What really happens behind the scenes of political life?

In this episode of Pints with Bridger, Matthew J. Bridger sits down with former Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Jo Gideon for one of her most open and candid conversations to date.

From her life before politics and the experiences that inspired her to enter public service, to representing the people of Stoke-on-Trent in Westminster, Jo reflects on the journey that took her from local campaigning to the House of Commons.

Together, they revisit some of the defining moments of her time as an MP, including the campaign to clear more than 18,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste from Twyford House, a site that many feared could have had devastating consequences for the local community, and the nationally recognised Harper-Lee Campaign, which helped drive awareness and action on button battery safety following a tragic child accident.

Jo also shares insights into the realities of life in Parliament, the pressures of public office and the challenges faced by elected representatives away from the public eye.

Most significantly, she speaks candidly about her decision not to stand at the 2024 General Election, discussing the personal and political factors that led to one of the biggest decisions of her career.

This is an honest conversation about public service, resilience, community and the human side of politics that people rarely get the opportunity to hear.

Whether you followed Jo's political career closely or simply want a fascinating insight into life inside Westminster, this is an episode you will not want to miss.

Jo's story is one of determination, challenge, achievement and difficult decisions. This conversation goes beyond the headlines to explore the person behind the politician and the events that shaped her journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Westminster.

What does a Police and Crime Commissioner actually do and how much power do they really have over policing in the UK?In this episode of Pints with Bridger, I sit down with Matthew Scott, Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent. We go far beyond politics and headlines. From holding Chief Constables to account behind closed doors, to the future of PCCs under Labour’s proposed reforms, Matthew explains how policing really works and where the public’s voice fits into it all.We also discuss neighbourhood policing, council tax, crime prevention, funding local community projects, Independent Custody Visitors, and whether abolishing PCCs would give the public more or less influence over policing.Away from the suit and title, we also talk about the personal side of public office, including the role music and creativity have played alongside the pressures of the job.Whether you’re interested in politics, policing, leadership, or how decisions affecting your community are actually made, this episode gives a rare behind-the-scenes insight into modern policing in Britain.

Roy Fever has spent more than 20 years in the property industry, including managing part of the portfolio for controversial landlord Fergus Wilson during one of the most heavily scrutinised periods in UK property.

But this episode goes far beyond the headlines.

Roy opens up about experiencing homelessness, the pressure of building a business, family sacrifices, raising a child with ADHD, dealing with media backlash, and the mental strain that comes with public attention.

He also shares the work he’s done supporting charities like Pilgrims Hospices through endurance cycling challenges, and the lessons he’s learned from surviving both business and personal struggles.

This is the side of the story most people never hear.

In this episode of Pints with Bridger, Matthew Bridger sits down with Tobias Donohoe from TPD Creative.Not everything goes to plan in this one. Things take an unexpected turn, and it ends up showing what being an entrepreneur is really like. It is not always smooth or polished, and that is exactly the point.If you want to know what happens, you will have to watch to find out.Grab a pint and enjoy 🍺Subscribe for more episodes and follow along for future guests.