Host Louise Chandler-Rutt shares a short, insightful "Speaking Space" check-in tailored for small business owners, solopreneurs, and experts. She breaks down the common personal and mental hurdles of running your own business and offers actionable advice on how to navigate them.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Inability to Switch Off: Why being your own boss often leads to working weekends, late nights, and constantly thinking about business ideas—even during daily chores.
• The Missing Safety Net: Navigating the lack of corporate perks like paid sick leave, annual leave, and employer pensions, plus the importance of setting up private pensions and dedicated time off.
• Decision-Making Pressure: Dealing with the weight of being solely responsible for every choice, and why finding a mentor or trusted sounding board is vital to combat self-doubt.

Connect with Louise:

• Website: soundbitemedia.co.uk

This podcast is produced by Soundbite Media.

--

About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

In this episode of Cloke Cooks, Chris Cloke is joined by guest Michelle Brewer to discuss the realities of feeding children, handling fussy eaters, and navigating modern food culture in Basingstoke.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Fussy Eater Phenomenon: Why children transition from eating fresh purees or baby-led weaning foods to demanding plain chicken nuggets and processed snacks.
• Modern Food Culture vs. Nostalgia: How today's kids navigate fancy coffee shop drinks (like dragon fruit refreshers) compared to past generations drinking from garden hoses!
• The Cost of Healthy Food: The rising expenses of fresh fruit, exotic fruit tracking spreadsheets, and the accessibility of cheap, ultra-processed options.
• Connecting Kids to Food: The importance of teaching children where their food comes from through pick-your-own farms, local produce, and transparent conversations.

Cloke Cooks is produced by Chris Cloke and brought to you by ProClean Direct.

--

About Basingstoke is Basingstoke's Podcast Network supported by IncuHive, now open at Houndmills.

In this episode of Cloke Cooks, Chris Cloke is joined by Lauren and Sharona from The George & Dragon down in Wolverton near Tadley! They dive into the importance of supporting local British pub culture, their seasonal, locally sourced menu, and all the details on their upcoming bank holiday charity event: DragonFest.

• DragonFest Details:
• Date & Time: August 30th | 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Cause: Charity music event raising funds for Brain Tumour Research.
• Lineup: About 10 bands lined up across main stages throughout the day.
• Outdoor Bar: Cold kegs on tap including Rattler Cider, Hawkstone, and Cruzcampo.
• Food: On-site food vendors (vendor inquiries welcomed!).
• Pub Spotlight — The George & Dragon:
• Located about 8–10 minutes outside Basingstoke in Wolverton.
• Known for their seasonal, locally sourced menu (local butchers, fishmongers, and homemade pies).
• Glowing recommendation from The Great British Pub Crawl.
• Dog-Friendly: Bring your four-legged friends along!

Find them on Facebook or their website.

Cloke Cooks is produced by Chris Cloke and brought to you by ProClean Direct.

--

About Basingstoke is Basingstoke's Podcast Network supported by IncuHive, now open at Houndmills.