprising response from listeners, and plans for the second season/series (we still don't know!).

Looking back over the last year, we explored the importance of companionship and vulnerability in our conversations, amidst the lightness and silliness.

We shared our favourite snacks and the challenges of recording in a pub, while teasing new ideas for season two, including quizzes, and more engagement from all you lovely listeners. Oh and a need for Cherry to get her own mic... (calling all sponsors!).

Hope you enjoy this episode, it was a lot of fun recording it.

And yes, we'll be back in the new year.

Until next time!

In this episode, Karl and Laurence reunite at the Walrus pub for a deep dive into their lifelong love affair with music - from their earliest influences to how they're discovering new sounds in their 50s.

• How our older siblings shaped their musical DNA (hint: one went full goth overnight)
• The Manchester bands that became instant common ground when they first met
• Their journey through the indie-dance crossover era of the early 90s
• Unforgettable gig experiences that still give them goosebumps
• Hilarious disaster stories involving abandoned friends and onstage meltdowns
• A particularly emotional moment involving Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide"
• Laurence's failed attempt at stardom
• Creative ways they're staying connected to new music as they get older
• Why cassette mixtapes still hold a special place in their hearts

Whether you're reminiscing about your own gig-going glory days or curious about the evolution of music formats from vinyl to streaming, this e captures the magic of what live music and great bands can mean across the decades.

We hope you enjoy it.

We'd love to know your favourite bands and gigs. Let us know in the comments.

Reflecting on friendships: making, maintaining and missteps.

After returning from a month-long hiatus – and another month to get round to editing this episode Karl got a job!) – we discuss what we been up to, including trips to Portugal and the Alps. We then dive deep into the topic of friendships, sharing personal experiences and stories on how hard it can be to make and maintain friends, particularly when you hit midlife.

We cover work friends, hobby friends, fleeting friends, female friends and lifelong friends.

We also explore the challenges of friendship within work contexts, communication breakdowns (ghosting anyone?), and the importance of shared experiences to build deeper connections.

Finally we reflect on the qualities that make valuable friendships and the importance of having difficult, but necessary conversations – especially for men.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:11 Travel Stories and Experiences
01:46 Discussing the TV Show 'Friends'
02:48 Podcasting and Audience Engagement
04:20 Snack Time and Reveals
05:23 Challenges of Making Friends in Midlife
11:07 Work Friendships and Business Partnerships
21:44 Defining Company Values
22:14 Balancing Family and Business
22:58 The Happy Startup Journey
23:25 Qualities in a Friend
24:44 Honesty and Integrity in Friendships
26:30 Regrets and Lessons Learned
27:19 Communication Breakdown
31:06 Lifelong Friendships
38:25 Energy and Connection in Relationships
41:18 Wrapping Up and Reflections

Links:

- Mark Steadman https://www.hellosteadman.com/services/
- Friends https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/70153404
- The Happy Startup School https://thehappystartupschool.com/