Alternative Living Chat

Little Miss Sunshine: Music, Mishaps and Life Aboard a 70ft Narrowboat

Maxine chats with Patrick, who has lived on his 70-foot narrowboat Little Miss Sunshine for over a decade. They discuss the joys & challenges of canal life, the tight-knit boating community, practical realities of living afloat and some memorable moments — from sinking mishaps to a swimming squirrel. Patrick also explains how he & friend Timothy turned canal-inspired poems into a folk album recorded on the boat, their plans for gigs and community-focused songs that call out canal maintenance issues. Listeners will hear practical advice for new boaters, the highs and lows of life on the water, & where to find Patrick's music. https://www.thegrandestunion.co.uk

Never Too Late: Life Afloat on a Converted Fishing Boat

Maxine chats with Michelle, who left a 14-year rented home to live on a 35ft converted fishing boat at Denton Island near Brighton. Permanently moored and mains-plumbed, Michelle describes the cosy setup with a wood burner, shower, shed with appliances, and a close-knit community of liveaboards. She still works part-time delivering, enjoys the relaxed lifestyle, and plans to bring a smaller cruiser for occasional trips. Her advice: research your options and go for it — it saved money, brought freedom, and feels like the right next chapter.

Widebeam Living: Sunrises, Woodstoves and Raising Kids on the Cut

Maxine chats with Jen, who lives on a 65ft widebeam with her two children and runs holistic therapies while navigating the realities of off-grid boat life. They cover continuous cruising, finding a mooring, winter challenges, solar power, family routines, and Jen’s YouTube channel Whole Again that shares honest, practical insights into living slowly and connected to nature.

From Bungalow to Bow: Building a 55ft Dream on the Canals

Host Maxine chats with Amy and Will about leaving rented life to live on a 36ft narrowboat while building a custom 55ft hull. They share stories of cruising, marina life, wildlife encounters, and the freedom of life on the water. The episode covers DIY refit work, electrics and solar plans, choosing diesel, painting challenges, documenting the build on social media, and practical tips like getting a survey and asking for help. Listeners get a candid glimpse of the highs, lows, and community spirit of canal living, plus advice for anyone thinking of making the move.

Four on a 50ft: Family Life Afloat

Maxine chats with Andy — known as Four Boys on a Boat — about life aboard a 50ft narrowboat with his three sons. He describes the transition after the boys moved on board, how the family copes in a small space, and the strong canal-community support that helps them thrive. Andy also covers homeschooling decisions, earning a living through photography and social media, the boat’s solar and lithium power setup, and why the nomadic freedom of canal living has been transformative for their family. Instagram profile. @4boysonaboat