Welcome to episode 29. It's been a while!

We discuss turning 40 - what it means and doesn't mean. How it feels to be getting older.

Matt loses his mind at the achievements of others.

Taunton Matters continues to amuse.

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This is part 4 of our series of podcasts about Ukraine.

In this episode we are privileged to be joined by Pavlo who is currently in Ukraine.

Pavlo worked with Paul Biddle as an interpreter during his mysterious work there a few years ago.

Pavlo talks about the current situation, the build up and what it’s like living with the fear and stress of the Russian Army destroying your homeland. Paul gives us a unique insight into the practicalities of military operations and we discuss the way forward for both Ukraine, The West, and the hope for peace.

This is a searingly honest and powerful testimony and well, well worth a listen.

To donate to the Red Cross appeal, please visit: https://linktr.ee/str8fromthehottap to follow the link, or click here: https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal?c_code=175151&c_source=google&c_name=Ukraine%20Crisis%20Appeal&adg=&c_creative=brand&c_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAjw9LSSBhBsEiwAKtf0n4xZCMhOTPmBX19WJoFU3s5BzUDbfbugm-GAw_KFuIBBM4HlgFVKaxoCsjEQAvD_BwE

Every little helps.

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Welcome to a sombre Part 2 of our Ukraine focused

series of episodes.

This is both fascinating and also sobering. As the Ukraine conflict develops, Matt, Paul and I discuss what this means for Europe, what the West can do next, and how dangerous this really is.

The conclusions are evident in the podcast – this is serious.

Please give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it really helps us grow the podcasts.

To get in touch: maff2@hotmail.com

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In this episode we welcome friend of the show Paul Biddle - a man who knows about Ukraine because he's been there for major events, looked into the whites of the eyes of Russian troops and Ukrainian fighters.

We recorded this episode as events were escalating and generally concluded that an invasion was unlikely to actually happen. Well, we were wrong, and part 2 will look at what that means for both the Ukraine and Europe.

This episode examines the Russian psyche to some extent; we discuss the cultural differences between east and west, the idea of autocratic leadership and how the west has massively underestimated the threat that Russia poses.

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To contact us: maff2@hotmail.com

In episode 25 of Straight from the Hot Tap we discuss the evolution of remembrance day, what it meant and what it means, war in general and we dig up some old history lessons.

We also discuss what a visit to Taunton by Nigel Farage might look like.....

Welcome to Episode 24 of Straight from the Hot Tap!

After an extremely challenging few weeks where life very much took over, we finally managed to record some content, and I guess after all the stress of work it was always going to boil over into some chaos on the podcast!

In this ‘interesting’ mélange of the topical and the ridiculous, we discuss the nefarious role of wellness influencers and business gurus, pumping out ‘motivational’ guff and end up giving millennials both barrels. So essentially we show our hand as bitter and twisted 40 year olds, blaming everything on the younger generation.

We look at plans for Taunton, and how it could host a world wellbeing summit, and Taunton Matters is the usual blend of small town life and the surreal.

If you enjoy the podcast, please, please please take a moment to like, share and give us a review on Apple

Podcasts or GoodPods.

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********STOP PRESS********

Now contains a special dedication from Matt G to the girl who first identified his 'problem'.

In episode 7, no-one can shoot straight, Matt works out how to use sound effects, Jonny's golf range bad behaviour and we discuss how best to engage with sponsors. We also have regular features including:

Matt's Rants

Lou's Reviews

And Taunton Matters.

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After a challenging summer period for the team we're delighted to welcome our listeners to episode 23.

In this feature length, slightly more serious than usual episode we discuss the lack of fun in our adult lives and and society as a whole. We delve into the importance of laughter and relaxation for creativity and our special guest interview is a cracker.

Gamal Fahnbullah was a colleague in Taunton and he talks about his journey from the west country to Manchester where through hard work and dedication he became a popular news anchor for ITV. In this fascinating interview we hear about the challenges, the benefit of hard work and the cultural frustrations for a black person in a white, middleclass world.

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