EP42: From Manchester Mic Nights to Nashville Lights with Maria Jordan

EP44: 2016 – The Last Normal Year?

2016 is trending and apparently known as the “last normal year”. Brexit shocks, Trump elected, losing TV and music icons and somehow all of us pretending we were fine. In this special first-ever VIDEO episode of DBC, Don, Andy and Mel rewind back to 2016, unpacking the highs, the lows and all the little moments in between. They chat about personal growth, friendships, grief and milestones that shaped their lives while living in different parts of the world. From career moves and life-changing decisions, to the memories that still make them nostalgic (and occasionally shake their heads). It’s dry northern humour, honest reflection and a few weird little moments that make you realise just how much life quietly changed in one year. Expect laughs, head-shakes and more than a few “how did we survive that?” moments, as the trio talk about home, health, change, and the lessons 2016 quietly taught them - proving that even in a year full of chaos, friendship and perspective can see you through.

EP43: No Failures, Just Lessons – what it takes for a real New Year reset?

With the New Year now in full swing, Don and Andy are in a reflective mood (without it turning into a sob story)! In this episode, the OG Dad Bros look back on the year that was. The wins, the challenges, the curveballs and the lessons that came from simply getting on with it. Along the way, they talk through some realisations that snuck up on them like why sometimes “getting the bigger boat” actually makes sense, plus why thinking about new pets says more about where you’re at in life than you’d expect and how figuring out what to stop doing is just as important as what to keep doing. There’s also a check-in on the DBC podcasting mission, plus looking at the magic crystal ball about their future selves and what they’re quietly looking forward to. It’s a laid-back, real-talk chat about closing one chapter, asking better questions and heading into the New Year with a bit more intention, a bit less noise and the sense that you don’t always need to have everything figured out with a grand master plan. Real reflection. Real growth. Real life.

EP42: From Manchester Mic Nights to Nashville Lights with Maria Jordan

Join us for Andy and Damon’s debut as DBC hosts, as we explore the inspiring journey of Maria Jordan, a Manchester-born country artist who has carved her own path from the UK to the heart of country music in Nashville. Discover how Maria's love for storytelling and music, sparked by her grandfather's influence, led her to embrace the vibrant sounds of country music. From her early days performing at open mic nights in Manchester to headlining festivals at iconic venues and creating the "One Night in Nashville" experience. Maria opens up about overcoming depression and how music became her lifeline, transforming pain into powerful performances that connect deeply with her audiences. We also discover the thrill of playing for her favourite crowd – the ones who truly listen, feel and sing every word right back to her. Maria's story is one of resilience, passion and the pursuit of dreams. Tune in to hear about her challenges, triumphs and the unique blend of UK and Nashville influences that define her music. Links: * https://www.mariajordan.co.uk/ [https://www.mariajordan.co.uk/] * https://www.onenightinnashville.co.uk/ [https://www.onenightinnashville.co.uk/]

EP41: Authentic AF: How Sydney went from UK Midwife with ADHD to Social Media star

We’re cracking open a brand new season of DBC with the incredible Sydney Graves — from UK midwife to thriving social media force in Australia. Sydney shares how a TV show first sparked her passion for midwifery, the tough realities of birth suites back home, and the personal loss that led her to chase a fresh start Down Under. We dive into how she built a huge online following by staying unapologetically authentic, why positivity and mental health are at the heart of everything she does, and the power of hypnobirthing to transform how women experience birth. Sydney also opens up about her ADHD diagnosis, how it finally validated years of feeling different, and why she now sees it as her ultimate superpower — fuelling her creativity, productivity, and big dreams. It’s a raw, uplifting chat on career pivots, personal growth, wellness, and why showing up exactly as you are is the real secret sauce. #Midwifery #Hypnobirthing #ADHD #MentalHealth #CareerChange #Wellness #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #DBCpod Instagram: @ukmidwife_down_under @serenebirthingwithsyd YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ukmidwifedownunder?si=YMFRC-B9u9sxMiaq [https://youtube.com/@ukmidwifedownunder?si=YMFRC-B9u9sxMiaq]

EP40: From Bridgerton to Becoming and Belonging with James Bradwell

For our season finale, we’re going out with sparkle and soul, courtesy of the one and only James Bradwell (aka JB). In this feel-good chat, JB takes us behind the scenes of life beyond landing a role on one of Netflix’s biggest hits, Bridgerton. From growing up, coming out as gay and having the Big Talk with his parents, to learning how to fully belong in his own skin, JB shares his journey of identity and self-discovery. We talk about awkward moments of realisation, how his wonderful silly sense of humor keeps him grounded in an industry full of chaos and comparison, and why finding your true self is never a straight line. JB also spills the beans on what it was like sharing the screen with a certain David Beckham, but admits his true celebrity crush is someone far less obvious—and way more surprising. This episode is for anyone figuring out who they are, where they fit, and how to keep showing up as your full, fabulous self. Thanks for rocking with us for the past 40 episodes. Let’s close out this season with laughter, heart, and JB running his own race in colourful style.