Maxine chats with Patrick, who has lived on his 70-foot narrowboat Little Miss Sunshine for over a decade. They discuss the joys & challenges of canal life, the tight-knit boating community, practical realities of living afloat and some memorable moments — from sinking mishaps to a swimming squirrel.

Patrick also explains how he & friend Timothy turned canal-inspired poems into a folk album recorded on the boat, their plans for gigs and community-focused songs that call out canal maintenance issues. Listeners will hear practical advice for new boaters, the highs and lows of life on the water, & where to find Patrick's music. https://www.thegrandestunion.co.uk

Maxine chats with Michelle, who left a 14-year rented home to live on a 35ft converted fishing boat at Denton Island near Brighton. Permanently moored and mains-plumbed, Michelle describes the cosy setup with a wood burner, shower, shed with appliances, and a close-knit community of liveaboards. She still works part-time delivering, enjoys the relaxed lifestyle, and plans to bring a smaller cruiser for occasional trips. Her advice: research your options and go for it — it saved money, brought freedom, and feels like the right next chapter.

Maxine chats with Jen, who lives on a 65ft widebeam with her two children and runs holistic therapies while navigating the realities of off-grid boat life.

They cover continuous cruising, finding a mooring, winter challenges, solar power, family routines, and Jen’s YouTube channel Whole Again that shares honest, practical insights into living slowly and connected to nature.

Host Maxine chats with Amy and Will about leaving rented life to live on a 36ft narrowboat while building a custom 55ft hull. They share stories of cruising, marina life, wildlife encounters, and the freedom of life on the water.

The episode covers DIY refit work, electrics and solar plans, choosing diesel, painting challenges, documenting the build on social media, and practical tips like getting a survey and asking for help.

Listeners get a candid glimpse of the highs, lows, and community spirit of canal living, plus advice for anyone thinking of making the move.

Maxine chats with Andy — known as Four Boys on a Boat — about life aboard a 50ft narrowboat with his three sons. He describes the transition after the boys moved on board, how the family copes in a small space, and the strong canal-community support that helps them thrive.

Andy also covers homeschooling decisions, earning a living through photography and social media, the boat’s solar and lithium power setup, and why the nomadic freedom of canal living has been transformative for their family.

Instagram profile. @4boysonaboat

In this episode of Alternative Living Chats, host Maxine welcomes Paula, a liveaboard boater, who shares her inspiring journey of living on a narrowboat with her husband and their dog, Daisy. After experiencing the profound loss of her eldest son, Paula made the courageous decision to re-evaluate her life priorities and embark on a path filled with freedom and self-reliance.

Paula opens up about the challenges and joys of living on a narrowboat, from the daily responsibilities and adapting to the changing seasons to the immense satisfaction of living close to nature. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for boat life, with advice on financial planning and hands-on learning. Listeners will discover how Paula's loss became a catalyst for embracing an alternative lifestyle and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Join us for a heartfelt conversation that explores the highs and lows of choosing the road less traveled and finding solace on the water.

Join Maxine on this captivating episode of Alternative Living Chats as she reconnects with Roz, who shares her ongoing journey aboard a narrowboat with her husband and two playful cockapoos. Having lived on their narrowboat for over three years, Roz opens up about the changes and challenges they've faced since first appearing on the podcast.

Discover the highs and lows of winter cruising, including being frozen in before Christmas and navigating muddy towpaths. Learn how Roz and her husband adapted by choosing a marina life for their second winter, which brought its own set of conveniences and community support.

Roz delves into the joy of summer cruising up north, exploring scenic routes, and the quest for an ideal offside mooring. With a newfound mooring secured, Ros discusses the balance of work and alternative living, highlighting the freedom of waking up to new views and enjoying different adventures every day.

In this episode of Alternative Living Chat, Maxine delves into the adventurous life of Alex, a former software engineer who has turned his passion for music into a full-time career. They discuss his unique journey from the tech world to living in a 2006 Vauxhall Movano van, previously a speed camera police van, and his experiences as a musician on the road.

Alex shares insights into his new lifestyle, including the challenges and joys of van living, finding safe park-ups, and adapting to a minimalist lifestyle. He also talks about his band, The Grand Old Echo, and their unique take on folk music. The episode highlights the freedom and unpredictability of life on the road, offering inspiration for those considering a similar path.

Tune in to hear Alex’s memorable van life moments, his experiences busking across Europe, and his aspirations for the future of his music career. Whether you’re interested in van life, music, or alternative lifestyles, this episode provides an engaging and insightful conversation.