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A festive day out at a grand old house should feel simple: lights, stories, a bit of wonder. Instead, a £35 hour and a £6 machine-made latte opened a bigger conversation about value, habit, and where we draw the line. I share the joy of the visit, the sticker shock that followed, and the uneasy maths that now trails everyday treats—from parking to hot chocolate to the kind of concert tickets that used to be a splurge, not a mortgage payment.

We break down what “worth it” really means when wages and inflation run a tug of war. I unpack why a handcrafted drink feels different from a button-press, how hidden costs stack up quietly, and where consumer power actually lives. We talk about boycotting without bitterness, choosing quality over hype, and the small acts that nudge pricing back toward sanity. There’s a detour through Northern Ireland’s shop culture, where communities still reward service and fairness, and a reflection on how younger generations swap late nights for lattes and gym passes—same budget, new priorities.

If you’ve ever looked at a bill and thought, when did this become normal, you’re in the right place. Come for the Christmas charm, stay for the honest look at everyday spending, from £6 seasonal drinks to £250 stadium seats. I don’t claim to have the fix, but I do believe in voting with our feet, backing craft, and asking better questions about profit and price. Listen now, share your line in the sand, and help more people find the show—subscribe, leave a review, and tell a friend who loves a good value check.

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If you’ve ever stared at your passion project and felt the start button grow heavier by the day, you’ll recognise this comeback story. After nearly eleven months away, I’m back with a simpler, more human setup: two phones, a squeaky chair, and a promise to keep the edits light so the conversation stays real. I’m taking the podcast to video without losing what made the audio work—no jump cuts, no overproduction, just a clear voice and an honest rhythm you can trust.

I open up about why the break stretched so long: stacked work stress, full weekends, and the creeping pressure to “launch video the right way.” The solution wasn’t more gear or a perfect set; it was choosing ease over perfection and protecting the fact this is a hobby. That shift unlocks consistency. I also share how the format is changing—less rushing to wrap every topic, more letting ideas spill into the next episode. Expect recurring threads, from music and 80s films to aliens and practical creativity, plus a few guests who bring good energy without turning the show into admin.

Life kept moving while the feed was quiet. There were local trips, motorbike rides, and a major work project that drained and taught in equal measure. I’m considering an episode on IVF—handled with care and consent—because the process is harder and more complex than most people realise, and stories like that need space. Through it all, I’m reminded that the metric that matters is connection: a comment, a like, a suggestion that says someone is out there. If you’ve got a topic you want me to tackle or a question you want me to unpack, I’m listening.

Watch or listen—your choice—and help shape what comes next let us build this show together.

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Ever pondered whether you'd choose to go completely bald or let your hair grow wild forever? Join me for a lively ride as I wrap up Series 5 of Infinite Prattle with an unscripted Q&A extravaganza. The episode is packed with whimsical musings, including a cherished memory from the 2006 Download Festival where showers were a distant dream, and my duel of ideal weekends that toggles between action-packed adventures and serene home retreats. As I reflect on the spontaneous journey of starting this podcast, there's a hint of excitement for future upgrades, from better gear to the possibility of adding video content.

I'll confess to my celebrity crush on Alyson Hannigan and share my guilty pleasure of Irish and English breakfast indulgences, not to mention a bizarre dream featuring trains and llamas. Amidst the humor, there's admiration for Ray Mears' survival skills trumping Bear Grylls, along with reflections on harmless fibs and childhood dreams of being a zoologist or a rock star. This segment offers an amusing peek into my world of quirks and aspirations, promising a chuckle or two along the way.

As the season draws to a close, there's a heartfelt look back at reconnecting with loved ones, unforgettable gig excitement, and light-hearted debates on wealth versus looks. Nostalgia hits as we recall beloved childhood cartoons like Thundercats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, while aspirations for better health and a longing to visit Japan surface. Despite the antics, there's a profound reminder of finding happiness without wealth, and an invitation for listeners to share their stories for future guest stops, ensuring the prattle continues well into the next season.

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