In this episode from Basingstoke’s Expert Network, Steve Randall speaks with Lou Eddy, Branch Director at Activ Marketing Basingstoke.

Lou shares insights from her 20+ years in the marketing industry, tracing her journey from recruitment to running her own local franchise. She breaks down why the fundamental rules of marketing haven't changed, how small businesses can cut through the noise of shiny new digital tools, and why local relationships remain your most powerful growth driver.

Key Topics Covered:

• Lou's 20-Year Journey: Transitioning from recruitment and CIM training to managing global corporate campaigns, startups, and local marketing.
• Marketing Fundamentals vs. Modern Tools: Why clear strategy, messaging, and knowing your audience matter more than chasing every new software or AI tool.
• Overcoming Bandwidth Restrictions: Practical advice for small business owners juggling operations, finance, and marketing simultaneously.
• The Power of Local Networking: Why focusing on local community relationships, referrals, and collaboration often beats targeting a global market.
• Personal Brand to Rebrand: The strategy behind evolving her business identity into Activ Marketing Basingstoke.

Guest & Show Resources:

• Guest: Lou Eddy – Branch Director, Activ Marketing Basingstoke
• Website: Activ Marketing Basingstoke

In this episode, host Marie explores the subtle ways daily digital habits, specifically doomscrolling and online comparison, impact our mental well-being.

Drawing insights from TJ Power’s The DOSE Effect, she breaks down the difference between cheap "fast dopamine" hits from our phones and the slower, more fulfilling activities that genuinely nurture us. The episode also highlights practical, local ways to disconnect, featuring an interview with Kirsty from the charity Sport in Mind, along with details on inclusive fitness classes in Basingstoke.

Key Takeaways

• Comparison is an Unfair Game: Comparing our daily real life to someone else’s curated highlights online creates a moving finish line that steals our joy.
• Fast vs. Slow Dopamine: Digital notifications provide instant, fleeting dopamine hits, whereas slower, effort-based pursuits (like reading or walking) leave us genuinely satisfied.
• Attention is a Finite Resource: Just like money or time, our attention is limited; we need to decide whether to invest it in meaningful experiences or hand it over to algorithms.
• Scrolling as Avoidance: We often reach for our devices to escape boredom, loneliness, or difficult emotions, only to end up feeling more drained.
• Small Steps to Disconnect: Engaging in intentional "slow dopamine" hobbies for just 30 minutes can help reset our brain's reward system and restore presence.

Bulleted Outline

• 00:00 – Introduction: Marie introduces the topic of digital habits and asks listeners to reflect on their daily screen time.
• 01:10 – The Trap of Doomscrolling & Comparison: Exploring how morning news overload and highlight-reel comparisons impact mood.
• 03:15 – The Science of Dopamine: Discussing TJ Power’s The DOSE Effect and the shift from effort-based rewards to quick digital fixes.
• 05:00 – Reclaiming Attention: Why being present matters and how mindless scrolling disconnects us from life's simple joys.
• 06:30 – Guest Segment (Sport in Mind): Kirsty shares how physical activity and community programs support mental health.
• 09:10 – Local Spotlight: Information on Inclusive Champions fitness classes at Basingstoke Aquadrome.
• 10:20 – Weekly Challenge: A practical 30-minute "slow dopamine" hobby challenge to replace screen time.
• 12:00 – Outro: Final thoughts on setting boundaries and a preview of the next episode on movement and emotional regulation.

About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

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.

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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.

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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.

Key Takeaways & Topics Covered:

• 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.

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

In this episode, Louise Chandler-Rutt, founder of Soundbite Media, discusses the reality of running your own business. Beyond sharing marketing tips and resources, Louise opens up about the highs and lows of the solopreneur journey and why protecting your time and setting firm boundaries are essential for long-term success without burnout.

Key Highlights:

• Managing Your Own Workload: How running a business offers the freedom to boost productivity on your own schedule.
• The Power of Saying "No": Why establishing clear client boundaries is a business strength, not a weakness.
• A Real-Life Case Study: How being honest about workload capacity with a client led to a stronger, longer-lasting working relationship.
• Protecting Your Time Fiercely: The importance of keeping personal time sacred (like never working on your birthday) to prevent burnout and resentment.

Connect with Louise:

• Website: soundbitemedia.co.uk

This podcast is produced by Soundbite Media.

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About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

In this episode, Marie explores the heavy, often unspoken expectations we face to "keep going" no matter what life throws at us.

Following up on previous discussions about overwhelm and high-functioning anxiety, this conversation dives into why so many of us feel compelled to wear an "I've got this" mask and how to reframe what "coping" really means.

Key Takeaways & Discussion Points

• The "I've Got This" Mask: Why societal and personal expectations pressure us to hide our struggles, leading to exhaustion.
• The Invisible Rucksack: A metaphor for the unseen burdens—work stress, relationship challenges, grief, and health concerns—that everyone carries quietly.
• Understanding Coping: Why coping isn't a simple "yes or no" state, and how you can be successful or functional while still needing support.
• Reframing "Being a Burden": Why asking for help isn't a sign of weakness or a burden, but an opportunity for connection and kindness.
• Circles of Control exercise: A practical tool using three concentric circles to categorize life's stresses:

1. Control: Your direct actions, choices, boundaries, and how you spend time.
2. Influence: Relationships and workplace dynamics you can affect, but not entirely determine.
3. Concern: Broader world events, the economy, or other people's decisions that lie outside your power.

Featured Community Organizations

• Cruse Bereavement Support: UK-based charity offering free bereavement support, guidance, and a national helpline for adults and young people.
• Website: www.cruse.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 1677
• 
  
• Natural Basingstoke: A local charity promoting mental well-being and community connection through local nature conservation.
• Website: www.naturalbasingstoke.org.uk

Weekly Action Step

Take a piece of paper and draw three concentric circles labeled Control, Influence, and Concern. Pick one thing weighing on your mind today, place it in its respective circle, and assess:

• If it's in Concern, can you stop expecting yourself to fix it?
• If it's in Influence, what is one small action step?
• If it's in Control, what is your very next step?

Support Resources

• Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

Next Episode Preview: Putting Our Phones Down — Exploring digital disconnect and mental well-being.

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About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

In this podcast, Natural Basingstoke's Jack is joined in his garden by Jill, leader of the charity, to discuss the key environmental challenges facing the borough of Basingstoke.

They dive into the threats posed by rapid housing development, water abstraction from local chalk aquifers, and habitat fragmentation. Jill outlines Natural Basingstoke’s vision for nature recovery, including establishing a local nature recovery forum, mapping green/blue corridors, and utilizing nature-based solutions.

Key Topics Covered:

• Introduction to Natural Basingstoke: Overview of the local charity advocacy work in the borough.
• Current Environmental Concerns: The impact of proposed thousand-home developments on water resources and local wildlife habitats.
• Water Security & Chalk Streams: Threats facing local chalk aquifers from pollution and over-abstraction, and the need for stronger protections.
• Building in Harmony with Nature: The importance of mapping green corridors and buffer zones around ancient woodlands and rivers.
• Nature-Based Solutions: Using natural infrastructure (e.g., sustainable drainage and reed beds) to tackle flooding and pollution cost-effectively.
• Action Plans & Proposals:
• Establishing a Nature Recovery Forum with local stakeholders.
• Creating a local Nature Recovery Network Map alongside development plans.
• Issuing a "Call for Sites for Nature" to identify areas for restoration.
• Recent Local Progress: Highlights from the local MP's green roundtable and recent council action on water security.
• How to Get Involved: Engaging with local representatives, screening nature documentaries, and taking small actions at home.

Connect & Contact:

• Facebook & Instagram: @NaturalBasingstoke
• Email: admin@naturalbasingstoke.org.uk

This podcast was produced by Natural Basingstoke.

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

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

In this episode, Chris is joined by good friend Michelle Brewer to take a delicious trip down memory lane.

Together, they reminisce about what food was like for them as kids growing up in Basingstoke from strict 80s dinner rules and exotic "sandwich spread" to memorable family trips to the Harvester. They discuss how food culture has changed from the days of Sunday trading laws and 10p sweet mixes to today’s era of 24/7 fast food delivery.

Key Topics Covered:

• 80s Food Nostalgia: Strict dinner tables, microwave chips in a box, and the wild world of sandwich spread.
• Dining Out as a Big Deal: Why family trips to the Harvester felt like a luxury, including memories of the iconic salad bar and bread baskets.
• Old Basingstoke Spots: Local haunts like the Mardi Gras, the sweet kiosk by the bus station, and the town's original fishmongers and bakeries.
• Then vs. Now: How food availability shifted from closed-on-Sunday supermarkets and local paper round pocket money to modern delivery apps and drive-thrus.
• The Basingstoke Smell: Unlocking childhood memories through the classic blend of sports centre chlorine and local chip shops.

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.

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

In this second part of this special live event recorded by About Basingstoke, Basingstoke MP, Luke Murphy answers audience questions about key local issues affecting Basingstoke residents.

Don't forget to listen to Part 1 as Mark Jones, founder of the Stronger Together Forum, chats with Luke in an informative Mr Blue Sky Conversation.

Find out more about the Stronger Together Forum at mrblueskyconsultancy.co.uk

Luke Murphy's website: https://www.lukemurphy.org.uk/

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HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

We're proud to be supported by IncuHive with their new location at Stephenson Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke offering dedicated offices, hot desks, and amazing business support. Find out more at incuhive.co.uk and tell them you heard about them at About Basingstoke.

BE PART OF IT

We would love to hear about you, your business, your organisation, your passion! Contact us via aboutbasingstoke.com/contact

Host: Mark Jones (Mr Blue Sky Conversations / Stronger Together Forum)

Guest: Luke Murphy MP (Basingstoke MP)

Venue: The Forge at Anvil Arts, Basingstoke

Episode Overview:

In Part 1 of this special live event recorded by About Basingstoke, host Mark Jones sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Basingstoke MP, Luke Murphy. They cover a wide range of topics—from political changes in government and national security to key local issues affecting Basingstoke residents.

Part 2 - the audience Q&A will be released on Tuesday 4th August.

Key Discussion Points:

• Political Landscape & Leadership: Reflected on recent political shifts, the transition from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, and maintaining loyalty while navigating national challenges.
• National Security & Armed Forces: Insights from Luke’s experience on the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme (RAF) and Britain’s role in supporting Ukraine and NATO.
• Local Healthcare & Education: Tackling access to GP appointments, dentistry, and advocating for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms.
• Cost of Living & Community: Discussing economic pressures on local families and celebrating Basingstoke’s vibrant volunteer network and small businesses.
• Social & Parliamentary Issues: Views on the assisted dying debate, local flag displays, and promoting visible, accessible representation.

Find out more about the Stronger Together Forum at mrblueskyconsultancy.co.uk

Luke Murphy's website: https://www.lukemurphy.org.uk/

====

HUGE THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

We're proud to be supported by IncuHive with their new location at Stephenson Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke offering dedicated offices, hot desks, and amazing business support. Find out more at incuhive.co.uk and tell them you heard about them at About Basingstoke.

BE PART OF IT

We would love to hear about you, your business, your organisation, your passion! Contact us via aboutbasingstoke.com/contact

In this episode, Marie dives into high-functioning anxiety—a experience where someone may look calm, organized, and successful on the outside while struggling internally with constant worry, self-doubt, and perfectionism. Marie discusses how to spot it, why it often goes unnoticed, and practical tools to build healthier mental boundaries.

Key Discussion Points

• What is High-Functioning Anxiety? Although not a formal medical diagnosis, it describes individuals who appear to perform brilliantly externally while experiencing significant internal distress.
• The Hidden Pressure: High-functioning anxiety is often praised because traits like being organized, reliable, and productive are valued by society, making the underlying stress easy to miss.
• "Wellbeing Windows": Small, intentional breaks you can build into your day to interrupt overthinking without adding pressure:
• 30 Seconds: Deep breathing, stretching, or looking out the window.
• 3 Minutes: A quick walk outside, listening to a favorite song, or a physical body scan.
• 30 Minutes: Engaging in hobbies like reading, gardening, or talking to a friend to reconnect with yourself.
• Setting Boundaries with Thoughts: Managing rumination by acknowledging a worry, jotting it down, and scheduling a specific time to address it later rather than letting it dominate your whole day.

Featured Community Support

• Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA): Connecting local people with voluntary groups, support networks, and community opportunities.
• Website: www.bvaction.org.uk
• Mindspace Foundation: Offering affordable, accessible community counselling services in Basingstoke for individuals, children, and couples.
• Website: www.mindspacefoundation.co.uk
• Phone: 01256 423 892

Urgent Support

If you need immediate emotional support, the Samaritans are available 24/7 at 116 123.

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About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

Is your business growing faster than expected? While growth is the ultimate goal, rapid expansion often comes with overwhelming workloads, mounting pressure, and the fear of diluting the quality that made your business successful in the first place.

In this episode of Speaking Spaces, Louise explores the common scaling pitfalls business owners face and shares practical strategies to help you grow sustainably without sacrificing your standards, your client relationships, or your peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• The Reality of Growth: Why sudden growth often leads to chaotic workloads, message overload, and increased stress.
• Protecting Your Standards: How to scale without losing the personal touch and trust that built your brand.
• Evaluating Your Systems: Why mapping out your current processes is the essential first step to identifying bottlenecks.
• Smart Automation & Workflows: Streamlining administrative tasks to free up valuable hours.
• Strategic Outsourcing: Learning to delegate and let go of control so you can focus on high-level business strategy.

Links & Resources

• Website: soundbitemedia.co.uk

• Connect with Louise: Reach out via the website to share where you are in your business journey and explore media and marketing support to help your business flourish.

--

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

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

Chris is joined by his wife Philippa to talk about their ultimate Spanish road trip!

Trading airports for the open road, Chris and Philippa traveled from Santander in northern Spain all the way down to La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol.

Along their 575-mile journey, they ditched tourist traps like Benidorm to discover the authentic food, regional wines, and rich history of "real Spain."

From oven-roasted suckling lamb in historic towns to traditional garlic soup and hidden roadside service station gems, tune in for a relaxed, mouthwatering journey through Spain, told one plate at a time!

Key Highlights

• Swapping Planes for Roads: Why driving through Spain beats flying every time.
• Exploring El Escorial: Historic royal ties, Spanish street culture, and home-cooked regional dishes.
• The Magic of the Menu del Día: How Spain’s famous value-packed "menu of the day" works.
• Hidden Gems & Roadside Eats: Discovering incredible independent cafes and surprisingly gourmet service station food.
• Biting into Burgos: Tasting unforgettable oven-roasted suckling lamb and traditional Spanish garlic soup (Caldo).
• Ronda Food Discoveries: Slow-cooked rabbit confit with garlic sauce in the Spanish mountains.
• Ferry Reflections: Wrapping up the journey aboard Brittany Ferries with a toast to Spanish food culture.

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.

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

Speaking Spaces is a new podcast for entrepreneurs, SMEs and thought leaders, brought to you by Louise Chandler-Rutt of local business Soundbite Media.

In this episode, Louise breaks down how to craft a simple, compelling, and effective elevator pitch. She shares a three-step formula to clearly communicate what you do, who you help, and the value you provide—wherever your conversations take place.

Key Takeaways

• Rethink the 30-Second Rule: Attention spans are shorter than ever, so your pitch needs to be concise and grab attention quickly.
• Use It Everywhere: Your elevator pitch isn't just for in-person networking; use it on LinkedIn, your website homepage, sales calls, and casual conversations.
• Avoid Jargon: Plain English converts faster than industry buzzwords that confuse your audience.
• Focus on Outcomes, Not Features: Talk about what your service does for people and how it makes them feel rather than just listing what you do.

The 3-Step Elevator Pitch Framework

To build or refine your pitch, structure it around these core elements:

1. Who You Help: Identify your target audience clearly.
2. What Problem You Solve: Address the specific pain point they face.
3. The Outcome You Create: Highlight the tangible benefit or result they achieve.

Formula Template:

"I help [Audience] who struggle with [Problem] to achieve [Result] through [Method]."

Examples Mentioned

• Wedding Cake Maker: "I help couples planning their wedding who struggle with finding a valuable, beautiful wedding cake to achieve a delicious cake delivered to their venue."
• Louise’s Pitch: "I help small business owners simplify their marketing so they can attract consistent clients without burnout."
• HR Consultancy Transformation:
• Before: "I offer HR consultancy."
• After: "I help small teams handle people problems confidently so they grow without legal stress."

Connect & Practice

Got a pitch you want to test out? Refine yours this week and share it with Louise!

• Email: louise@soundbitemedia.co.uk

What does it take to cook with true passion? In this episode of Cloke Cooks, Chris Cloke chats with celebrity chef Steven Saunders, owner of The Geranium restaurant, at his beautiful home cookery school at his private finca (farm) in Spain.

Steven shares the story of how his mother’s incredible home cooking (and her French heritage) inspired his career, how a school careers adviser set him on the path to catering college, and his rise through the ranks after training at the world-famous Savoy Hotel in London.

They also dive into the realities of the kitchen (the heat, the grueling hours) and why you simply cannot cook great food without putting your heart into it.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

• The Spark: How Steven’s mother (and grandmother’s French roots) embedded a love for food, pastry, and entertaining into him from the age of five.
• The Career Pivot: Why Steven chose catering college over his teenage dreams of becoming an actor or singer.
• Kitchen Realities: The dedication, long hours, and intense heat of the kitchen environment.
• The Finca Cookery School: How Steven hosts hands-on masterclasses at his private country home, utilizing on-site ingredients.
• The Magic of Local & Seasonal: Why The Geranium is ranked in the top 25 in Spain—focusing on fresh, local, and in-season produce grown right at the finca (like papayas, mangoes, and a banana plantation) paired with fresh seafood from the Andalusian coast.
• Demystifying Desserts: Why you should stop buying store-bought desserts and try making your own (including Steven's tips on a modernized, easy Baked Alaska and his seasonal chocolate mousse with fresh cherries).

Featured Dishes Discussed

• Beef Wellington
• Fresh Lobster
• Modernized Baked Alaska (With Italian meringue and homemade ice cream)
• Chocolate Mousse with Fresh Cherries

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

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

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

In this episode of You Are Not Alone: Conversations for Mental Health & Wellbeing, we dive into a feeling that so many of us experience but rarely talk about openly: "too-muchness." It’s not necessarily a single crisis, but rather the slow, heavy accumulation of daily demands: work, family, life admin, unread messages, and endless notifications.

We explore what overwhelm actually looks like (hint: it’s often highly functional on the outside), why we feel guilty for struggling, and how we can practice realistic self-care by focusing on what is next rather than all.

Key Takeaways

• The Mask of High-Functioning Overwhelm: Overwhelm doesn't always look like staying in bed; many overwhelmed people are still turning up, parenting, working, and supporting everyone else while drowning on the inside.
• A Sign of Strength, Not Failure: Overwhelm is not a sign that you are failing; it is a sign that you have been carrying too much for too long.
• Redefining Self-Care: Real self-care isn't about perfect morning routines or expensive spa days. It’s about small, simple acts that make you feel $1\%$ better—like stepping outside, drinking water, or saying "no."
• The Power of Connection: We often carry our burdens quietly to avoid being a hassle, but opening up often reveals that we are not alone in our struggles.
• 
  

Local Initiatives & Resources Mentioned

• The Chatty Cafe at Proteus Creation Space
• What: A warm, welcoming space to connect over a cup of tea, a book, or a craft project.
• When: Mondays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
• Where: Proteus Creation Space, Council Road, Basingstoke.
• Contact: info@proteustheatre.com | 01256 354541
• Talk Club Basingstoke
• What: A UK men’s mental health charity helping men improve their "mental fitness" in a safe, open space.
• When: Fortnightly.
• Where: Basingstoke Town Football Club (Committee Room).
• Contact: talkclubbasingstoke@gmail.com
• 
  

This Week's Invitation

Ask yourself: "What is the next thing, not all the things?"

When you feel the "too muchness" building up, pause. Focus only on the very next step—the next email, the next phone call, or just the next five minutes.

Support Services

If you are struggling and need to talk, please reach out. Support is always available:

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 (Available 24/7)
• If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, please contact emergency services or urgent mental health support straight away.
• 
  

Next Episode: We will be exploring high-functioning anxiety—what it looks like, why people become experts at hiding it, and what can help.

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About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive.

In this episode, we chat with Lou Eddy, a long-time Basingstoke marketing consultant who has turned festival organizer for a new event.

Lou shares her inspiring story of turning a 40th-birthday poolside joke in Ibiza into a full-blown reality for her 50th year: EddyFest!

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• From a Poolside Dream to Reality: How a casual chat with friends ten years ago evolved into a major local event.
• The Behind-the-Scenes Grind: Lou discusses the complex logistics of setting up a festival—from noise control and water access to securing permits from the local council.
• The Magic of Curation: Choosing the perfect blend of local artists, TikTok sensations, and classic covers to create the ultimate "Boho meets Disco" vibe.

Event & Ticket Details:

• Where: Little Park Farm, Mortimer (a working farm complete with a rustic vibe and potentially a few roaming chickens!).
• When: Friday, August 7th & Saturday, August 8th (Saturday is the main day, but two-day tickets are available for campers).
• Accommodation Options: Campers are welcome! Standard camping spots, caravan parking, and pre-pitched luxury tents (via Sleepy Teepee) are available.
• Tickets: Under-10s go free! Get your tickets and book parking/camping at https://eddyfest.co.uk/

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

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

In this episode of Cloke Cooks, Chris Cloke sits down with Vilnis Baiks from VB Distillery, a truly unique, small-scale producer operating right out of a local garage in Basingstoke.

Vilnis shares his lifelong connection to brewing, inspired by his grandparents' traditional beer and botanical recipes, and how a lockdown hobby transformed into an official craft distillery.

From high-quality vodka, gin, and rum to an eccentric mushroom-infused spirit, this episode explores the passion behind local, small-batch distilling and why keeping things independent is the secret to unforgettable flavor.

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.

We support local people to become podcasters - find out more at aboutbasingstoke.com

In this introductory episode, Marie Greenhalgh introduces herself and shares the vision behind You Are Not Alone: Conversations for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Inspired by her experience leading the Baton of Hope event in Basingstoke, Marie emphasizes the crucial power of open, honest conversations around mental health, neurodivergence, and wellbeing.

This podcast is designed to be a safe, down-to-earth space to talk about the things we all carry but often hide behind our busy schedules. It’s not about professional fixing or clinical lectures; it's about real, relatable talk to remind you that you don't have to go through life's challenges alone.

What to Expect in This Series

Each week, Marie will dive into topics that affect many of us but are rarely discussed openly, including:

• The Feeling of "Too Muchness": Coping when everything feels like it's piling up.
• Loneliness: Navigating the feeling of isolation, even when you aren't physically alone.
• The Barrier to Talking: Exploring why it's so hard to speak up, even when we know it helps.
• High-Functioning Anxiety: What it's like when everything looks perfect on the outside, but doesn't feel that way on the inside.
• The Weight of Pressure: Understanding the heavy expectations we carry daily.

Additionally, the podcast will actively shine a light on local and national support systems, ensuring listeners know where to turn before hitting a crisis point.

This Week's Small Step

"When life feels heavy, small is good. Small is manageable."

Your Challenge: Find one tiny moment in your day that feels even slightly good or a little bit calmer than the rest. It could be a breath of fresh air, a nice chat, something blooming in the garden, or a great cup of coffee.

Optional: Jot it down in your phone's notes app or a notebook. Use it as a small anchor to come back to.

Connect & Support

• Local & National Support: Options for professional care and community resources will be shared at the end of every upcoming episode.
• Remember: If you can only manage to say, "I'm not sure I'm okay," that counts, and it matters.

Thank you for listening, and welcome to the conversation.

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About Basingstoke is supported by IncuHive